David A. Cranmer

The Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing the career of the retiring Police Chief. They introduced ordinances concerning the licensing and control of dogs and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. The board approved resolutions authorizing a charity bike tour, establishing a farmer's market, confirming retirement benefits for the Police Chief, appointing an officer in charge of the police department, and awarding contracts for fencing, lounge chairs, and a public address system at the Beach Club. Additionally, the board approved the hiring of seasonal police officers, a special events permit for a charity wiffleball tournament, a consolidated bill list, and the 2026 municipal budget.

The meeting featured a presentation on a Township of Ocean ordinance concerning land development and an announcement regarding the upcoming Borough Easter Egg Hunt. The Board discussed and adopted two significant ordinances: Ordinance #2026-07, which establishes a cap bank and allows the municipality to exceed budget appropriation limits, and Ordinance #2026-08, which updates the Borough's affordable housing program requirements and regulations in alignment with state fair housing acts and Fourth Round planning obligations.

The Board of Commissioners discussed the repeal of an ordinance concerning beach regulations. During the public hearing, attendees raised concerns regarding the discontinuation of a recreation program at the beach club, the changing atmosphere and management of the beach club restaurant, and broader community development issues, including affordable housing and town history.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various legislative matters, focusing primarily on affordable housing obligations and ordinances. Key items included the authorization of an affordable housing deed restriction for a specific property, amendments to the Main Street Commercial District Inclusionary Overlay Zone to encourage mixed-use development, and a budget ordinance to establish a cap bank for the 2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the Board moved to adopt a comprehensive affordable housing ordinance to comply with state requirements and the fourth round of fair share housing obligations.

The board discussed the repeal of Ordinance 2026-01 regarding beach regulations and introduced Ordinance 2026-09 to maintain 2025 Beach Club rates while exploring future improvements. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the affordability of beach club rate increases, the lack of transparency regarding future repairs and funding, the discontinuation of the recreation program, and general community relations. The board also noted the availability of the upcoming budget for public review and discussed logistics for future public meetings.