Jim Grauel

The meeting focused heavily on proposed changes to the setback ordinance regarding stairs and landings, including eliminating the five-by-five landing restriction while proposing a new limit that stairs can only encroach up to five feet from the property line. Discussions also covered the status of capital projects, such as the utility and road program on several streets, the 95th Street bathroom renovation, and the tennis court building expansion. Department reports included updates on tax collection, which noted the success of the direct debit program and the status of 2019 net taxable value calculations. Financial discussions involved capital requests for computer/network hardware improvements, switching to a Voice Over IP phone system, and initiating a multi-year project to upgrade the Borough Hall security system. The Construction and Zoning department reported slow activity with three new home permits issued. The CFO noted that New Jersey is requiring the use of the FAST portal for budget and financial information submissions.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence honoring the victims of the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on an ordinance for the Union League to obtain a club license for the bungalow located at 222 81st Street, which requires amending an existing ordinance that currently only allows one such license for the Yacht Club. Specific details regarding the club license included provisions for acoustic guitar background music, service bar only for drinks (no adjacent seating or direct bar ordering), no catering or private events, and seasonal operation from Memorial Day to the Sunday before Labor Day. The council agreed to have the solicitor prepare an ordinance with these restrictions, setting the first reading for the next meeting. Furthermore, the council advanced several ordinances: Ordinance 1512 regarding club license amendment was taken up on second and third readings. Ordinance 1513, concerning exceeding municipal budget appropriation limits and establishing a cap bank (increased to 3.5% for contingency), was passed on first reading. Ordinance 1514, amending loitering fines to increase the maximum penalty to $1,250, was passed on first reading. Ordinance 1515, establishing rules for capping water and sewer lines after construction, was passed on first reading. Resolutions for 2018 recreation fees and special events fees were adopted. A motion passed to appoint Mr. Eric Stager as a new fireman. Purchase orders were authorized for the Stockton nuisance flooding project and for De Blasio and Associates regarding engineering for bayside bulkheads. Finally, the bill list was approved for payment when funds become available.

The work session addressed several administrative and planning items. Discussions included approval for the Brown family annual sandcastles event, insurance coverage details, and updates on various capital projects such as the 2018 and 2019 utility and road programs, the 114th Street sanitary sewer pump station improvements, and the beach access ramp and pavilion replacement. Engineering reports covered road resurfacing for Paradise Drive, progress on the Smuggler's Cove project, and the scheduling of a concept design review for a new lifeguard building. The Tax Collector reported on the upcoming tax rate, appeals, bill mailings, and the annual tax sale, noting irrigation violation compliance was improving. The Planning Board report detailed the master plan reexamination public hearing, where key concerns included the action plan prioritization, particularly regarding increased square footage permitted on courts and the removal of large poles, for which a feasibility study was partially completed. Other items discussed included ordinance amendments related to bulkhead construction during restricted summer months to support flood mitigation efforts, and a review of municipal revenues from beach tags and parking, as well as business registrations.

The work session featured a presentation and discussion regarding the refined designs for the lifeguard building, including considerations for staff accommodations and project scheduling, with options presented for phasing in restroom construction. There were updates from the Recreation department on winterizing facilities and planning for future improvements, including an open space grant focus. The Public Safety section reviewed the recent vicinage visitation and reported an increase in criminal complaints compared to the previous year. The Fire Department provided October reports detailing fire and EMS calls, including a building fire. The Police Department reported on motor vehicle stops, arrests, new officer training schedules, and the upcoming transition to the County communications dispatch center on December 17th. The Natural Resources update covered a successful Beach Sweep event, progress on Bird Sanctuary signage replacement, and plans for a Phragmites control plan in coordination with Princeton Hydro. A significant discussion focused on the positive news regarding the Hereford Inlet dredging, noting the Secretary of the Interior's support for an exemption allowing sand extraction, though further confirmation from Fish and Wildlife and Army Corps is pending. There was also a strong suggestion to urge the Army Corps to begin designing a beach replenishment project for Stone Harbor immediately, given the lack of current funding and the potential vulnerability to storms.

Discussions included updates from Public Safety regarding the training of a new full-time court administrator and increased ticket enforcement. The Fire Department reported on April call volumes, including one building fire and numerous EMS calls. The Police Department reported on motor vehicle stops and arrests, alongside updates on various officer recruit training statuses, with all 17 personnel expected back by early July. A major focus was the completion of the building project, evidenced by a successful ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the successful on-site assessment for the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police accreditation process, with a final hearing scheduled for June 13th. Recreation and Tourism updates covered the upcoming pickleball tournament, youth tennis program, maintenance of sports courts, and construction of a new bike fix-it station. Several special event applications were reviewed, including the Cape Express College ID Clinic (contingent on insurance), the Burke Motors Getting Your Bike Control Event, and the 21st Annual Stone Harbor Triathlon. Significant time was dedicated to the impending June 1st compliance date for the single-use plastics ordinance, including feedback from the Chamber of Commerce meeting regarding merchant concerns, specifically about the difficulty in meeting ASTM standards for compostable materials and delayed material deliveries, leading to requests for short-term hardship exemptions.