Meeting opened at 7:46pm

Attending: Ron Pate (Pres.), Walter Goldenbaum (V-P), Mike Mazur (B/M), Chris Weis (publicity), Dennis Geman (Webmaster), Janine Schaeffer (Membership) all board members and Tara Casella (Essex County Liaison to the Board)
Absent: Sue Fershing

1. Review of last meeting: Dave requested changes to website, Dave opened bank account and Ron's discussion of  community outreach.
2. We, as a group need to spend some time walking the access points to the park. The main concern is that there be adequate public access with parking. Areas discussed were Knoll Terrace, Van Ness Court (Dennis said he will contact the owner of the property in question). Kirkpatrick Lane was said to be the best place to access the park however, Van Ness is the best place to hike in. Also mentioned was Pine Tree Street which is where a water treatment facility is located. The grounds are gated and owned by the township.
3. Janine mentioned the extension to Eisenhower Parkway as being a County owned access point which might have the space to create a small parking area as well as official signage to property.
4. Ron suggested getting someone from a large company (Mack-Cali) to sit on the board so that they can help be a liaison to the group.
5. Mike mentioned that he would like to start blazing trails according to the google map he has created. Mike also mentioned signs of vandalism in the park- wood nest boxes have disappeared and also a wooden plank he set up is no longer there. Dennis said sometimes they just fall over and that very little actual vandalism is taking place.
6. Dennis is requesting excavated fill (river wash) be relocated in front of a bridge. Apparently the County at one time dredged the river and removed the dirt. Ron will be writing a letter to Dan Salvante requesting this.
7. Discussion about how active board members should be and about how many meetings it is acceptable to miss.
8. Mike brought up the alien species – Asian Hops and Mile a Minute Weed, and  we should consider investigating ways to rid the park of these species and the possibility to apply to “water resources” for help.
9. Janine brought up better upkeep on the minutes because they have not been published or approved the last few of months. The last minutes available on the website are from January which is unacceptable.
10. Next meeting August 12^th at 6:00pm to walk view the different access points. Meet at Environmental Center.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00pm

Respectfully submitted,

Janine Schaeffer (for the ) Secretary

Please note: These minutes have not been approved, They are made provided here in an effort to make them available in a timely manner. If you have any corrections, please send them to the Secretary as soon as possible.