[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6045592,"mediaKeyId","3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8","parentId",3579802,"title","Council sends proposed parking ordinance change to Land Use after resident complaint about state-registered vehicles","audioSeconds",683,"startMs",5918000,"endMs",6601000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8&start=5918&end=6601","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8/thumbnail_5918000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6045592/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Council-sends-proposed-parking-ordinance-change-to-Land-Use-after-resident-complaint-about-state-registered-vehicles","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045592-47ac6ea6bb4828edeb66cf5d3e80d042/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192751&Signature=kv~0GQwXdVJmnjmrUE~sdRnn5hulVKxRJ-FFyLj2c~FD5RRy~ZDBq8l-HD3XXtL98LVsoJTnT5PsGBe9lvcxza6xfFmb~HCfAPZZaV55IlKGfXCrMGU-6SiXRyJ~HeoyV81UaK~KHBYiQgDZqz8YNV5lfRk4qFDlWPi8wsh6dqrstgFMvogtP9lpIWEzCAr-2-SoDclx8WzC5JXnQSVUhiwK59mSUQL8mCTBdfHUkPcK6YbCxYj26TGKXBnfRh6OeLuFMQsTLNZIbpUMsGcue~dgGmcqqlQlpSdYwDnxp9hJl9MgVMCzTt0GjqqqlCdEcwhVnGFZDn61Je354nGQMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hopatcong Borough","date","2025-04-02T00:00:00Z","article","The Hopatcong Borough Council on April 2 voted to refer a proposed amendment to the borough’s 2017 parking ordinance to the Land Use Board for formal review.

Administrator Shelby (last name on record: Shelby, role: borough administrator) and members of the council discussed a single-line proposed amendment to the borough’s “prohibited commercial vehicle” ordinance (2017). The proposal would add an explicit exemption for vehicles registered to New Jersey state government if the vehicle’s rated weight did not exceed 1,995 pounds (transcript discussion used the figure “19 5” which staff explained as the 1,995-pound classification used in motor-vehicle registration). The amendment is intended to address a complaint from a resident whose neighbor, an employee of the state Department of Transportation (DOT), parks a state-registered work vehicle near a private home while on-call for emergency response.

Administrator Shelby told the council the change is narrowly targeted: “Commercial vehicles…that are registered as state government would be exempt so long as they do not surpass 1,995,” she said in the meeting record. Council members raised concerns about potential loopholes and asked whether the amendment would invite other emergency or commercial vehicles to claim exemptions. Several council members recommended further drafting and research; Land Use Board review will provide that technical assessment and neighbor-impact analysis.

Council action and next steps
- Motion to refer the draft amendment to the Land Use Board for review: motion made and seconded; roll-call vote recorded as unanimous approval to list the ordinance for introduction and referral to Land Use. The ordinance, if introduced at a future meeting, would automatically be referred to the Land Use Board between introduction and final reading.

Why it matters: The change is narrowly focused on whether state-registered, essential employees may park state vehicles at private residences without triggering a land-use variance or administrative enforcement. Council members emphasized the need to balance operational needs for on-call employees with neighbors’ quality-of-life and zoning enforcement.

Outstanding questions: The council requested clearer drafting on the weight threshold language, drafting that distinguishes state registration from private commercial registration, and a Land Use review of impacts (driveway/curbspace, number of vehicles per property, enforcement procedure).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hopatcong Borough 04 02 25 Mayor Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Hopatcong council voted to refer a proposed amendment to the borough’s 2017 commercial-vehicle parking ordinance to the Land Use Board for review.","taxTitle","Hopatcong, Sussex County, New Jersey","taxId",70491,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6045596,"Hopatcong council votes to reinstate Memorial Day parade after days of public protest",3808,1775000,5583000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8&start=1775&end=5583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8/thumbnail_1775000.jpg","/articles/6045596/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Hopatcong-council-votes-to-reinstate-Memorial-Day-parade-after-days-of-public-protest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045596-d97dbdd799412d012c74353bc43d6864/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192751&Signature=hTHI4nrO3mWps6DIDMTiuL5ZlklrCVzaKjsxniztLJkfgi4ADhwrkCw8MIqIWPpbpjNFDz~FERyW1PkQMBfVERzHdUgJ27c6MW~XnwjhdtWHuFgxkTtT1rP~iYY1jB42mRyzGLd~VL7Er87ljeMSHRI3hGigBph7a9ZoCijpo2MusLQkSRwvIeUWqbQKTvt~513ovXBlBdHr3oQYnYSt~4t70DrkyxQ9y8q3Fma2S1wra2biNvt2LAmZDRmy0N9oMWAQ7UB7gLKQU4BL2ACnrLCXkZ8qFmXY-kz93SE5CjsxCUgtNOKdln466RMCkZqQwXGAEHogsLuYpzWln~4Obg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hopatcong Borough Council voted unanimously April 2 to reinstate a Memorial Day parade this year after several residents, veterans and civic groups urged the council to restore the event.

