Donna M. Campagna

The primary focus of the meeting involved the final reading and adoption of several ordinances. Ordinance #2026-01 revised Chapter X of the Borough Code concerning Beach Regulations, including amendments to resident and nonresident service fees and facility use charges, which one Commissioner noted represented a 56 percent increase in beach club fees. Ordinance #2026-02 amended Chapter XXVI regarding Developmental Regulations, specifically updating fees and escrow amounts for various applications such as site plan review and variance relief. Ordinance #2026-03 revised Chapter VI concerning Alcoholic Beverage Control by updating the annual license fee for Plenary Retail Distribution Licenses. Ordinance #2026-04 created a new subsection in Chapter I to establish fees and special service charges pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, detailing costs for routine requests, special services, and camera footage review. The Board also moved to the first reading for two ordinances related to affordable housing: Ordinance #2026-05 authorizing the execution of an Affordable Housing Deed Restriction for a specific property, and Ordinance #2026-06 amending the Main Street Commercial District Inclusionary Overlay Zone regulations. Resolutions passed included dispensing with the reading of the previous minutes, ratifying the previous minutes, hiring seasonal employees for the 2026 Summer Season, authorizing budget transfers for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, approving an executive session for legal/contractual matters, and approving consolidated bills covering the period of January 13, 2026, to February 3, 2026. During public comments, a resident voiced support for the Board's recent decisions, and a local organization requested permission to place a bronze marker honoring patriots, with two residents pledging donations toward the project.

The meeting focused on administrative actions following the call to order, including confirmation that the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act were met. The primary substantive action taken was the approval of Resolution #11-13-2025(1), which grants approval for the application concerning 224 Spier Avenue. The meeting concluded shortly thereafter.

The meeting included final readings and adoptions of several ordinances. Ordinance #2025-25 amended the Borough Code to establish Chapter 19-2 regarding Lead-Based Paint Inspections in rental dwellings, aligning with state law requirements. Ordinance #2025-26 revised limitations on the hours for using power machinery, equipment, or devices for construction, tree removal, gardening, and landscaping activities, including specific prohibitions on commercial use during weekends and holidays. Ordinance #2025-27 amended the salary ordinance to add the position of Assistant Zoning/Code Officer. Resolutions were passed to dispense with and ratify minutes from November 18, 2025, eliminate one civilian position within the Police Department effective December 31, 2025, appoint Jason Henry as Assistant Zoning/Code Officer effective January 1, 2026, approve Fire and First Aid appointments for 2026, appoint the Municipal Court Judge for a three-year term commencing January 1, 2026, approve a 5K run event on June 28, 2025, approve a shared services agreement with the Township of Ocean for CFO and QPA services and appoint personnel from Ocean to those roles, authorize a budget appropriation correction related to the CFO/QPA shared service change, approve various budget transfers for the 2025 fiscal year, authorize an executive session for legal/contractual matters, and approve consolidated bills totaling $331,381.21 for the period of November 19, 2025, to December 16, 2025. Public comments addressed street sign maintenance and expressed concern regarding potential changes to the Police Department structure.

The regular meeting included administrative actions such as the approval of the April 23, 2025 Meeting Minutes and the approval of two resolutions: Resolution #6-11-2025 (1) for property at 304 Lake Drive, and Resolution #6-11-2025 (2) granting an extension of time for property at 214-216 Cedar Avenue. During the discussion segment, the Allenhurst Affordable Housing Planner reviewed the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for the Fourth Round of Affordable Housing, covering the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2035, noting Allenhurst's obligation of 25 units for this round. The Board subsequently adopted Resolution #6-11-2925 (3) related to this plan, which serves to protect the Borough from potential Builders Remedy lawsuits.

Key discussions included the approval of the November 13, 2025, meeting minutes. A resolution concerning property at 45 Norwood Avenue was approved by roll call vote, although certain members abstained or recused themselves. The primary application involved a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 23 Elberon Avenue to construct an open second-floor balcony with two new French doors; following testimony from the applicant's architect and public inquiry regarding balcony limits, the Board voted to approve the application. The Board also entered into an Executive Session to discuss litigation matters.