Robert C. Wennlund

The work session included discussions regarding the cable franchise renewal ordinance (Ordinance 22601), focusing on amending the definition of primary service area as suggested by the BPU, and modifying the free service provision to cover all municipally owned buildings for installation services, rather than limiting it to one. Additionally, the body discussed the appointment of a fund commissioner and alternate fund commissioner to the Central Jersey Health Insurance Fund. An add-on agenda item involved discussion about a grant application deadline related to the country's 250th anniversary, specifically for digitizing historical ordinance and minute books. Further discussion centered on proposed improvements to Seaside Park recreational facilities, including converting four tennis courts into pickle ball courts, repaving the entire tennis court area, resurfacing basketball courts, adding new backboards/ramps, and potentially securing an AED for the area.

The meeting was called to order following a work session and in compliance with New Jersey's open public meetings act. Key discussions and actions included the approval of minutes for a previous work session and regular meeting held on December 4th, 2025, as well as minutes for a close session from the same date. Authorizations were granted, including one for the Seaside Park Yacht Club Trustee meeting scheduled for January 10th, 2026, and the payment of itemized claims for the period of December 5th to December 18th, 2025. Resolutions addressed various matters such as authorizing a shared service agreement with the Borough of Seaside Heights for emergency medical services (which was tabled for further information), terminating a shared services agreement with the Borough of Lavallette for municipal court services, amending an agreement with the Borough of Surf City for court services, adjusting designated water/sewer utility accounts, authorizing a fireplace for the Grove of Seaside Park, handling miscellaneous permit fee refunds, approving an education reimbursement, awarding a contract for SCADA software maintenance, rejecting bids for the K Street roadway improvement project and well number eight rehabilitation, and rejecting proposals for professional planner services. Further resolutions authorized the release of a performance bond and acceptance of a maintenance bond for the Seaside Park Marina breakwater improvements, appointed an account clerk, authorized municipal budget appropriation transfers, and approved the cancellation of unexpended balances in capital funds. Public comments raised concerns regarding the scope of fire police duties and discrepancies in resolution titles and large utility bill amounts caused by broken meters.

The work session focused on several items for consideration at the regular meeting. Discussions included the proposed contract with Bington Vernon Engineering for K Street Roadway improvements, aimed at correcting road dips, providing proper drainage, and eliminating outfall pipes to prevent flooding. Another agenda item involved a change work order for the Stockton Avenue roadway improvement project, resulting in a net savings of approximately $19,000 due to reduced quantities. The council also discussed approving utilization compensation contracting for SCADA software and system maintenance for the water meter and drinking water control system, as required every five years. Furthermore, there was a discussion regarding enacting a policy to allow certain vendors to be exempt from providing claiming certificates, which is required for compliance. Finally, additional work on the 4th Avenue access ramp for the boardwalk reconstruction phase one was reviewed, specifically to make the ramp ADA compliant by changing its configuration and adding planking to hold back sand.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the official receipt and reading of the Ocean County General Election notice from November 4th, 2025, resulting in the determination that Gina Condos and Joseph Toes were elected as members of the borough council. The proceedings included administering the oath of office to the newly elected council members. Key discussions involved the confirmation of the 2026 council president, appointments to the Planning Board (including Council President Wilk as a Class Three member), and appointments to the Environmental Advisory Committee, confirming Council Member Gina Condos as the liaison. A consent agenda confirmed appointments for various borough professionals for 2026, such as the Borough Attorney, Special Legal Council, Auditor, Engineer, and others. Resolutions were passed regarding the appointment of Alan Mance III as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for 2026 and the listing of the 2026-2027 Emergency Management Volunteer Staff.

The work session focused primarily on discussing proposed amendments to the beach buggy permit ordinance. Key discussion points included transitioning permit validity from a calendar year basis to a seasonal basis (October 1st to May 14th), subject to beach management plan requirements, particularly concerning endangered species restrictions. The council also extensively discussed raising the current beach buggy permit fee, which has been $50 since 2010, with initial suggestions ranging from $90 to $100, and considering a range of $75 to $200 or higher. The issue of potential high demand due to changes at Island Beach State Park was noted, as was the need to establish a maximum number of permits via resolution and how to handle the existing permit holders during the transition period. Furthermore, a resolution was read authorizing the council to enter executive session to discuss contract negotiations and potential property matters.