The purpose of the annual Reorganization Meeting is to install duly elected members of the governing body, take care of necessary “housekeeping,” and chart the course for the upcoming year. By statute, the meeting must be held within the first seven calendar days of January. Below are a few highlights:
Oaths of Office & Staff Appointments – Senator Patrick Diegnan Jr. issued the Oath of Office to Councilmembers Philip George and Matt Hale. Staff member Nerea Champion was appointed as Temporary Chief Financial Officer after serving as the Assistant Finance Officer since 2017.
Adoption of Mission Statement – Every year, Borough Council adopts a mission statement to guide its policy decisions in the upcoming year. Below is the 2023 mission statement of the Borough of Highland Park:
The mission of the Highland Park Borough Council is to establish a government based upon the principles of good government: ethics, efficiency and the effective provision of services. The Borough Council is committed to creating a thriving community, which is sustainable economically, environmentally and socially. The Borough Council is further committed to creating a community which values its unique and diverse populations and encourages direct public participation in the governing process.
Election of Council President: Councilwoman Elsie Foster was elected by Council to serve as Council President for 2023. In this role, Councilwoman Foster will serve as Acting Mayor until the Highland Park Democratic Committee nominates three individuals to fulfill the remaining year of Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler’s term, following her resignation effective December 31, 2022.
State of the Borough Address – Council President and Acting Mayor Elsie Foster delivered the annual “State of the Borough” address, highlighting some of the successes in 2022. First, and foremost, she thanked former Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler for her dedication to the Highland Park community and her nearly 15 years of service. She also acknowledged the ongoing commitment of the Borough Council, Borough employees, businesses and residents and expressed excitement about working with everyone in the coming year.
Appointment of Board & Commission Members – Members of the Borough’s volunteer boards, commissions, and committees were appointed and reappointed during the meeting. Boards, commissions, and committees are established by ordinance, which also outlines responsibilities, term length, and membership composition. If you are a resident interested in volunteering on a board, commission, or committee, you can go to hpboro.com/volunteer for more information and to fill out an application.
The next meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17th at 7 p.m.
