The Highlands Borough Council plans on introducing two ordinances, approving two resolutions, appointing an administrative agent and other routine business at its meeting set for Wednesday evening at borough hall at 7 p.m.
The governing body wil introduce an Affordable Housing Ordinance and an amendment to the borough code to permit alcohol a the Community Center for a specific event and will set public hearings for March before they are enacted.
The borough will authorize the Police Department to participate in the Defense Logistics Agency Enforcement Support Office in order to acquire excess defense equipment materials.
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If perception is reality … than the Atlantic Highlands Mayor & Council is making it very clear they don’t think it’s important for local residents to attend municipal meetings.
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner
And if perception is reality … they took at least one specific action to ensure interested residents have to make a choice between whether they would rather see a number of local youngsters be honored for their academics, talents and sports abilities, and maybe see and hear who’s interested on becoming a member of the board of education, or find out why an additional $367,000 is needed for the Hill Road drainage improvement or what’s in that $2.2 million bond anticipation note the Council plans on acting on.
Or maybe to meet the borough’s new borough administrator and see him in action.
Well, actually, that regular first and third Monday meeting schedule isn’t really for the entire year; it only covers March, April, May, June and October, just five months of the year. There is only one meeting in the months of January, July, August, November and December, or five months a year. Then in February, because the ‘regular’ meeting night falls on President’s Day, a holiday, and in September when the first Monday of the month falls on Labor Day, another holiday, as it is every year, two meetings are switched to Wednesday nights.
Apparently, again, if perception is reality, the borough council does not give a flying hoot that the two most important municipal meetings to local residents are planned specifically for the same night, because the Atlantic Highlands Mayor & Council does not want to have its meeting on a holiday.
Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education
For Highlands residents, it’s another serious problem. Henry Hudson Regional Board scheduled its regular meeting nights for the exact same night that Highlands Council has been holding their regular meetings for more than five years. So residents of that borough have to decide every month whether they want to hear what’s going on in town or what’s going in in their school district.
If perception is reality … it appears that neither the Hudson Board or the Atlantic Highlands governing body even cares whether its residents want to be at their meetings or be involved in person or on zoom, where that’s possible, since Henry Hudson doesn’t ever provide that, to participate in their meetings?
Not many people attend either borough council meetings or the board of education meetings. Even board meeting attendance has not increased noticeably even though there is only one, not three, boards of education any more.
So which is it.
Do people not attend meetings because it’s confusing when each is held and they have to seek them out?.
Is it because the meetings conflict and those who want to attend both simply can’t?
Or do people not attend meetings because their elected bodies don’t make it easy to remember schedules and attend?
On the other hand, is it intentional? The folks who do attend meetings are interested, are eager to learn, and do tend to ask a lot of questions.
Is it a perception that once in office, elected officials don’t really care what the people think?
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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.
Former Board President Mr. Cory Wingerter
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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Seven of Highlands’ top chefs and 13 amateur cooks will participate in the 14th Annual Highlands Chili Cook-Off Sunday, February 22, from 3–7 p.m. at the Chubby Pickle, 23 Bay Avenue.
The chefs will battle for chili glory, help raise funds for the annual Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 21, and give everyone the opportunity taste and vote on their chili excellence.
Tickets are $45 and include twenty (20) chili samplings, two beers, and a ballot to pick prize winning chilies.
The Cook-Off features two categories: Professional and Amateur. The Professional Cook-Off showcases seven Highlands restaurants: Bahrs Landing Restaurant, Chilangos, Chubby Pickle, Highlands Café, Inlet Café, Off the Hook, and Proving Ground. The Amateur Cook-Off includes 13 contestants, open to any non-professional chili cooks ready to put their recipes to the test.
After sampling the chili, attendees will cast their votes by turning in completed ballots to event staff. Votes will be tallied, and winners announced at approximately 6:30 p.m., with trophies awarded to the champions. In addition to the People’s Choice Award, Grand Marshal Mayor Carolyn Broullon, along with a panel of five independent judges, will select a Judges’ Choice winner.
Adding to the festivities, Highlands’ own Solas Na Mara Pipe Band will provide live entertainment throughout the event.
All proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will offset the cost of the Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. on March 21, with Mayor Broullon as Grand Marshal.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its programs and events are made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Monmouth County Tourism, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Farmacie by the French Market, Gateway Marina, The Honorable Plant, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry, Seafarer, Valley Bank, and WRAT 95.9.
Tickets may be purchased in advance, and amateur chefs can register to compete, by visiting www.highlandsnj.com or calling (732) 291-4713.
Pictured: Mayor Carolyn Broullon, Chef Santiago and Chef Bob from Bahrs Landing, 2025 Grand Marshal Tim Hill, and HBP Executive Director Carla Cefalo.
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The Atlantic Highlands Police Department responded to a total of 14,788 calls during 2025, with Councilman Jose Pujols noting the number is high, and “they all are doing a Great job.”
