Erica Nicholes

The board meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the municipal budget, which involved reading by title only, certification, local examination, and final adoption. Multiple ordinances were discussed and processed regarding local regulations for block parties, film production permits, parks and recreation, and fee structures, as well as housing and zoning amendments and bond ordinances for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the board handled various personnel matters, authorized the auction of personal property, discussed opposition to the designation of the state as a sanctuary state, and approved contracts for beach sand supply and vehicle donations to the police department. Financial actions included the cancellation of a tax levy and the approval of bills and payroll.

The session included the formal declaration of appointments to the Land Use Board for various terms, commencing in January 2026. A first reading was conducted for Ordinance 26-01, which amends the ordinance regarding salaries, holidays, and overtime compensation for township officers and employees. The consent agenda covered numerous adoptions and approvals, including personnel matters, various official appointments (such as Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Administrator and Land Use Board Members), authorization for township employees to submit grant applications for 2026, and the approval of tax appeal officers and procedures for 2026. Other resolutions approved the 2026 Cash Management Plan, various fees for 2026 (including vendor fees and mileage reimbursement rate), approval of 2025 Special Events and 2026 Annual Town Wide Yard Sales, establishment of a Green Team Committee, and an agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center. The Commissioners also passed a resolution imploring the Governor to declare a State of Emergency regarding coastal storm damage. A contract was awarded to Stockton University Coastal Research Center, and bills and payroll totaling over $2.8 million were approved for payment.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to various personnel matters, the meeting schedule for 2026, a temporary budget for 2026, and several appropriation transfers. Contracts were awarded for cameras, wireless base radio, servers, network switches, and devices maintenance services, as well as for the service and support of local area network services. Additional contracts were awarded for electrical services, maintenance, and repairs; air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration installation, service, and repairs; purchase and delivery of bulkhead materials; and generator repairs and service. The purchase of an Axon Air-Skydio Drone was also approved. Various professional service contracts were awarded, including those for public defender, pediatric services, water sampling, medical services, municipal prosecutor, appraisal services, legal services, audit services, legal services for affordable housing, construction services, lobbying services, and groundwater testing services. Financial approvals included the CH. 159 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program and changes to water/sewer accounts. The approval of bills and payroll was also on the agenda.

The meeting included a proclamation honoring an off-duty lifeguard. Discussions involved amending ordinances related to site plan review, authorizing the purchase of a property for public purposes, and amending regulations for the voluntary surveillance registry and surveillance camera. The agenda covered amending ordinances pertaining to swimming pools and hot tubs. Approvals were made for various personnel matters, a contract for work related to a grant, and renewals of shared service agreements. Financial approvals included amending a resolution for water/sewer account changes, actions regarding performance bonds, canceling a local recreation grant, approving appropriation transfers, and approving bills and payroll. The Long Beach Township's Best Practices Checklist was reviewed.

The agenda includes discussions and potential actions regarding amendments to ordinances related to beaches, peace and good order, tree removal and replacement, stormwater quality, zoning, swimming pools and hot tubs, real property nuisances, and site plan review. The consent agenda covers personnel matters, renewal of membership in the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, the sale of surplus personal property, contract awards for third-party inspection services, renewal of shared services for third-party inspections, and the purchase/lease of vehicles and equipment for the police department. Financial approvals include the release of a performance bond, strengthening local public health capacity, amending a resolution for vehicle purchases, and approving bills and payroll.