- Welcome to Hopatcong
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- Boards:
- Board of Health
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- Environmental Commission
- Lake Hopatcong Commission
- Recreation Commission
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Site Map The Site Map is available to help you find your way easily around the website.
Summary of the Departments, Boards, Commissions, Committees of the
Borough of Hopatcong:
Please click on the sites and links below for further information:
Elected Officials:
Departments:
Community Development:
Boards, Commissions, Committees:
Economic Development / Revitalization
Open Space / Recreation Committee
School-Wise Alliance Team (SWAT)
The Objectives and Responsibilities of the Departments, Boards, Comissions and Committees of the Borough of Hopatcong:
Mayor Sylvia Petillo
The Mayor
973-770-1200
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.
Visit Administrator Under Administration on the Webpage
973-770-1200 Make Request at Switchboard
Visit the Directory or Mayor/Council on the Webpage for Individual Telephone Numbers and E-mail Addresses
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: (1) Ordinances, which have the effect of law and (2) 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
The Borough Administrator Catherine Steinel
973-770-1200
Visit Administrator Under Administration on the Webpage
The great majority of functions performed by the Borough Administrator are internal to the organization in nature and do not normally entail direct contact with the public. Any citizen complaint about a Borough operation, department, employee or facility is addressed by the Administrator.. Functional Areas that entail the internal operations are as follows: Chief Administrative Officer of the Borough; Liaison to Mayor and Council; Purchasing Officer; Personnel Officer; Appointing Authority - NJ Department of Personnel; Collective Bargaining Contract Negotiation; Supervision of All Departments; Grants Administration; Assist the Mayor
in the creation and administration of the Budget; In conjunction with the Borough Clerk prepares the Agenda for Mayor/Council meetings; Insurance Administration (Morris County Joint Insurance (JIF) Commissioner, Municipal Excess Liability Fund (MEL) Commissioner, North Jersey Municipality Employee Benefits Fund (HIF) Commissioner); Building & Grounds Improvements; Assign Office Space with the Borough; Clean Communities Coordinator; Recycling Coordinator; Computer configuration & Administration; Landfill; Sewers;
Borough’s Underground Storage Tanks
The Borough Clerk Loraine Stark
973-770-1200 Fax: 973-770-0301 lstark@hopatcong.org
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
3. Serve as the chief administrative office in all elections held in the municipality, subject to
4. Serve as the chief registrar of voters in the municipality, subject to the requirements
5. Serve as the administrative officer responsible for the acceptance of various
6. Serve as coordinator and records manager responsible for implementing local archives
7. Perform such other duties as are now or hereafter imposed by statutes, regulation or
• Mayor & Council 2010 Meeting Schedule
• 2010 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
all ordinances, resolutions and minutes;
the requirements of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes;
of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes.
licenses and permits.
and records retention programs as mandated pursuant to Title 47 of the Revised Statutes.
by municipal ordinance or regulation.
Visit Borough Clerk Under Administration on the Webpage.
Clean Communities Loraine Stark
973-770-1200 Leave MSG for Mr. Guerriero or the Administrator
The New Jersey Clean Communities is a grassroots, statewide, community-driven litter-abatement program developed to reduce litter in New Jersey. The purpose of this program is to clean-up and remove litter, offer educational awareness activities, and sponsor an "Adopt -A- Road" Program. The Adopt-A-Road Program encourages individuals to adopt a road, a stream or an area of town in order to remove litter and improve the environment. Clean Communities utilizes the assistance of the Sussex County Sheriff's SLAP program and acts as an aid to the Zoning officer. Various organizations such as the Hopatcong Woman's Club, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts offer their time to assist with the beautification projects and cleanup activities.
Community Development
973-770-1200 Tues, Wed, Thurs.
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
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
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.
a period of a month or two.
973-770-1200
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.
973-770-1200
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.
Visit Court on the Webpage
973-770-1200 Chief Financial Officer
973-770-1200 Payroll and Finance Assistant
In general, the Finance Office is responsible for maintaining control and reporting on all
financial activity of the Borough of Hopatcong. This includes, but is not limited to: current fund, capital fund, capital projects, animal control trust, other trusts, fixed assets and payroll. The Finance Office is staffed by two individuals, the Chief Financial Officers, (CFO) and the
Payroll and Finance Assistant.
Visit Finance Dept. Under Administration on the Webpage
973-770-1200 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, 2 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.
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 fourth Wednesday 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.
Visit Board of Health Under Health Dept. on the Webpage
973-770-1200 Well Baby, Cat/Dog Licenses
973-770-1200 Death and Birth Certificates, Marriage Licenses
973-770-1200 All Other Questions
Visit Health Department Under Health Dept. on the Webpage
Clinics held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 11:00am to 12:00pm.
Clinics are held on the third Tuesday of every month from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
Clinics held every fourth Thursday of the month from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the
Call the Hopatcong Health Department for an appointment. (973-770-1200).
Animal Licensing
Rabies Clinic
Food and Vending Licensing
Septic and Well Records
Registrar
Marriage and Death Certificates
Birth Certificates
Foot Clinic
Bulky Waste Stickers
The Hopatcong Health Department is closed every day from Noon to 1pm
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.
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, 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 fields and park maintenance, leaf collection, demolition of buildings, and other activities.
973-770-1200 / 973-770-1200 Bid Information
The primary duty and responsibility of the Purchasing Department is to coordinate the efficient procurement of goods and services for the various municipal departments, in accordance with prescribed laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
Visit Purchasing Under Administration on the Webpage
973-770-1200
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
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.
Visit Tax Collector Under Tax Assessor / Collector on the Webpage
973-770-1200
The Water Department maintains the Hopatcong Borough’s Water System. 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.
