By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
HIGHTSTOWN — Council members discussed the possibility of establishing a policy for contacting professionals, including solicitors and engineers, at a borough meeting held Monday evening.
Mayor Steve Kirson noted the borough’s growing legal expense as one reason for establishing a policy. Early debate suggested the policy would require council members to go through a “gatekeeper” in place of calling professionals directly without any restrictions.
”Council people would have to go through the borough clerk or administrator to request access to professionals,” said Mayor Kirson during a telephone interview Thursday. “It was a policy several years ago.”
Once an individual received approval from the borough clerk or administrator, an individual could then call the professional and ask the question, according to Mayor Kirson.
The fact that this was a former policy triggered Monday’s debate, Mayor Kirson said.
The increase in the amount of bills from professionals also triggered the discussion.”There was a concern that access was too free and (there was) a lack of control,” Mayor Kirson said.
He added that the borough clerk or administrator would monitor who was calling who as well as stay up-to-date with the town’s paid professionals.
At Monday’s meeting, Councilwoman Skye Gilmartin said they needed to be “stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars.”
”We’ve seen a drastic increase in our bills,” she said.
Councilman Larry Quattrone said a policy would help “you think about what you’re going to say” adding “the clock is ticking” every time a member calls a professional contractor of the borough.
Councilwoman Lynne Woods said a permanent borough administrator should be found before moving forward.
Council President Isabel McGinty vehemently opposed the notion of council members being filtered via a gatekeeper.
”I think the process we have is working,” Ms. McGinty said.
Additionally, Ms. McGinty questioned the ability of a gatekeeper to recognize what an ethics question is.
The discussion is set to continue at a later time.
Also at the meeting, council voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance that adopted a policy of “defense and indemnification of public employees in civil actions.” Ms. McGinty recused herself, and Councilman Mike Vanderbeck was absent.
This policy will serve to protect public employees, including council members, as well as volunteers serving the borough, against civil lawsuits.

