Tuesday, December 1, 2009

To BID or Not to BID: A very important question for Highlands (reposted)

The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) has been the economic development engine for the Borough of Highlands for a number of years. There has been benefit to not only the businesses but to the residents of Highlands as a result of the efforts of this organization. However, there is little understanding by the businesses and by the residents of Highlands as to how this organization came into existence, how it operates, and what its relationship is to the Governing Body of the Borough of Highlands. This lack of understanding exists despite extreme efforts on the part of the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) to explain itself to all. My hope is that a blog entry of a more permanent nature may be helpful in this regard.

The Borough of Highlands was enabled by state statute to created a Special Improvement District (SID), and so did by Ordinance. The law requires all commercial property within the district must be assessed an additional tax to fund economic development efforts within the Special Improvement District (SID). The law also requires establishment of a nonprofit corporation to manage the district. Thus, the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) was formed.

Every entity assessed by law is a member of the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP). The Board of Directors is established by annual election among the members of the nonprofit corporation. The purpose is that economic development be funded by the businesses and for the businesses, and that the managing corporation be governed by the businesses via democratically elected leadership. The Borough of Highlands participates in the management of the corporation by appointing two voting members of the Board of Directors.

The benefit to the Governing Body of Highlands is that there is no line item for economic development in the borough's municipal budget. Likewise, there is no staff in Borough Hall with duties toward economic development. In essence, the people of the Borough of Highlands have been saved this taxpayer funded expense because Highlands businesses pay for it themselves. In addition, Highlands residents benefit from a series of events funded by the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP), e.g. the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Clamfest, the Oktoberfest, and others.

The current economic downturn, political agendas, and personal agendas have culminated in an effort by the Borough Council to reconsider the benefits of the Special Improvement District (SID) and the managing corporation, the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP). The context of discussions regarding this issue is submission and approval of the HBP 2009 Budget. The Borough Council has suggested that it may not approve the HBP Budget, but rather that events previously run by the HBP would be run by Highlands Borough instead.

A few difficulties exist with execution of the Borough Council's suggested plan. First, contracts for vendors and participants in 2009 events may have been signed in 2008 with the HBP. All or part payments may have been made to or from the vendors/participants at that time. Second, all advertising of the events was made at the expense of and in the name of the HBP. HBP has the right to advertise events as canceled. Highlands Borough would have to re-advertise events as not canceled. Third, Highlands Borough does not have staff or funding in place to support this year's events. Highlands Borough would have to establish staff and funding to do the work that the HBP now does. Fourth, equipment and utility upgrades paid for by the Highlands Business Partnership may belong to the Highlands Business Partnership and might have to be paid for or replaced. Highlands Borough could not use the assessments to pay for expenses, as there are no assessments unless a budget is approved. Fifth, Highlands Borough would not have the right to information collected by the HBP in running past events, as this information belongs to the HBP. In essence, Highlands Borough would be starting from scratch to run events that the HBP now successfully runs, and spending funds not allocated in the 2009 and 2010 Budgets at a time when services are being cut and layoffs are contemplated.

It is true that the Special Improvement District (SID) and the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) have been politicized in the past. This tactic was unwise and inappropriate. Regardless, the benefits of the Special Improvement District (SID) and the HBP are undeniable.

The Borough Council has suggested that there might be more suitable projects for the HBP to champion, and that the Borough is capable of running Highlands' signature events. This may be so. However, transition of the events from HBP sponsorship to Highlands Borough sponsorship must be a collaborative and cooperative project. The Borough Council should send communication to the Board of Directors requesting the transition. Transition could take one to two years to complete. The HBP could then focus on these other projects with cooperation from the Borough Council without negative impact on the Borough's economy or loss of diversions for borough residents at a time when life at home may be an economic struggle.

The Borough Council has suggested that a chamber might be a more suitable organization funded by donations instead of by an assessment. This may be so. However, businesses who are assessed should be making this suggestion. Not hearing this from the HBP Board of Directors, and not hearing businesses lobby the HBP Board of Directors for relief, I cannot justify the Borough Council taking action upon this matter at this time.

Some members of the Borough Council state that businesses need a break during this difficult economic time, and therefore the HBP budget should not be approved. It is the responsibility and the prerogative of the businesses serving on the HBP Board of Directors to vote to disband the organization or cut their budget due to the economic downturn. I cannot justify Borough Council action that works against the spirit and purpose of state law and the borough ordinance that established the SID. Likewise, I cannot justify additional expense line items in the 2009 or the 2010 Municipal Budgets at a time when we are approaching breach of our statutory levy caps.

