HOPATCONG ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

APRIL 23, 2003

The meeting of the Hopatcong Environmental Commission was opened by Mary Takacs at 7:05 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

Steve Guerriero

Elizabeth Mauro

Mercedes Walker (arrived at 7:40 pm)

Mary Takacs

Cora Hagen (alternate)

ABSENT: Connie Janowski

Marty Janowski

Mary Takacs led the Salute To The Flag.

APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 26, 2003

Steve Guerriero made a motion to approve the February 26, 2003 minutes. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

SMART GROWTH PLANNING GRANT

Mary Takacs read the statement for the Smart Growth Planning Grant. Bernice Gleason made a motion to apply for the Smart Growth Planning Grant. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Mary Takacs and the Commission discussed the G.P.S. Project. Mary said there are many questions on this matter and she would continue to discuss it with Mayor Hodson.

MONIES TO BE SPENT FOR TREE IN MAXIM GLENN FOR ARBOR DAY, EARTH DAY SHRUBS AND FLOWERS TO BE PLANTED AROUND BOROUGH HALL AND THE SANCTUARY.

Steve Guerriero made a motion to discuss the money the Commission is going to spend for the tree at Maxim Glenn for Arbor Day. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Steve Guerriero made a motion to discuss the money for the Earth Day Shrubs. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Steve Guerriero made a motion to discuss money for the flowers for Borough Hall and the Sanctuary. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Steve Guerriero made a motion to discuss the money for the rhododendrons at Maxim Glenn. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

HAZMAT

February 27, 2003 at Durban Avenue, one leg on oil tank broke releasing home heating oil on the ground. Cleanup pending. March 31, 2003 at Madison Trail, tank split in the basement of home of residence. Cleanup to be determined.

BAT CONDOS

Mercedes Walker would like to discuss hanging three bat houses, but would like to have a sight to do so.

STATUS REPORTS

Open Space - Elizabeth Mauro and Steve Guerriero attended the Open Space Program in Byram, The plan is to consolidate all the ideas for the Open Space Programs that are going to be forming. Steve talked about the mountain inlet and the mistake on the map. Also discussed was to have future meetings with the towns getting together and having discussions.

Taxidermy - Mercedes Walker filled out the forms for the permits.

Budget - Bernice Gleason handed out a sample of the form for the 2003 Environmental Commission Temporary Budget.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Mercedes Walker announced that the Litter Ordinance be enforced with a stiffer fine. Mary Takacs agreed that the Commission must insist that the ordinance be enforced.

Mary Takacs announced that the ANJEC workshop is going to be on June 25, 2003. Andover Chair is also invited.

Mercedes Walker said she would like a letter from the Environmental Commission sent to the Sussex County Transit to discuss a bus service for the Borough of Hopatcong.

Mary said we would need Mayor Hodson and some of the Council to attend our meeting on this matter.

ADJOURN

Elizabeth Mauro made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m. Steve Guerriero seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Marie Filoso

Recording Secretary