Mayor, would you like to proceed? >> Yes, please. >> Good afternoon and happy new year. This is a meeting of the Burough Highlands Mayor and Council or Reorganization meeting on Wednesday, January, I'm sorry, Thursday, January 1st, 2026. The notice requirements provided for in the
open public meetings act have been satisfied. Notice of this meeting was properly given by transmission to the Aspberry Park Press and the Two River Times and by posting at the Burough of Highlands Municipal Building and filing with the Burough Clerk all on January 1st, 2025. Items listed on the agenda are subject to change. Please stand for
the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. First we have oath of office
for >> for mayor. Okay. >> No lower oath of office first. I state your name. I, Carol, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support
>> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear >> that I will bear true faith, true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same
>> to the State the government established >> the government established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in the state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will >> and that I will >> faithfully
>> faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the office >> all of the duties of the office >> of mayor of the burough islands >> of mayor of the burough islands >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability
Next we have a blessing. >> Thank you brothers and sisters. Merry Christmas has passed, of course, and Hanukkah, but this is an exciting time for a brand new year. So, I just bless you and wish you all the greatest new year ever. And it's
going to be up to you, not anybody else to do that. And you got to live your dreams. And if I were you, I don't know about you, but I'm going to start right now. At my age, I'm going to start right now. So friends, I am humbled once again
by the mayor's request this year to offer prayer for our community that's really so historical. It's a place where my family's history has been woven back in the fabric back to the very beginning in 1677.
Imagine I've been alive that long. No. and officially incorporated and separated from Middletown on March 22nd in 1900. A lot of people don't know that uh we had our own identity given to us along the road, the jewel by the sea.
How appropriate. And there was a promise that was given to us taken from the book of Jeremiah 29:11. And it was significant then and it is especially significant today. Whereas it says, "For I know the plans that I have
for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for bad. They're plans to give you a future and to give you a hope." Now, here we are 126 years later, just as we gathered here today, our
founders gathered in a room and dared to dream and believe the promise that was given to them, inspired by God's word. And it continues generation after generation to this very day. And yet here we are at another new beginning, a
new season of possibilities, of new open doors, mayor, of new opportunities, new relationships, new visions and plans for every Highlander. We have come together as neighbors from all walks of life. People with different gifts and talents.
People who care about other people. people who care about the community that we live in as woven over and proven over and over again throughout the years as each has come with a very unique gift to offer. And that gift is given by God
whether we know it or not. Together an ordinary people coming together in just a simple little community, but people who care deeply about people, citizens of the Highlands of New Jersey, they we gather today in harmony. each and every
one of us. It's obvious to offer our selfless service whether we're getting sworn in or we're not or we're just there to support one another to this historic burrow and to one another. So as each is sworn in to uphold the responsibilities that has been entrusted
to them. Brothers and sisters, we pray strength, integrity, passion, vision, and protection over each and every one of them and over their families. I believe that a community that prays together is a community that will prosper in so many ways together and
after all whether it be a blessing or simply a well-wishing. We all need divine favor and we need a day of new beginnings in our lives. So let us pray today before we go any further. So, my father, we look to you
this first day of 2026, and we ask your blessing over our mayor and council, over our police and first responders, over each worker and all of those who have been entrusted with the people's business of the Burrow of Highlands. As we begin this new year
with new hopes and new dreams, we turn to you trusting that every promise and every blessing in your word will be our constant companion. And may we always leave our doors and our hearts open to you and never forget that you are the
God of new beginnings each and every morning for all people. So thank you my father for blessing us your people who truly care about people and in your holy name we lift our burrow up with sincere thanks and gratitude for this new
beginning. So my brothers and sisters and my beautiful friends that have gathered gathered here today, may the Lord bless you abundantly in every area of your life. May he protect you holistically and make his face to shine upon you, filling you with life and with
love, joy, peace, and may his presence be your constant companion every day of this year and every day of your life. May he be your best friend as you witness the love of our father that loves each and every one of you so very much. In the name of the father and of
the son and of the holy spirit. Congratulations mayor and counsel and those who are being sworn today. God bless you and please remember me in your prayers. >> Thank you pastor. >> You're welcome. >> I will now do roll call. Council member Svantes here. >> Councilman Chilac here. Council
>> Malik >> here. Council President Oeski >> here. >> Mayor Bulan >> here. >> Thank you. Next we have approval of minutes December 17, 2025 meeting minutes. >> I'll approve. >> I'll second. >> Council member Svantes. >> Yes. >> Council Chilac.
