Jack Johnston

The meeting agenda commenced with an Executive Session for legal matters including litigation concerning County of Ocean property, Green Acres Grant Application, and Open Space Trust Fund issues. The Regular Meeting agenda featured a ceremonial oath of office for Police Sergeant Tyler Zukowitz. Discussions included Water Tank Design and an application from White Horse Winery LLC for an outlet at Shore Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant. Consent Resolution 1 involved numerous payments, including payroll, tax appeal refunds, lake management services, revaluation costs, and an allocation payment to the Board of Education, along with an authorization for hydrant flushing and appointments to the Floodplain Committee. Consent Resolution 2 detailed various payments and purchase orders primarily for the Police Department, covering subscriptions, vehicle parts, equipment, and uniforms. Ordinances introduced included amendments regarding Gazebo & Pergola Standards and Meetings, alongside a second reading and public hearing for an ordinance amending rules governing QPA and BA.

Key discussions included an update on the preparation of the 2025 Annual Accomplishment Report, noting the current volunteer work value per hour. The commission agreed to coordinate updates to the spring Big Beautiful Tree flyer to incorporate expanded tree offerings from Fernbrook. Program management responsibilities were confirmed, with one member continuing to manage the Free Street program and another managing the Big Beautiful Tree program. A detailed review of the draft CFMP was conducted with the LTE consultant, resulting in consensus on revisions; follow-up actions regarding outstanding questions with DPW and Storm Water Management were assigned.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting, following an Executive Session, includes discussions on Gazebos and the Meeting Protocol Policy. Key items under Consent Resolution 1 involve approvals for payroll payments, payments to the Ocean County Treasurer, NJ DCA training fees, purchase orders for equipment, emergency repairs, monthly billing, tax levy, allocation to the Board of Education, bulk water usage payment, parking passes, employee/retiree health benefits, amendments to resolutions regarding Prosecutor appointments, approvals for Recreation Skateboarding programs and registration fees, an application for the CDBG Grant Program for Philadelphia Avenue Improvements, execution of the Shade Tree Commission Tree City USA application, and authorization for a road opening permit. Appointments are listed for a Violations Clerk and a DPW Laborer 1. Consent Resolution 2 covers payments for elevator service, CFO services, landscaping, contract awards for painting and remediation of the Coast Guard Station, purchase of radiant heaters, and payment for water main replacement, along with discussion of appointing a Mechanic and emergency temporary appropriations. Consent Resolution 3 includes approval of computer-generated vouchers, authorization to execute a Shared Services Agreement with the OC Prosecutor for SWAT/Crisis Negotiation Teams, promotion of a Police Sergeant, and payments for PD software and maintenance, as well as FD equipment. The agenda also lists three ordinances scheduled for second reading/public hearing regarding the Borough Attorney's powers, handicap parking spaces, and special emergency appropriations, and one ordinance introduced for a first reading concerning amendments to governing QPA and BA sections.

The meeting included the reorganization of the Board. Actions taken involved the appointment of the Board Clerk (Karen L. Mills), Board Chairman (Paul Struncius), Vice-Chairman (Mr. Reynolds), Board Secretary (Mr. Davis), Board Attorney (Ben Montenegro), and Board Engineer (Ray Savacool of T & M Associates). Additionally, a motion was passed to designate the Asbury Park Press and the Ocean Star as the Board's official newspapers. The Board also voted to memorialize the denial of application 2025-24 (Four Shore Builders) and the approval of application 2025-34 (Moscatello).

The meeting included a Reorganization segment where the Board appointed its Clerk/Secretary, Board Attorney, and Board Engineer. Officers were elected, naming Courtney Bixby as Chairman and Glen Paesano as vice chairman. Official newspapers were designated as the Ocean Star and Asbury Park Press. A liaison to the Open Space Committee was also appointed. The primary agenda item involved application #2025-447 concerning the proposal by Carl/Donna Zimatore to subdivide a fire-damaged multi-unit property at 35 Arnold Avenue into two lots for the construction of two FEMA compliant single-family homes. After extensive deliberation regarding lot size deficiencies and variances, the Board voted to deny the application.