Mayor Marie Galati opened the meeting by describing Memorial Day as “a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.” She said the administration initially planned a ceremony in place of a parade for logistical and volunteer reasons but denied the choice was meant as a slight to veterans.

The council heard more than a dozen public comments calling for the parade’s return. Speakers included veterans and organizers who said a parade draws community attendance and educates children about service. “Parades bring the community out,” resident Dawn Roberts told the council. “When the community comes out, they often come together then.” Another speaker, David (last name not specified in the record), said the parade is how “little kids will remember these people.”

Council members and the mayor discussed the decision repeatedly in public comment and during new-business debate. Council and staff said the original decision had been made administratively; during the meeting Mayor Galati acknowledged administrative responsibility and said she personally favored a parade. After public comment, Council Member Joe (last name on record as Bongiovanni) moved to use “every effort to reinstate the Memorial Day parade this year,” a motion the council seconded and approved by roll call. The council president later directed staff to coordinate logistics and permits, with a follow-up report to the council in the coming weeks.

The motion did not change planned Flag Day activities, which organizers said will proceed as a separate community festival. Supporters of both events said they do not see the occasions as mutually exclusive: several civic groups, including the Elks and local lodges, said they will help fund and staff the Flag Day festival and the restored Memorial Day parade.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to reinstate Memorial Day parade (administrative decision reversed): motion made, seconded, roll-call approved (record shows unanimous vocal consent at the vote). The council directed staff to pursue permits and logistics and report back.

Why it matters: The parade decision touches veterans, volunteer groups and municipal event planning; residents told the council that discontinuing the parade would reduce public recognition of local service members and lower civic participation.

Looking ahead: Council members said they will publish a timeline for parade planning and coordinate with volunteer organizations and the public works department on traffic/road closures and safety details.","After strong public comment and a motion on the floor, the Hopatcong Borough Council voted to reinstate this year’s Memorial Day parade and keep the town’s Memorial Day ceremony; the decision followed several weeks of debate about whether to replace the parade with a separate Flag Day festival.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6045575,"Hopatcong balances road paving schedule with New Jersey Natural Gas work; council approves grant application for Riverstyx streetscape",795,2688000,3483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8&start=2688&end=3483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8/thumbnail_2688000.jpg","/articles/6045575/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Hopatcong-balances-road-paving-schedule-with-New-Jersey-Natural-Gas-work-council-approves-grant-application-for-Riverstyx-streetscape","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045575-f659ca730a30bffe93e0fd0f2d4174b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192751&Signature=HA51DvvhcCGTEZV3~m2Q9akz~r7lfT-av7im4qtyuJeOk7sELcYzIL1fxy5H5C3V30dRwAy~2kYqOwII7fTUXj8ZYVQaKxdze7IdN4xilqNXlTemzVwg-TiOklt4Z3TYEMxheGUxyuT8rtz3HGzAuywGVbe4mc38e1KzoV7bTd~UL3HQubSmUfFJz~whCxGOrC8KD5RnX0AVtHyXdndv3lSQBGDmF6ogAOuJ~I5SfKeyYuxP8sxFTPjALlEFjLryGhDusS5r2Ewvo7YHkwRwClF-zVgp2c7f2dz0gZOCzUJTwmNshWUR59i6wGVP3IGivlsA1WugDza~zzRzJd2b1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hopatcong officials told the council April 2 that road paving schedules were adjusted after vendor supply problems and because New Jersey Natural Gas’ multi-year distribution work requires coordination to avoid repaving before gas-line excavation is finished.

