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Highlands approves consent agenda; administrator outlines road, park and pedestrian projects and Jones Creek dredging uncertainty
Summary
Council adopted a consent agenda covering tax refunds, sewer project change orders, vehicle purchases and multiple contract acceptances, and heard an administrator report on Portland Road utility work, combined park contracts funded by county and state grants, Shore Drive pedestrian improvements, and unresolved Jones Creek dredging costs and staging.
The Borough of Highlands adopted its consent agenda (resolutions R24-224 through R24-233) and later approved R24-223 providing for the transfer of surplus funds.
Consent items included authorizing tax overpayment refunds; approving change orders and a new change order for a phase-one sanitary sewer improvements project; authorizing purchase of a Chevrolet Tahoe for the police department through Bergen County cooperative pricing; placement of a remembrance plaque on a bench outside Annie's Shore Bar; acceptance of the Snug Harbor skate-park contract; appointment of a technical assistant to the construction official; bill payments; change order approvals for Basite Drive and Marie Avenue improvements; purchase authorization for a 2024 Ford F-450 for public works; and acceptance of the Lynden Avenue sidewalk improvements contract.
During the consent-agenda discussion, councilors asked about skate-park noise mitigation (officials said slats have been installed and plantings will be attempted in spring), how used police vehicles are disposed of (auctioned; sometimes returned to fleet), and schedule/status questions about the sanitary-sewer work and earlier plow-truck procurement.
Administrator (reporting orally) said the borough's budget process is underway, New Jersey Natural Gas will do utility relocation on Portland Road over the Christmas break to avoid interfering with schools, and the borough plans to combine contracts for Overlook Park and Frank Hall Park to realize efficiencies. Shore Drive pedestrian improvements (sidewalks and bump-outs) are funded by a Department of Transportation grant to improve safety and ferry access. Jones Creek dredging remains unresolved: the county's earlier cost-sharing and staging proposals changed and borough staff said they are exploring options, including using capital funds and working with the county on disposal logistics.
In public comment, resident James (representing the East Point board) asked for an outline of the redevelopment process. Andy, a borough staff member, described the sequence: redevelopment plan, conditional redeveloper designation, site-plan submission to the land-use board, and a redeveloper agreement if approvals are granted.
The council closed public comment, adopted the transfer-of-surplus resolution and adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
