Patrick Malia

The council recognized the Brigantine Community School 4th Grade Think Day Team and conducted public hearings and adoptions for several ordinances related to affordable housing and development fees. Key resolutions included adopting a spending plan and fair share plan for affordable housing, authorizing various professional service contracts for tax appeals, fire department security systems, construction work for flood resiliency, and parking lot repairs, as well as supporting state-level coastal regulation concerns. The meeting also addressed community events through a consent agenda, discussed coordinated emergency management and public works responses to a recent storm, reviewed concerns regarding rising gas and tuition costs, and made appointments to the Board of School Estimates.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session concerning contract negotiations, followed by the approval of bill requisitions. Key discussions and actions included the public hearing and adoption of the 2026 Cap Bank Ordinance. Several final work change orders were approved, specifically for the 14th Street Bulkhead Replacement Project and Improvements to the Atlantic Brigantine Limited Access Road, resulting in net decreases to the contract amounts. Resolutions were passed authorizing contracts for a surf boat for the Beach Patrol, professional services for Affordable Housing Administration (2026-2027), submission of a Municipal Alliance Grant for FY 2026, and various camera installation and security upgrades at the Golf Links Maintenance Building, Public Works Building, Community Center, and City Hall. Further approvals included streetscape lighting upgrades, library elevator electrical upgrades, installation of an AC unit in the library elevator room, sectional door replacement at the Golf Links, floor replacement in the Administration Office, purchase of hydrants for Water & Sewer, installation of interior Dutch door assemblies for Fire Prevention & Construction offices, a mixing system installation at the 14th Street Water Tank, replacement of the Police Department monument, a vehicle lease for the Fire Department, engagement of Stockton University Coastal Research Center for shoreline monitoring, a place-to-place transfer for Elks Lodge #2428 pavilion expansion, and the purchase of a Chest Compression System for the Fire Department. The Council also addressed consent agenda items and conducted committee discussions, notably congratulating Chief Casamento on his upcoming retirement, and made voice resolutions for numerous 2026 committee appointments including Beach Committee, Municipal Alliance, Clean Communities, Recreation Commission, Green Team, Golf Course Committee, Planning Board, Economic Development & Tourism, and Garden Club Advisory Board. Mayor Sera provided updates on dredging work and concerns regarding South Jersey Gas delivery charges, and public comments addressed e-bike regulations.

The meeting included the approval of the January 28, 2026 minutes and the approval of Resolution PB1-2026 regarding the Appointment of Board Professionals. Discussions and potential actions involved a subdivision case (Case 2-2026 Gerasimos & Pina Kappatos), a 'D' Variance case (Case 1-2026 3624 Atlantic Brigantine Blvd. LLC), and a presentation on the Round 4 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan by Tiffany Morrissey. New applications included a subdivision (Case 1-2023 Rockwell Brigantine, LLC) and variance requests (Case 3-2026 John & Celia Riggio and Case 4-2026 Haven Homes Builders, LLC).

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss litigation and contract negotiations, followed by the approval of the bill requisition list. Key resolutions involved introducing an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits for Calendar Year 2026 and establishing a cap bank. Numerous professional service contracts were awarded, including appointments for the Municipal Attorney/City Solicitor (Parker McCay, P.A.), Bond Counsel (McManimon, Scotland & Baumann), Labor Counsel (Blaney, Donohue & Weinberg, LLC), Municipal Auditor (Leon P. Costello, CPA, RMA of Ford-Scott & Associates), Municipal Prosecutor, Municipal Public Defender (Jerry H. Steiner, Esq.), Risk Management Consultant (J. Eugene Siracusa), Health Benefits Consultant (Brown & Brown Metro, LLC), Planning & Grants Consultant (James M. Rutala Associates, LLC), Continuing Disclosure Agent and Financial Advisor (Phoenix Advisors, LLC), Municipal Engineer (Edward Stinson), Project Management Consultant (Pathfinder Resources, LLC), and IT Services Provider (Barber Consulting Services, LLC). The Council also established the 2026 meeting schedule, adopted the 2026 Cash Management Plan, designated official depositories for city funds, fixed interest rates and grace periods for delinquent taxes, and authorized contracts for interior paint work and carpet installation at the Links Clubhouse. Finally, a Shared Services Agreement was authorized with the Atlantic County Improvement Authority for the operation of the Links at Brigantine Golf Course.

The meeting included a proclamation honoring Mary H. Crane. The Council entered an Executive Session to discuss personnel leave allocation and land acquisition, after which George Morris provided a summary. The Council held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance No. 24 of 2025, which amends Chapter 210-37 of the City Code regarding various fees, including those for beach access, permits, certificates, dog licenses, and recreation programs. Ordinance No. 25 of 2025, concerning salaries and compensation for certain officers and employees, was introduced. Several resolutions were passed, including authorizing tax collector refunds for overpayments (Resolution 2025-249), authorizing the Mayor to execute the Recreation and Open Space Inventory (Resolution 2025-250), authorizing fund transfers in the 2025 budget (Resolution 2025-251), amending the 2025 budget for a State 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' Holiday Grant (Resolution 2025-252), awarding a contract to H2M Architects & Engineers for Lead Service Line Replacement construction administration (Resolution 2025-253), authorizing final payment to Atlantic County Improvement Authority for a mower and pump station (Resolution 2025-254), and awarding a contract to W.S. Goff Company, Inc. for office furniture and improvements (Resolution 2025-255).