This meeting is called to order in accordance with the open public meeting act. >> [clears throat] >> Notice of this meeting was provided to the Home News Tribune, the Star-Ledger, and the Highland Park Planet on January 7, 2026 and was posted on Borough Hall website
at www.hpboro.com and on the bulletin board bulletin board at Highland Park 221 South 5th Avenue, Highland Park, New Jersey and has remained continuously posted as required by law. By act of my right and left at Council Chambers, Harry, [clears throat] can you
lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> [snorts]
[clears throat] >> Welcome. >> Mayor Foster? >> Yes. >> Councilmember George? >> Here. >> Councilmember Hale? >> Here. >> Councilmember Hersh? >> Here. >> Council President Kim Shahana? >> Here. >> Councilmember Pistilli? >> Here. >> Councilmember Vargas? >> Here. >> Borough Attorney Renna? >> Here.
>> Borough Administrator Hoagland? >> Here. >> Honors and honors awards and presentation. In recognition for leadership, the Mayor's Teen Advisory Council by Highland Park Community Food Pantry.
They are being honored for the awesome work that they have been doing. So, at this time, I'm going to have you come up and we're going to have the presentation to the members of the Teen Council that is here. >> Yes, please come. >> And then we're going to take a picture.
>> Uh, where's the place to stand? >> Right there. Use the microphone. >> You can use the mic. >> Yes. >> [snorts] >> Can we sit? >> Yeah. And more members are coming in as we speak. Come on down. Come on down. You came right in time.
>> I I want to say I'm Lynn Talbot, I'm the committee chair of the food pantry, and with me is Muffin Ward, who is she might as well be. She's my right hand with everything. Uh we didn't know a thing about the Teen
Council before this year. Uh we didn't know that it existed, and we learned a lot in the in the year from you people. And I want to say thank you to the mayor and the council for doing what you do with the young people in this town. They're learning
to think for themselves, to come up with creative ideas, to follow through on them. They turned out to be an incredibly reliable group of young people who were they were more creative than we've been in [laughter] some ways.
>> Why don't we do it this way? >> Yeah, I mean, uh one of the things they did was really get the word out in the school to us by we Muffin and I were interviewed um for The Fling, and there was a lovely article in The Fling right before the holidays, right?
Um which was a way of advertising and what we do in this year when it has become more and more imperative that we deal with this problem of food insecurity. So, also to have young people aware of it and aware
that some of their peers are struggling with this and their peers' families, and to do something about it. Even a bake sale at Global Grace, which, you know, I had to go out buy some baked goods, [laughter] which were delicious. But we've never done that. So, I I I
just wanted to say, this was an extraordinary year for us and it wasn't just the funds that were donated, which were significant and really hard work that he put into raising that money for us, but it was much more than that. It was really the
awareness and and now I hear from Harry that next year we're going to have your help again. Thrilled to hear that. So, thank you really from my heart for all of this. >> My version is not going to be too much
different from what Lynn said, except that we've got now got six or seven. I'm I'm the what's called the the shelving team cap- the captain of the shelving team. >> And that And what's your name? >> Oh, sorry. >> [laughter]
>> My name's Muffin Lord and I'm the captain of the the shelving team of the food pantry and that means I'm the person who oversees having all the food that we received from the various places we get put away appropriately so that when people come for distributions, they can see all the soup and all the peanut
butter and so on. And we've now got six or seven of you guys, including some of you actual people, um coming and helping us helping us with shelving and that's first of all, it's because they're young and much younger than many of us and that makes a big difference. But they
also have a life. Um but they also bring life to it and it means that they're seeing [snorts] something about this community that's different from what they maybe haven't seen before. And that's what's really important. Thank you. >> I don't know where Arden and I don't
know where you'll find a place for this, but it's just a small way to say that we're appreciative. >> Thank you. We're very appreciative to be. We're very appreciative of the work you do all day for people of Highland Park. So thank you very much. Okay.
>> It's a mutual admiration society. >> [applause] >> When you get a picture with all of you so get get you all together and we get a picture. But I also want to say that when I met with you um when I met with the team council, you
guys wanted an idea of what it is that you wanted that where the biggest needs were where you would make an impact. And we talked about food insecurity and how that's really important to us. And you guys took this with great vigor
and you took it very seriously and you went out and you made all these wonderful things happen. We collectively can't say enough for the work that you have done. You're going to make wonderful people going out into this into this vast world. You're going to contribute a lot and continue to shine.
Thank you. >> You want to line up like this or >> Yeah, you want to do it here? >> Here. Just come a little bit closer. Go this way. >> If you want >> So we get our logo bonus. >> [laughter] >> We get our Highland Park devil. Can we get in the picture? >> [laughter] >> Sure. >> Sure, please. Can Can we get the
>> Maybe we Maybe Maybe we can get some of these chairs moved out of the way so we can like um >> How many which one do you want me to do? >> Any one. >> All right. >> Which chair do you want to >> Yeah, I'm going to put one on my >> Yeah.
