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Public Works does annual reporting for the TreeVitalize program which includes number of trees
planted, pruned and removed. This could be part of the dashboard metrics.
Need a metric for lead exposure (Tinku reporting for Maria)
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Working with Penn Future on lead contamination. Meeting with Rachel Leon of Bethlehem City
Council and what they are doing with lead contamination. Planning to hold an event in August at which
Stevie Wolst will be speaking about Allentown’s actions on lead. Maria wants to know whether the
AEAC will co-sponsor.
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Vote: Tinku Khanwalkar made motion for Allentown EAC to co-sponsor Penn Future’s event on lead
exposure as it falls under the AEAC role of promoting community environmental programs . Seconded
by Jennifer Swann. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
Need a metric/ metrics for energy use/ CO2 (Jon Z. and Lacey Pasco)
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Dashboard has been broken down into 9 subjects.
Prioritize top 10 metrics.
o
Look at the selections from Bethlehem and Easton for guidance.
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Dashboard will be public to allow public to keep city accountable.
Vote: Tinku Khanwalkar made a motion to present the 10 Climate Action targets/metrics at the next
meeting with City staff. Seconded by Jennifer Swann. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
Thank you to Jon Zeller and Lacey Pasco for their hard work.
•
o
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Allentown (Leo)
Lehigh U. students are designing and siting a solar powered wood kiln that could help
Allentown reuse wood from the City’s felled trees in more valuable ways than the current practice of
chipping them up for mulch. The program could also be combined with a workforce development
program for an AmeriCorps-based program called “PromiseCorps” that is being launched by PNLV.
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Aiming to create a series of solar powered lumber drying kilns. Then using the wood to create
benches and other products for public use.
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Preserving materials that would normally be discarded and providing opportunities for it to be used.
There is a presentation on this project and more next week, Monday July 18, at Lehigh University.
Lacey has a new “guide to being outside”
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The guide has helpful information on what to prepare for when engaging in outdoor activities.
Including safety, animal/plant identification, and information on Promise Neighborhoods.
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Consider adding more detailed trail information in the pamphlet.
Lacey has prepared a report and recommendations on addressing energy efficiency in
low-income communities in Allentown
Vote: In light of Lacey’s work, Tinku made motion to revise 2022 Allentown EAC goals to
add addressing energy inefficiency in low-income communities. Motion seconded by Jennifer Swann.
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
Lacey requested the AEAC to hold a special meeting to meet and vote on the presentation
material prior to the August meeting. Lacey to send out a scheduling request.
o
Plan for a Sustainable and Resilient Allentown (Jon Z. and Tinku)
Lacey Pasco to follow up on rain gardens information.
o
City staff is looking for AEAC support on stormwater management
City Staff (Angie DiBuo) is looking for AEAC support for rain gardens and green
infrastructure. No specific request has yet been made, however. (Holly, Lacey and Mary)
o
Improve Community Health Outcomes (Leo)
Radon Testing for homes with Civilian Climate Corp. (Promise Neighborhood)
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Update on radon-- Promise Neighborhoods is working with several contractors that have testing and
abatement licenses. The program depends on receiving a $25,000 grant that PNLV has applied for. If
the grant is received, PNLV will be able to test about 100 homes and abate about 10. Will stop testing
after reaching 10 homes that require abatement. Please reach out if you have any questions
ljr@heirloomstrategies.com 610 844 2768
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No further action from Allentown EAC needed at this time.
o
Increase Environmental Stewardship
Liter prevention program with Promise Neighborhood
