HOPATCONG ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

NOVEMBER 19, 2003

The meeting of the Hopatcong Environmental Commission was opened by Mary Takacs at 7:35 p.m. with a statement that this meeting is held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq., annual notice having been forwarded to The New Jersey Herald, The Daily Record and The News-Leader and posted on the bulletin board maintained in the Municipal Building for public announcements.

ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Bernice Gleason

Elizabeth Mauro

Mercedes Walker

Mary Takacs

ABSENT: Steve Guerriero

Connie Janowski

Marty Janowski

Mary Takacs led the Salute To The Flag.

APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 24, 2003 MINUTES

Elizabeth Mauro made a motion to approve the September 24, 2003 minutes. Bernice Gleason seconded the motion. Absent: Guerriero, C. Janowski & M. Janowski.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Mary Takacs and Bernice Gleason attended environmental issues at Rutgers University on October 25, 2003. Also attending this workshop was State Commissioner Bradley Campbell. Mercedes Walker reported that she made a connection with someone from the New Jersey Transit regarding the issue of a town bus or to maybe getting some ideas for funding it. Mary added that she believes we need to encourage and invite business to our town.

Mary and Elizabeth Mauro attended the a Road Show at the Stanhope Municipal Building. Elizabeth said each person that showed up from others towns expressed what they were doing in their town. Mary said the main goal for this meeting was to talk about ERI’s and how to complete them.

Mary Takacs downloaded a form for grants, and Mary is going to ask Mayor Hodson how to requests these grants.

Tulsa Trail School will be visited by The Lizard Guys on January 21, 2004. The cost will be $200.00.

STATUS REPORTS

Open Space - Open Space did not have a regular attendance. Open Space will be getting more money for their budget.

Budget - Bernice Gleason reported that their is a balance of $4009.00 for the 2003 budget.

Taxidermy - Mercedes Walker reported she received the renewal application for the Federal Salvage Permit for 2004. Mercedes said the cost of the birds to be mounted will be about $200.00 per bird.

Mercedes Walker made a motion for the taxidermy costs not to exceed $500.00 for two birds. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Mercedes met with a Dr. Andrew Casper at the Nature Trail to help identify plants and a draft of a report is on file with pictures.

NEW BUSINESS

Mary Takacs announced that the December 2003 meeting will be canceled. Mary said that Crescent Beach looks terrible and eroded because of the sewer construction.

Mercedes Walker said that she believes that somebody who is an expert in limnology should come and look at the situation and make a report on the sewer construction.

Mercedes Walker made a motion for $600.00 to get an expert to look at the lake at Crescent Cove and make a report. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Elizabeth Mauro announced that there are no lids on the dumpsters in town. Elizabeth said the kids arriving at school had to stay in the school busses and an officer had to chase a bear out of the area and Elizabeth said we’re going to have a situation that will bloom if nothing gets done about this. Elizabeth suggested that the commission write a letter to the Board of Education.

ADJOURN

Mercedes Walker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Marie Filoso

Recording Secretary