Joshua E. Fox

The regular meeting included a roll call, a moment of silence, and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions centered on Ordinance 22608, which is the final reading and adoption ordinance to amend development regulations to create a residential inclusionary overlay zone, implementing the municipality's housing element and fair share plan. This ordinance is designed to provide a realistic opportunity for affordable housing to occur over the next ten years, specifically zoning for 25% of the unmet need, equating to five affordable units out of a potential 26 dwelling units in a development of up to 20 units per acre. Public comments raised concerns regarding parking availability, noise from the nearby compactor, and the proposed density and height affecting existing residential areas and business viability along Ocean Avenue. The legal counsel clarified that this is an optional overlay zone, remaining under the control of the property owner, and is intended to eliminate the risk of a builder's remedy lawsuit.

This board session was held as a work session focused on an informational presentation regarding the annexation impact study of South Seaside Park. The discussion, led by planning and government strategy group representatives, detailed the complex statutory process for annexation, emphasizing the need for governing body fairness and public input. The presentation covered analysis across various service areas including general government, IT, public safety, public works, land use, and fiscal impacts. Key findings noted the annexation's feasibility, estimated one-time transition costs of approximately $670,000, the potential need to hire about 13 additional employees over time (primarily in public safety and works), and an estimated tax reduction for residents between 40% and 51%. Operating costs were estimated to increase by about $2.9 million in Year One, offset by new revenue. The governing body will proceed by introducing ordinances for annexation and establishing joint financial negotiation committees, though no formal action was taken during this session.

This document is an independent, comprehensive annexation impact study for the Borough of Seaside Park, evaluating the potential annexation of South Seaside Park from Berkeley Township. It provides objective analysis across fiscal, operational, service delivery, planning, and community considerations. Key findings indicate that annexation is operationally feasible with strategic planning, staffing adjustments, and capital investment. The study emphasizes the need for transparent, phased implementation to manage service delivery and fiscal impacts effectively, including potential tax changes for residents.

This work session convened primarily to hold a public hearing regarding the Green Acres program application for the J Street Marina Reconstruction Project, estimated at approximately $5.7 million, to be funded through the marina utility. Discussion detailed the scope of work, which includes bulkhead replacement, boardwalk refurbishment, and upgrades to electrical, water, and drainage systems, with a set elevation of 5.0. The engineering firm noted that environmental impacts are anticipated to be minimal, though a topographic survey for grading and drainage improvements near K Street is pending. The council discussed grant opportunities, noting eligibility for up to $700,000 from the Green Acres program and up to $2 million from the NJ DOT Boating and Infrastructure Grant Program for transient slip improvements. Public commentary focused heavily on concerns about increased stormwater flooding on adjacent K Street properties due to the proposed elevation changes for both the marina and K Street roadway improvements, and inquiries were made regarding existing pollution remediation and site cleanup, including dredge spoils. A subsequent agenda item involved discussing Resolution 2026-114 concerning the matching share for the Green Acres funding request, requiring an adjustment to the originally distributed draft resolution based on recent feedback from the Green Acres program.

The regular meeting was called to order following a work session, with proper public notice provided. Key discussions involved the first reading and introduction of Ordinance 22601, granting municipal consent for a cable television system to Cable Vision of Mammoth LLC, which incorporated specific language points discussed during the work session, including senior discounts and free service for municipally owned buildings. Also introduced was Ordinance 22602, amending salaries and wages, which included adjustments for seasonal employees due to the minimum wage increase. Resolutions addressed included accepting the payroll clerk's resignation, appointing a code enforcement trainee, authorizing salary increases for public works employees and the construction official, authorizing volunteer fire company membership, and appointing fund commissioners to the Central Jersey Health Insurance Fund. An additional resolution authorized an application for a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant. Authorizations for upcoming events included approval for a Community Option 5K race, monthly meetings for the Berkeley Striker Club and Seaside Park Historical Society, a walk fundraiser for Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, and monthly meetings for the Seaside Park Republican Club. Claims for the period of December 19, 2025, to January 8, 2026, were approved for payment. A brief public works report noted that a project was ahead of schedule, anticipated for completion by the end of January 2026, and provided 2025 permit and inspection statistics.