>> This way so then more people can fit. >> [clears throat] >> Yeah, I like that. Look at this [laughter] production. >> All right. >> Okay. >> I like this. This is nice. >> [laughter] >> Can you see everybody? >> [laughter]
[laughter] >> Harry has brought in many meals and many great ideas into this team. All right, [clears throat] everybody. Say cheese. Wonderful. >> [laughter] >> Thank you all. Have a wonderful summer. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Liz. >> [snorts] >> Thank you so much. >> Thanks. >> Bye. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> See you in September. Summer break. >> And [clears throat] now we have another proclamation and
>> Hello. >> Oh, hello. >> And now we have another proclamation that's going to be presented to Spencer Rockman and Council Member Hell will read that proclamation. >> Um before I read the proclamation, um we're going to present this to Spencer
at a later date, but we're going to read it today to put it on record and and I just wanted to say how happy the whole council is. I think Spencer has coached all of the kids that we have on among the council and the so he's a great institution. So here's
the proclamation and recognition of Spencer Rockman, June 23rd, 2026. Whereas the governing body of the Borough of Highland Park is deeply grateful to residents and community leaders who share their specialized skills and talents to enrich the lives
of our youth fostering growth, discipline and community spirit. Whereas for over five decades, Spencer Rockman has served as a pioneer of soccer in the United States leaving an indelible mark on the sport through his innovative approach to coaching and his unwavering dedication
to community outreach both here in Highland Park and throughout the state of New Jersey. Whereas Spencer is the founder of Rutgers International Soccer and a distinguished member of the New Jersey Youth Soccer Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame. His unique skills and values curriculum,
which [clears throat] emphasizes cooperation, respect, kindness and resilience, has been a cornerstone of his work positively impacting countless young athletes regardless of their skill, love. And whereas over the past 53 years, Spencer
conducted over 34,000 customized soccer events on three continents inspiring tens of thousands of people in the joys of soccer. Served as a staff coach for the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association Coaching School 1975 to 2019
and was honored as the Greater Middlesex Conference Conference Distinguished High School Coach of the Year in 2026. Whereas through his extensive partnership with Highland Park Recreation Department and our local schools, Spencer has provided inclusive,
high-quality soccer clinics and programs ensuring that the next generation [clears throat] of residents has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and build lasting friendships. Whereas under Spencer's direction, the youth soccer programs offered through our local institutions have become a
vital part of Highland Park's athletic landscape, fostering a love for the game that unites our families and brings neighbors together. And whereas the state of New Jersey proudly hosts the 2026 World Cup this summer, highlighting the global importance of the beautiful game,
Spencer's long-standing commitment to building a vibrant local soccer culture provides the perfect foundation for this community to engage with and celebrate this historic international event. And now, therefore, LC Foster, Mayor of Highland Park, do
hereby thank Spencer Rockman on behalf of the governing body for his extraordinary service to our youth and his vital role in shaping our community's athletic spirit over the past decade. We celebrate his contributions to the sport as we welcome the excitement of the World Cup to our region, and we'll present this public
this proclamation publicly at our World Cup community-wide party on June 28th, 2026. We look forward to this day and to his continued positive impact on our community for many years to come. >> Yeah. And now we happen to council reports.
Council member Vargas. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everybody. My name is Norma Vargas, and I serve as a council liaison for arts and recreation. Um tonight I just have two reminders um about some coming up events. This Thursday, June 25th, at
6:30 p.m., the Historical Commission will be holding its community history open mic. It's titled a fireside chat with the Highland Park Police Department. Um it will feature a conversation with Fire Chief Frank Shammy and retired firefighter Paul
Martic. Um please come by and join us. It will be again at the library at the Highland Park Library. Um and we're going to be sharing stories, memories, experiences related to the fire department, um and any significant events that have impacted our community at that time. Community
members will get Once we have the conversation with the fire chief and the project, we will be inviting members of the community to come up and share their stories. So, please um join us. Um also, the fireworks in the park are coming up on Thursday, July 2nd. The
rain date will be Sunday, July 5th, but there's not going to be any rain. Um [laughter] Usually, people pray for rain, but not this time. We're going to be praying for dry, please. Um the festival begins at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks start at 6:00 at at,
excuse me, at 9:13 p.m. So, please come down to the park and join us. There's going to be a lot of um activities, um food vendors, um and your friends and family. So, come join us. And that is my report for tonight. >> Thank you. Council member Hale.
>> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um I'm Matt Hale, and I chair Economic Development. Uh I wanted to uh first of all, welcome uh Detective Sodenback um uh from Quantico. You went down for some training, so I'm glad to see that the first thing you
do when you get back is show up at Council next. So, thank you [clears throat] very much. >> [laughter] >> Um Okay, so on tonight's agenda, we're introducing an ordinance um that is uh authorizing payment for the planning for the Third Avenue Plaza, which is really, really exciting. Um
there's a public hearing uh that we're going to schedule for July 7th. Um so, just make note. This is a great development um uh in our pathway towards the Third Avenue Plaza. Um So, with that, um I thought I would take a little bit of time
um to talk about some fun facts about national anthems. Did you know that the South Korean national anthem is an ode to the natural beauty of the country. It mentions pine trees, the highest mountain on the peninsula, and a vast cloudless sky. It really shows that they care about the
natural environment. If you've ever been to a hockey game, I'm sure you know the opening line to the Canadian national anthem, O Canada. But did you know that it actually has both a French and an English version? And in 2018, the Canadian government officially changed some of the lyrics to
make them less paternalistic and more gender neutral. Because Switzerland never wants to be outdone by Canada, the fun fact about their national anthem is that there are actually four official languages in Switzerland, German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
Um and its deeply religious national anthem has verses in each language. How's that for diversity? So you might be wondering why the heck am I talking about national anthems? It's a really good question. The reason for this little learning session is because it looks like two of those three
teams are going to be playing each other in the round of 32 uh for the World Cup on June 28th at 3:00 p.m. and everybody can come to the farmers market and see them and hear those fantastic national anthems on our massive screen TVs. We don't actually know right now which
of these three teams are going to make it. Uh it depends on what happens in the Switzerland versus Canada match tomorrow, but we do know that we're having the community watch party. Starts at 2:00 p.m., goes till the game is over. Bring your lawn chairs, stop at the local restaurant to
get some great takeout, bring the kids for some fun games, and it's going to be awesome. But that's not it. Can you think of another community that loves the environment, shows a deep commitment to gender equality, and cherishes diversity? >> Highland Park.
>> I think that's Highland Park. So it's clearly clearly a sign that this event It meant to be. So as a reminder, June 28th, starting at 2:00, games at 3:00. We'll do another one for the finals on July 19th or July
19th. Um, and you never know, America's looking pretty good. We'll have to figure out some other anthems for that though. And that's my report. >> That's pretty good. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, Mayor. Um,
thanks Matt for always being entertaining. Um, I just I wanted to echo uh, the congratulations uh, to um, Lieutenant Sodan. Uh, everybody's favorite You have many favorite lieutenants. >> And I called him Lieutenant. I apologize that.
>> Uh, he graduated from the FBI National Academy uh, as a after an 11-week ordeal which took you away from your family. So, thank you for your commitment uh, to to our department and your profession and making sure that you know, our department [snorts] stay safe
but particularly with this additional training. So, we really thank you for taking that time. That's a significant amount of work. Uh, so thank you. I wanted to just uh, I I have a few things to say and less like specific news but I did just want to mention our trees again. I wanted to
thank Terry Houpert and our Shade Tree Advisory Committee and our um, whole tree team um, as we as we continue to um, bask in the glory of planting over 100 trees but now the follow-up
work takes place. We brought our brought [clears throat] in a tree watering contract last meeting uh, and SAC is out there assessing the health of the newly planted trees. We do expect, you know, there is a die rate uh, for for for for some of the new trees so that's anticipated. If you see
something, tell us, say something. Um, and um, so SAC is busy also looking at trees that are not so healthy right now. Um, and if you do have any concerns or issues with trees that may be dying or looking like they're they they are
you know coming to the end of their life cycle, please let us know. We really have an aggressive tree planting campaign to replace those trees as they age out. You know, Highland Park is one of the few community driven towns when it comes to tree planting and urban
forestry. I I just feel it's important to state that out loud. Other towns have tied tree planting to redevelopment or or other kind of administrative actions. But how we function here in Highland Park is that we do have that professionalized component of our tree planting strategy, but the Shade Tree
Advisory Committee, which needs volunteers, so if you love trees and you want to celebrate trees and improve our tree canopy, this is an opportunity for you to really give back in a meaningful way. And when I say meaningful, we talk about generations. They say the best time to plant a tree was yesterday, the
next best day to plant a tree is today. And so through the borough's Shade Tree Advisory Committee, residents can request street trees on to your planning efforts, help care for newly planted trees, and improve shade, walkability, storm water management, and air quality.
I did just want to mention that my name is Matthew Hirsch and I chair the Public Works and Public Utilities Committee. >> [laughter] >> And this is why I'm talking about these things because these things fall under this this portfolio. So compared with nearby towns, you know, Highland Park feels especially
grassroots and people-centered and that's really important. You know, Princeton may operate one of the state's most advanced professional canopy programs, but Chatham has a long-established forestry structure, but Highland Park has built a uniquely engaged community culture around protecting and expanding its street
canopy. In a compact walkable borough like ours, every new tree makes a difference helping create greener streets, cooler neighborhoods, and a healthier environment for future generations. And speaking of environment, the Environmental Center is a lovely place to go visit.
