In a recent session, Highlands Borough Council voted to support the United States Navy Operation Reachout Program, an initiative designed to create support networks for military families during deployments. A council member reported meeting with the program’s executive director and his assistant, who emphasized the need for socialization frameworks for military families who often do not participate in traditional veteran organizations. The council expressed a strong commitment to fostering connections among military families, with a motion to approve participation in the program receiving unanimous support. Highlands became the first town in the country to officially join the program.

Budgetary concerns also dominated the meeting, with discussions highlighting a substantial 36.12% increase in health insurance costs, amounting to an additional $540,000. This increase was coupled with rising payroll expenses, up by $232,000, and a $60,000 hike in liability insurance. Debt service also contributed to financial pressures, increasing by $88,000. The council deliberated on the financial challenges posed by these increases, particularly the unsustainable trajectory of health insurance costs. A suggestion was made that the county could potentially manage health insurance to secure better rates. The notion of municipalities collaborating to address these costs was also explored, although concerns about self-insurance models were raised. The council acknowledged the need to investigate alternatives to the current health plan, despite regulatory hurdles requiring municipalities to offer coverage.

In addition to these discussions, the council addressed various ordinances. A public hearing was held for Ordinance 02610, which aimed to amend zoning and land use regulations concerning grading, topsoil removal, and fees. A council member raised questions about clarity regarding regulations for property additions over and under 500 square feet. The ordinance passed unanimously after a brief public discussion.

Ordinance 02611 corrected a discrepancy in the borough code regarding permitted construction noise hours. The amendment ensured construction activities were limited to 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., addressing a previous misstatement allowing work until 8:00 p.m. The ordinance received unanimous approval following a public hearing with no questions raised.

The introduction of Ordinance 02612 proposed designated parking for residents with disabilities, contingent on documentation submitted to the police department. A council member noted that parking spots would be marked relative to utility poles for clarity. The ordinance passed on its first reading, with a public hearing scheduled for June 6, 2026. Ordinance 02613 addressed re-designation of a restricted parking space for a new disabled resident, also passing on its first reading with a public hearing set for June 3, 2026.

The council also reviewed the administrator’s report, which noted an 8.3% increase in Delta dental renewal, a significant reduction compared to previous years. Additionally, the impending conclusion of an auto repair shared service with Atlantic Island was discussed, as responses to the RFP were lacking. Efforts to engage neighboring municipalities like Long Branch and Rumson for assistance yielded mixed results. The administrator suggested a contingency plan involving ad hoc contracting on an as-needed basis if no further responses were received.

A guest speaker representing FC, a professional soccer team, addressed the council regarding a state grant aimed at facilitating free community events. The speaker expressed interest in collaborating with the municipality to provide transportation options for residents.

Finally, the council considered a liquor license transfer application for a property on Sea Street, with the hearing carried over to the next meeting on June 3, 2026, upon the applicants’ council’s consent. The discussion included a person-to-person transfer for the Chubby Pickle, requiring a motion that was seconded.