Rather than vote a second time to negate the proposed ordinance introduced minutes earlier, action which would save time and money and was requested by Councilman Jon Crowley, the Mayor and Council introduced an ordinance at its meeting last week that if approved, would create a new Arts and Culture Commission.

Mayor Lori Hohenleitner interrupted Crowley’s questioning of the proposed ordinance, instead querying him on how many meetings he had been involved in, how many people he had spoken with, and telling him there would be a public hearing and time for discussion before the second reading. Her interruption of his comments came after asking any of the council members if they had any comments.

Crowley had asked that introduction and advertisement in its present form be postponed until he had more time to educate and learn about a new commission. “I don’t like raising problems without solutions,” he said, questioning the difference between holiday cultural events and non-holiday cultural events.

He suggested that rather than introducing another ordinance and establishing another commission, which would have its own budget as well, Crowley suggested adding arts and culture, if it be needed, as a subcommittee of the Recreation Committee on a trial basis for year.

He also highlighted the current recreation committee covers a variety of events and could support a subcommittee for arts if necessary. Currently, the recreation committee heads a variety of sports programs, supports a sailing clinic, a music festival, the Christmas tree lighting, borough parade, Atlantic Highlands Day and movies in the harbor.

Councilman Brian Doughtery, who with Crowley and Brian Gorsegner is a council representative to the recreation committee, had explained the possibility of a new arts and council committee at the February meeting of the Recreation Committee, He said if a new committee were to be formed, there would be discussion including if any current recreation programs, would come under the new committee. He said at that meeting there would be more discussion after the borough’s new administrator comes on board.

Ironically, the proposed ordinance was first posted on the Council agenda as an Arts and Culture Committee; that was amended the day before the meeting to change the proposed addition from a committee to a commission.

Although Crowley also indicated any changes he was suggesting would be “substantive” and the borough attorney noted such changes would mean the new proposed code with the changes would have to be introduced, advertised and undergo a public hearing again, no council member supported Crowley’s recommendation to negate the introductory vote introduced minutes earlier.

The proposed ordinance will be advertised in its current form; however because of time constraints in advertising, the public hearing will not be until the March 16 Borough Council meeting.

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Crowley had asked that introduction and advertisement in its present form be postponed until he had more time to educate and learn about a new commission. “I don’t like raising problems without solutions,” he said, questioning the difference between holiday cultural events and non-holiday cultural events.

He suggested that rather than introducing another ordinance and establishing another commission, which would have its own budget as well, Crowley suggested adding arts and culture, if it be needed, as a subcommittee of the Recreation Committee on a trial basis for year.

He also highlighted the current recreation committee covers a variety of events and could support a subcommittee for arts if necessary. Currently, the recreation committee heads a variety of sports programs, supports a sailing clinic, a music festival, the Christmas tree lighting, borough parade, Atlantic Highlands Day and movies in the harbor.

Councilman Brian Doughtery, who with Crowley and Brian Gorsegner is a council representative to the recreation committee, had explained the possibility of a new arts and council committee at the February meeting of the Recreation Committee, He said if a new committee were to be formed, there would be discussion including if any current recreation programs, would come under the new committee. He said at that meeting there would be more discussion after the borough’s new administrator comes on board.

Ironically, the proposed ordinance was first posted on the Council agenda as an Arts and Culture Committee; that was amended the day before the meeting to change the proposed addition from a committee to a commission.

Although Crowley also indicated any changes he was suggesting would be “substantive” and the borough attorney noted such changes would mean the new proposed code with the changes would have to be introduced, advertised and undergo a public hearing again, no council member supported Crowley’s recommendation to negate the introductory vote introduced minutes earlier.

The proposed ordinance will be advertised in its current form; however because of time constraints in advertising, the public hearing will not be until the March 16 Borough Council meeting.

Praise continues to be offered for employees of the Atlantic Highlands Public Works Department in light of the heavy snow and other situations in recent week and their efforts to keep roads clear, sanitation picked up and hydrants accessible for volunteer firemen.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the mayor and Council, Councilman Jon Crowley expressed appreciation and thanks to the department as well as residents who help in maintaining safe and accessible streets.

But Crowley issued a series of warnings, suggestions, and ways the public can continue to help each of the Public Works departments, including streets, water, fire, sanitation and recycling.

To ensure better safety for and an opportunity to continue excellence in clearing roads, Crowley suggested vehicles be parked off road in driveways, if street parking is necessary, in any particular neighborhood, park only on one side of the road to enable better road plowing. Similarly, residents should not shovel or blow snow back on roadways while clearing their own properties. Once the storm ends, residents should be patient in enabling DPW employees to open roadways and intersections.

Clearing fire hydrants a minimum of three feet in all directions around the hydrants is not only helpful but a safety issue, Crowley said, with cleared hydrants ensuring quick access in emergencies.

Residents should consider colored trash bags when putting out trash for the sanitation department. Crowley said even in light snow dustings, white trash bags are difficult to see by busy and fast-moving Public Works employees and could be missed for collection.

To prevent scattering, dangers of flying debris and difficulty in collecting all recyclables, residents are reminded to bundle and securely tie all paper and cardboard, folding card board boxes flat for more security and space.