Please check out the the I I I I I I'm on River Road and also the newly re-dedicated re-dedicated Mary Denver Native Plant Sanctuary. Many thanks to Andy Warren and the Native Plant Sanctuary Cruise Sustainable Hal and
Park and Stack are all in the mix down there. It's a really lovely tribute to Mary who was a wonderful neighbor, a long-time public servant who served on the Human Relations Commission and other boards and commissions of stewarding the Native Plant Sanctuary and make sure that it was a peaceful [clears throat] place for
reflection and community enjoyment. So, check it out. It's really beautiful. And speaking of the Environmental Center, I just wanted to thank Terry Robert and Mike Rosolkowicz and the DPW team
for working diligently to get a top date the the air conditioning in the in in in the Environmental Center. As you might remember, the bureau leases the Environmental Center to Grace Outreach Cultural Center
which is phenomenal because they can be stewards of those grounds that had, you know, really kind of fallen. You know, there weren't a lot of eyes and ears on that property, you know, particularly during the pandemic. So, now that we have an occupant who really does amazing community work there,
cultural programming, dance, music and more. It's been really great to kind of retrofit this small but jewel of a facility into something that can, you know, really host community events. So, we're really excited about that. I believe that they wrapped up that work
yesterday just in time for the summer. And happy summer, by the way. >> [snorts] >> Sustainable Just a couple meeting coming up tomorrow. Sustainable Hal and Park, join us for a regular meeting. It's a hybrid meeting. We'll be meeting in person here at the Hershey
Berman Conference Room here at Borough Hall. But also, you can find a link to zoom in www.hpboro.com. But again, that's tomorrow, June 24th, at 7:30. I think I don't know if anybody has mentioned
the Safe Routes to School ordinance that we're that we're uh doing a second reading for, but I think uh uh uh Phil, uh Councilman George, who chairs SWAC, will probably report out more. I just wanted to acknowledge it as somebody who
when I was a uh liaison to SWAC, that you know, this is this is an incredibly important uh grant. Uh it's taking a very long time to implement because of the nature of its uh status. Uh and we're just really excited to move forward with this project, which is
going to have a remarkable improvement on one's ability to walk around town. Uh whether it's crosswalks, making sure that they that crosswalks are ADA compliant, making sure that sightlines are improved, making sure that the uh the tread uh to to to uh uh
to address any slippage are in place. So, it's you know, it's an ever it's an ever-improving work in progress. You know, Highland Park really does live up or tries to live up every day to its ideal as being a safe, walkable community. And there's always more work to do, 100%. Uh and I do want
to thank the residents who reach out regularly to you know, flag uh you know, areas that could be uh of concern. The I just I wanted to acknowledge some of the flag raisings that we've had uh the last um uh this month has been a busy month. Thank
you so much, Mayor Foster, for prioritizing our flag raisings once again. Uh it's really been a a great opportunity for community to to come together. Our recent flag raisings for Juneteenth, Caribbean Heritage Month, and today's Pride Month flag raisings serve as visible affirmations of the
borough's commitment to recognizing diverse communities that help shape this identity. These ceremonies, you know, I I love these flag raisings. And it's not just because they're ceremonial. They're not because they're they're they're powerful symbolic gestures. It's because
they create opportunities for residents to learn about history, struggles, achievements, and cultural contributions of groups whose stories have not always been fully represented in public life. By bringing together neighbors in a shared civic space, these events foster
understanding, dialogue, and a stronger sense of belonging. The [snorts] flag raisings reflect Highland Park's tradition of inclusion and civic engagement. And at a time when communities across the country are grappling with questions of identity and belonging, publicly celebrating the
borough's diversity sends a powerful message that Highland Park welcomes people of different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, races, and identities. And it's also important to share these moments in time and in community, which is probably the most important thing that we can do as a
country right now is spend time with one another. >> [snorts] >> Because right now, you know, we are in times of severe political polarization, social division, economic uncertainty, rising tensions around issues of identity, community becomes one of the
most important sources of of resilience. And it's funny because, you know, I know the Highland Park, I think we all know the Highland Park or we experience when we are in the community, when we are with community, when we are celebrating in community. And then there's the Highland Park or there's the kind of generic community, the Highland Park
community that exists online. And they're and they're often very different places. I think that that I I think that's something that we can all readily acknowledge. You know, now that yesterday was the first day of summer, we have a lot of public events coming up and I really just look forward to sharing space
with with with with our community so we can remove to remove those barriers. When people come together across differences, they're reminded that the neighbors are more than political labels or headlines. Community events, cultural celebrations, and public observances create opportunities for people to
listen to one another, build relationships, and find common ground. Um I did just want to kind of tie into uh I was watching C-SPAN the other night because I'm a geek. And uh I was watching Q&A with uh and with uh Sarah
Isgur. And And if anybody has heard of her, heard of her, she's the uh editor of Scotus Blog uh and has written a couple of really interesting books. Uh so, if anyone is interested in kind of the the third branch. You know, we spend a lot of time in two branches of government. We spend a lot of time in the legislative branch.
