Full Notification

Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the February 20, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.

1) Police Officer Updates: Mayor Foster had the pleasure of swearing in Officer Trey Wilson as the newest addition to the Highland Park Police Department’s Patrol Division. She also administered the Oath of Office to newly promoted Sergeants Sean McGraw and Adalberto Pacheco. McGraw, who joined the HPPD in 2011, is the supervisor of the Detective Bureau and Pacheco, who joined the HPPD in 2019, is patrol supervisor of the overnight shift. 

2) Park Partners Grant Deadline, March 5^th: The deadline to submit an application for a Park Partners grant is Tuesday, March 5^th at 1:00 p.m. The program awards grant funds of up to $2,000 each for five community-based projects that fit into one or more of the following categories: Environment, Arts; Culture & Diversity; Safety, Universal Access, and Health & Wellness; and Highland Park High School class/club projects. Residents will cast their votes for their favorite projects on Sunday, March 17^th between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Highland Park Community Center. Applications can be found on the Borough’s website and can be submitted via email to [email protected] or hardcopies can be mailed/dropped off to Harry Glazer, Public Information Officer, Borough Hall, 221 So. 5^th Avenue.

3) MVC Mobile Unit Returning, March 4^th – March 8^th: Mayor Foster announced the return of the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission’s mobile services unit from Monday, March 4^th through Friday, March 8^th thanks to the office of Assemblyman Rob Karabinchak. That week, MVC staff will be able to offer two services – providing REAL ID’s and vehicle registration renewals. Making an appointment in advance is strongly recommended. To make an appointment for REAL ID, click here. To make an appointment for registration renewals, click here.

4) Felton Ave Tot Lot Funding: Borough Council authorized a grant agreement with Middlesex County for an Open Space, Recreation, and Farmland Trust Fund Grant in the amount of $85,500, which will cover half of the costs of the planned improvements to the Felton Avenue Tot Lot. The upgrades to the Tot Lot, which are expected to begin in the spring, include an ADA-accessible rubber play surface, a new play structure tailored to children ages 2 to 5, and new landscaping and pavers to make it a welcoming and versatile space.

5) Employee Healthcare Benefits: Borough Council authorized a resolution that would permit Highland Park to terminate their participation in the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) in favor of another health insurance provider that can offer comparable coverage at a lower cost. Healthcare costs in the SHBP have skyrocketed over the last few years and the Borough has been exploring other options to save both taxpayers and employees money.

If you’re interested in watching the February 20^th 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, March 5^th at 7:00 p.m.