Councilman Jose Pujols
The 14,788 calls average more than 1200 a month or an average of 300 calls a week, the report shows.
Broken down, Pujols reported the total includes 3,015 traffic stops, 1,703 non-parking summonses, and 529 parking summonses. There were 19 arrests for DWI during the last year, he said, seven fewer than the year before. The decrease, the council man continued, appears to be the result of the diligence and actions of the department that have given a strong message that motorists are learning “DWI cannot, and will not happen here.”
On the other hand, Pujols said he was sad to report that the 122 motor vehicle accidents in 2025 was eight more than the previous year but also pointed out police response has always been excellent and the department works on a daily basic to ensure greater safety on the roads at all times.
Atlantic Highlands Police Chief Scott Reinert
Pujols noted Police Chief Scott Reinert pointed out “the Atlantic Highlands Police Department continues to serve and protect the residents of Atlantic Highlands with the upmost respect and professionalism. It is my belief that the Atlantic Highlands Police Department is a model agency for small towns throughout NJ,” an opinion expressed widely across the borough.
The Chief’s report also included statistics and trainings that are routine procedures in this department ensuring a department responsive to the needs of its residents and visitors. “Our engagement with the public is an important piece to build trust and relationships with our residents,” Pujols continued.
An example of the department’s dedication to safety and protection for all residents and visitors is the information and regulations the chief disseminated recently in the wake of increased use of electric and motorized bikes. There is a necessity to keep everyone aware of the stringent regulations in effect in the borough and the dedication of the department in enforcing them to ensure greater safety methods by all.
In response to questions about lighting and safety on Memorial Parkway as it transverses the borough, Pujols said the chief said he is in the process of resolving and improving the state highway situation working with their partners at the state level. The report also indicated the department is working with JCP&L to find a resolution to the lighting along the Parkway .
In regard to Memorial Parkway, he stated in his report that some issues he would like to resolve or improve in 2026 include working with the department’s partners at the state level and JCP&L to find a resolution to the lighting on Memorial Parkway.
Pujols, who is also a member of the Veterans Affairs committee, said that committee would also like to work alongside the police and their state contacts to find a resolution to concerns about the American flags lining the parkway median, and noted the Committee is also working on a Hometown Hero’s banner to honor borough service men and women along borough walkways, streets and parks , including Memorial Parkway.
Pujols added he will continue to report and keep the public updated on the progress of the Committee’s project.
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The new Veterans Village housing complex in Belford is almost ready to begin receiving its 12 tenants. According to Middletown Township, notices will be sent out within the next week advising potential tenants on when applications will be due.
Middletown officials held a grand opening last November 2, officially opening the doors with a flag raising ceremony, public tours and other highlights in anticipation of accepting applications and beginning the process of reviewing and establishing eligibility of the applicants.
However, the federal government shutdown last October caused the unanticipated delay, and frustrated Township officials who have been eager to enable veterans to move into their apartments along Leonardville Road.
At the time, federal vouchers for the 12 units would have been a key component of the overall $9.2 million project’s financing. The Township anticipated that when the shutdown ended, the vouchers would be released. However, they were ultimately advised that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would no longer issue – meaning fund – any new vouchers.
“It’s been terribly disappointing and frustrating to us,” said Middletown Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante, “because while business in Middletown and housing for veterans might seem like a small thing to the U.S. Congress, it actually has big impacts at the local level, and in this case veterans in need of housing.”
However, the administrator continued, Township officials have worked closely with the Middletown Redevelopment Corporation, who will be managing the project, to reconfigure the financial structure to work without the HUD subsidy
Advertisements will be published to keep people informed of how and where to fill out applications, he said. A March deadline is expected, and he is hopeful the first veterans could move into their new housing by April.
Mercantante also cautioned that even though Veterans Village is ready and applications can be completed and 12 veterans approved for live-in, prospective tenants in some cases may need some time to get out of current leases or other living arrangements
“These are long processes and the delays at the federal level, have been frustrating for all of us in the township,” Mercantante said. “We are now eager to see people start to move into the homes so that we can continue to honor those who have given so much to their nation.”
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It is the third year the borough has participated, but already they are finalizing plans for a busy, fun, educational and celebratory Local Government Week event in the Borough of Highlands.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
Mayor Carolyn Broullon confirmed the borough is once again participating in and conducting activities during the week of April 12 to 18. Highlight of the week will be the Open House at Borough Hall on Thursday, April 16, from 6 to 7:30 at Borough hall.
The state-wide week long celebration was organized by the NJ League of Municipalities and designed to engage residents, highlight the municipality’s beauty, and show the dedicated work of its municipal staff and volunteers, from the Police Department to the fire department and first aid squad.
The week is an opportunity for municipalities to encourage civic education, volunteerism and local pride. In organizing it, the League hopes to bring awareness to the role local government plays in achieving the best life for communities.
