Thomas P. Cusick

The meeting agenda included the reading of an adequate notice statement and the Salute to the Flag. Key items addressed were the approval and filing of the December 17, 2025 meeting minutes. Several resolutions were considered, including Resolution #26-001 for the CY2026 Temporary Municipal Budget, which established temporary appropriations based on 35.00% of the 2025 budget totals for both Municipal and Water Sewer Utility budgets. Resolution #26-002 appointed representatives for the Monmouth County Community Development program for the 2026 term. Resolution #26-003 addressed the cancellation of specific property taxes and associated tax credits based on directives from the Tax Collector. Resolution #26-004 authorized the payment of bills dated 01.06.2026. The agenda also included communications regarding upcoming meetings, department reports where Mayor Hoff offered New Year's greetings, and periods open and closed to the public.

The council conducted the second reading of Ordinance #1769 regarding the Affordable Housing Plan and Development Fees. The discussion detailed comprehensive regulations for affordable housing, including definitions, requirements for new construction, administrative procedures for affordable housing programs, regional income limits, maximum initial rents and sales prices, and the implementation of an affirmative marketing plan.

The Council received a presentation regarding the Beach Bucket Project for Keansburg high school environmental initiatives. Legislative actions included the adoption of bond ordinances for Bayview Avenue drainage improvements, tennis court reconstruction at Collins Field Park, and supplemental funding for 2023 road and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, an ordinance was adopted to amend extra duty pay rates for police, and an ordinance amending membership age requirements for the Volunteer Fire Department was introduced. Finally, an ordinance regarding affordable housing and development fees was introduced to ensure compliance with fair housing regulations.

Key discussions included a presentation on the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program, culminating in a resolution endorsing the program and authorizing execution by borough officials. The Council addressed several ordinances: Ordinance #1763, which amended a Master Financial Agreement related to Carr Beach Urban Renewal, LLC, and authorized up to $13,700,000 in Redevelopment Area Bonds; Ordinance #1764, a bond ordinance appropriating $450,000 for Bayview Avenue Drainage Improvements; Ordinance #1765, a bond ordinance appropriating $350,000 for Tennis Court Reconstruction at Collins Field Park; Ordinance #1766, which supplemented a 2023 bond ordinance to increase appropriations for road improvements by $500,000; Ordinance #1767, amending rules regarding extra duty pay for police; and Ordinance #1768, amending requirements for Volunteer Fire Department membership age. Resolutions passed included payment of bills, a refund of escrow fees, authorization to execute MCIA 2026 Pooled Notes, authorization for aerial mosquito control operations, and a second resolution for payment of bills. Department reports covered emergency water main repairs, salt usage during a recent snowstorm, focus on clearing school routes, updates on various commercial/retail projects, and project timelines from the Borough Engineer.

The meeting agenda included a presentation on the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit and the approval of minutes from the January 7, 2026 meeting. Discussions covered several ordinances requiring second and first readings. The second reading ordinance concerns an amendment to the Master Financial Agreement with Carr Beach Urban Renewal, LLC, related to redevelopment area bonds not to exceed $13,700,000. First reading ordinances included bond ordinances for Bayview Avenue Drainage Improvements ($450,000 appropriation), Tennis Court Reconstruction at Collins Field Park ($350,000 appropriation), and a supplement to Ordinance #1705 for Road Improvements ($500,000 increase). Additionally, first readings covered ordinances amending extra duty pay for Police and revising membership age requirements for the Volunteer Fire Department. Resolutions scheduled for approval included the payment of bills, refunds of escrow fees, authorization for MCIA 2026 Pooled Notes, and the Mosquito Commission Division Aerial Agreement for 2026.