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High Bridge council rejects ordinance to standardize committee rules after public debate
Summary
The Borough of High Bridge council voted down Ordinance 2023-029, which would have standardized rules for boards, committees and commissions; council members and public commenters disagreed over removal without cause, committee size and a proposed code of conduct.
The Borough of High Bridge council voted against adopting Ordinance 2023-029, an amendment to Chapter 8 that would have standardized rules for local boards, committees and commissions. The vote occurred at the regular council meeting on Oct. 12, 2023 at the Fire House, 7 Maryland Ave.
Mayor Michele Lee and Attorney Barry Goodman framed the ordinance as an effort to create consistent rules across committees. Goodman said the removal-without-cause language likely exists to protect the borough from lawsuits and legal fees, and several council members discussed adding a code of conduct and limits on committee size.
Public commenters urged different approaches. Resident Matt Curtin supported uniformity but asked for stronger due process for committee terminations and suggested alternative language; Paul Kovacsofsky questioned timing and procedures for other items tied to the ordinance; Karyn Gove urged care in drafting rules for the Creative Team; and Colleen Conroy argued for larger committees to encourage volunteer participation.
After public comment and council discussion, Councilman Anthony Nowell and Councilman William Graham moved to adopt the ordinance. The roll-call entry in the transcript records votes as: Doyle, no; Graham, yes; Nowell, yes; Schwartz, no; Silvestri, no; Ferry, no, and then records that the motion did not pass with a tally of “4 no, 3 yes.” The transcript’s list of named votes and the reported tally are inconsistent; the council minutes should be consulted for an official record.
The defeat leaves the current local committee rules unchanged. Council members signaled varying preferences: some said they want a future code of conduct added and clearer language before adoption, while others supported the proposed protections for volunteers and municipal liability. The council may revisit the ordinance with revised language at a future meeting.
The council adjourned after completing remaining business. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fire House.