Highlands Borough is undertaking a Master Plan re-examination to increase potential commercial uses on Bay Avenue, e.g. professional service/office type uses. Highlands is also examining the benefits of reinvigorating our active seafood industry downtown via potential improvements to the Clam Depuration Plant and potentially establishing a new seafood distribution center in cooperation with Aqualife. Highlands Borough has been the center of discussions regarding expansion and development of water based transportation in the Bayshore Region of Monmouth County. This transportation alternative is significant in light of the Route 36 Bridge Construction and summer traffic conditions. Now is a time to build on our successful endeavors. Now is not the time to destabilize our economic engine.

There are so many pressing issues before the Borough Council, e.g. downtown flooding, budget reductions to comply with statutory levy caps, the need for a new Borough Hall, fighting gang influence, guns and drugs, code enforcement matters involving unsafe vacant buildings and property maintenance issues. The HBP issues can be solved via the HBP meetings and subcommittee meetings where businesses, council members and the public can plug in making statements and suggestions. The Borough Council should not unilaterally shut down a functioning organization without trying to effect changes appropriately through its process. If the Borough Council has tried to effect changes and failed because businesses do not agree, then we must not overstep our boundaries.

I hope that this matter can be decided based upon rational analysis, and not on political or personal agendas. A small town is like a family. We do not always agree with one another. Living in close quarters, our quirks can get on each other's nerves. However, none of us intends to leave Highlands. Thus, we must find a way to work together. Residents, Businesses, Governing Body, HBP: All for one, one for all. Better said: United we stand, divided we fall.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Fiscal Year 2010: Budget Reductions and Jobs in Borough Government

The quintessential struggle in managing a small municipality is balancing the need to reduce the budget with the need to keep Borough workers employed. Many Borough employees live locally in and around Highlands. These employees are also constituents, and have good insight toward keeping costs down and restructuring government to avoid future increases in the tax levy. It is important that management here in Highlands communicate freely with staff throughout the Borough keeping an open mind to suggestions that may come from Department Heads and individual Borough workers.

As Mayor I have had the distinct privilege of meeting one on one with many Borough employees. We have shared frank discussions regarding budgetary concerns and the need to reduce the size of Borough government. Employees have responded to concerns by identifying areas in each department where costs can be reduced or eliminated. Highlands should be proud of the dedication, professionalism and team work espoused by these members of our Highlands community.

Many employees who have become eligible for retirement are choosing to retire, increasing job security for their colleagues working in the Borough. It is touching to participate in discussions among employees about the priority for maintaining employment for those with young families and elder dependents. As retirements are accomplished, responsibilities are being analyzed and steps taken to hire from within, shifting additional responsibilities to existing staff. In most cases this has been accomplished with willing cooperation by Borough employees who keenly understand the impact of the levy cap and the threat of forced consolidation if we are unable to comply.

Our team in Borough Hall is pursuing technology as an alternative for streamlining Borough functions and improving response to the needs of Borough residents and business owners. Communication via email between Administration and Department heads provides a ready work list in chronological order, which can then be prioritized according to the emergent nature of each request. Increasing the number of forms available via the Borough website permits employees to focus more time on clerical duties and less time engaging in repetitive contact with the public.

Of course, the personal touch is necessary and preferred by some constituents. With small adjustments to the schedule and distribution of duties, morale is preserved and improved within Borough Hall. Employees who are comfortable with their work environment promote a more pleasant experience both for the public servant and for those served. I encourage all taxpayers throughout the Borough of Highlands to compliment your employees while interacting with them. Likewise make suggestions to them about how we can serve you better.

A dedicated workforce is our foundation and our hope for a better future in Highlands. Converting challenges into strengths by responding efficiently and effectively, Highlands can become a well oiled and well tuned instrument. All things are possible when we pull together and work as a team.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Flood Abatement: The Key to Quality of Life Downtown

Highlands is uniquely located on the shore of Sandy Hook Bay and the Shrewsbury River in perhaps the best location along the Jersey Shore. While we are best noted as a summer recreation town because of our close proximity to Sandy Hook and our renowned seafood restaurants, we are also only a 45 minute boat ride away from New York City, a world class cultural and business center. Most of the residents in Highlands live above sea level with good protection from storms due to the expensive and very effective bulkhead and pump system installed wisely after the 1992 flood. For this reason most summer residents in Highlands have chosen to make the Borough their year round home.

