COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the Borough. The Mayor is elected at-large for a four-year term. The Mayor is considered to be a member of the Borough Council, helps set the agenda for Council meetings and chairs all meetings of the Council. The Mayor can vote only in the event of a tie but has the power to veto any ordinance adopted by the Council.

The Mayor has executive authority to act between Council meetings in matters affecting the Borough. The Mayor can declare a state of emergency and can act to protect the Borough and its citizens. The Mayor appoints the members of all Borough Committees and certain Borough Commissions. The Mayor's nominations for certain other Borough Boards and Commissions are subject to Council approval. The Mayor prepares the initial draft of the annual Borough budget for submission to the Council. The Mayor can issue Proclamations. The Mayor is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. The Mayor is required to sit as a member of the Borough Planning Board. The signatures of the Mayor and Borough Clerk are necessary to create any legally binding obligation of the Borough.

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The Common Council of the Borough of Hopatcong (Borough Council) is the legislative body of the Borough. There are six members of the Council elected at-large for three-year terms. In every year, two council positions are available for election. The Council can act in one of two formats: a) Ordinances, which have the effect of law and b) Resolutions, which state the policy or direction of the Council. Ordinances require public notice and a public hearing prior to adoption. Resolutions must be adopted in public but do not require public hearings.

The Council is charged with the adoption of the annual Borough Budget. The Mayor's nominations of certain Borough officials are also subject to Council approval. Council members are annually appointed by the Mayor to act as liaisons to various Borough departments, Boards, Commissions or Committees. The Council annually elects a member to serve in the position of Council President. In the absence of the Mayor, the Council President can assume the role and duties of the Mayor. The Council also annually elects a member to serve as its representative on the Planning Board.

The Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM

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973-770-1200 EXT120 sward@hopatcong.org

VISIT ADMINISTRATOR UNDER ADMINISTRATION ON THE WEBPAGE

973-770-1200 EXT 114 lstark@hopatcong.org

973 770-0301 (fax)

This office is responsible for maintaining all minutes and records of Borough Council proceedings, preserving and compiling all ordinances and resolutions, issuing applications for raffles & bingo, soliciting/vendor permits, limousine permits, landlord/tenant registration, OPRA forms, election information & voter registration forms, current agendas and monthly calendar of events.

CORE DUTIES OF THE MUNICIPAL CLERK

1. act as secretary to the municipal corporation and custodian of the municipal seal and of all minutes, books, deeds, bonds, contracts, and archival records of the municipal corporation;

2. act as secretary to the governing body, prepare meeting agendas at the discretion of the governing body, be present at meetings of the governing body, retain the original copies of all ordinances, resolutions and minutes;

3. serve as the chief administrative office in all elections held in the municipality, subject to the requirements of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes;

4. serve as the chief registrar of voters in the municipality, subject to the requirements of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.

5. serve as the administrative officer responsible for the acceptance of various licenses and permits.

6. serve as coordinator and records manager responsible for implementing local archives and records retention programs as mandated pursuant to Title 47 of the Revised Statutes.

7. perform such other duties as are now or hereafter imposed by statutes, regulation or by municipal ordinance or regulation.

 Mayor & Council 2002 Meeting Schedule

 2002 Meeting Minutes

 Agenda for Upcoming Meeting

 Request for Public Records Form (OPRA)

 Voter Registration Form

 Election Information

 Raffle & Bingo Applications

 Soliciting/Vendor Permit

 Landlord/Tenant Registration

 Limousine Permit Information

 Liquor License Information

 Code of the Borough – General Code Publishers

 Monthly Calendar of Events

 Volunteer Application/Clean Communities Application

 Notary Public Service

 Application for Sign Outside Borough Hall

973-770-1200 LEAVE MSG FOR MR. GUERRIERO OR THE ADMINISTRATOR

Clean Communities is a litter abatement program that uses both volunteer and paid workers to do litter removal and educational awareness activities. The budget for 2002 is $26,636. The volunteers include the Chairman and each of the residents who have adopted a stream, road, or area of town in the Adopt-A-Road Program (approximately 300 individuals and organizations). The paid members include the Administrator, and a half-time employee. Clean Communities utilizes the assistance of the Sussex County Sheriff’s SLAP program as well as Sussex County Association of Retarded Citizens (SCARC) and an aid to the Zoning Officer. Various organizations like the Hopatcong Woman" Club and youth groups, like the Boy Scouts etc. or sports teams etc. help with beautification and cleanup

973-770-1200 EXT 118 Wed., Thurs., Fri.

