Happy New Year 2010 to you and your families. It is an honor to report to you regarding the experience of working with the Highlands Borough Council of 2009. The past year was filled with challenges, some created by actions of higher government, and some created by ourselves. We have all learned something from each other throughout this past year. We are all better as individuals for our experiences working together as members of this Governing Body.
In 2009, we continued to face many of the challenges that we faced in 2008 . Worldwide economic pressures yet unresolved resulted in new budget challenges here and in all levels of government. Moon Tides and sudden downpours continued to create flood management requirements. Bridge Construction continued to affect quality of life for residents and businesses throughout the Borough. Highlands felt an increased impact of the war in Afghanistan as we honored veterans and were reminded of the sons of Highlands fighting in the present foreign war, recognizing the needs of their families here at home.
We ourselves created a few new pressures on businesses via our ABC Ordinance enforcement and ID card requirements. We also sent business owners scrambling to rework the budget of the Highlands Business Partnership, and to determine new methods for running HBP signature events without the “seed money” provided by the annual assessment imposed by the businesses against themselves. Through communication about these issues, members of the Governing Body proposed changes to the ABC Ordinance and ID requirements, and business owners resolved to continue operating the Highlands Business Partnership as a nonprofit organization. Our work in these areas is far from complete.
Throughout 2009 the Highlands Borough Council continued our work on budgetary issues. Worldwide economic decline pushed unemployment into double digits, forcing state government to reduce aid to municipalities once again. Policy changes and new ordinances passed by the 2008 Council, and cost saving suggestions by Borough employees, saved Highlands from levy cap breaches yet again in 2009. The Budget Review Advisory Committee spent countless hours analyzing the Borough's budget and has learned much about the difficulty in making short term budgetary changes. The Committee has many long term goals which will be helpful guidance to the Governing Body in 2010. The 2010 Council can look forward to considering actions to facilitate the goals of this very valuable Committee.
Construction of the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge progressed with consequent quality of life issues, including traffic impact which created difficulty for residents and businesses alike. Through the Bridge Committee here in the Borough and via participation in the NJDOT construction meetings at the office of the Resident Engineer, we have made the concerns of residents and businesses known to NJDOT and its contractors. We continue to work on resolving many of the issues related to Bridge Construction, and will continue to post updates on the website under the Bridge Update button throughout 2010.
Our two most important achievements in 2009 were in the areas of zoning and flood abatement. In December 2009 the Governing Body enacted zoning ordinances in compliance with the Master Plan Reevaluation conducted by the Highlands Planning Board, and created a Bond Ordinance which would allow funding for a comprehensive solution to downtown flooding. Applications for funding assistance based on designs facilitated by the Bond Ordinance are expected to be submitted within the first quarter of 2010. These accomplishments were important in support of economic development in our downtown business area, improving quality of life for Highlands residents and increasing property values. Projects such as these improve our position in the FEMA Community Rating System giving us stronger eligibility for future funding and reductions in flood insurance costs.
I have already met informally with members of the 2010 Borough Council. There is certainly a different dynamic present in 2010 as compared with 2009. While our agenda for 2010 is still being formed, I am hopeful that in the true “Highlands Spirit” we will find unity in our common goal: To contribute to the betterment of the Borough, our home.
On this New Year's Day 2010 we should all be reminded of the gift given us by the founding fathers of our country, and which our military fights to preserve today. In many countries people are denied the opportunity to participate in their government. They are dictated to by leaders who are self interested and who disregard the needs of the people they serve. In Highlands we, the people, elect our government to represent our interests fairly and honestly. In our small community we are able to truly know our elected officials and communicate with them freely. We must all be encouraged to appreciate our freedoms and to use the gift of self government to the fullest extent. Our government is only fully effective if we participate fully.
Best Wishes for Peace and Prosperity in 2010. A Happy New Year to everyone.
Showing posts with label economic growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic growth. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Economic Downturn and Municipal Government: Global is Local
Surely we will all be affected by decision of the Federal and State Government in response to the economic downturn and its consequences. Many believe that local government is powerless to affect the overall economy, and must rather react to pressures adjusting policy accordingly. However, I believe that local officials also bear a responsibility to seek ways to address economic pressures. These are perhaps the single greatest threat to the quality of life of the people we serve.
Of course, we must scrutinize our budgets to curtail spending and avoid tax increases. Likewise, we must seek new revenue sources to offset the tax levy providing long term relief to our constituents. Further, we must streamline the delivery of services by local government using cutting edge technology where possible to reduce the financial burden associated with a demand for new or improved services to the public in a time of need. Lastly, government must look to share services among all levels of government, across town borders and regionally where appropriate. The individual taxpayer should pay a minimum required amount for the service received regardless of the government source of the service.
However, I believe the responsibility of local officials also extends to Stimulating Economic Growth. We must seek ways to stimulate the local economy in our towns, providing hope to our residents and businesses at a time when they so desperately need it. We must look forward bearing the past in mind and engage the public in discussion on the issues. It is difficult to lose hope while engaged in a project with a future goal. Hope can be restored to one who is desperate if a new plan is suggested and work is created as a result.
While we must first be concerned with economic activity within our town's borders, the overall economy can be supported by these grass roots efforts. For example, by attracting small to mid-sized businesses from a larger more expensive city to relocate in a small New Jersey town, local officials might be saving a business from closing its doors by offering a smaller rental payment and less demanding staffing alternatives, while creating jobs and rental income for constituents who might also be saved from desperation at a time of need.
I am sure that Federal and State Government needs all the help it can get. I believe global is local, and destiny is ours to dictate.
Of course, we must scrutinize our budgets to curtail spending and avoid tax increases. Likewise, we must seek new revenue sources to offset the tax levy providing long term relief to our constituents. Further, we must streamline the delivery of services by local government using cutting edge technology where possible to reduce the financial burden associated with a demand for new or improved services to the public in a time of need. Lastly, government must look to share services among all levels of government, across town borders and regionally where appropriate. The individual taxpayer should pay a minimum required amount for the service received regardless of the government source of the service.
However, I believe the responsibility of local officials also extends to Stimulating Economic Growth. We must seek ways to stimulate the local economy in our towns, providing hope to our residents and businesses at a time when they so desperately need it. We must look forward bearing the past in mind and engage the public in discussion on the issues. It is difficult to lose hope while engaged in a project with a future goal. Hope can be restored to one who is desperate if a new plan is suggested and work is created as a result.
While we must first be concerned with economic activity within our town's borders, the overall economy can be supported by these grass roots efforts. For example, by attracting small to mid-sized businesses from a larger more expensive city to relocate in a small New Jersey town, local officials might be saving a business from closing its doors by offering a smaller rental payment and less demanding staffing alternatives, while creating jobs and rental income for constituents who might also be saved from desperation at a time of need.
I am sure that Federal and State Government needs all the help it can get. I believe global is local, and destiny is ours to dictate.
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