However, there are locations downtown in Highlands that routinely experience a collection of water in the streets. Some locations are subject to regular moon tide events which drive salt water from the bay into outfall pipes and into the streets. Other locations suffer storm water runoff from the Monmouth Hills section of Middletown leaving silt deposits in Highlands storm water pipes and most visibly in Jones Creek (the overflow basins at Snug Harbor and Huddy Park). While our pump system is effective, it requires regular maintenance by the Borough. The success of the Borough flood abatement solution also requires cooperation by private bulkhead owners in maintaining their private bulkheads where water may also seep into the ground and eventually into Borough streets. The Highlands storm water system is also in need of repair and updating in several areas and has remained so for several years.

In fairness to prior administrations I must admit that repairs and updates to the system are extremely expensive (roughly 4 million dollars). Clearly Highlands Borough taxpayers cannot afford to foot this bill all at once and without assistance from higher levels of government. Cooperation is also required from Middletown's Monmouth Hills residents in ensuring that the silt from their properties and the unpaved roadways does not remain in our storm water pipes and Jones Creek. Because the Middletown Monmouth Hills residents do not experience these events, awareness must be created through constant communication with them. The effect of the water events must be recorded diligently by photographs and reports by contractors cleaning the system and emptying Jones Creek of the silt and soil. There is much work to do before we will be successful in fully abating this recurring problem. However, the 2009 Borough Council and I have been working together to do whatever we can to immediately provide some relief.

In 2008 I asked Department of Public Works to designate a year round employee as a point of contact for flooding complaints related to the storm water system. A cell phone was provided to this individual so that he could remain on call around the clock for rapid response to maintenance issues. This individual is responsible for anticipating storms by monitoring the weather, and ensuring that pipes are cleaned and pumps are functional prior to storm occurrence. In 2008 I also asked Department of Public Works and the Office of the Administrator to establish a regular maintenance schedule for cleaning of storm water pipes in the Borough and for clearing of the silt and soil from Jones Creek. Administration and Public Works were already addressing the status of the Valley Street pump repairs and working with the maintenance bond provided by the manufacturer of the unit. The maintenance schedule for cleaning the system is aggressive and difficult for the Borough to maintain, but much progress has been made in reducing the amount of water downtown residents experience on a monthly moon tide basis.

Abatement of the collection of silt in storm water pipes and Jones Creek from storm water runoff during sudden rain events is a more difficult task. The storm water pipes in this area of the Borough as well as Jones Creek fill with silt and soil at a rapid rate with every heavy rainfall. The cleaning of the system after every heavy rainfall is cost prohibitive. To date we receive no assistance from Middletown Monmouth Hills in accomplishing this cleaning. Our goal is to establish a regular cleaning regimen that will avoid collection of water in the Huddy Park area after a sudden rain storm and to seek contribution from Middletown Monmouth Hills toward the expense. We are close to reaching this goal. However, I am advised by Borough Engineers that it may be impossible to produce the desired result without repairs and an upgrade to the system.

The 2009 Borough Council and I are committed to attending to this problem until it is resolved. We are presently seeking funding from FEMA and Economic Development grant sources to defray the cost of the repairs and upgrades. Regardless, the 2009 Council has made this project a priority by including it in the Capital Improvement portion of the 2009 fiscal budget. In fact, the 2009 Borough Council and I are considering removing other capital improvement items temporarily to permit this work to go forward while we seek grant opportunities to offset the expense. We must choose our priority projects in order to comply with state imposed budget limitations.

Highlands Borough Residents should rest assured that your representatives are aware of your difficulties in this area and are responding to your needs. Efforts are being made to make detail about our work in this matter available to you by every possible means. If you have questions or concerns regarding our progress, please feel free to contact your representatives by writing to them at Borough Hall or by using the email addresses provided at www.highlandsnj.com.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Highlands Budget Review Advisory Committee: Citizens working together with government

This year marks the creation of the first citizen budget review committee in Highlands. I created this committee due to the economic pressures on Highlands Borough and their effect upon our ability to meet the requirements of the budget levy caps. These caps are imposed by the state legislature and carry with them a consequence of state government takeover if they are breached. My goal as your mayor has been to avoid such a takeover and comply with the budget levy caps by all means available to us.

