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Public commenters press council on Historical Committee and Solitude House as council introduces committee-amendment ordinance
Summary
Public speakers raised concerns that actions targeting volunteers on the Historical Committee prompted debate as the council introduced Ordinance 2023-029 to amend rules for boards and commissions; a separate motion to add a consulting contract for Solitude House restoration failed, while the consent agenda including other Solitude House-related resolutions passed.
Multiple public commenters used the council’s public-comment period to press elected officials on recent changes affecting the Historical Committee and planned work at Solitude House.
Matt Curtin of the High Bridge Historical Committee said he had received an email from the mayor about committee membership termination and addressed current and proposed ordinances that could affect committee members and volunteers. He also raised the removal of a resolution tied to grant funding for repairs at Solitude House and said volunteers were being targeted, according to his remarks recorded in the meeting minutes. Alfred Schweikert spoke during public comment to describe his work in the borough, requested to remain on the Historical Committee, and suggested changes to the agenda format.
Councilwoman Ferry, who oversees historical matters on the council, spoke later about Solitude House restorations and ongoing grant work; she and other council members thanked volunteers and described completed projects and future grant-funded repairs. Ferry also moved to amend the agenda to add a resolution approving Eclectic Architecture LLC for preservation consulting services to guide development of construction documents for the Solitude House north porch, citing a tight deadline for grant requirements. Attorney Barry Goodman advised that discussion prior to a vote was appropriate and provided procedural guidance.
The motion to add the Eclectic Architecture resolution failed after council debate on project timing and grant-handling procedures, with a roll-call of 4 no, 3 yes. Despite that failed amendment, the council approved a consent agenda that included several related items (Resolutions 241–244), among them a West Main Street stabilization proposal and directing Colliers Engineering to prepare a redevelopment plan for 1 Main Street; the consent agenda passed 6–0. Mayor Michele Lee said grant-handling procedures should be addressed by the relevant committee before moving forward with additional applications.
Sally Ward, a public commenter, expressed support for Ordinance 2023-029 and said the Grounds for Arts event was “amazing,” urged against personal attacks on volunteers, and asked residents to put away hummingbird feeders as the season changes.
The council introduced Ordinance 2023-029 — which would amend Chapter 8 governing boards, committees and commissions — on a 4–3 roll-call vote and scheduled its public hearing for Oct. 12, 2023. The introduction followed the public-comment concerns about committee membership and volunteer treatment; the ordinance text and specific changes were not read into the minutes at length during the meeting.
