Donald Clare

The meeting commenced with an introduction of special guests from the City of Asbury Park, who shared their expectations for the Commission's role as an "extra eye and ear" for the City. The Commission reviewed its 5-Year Budget Plan, focusing on key areas such as pond weed and geese management, eligibility for 319 H Grants via a Watershed Plan, aerator issues, and collaboration with the Environmental Shade Tree Commission. Discussion ensued regarding the geese population and the status of the bridge refurbishment project, which awaits notification from the State Historic Preservation Office. Suggestions were made for adding lighting to the aerators for nighttime visual appeal. The Commission voted to reschedule the March meeting to the 24th.

The committee held an executive session to discuss redevelopment projects for West Lake and the North Channel, along with administrative personnel matters. Key legislative actions included the adoption of an ordinance to regulate smoke and vape shops, the authorization of various bond anticipation notes for general and sewer improvements, and the procurement of municipal vehicles and equipment. Additionally, the committee approved the co-sponsorship of upcoming local disc golf tournaments and the RunAPalooza 5K event, authorized the final payment for the Sunshine Village soccer fields drainage project, and appointed a new Business Administrator.

The meeting involved an initial session including authorization for an Executive Session to discuss Personnel (Staffing & Compensation) and Attorney Client Privilege regarding Potential Litigation. Following the Executive Session, the Regular Meeting commenced. Key discussions and actions included amending the agenda to add resolutions, community comments regarding various issues such as the Shark River Basin grant, utility bill assistance, and public safety concerns. Several ordinances were introduced, including one to exceed budget appropriation limits (Cap Bank), another amending job titles and salary ranges effective January 1, 2026, one concerning resident-only handicapped parking zones, and one amending post-retirement medical and prescription benefits. Resolutions adopted covered authorizing Bond Anticipation Notes for Marina Utility Improvements, appointing an Alternate Municipal Prosecutor, appointing members to the Library Board of Trustees, authorizing the purchase of Ford Super Duty trucks, authorizing the cancellation and refund of taxes due to assessment errors, extending shared service agreements with Fire District 1 and the Sewerage Authority (TNSA), authorizing an application for a Recreation Improvement Grant for Loffredo Fields Playground, amending a previous resolution regarding personnel, authorizing personnel reclassification within EMS, and appointing members to the Historic Preservation Commission. Public comments addressed several topics including the Cap Bank Ordinance, retirement benefits, and redevelopment projects.

The meeting included the acceptance of a donation from the Ocean Grove Historical Society, which was designated for the equipment fund. A new member, Elizabeth Benfer, took the oath of firefighter. The Treasurer's report and bill list were approved. Under old business, the Board decided to use the local Disaster Hill training site for the door prop, pending re-evaluation in a few months. The Fire Official's written report and the Fire Chief's verbal report covered an upcoming drill schedule, year-to-date alarm statistics, and an initiative to update Standard Operating Guidelines. The Apparatus Committee reported that drawings for bay door modifications were near completion, anticipating 12' clearance. Following a brief public hearing, the meeting was adjourned.

The Board selected a new Chairman to fill a vacancy. Key discussions included the approval of funds for CEVO 4 training for eleven members and additional training requested by the fire official. The Board reviewed the Treasurer's report and bill list. A public hearing was held for the 2026 budget, leading to the adoption of the budget resolution pending further approvals. The Fire Official and Fire Chief provided their reports, which covered upcoming training schedules and year-to-date alarm counts. Additionally, public comment addressed potential training equipment purchases and the feasibility of utilizing existing site props.