We spend time working with the administrative branch. Uh but then there's the judicial branch. And And so, this was And And a lot of what she was saying really resonated with me. And And had me kind of meditating on Highland Park in that context. Um
Isgur uh um uh one of the recurring themes in her commentary is the importance of institutions, civic norms, and maintaining relationships across political disagreements. Uh while she approaches these questions from a from you know, from from a center
perspective, there's a lot to resonate there. So, I think it's important that we hear arguments from folks who may have uh different different points of view. Um she often argues that a healthy democracy depends on being able to disagree strongly on policy while still
recognizing one another as citizens and neighbors. Uh and applied to our little corner of the world, that idea that that idea suggests that community events and civic rituals have value because they create spaces where people can interact as neighbors. A Juneteenth celebration, a pride
a pride flag raising, a Caribbean heritage event, a Memorial Day ceremony, or planting trees. And nothing brings a community together more than planting trees, let me tell you. I can attract residents with very different backgrounds and world views, yet participating in the same civic life and
the same civic construct as we reinforces a shared identity as members of the same community. In Sarah Isgur's framework, just to go back to my my my C-SPAN watching, there was kinds of institutions and traditions that help prevent national political
divisions from completely overwhelming local local relationships. And I say that because it really hurts my heart when I see, you know, political division happening in in in our community where there where it's just where where you start with intolerance. Where you just
start with intolerance. You need to listen to people, you need to engage people, you need to sit down and consider what people are saying, and then make your own determination. And hopefully, you're making your own determination based on rational thought. And hopefully, that rational thought,
because a rational world is is going to bring people together and kind of remove some of these differences. Uh >> [snorts] >> the strongest justification for how for for these flag raisings and for all these things that we do is not simply because they celebrate this group or that group, it's because they
communicate to a broader civic principle that residents of different races, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds all belong in the borough and deserve equal participation in public life and can live here and be safe and and live in dignity.
Even people who disagree on politics may find common ground the idea that a town functions best when every resident feels invested in the community's success. And I, you know, and I say that in the context of you know, at the there was a uh
James Costanzo and I, you know, we're we're we're on the ballot recently. And and I say that because, you know, it's not it's more than just necessarily an agenda that we come you know, that that that we approach this work. We truly do approach this work through the [clears throat] lens of inclusivity. I
said that when I first got appointed, I got appointed to this seat that was held that that was held by Councilman John Erickson, and I actually meditated by his bench. There's a There's There's an honorary bench for him down between Adelaide and First and and and Cedar
because it's important that, you know, we understand this work, the civic life work as experimental, as something where we try new things, but as something who but but but as one as as a project where we where where we are coming where where we are coming at
this work with good faith, good intentions, open hearts, open minds, and kindness. And I really hope that anybody listening is is you know can can can take away from that is that that's really the lens through which we through which we have to function moving
forward. There's a lot at stake in this world today. There's so much. I spent a day in the train. I know that there's no money for anything, you know, for affordable housing, for climate. However, the the state did pass out of committee the
climate superfund bill, which the borough endorsed by resolution. So, that's good. But the most important thing we can do in absence of everything else is understand our commonalities, participate in common civic events
together because that really will remove those barriers that vex us often every single day. So, that's my report, Mayor. >> Thank you so much for your time. >> Okay. Councilmember George. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the
summer, our celebration of Pride Month, [clears throat] and long as days of the year on the new solstice. I'm Phil George, and I serve as liaison between the borough council and our public safety agencies. The Highland Park Police Academy is holding
its annual youth academy between July 6th, uh >> [clears throat] >> starting July 6th of this coming month. This academy offers kids entering with 5th through the 9th grades the opportunity to learn about law enforcement in an academic
setting. It's actually very rigorous and the the participants learn by actually participating as well as listening to the officers tell tell them what they do on a day-to-day basis. They learn dispatch, they learn
fingerprinting, they learn CAD entry, they learn the new methods of electronic investigation. It's very rigorous but very insightful. And the enrollment has been growing to our capacity every year. In the past I've had guest
speakers from the FBI, the DEA, the state police, the county prosecutor's office and other local, state, and county officials. As always, it's a free academy but space is limited. If you have an interest in having your children participate, applications can
be downloaded on the bureau website or picked up at the police station and on the police Facebook page. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to community police officer Brian Fitzgerald at his email bfitzgerald@hpbureau.com. That's bfitzgerald@hpbureau.com.