Unfortunately in 2008 our only available method of complying with these levy caps was to eliminate commercial garbage collection. This resulted in a layoff of some Borough employees. While this legislative action by the 2008 Governing Body has been successful in helping us meet the levy cap requirements this year, I would like to avoid the need for such drastic action in the future. Thus, the budget has been a focal point for me during my term as Mayor and a focal point of the 2009 Borough Council as well.

The Budget Review Advisory Committee is comprised of Highlands Borough citizens who have a financial background, or who feel they can make suggestions toward reducing budget line items and the resulting financial burden on Borough taxpayers. The Advisory Committee is charged with suggesting both short term and long term goals to assist the Governing Body in making the very difficult decisions required to avoid future unexpected cuts in services and loss of jobs by Borough employees. The final decisions required to implement changes proposed by the committee must be made by the Highlands Borough Council to become effective. If study is needed to determine steps required for implementation, expenditures must be approved by the Borough Council or the Executive Office of the Mayor depending upon the amount required.

I am hopeful that the committee will focus on items such as health insurance costs, legal expenses and engineering expenses. I am also hopeful that the group will examine available technology options toward streamlining services and reducing the need for additional employees to deliver increased services. However, the committee can also recommend ideas for producing revenue to the Borough which might offset expenses and avoid future tax increases. Government works best when it is representative of the people we serve. By participating in this advisory committee, Borough citizens will be directly communicating with their representatives. In this way necessary change will not be dictated, but will evolve through an open dialogue.

The Budget Review Advisory Committee is a groundbreaking tool toward streamlining the Highlands Borough Budget and creating a fair tax burden that permits an affordable quality of life in Highlands. All citizens are invited to participate. Information regarding how to become a participant can be obtained by contacting the Borough Hall offices.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Bayshore Business Conference: Building a Regional Economic Development Plan

This month I have had the honor of chairing and participating in the very first Bayshore Business Conference. The Conference is a focus group on economic development in the Bayshore section of Monmouth County. Both the organizers and the participants brought forth many exciting ideas for supporting business along our portion of the Jersey Shore. Topics ranged from improving synergy between local business groups and government at local, county and state levels to networking between towns to encourage regional marketing initiatives. I was encouraged and excited to share the concept of water transportation with the group as a means of linking our Bayshore towns and avoiding additional volume on Route 36. Some were very excited by the concept. I'm looking forward to working with each town on what their best next step might be toward supporting better business development in their downtown.

Highlands has been a leader in Economic Development in the Bayshore. The collaborative efforts of the Highlands business owners in cooperation with Highlands Borough government have resulted in Highlands becoming a destination for summer vacation fun, and terrific summer seasonal events. In recent years the season has extended from the early spring (Highlands' St. Patrick's Day Parade) to mid autumn (Highlands' Oktoberfest). The techniques developed by the Business Partnership in Highlands can be used in every Bayshore town. Our Borough has become an example to follow.

Highlands' downtown center is the Bay Avenue business district. Highlands also has great potential on our waterfront in the Shrewsbury Avenue area past Veteran's Park and to the south. And last but not least, our northern waterfront area presents a promising location for recreation and conference based businesses. While all business is suffering during this national economic downturn, Highlands is fortunate to have an active and vibrant business district anchored by distinctive and successful restaurants. These anchor businesses truly weather all storms keeping Highlands business district steadily active. I believe we have a firm foundation on which to build.

Increasing retail shops is a firm next step in improving the Highlands downtown business district. Highlighting our history as a clamming town and seashore vacation spot, focused retail shops could remind residents and visitors of the identity of Highlands. Inviting retailers that offer distinctive household items, arts and crafts, furniture, and jewelry will enhance the experience of the dinner patrons that visit Highlands during the evening hours. Retail shops supporting summer sports and recreation as well as cycling and skating enthusiasts might benefit from sales during the daytime hours. Our existing residents and visitors are likely to take advantage of these retail shops, and new visitors may be drawn to us knowing they can find fun for the whole family.

Another good next step might be encouraging service businesses such as accounting firms, law offices, financial management firms, technology companies, medical offices, printing services, and the like. These businesses will not only provide jobs for Highlands residents, but will provide support for retail shops to support their needs for day to day operation, and support for restaurants through meetings and conferences. The advertising produced by these service businesses will certainly benefit Highlands as it often reaches people beyond our borders, continuously placing Highlands on the map in the minds of their patrons. In this way the advertising of one business effectively advertises the whole town and other consumer opportunities available here.

