Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the January 6, 2026, Reorganizational Meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council:
The purpose of the annual Reorganizational 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:
1) Oaths of Office for Newly-Elected Council Members, Council President, and Municipal Court Judge: Council Member Matthew Hale was administered the oath of office by New Jersey State Senator Patrick Diegnan to serve another three-year term on the Borough Council. Council Member Stephany Kim-Chohan was elected to serve a second year as Council President, and Senator Diegnan also swore her in. Mayor Foster administered the oath of office to Judge Edward Herman, who has served as Highland Park’s Municipal Court Judge since 2001.
2) Adoption of Mission Statement: Every year, the Borough Council adopts a mission statement to guide its policy decisions in the upcoming year. Below is the 2026 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.
3) State of the Borough Address: Mayor Foster delivered the annual “State of the Borough” address, highlighting several major initiatives that reflect Highland Park’s commitment to safety, infrastructure, culture, and community engagement. The Mayor emphasized community-driven planning and investment projects, including the South 3rd Avenue Public Plaza design process, ongoing improvements along the Upper Raritan and Woodbridge Avenue corridors, and upgrades to public works equipment to ensure reliable, modern municipal services. The Mayor celebrated Highland Park’s strong civic and cultural life, citing the Public Library’s successful One Book/One Town program and the impactful work of local boards and commissions, particularly in the arts and historical preservation. Finally, the Mayor recognized the dedication of Borough staff and public servants, including police department promotions and new hires, whose service helps keep Highland Park safe and thriving.
4) Standing Committees: Each council member was appointed to serve on three standing committees, chairing one of them. Standing committees provide the opportunity for council members to focus on the activities of specific departments and commissions and offer policy support as needed. Standing Committee appointments for 2025 are as follows:
- Matthew Hale: Economic Development & Planning
- Matthew Hersh: Public Works & Public Utilities
- Stephany Kim-Chohan: Finance
- Jason Postelnik: Health and Human Services
- Norma Vargas: Recreation and Arts
5) 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 commission, or committee, you can go to
hpboro.com/residents/volunteer for more information and to fill out an application.
If you’re interested in watching the January 6th Council meeting, go to HPTV’S Youtube channel where the meeting will be posted in its entirety. The next meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th at 7 p.m.