And the phone number there is 732-572-3800, extension 4273. That's 732-572-3800, extension 473, 4273. At the library there's a very interesting project taking place that's
tying in to a lot of the community already oriented activities. The National Conference on Citizenship selected the Highland Park Library to participate in its American Conversation project this summer. This project
gathers small groups of four to six people to discuss a handful of questions about community pride, resident struggles, and the divides we encounter in everyday life, as Councilman Hersh was speaking about. Library board Nancy Cranick and the director actually
facilitated will facilitate these conversations during the summer, and then we'll share we'll share more information about the discussions through the June library board packet, and also on their website. The initiative ties in
perfectly with strategic engagement and planning efforts that the library has been discussing. In fact, at the June meeting uh last night, they kept the meeting business meeting so short that they actually devoted time to actually conducting one
of the discussions under the program guidance. Also at the library, as Councilman Vargas mentioned, please join the fire department and the library for their presentation on the history and work of our fire department. Uh we actually found some pictures of old
number one, our antique fire engine, which we still have. Uh I tried to get them to let me drive it once in a while, and they won't let me. Um and it's uh it was part of our parades in years past. Uh with with regard to the fire department, uh we
have a resolution on tonight for the FEMA grant for assistance for firefighters uh grants. Um this really helps uh many people may not realize um when the fire department goes out uh to answer a fire that involves any
kind of smoke, however small, the turnout gear that they wear, uh the heavy jackets, uh clothing, the hats, the masks, the air equipment has to be cleaned by state law every time there's a turnout. So, the flood these assistance for grants
really help to offset some of those. With regard to SWAP, we had our meeting last night, another meeting for Monday night, and they expressed their support for the Safe Routes to School grant.
It's significant, really will help us in our engineering planning and construction for the walkable Highland Park. The bicycle event that was recently conducted for town-wide bicycling had over 40 people turn out. Everyone from
small kids on push bikes to adults who ride 60-70 miles on weekends. It was very successful. Finally, with SWAP, we're going to be having another bicycle rodeo in October in cooperation with Keep Little Hands
Moving, and there'll be details coming on that as the plans become more centralized. Thank you, Mayor. That's my report. >> Thank you. Councilmember Jason Wilson. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. My name is Jason Selak. I
chair the Health and Human Services Committee. I have a very brief report for tonight. It's probably going to be a little bit briefer because I was going to focus on the flag raising, which Matt covered very thoroughly [laughter] and eloquently. So, I appreciate that because I think you Everything that you said was absolutely correct.
And um and you stated it better than I would, so thank you. It makes my job a little easier. But first, I just really want to thank the Mayor, our bureau staff from various departments, Public Works, the library, and communications, as well as Human Relations Commission and all the volunteers and speakers for pitching in
to make sure that we had another great series of these flag raisings this June. We concluded today with the Pride flag raising, which is always an awesome time. Special shout out to Lena from the Highland Park Library and Miguel from the Pride Center for all their work to make this happen. Uh last week we had
the Juneteenth flag raising, another great event. A special shout-out there for uh to uh Bruce Morgan from the local NAACP chapter and the Highland Park Historical Commission who put together a very informative and eye-opening presentation about slavery that existed right here in our own community.
Uh and thanks again to Pauline and the Human Relations Commission crew for kicking things off with another wonderful preview and heritage month flag raising. Uh lastly, I just wanted to mention uh tomorrow night the Commission of Universal Access is meeting tomorrow at um
uh at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be in person at the Fish Bowl Hopkins Room right here at Borough Hall and also over Google Meet. Um and Human Relations Commission is also meeting uh tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level conference room here at Borough Hall. Uh
the link to access the Google Meets for these meetings um can be found at hpboro.com. Um and I will note that these are their last meetings before they take a summer break. They will resume up in the fall. Uh but I would invite any folks who are
interested in becoming joining and becoming a member and contributing towards events like this in town, programming town, um other important objectives here. Uh so please consider submitting a volunteer application uh and joining up. And that was my report for tonight. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks. >> Borough Administrator your report? >> Um Mayor, I just wanted to mention one item on the agenda that hasn't come up. So thank you. Um the ordinance uh number 262132
amending chapters 135 and 303 of the Borough Code to adjust fees. I know that's kind of a nebulous-sounding title, so I just wanted to put a little flavor on it. Essentially, we're looking to update our fees related to construction permits, housing
inspections, and lead-based paint Many of those fees haven't been addressed in over 10 years. So, between some adjustments to the fees as well as inclusion of some new items that the state DCA advised us to insert, we made some amendments to those sections of our
code, and that's what's before you this evening. So, I just wanted to put that out there. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council President report. >> Good evening. My name is Stephanie Kim Chauhan, and I chair finance.
