Borough of Bay Head

Key discussions and actions during this combined meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to re-elected Councilmembers and subsequent police department members, including the promotion of a Sergeant to Lieutenant and the swearing-in of a new full-time officer. The Council elected a Council President for 2026 and appointed members to various Council Standing Committees for the year, such as Finance, Public Works, Legal and Planning, Land Use, Recreation, and Public Safety. Appointments were also made to the Planning Board and Environmental Commission. A resolution authorizing the promotion of Sergeant Sean Vaughn to Lieutenant in the Police Department was approved. Committee reports summarized accomplishments from 2025, including a successful budget closeout with a "no comment" finding on the annual audit, acceptance of two federal flood mitigation grants, updates on ordinance changes, and the successful lobbying effort for the county to raise the crown on Bridge Avenue. Finally, a series of resolutions (2026-02 through 2026-45) covering appointments (Borough Attorney, Auditor, Prosecutor, etc.), shared services agreements with the Borough of Point Pleasant, fees, and personnel compensation for 2026 were approved on a consent agenda.

Key discussions included the Princeton Hydro BioChar 319 Grant Monthly Update, where initial sample results were presented and an extension was applied for until November 2026. The FEMA 1 Scow Ditch Flood Control Engineering Project featured a detailed presentation supporting a 4.5' NAVDM bulkhead, noting minimal water level impact if a gate is added. Updates were provided on the FEMA 2 Bulkhead Flood Barrier Construction Project, including the status of the 15% draft plan and soil borings. Opportunities for flood mitigation funding were reviewed, specifically a new non-match NJDEP funding source and a potential $250,000 - $5mm NJDEP water quality grant with Princeton Hydro for erosion control. Finally, a water level gauge, fully funded by Save Barnegat Bay, is expected to be installed near the Fire Department by Halloween for real-time data collection.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and announcements regarding the public notice compliance under the Open Public Meetings Act. Key discussions included the reading and approval of two proclamations: one designating October 24, 2025, as United Nations Day and another recognizing the second week of October 2025 as Fire Prevention Week, emphasizing lithium-ion battery safety. Committee reports detailed an ordinance for police equipment funding and DPW equipment acquisition (a roll-off truck), while noting rising health insurance costs as a budget concern. DPW reported on routine maintenance, street sweeping, invasive phragmites removal, and awarded contracts for road and sidewalk repairs on West Lake Avenue and Forsyth Street, with Mount Street removed from that scope due to increased ADA sidewalk costs. The Legal & Planning Committee is drafting ordinances concerning parking time limits on Bridge Avenue and revising solicitation rules. A significant focus was on comprehensive revisions to the e-bike ordinance, proposing stricter regulations regarding vehicle classification, traffic law adherence, group riding, age limits, helmet use, passenger allowance, speed limits (20 mph), and substantially increased fines, including impoundment options. The Recreation Committee reported on seasonal decorating efforts, seeking park improvement grants, and coordinating tree removal and replacement along Route 35. Public safety updates included awarding a contract for striping and traffic calming measures on Lake Avenue. The Council adopted an ordinance creating Chapter 210, 'Towing and Storage,' and adopted an ordinance appropriating $17,000 from general capital fund balance for police equipment acquisition. Public comments raised concerns about speeding near the playground, inconsistent enforcement of existing codes (trash separation, illegal signage, house numbers), and dissatisfaction with hedge trimming maintenance along Lake Avenue.

The regular meeting included the reading of a proclamation designating December 2025 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Key committee reports covered the Finance department preparing for the next year's capital needs assessments and presenting a transfer resolution to adjust budgets. The Public Works department reviewed major projects completed in 2025, such as road improvements, sidewalk construction, and the awarding of the Bayberry Lane drainage improvement contract, with further work planned for the spring. The Legal & Planning committee discussed an ordinance on e-bikes, upcoming municipal code review, and attending the League of Municipalities conference resulting in insurance premium discounts. The Recreation committee updated on ongoing holiday and community activities, including food and toy drives. Land Use & Public Safety reports detailed zoning applications, fire department training, and police activity, including motor vehicle stops and ordinance summonses. The council passed Resolution 2025-164 concerning facility use requests for 2026. A consent agenda approved numerous resolutions covering appointments, shared service agreements, contract amendments, budget items, and opposing preemptive zoning legislation. The meeting concluded with the public hearing and adoption of two ordinances: one authorizing funding for a Deputy Fire Chief Vehicle, and another amending the municipal code regarding e-bikes. Public comment focused on maintaining the 8:00 am start time for pickleball courts.

The meeting included committee reports covering finance, public works, land use, and public safety. The finance report noted the receipt of the first state reimbursement for flood mitigation grants. The public works report detailed ongoing maintenance activities. Public safety discussions focused on traffic calming measures for Lake Avenue, including installing high-visibility crosswalk markings and solar-powered LED radar speed signs. The Borough Administrator reported that preparations for the 2026 budget are underway, highlighting a significant projected increase in state health benefit plans. The council addressed several resolutions via a consent agenda, including appointing volunteer firemen, inserting special revenue items into the budget for alcohol education and the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' program, rejecting all bids for a road improvement project due to costs exceeding grant funding, and authorizing traffic improvements on Lake Avenue. A public hearing for Ordinance No. 2025-14, concerning land use amendments, was tabled until the September 15th meeting. Public comment raised concerns regarding ordinance enforcement for overgrown hedges and temporary signs, and issues related to noise and residency rules for pickleball courts.