High Bridge approves multi-item consent agenda, tables proposed Borough Hall hours change

The High Bridge Borough Council on Dec. 18 approved a multi-item consent agenda that included appointments, contracts and grant agreements, and moved to table a personnel-policy change after council questions.

The council voted to approve Resolutions 282–293 and 295 on a 6–0 roll call. The approved items included a $25,686.33 construction engineering agreement for 2018 Safe Routes to School Downtown Connection improvements with Greenman Pedersen, Inc. (Resolution 282); the appointment of Corinne Hockman as chief financial officer (Resolution 283); the appointment of Zakry Bergmann as a Department of Public Works laborer (Resolution 284); approval of parking-permit software from Integrated Technical Systems, Inc. (Resolution 285); authorization to build and calibrate a hydraulic model of the borough’s water system (Resolution 286); a change order for the Highland–Maryland–Elm–East Main roadway improvements project (Resolution 287); acceptance of the resignation of Borough Administrator Brett Bartman (Resolution 288); an Interlocal Health Services Agreement with Hunterdon County (Resolution 290); a municipal parks and recreation grant agreement and related Recreation Committee items including approval of Ben Shaffer Recreation for Union Forge basketball court improvements under the Bergen County cooperative in the amount of $139,003.88 (Resolution 292); and a budget transfer (Resolution 295). Several other routine monthly and administrative items also were approved as part of the consent package.

Councilwoman Conroy raised concerns about a provision in Resolution 294, described in the agenda as a proposed change to Borough Hall open hours and related personnel policy on lunch breaks. "Conroy asked about the provision to [change] Borough Hall open hours, citing inconvenience to residents," the council minutes note. Attorney Sapana Shah, the borough attorney, advised that the council consider an equitable solution for employees and suggested tabling the measure so staff could provide clarification. On a motion by Councilman Nowell and second by Councilman Doyle, the council moved to table Resolution 294; the motion passed 6–0.

The council also accepted a staff resignation through the consent agenda: the resolution listed the resignation of Administrator Brett Bartman and was included in the approved package. The minutes do not record additional comment about the administrator’s resignation during the meeting.

On routine business, the council approved the Nov. 13, 2025 meeting minutes earlier in the meeting and later approved the bill payment list totaling $1,009,187.01 on a separate 6–0 roll call.

The council scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire House, 7 Maryland Ave., High Bridge.