Lastly, novelty combinations of recreation with technology could draw recreational visitors to our area. In this day of instant communication with cellular phones, text messaging, and multimedia messages wifi internet access in our downtown business district might provide a progressive marketing opportunity for Highlands. The possibility of working or communicating with friends and family from a public park, while on a boat in the river, or while sitting outside your favorite restaurant may be enticing to visitors. Likewise, our own Highlands residents can get out of the house into the open air while keeping up with work outside the office, and staying in touch with family and friends. The 2008 wifi proposal has a $125,000 price tag. Grant money may be available to defray some of this cost. I hope the Borough Council and the Planning Board will consider this as a short term stimulus for growth in the district.

The Highlands Borough Planning Board is reexamining the Master Plan for Highlands Borough in the hope of stimulating economic growth in our downtown business district and along our waterfront. This project is a collaborative effort taking into account a balance between the needs of residents and business owners in Highlands. It is one of the most important projects ongoing in Highlands this year. I have enjoyed working with this group of energetic, forward thinking individuals. We all want Highlands to be vibrant and healthy, while maintaining our quiet, peaceful seashore setting. I'm sure we can develop a Master Plan that works toward that goal.

The Bayshore Business Conference provides Highlands a forum in which to showcase our successes and discover new ideas through networking with other Bayshore towns. By organizing our efforts regionally, we can all advertise each other providing a host of alternatives for seasonal summer fun and year round business opportunity. I am honored to chair the Conference for the benefit of Highlands and the other participating towns in the region. The Bayshore is a valuable asset to Monmouth County and the State of New Jersey. Working together I am certain we will reach our full potential.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Highlands Public Library: Private dollars donated for public service

For the past twelve years, the National Education Association has been sponsoring "Read Accross America" during the month of March. Highlands Borough is supporting this literacy campaign with an event at our firehouse on March 11, 2009. Children and adults are encourage to participate by volunteering as a reader, listening, or sharing how reading can shape our lives. Now seems a fitting time to post an update on efforts to establish a public library in our Borough.

Members of the Borough Council have created a Dedicated Trust by Rider for the purpose of fundraising in support of a public library in the Borough of Highlands. The Highlands Public Library Committee was created in 2008 and meets every first and third Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Borough Hall meeting room. So far, architectural drawings have been received depicting the old Borough Hall and a proposed retrofit for the old firehouse bay to incorporate shelving donated by the Monmouth County Eastern Branch Library as well as multiuse library/meeting space. It has even been proposed that when the library is not in use by the public, the space might be used by Borough employees who need expanded space to complete office projects, or by councilmembers, the administrator and/or Borough professionals for meeting purposes. Borough Council meetings may continue in the current Council meeting chambers, or could be rotated to other locations in the Borough to permit multipurpose use of that space as well. Most recently an experience contractor has agreed to scope the retrofit project for review by the Borough Engineer. Materials can be purchased with donated funds held in the Dedicated Trust, or can be donated to the project.

The Library Project is a community effort for the benefit of residents of all ages. The pro bono services of an attorney have been secured for the purpose of establishing a 501(c)(3) corporation that will conducting additional fundraising and management of the Highlands Public Library in cooperation with the Borough of Highlands in an Association Library structure. The Library Committee and I will keep you updated on developments as they occur.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

To BID or Not to BID: A very important question for Highlands

The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) has been the economic development engine for the Borough of Highlands for a number of years. There has been benefit to not only the businesses but to the residents of Highlands as a result of the efforts of this organization. However, there is little understanding by the businesses and by the residents of Highlands as to how this organization came into existence, how it operates, and what its relationship is to the Governing Body of the Borough of Highlands. This lack of understanding exists despite extreme efforts on the part of the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) to explain itself to all. My hope is that a blog entry of a more permanent nature may be helpful in this regard.

The Borough of Highlands was enabled by state statute to created a Special Improvement District (SID), and so did by Ordinance. The law requires all commercial property within the district must be assessed an additional tax to fund economic development efforts within the Special Improvement District (SID). The law also requires establishment of a nonprofit corporation to manage the district. Thus, the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) was formed.

Every entity assessed by law is a member of the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP). The Board of Directors is established by annual election among the members of the nonprofit corporation. The purpose is that economic development be funded by the businesses and for the businesses, and that the managing corporation be governed by the businesses via democratically elected leadership. The Borough of Highlands participates in the management of the corporation by appointing two voting members of the Board of Directors.

