HOPATCONG ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

JULY 23, 2003

The meeting of the Hopatcong Environmental Commission was opened by Mary Takacs at 7:30 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

Connie Janowski

Marty Janowski

Elizabeth Mauro

Mary Takacs

ABSENT: Mercedes Walker

Also in attendance were Councilman Paul Burke.

Mary Takacs led the Salute To The Flag.

APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 25, 2003 MINUTES

Connie Janowski made a motion to approve the June 25, 2003 minutes. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor.

HAZMAT

July 3, 2003 - 17 Hodes Rd., 1/550 gal. removed; cleanup in progress.

July 4, 2003 - 17 Lake Land Dr., substance contained.

July 8, 2003 - 8 Akron Way, 1/550 removed; cleanup pending by DEP.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Mary Takacs read a letter that was sent to the NJDEP and the Borough of Hopatcong by Jean Steeg. Ms. Steeg is bringing attention to the Letter of Interpretation authored by Mr. Teddy Denaro to cut and clear trees and to build. Ms. Steeg’s property is directly behind the property in question and she expresses concern as to what dangerous refuse had been dropped there through the years.

Councilman Burke stated that the letter is aimed at the wrong people and the person it should go to is the construction officer or the code enforcement office. Councilman Burke is questioning why it took fifty years to bring this to the Commission’s attention.

Marty Janowski cut an article out of the local newspaper in regard to what you can do if you come in contact with a bear. The article states that you should have an ordinary garden hose handy. This is a good deterrent when you see a bear. All that is necessary is to aim the water in their direction and they should run away.

Mary Takacs announced that the Commission can have a bat house that Troop 549 has built. Mrs. Judy Wolfe is the girl scouts troop leader. Mary would like to arrange a ceremony for Troop 549. Mary said she needs to find out where and how to hang the bat house. It should be away from trees and near a pond. The Board Members discussed where and how to hang the bat house.

Connie Janowski made a motion to pay Nester’s for the plants and shrubs that were planted at Maxim Glen Park. Marty seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Mary Takacs and Mercedes Walker attended the Byram Environmental Commission Meeting. Mary stated that one of the reasons for attending this meeting was to try to connect our Nature Trails.

Councilman Burke said maybe we should have some talks and plans before we connect because of the gaps that exist between Sparta and Byram and private properties and also because of the cell towers that are being put up in that area.

Mary Takacs received a letter from Christine Hall regarding the Upper Delaware Watershed Management. The purpose of this letter is to ask different municipalities to write to Mr. Lawrence Baier who represents NJDEP Division of Watershed Management asking him to ask NJDEP to come up with the funds to finish the project. This letter will be forwarded to Mayor and Council and all Hopatcong Committees.

STATUS REPORTS

Water Testing - Connie Janowski reported that there was a digging expedition right at the water site. This is where the sewer connection is going to be.

Parks - Steve Guerriero reported that Maxim Glen Park is almost completed. Steve also reported that the eighteen trees that were planted along Veteran’s Field are being destroyed and that large rocks are leaning against the trees and the existing fences. Councilman Burke said the Commission should inform the Mayor and Council about the problem. Mary Takacs said she will view the site and then send a memo to Mayor and Council.

Budget - Bernice Gleason reported the budget spending as of June 2003.

Planning Board - Mary asked Marty Janowski if he would request to do a site plan behind Mark Gruber’s office; Marty agreed.

ANJEC

Mary Takacs said she reserved another workshop in September for ANJEC. The topic would be Storm Water Drains. Connie made a motion to have a workshop in September on Storm Water Drains. Marty Janowski seconded the motion and all were in favor.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mr. Steve Kessel attending the meeting this evening and commented that he has e-mailed the Mayor and spoke to the borough’s engineer about his complaints on the contractors and the sewer project.

Councilman Burke said the Environmental Commission should pass a motion that the activities of the contractors is unacceptable.

There was a discussion on the complaints from the citizens of Hopatcong and the Commission concerning the contractors of the sewer project.

Elizabeth Mauro made a motion to send a memo to Mayor and Council on this matter. Marty Janowski seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Steve Guerriero suggested that Mary should contact the Lake Hopatcong Commission to get a map for all the catch basins in Hopatcong. Mary said she will try to get the GIS material for the Commission.

ADJOURN

Steve Guerriero made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Marty Janowski seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Marie Filoso

Recording Secretary