973-770-1200 Rosemarie Winfield Zoning / Planning
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (usually referred to as just "Zoning Board") consists of seven members and two alternate members. The Board employs a secretary/clerk who is shared with the Planning Board, and a Board Attorney. The Zoning Board meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm in the Municipal Building.
The Zoning Board considers applications that require exceptions (variances) from the Borough Zoning Ordinance. The applications often relate to limited property dimensions (setbacks, road frontage or lot area for instance). The Board considers applications for use (Use Variance) of a property which is not allowed under the Zoning Ordinance. The Board interprets the zoning map, and hears appeals from decisions of the Zoning Officer.
Visit Zoning Board Under Planning / Zoning on the Webpage
973-770-1200
The function of the Zoning Laws is to promote and protect the public health, safety, morals,
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.
973-770-1200 Mayor / Sylvia Petillo
The Borough is in the process of forming an Economic Development and Revitalization Committee for the purpose of assisting the Council in their objective of ensuing economic vitality and longevity for existing businesses, as well as, soliciting new initiatives that would strengthen and enhance our business districts.
973-770-1200 Borough Administrator / Catherine Steinel
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 ten members appointed by the Mayor.
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
973-770-1200 Ask to Leave Msg for Chairperson
The Environmental Commission is a seven member Commission with two alternates established
Some of the activities of the Environmental Commission include: securing grants, promoting and conducting environmental and conservation programs, reviewing NJDEP and EPA activities, assisting with litter cleanup and beautification activities, water testing of the Musconetcong River, and, in general, involving the entire community in preserving and enhancing the environment.
The Commission meets at 7:30 PM on the fourth Wednesday of each month
973-770-1200 Mayor / Sylvia Petillo
The Open Space/Recreation Committee was established in 2000 through Chapter 47 "Open Space Committee" of the Code of the Borough of Hopatcong. In 1999 the voters of the Borough authorized a one cent per $100 of assessed valuation of each annual tax levy commencing with the year 2000 to be placed in an "Open Space and Recreation Fund". The Committee is charged with the preparation of an Open Space and Recreation Plan and with recommending to the Mayor and Council the use of the "Open Space and Recreation Fund". The Open Space/Recreation Committee consists of a eight member committee, consisting of the Mayor and a resident-at-large appointed by the Mayor, and six members appointed by the Council consisting of a councilmember, member of the Planning Board, a member of the the Zoning Board, a member of the Environmental Commission, a member of the Recreation Commission and a resident-at-large. The Committee elects a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and a secretary. The Borough provides a recording secretary.
The Committee meets at 7:30 PM on the Seconed Thursday of some months in the Municipal Building. Visit Open Space/Recreation Committee on the webpage under Boards/Commissions/Committees.
973-770 1200 Planning / Zoning Rosemarie Winfield
The Planning Board administers the provisions of the Borough Land Subdivision Ordinance (Chapter 67 of the Code of the Borough) and Site Plan Review Ordinance (Chapter 63). The Board reviews applications for the subdivision of land or for the development of land (Site Plan Review). These responsibilities are shared with the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the specifics of an application determining to which board an application is presented. The Board considers conditional use applications. State Statute charges the Planning Board with the adoption and updating of the Borough Master Plan, and recommending Code changes to implement the Master Plan. This requires an on-going collection of data and reports.
The Planning Board is a seven member board, with two alternates, as provided in Chapter 39A "Land-Use Procedures" of the Code of the Borough of Hopatcong in accordance N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.. It is not a law making body, although some Borough ordinances (laws) must be referred to the Planning Board for comment. State Law specifies most of its procedures. The Board meets the first and third Tuesday (with a few exceptions) of every month at 7:30 PM in the Council/Court Room in Borough Hall.
Visit Planning Board Under Planning / Zoning on the Webpage
973 770 1200 Mayor / Sylvia Petillo
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. 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
973 770 2701 Recreation Aide Scheduler / Located in the Civic Center
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.
973-770-1200 Zoning / Planning Rosemarie Winfield
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (usually referred to as just "Zoning Board") consists of seven members and two alternate members. The Board employs a secretary/clerk who is shared with the Planning Board, and a Board Attorney. The Zoning Board meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm in the Municipal Building.
The Zoning Board considers applications that require exceptions (variances) from the Borough Zoning Ordinance. The applications often relate to limited property dimensions (setbacks, road frontage or lot area for instance). The Board considers applications for use (Use Variance) of a property which is not allowed under the Zoning Ordinance. The Board interprets the zoning map, and hears appeals from decisions of the Zoning Officer.
Visit Zoning Board Under Planning / Zoning on the Webpage
973-770-1200
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.
Clinics Held at Hopatcong Health Department: 111 River Styx Road Hopatcong, New Jersey
Adult Public Health Clinic
Well Baby Clinic
For children from birth until kindergarten entry, Free immunizations, physical exams, screenings - anemia, lead, hearing, vision, blood pressure, nurse consultation about age-appropriate development, nutrition and safety issues.
Foot Clinic
Hopatcong Health Department.
Hopatcong Borough Health Services:
Animal Control
Please call the Hopatcong Health Department 973-770-1200
Please call the Sussex County Health Department 973-579-0570
Office Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Zoning Officer
and general welfare of the community.
Economic Development/Revitalization
in 1972 (until 1983 referred to as Conservation Commission) as provided in Chapter 24 "Environmental Commission" of the Code of the Borough of Hopatcong in accordance with Chapter 245 of the Laws of New Jersey, 1968. The members and alternates are appointed by the Mayor with staggered terms of service. There is a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The Borough provides a recording secretary. One member of the Commission is appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Planning Board, as provided in the State Municipal Land Use Law.
in the Municipal Building.
Open Space / Recreation Committee
School-Wide Alliance Team (SWAT)
Zoning Officer
