By Kim Lewicki, Highlands Newspaper
The Highlands Town Board wrapped up 2023 with its meeting on Dec. 14 which was held a week earlier than usual.
Mayor Pat Taylor opened the meeting with his report saying he appreciated the feedback he’s gotten from the business community regarding the board’s and the administration’s perceived attitude toward the business community.
He said after the New Year he plans on having a forum with business members to discuss issues brought to light and encouraged people to keep the feedback coming to him via text, phone call or email.
With winter weather approaching he reminded people not to call 9-1-1 about power outages, but to call Town Hall.
During Town Manager Josh Ward’s report he said Town Hall will be closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 and said there won’t be trash pickup on Christmas Day.
He also gave a heartfelt thank you to Art and Angela Williams who donated $30,000 for the pool heaters which needed to be replaced.
The 10-year-old heater was only heating the pool to 72 degrees. Two new heaters were purchased for $39,000 and now the pool water is where it’s supposed to be – at 82 degrees. The remaining $9,000 was taken from the pool fund.
A public hearing to change verbiage in the UDO regarding Exterior Commercial Lighting was held with little input from the audience. However, Highlands Newspaper co-owner Jim Lewicki, who is out the early hours every Thursday AM said for safety reasons the string lights should be allowed.
“I am constantly looking over my shoulder for bears and people who like to hang out in dark spaces,” he said.
Regardless, the amendment to the UDO was passed 4-1 with Commissioner Hehn voting against the change.
The purpose of the Exterior Commercial Lighting section of the UDO is to provide direction in controlling exterior lighting to enhance the areas being lit and not adversely affect motorists, pedestrians, and adjacent properties.
The changes to the ordinance deal with “string lighting” which can only be used as accent lights for dining areas like a deck, pavilion, or porch, and private property walkways. They may not be located on or over publicly owned property.
In addition, the string lights must be turned off at the close of business each night.
With Commissioner Jeff Weller vacating the Planning Board, and Wendall Willard also vacating his seat, a discussion was had concerning candidates for both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board which also has a vacancy.
Town Attorney Bob Hagemann walked commissioners through a nomination scenario where candidates with three or more votes would be considered and voted on by the board.
Anyone interested in applying for a seat on the Planning or Zoning Board should pick up an application at Town Hall.