A consent decree to formally register with the county was finalized with the remaining member signatures collected at the meeting. All paperwork is now with the county for their review.

An update was given on the Cedar Grove access point on Dr.’s row where a retaining wall proposed by K. Hovnanian builders would block access to the reservation. At the time of this meeting no decision has been made whether or not the wall is going to be built. The conservancy would want stairs or some other kind of access built into the retaining wall. The Cedar Grove planning board has voiced that the owners of the new homes backing up to the reservation would not want people in their backyards and this access would bring people. Several issues were discussed during our meeting including ambulance and fire access from this area. This is an ongoing topic that the conservancy needs to stay on top of.

The logo for the conservancy needs to be a top priority for the group. Members agreed that the logo should be relatively simple depicting how the reservation is an oasis in a suburban setting. Idea’s were passed around on how to create the logo. Some suggested help from local schools. This is one the 2005 top priority objectives that will be discussed at the next meeting.

A winter hike will take place on January 15th and plans for the hike were discussed. The group will meet in the parking lot on Courter Lane in N.Caldwell off of Mountain Ave. It will be a 8:00am start lasting approximately two hours.

The meeting ended with the official officer elections for the Hilltop Conservancy.
President- Kenneth Bogert(newly elected)
Vice President- Geordie Smith(re-elected)
Treasurer- Steve Wysmuller(re-elected)
Secretary- Brian Glennon(re-elected)

Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Minutes prepared by Secretary: Brian Glennon