Last spring, Hope agreed to create a new Lakes and Pond Committee, and tonight the selectmen are reviewing its charges when they convene for a regularly scheduled meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Hope Town Office.

The selectmen are also getting ready for two public hearings on the town's revised land use ordinance, which will go before voters on Nov. 6 at the polls. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., at the town office. The selectmen will hold their public hearing on the ordinance Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m., at the town office.

The ordinance, which has not been revised since the late 1980s, has been under development for several years, and is now ready for voters to consider. It is available for review at the town website. The ordinance also introduces an amended zoning map for the town, which just two zones. The map is also available at the town's website.

The Lakes and Ponds Committee has been created because, according to the town's description of its purpose, Hope: "recognizes that the lakes and ponds and their watersheds within or partially within the boundaries of the community represent a valuable community asset culturally, economically, and socially. Therefore, the Board of Selectmen hereby create a Lakes and Ponds Committee for the purpose of preserving and enhancing the lakes and ponds within or partially within the town boundaries, as well as working to maintain and/or create public access to the lakes and ponds for the enjoyment of the public.

"Further, the Hope Board of Selectmen recognizes that considerable efforts have and continue to be put forth by the various lakes and pond associations in preserving and enhancing the natural characteristics and water quality of our lakes and ponds. Therefore, a further purpose of this committee will be to allow for an exchange of ideas as well as to serve as a resource to existing efforts."

The selectmen may consider membership that is built on representatives living, year-round or seasonally, on each lake or pond in town. Each lake or pond association shall nominate their respective representative for confirmation by the Board of Selectmen.

The committee's charge includes:

developing a plan to prevent the degradation of the lakes and ponds by invasive plant species or other harmful constituents/pollutants (such as failing septic systems, erosion, etc.) or activities (such as the introduction of non-native fish species);

developing a plan of action should one or more of the lakes and ponds become infested with an invasive plant species;

advising selectmen on opportunities to enhance public access;

recommending opportunities and programs to enhance lake quality;

promoting responsible actions through education and information.

In other town business

Hope, last month at the selectmen's meeting, voted 3 to 0 to start the process toward developing a moratorium ordinance on methadone clinics.