A prominent topic at the meeting was the recent water service interruption, which left residents of Highlands, Sebright, and parts of Middletown without water for 11 hours. A resident voiced strong dissatisfaction with the communication lapse, emphasizing the inconvenience caused by the lack of advance notice. The resident noted that basic tasks were rendered impossible, highlighting the need for a reliable notification system in emergencies. A council member acknowledged the issue, revealing that discussions had occurred with the water company regarding their inadequate communication. The council member stressed that residents should have been notified and that provisions such as bottled water should have been made available. The conversation underscored the importance of proactive communication from utility providers to mitigate similar issues in the future.

Another focal point of the meeting was the state’s planning commission redevelopment plan. A council member reported on a public informational meeting that featured contributions from Kathleen Shaw, who works with Highlands. The strategic plan aims to address unique challenges faced by coastal municipalities, particularly the high flood risks in Monmouth County. Participants proposed innovative ideas such as replacing highway grass with indigenous plants and increasing solar installations on state-owned properties to better adapt to environmental challenges.

A notable suggestion from a resident involved a cooperative transportation system for railroads across New Jersey and New York. This idea, which was well-received by the council, proposed that trains from New Jersey could drop cargo in New York City and pick up additional loads from Long Island. The concept was seen as a potential solution to ease transportation issues for residents and streamline operations across the metropolitan area.

In addition to these discussions, the council received updates on community events from the Highlands Business Partnership. The partnership reported the success of a recent St. Patrick’s Day parade, which drew approximately 12,000 attendees. Future events include the “Cinco de Highlands” celebration, boat races with cash prizes, the Taste of Highlands in June, and a craft festival during Memorial Day weekend. These events underscore the community’s vibrant social calendar and ongoing efforts to engage residents.

Another resident raised concerns about the stability of areas near newly erected parking signs, questioning whether heavy trucks might compromise the ground’s integrity. The area was previously deemed unsafe for parking, and the resident requested increased police patrols and a snow fence to prevent parking. A council member assured the resident that they would follow up with the police chief to address these concerns.

The council also tackled various ordinances and resolutions. Ordinance 02503, designating restricted parking for residences occupied by persons with disabilities, and Ordinance 02504, concerning municipal budget appropriations, were both passed unanimously. Resolutions authorizing right-of-way agreements and amending the 2025 temporary budget also received approval.

During the mayor’s report, several local government updates were shared. An open house was announced for April 7, 2025, at Borough Hall, aimed at fostering community engagement. The mayor provided progress updates on the shuttle project and discussions with prospective developers for properties like 289 Bay Avenue. Emergency services statistics were presented, detailing calls and inspections.

Ongoing projects were also highlighted, including the Portland Road drainage project, expected to conclude by May, weather permitting. The borough secured a $50,000 grant for planning upgrades to the James T. White plant. Plans for the Washington Avenue paving project and Shore Drive pedestrian improvements were discussed, with hopes for completion before Memorial Day. Environmental reviews for Frank Hall Park, construction at Overlook Park, and dredging at Jones Creek were also on the agenda.

The mayor concluded with details on a $50,000 T-Mobile grant for a bronze statue honoring Captain Joshua Huie, targeting finalization by June. A federal grant for a walkway over Route 36 was not secured, prompting the exploration of partnerships with state and county entities. Updates on the community rating system aimed at lowering flood insurance costs were also provided, indicating ongoing communication with FEMA.