By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — The Borough Council has been pondering its ethics in a changing world.
”It was discussed at our last meeting,” said Mayor Steven Kirson as the Code of Conduct topic again emerged at the Jan. 4 council meeting.
The proposed Code of Conduct draft looks at technology.
Some people have questioned allowing members to use personal cell phones during executive session meetings, which are closed to the public.
According to the draft resolution, “members of the governing body shall not utilize their cell phones while the meeting is in session, whether verbally nor by text.”
Councilwoman Lynne Woods is advocating for members to stop texting during executive and regular meetings.
Ms. Woods said, “I just find it very disturbing.”
The draft states that members can have their phones out with the ability to step away if there is an emergency.
The proposed Code of Conduct also addresses the public’s behavior during Borough Council meetings.
”As council members, we experience huge workloads and tremendous stress in making decisions that could impact thousands of lives of people,” Ms. Woods said. “Despite these pressures, we are called upon to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. Demonstrating respect for each other through words and actions is the touchstone that can help guide council members to do the right thing.”
The guidelines proposed include “acceptable” behavior by the public while interacting with council members during meetings.
Monday night, a “point of order” was called by council members and also residents.
”I cannot be courteous to people who want to destroy this town,” said Gene Sarafin, a former council member.
He also told the council members to “shut up.”
A “point of order” was asked for by local businesswoman Fran Colombo, stating she didn’t come to the meeting to hear such talk. She owns Tavern on the Lake, a restaurant with views of Peddie Lake in downtown Hightstown.
”Fran, sit down and shut up,” Mr. Sarafin responded.
Resident Scott Caster during the second public comment session commented on the Code of Conduct.
”You can’t legislate ‘respect,’ Councilwoman Woods,” Mr. Caster said.
Yet, without these guidelines, it “gives the appearance that disruptive, loud or threatening behavior is acceptable,” Ms. Woods said.
Councilman Rob Thibault questioned the draft’s guidelines for the public while “addressing the council,” including a proposed five-minute limit for public speakers.
”I don’t like the five-minute limit,” Mr. Thibault said.
The council agreed to remove the 5 minute restriction from the draft.
Borough Attorney Frederick Raffetto said, “You do have the right to limit people to five minutes; it’s a policy call.
The council is considering that the first public session will address agenda items only with only the second public comment session being open to any concerns brought forth by an individual before the council.
Mr. Raffetto also noted the council follows Robert’s Rules of Order.
During public comment, resident J.P. Gibbons said, “When a point of order is called during a meeting, it requires the chair to address it . . . It is Robert’s Rules of Order, and when someone is out of control, some can call for a point of order, and you must restore it, mayor, or turn the gavel over to the next person who’s responsible.”
Mr. Thibault also doubted the council’s ability to remove people from the meeting for speaking out of turn.
Police Director James LeTellier said, “The New Jersey Supreme Court made a ruling that sometimes speech can be physically disruptive if they are shouting if someone is at the podium.”
The police director continued, “You never, regardless, want to infringe upon someone’s First Amendment rights — or any rights for that matter — but at the same time, you do have the right for your protection of the public interest.”
Thus, “if someone does become disruptive, you request . . . that the police do come out,” Mr. LeTellier said.
”I think that is the extreme,” Ms. Woods said. “I don’t think that is what we are looking to do. I think we are just trying to set the statement of respect here. (We) ask that those who are addressing us, and not just for our sake, but the people in the audience, to just demonstrate a level of respect.”
With some modifications made the Conduct of Code draft resolution was tabled until the Feb. 18 Borough Council meeting.