I also want to begin my report by wishing everyone a happy belated Juneteenth, a happy belated Father's Day, >> [laughter] >> and also recognizing Pride Month as well. Both um
are reminders of the importance of freedom, visibility, dignity, and just making sure every resident feels respected and safe in our community. I also want to congratulate the leaders of the Bay Teen Advisory
Council. They were great over the winter. They invited me to come and attend one of their meetings [clears throat] as well. They're awesome. I hope the next incoming uh students continue to work with the food pantry.
And also I want to recognize Mr. Rothman for his many years of service and impact through youth soccer and community leadership. These are the kind of contributions that make Highland Park so special here.
And since we're talking about soccer and with the FIFA World Cup bringing so much excitement to New Jersey and the region, I also want to give a quick shout-out to South Korea who's playing tomorrow
night. Last week I lost money when they played Mexico, so hopefully he wins tomorrow night. [laughter] And it's exciting to see that representation on the world stage. And I know many residents are enjoying
the energy that the World Cup is bringing to our area. So, let's go Mexico. And from a finance standpoint, the water sewer bills are due Tuesday, June 30th, so make sure you get over to
our um tax department or or you can also drop off your payment in the in the drop box outside if it's after hours. On the consent agenda, as many of
the council members have mentioned, grants and grant-related items. I always like to highlight those items as well as council liaison. So, we have a $7,000 crackdown grant. Um also for DPW, not to exceed 430,000
for our new new side loader garbage truck. And then as Councilman George mentioned, for the FEMA assistance for the firefighters grant. And finally, my quick summer
financial tip for residents. So, as we head into higher cost summer months, take a few minutes to plan ahead for summer camp costs, AC and utility bills, which we >> [laughter] >> know are going to creep up there, and
then travel spending, even setting aside a small weekly amount now or setting a spending cap um a trip can help. And that's my report, Mayor. Thank you. >> Our attorney's report? >> Nothing for me, Mayor.
>> Thank you. And um I should say all protocols observed. Uh with all the congratulations about all the various events that we've had and >> [clears throat] >> the flag raising, they were all very spectacular.
And I don't I As I said, all protocols observed. Everything that everybody said about those things was um totally accurate. Um I have a little bit of sad news. Um one of our long-term residents, um Carol's Carol Ann Apple Guard, a beloved
Highland Park resident and a dedicated community volunteer, Carol passed away peacefully at her home in Minnesota on January 20, '26 after returning to the Northwood, she spent her final where she spent her final years.
Carol lived a life of service, learning, and generosity. She was a professor emeritus of mathematics at Middlesex County College in Edison, where her contributions to mathematics earned her recognition in
the in the Mathematical Association of America. Here in Highland Park, however, many of us know Carol through her deep commitment of community and her love for the natural world. She was an active member of the Shade
Tree Advisory Committee. She worked tirelessly to plant and promote environmental steward for the for future generations. Many residents will remember seeing Carol walking through Raritan walking through the Raritan River with her
beloved miniature pinscher, first Dara and then later Bella. She enjoyed the beauty of the community, which she cared so deeply for. Carol Carol also enriched our life through music.
She an accomplished musician, she played the clarinet with the local bands and orchestra throughout our area. Neighbor [clears throat] neighborhoods often speak of hearing Carol playing her music during their
walks here in town that she would bring warm and beauty beauty to our neighborhood. Carol talented kindness and dedication touched many lives. She leaves behind her beloved daughter Sarah along with many cherished memories
and family and friends in Northholm, Minnesota and [clears throat] obviously here in Highland Park. A public dedication of Carol's life will be held later this summer. Details will be available through the Ciesla Funeral Home website.
On behalf of the Borough of Highland Park, we extend our deepest condolences to Carol's family and loved ones. We regret her passing and we honor her for her contribution [clears throat] to our community. She will be remembered
for her service, her generosity, her true love of nature and the joy she brought to those around her. May many many for me memories will continue to bless her. Sleep well, my friend. And with that, I would like to have a
brief moment of silence. Thank you. And now it's time for public participation. 3 minutes per speaker limited to item on this agenda. Comments from members of the public attending in person will be heard first followed by those on Zoom.
Any member of the public wishing to speak, please come up and and address the name your name and address, please. >> Arthur Redman 219 South 6th Avenue. Um I have some concerns about the staff
over here at the uh senior center. There was a remark made to me that "You're on Section 8. You don't pay no taxes."
That should never ever come from a member of that staff over there. And another thing, >> [clears throat] >> if the service coordinator is out
whether due to being sick or whatever, they need to have somebody to take her place while she out. Or and when she come back, they need to
whatever happened need to trans- to to to trans- everything to her so she know what's going on. And and one other thing, the director from [clears throat] DPW.
