By JF Grodeska
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – During its April 26 meeting, the borough council approved an ordinance requiring all volunteers, coaches, assistant coaches, board members and seasonal employees with direct and regular access to minors through Atlantic Highlands’ recreation and sports programs be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check. Failure to submit to the mandatory requirements would result in exclusion from the borough’s programs.
The Atlantic Highlands Recreation Committee had been asking for background checks and fingerprints for a number of years and applauded the council for passing the ordinance. However, during public comments, resident Josh Leinsdorf voiced concern that background checks would deter residents from volunteering to work with children, due to the perceived hassle involved. He further argued that the ordinance’s verbiage seems to imply that the borough administrator and chief of police could, theoretically, restrict an individual from participating as a volunteer even if they passed the background check. The council responded by reiterating that the ordinance was a way in which the town could increase security measures to provide safety for children in various borough-run programs.
Introduction Of The 2023 Budget
Also at the meeting, borough Chief Financial Officer Christopher Santiago introduced the 2023 budget. According to Santiago, the 2023 budget is $8,930,064.36, a reduction of $551,870.71 from the 2022 budget. The net asset valuation of the borough has increased by $39 million which represents a 3.74% increase from last year.
The average residential home in Atlantic Highlands has increased in value as well, by $23,879.79. The 2023 average assessed home in Atlantic Highlands now stands at $581,923.73. Because of this increase in the value of homes in the borough, there will be a slight property tax increase this year. A home valued at the borough average will have an estimated increase of about $97.20 annually. If the property is worth more or less than the average, the property tax would be higher or lower.
Proclamations And Announcements
• Councilman Jon Crowley announced a food truck festival in town Aug. 13 from 3 until 10 p.m. There will be 12-15 food trucks, a beer garden and live music.
• The first aid squad answered 100% of its calls in April, with eight calls in a single weekend; two were people involved in motor vehicle accidents, and two people were treated for hypothermia when their jet skis grounded out on pilings in the Municipal Harbor.
• On Saturday, May 8, the Atlantic Highlands Police Department will host a bicycle safety course for children and adults, followed by a bike ride.
• On May 13, the borough will host its annual Townwide Garage Sale. Residents should stop by Borough Hall to pick up the official map of the sale. The sale will take place between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (The rain date is May 14.)
• The council acknowledged April 2023 as Arab American heritage month, stating that for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society. Since migrating to America men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends while also setting examples of model citizens and public servants.
• April is also National Volunteer Month, and the mayor and council recognized the outstanding contributions of residents.
• Councilman Vito Colasurdo made a proclamation recognizing April 28 as Arbor Day, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, acknowledging the tireless efforts of citizens and organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday through their acts of service and supporting them as they continue to do so.
• Council meetings are held every second and fourth Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 11 and can be attended in person or via Zoom.
• Each Thursday, the Atlantic Highlands Borough Council holds Office Hours during which residents can visit with a council member in the public conference room at Borough Hall between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Borough Seasonal Employment
Summer Recreation Camp Director, July 5 to Aug. 11. Must be 21 years of age or older and have experience working with children and in recreation/sports. Applications must be received by May 19.
Summer Recreation Camp Counselors, July 5 to August 11. Must be 15 years of age or older. Applications must be received by May 26.
Visit ahnj.com to print an employment application from the “Applications and Forms” tab. Completed applications may be mailed to Robert Ferragina, Borough Administrator, 100 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 or dropped off at borough hall.
The article originally appeared in the May 4 – 10, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