Administrator Shelby briefed the council on a diagnostic pavement report (a street condition grading spreadsheet) that prioritizes roads for repair. She said last year’s paving work was postponed for several reasons: (1) multiple roads were in the footprint of New Jersey Natural Gas construction; (2) a paving vendor lacked asphalt product availability late in the season, causing work to be delayed; and (3) the borough reprioritized roads so that areas already paved or scheduled by others would not be repaved twice.

“How do we coordinate with New Jersey Natural Gas so we’re not repaving half the roadway?” a council member asked. Staff said the borough now has the gas company’s phasing schedule and will factor that plan into this year’s paving phases (phase 1 and 2). The borough also said it intends to seek additional municipal-aid funding (DOT municipal aid) in July to help cover paving backlogs.

Separately, Council approved Resolution 2025-64 authorizing submission of an NJDOT Transportation Alternatives set-aside grant application for Riverstyx Streetscape Improvement Phase 2 (the middle segment connecting two previously completed end pieces). The motion was made, seconded and passed by roll call; staff said the grant would fund sidewalks, street lighting and pedestrian-bicycle safety upgrades connecting the existing streetscaped segments.

Why it matters: Coordination with major utility projects and vendor availability are limiting factors for the borough’s multi-year pavement plan. The DOT grant, if awarded, will help connect completed streetscape segments and improve pedestrian infrastructure in a central business corridor.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the gas-company phasing schedule into the paving plan, pursue the municipal-aid grant process in July, and continue to re-bid and schedule paving phases for this construction season.","Council discussed phased paving tied to New Jersey Natural Gas pipeline work, vendor supply delays and DOT grant plans. Council authorized submission of an NJDOT Transportation Alternatives set-aside grant for the Riverstyx Streetscape Phase 2 connector.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6045581,"Residents press council for action on utility poles, tree trimming and JCP&L coordination; BPU suggested as escalation route",476,7225000,7701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8&start=7225&end=7701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8/thumbnail_7225000.jpg","/articles/6045581/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Residents-press-council-for-action-on-utility-poles-tree-trimming-and-JCPL-coordination-BPU-suggested-as-escalation-route","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045581-59c23cb9687e30ec844d1efbe2a54760/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192751&Signature=Bo9y-tZQ5O3PsaEfxQX8yDtjuRTl0GEgZXah1m0bHSyYdR-9ZDvCxOjgIm7AAJyHcvdolMPQYmremEvffDxPw~HUvdb~Q~ErBxWsS9wK7Z3Ks9FqRDkw7buEGykaQSZgJrwGP4iuQMUXObA4f7LAnPeSHmXdipy5GW3LoXdMaM35eP0VrbYakPahGBaGeboPurGwbCGzx2oDbhWQtw~qMcxOuDjppZEY7Xb-JxX7oIdDe9rZJZqytkT8r9~7Nex2kqEItv2jkZDA1Kab0yRffXLS1TOLOflE8R1hUyap323qjkF2jDbBl6YOnXkxz0lCODSVooxNcc0tLqMopps~hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents used public comment at the April 2 meeting to press the council for a coordinated response to utility pole problems, leaning poles with live wires, and uneven tree-trimming around power lines.

Residents described specific hazards: a snapped pole with live wires still attached near Florida and Charles streets that has been leaning for months, and leftover double poles where new poles were set but old poles with active lines were not removed. Several speakers pointed to tree issues—most often the emerald ash borer’s effects and large branches that can fall on lines—and called for clearer enforcement of right-of-way responsibilities.

Council members and staff encouraged residents to file reports but acknowledged borough staff cannot replace utility-company maintenance. Multiple speakers suggested involving the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) because BPU escalations, several said, prompt quicker action by utilities. One resident, who identified as working in the utility sector, said that when the BPU is contacted “everything stops immediately” and utilities respond.

