Facilitator- Kurt
Recorder- David

The meeting attendees introduced themselves. Kurt said others wished to attend but were unable to due to conflicts. Kurt provided a background on the Hilltop property and Steve, a representative from the North Caldwell-based Save the Hilltop, provided an update on current efforts to preserve more land in North Caldwell. This grass roots movement is trying to reduce the number of homes to be built on Hilltop property. One issue is the N. Caldwell development will jut into the reservation. The activists in N. Caldwell are trying to leverage their steep slope ordinance to reduce the number of houses. The N. Caldwell Planning Board in(sic) attempting to accommodate the development in spite of the slope ordinance by increasing the lot size requirement to 38000 sq. ft.
Another issue is that there is no restriction on clear cutting in N. Caldwell. Kurt was concerned that development activity and clearing may cross into reservation. Other environmental issues include soil removal, erosion and water runoff.

Charlie gave an update on an initial assessment of trail development. He suggested that the Rail Trail be part of the Hilltop Reservation and he proposed we develop a trail master plan.

Kurt gave a history on the White Rock in Verona and noted that the road to be built as part of the Verona development will run past the White Rock.

Kurt reviewed the legalities around forming a non-profit organization including a review of the bylaws.

The elected officers and Conservancy members will need to establish a framework for meetings including objectives and frequency of meetings.

Kurt reviewed a letter he had received from County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo in which Mr. DiVincenzo expressed the County's support for the Conservancy. Once the Conservancy is established the County will be able to apply for grants to support improvements to the Hilltop.

Kurt reviewed the current status of the reservation including access sites and development plans around the perimeter of the park. Cedar Grove is trying to reduce the number of homes in Cedar Grove. Verona was able to rework its development plans to significantly reduce the acreage slated for development. Kurt also noted that the Hilltop Waterworks crisscrosses the property.

Initial proposals for projects the Conservancy could undertake include: trash removal, flora/fauna inventory, rest rooms, trail creation and maintenance, signage, grants applications, active monitoring of development, and creation and distribution of literature. David stressed the importance of distinguishing The Conservancy, which is charged with maintaining the Hilltop, from grass roots organizations focused on saving additional land on The Hilltop.

The following members volunteered to be the initial officers for The Conservancy:
President- David
Vice President- Geordan
Treasurer - Steve
Secretary- Brian