The council’s acquisition of the federal grant was hailed as an achievement. The grant, designed to support community-oriented policing, allows Highland Park to hire three additional officers, addressing the growing need for a larger police presence due to an increase in call volume and potential safety risks for existing officers. The council highlighted the importance of these new officers’ roles aligning with community service objectives, emphasizing the necessity of strong relationships between law enforcement and residents. The municipality has five years to utilize the funds, which will cover approximately one-third of the total costs associated with employing the new officers.

Discussions during the meeting revealed that while the grant provides financial support, it will not cover the entirety of the officers’ salaries and benefits. The council acknowledged that they would need to account for the remaining costs in the municipal budget, considering potential future budget impacts due to the additional hires. Additionally, the grant offers flexibility, as it is not tied to specific individuals, allowing the municipality to manage staffing changes if necessary. The new officers will undergo community-oriented training and serve in various capacities, such as patrol officers or detectives.

The council also addressed staffing challenges within the police department, noting that the previous minimum staffing level of two officers on duty was insufficient for Highland Park’s population of approximately 15,000. Efforts to reorganize shifts have enabled a minimum of three officers on duty at certain times, with the goal of increasing this number to enhance safety and efficiency. The need for additional officers extends beyond emergency responses, encompassing routine community policing activities and events.

The meeting also covered the council’s review of the annual best practices checklist, a necessary step for maintaining eligibility for local aid. This year’s checklist emphasized affordable housing, reflecting statewide concerns. The council achieved a score exceeding the minimum requirement for full state aid. The financial disclosure requirements for council members and other officials were also discussed, with the mayor warning of potential demerits for non-compliance.

Infrastructure projects were another focal point of the meeting. The council examined various initiatives related to water management and transportation, including sewer main linings and lead service line replacement. A report from Middlesex Water identified priorities for sewer pipe rehabilitation, with a budget of $600,000 allocated for these projects. The council expressed optimism about making progress in addressing high-priority areas, despite some challenges, such as the need for repairs before proceeding with planned linings in certain locations.

Additionally, the council discussed the necessity of purchasing a new shuttle bus to alleviate transportation hardships faced by community members. This decision comes amid financial challenges and the need for a practical solution that considers staff training requirements. Discussions included the potential for grant funding to support the purchase of an electric bus.