Hightstown Democratic council members Walter Sikorski and Patrick Thompson are sworn in to serve three-year terms.
By: Michael Ross
HIGHTSTOWN Borough Council met New Year’s Day to swear in two council members, elect a new council president, confirm several appointments and organize for 2005.
The meeting, which took place at Borough Hall, attracted more than 50 residents and East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov.
"This is one of the nicest moments that a mayor can have," Mayor Bob Patten said during the swearing-in ceremony of Democratic council members Walter Sikorski and Patrick Thompson.
"I would like to thank the citizens of Hightstown for their support," Mr. Sikorski said upon taking the oath to serve the three-year term. "I wish to pay tribute to my (deceased) father," Mr. Sikorski added. "I’d also like to thank my mother who is no longer with us."
"I do want to thank all of our supporters in town," Mr. Thompson said after reciting the oath. "The public trust in me is very humbling."
Because the incumbents, Mr. Sikorski and Mr. Thompson, were re-elected, the council’s composition remains the same with four Democrats and two Republicans (Nancy Walker-Laudenberger and Susan Holtzclaw). The mayor is a Republican.
Following the ceremony, Democratic Council President Larry Quat trone nominated fellow party member and Councilman David Schneider to serve as the new president.
"I enjoyed it. I learned a lot," Mr. Quattrone said of the presidency. "I’d like to thank the council for a great year."
"I’ve learned a lot about this job since I’ve been a member of Borough Council," said Mr. Schneider, who unanimously was elected to serve the one-year term. "I’m very honored to have the position."
Also during the meeting, five professional service providers, including Municipal Attorney Frederick Raffetto and Municipal Engineer Carmela Roberts, were appointed to one-year terms. A number of other appointments including delegations to the Planning Board, the Environmental Commission, the Board of Health, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Housing Authority and the Historic Preservation Commission were made.
Mr. Sikorski was appointed by Mayor Patten and Borough Council to a one-year term on the Planning Board. He will take Councilwoman Nancy Walker-Laudenberger’s spot on the board.
In a separate resolution, Bill Searing (Class II member), Paul Byrne (second alternate), Jim Jurgens, and Richard Harlan Pratt were appointed to one-, two-, four- and four-year terms, respectively, on the Planning Board.
In addition, certain borough officials, including Deputy Borough Clerk Leona Baylor and Zoning Officer Harry Wetterskog, were appointed to one-year terms while council liaisons to various departments and commissions were named.
Ms. Holtzclaw, the Hightstown First Aid Squad liaison who was criticized last month by some squad volunteers for failing to attend regular squad meetings, was replaced with Mr. Quattrone.
Mr. Quattrone also was named the liaison to Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Commission while Ms. Holtzclaw was named the liaison to Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1 and the Water and Sewer departments.
Newly elected Mr. Thomson was named the liaison to Finance and Administration and the Environmental Commission while Mr. Sikorski was named the liaison to Construction/Housing/Fire Code Enforcement offices and the Board of Health.
Ms. Walker-Laudenberger was named liaison to the Hightstown Police Department and the Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. Schneider will act as the liaison to the Municipal Court and borough-owned properties.
In early 2005, Mayor Patten is expected to make additional appointments to the Water and Sewer Committee, the Community Celebration Committee, the Solid Waste Committee, the Animal Welfare Committee and the Downtown Improvement Committee.
Borough Council meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall in 2005.