Council President and Administrator Shelby said staff will pursue additional outreach to utilities and asked the borough’s contacts (including “Jenn” who has existing utility contacts) to arrange a joint session. Council members requested that staff collect a list of problem poles, locations and public-safety risks and present a prioritized list to JCP&L and other utilities. Several residents said they want a public meeting that includes JCP&L, Verizon/Optimum and the BPU representative.

Why it matters: Unaddressed poles and overgrown trees pose electrical and emergency-access hazards, and residents said unresolved conditions have persisted for months. Council members signaled support for escalating through the BPU if necessary and for convening utility representatives for a town forum.","Residents and council members discussed repeated outages, leaning and double poles, and tree-trimming schedules. Several residents urged the borough to convene a joint meeting with JCP&L, Verizon/Optimum and the Board of Public Utilities to resolve outstanding pole and maintenance problems.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6045587,"Hopatcong discusses shared fire official service with Sussex County; county currently performing inspections",172,5333000,5505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8&start=5333&end=5505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579802-3308d4e28146dcdff5e386cf09a05ff8/thumbnail_5333000.jpg","/articles/6045587/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Hopatcong-discusses-shared-fire-official-service-with-Sussex-County-county-currently-performing-inspections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045587-091334318afd9feda8e39604053036bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192751&Signature=UcBbyrf-~Te79kSQwrYqY7mG3rWuB6W7T~WPv4YgQJLZilBU-f-Gv2GMP6w-J1WgAL0XyaoNKO1VpfXf6heVhexJ1OCkKafX-gjsRMEVia1bQp~0mr8R-MyOxatN6svHHSlT0qSSZOK-0LyMf4vkODBREyABlY-4wxO10JuBBL9ixCDA5EqENjBtohbKGTzGVKEpvYt5zoZuRHKub35b7VxXdmkRL1eZGiUNyg1JGSh6pn8P~3WwY-FMTu4UyAsN29zKD08aub~nYBnKdnoyPgPfWrDcZqNIesIh2BR1QP2a-vQWY48ldjungNdFtny4YfPAdb0a49QrPwvA2iMxHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hopatcong officials told the council April 2 that Sussex County has been providing fire-inspection services since the borough’s fire marshal resigned, and staff are pursuing a formal shared-service agreement to make the arrangement permanent.

Administrator Shelby explained that the county has stepped in to perform inspections and that the arrangement so far “has been a really great partnership.” She said the shared-service option is expected to reduce borough operating costs and free staff resources for other tasks; she also said some inspection fees would flow to the county if the agreement is adopted.

Shelby told the council the next steps include obtaining written county approval and, because municipal shared services sometimes require state-level review, state acceptance as well. “It wouldn't cost the borough a dime to enter into the shared service,” she said, adding that the county has been performing inspections in the interim and will continue to do so until formal approvals are in place.

Council members asked staff and the CFO to do a financial analysis showing whether the county arrangement will be revenue-neutral or cost-saving once inspection fees, administrative overhead and potential lost revenue are factored in. The council also asked that any proposed agreement clarify where inspection fines and permit revenue would be deposited if the county performs the work.

Next steps: staff will prepare a proposed shared-service agreement and provide a fiscal memo for council review; any final agreement will require county approval and, where applicable, state authorization.","Council discussed an ongoing arrangement under which Sussex County has been performing fire official inspections for Hopatcong after a resignation; the borough is pursuing a formal shared-service agreement that would transfer the inspections (and associated fees) to the county pending county and state approvals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council sends proposed parking ordinance change to Land Use after resident complaint about state-registered vehicles

Hopatcong council votes to reinstate Memorial Day parade after days of public protest

Hopatcong balances road paving schedule with New Jersey Natural Gas work; council approves grant application for Riverstyx streetscape

Residents press council for action on utility poles, tree trimming and JCP&L coordination; BPU suggested as escalation route

Hopatcong discusses shared fire official service with Sussex County; county currently performing inspections