Michael Donohue

The meeting included the memorialization of an application (P-25-9-3) by Michael Sperduto for preliminary and final major site plan approval and 'C' variances concerning off-street parking, setbacks, and coverage for constructing a new bar/restaurant at 100/108 West Walnut Avenue. The Board also discussed new business regarding application P-25-10-1 from Ascent Property Group, which sought minor subdivision approval and 'C' variance relief for sideyards, lot frontage, lot depth, lot area, and eave setbacks to divide an existing property into two lots for maintaining an existing duplex and constructing a new single-family dwelling. Following extensive expert testimony and deliberation, the Board ultimately disapproved application P-25-10-1 due to failure to meet the burden of proof regarding detriments to the public good and impairment of zoning intent. Additionally, the Board approved resolutions to set the Schedule of Planning Board meetings for the year 2026 and to amend the Land Development Ordinance regarding the 20-foot front setback requirement for garages attached to principal structures in residential zoning districts.

The meeting principally involved the swearing-in and confirmation of four new full-time Police Officers who had graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy. Additional appointments were confirmed for two SLEO II personnel for the Police Department and one Laborer for the Public Works Department. The Council received and filed several communications, including a Notice of Public Hearing from South Jersey Gas Co. and information regarding a CAFRA Permit from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Several resolutions were adopted, authorizing a Professional Services Agreement for Hearing Officer Services, authorizing the return of escrow deposits, authorizing emergency repairs for Gateway Entrance Park Lighting, authorizing an amendment of agreement with Police Department Superior Officers, and adopting resolutions related to OPRA requests and procedures for the Police Department. Finally, the Council approved the payment of all listed vouchers and reviewed the departmental reports for the months of November and December 2025.

The proposed agenda for the Regular Meeting includes the approval of minutes from the February 3, 2026 meeting. Communications to receive and file include items from NJ DEP regarding a CAFRA Permit and the Atlantic County Municipal JIF Annual Report and proposed AI Use Policies. Items to approve and file include a Special Event for the Fallen Hero Plunge, the 2026 Seasonal Firefighter/EMT Salary Scale, and employment advertisements for the Police Department. The agenda lists multiple proposed ordinances regarding amendments to Personnel Policies, Lot Grading, and Fair Share Housing, as well as several resolutions covering tax refunds, escrow deposits, service awards, appropriation, adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, authorizing contracts and advertisements for bids (beach umbrella concession, portable toilets), CDBG grant planning, and appointing a Fair Share Housing Officer. A separate section for a Regular Meeting on January 20, 2026 details the swearing-in of four new full-time Police Officers and the confirmation of new appointments in the Police Department and Public Works Department. This January meeting also included receiving and filing communications, the approval of minutes from December 16, 2025, and resolutions authorizing professional services, escrow returns, emergency repairs, agreement amendments, and OPRA procedures. Financial reports for December 2025 and the year 2025 from the City Clerk, Registrar of Vital Statistics, Police Department, and Recreation Department were reviewed. The January 20, 2026 meeting concluded with the authorization of voucher payments and adjournment.

The proposed agenda for the upcoming Council Meeting includes several items for discussion and action. Communications to be received and filed cover the resignation of the OEM Coordinator and various reports from the City Clerk, Clean Ocean Action, and the Cape May County MUA regarding flow reports and user fees. Items for approval and filing include updates to the special events application form and budget items from the Atlantic County Municipal JIF. The agenda also lists appointments for the Municipal Court, and the introduction of first readings for two ordinances: one amending Chapter 276 (Land Development) regarding NJPACT/NJREAL, and another amending Chapter 252 (Construction Sites). Resolutions slated for consideration address tax refunds, emergency sewer repairs, appointment of an OEM Coordinator, submission of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Annual Report, a shared services agreement for traffic signal maintenance, introduction of the Boardwalk SID 2026 Budget, granting of an unpaid leave of absence, submission of a recreation improvement grant application, authorization of facility fee waivers, issuance of amusement game licenses, and appointment of a Municipal Affordable Housing Administrative Agent, as well as awarding a contract for lumber procurement for Boardwalk replacement.

The agenda for the Re-Organization Meeting includes the call to order, public meeting statement, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. Key administrative actions involve the swearing in of professionals and annual appointments for 2026, including the election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, designation of official newspapers, and appointment of the Board Secretary and other Board Professionals (Solicitor and Engineer), possibly requiring board action following an executive session. Memorialization includes Application P-25-10-1 from Ascent Property Group for a minor subdivision approval and 'C' variance relief concerning two lots on West Pine Avenue, proposing to maintain an existing duplex on one lot and construct a new single-family dwelling on the other. New business involves possible board action on a resolution recommending an amendment to the Land Development Ordinance regarding maximum building height calculation based on Base Flood Elevation.