Jack Johnston

The committee discussed administrative updates including the role of the Co-Chair and the removal of the Summer Camp program from committee oversight. Financial reports for the year were reviewed. Various subcommittee reports were presented, covering plans and approvals for an Egg Hunt, wrestling programs, spring and summer skateboarding lessons, basketball activities including the Mayor's Cup, the Summer Concert Series, and pickleball scheduling. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved plans for a ukulele and guitar program, a jazz concert, a locals-only bonfire, and a winter wonderland event. A volunteer of the month was recognized.

The Board of Adjustment reviewed several applications for residential construction projects, granting variance relief for new single-family homes with in-ground pools at 315 St. Louis, 214 Homestead, and 159 Baltimore Avenue. Key conditions for these approvals included aesthetic design modifications, grading and drainage plan reviews, and specific landscape requirements. Additionally, the Board overturned a zoning officer's ruling regarding the classification of a banquet facility, determining that the proposed use of the property as a wedding venue was permissible.

The commission discussed coordination efforts for the New Community Forest Management Plan, including designating liaisons to the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment. Members reviewed the final draft of the 2026-2030 Community Forest Management Plan and finalized necessary edits for submission. Additionally, the commission agreed to coordinate with the Department of Public Works regarding the removal of an overgrown vine at the River Avenue traffic triangle and a dead tree located at borough hall.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on a plastic construction dust ordinance and the Neptune 360 consumer portal. Key consent resolutions involve the approval of payroll payments, professional services and equipment purchases for the police and fire departments, various beach clean-up event applications, and property tax appeal judgments. The council will also address the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget, a resolution to defer school taxes, and multiple ordinance readings related to advisory committees and the budget cap bank.

The commission discussed membership updates, including the introduction of a new member and the voting of another candidate. Discussions regarding the USCG Station included efforts to clarify tax status with the IRS, the status of mold and asbestos remediation, and the availability of government grants for 2026 and 2027. Additionally, the commission addressed the Ocean County Roundtable event, the status of historical plaques currently undergoing repairs for corrosion, and the tabling of the historical ordinance plan.