>> Yes. >> Malnik. >> Yes. >> Council Panchchesky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Bulan. >> Yes. >> Motion carries to approve December 17, 2025 meeting minutes. Next we have consent agenda. Mayor, would you like me to read the resolution for title? >> Yes, please. R260001
electing council the council president for the year calendar year 2026. R260002 authorizing award of a fair and open contract for professional services municipal attorney. R260003 authorizing award of a fair and open
contract for professional services municipal engineer. R260004 authorizing award of a fair and open contract for professional services municipal auditor. R260005 authorizing award of affair and open contract for professional services
municipal bond attorney. R260006 authorizing award of affair and open contract for professional services information technology services. R260007 authorizing award of affair and open contract for professional services
municipal labor attorney. R260008 appointing council liaison one year ending in 1231 2026. R 260009 authorizing award of affair and open contract for professional services
municipal public defender. R 26010 authorizing a word of affair and open contract for professional services municipal prosecutor. R 26011 authorizing word of affair and open contract for professional services tax attorney. R 26012 authorizing word of
affair and open contract for professional services affordable housing attorney. R 26013 authorizing award of a fair and open contract for professional services redevelopment attorney. R26014 authorizing award of a fair and open
contract for professional services risk management. R26015 authorizing award of affair and open contract for professional services conflict attorneys. R26116, I'm sorry, R26016 authorizing award of a fair and open
contract for professional services consulting engineers. R26017 authorizing the award of a non-fair and open contract for professional services sanitary sewer consulting engineer. R26018 confirming permanent appointment of
patrolman. R26019 appointing communications committee members. R26020 appointing environmental advisory commission members. R26021 appointing green team members. R26022
appointing shade tree commission members. R 26023 appointing a tree commissioner. R26024 appointing open space committee members. R 26025 appointing land use board members. R26026
appointing community development representative. R26027 appointing economic development review board members. R26028 appointing special police officers. R26029 appointing juvenile officer. R26030
appointing fire police. R 26031 designating a public agency compliance officer. R26032 appointing a public officer. R26033 appointing the 2026 recycling coordinator. R26034
appointing a clean communities community coordinator. R26 035 appointing tax search and assessment search officer. R 26036 approving 2026 events on various burough
properties. R 26037 appointing approving the 2026 temporary budget. R 26038 authorizing a cash management plan. R2639 setting the schedule for meetings for of
the burrow of the mayor and council of the Burough Highlands for the calendar year 2026. R26040 designating official newspapers and official internet website of the Burough Highlands. R26041 reappointing Michael Mucila to serve as
burl administrator. R26042 congratulating Chief Robert Burton on an important milestone. Well done. >> Do I have an offer for the consent agenda? >> Second.
>> Council member Cante. >> Yes. >> Council Jac. >> Yes. >> Council Malnik. >> Yes. >> Council Fasheski. >> Yes. >> Mayor Bulan. >> Yes. Motion carries to adopt resolutions R2601 through R26042. Next we have oath of office for fire
chief. There you go. >> I state your name. will take your >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> constitution of the state of New Jersey
>> that I will bear true faith >> that I bear true faith >> and also the same >> to the same >> and the government >> and the government >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and to this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of people >> and that I will faithfully
>> faithfully has been partially important and just with perform >> just with >> all of the duties >> all of the duties >> of the office of fire chief >> of the office of fire >> according to the best of my ability to best my ability to help Yeah. Next we have oath for patrolman. Sorry.
