Robert Bianchini

The council held an executive session to discuss litigation and personnel matters. Key business included the approval of tax refunds and cancellations, the certification of disabled veteran tax exemptions, and the transfer of several liquor licenses. Performance and maintenance guarantees were processed for various site plans and subdivisions. The council authorized a shared services agreement for the 2026 Prosecutor's Program, extended a contract for HVAC maintenance, and approved the use of a cooperative pricing system for fuel. Additionally, the council authorized the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for independent legal counsel, scheduled a special meeting regarding health insurance and insurance fund costs, awarded a contract for a boardwalk expansion project, and appointed a new Class III member to the Planning Board.

The agenda focuses on multiple legislative and administrative items, including a resolution honoring the family of Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell. Proposed ordinances include the vacation of public interest in Germania Court, the repeal of specific mobile home park and rent leveling board regulations, and an amendment to mandate minimum staffing levels for the police department. The consent agenda features numerous resolutions, such as authorizing tax refunds, entering into shared service agreements with Ocean County for police services and high-tech crime units, applying for the Cops in Shops grant program, and approving a road and vehicle services agreement. Additionally, the agenda covers the appointment of the OEM coordinator, acceptance of the Safe and Secure Communities Grant, re-appointment of a member to the Municipal Utilities Authority, and the denial of an appointment for an acting business administrator.

The agenda includes an executive session to discuss confidential matters, alongside numerous resolutions related to tax refunds and disabled veteran status certifications. Several items involve the transfer of plenary retail consumption liquor licenses and the management of performance and maintenance guarantees for various site plans and subdivisions. Additionally, the Council is scheduled to authorize a shared services agreement with the Ocean County Prosecutor, approve contract extensions for HVACR maintenance, and authorize the purchase of fuel through a cooperative pricing system. Other key items include soliciting proposals for outside legal counsel, scheduling a special meeting for public hearings on health insurance, awarding a construction contract for the boardwalk expansion project, and appointing a member to the Planning Board.

The council conducted its reorganization meeting, including the administration of oaths of office to members and the election of the Council President and Vice President. Key resolutions passed included establishing rules and regulations for 2026 council meetings, renewing membership in the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, establishing an Ethics Committee, and appointing members to the Ethics Board. Additional actions involved amending the police promotion list ordinance, adopting the 2026 regular meeting schedule, designating official newspapers, setting interest rates for delinquent taxes, and authorizing the cancellation of minor tax refunds or delinquencies. The council also appointed a Tax Search Officer, established policies for rounding cash payments, authorized check-signing procedures, adopted a cash management plan, set a temporary budget, re-established petty cash funds, and appointed various police chaplains and special law enforcement officers.

The meeting agenda includes the approval of purchase orders for board professionals, including engineers, attorneys, and planners. The board will take action on resolutions previously approved. Additionally, the session covers various applications, specifically a request for a time extension on a minor subdivision and reviews for preliminary and final major site plans with variances for commercial properties.