Congressman Frank Pallone swore in Mayor Lori Hohenleitner as mayor, Councilman Jon Crowley to his second term and Alison Forbes to her first term on council at the noon reorganization of the Atlantic Highlands Borough Council New Year’s Day.
The standing room only meeting was filled with cheers, congratulations, applause, tears and hope for safe, peaceful and prosperous 2024 as Hohenleitner, who has served two years on council, tearfully and emotionally read her statement praising borough employees, volunteers, friends,, professionals and others for their work in the past, their presence at the reorganization and their dedication to the “Atlantic Highlands we all love.” She noted outgoing Mayor Loretta Gluckstein, who did not seek another term and was unable to be present for this meeting, will be honored at the Jan 11 regular meeting of the governing body.
Hohenleitner also noted the deaths of two former stalwarts of the borough during the past year, the late Councilman Walter Curry, whose family has been active in the borough for generations in numerous capacities, and the former Mayor Helen Marchetti, a native who served on numerous committees before becoming first a councilwoman then a mayor.
Hohenleitner predicted 2024 would a “year of accomplishments “welcome all new residents to the borough and an invitation to others noting “we have enough resources to share.” She noted attention to climate change will be a priority as well as promotion of the arts during the year. The borough’s newsletter, a popular publication in earlier years, will be renewed this year, both in print and online, she said. In recognizing the Rev. Nicole Hamilton of the United Methodist Church who gave the invocation, and the Rev. Brian Rawls of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, who offered the benediction at the end of the meeting, Hohenleitner also noted the borough is one with a strong faith community.
All the appointments and re-appointments were by unanimous vote, with Councilman James Murphy, the only Republican on the new governing body, objecting to the mayor failing to reappoint Ellen O’Dwyer to her position on the Green Team. O’Dwyer recently was commended throughout the state for her work in helping Atlantic Highlands achieve the Small-Town Champion Award from Sustainable Jersey and has led the borough to sustainable Jersy awards throughout her term on the Environmental Council.
At least one dozen attorneys were appointed to their positions in various capacities, with Marguerite Schaffer continuing as borough attorney, Jason Capizzi named bond counsel, David Minchello, labor attorney, Meghan Bennett, redevelopment counsel, Leslie London, special counsel for affordable housing, Gregory Cannon and Matthew Giacobbe, special counsels, Michael B., Steib special council, James Butler and William McGovern, prosecutors and Kevin Wigginton and Wendy Crowther, public defenders.
Robert Oliwa was named borough auditor, Robert Parisi, risk management consultant, Francis Reiner redevelopment planner and Richad Colangelo code enforcement officer.
Councilman Brian Dougherty was unanimously elected council president, drawing great applause and congratulations and was sworn into the position by the mayor.
Meetings will continue to start at 7 pm. with the exception of the Jan. 11 meeting which will begin at 7:15.
Meetings will be held the second and fourth Thursdays of January through May, as well as in September and October, with only one regular meeting scheduled for the months of June, July, August, November and December.