The benefit to the Governing Body of Highlands is that there is no line item for economic development in the borough's municipal budget. Likewise, there is no staff in Borough Hall with duties toward economic development. In essence, the people of the Borough of Highlands have been saved this taxpayer funded expense because Highlands businesses pay for it themselves. In addition, Highlands residents benefit from a series of events funded by the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP), e.g. the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Clamfest, the Oktoberfest, and others.

The current economic downturn, political agendas, and personal agendas have culminated in an effort by the Borough Council to reconsider the benefits of the Special Improvement District (SID) and the managing corporation, the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP). The context of discussions regarding this issue is submission and approval of the HBP 2009 Budget. The Borough Council has suggested that it may not approve the HBP Budget, but rather that events previously run by the HBP would be run by Highlands Borough instead.

A few difficulties exist with execution of the Borough Council's suggested plan. First, contracts for vendors and participants in 2009 events may have been signed in 2008 with the HBP. All or part payments may have been made to or from the vendors/participants at that time. Second, all advertising of the events was made at the expense of and in the name of the HBP. HBP has the right to advertise events as canceled. Highlands Borough would have to re-advertise events as not canceled. Third, Highlands Borough does not have staff or funding in place to support this year's events. Highlands Borough would have to establish staff and funding to do the work that the HBP now does. Fourth, equipment and utility upgrades paid for by the Highlands Business Partnership may belong to the Highlands Business Partnership and might have to be paid for or replaced. Highlands Borough could not use the assessments to pay for expenses, as there are no assessments unless a budget is approved. Fifth, Highlands Borough would not have the right to information collected by the HBP in running past events, as this information belongs to the HBP. In essence, Highlands Borough would be starting from scratch to run events that the HBP now successfully runs, and spending funds not allocated in the 2009 and 2010 Budgets at a time when services are being cut and layoffs are contemplated.

It is true that the Special Improvement District (SID) and the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) have been politicized in the past. This tactic was unwise and inappropriate. Regardless, the benefits of the Special Improvement District (SID) and the HBP are undeniable.

The Borough Council has suggested that there might be more suitable projects for the HBP to champion, and that the Borough is capable of running Highlands' signature events. This may be so. However, transition of the events from HBP sponsorship to Highlands Borough sponsorship must be a collaborative and cooperative project. The Borough Council should send communication to the Board of Directors requesting the transition. Transition could take one to two years to complete. The HBP could then focus on these other projects with cooperation from the Borough Council without negative impact on the Borough's economy or loss of diversions for borough residents at a time when life at home may be an economic struggle.

The Borough Council has suggested that a chamber might be a more suitable organization funded by donations instead of by an assessment. This may be so. However, businesses who are assessed should be making this suggestion. Not hearing this from the HBP Board of Directors, and not hearing businesses lobby the HBP Board of Directors for relief, I cannot justify the Borough Council taking action upon this matter at this time.

Some members of the Borough Council state that businesses need a break during this difficult economic time, and therefore the HBP budget should not be approved. It is the responsibility and the prerogative of the businesses serving on the HBP Board of Directors to vote to disband the organization or cut their budget due to the economic downturn. I cannot justify Borough Council action that works against the spirit and purpose of state law and the borough ordinance that established the SID. Likewise, I cannot justify additional expense line items in the 2009 or the 2010 Municipal Budgets at a time when we are approaching breach of our statutory levy caps.

Highlands Borough is undertaking a Master Plan re-examination to increase potential commercial uses on Bay Avenue, e.g. professional service/office type uses. Highlands is also examining the benefits of reinvigorating our active seafood industry downtown via potential improvements to the Clam Depuration Plant and potentially establishing a new seafood distribution center in cooperation with Aqualife. Highlands Borough has been the center of discussions regarding expansion and development of water based transportation in the Bayshore Region of Monmouth County. This transportation alternative is significant in light of the Route 36 Bridge Construction and summer traffic conditions. Now is a time to build on our successful endeavors. Now is not the time to destabilize our economic engine.

There are so many pressing issues before the Borough Council, e.g. downtown flooding, budget reductions to comply with statutory levy caps, the need for a new Borough Hall, fighting gang influence, guns and drugs, code enforcement matters involving unsafe vacant buildings and property maintenance issues. The HBP issues can be solved via the HBP meetings and subcommittee meetings where businesses, council members and the public can plug in making statements and suggestions. The Borough Council should not unilaterally shut down a functioning organization without trying to effect changes appropriately through its process. If the Borough Council has tried to effect changes and failed because businesses do not agree, then we must not overstep our boundaries.