Do you know what I want? >> Hi. >> Hi. Do solemnly swear >> Do solemnly swear >> that I support >> that I support the Constitution of the United States of America >> the Constitution of the United States of America >> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey >> the Constitution of the United States of New Jersey >> that our faith >> our faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the government >> and to the government >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and this state
>> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and I faithfully faithful >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly before >> all of the duties >> all the duties >> the office of the office >> according to the best of my knowing the
That's something. Next we have reports. Before we get to reports, I know everyone's going to want to run out and uh start their celebrations for the new year, I just want to say a couple of very quick things. Pastor gave us a lovely blessing earlier. Um, and I just
wanted to say that as we welcome this new year and we have yet again another day that we can turn the page and have new beginnings. Um, and I I truly want to wish everyone peace and joy and prosperity
and a sense uh to continue our camaraderie in our community. Um, I know that sometimes we can bicker and squabble like families, but at the end it's always
that family that comes together when we need each other most. Um, I know we're uh we live in uh interesting times and a lot of people are uh having a hard time with it. So, let's try to spend some extra time um
helping out those that need it most. Uh we're doing a uh food drive and we have been since October uh for the food pantry here and uh we're accepting donations up here in the office Monday through Friday uh 8:30 to 4:30 and also
uh at the police department for 24/7 365 and we'll coordinate with all PH to make sure that they get um anything that you could uh afford to help out our community. Um, and with that, I send my deepest blessings to you all and I wish
you and your families a very happy and safe 2026. >> Thank you. >> Um, I have a very short report. Um, I was going to say if you want to get to the uh the party, that's all well and
good and fine. Not under pressure anymore. >> Yes. No pressure. Not at all. >> Made it. Beautiful. >> Thank you. Again, I know everyone wants to uh you know go
and out and have a great time at uh celebrating the merrynt of uh welcoming 2026, but just a few things that I that we were able to complete before the end of the year and uh that is the um the area in need of redevelopment for Shadow
Lawn that has finally been uh finalized. Um it's been about 20 years in the making and um they are going to be starting with all of their environmental work that they need to do before a shovel hits the ground which I feel that that's just a a
really great way to uh close out last year and to look forward into the coming there. Uh we continue to work with individual developers uh that have purchased properties on Bay Avenue and uh they uh have uh quite a few things to
do because they are rebuilding in the flood zone that has a lot of uh challenges and uh as it's a county road, the county planning commission also has a great deal uh to say in what they build and how they build. Um, and
speaking of the county, on uh December 15th of this year, um, actually only two weeks ago, two, three weeks ago, uh, we were honored by the county planning commission with not one but two planning merit awards. Uh, one was for the design
guidelines uh, for the uh, Bay Avenue area redevelopment for flood proofing and uh, other ways to build in the flood zone. And the other one was the work that we did to uh upgrade um the planning work that we did to upgrade
the clam plant here in town. And uh I was just very happy that the county chose to site us for these uh these wonderful accomplishments. Um around town we finished the uh Marine Place elevated walkway.
Um, Overlook Park, uh, is continuing its heartscaping. Um, we're should be out of that before, um, the end of January, of course, weather permitting. Frank Hall will come, Frank Hall Park over um, work
will start uh, directly after that. Again, all plantings are going to have to wait until the spring. Um, and other than that, that's really uh the only updates that I have. Uh, so I will make sure that this is updated onto
the website if anybody wants to take a look at it later and then that was the only thing I had to report on. I don't know if anyone else would like to comment on the year on what's h going on
what you you are looking to do in this coming year. Uh Joanne, I was wondering do you want to mention the the ruling that the New Jersey State Supreme Court did for the regionalization? >> Absolutely. and that is that Steambrite
has every bit of permission that they need to come together with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. And now it's a matter of setting up the the way that it will be financed uh amongst the three towns um and God willing
we'll get it in place uh for it's amazing to say these numbers but 227 >> yeah for sure >> the start of the school year. >> So yeah, thank you. So, it's a good thing. It really is. We We need to move forward because we're shrinking. You
know, we're shrinking in population. And so, it's time to pull all the all the towns together. Um, and take advantage of the really marvelous schools that we have and educate our kids in the best way that we can.
