Highlands Borough Council Discusses Storm Preparedness and Development Plans
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
09/18/2024
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Recording Published:
09/19/2024
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Duration:
25 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Highlands
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Highlands Borough Council meeting on September 18, 2024, topics included storm preparedness, development plans, and amendments to local ordinances. Public concerns about the potential impact of federal funding on future storm protection measures and various legislative updates dominated the session.
The meeting opened with a discussion on storm preparedness, particularly in response to resident Bob Zolinski’s concerns about the community’s vulnerability to future storms reminiscent of Hurricane Sandy. Zolinski emphasized the importance of securing federal and state funding for infrastructure projects aimed at protecting the borough from future natural disasters. He stressed that failing to support such initiatives could jeopardize property values and flood insurance availability. Zolinski urged the council to provide comprehensive information to residents about the Army Corps of Engineers study, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks. This, he argued, would ensure that residents could make informed decisions in upcoming votes.
A council member addressed Zolinski’s concerns, correcting misconceptions about the council’s previous votes. The council member clarified that past votes were related to the study’s completion, not the project itself. The council emphasized the need for accurate information dissemination to avoid misunderstandings among residents regarding the project’s phases and implications. The council member reinforced the importance of a well-informed vote to ensure the community’s best interests.
Following this, the council moved on to the Overlook Park project. The discussion focused on a conceptual review of the project’s design, pricing, phasing, and engineering parameters. The council acknowledged that some proposed ideas for the park were ambitious and might not be financially feasible given the need to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly. The review aimed to refine the project to align with budgetary constraints while maximizing community benefits.
The council then addressed Ordinance 024-15, which proposes amendments to the Central Business District Development Plan. This ordinance seeks to incorporate current floodplain regulations, streamline development standards, and limit residential development. The amendments aim to clarify the redevelopment process. After a public hearing and brief discussion, the ordinance was adopted unanimously on its second and final reading.
Another notable legislative update was the introduction of Ordinance 024-16, which amends licensing regulations for short-term rentals. The new regulations consolidate fee structures into a single annual fee of $750, replacing the previous requirement of four quarterly inspections. This change aims to simplify the licensing process and reduce administrative burdens. Following a brief public inquiry about the fee increase, the ordinance passed unanimously on its second and final reading.
The council also introduced Ordinance 024-17, which designates restricted parking for residences occupied by persons with disabilities. This ordinance passed on its first reading, and a public hearing is scheduled for October 2, 2024.
During the administrator’s report, a council member provided an update on the New Jersey Film Ready program. The process for becoming a certified film-ready town includes attending workshops, designating a liaison, and adopting a formal permitting process. The council highlighted the economic potential of film projects, citing substantial revenue generated from film projects in New Jersey during 2022.
In other business, the council passed several resolutions. Resolution R24-161 acknowledged the receipt and review of the land use board consistency report for Ordinance 024-15. This resolution aimed to clarify and streamline the document. Resolution R24-162 authorized a shared services agreement with the Henry Hudson Regional School District. Additionally, the consent agenda included resolutions for purchasing enforcer software, refunding a bulk permit fee, awarding a contract for professional services related to the Highland tide installation project, and addressing the payment of bills.
The meeting concluded with public comments from residents. Joseph Doran inquired about enforcement actions related to the 14-32 North Beach Street project, expressing concerns about a steep slope violation. He hoped for further communication before the next meeting to address these issues.
Carolyn Broullon
City Council Officials:
Jo-Anne Olszewski, Donald Melnyk, Karen Chelak, Leo Cervantes
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
09/18/2024
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Recording Published:
09/19/2024
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Duration:
25 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Highlands
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