The objective of this program is to assist property owner occupants to bring their properties into conformance with the property rehabilitation standards and the applicable codes and ordinances of the Borough. The program benefits are restricted to families of low and moderate income as defined by the NJDCA. Applicants must be the owner-occupants of the dwelling and the dwelling must be in the designated target area. Activities are proposed to bring homes into compliance with local codes and with the rehab standards to be established. Emphasis is placed upon structural soundness, weatherization, and adequate electrical systems. Under no circumstances shall improvements to a garage or out building, landscaping, purchase of appliances, new deck or addition to the house be considered as allowable expenses under the program.

The Housing Rehabilitation program usually offers up to $15,000 per single family owner occupied housing unit. The funds are provided in the form of a low interest loan at three percent annually. Families have a choice of deferred payment loan which means they will pay back the full amount of the loan at the time of the sale of the house. Emergency funds are also available to families who are faced with a serious emergency problem such as leaky roof, break down of a heating system, dangerous electrical wiring condition, failed septic or well or a problem of similar nature endangering health and safety of the occupants. The problem must have occurred within a period of a month or two.

973 –770-1200 EXT 135

The Construction Office consists of a Construction Official, Secretary, Building Subcode Official, Electrical Subcode Official, Plumbing Subcode Official, and Fire Subcode Official. This office issues permits and performs inspections on new construction and/or renovations to existing structures in accordance with state BOCA and UCC regulations. In August of 2002 the Construction Official’s position became fulltime.

973-770-1200 EXT 123

The Borough Municipal Court Office is open to the public from 9:00AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday to take payments, citizen criminal complaints and respond to questions. Court Sessions are held most Monday evenings at 7:30 PM. The Violations Office is also open Monday evening prior to a court session from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Some special court sessions are scheduled throughout the year, usually during the day. The court hears motor vehicle, criminal, zoning, and health violations issued by Borough Police and officials and violations issued by the NJ State Police, Marine Law Enforcement, Fish and Game, Weights and Measures, ASPCA and Forests and Parks. The Court is linked to the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles for direct entry of violation information and dispositions.

The Court consists of the judge, a court administrator, deputy court administrator, violations clerk, and a clerk/typist

973-770-1200 ext 113 MAYOR HODSON

The Economic Development/Revitalization Committee is devoted to the improvement of existing businesses as well as the attraction of new business. The nine-member Committee is appointed by the Mayor, and consists of seven members from the Hopatcong Business Community, the Council President and the Mayor. The Committee is working with the Borough Planner and the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership. The Committee meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 8:15 PM, usually at the Civic Center.

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973-770-1200 BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR

The Borough of Hopatcong has an Emergency Management Plan in effect, which contains procedures, resources, departments and agencies to keep the Borough in a state of readiness in case an emergency should occur, and to be implemented as need arises. Continuing review, up-dating and implementation of the Plan is the responsibility of the Emergency Management Council. The Emergency Management Council consists of eighteen members appointed by the Mayor. Of the eighteen members one is appointed Coordinator and four others as deputies. The membership cuts across Borough Departments, Hopatcong School District, churches, and local organizations.

The Hopatcong Emergency Council works closely with the Sussex County Emergency Management staff, the State Emergency Management staff, and FEMA.

VISIT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UNDER EMERGENCY SERVICES ON THE WEBPAGE.

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9730770-1200 Ask for the Fire Chief

VISIT FIRE DEPARTMENT UNDER EMERGENCY SERVICES ON THE WEBPAGE.

The Hopatcong Volunteer Fire Department consists of three company's:

NORTHWOOD ENGINE CO. #2

MAXIM DRIVE

DEFIANCE ENGINE CO. #3

HOPATCHUNG ROAD

HOPATCONG HILLS FIRE AND RESCUE #4

TULANE TRAIL & JEFFERSON TRAIL

At full strength there are 120 firefighters (40 to each company).. The fire department has fire rescue, fire suppression, and ice rescue capabilities. The officers of the Fire Department consists of a Fire Chief, 3 Assistant Chief's, and a Chief Engineer who over sees the maintenance of the fire equipment. There is a departmental secretary for fire department administrative business. Each fire company has a Captain, Lieutenant, Engineer and two Assistant Engineers as line officers. A President, Vice-president, Treasurer, Secretary, and Sgt. at arms makes up the administrative part of the company. The three company's combined have 10 pieces of fire fighting apparatus between them.

973-770-1200 Leave message with receptionist or go to voice mail EXT 116

VISIT FIRE PREVENTION UNDER EMERGENCY SERVICES ON THE WEBPAGE.

The Bureau of Fire Prevention is established pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Code of the Borough and in accordance with section 11 of the NJ Uniform Fire Safety Act. The Bureau is under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, also known as the Fire Marshal. The Bureau also consists of an Assistant Chief, inspectors, and other employees as are necessary. The Bureau of Fire Prevention enforces the Uniform Fire Safety Act in all buildings, structures, and premises within the Borough of Hopatcong, other than owner occupied one and two family dwellings. The Bureau is responsible for teaching fire safety, performing inspections for life hazard use (places of assembly), looking for potential fire danger and enforce the fire codes. Smoke detector tests are performed in homes when they are being sold to meet fire detector compliance laws. The Bureau investigates fire causes and origin for accidental fire or possible arson and keeping records and reports that go to the State of New Jersey.

