ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS –
Ending the year on a cheery and congratulatory note though many projects are left undone, Mayor and Council will meet this evening at 7 for their last announced meeting of 2022 and the final meeting for an equally bi-partisan council for at least one year.
Mother Theresa School
In a list of government issues that have remain unsettled or unfinished this year, the governing body will withdraw its attempt to pass an ordinance establishing the Mother Theresa School area as a Redevelopment Zone. Approval would have paved the way for the construction of from nine to 13 houses and the demolition of the former parochial school and a historic house now the home of the St. Agnes Thrift Shop. The plan had to be submitted to the planning board for a consistency review and recommendations before final action could be taken. Absent that action from the planners, the ordinance is now dead. The decisions on the negotiation and sale of the church owned property and use of the land which started more than three years ago will now be left to yet another council for discussion or action.
Regionalization
Nor is there anything on the agenda concerning the question of regionalization of the school districts into a K-12 regional school district either with or without Sea Bright, another question which has been before this governing body throughout the year. Last week, Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon announced at the Highlands council meeting that the boroughs have agreed on a mediator to resolve the cost sharing issues among them and added “we’re just waiting on the school now” before any further action can be taken.
Republican Councilmen Brian Boms and Steven Boracchia will take their final actions as council members at tonight’s regular meeting, passing the torch to the two Democrats elected to the three year positions in the November election.
Murphy Alone
When the governing body reorganizes at noon on Jan. 1, 2023, Councilman James Murphy will remain the only Republican member of Council serving with GOP Mayor Loretta Gluckstein. Under this borough’s form of government, the mayor can only vote on matters in order to break a tie.
Residents & Employees
On cheerier notes, the governing body will laud several local residents for a variety of reasons, including commendations to both Any and Chuck Hull, former councilman Walter Curry on the occasion of his 80th birthday, and Employee of the Month Rudy Trivett, who keeps the municipal vehicles running in top shape.
Shade Tree Commission
Council is expected to pass an ordinance to raise the number of Shade Tree Commissioners from five to seven with two additional alternates for a total of no more than nine members on the Commission after a public hearing tonight.
Shared Service
It also anticipates approving the continuation of share services agreements, one with Highlands for emergency services transportation at $7500 per month, approved by Highlands last week, and one with Freehold Township for IT services for the borough and the police department.