There one time I was sitting over here where I live. I was sitting on the tailgate of my car. >> [snorts] >> So the director of DPW told another employee that
I said something about him. I brought it to their attention. And when I brought it up again, they claimed that they never said I should never have been I should never have been sent down there to speak with
the director. It should have been handled. And I brought it to the borough administrator. I don't know if she did anything about it. That's all I have to say. >> Okay. Is there anyone on Zoom?
>> Uh we have two attendees on Zoom, but your hands are not up there. >> Okay, thank you. Seeing none, may I have a motion to close public participation? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council Member George? >> Yes. >> Council Member Hill? >> Yes. >> Council Member Hirsch? >> Yes.
>> Council President Kim-Johnson? >> Yes. >> Council Member Pistanic? >> Yes. >> Council Member Vargas? >> Yes. >> I would just like to say the comments that was made we can discuss it with staff. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. Now we move on to ordinance
requiring a second reading. Clerk, please report an ordinance number 26-2130. >> Capital Ordinance amending Capital Ordinance number 17-1937 to increase the appropriation by $706,151.06.
An additional funding by the Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School grant has been duly advertised for consideration of passage on final reading by title and affidavits of publication are on file. The ordinance has also been posted and made available for public inspection.
Uh may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Roll call. >> Oh, sorry. >> Public hearing. And now it's time for public hearing on this ordinance. If you would like to speak on this ordinance, please come to the mic. There's one There's no one in the audience to come to the microphone.
Is there anyone on Zoom? >> No hands on Zoom. >> Okay. Seeing none, may I have a motion to close public participation? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member George? >> Yes. >> Council member Hale? >> Yes. >> Council member Hirsch? >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Chauhan? >> Yes. >> Council member Pistonik?
>> Yes. >> Council member Vargas? >> Yes. >> Okay. May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 26-2130? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member George?
>> Uh this is an important grant um to work in Safe Routes to School. It involves a lot of construction and roadways, a lot of approvals and engineering. And this additional money will really significantly help. And I enthusiastically vote yes. >> Council member Hale?
>> Yes. >> Council member Hirsch? >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Council President Kim Chauhan? >> Yes. >> Council member Pistonik? >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas? >> Yes. >> Ordinance requiring first [clears throat] reading. Clerk, please report on report on the introduction of ordinance number 26-2131.
>> An ordinance providing for South Third Avenue Plaza Project by and in the Borough of Fair Lawn Park in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, appropriating 4,500,000 thereof inclusive of a 676,000 portion of a New Jersey Department of
Community Affairs Grant in the amount of 1 million and authorizing [clears throat] the issuance of 4 million 7 4 million 74,000 in bonds and notes of the borough to finance the part of the cost thereof has been duly introduced by the finance committee for
consideration of passage on first reading by title and the supplemental debt statement prepared by the finance officer has been filed in the clerk's office on June 23rd. >> May I have a motion to approve ordinance number 26-21-31 on introduction authorizing publication
as required by law and set a public hearing for July 7th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilmember George? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Hale? >> Enthusiastically, yes. >> Councilmember Hirsch? >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Cho Han? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Bristow? >> Yes.
>> Councilmember Vargas? >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 26-21-32 uh amending chapter 135 and 303 of the borough code adjusted fees. Clerk, please report on introduction of
ordinance 21 26-21-32. >> Ordinance amending chapters 135 and 303 of the borough code to adjust fees has been duly introduced by the economic development and planning committee for consideration of passage on first reading by title. >> May I have a motion to approve ordinance
number 26-21-32 on introduction authorizing publication as required by law and set a public meeting to be held on July 7th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilmember George? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Hale? >> Yes.
>> Councilmember Hirsch? >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Cho Han? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Bristow? >> Yes. >> Councilmember Vargas? >> Yes. >> Now we move on to the consent agenda. May I ask if there's any councilmember that that would have anything separated or
pulled for separate reading on the consent agenda? >> No, mayor. >> No, mayor. >> Okay. May I have a motion to adopt the following consent agenda? 12A through 12E. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Roll call. Council Member George? >> Yes. >> Council Member Hale? >> Yes. >> Council Member Hirsch? >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Schwan? >> Yes. >> Council Member Pistone? >> Yes. >> Council Member Burgess? >> Yes. [snorts] >> And now it's time for the second public participation. Subject 3 minutes per
speaker. >> Subject to conclude at 9:00 p.m. >> Is there anyone on Zoom? Any [clears throat] hands raised? >> No hands raised, Mayor. >> May I have a motion to close public participation? Seeing that there's none, may I have a motion to close public participation? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Roll call. Council Member George? >> Yes. >> Council Member Hale? >> Yes. >> Council Member Hirsch? >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Schwan? >> Yes. >> Council Member Pistone? >> Yes. >> Council Member Burgess? >> Yes. >> May I have a motion to adjourn? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> We adjourn. See you on July 7th. Have a wonderful and safe summer. Thank you. >> Happy 4th of July to everyone. >> Yes.