I hope that this matter can be decided based upon rational analysis, and not on political or personal agendas. A small town is like a family. We do not always agree with one another. Living in close quarters, our quirks can get on each other's nerves. However, none of us intends to leave Highlands. Thus, we must find a way to work together. Residents, Businesses, Governing Body, HBP: All for one, one for all. Better said: United we stand, divided we fall.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Active Fishing Industry in the Bayshore Begins with Highlands

The Borough of Highlands is historically a clamming town. We retain this heritage today in our support of the James T. White Clam Depuration Plant on Fifth Street and Cedar Avenue. Most recently individuals at the plant and working with Certified Clam corporation have participated in testing cutting edge technology which permits live shipment of shellfish internationally by boat, as well as cross continent in the US and to Canada by truck. This shipment method keeps packing and shipping costs low, reduces carbon emissions to the environment, and delivers a superior live product to the marketplace anywhere in the world for a more reasonable price. The Highlands Borough Council passed a Resolution last year supporting the development of a distribution terminal in Highlands Borough making her the hub on the United States Eastern Seaboard for this new packing and shipping method.

These latest technological developments in live shellfish shipment have created new excitement about Highlands' heritage and a better focus for seafood industry development in Highlands and the Monmouth County Bayshore region. Spin off discussions about strengthening retail shellfish operations in the Highlands Business District, and rekindling related retail business uses to support the shellfish industry are already heard about town. Thematic educational displays might be available to the Borough demonstrating the depuration process, and the new packing technology permitting low cost international shipment. There is even talk of encouraging development of a fish auction at one of the ports in the Borough.

All of these creative ideas could not have come at a more appropriate time, when the rest of the nation is grappling with increased joblessness and other effects of the worldwide economic downturn. I am encouraged by editorials in local newspapers that show others share similar thoughts regarding the direction of the local seafood industry. In Highlands Borough we are proud of the hard working clammers and fishermen who keep the industry alive, and delight us with delectable entrees night after night. It is difficult to justify cooking and eating at home, when such local fresh seafood is available via twenty restaurants in a half square mile!

I look forward to working with the people of Highlands and those who work here in our shellfish and seafood industry, making Highlands all she used to be and more. I believe we are the key to reviving the Bayshore regional economy. I am certain that the shellfish and seafood industry will be the core of that economic growth.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Mayor's State of the Borough Address

2008 was a challenging year for Highlands and throughout our nation, with ripples worldwide. In Highlands we must embrace our challenges because they bring us an opportunity to refocus our goals. While 2009 will also be challenging in Highlands, we will overcome by seizing the opportunity to work together as a Council and as a community.

I am proud of the 2008 Highlands Borough Council and our accomplishments. The following are just some of them. Relative to the Route 36 Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge Construction, we established a committee to improve communication between NJDOT and Highlands Borough; Continued prior Mayor & Council's efforts for Highlands Avenue repairs funding in amount of $1,184,000; Obtained NJDOT funding for Valley Avenue drain repair; Discussed Bayside Drive repairs, relocation of the police communications system and Portland Road repairs; Discussed water based transportation via the Seastreak ferry service to alleviate traffic issues associated with construction and travel to and from Highlands/Sandy Hook by car.

Regarding downtown flooding, we supported a moratorium on FEMA flood maps to encourage investigation and impact of flood abatement improvements; Established a regular maintenance schedule for cleaning of storm drains; Designated a Borough employee responsible for the maintenance schedule and additional cleaning before and after storms; Obtained Engineering status report, inspection and proposed improvements for increased capacity at pump stations, capping of outfall pipes with valves, upgrades to bulkheads, storm pipe lining/repairs, and a possible new pump at Snug Harbor Ave; Discussed Federal Stimulus Infrastructure Grants as possible funding source for this multimillion dollar project because all improvement must be simultaneously implemented to be effective.

In the area of code enforcement we discussed the need for a Borough-wide Property Maintenance Inspection Schedule and related manpower; Discussed the possible assumption of BHI inspections in multi-unit dwellings to permit annual inspections instead of once every five years; Used a Scattered Site Redevelopment program to address vacant buildings, holding the final meetings relative to existing code violations previously cited in past years.

We also recognized the need for a new Borough Hall; Redesigned/remodeled Police Headquarters, updating the fire radio and moving emergency communications to the new Firehouse; Discussed technology needs and incorporation of a public library into the new Borough Hall, establishing a dedicated trust for receiving donations for the library portion of the building; Discussed demolition of the old sewerage plant on Shore Drive and establishing additional public parking.

