Adam Ellender

The meeting agenda focused on several ordinances for introduction and public hearing/adoption. Key ordinances addressed floodplain management fee increases, general fee amendments, rental property registration requirements (transferring fire safety inspections to the Ocean County Fire Marshal), and comprehensive amendments to the Affordable Housing chapter to conform with Uniform Housing Affordability Controls. Another ordinance proposed prohibiting pickleball play at municipal tennis courts. The Consent Agenda included resolutions for amending personnel policies, approving expenditure for playground equipment and surfacing for the Nelson Ave. All-Inclusive Playground, approving the certified list of eligibles for the First Aid Squad (LOSAP), returning piling bonds, approving a grant application for the Beach Haven Library Exterior Renovation Project, renewing employee vision care coverage, addressing emergency temporary appropriations, and approving spending plans and an agreement with the Jetty Rock Foundation for the Hop Sauce Festival.

The meeting agenda focused heavily on ordinances scheduled for public hearing and adoption on March 9, 2026. These ordinances included amendments concerning Floodplain Management (to increase permit fees), general Fees, the registration of Rental Properties (updating inspection protocols to align with the Ocean County Fire Marshal), and comprehensive amendments to the Affordable Housing chapter to conform with Uniform Housing Affordability Controls. Additionally, Ordinance #2026-6C concerning Tennis Courts was introduced. The Consent Agenda contained several resolutions, including amendments to Personnel Policies and Procedures, approval of an expenditure up to $780,925.79 for playground equipment, approving the certified list of eligibles for the First Aid Squad, returning Piling Bonds, approving grant assurances for the Beach Haven Library Exterior Renovation Project, and renewing the contract for Employee Vision Coverage.

The meeting focused on ordinance introductions and resolutions listed under the Consent Agenda. Key ordinances introduced included amendments related to sewer system clean outs, floodplain management permit fees, general fee amendments, and changes to rental property inspections, transferring fire safety inspection duties to the Ocean County Fire Marshal. Resolutions considered in the consent agenda involved permitting sidewalk sales, consenting to amusement licenses for Wainwright Amusements, LLC, authorizing services with Jensen Hughes, applying for Community Development Block Grant Funds, approving a settlement agreement with The Marlin Restaurant & Bar, Inc. regarding a license suspension appeal, authorizing right-of-way use for Verizon Wireless, and awarding a contract to Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems for a garbage truck purchase. The agenda also included a finance report review, public comment, and final remarks before adjournment.

The meeting included a review of financial reports, detailing cash receipts and disbursements for the Kerner fund, current fund, and water utility accounts for June 2019. Discussions covered beach patrol statistics, including rescues and EMS activations. Several ordinances were addressed, including the final reading and approval of ordinances related to swimming pool regulations, street and sidewalk requirements for openings, establishing the title of Payroll Supervisor/Pension Fund Supervisor, and prohibiting smoking in outdoor dining areas. A capital ordinance authorizing general improvements and appropriations for a garbage truck and police vehicle was also discussed. Furthermore, there was an extensive discussion regarding Resolution 174-2019, which designates a specific property as an area in need of rehabilitation, focusing on the criteria and implications for potential redevelopment. Public comments were received regarding the trash ordinance, addressing concerns about the practical application of placement requirements versus reality for homeowners and renters, and a potential compromise involving Public Works collection policies. There was also a prolonged public input session concerning the utilization of tennis courts versus the establishment of pickleball courts, referencing profitability data for both facilities.

The meeting commenced with confirmation of adequate public notice under the Open Public Meetings Act. A primary discussion involved Resolution 192-2020, which revised the annual meeting notice to comply with new State of New Jersey local finance guidance regarding remote meetings. Council unanimously approved this resolution. The council also considered Resolution 194-2020, authorizing the first amendment to the redevelopment agreement with Victoria Rose Condominiums LLC for Block 167, Lot 1. This amendment concerned providing supplemental affordability assistance, up to $125,000, for four affordable housing units. The need for this assistance arose because recalculated condominium association fees, set to be consistent across market-rate and affordable units ($800/month for three-bedroom and $500/month for two-bedroom units), substantially lowered the maximum affordable sales prices compared to initial 2019 projections. The discussion detailed the complexities of ensuring housing affordability given mandated uniform fee structures.