Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the February 6, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Black History Month: Mayor Foster acknowledged the start of Black History Month, which highlights the contributions African Americans have made to our country and community. In her remarks, she celebrated the life of Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, a Highland Park resident who spent much of his career as a Professor of African Studies at Rutgers University. Dr. Van Sertima was most notably the author of They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America, published by Random House in 1977. The book has had 29 printings and was awarded the Clarence L. Holte Prize.
2) Cap Bank Ordinance Introduction: An ordinance allowing for the creation of a cap bank was introduced during the meeting and a public hearing prior to a vote on its passage will be held on Tuesday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. The cap rate ordinance is typically passed by the Borough each year. It allows municipalities to increase expenses up to 3.5% if needed due to unanticipated increases in expenses and creates a cap bank of unused appropriations in the event there are future expenditures that may cause the budget to exceed 2.5%.
3) Appointment of Professionals: Mayor Foster appointed the individuals and firms that will represent Highland Park on various matters in 2024. These appointees – referred to as “Professionals for 2024” – include our Borough Attorney, Borough Planner, and Borough Engineer. These professionals are listed in full on the posted agenda.
4) 810 No. 2nd Avenue Redevelopment Plan: Borough Council authorized a professional services agreement with LRK, Inc. to create a redevelopment plan for 810 North 2nd Avenue. The property is small, approximately 70x100, with a vacant laboratory building that dates back to the 1940s. The plan will establish new zoning for the site, including the potential for adaptive reuse of the existing structure for apartments. Once drafted, the plan will be presented and made available to the public for input prior to review by the planning board and adoption by the governing body.
5) Licensed Tree Expert: The Borough has selected Richview Consulting to work with DPW and the Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) on routine tree evaluations and planting projects for 2024. Richview is a versatile arboricultural firm with more than 50 years of combined experience between their Licensed Tree Experts (LTE) and arborists. An LTE from Richview will be in town regularly and will work with DPW and STAC on the development of a tree maintenance program that balances the preservation of our tree canopy with the reduction of tree hazards.
If you’re interested in watching the February 6th Mayor and Council meeting, go to the HPTV Youtube channel where the video of the meeting will be posted in its entirety. The next meeting of Mayor and Council is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m.
