Borough of Ship Bottom

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, followed by the required statement of notice compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Key discussions included the review of the annual meeting notice, with a request to change the reorganization meeting time to 10:00 a.m. New business featured the adoption of a proclamation honoring Councilman Tom Talon for his 31 years of public service, including service on the Long Beach Island Board of Education and the Council. Decisions were made regarding paying the bills and appointing Daniel F. Saheen Esquire as municipal court judge. The Council authorized several shared service agreements, including one with Ocean County for fire inspection services and another with Stafford Township for water and sewer system management. An agreement with Stafford Township for water service to Cedar Bonnet Island was also approved. A resolution opposing the increase of the New Jersey motor fuel tax was adopted. Further items included approving a person-to-person liquor license transfer application for Joe Pops, approving a memorandum of agreement with Teamsters Local Number 35 DPW, and addressing Resolution 2025-188 concerning an agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center regarding affordable housing obligations. Finally, the renewal and employment agreement for the deputy clerk was authorized, and Ordinance 2025-10C regarding the short-term rental tax was discussed, noting previous flaws in information related to the hotel and motel tax amendment.

The meeting included a roll call of council members and a presentation by the chief of police, recognizing officers of the year and awarding meritorious service and life-saving efforts. The council approved the payment of municipal bills, authorized reading the budget by title, and adopted the municipal budget for 2025, including discussions on tax rates and utility debt. Membership in the volunteer fire company was ratified, and the 2025 Ocean County Multihazard Mitigation Plan was adopted. Additionally, an alternate public defender was appointed.

The meeting addressed the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and a resolution concerning Tuna Park LLC. Discussions involved the specifics of a property sale agreement, including the creation of residential lots and land transfers to the borough, fence specifications, and tree locations. There were also discussions regarding parking spaces for new homes and a review of a variance plan for a property on West 19th Street, including existing nonconformities and setback requirements.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various projects and resolutions. Key topics included the history of the Ship Bottom Police Department, removal of an oil tank from school property, and updates on the DOT project. The council also addressed liquor license renewals, seasonal employment resolutions, a shared service agreement with Long Beach Township for mental health services, and the purchase of a power load stretcher for the ambulance. Additionally, they discussed the Clean Communities grant, a road reconstruction project, the housing element, and a contract for scanning records.

This resolution sets the schedule for Land Use Review Board meetings in 2025, designates official newspapers for notices, and adopts procedures for the year. The meeting schedule includes regular public business meetings following workshops on the third Tuesday of each month. The agenda includes correspondence, minutes approval, old and new business, resolutions, board business, public comment, and adjournment. The resolution also specifies time limits for applicant presentations and requirements for filing applications and plans.