Residents can refer to the new 2026 calendars which were recently mailed to all residents if they are in doubt as to their zones and dates of trash and recyclable pickups.

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Vacant “We remain hopeful and are determined!” said Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission Chairman Thomas Wall when no RFPS were submitted in the second round of seeking new uses for the former Shore Casino. Wall noted the Commission will continue to aggressively seek tenants for one of the largest leasehold holding properties at the Harbor.

The Chairman announced at Borough Hall at noon Tuesday, February 17, the advertised deadline, there had been no response to the second request for proposals for use of the former Shore Casino, the restaurant and catering facility which had been at the Harbor for more than 50 years.

Last December, the Harbor had rejected the single RFP that had been submitted at the first request for proposals. That proposal was presented as a joint proposal between the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and Sea Streak and rejected, Wall had said, for a number of reasons.

The Commission then authorized a second request for proposals which were returnable February 17 at noon.

At a meeting at Borough Hall at noon, Wall deferred to Commissioner Vice Chairman Michael Curry who has been handling the RFPs. Curry noted that none had been received, therefore no action was necessary.

Wall said that now that the Commission has advertised for requests for proposals twice, the Commission is now in a position to accept any proposals from anywhere and act on them. Should any proposals that come to the harbor be considered and approved by the Commission, their recommendation would then go to the Mayor and Council who would need to give their approval for any use to take place.

Wall said the current use of the building is for restaurant and catering. While other uses would also be considered, he noted any other use would require approval by the Planning Board before it could be accepted.

Curry said the matter would be taken up at an executive meeting of the Harbor Commission on Tuesday, March 3, prior to the Commission’s regular meeting immediately following.

In the absence of no positive action being taken after two public advertised requests, required by law, it is not inconceivable that a number of proposals would now be received by the Commission, including another proposal from Sea Streak and the Yacht Club.

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Vacant “We remain hopeful and are determined!” said Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission Chairman Thomas Wall when no RFPS were submitted in the second round of seeking new uses for the former Shore Casino. Wall noted the Commission will continue to aggressively seek tenants for one of the largest leasehold holding properties at the Harbor.

The Chairman announced at Borough Hall at noon Tuesday, February 17, the advertised deadline, there had been no response to the second request for proposals for use of the former Shore Casino, the restaurant and catering facility which had been at the Harbor for more than 50 years.

Last December, the Harbor had rejected the single RVP that had been submitted at the first request for proposals. That proposal was presented as a joint proposal between the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and Sea Streak and rejected, Wall had said, for a number of reasons.

The Commission then authorized a second request for proposals which were returnable February 17 at noon.

At a meeting at Borough Hall at noon, Wall deferred to Commissioner Vice Chairman Michael Curry who has been handling the RFPs. Curry noted that none had been received, therefore no action was necessary.

Wall said that now that the Commission has advertised for requests for proposals twice, the Commission is now in a position to accept any proposals from anywhere and act on them. Should any proposals that come to the harbor be considered and approved by the Commission, their recommendation would then go to the Mayor and Council who would need to give their approval for any use to take place.

Wall said the current use of the building is for restaurant and catering. While other uses would also be considered, he noted any other use would require approval by the Planning Board before it could be accepted.

Curry said the matter would be taken up at an executive meeting of the Harbor Commission on Tuesday, March 3, prior to the Commission’s regular meeting immediately following.

In the absence of no positive action being taken after two public advertised requests, required by law, it is not inconceivable that a number of proposals would now be received by the Commission, including another proposal from Sea Streak and the Yacht Club.

Atlantic Highlands residents have until this Tuesday, February 17 at 4 p.m. to apply for the one vacancy from that borough on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education.

Interviews of prospective candidates are on the agenda for the Board’s regular meeting the following night, Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. at Henry Hudson School.

The vacancy was created by the resignation of board member Cory Wingerter who resignation was accepted in January because of a move from the district.

The board will name a replacement for the Atlantic Highlands representative for a term to expire in December; an elected representative will be selected at the November election.

Persons from Atlantic Highlands applying for the position must be a citizen of the United States of America, at least 18 years of age, able to read and write, and an Atlantic Highlands resident at least year preceding the date of appointment. Applicants cannot have, directly or indirectly any contract with a claim against the Board , must be registered to vote in the district and not disqualified as a voter pursuant to NJSA 19:4-1

Persons interested in serving this school district should submit a letter of interest to: Janet Sherlock School Business Administrator/Board Secretary One Grand Tour Highlands, NJ 07732 Email: jsherlock@henryhudsonreg.k12.nj.us.

In other business at the regular meeting, the board is expected to authorize joining the Garden State Coalition of Schools, a member-directed grassroots advocacy organization that represents Boards of Education, parents, school administrators, and community members in advocating quality education; the board also wants to join to participate in the focus on interrelated issues of academic achievement, educational practices, and school finance, wants to be part of what is now 100 other school districts in the Coalition.

In addition to the monthly program of highlighting outstanding students and faculty members in a variety of fields, the board also plans on naming March as Music in Our Schools Month encouraging all to celebrate the Music education at Henry Hudson and its role as an essential part of every students education.

It plans on taking action after an executive session concerning personnel, litigation and invasion of privacy matters.

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