We addressed Zoning and Master Plan issues focusing on improved commercial uses in Bay Avenue's downtown business district and the Steep Slope Ordinance which is needed to maintain stability of steep slopes in Highlands while maintaining aesthetically pleasing solutions to destabilized slopes. We improved our sanitary sewer system by creating a stronger Grease Trap Ordinance, establishing a flow meter at Basin 8 and designing rehabilitation plans for Basin 2. Federal Stimulus Infrastructure grants may be a funding source for these upgrades. We supported quality of life initiatives by enacting a stronger Shade Tree Ordinance, appointing a fully active Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission, and receiving a $220,000 Monmouth County Open Space grant to acquire #2 Private Road near Miller street for public access to the water.

To stimulate our economy in Highlands we promoted the Borough via television through the HBP Tourism Video and Comcast News makers taping. We encouraged area realtors to propose commercial office space as an alternative to residential uses in properties on Bay Avenue; Discussed the possibility of wireless internet connectivity via a broadband system downtown as a high-tech draw to vacationers and suggesting that high-tech businesses are welcome in Highlands; Discussed underground utilities as a visual improvement and for expansion of the Clam Festival; Discussed creation of jobs for Highlands residents and use of the proposed public library in cooperation with the Media Center at Henry Hudson Regional High School for Borough sponsored education and training programs; Re-examined Mercantile Licensing Procedures to allow new businesses in the Borough to open efficiently but with the safety of residents and patrons in mind; Discussed water based transportation as a mass transit system that would stimulate economic growth in Highlands and the Bayshore section of Monmouth County.

Finally, regarding the Budget, we cut all variable expenses 10-15%; Discussed bringing engineering services in house to reduce costs; Re-examined the Borough vehicle policy; Increased Fees and Penalties; Re-examined the Clam Plant Lease as a revenue source to the Borough; Discussed establishing a new lease of Borough property to Aqua Life Seafood Distributors as a new revenue source to the Borough; Obtained 1% contribution by police officers toward health benefit premiums; Supported elementary school consolidation study; Shared service with Highlands Elementary School in the area of snow plowing, recreational programming and police communications; Discussed possibility of cooperative purchase of electricity through the Bayshore Conference of Mayors.

In 2009 we will work toward completing unfinished business in all areas of accomplishment in 2008. I have already met with each member of your 2009 Borough Council. We have agreed that the first major action items for 2009 are: SFY 2009 and SFY 2010 Budget; Storm Drain Improvements/Flood Abatement; Code Enforcement (including Property Maintenance, Grease Traps and Scattered Site Redevelopment); Steep Slope Ordinance/Master Plan Re-examination/Downtown Zoning; And a new Borough Hall including a public library (privately funded).

In all seriousness I project that Highlands Borough will be fighting for our very existence in 2009 as we have never fought before. Due to the economic downturn I expect further revenue reductions to the Borough in the area of state aid. In May of 2008 the state declared that aid would be cut to force consolidation of small towns under 10,000 people. Highlands has a population of roughly 5,000. Your 2009 Borough Council will be exploring consolidation as an option toward tax relief. However, we will not take this drastic action without consulting you. I intend to ask your 2009 Borough Council for support in submitting referendum questions for the November ballot asking you whether you support Highlands Borough exceeding the operations levy cap to avoid the layoff of Borough employees and whether you support consolidation of Highlands with another town to reduce taxes.

Today I will establish a new committee to the Council, named the "Budget Review Advisory Committee." This will permit members of the public and business owners in the Borough to more formally participate in budget examination, making suggestions from several perspectives for consideration during our difficult budgetary work. I hope that future mayors will continue this committee's existence. We must all work together if Highlands is to survive this economic climate.

On a positive note I am encouraged by my early meetings with members of this 2009 Highlands Borough Council. Each individual council member brings a different area of expertise to this table. Our differences are Highlands' strength. I believe we all take to heart the best interests of Highlands Borough and the people we serve. I am looking forward to accomplishing as much in 2009 as the 2008 Council did, if not more. When we are faced with challenges, we are given a chance to refocus our lives. We must always remember to focus on the people we love most. They are examples of the people we serve. At the Council level, the people we serve must be our focus.

I am honored to have served as your Mayor with the 2008 Council, and I continue to feel honored to serve you with the 2009 Council that you have elected. Highlands Borough is the best little town on Earth. A Happy , Healthy and Prosperous New Year 2009 to you and your families.