“ People have questions and are curious about how local government works,” Broullon said, “it’s a great way for people to meet the staff from Administration, Police, Fire and First Aid without it being in a confrontational environment.” It’s an opportunity to get together over light refreshments and learn from each other, she said.
The mayor said there will be flyers, information, and packets from the various departments of the borough, as well as a tour of the Borough Hall during the Open House and an opportunity to meet with employees.
Notices have already been sent to vario9us local organizations inviting them to participate in the Open House. Those interested are invited to call 732-872-1224, ext. 212 for further information.
The borough will also use the opportunity to continue its celebration of its 125th anniversary as a municipality separate from Middletown, as well as the 250th anniversary of the nation. Some of the activities planned for the July event will be announced at the April Open house. Broullon said committee members for 250th celebration within the borough include members of the Highlands Business Partnership as well as the Highlands Historical Society.
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Emphasizing the importance of happy marriages and family life, the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus honored Bill and Eileen Skiff as their Family of the Month at their Valentine’s Breakfast Sunday.
The breakfast, held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Gym, Miller Street, Highlands, the second Sunday of every month, honors a family each month who exemplify the importance of family and setting high standards in marriage. In presenting the award, Grand Knight Kevin McKenna noted the couple has been married more than 68 years. The Skiffs are active members of the OLPH St Agnes Parish, generally at OLPH for the Sunday morning mas, and always exemplifying the importance of upholding Christian values both in their own home and in assisting and working with others.
McKenna is also a member of the Family of the Month Committee for the Council, which practices one of the goals and aims of the international Knights of Columbus in dedication to the development of strong, vibrant families. McKenna noted the monthly honors bring even greater awareness to the many outstanding families in the parish who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, and making contributions of support and involvement in their parish and surrounding community.
The Skiffs have been members of the parish since 1960 when they first came to Highlands as summer residents. Two years later,, when Bill retired, the family became full-time residents and full-time members of the church community. Since then, he said, in praising the couple, “they have consistently attended mass and supported our many various events over the years. They have remained steadfast over that span to our beautiful parish while enriching their growing family in our Catholic faith.”
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Advanced planning, excellent working apparatus and daily inspections are keeping the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor piers safe and secure during the freezing icy, snowy weather conditions.
That is the message the Harbor Commission received at its meeting this week, when the Commission sought up-to-date information on the harbor situation, in view of the many reports of other docks collapsing because of ice and freezing.
Harbormaster Lou Fligor confirmed to VeniVidiScripto days after the meeting that piers are still secure at the harbor and regular inspections are made to assure the situation remains the same.
Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.
“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.
So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.
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Piers
Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.
While there are 18 abandoned boats in slips at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor, it’s a vast improvement from the past and all are in the process of eventually being removed.
That’s what the harbor Commission explained at this month’s meeting, after Joseph Kokomo, an Ocean Boulevard resident, complained some boats are unsightly and the Commission should take action to remove masts and gas tanks from the privately owned vessels.
Harbor Commission Chairman Thomas Wall tried unsuccessfully several times to explain why the commission is as frustrated as he over abandoned boats, but its current actions are ambitious and successful, and the best they can legally do at this time.
Other members of the commission, as well as Commission Attorney. William McGuinn also attempted to tell the resident they are doing their best, with Commissioner Jim Krauss finally telling him, “you’re talking to the wrong people; you should go to the State DMV.”
Kokomo spoke during the public portion of the meeting, saying the abandoned boats take away from the esthetics of the harbor and take up space that could be used for paying customers. In response to his questions, Harbormaster Lou Fligor said there were approximately 17 boats that have been abandoned and are not paying lease space, and the matter is indeed frustrating to the Commission. A check of his records shows there are currently 18 abandoned boats, and each one of them is at some stage of activity in being removed.
The records also show that in the last 18 months, the Harbor has taken possession of, and removed, five abandoned boats without the expensive legal and research methods that have been used previously.
Wall, continuing to try to assuage Kokomo’s irritation, explained “It is not easy to take ownership of an abandoned vessel”: something that is necessary to do before boarding it or taking any action with it. He explained the Commission is aware the abandonment vessels take up space that could be income producing, but it is necessary to follow the law.
Like motor vehicles, boats are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and without the official title, doing anything with the boat is trespassing and against the law.
Fligor explained that through McGuinn, he has been working with Abandoned Boat Titles LLC, a small but feisty and hard-working firm that has taken on the legalities of seeking the titles and turning them over to the Commission, enabling the commission to dispose of them in their own way. All of that takes time, he explained, and the firm is paid by the Harbor for their work, considerably less expensive than previously long drawn out searches or legal fees. For instance, after the firm secured titles for him., Fligor was able to sell two boats, each 38 feet in length or longer. One of them was purchased, the owner did not want it, gave the tile back to Fligor and he was then able to use the money to destroy the boat which was wooden and beyond salvation.
Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the harbor of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.
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Harbor
Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.