973-770-1200 HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Board of Health is a seven member autonomous board appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council for three year terms. The Board elects a President, Vice - President, and Secretary

The Board meets on the second Thursday of each month in the Health Department Building adjacent to the Municipal Building.

The Board of Health enacts ordinances and makes rules and regulations in the interest of protecting and improving public health, and addressing certain particular areas of concern in this field. The Board has power to appoint its officers, agents, and employees, including health officers.

973-398-5000 Request Police action

911 Emergencies

The purpose of the Hopatcong Police Department is to preserve the peace, enforce the laws and ordinances, protect persons and properties, arrest violators, provide service tot he public and to enforce traffic codes and violations within the Borough of Hopatcong and the State of New Jersey. The Department provides officers for the DARE program in the Hopatcong School District. The Department provides dispatching services for Hopatcong and Stanhope Boroughs and Byram Township.

VISIT POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER EMERGENCY SERVICES ON THE WEBPAGE.

973-770-1200 OR 973- 398-3611

The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining the Borough roads during all seasons, garbage and recycling collection, construction projects like additional parking in Maxim Glen or replacing a wall at the Civic Center, installing and maintaining stormwater catchbasins and piping, maintaining and repairing some Borough vehicles, providing building maintenance, assisting the Water Department with main installation and repair, assisting with athletic field and park maintenance, leaf collection, demolition of buildings, and other activities.

973 770 2701 RECREATION AIDE/SCHEDULER

The Recreation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor. Each member serves a five year term. The Board elects a Chairman, a Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. A Councilperson acts as a liaison to the Commission. A Recreation Aide/Scheduler assists with the implementation and planning of activities, maintenance and improvements. In addition, the Borough provides a Public Works employee for Recreation/Parks work. The Commission has several sub committees such as Summer Recreation Committee, Fields Committee, and Finance Committee. The Recreation Commission was created in December 1969 by Borough ordinance (Chapter 17: Board of Recreation Commissioners) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:12-1 et seq. with the first commissioners being appointed in 1970. The Recreation Commission is the central agency for all recreational organizations in the Borough and coordinates the fields and parks for their uses. The Recreation Commission is charged with providing activities for all residents in the Borough.

VISIT RECREATION COMMISSION UNDER RECREATION/PARKS ON THE WEBPAGE.

The School-Wide Alliance Team (SWAT), The Hopatcong Municipal Alliance, is composed of citizens representing the district schools, local law enforcement, business and civic organizations, youth groups, churches, and local government. Activities are planned to coordinate a community-wide program through alcohol and drug abuse prevention and education.

The Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse is the state agency that coordinates and recommends alcoholism and drug abuse services throughout the state. The Municipal Alliance annual funding of over $14,000 comes to Hopatcong through the Sussex government.

Funds this past year were used for such diverse projects as the training of Kids for Kids peer leaders; Project Graduation; resources for the DARE program; the community awareness program; special presentations offered to parents; materials for the BABES program; and the American Alcohol and Drug Survey.

973-770-1200 EXT 130

The Office of Tax Assessment is responsible for property assessment in the Borough in accordance with State regulation. The Office assists individuals with questions about assessed values and applications for tax relief forms. The Assessor represents the Borough in tax assessment appeals. The Assessor monitors property sales and trends in sales ratio. The Assessor acts as a liaison to the US Census

VISIT TAX ASSESSOR UNDER TAX ASSESSOR/COLLECTOR ON THE WEBPAGE.

973-770-1200 EXT 127 or 126

The Tax Collector is responsible for the collection of property taxes. The Tax Collector is also the Tax Search Officer. The Office acts as Central Cashier, collecting fees and payments from all other departments, except for the Court. Fire Prevention applications must be obtained from the Tax Collectors Office.

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973-770-1200 EXT 138

The Water Department maintains the Hopatcong Borough’s Water System. The system currently serves approximately 220 homes in the Borough. The Department maintains and installs water mains, meters and fire hydrants. Daily maintenance is performed at the Borough wells. All water provided by the Water system comes from local wells. The Department is responsible for meter reading and billing (quarterly). Routine testing of the water provided by the system is performed, and monitored by NJDEP.

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ZONING OFFICER

973-770-1200 EXT 134

The function of the Zoning Laws is to promote and protect the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community.

The Zoning Officer is to determine what can and cannot be done to individual pieces of property with regards to property maintenance and construction as it relates to the Zoning Laws.

If such improvements are not permitted by the Zoning Officer, an application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment may be made in order to deviate from the Zoning Laws.