Borough Highlands reduces certificate-of-occupancy fee and adopts personnel, fiscal and redevelopment resolutions

The Borough Highlands Mayor and Council on Oct. 15 approved ordinance 02523 to lower the uniform construction code fee for a continuing certificate of occupancy from $125 to $30 and adopted multiple resolutions and consent items, including a redevelopment designation for 289 Bay Avenue.

Council adopted Bill 2523 after a public hearing in which the clerk summarized the change as "a downward change. It was $125. It's down to 30." No members of the public raised questions on the ordinance and the council carried the bill on second and final reading.

The council also adopted R25186, updating the borough's personnel policies and supervisory supplement to satisfy the biennial insurance requirement and to set a training schedule. As staff member Mike explained, the update is an iteration of the 2023 policies and the proposed training is likely to run during the day the last week of the month; council asked whether the training could be recorded to allow broader participation.

Financial business included R25187, authorizing the transfer of surplus funds as recommended by borough finance staff, and the adoption of the consent agenda covering R25188 through R25193. The consent agenda listed several items of note: R25188 names Art Chica Builders as the exclusive redeveloper of the property at 289 Bay Avenue (block 81, lot 12) and authorizes executing a redevelopment agreement; R25191 confirms a temporary appointment of a patrolman; R25192 affirms the borough's civil rights policy; and R25193 authorizes payment of bills.

Council member Karen asked for clarification on one invoice for "collaborative leadership" (about $4,670) and staff identified an individual named Spencer as the point of contact for that class. On the redevelopment item, council members discussed that the 289 Bay Avenue lot is vacant and that the developer is considering alternatives to expensive dry flood‑proofing, including possible elevation strategies with parking and open space under the first occupied floor.

Votes at a glance: - Bill 2523 (ordinance amending Chapter 10 fees) — adopted on second and final reading (unanimous vote). - R25186 (personnel policies and supervisory supplement) — adopted (unanimous vote). - R25187 (transfer of surplus funds) — adopted (unanimous vote). - Consent agenda R25188–R25193 — adopted (unanimous vote).

The council closed the public hearing items and proceeded to administrative reports and the public comment period before adjourning at 7:31 p.m.