HOPATCONG ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

SEPTEMBER 24, 2003

The meeting of the Hopatcong Environmental Commission was opened by Mary Takacs at 7:10 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 (arrived at 8:10 p.m.)

Steve Guerriero

Connie Janowski

Marty Janowski

Elizabeth Mauro

Mary Takacs

ABSENT: Mercedes Walker

Also in attendance were Council Liaison, Madeline McManus and Mayor Richard Hodson.

Mary Takacs led the Salute To The Flag.

APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 27, 2003 MINUTES

Connie Janowski made a motion to approve the August 27, 2003 minutes. Steve Guerriero seconded the motion and all were in favor. Absent: M. Walker

OLD BUSINESS

The Lizard Show for the children at Tulsa Trail School is $185.00. Steve Guerriero made a motion to approve the $185.00 for The Lizard Show. Connie Janowski seconded the motion and all were in favor. Absent: M. Walker

Connie Janowski suggested that we announced special meetings or workshops for the Environmental Commission on the bulletin board outside Borough Hall.

Mary Takacs wrote a letter to Girl Scout Troop 549 thanking them for the bat house which was installed at the Eves Sanctuary.

The Commission received a copy of a letter to Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell from the Northwood Community Association concerning the upcoming black bear hunting season. They are requesting support to close the Roland and May Eves Mountain Inlet Sanctuary to this hunt.

Mary Takacs received a letter to our officials from Byram Township Manager Ron Giatti to the County of Sussex Open Space Advisory Committee concerning the Draft County of Sussex Farmland Preservation and Open Space and Recreation Plan. Additional information for the Commission is an article titled VERNON APPROVES PLAN FOR NINE MILES OF TRAILS.

HAZMAT

August 26, 2003 - 11 Bell Ave., suspected soil contamination with removal of 1/550 gal. tank, cleanup pending.

August 28, 2003 - 80 Indian Tr., citizen complaint, unknown liquid in area of lake. Material put in lake to kill weeds.

August 29, 2003 - 30 Tulane Tr., 1/550 gal. tank leaking, cleanup pending.

September 8, 2003 - 10 Windsor Ave., above ground storage tank leaking, cleanup is complete.

Elizabeth Mauro read the article about the contractors who are working on the sewers and dumping dirt in Roxbury without a permit.

STATUS REPORTS

Water - Cannot report on the because there are trucks and bricks in the way of testing the water.

Parks - Steve Guerriero reported they cannot build the two water falls by the bridge because there is too much water in the area and we must wait until it dries up a little. The rest of the bricks are being put in. Someone broke into the shed and cut the hoses, there is skateboarding going on right on the bricks and the stairs to the gazebo are chipped away because of the skateboards and one of the benches that was cemented in was pulled out and dogs are still being walked in the park.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Mary Takacs announced that the meeting for November will be held on the 19th in the small conference room.

Mayor Hodson and the Board members discussed the sewer project and the storm drains.

STORMWATER PRESENTATION

Fran Smith spoke for the Stormwater Presentation. Fran spoke about Lake Mohawk and the problems with the siltation and how they dealt with the situation with drain basins and their operations. Fran explains how to deal with phosphates and how to educate the town with the septic systems. The weed problem is taken care of by a product call Sonar. Fran said that educating the town is the best way to inform the people.

Candy Ashmun is a consultant for ANJEC attended the meeting this evening. Candy said there is a program available for a DEP Grant, and also a DEP Grant for Stormwater Management. Candy spoke of how to protect Lake Hopatcong. Dilution is the answer to pollution. ANJEC has done research on “Alternate Systems” for the use of another means of septic systems. It is a miniature treatment plant and it can be used if a septic system is needed by a lake. There are several of these plants, mostly used for restaurants. Candy has left brochures for more information.

ADJOURN

Marty Janowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Elizabeth Mauro seconded the motion and all were in favor. Absent: M. Walker

Respectfully submitted,

Marie Filoso

Recording Secretary