Highland Town Council interviews eight candidates for boards and commissions

The Town of Highland Town Council met on Feb. 6, 2026, to interview eight candidates for town boards and commissions, including multiple applicants for the Parks & Recreation Board, the Highland Police Commission and the Tree Board. The special meeting began at 8:30 a.m. in the community room of the Highland Police Station and adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

Several applicants seeking Parks & Recreation posts emphasized prior service and community involvement. Omar A. Torres asked to be reappointed to the Parks & Recreation Board, citing service as the board’s vice president, experience in youth coaching and more than a decade of involvement with local sports organizations; he also submitted a written request noting he has served “for the past five years” on the board. Jeff Minard, a lifelong Highland resident, told the council he would pursue improved connectivity to the Erie-Lackawanna trail, clearer signage for the Pumpkin Plod event and completion of a continuous path around the Rookery. Matt Hanft, who said he and his family regularly use town parks and the Lincoln Center, noted two decades of experience as a union ironworker and said he would focus on park design, maintenance and revenue generation for town facilities.

Two candidates sought seats on the Highland Police Commission. Deborah Trevino said she is applying for either the Parks & Recreation Board or the Police Commission and described more than 30 years in public-education administration and neighborhood leadership, including service as a precinct committeeperson and as president of a homeowners association. In her opening statement Trevino said: "Public safety affects every family in our community… I want to serve on the Police Board to help strengthen trust between the department and the community," and said she would emphasize fairness, transparency and due process. Terry Krooswyk, seeking reappointment to the Police Commission, described long-term residency, leadership of a community policing initiative and volunteer service with the department’s VIPS program; in a written message he said, "I have been pro police my entire life" and urged continual improvement of the department.

Michael Berry said he was applying to the Police Commission to support civilian oversight, transparency and data-driven reviews of department procedures; he told the council he had no personal or professional relationships with current commission members or department employees, which he said would allow independent review if appointed.

David A. Taylor applied to the Tree Board and highlighted credentials as a certified Purdue Master Gardener and a long record of local volunteer work. Taylor said he would like to expand the town’s tree variety, develop educational materials and publish a map or handout to help residents choose appropriate trees for private yards and town plantings.

No formal votes or appointments were recorded in the minutes excerpt provided; the meeting record shows the council completed interviews for all listed candidates and adjourned. The clerk-treasurer memorialized the proceedings in the minutes.