>> Can I say one other exciting? >> You can say all the exciting things you want to. This I I love that um this summer will be uh I don't want to call it off sale, but it's sailed for uh 250. Thank you. Um and so all of
these magnificent ships or a good chunk of them are going to be right here. >> Right here, right? >> Right outside. They're coming in on the >> I think it's on the second >> and then they'll of course go out the morning of the 4th. But Highland has
adopted a ship. >> Yeah. >> Yes. The America's best pucci >> and I think it's really cool. So we we'll we'll adopt the the sailors on the ship and do all sorts of wonderful things with them. And I think it's just going to be a wonderful time for
Highlands um to just really celebrate 250 but again celebrate Highlands. This this place is amazing. and celebrate Miss Gertude's 100 year for example just because you have to ship
>> the uh the ship the Italian ship what's the name >> cargo >> Margo future the Highlands business partnership is is sponsoring them taking care of all the transportation to to get the crew uh into Highlands and they're
going to visit the various uh establishments and restaurants on the 3, right? Because the fourth there'll be there'll be, you know, the big shifts there. But there's so many things happening that the HBT is involved in. And coming up actually in in February,
we have the uh chili cook off. We have um the raise what beef and brew for for St. St. Patrick's Day. >> Um of course, the Gertude Edly thing is
in August. That's going to be big. Um, how about that Captain Hoodie statue? How's that coming along? >> Yeah, we've been looking. >> We've been trying. We've been looking at grants. Um, but there's uh some new ones that are coming out this year that haven't been announced yet. Uh but
between um the county and the state's arts councils, um I think that we might be able to get wrangle something out of them in order to uh to properly have a nice bronze for Captain Hoodie in his
park. >> Good for this year. That would be awesome. >> There are also some citizens working on a play about this. >> That's right. Hopefully we'll be able to put together us one this summer. A musical, right? Because who's going to come and see what a guy, you know, it's
going to get, >> but it's pretty spoiler. >> It's spoiler alert. >> So, not willing to pull it all together and get it out there. >> I'm certainly will. >> Yes. >> Anyone else? Leo, you want >> after hearing, you know, all the things
going on, um, I always think about Highlands, the land of opportunity to me and to all of us. Uh, it's beautiful. >> I like it a lot. >> That's what I have to say. >> It happen. I think we're ready. >> We're ready.
>> We're ready. >> All right. Uh, we are ready for the public portion. Individuals wishing to address the council shall be recognized by the presiding officer and shall give their name, address, and the group, if any, they represent. Although the council encourages public participation, it reserves the right through its presiding
officer to terminate the remarks to and or by any individuals not in keeping with the conduct of a proper and efficient meeting. If any individual refuses to conduct themselves in a proper manner, they will be removed from the meeting. The council will not during the public portion of this meeting discuss matters involving employment,
appointment, termination of employment, negotiations, service and conditions of employment, evaluation of the performance of promotion or discipline of any specific or prospective recurring employee. There's a 3minut time limit for your comments to the microphone.
Cara go and I business partnership. I just want to um announce present our 2026 grand marshall and mayor. Brilliant.
our first lady and secretary student center and they have given their blood sweat and tears to our organization and you have truly earned this honor. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good afternoon everyone and happy new
year. I'm Ed Johnson from Oakdale Community College and on behalf of Dr. staff uh and with your community. We wish you well and it's just a successful new year. Uh today marks a week that we're going to be out across the county attending all of your organization uh
meetings and we always look forward to starting. So we wish all of you well mayor a special invitation for you which I'll share with you after. Okay, >> today for our son coming
and as always college is your call and we'd like to know what you need, how we can be there and how we can >> happy new year. I appreciate you coming. Okay, seeing no other um members of the
public wishing to make a comment, I will close the public portion. And before we say goodbye, even though we did our um our resolution, I again would like to um really thank our police
chief, Robert Barton. Um he has completed an an amazing um 11week course at the National FBI Academy. And so kudos to you, sir. And with that, I would like to say a
very happy new year to you all and I'm sure I'll be seeing all of you very soon. Have a great day. Take care. >> Motion to adjourn. >> And a motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> Thank you. Meeting adjourned at 12:30.
Happy New Year's everybody.