Thomas E. Ciccarone

The meeting commenced with a reorganization component, welcoming several local dignitaries. Key discussions and actions focused heavily on reappointments and resolutions for professional services for the year 2026. This included the reappointment of the City Solicitor, Labor Relations Council, continuing auditor (Ford Scott and Associates), bond counsel, general tax council, appraiser for state tax court, HR/civil service compliance officer, health insurance broker, disclosure agent, and municipal finance advisor. Resolutions also covered the appointment of members to various committees and boards, such as the Planning Board, Green Team Advisory Committee, and the creation of the Ventnor Creative Team under the Ventnor Arts Alliance. Significant discussion occurred regarding a recent competitive grant award of $960,000 for streetscape improvements on the Dorset Avenue corridor. Furthermore, the Commission introduced an ordinance to establish a cap bank of three and a half percent and approved new procedures under a 2025 tax law allowing for self-publishing of public notices on the city website, which is expected to save time and costs associated with traditional newspaper publication.

This document outlines the City of Ventnor's strategy to address its affordable housing obligations, spanning from prior rounds (1987-1999) through the Fourth Round (2025-2035). Key components include satisfying present need, prior round, and Third Round obligations, and implementing mechanisms for the Fourth Round. The plan leverages existing housing credits, proposes a vacant land adjustment, and details the adoption of affordable housing set-aside and development fee ordinances to fund future affordable housing opportunities. The objective is to comply with the Fair Housing Act amendments and state regulations to meet its total affordable housing obligation.

The meeting included initial ceremonies such as the flag salute and an open public meeting announcement regarding accessibility for public comment. Key actions involved personnel matters, specifically the approval and swearing-in of three individuals to new positions: Vince Grenice as Fire Lieutenant, Homie Quinones as Police Lieutenant, and Gabriel Henel as Police Sergeant. Workshop items included setting the 2026 city commissioner meeting schedule, authorizing a quarterly no-parking enforcement period, approving several tax abatements (for properties on Edgewater Avenue and South Newark Avenue), and issuing refunds of community building deposits to the Republican and Democratic Clubs. The Commission also authorized a final change order for the Ventnor Gardens Plaza stormwater rehabilitation project, noting it was still under the total original budget, and awarded a contract for preliminary assessment services related to Ventnor West parcels concerning the Greenacres diversion. Further resolutions authorized waiving city-sponsored special event fees for 2026, approved police department participation in the Defense Logistics Agency 1033 program for acquiring excess DOD equipment, and awarded contracts for planning and design services for the Winchester Avenue water main replacement (Phase One of the NJ Water Bank Drinking Water Program). An emergency contract was authorized for the replacement of a non-operable 14-inch water main valve crossing under the bay, necessitated by an adjacent bulkhead project. Other administrative matters included canceling veteran tax exemptions, authorizing the transfer of appropriations, endorsing an amendment to the Atlantic County solid waste management plan to expand the ACA landfill, and awarding multiple appraisal service contracts related to the Green Acres diversion parcels. Finally, the Commission awarded a contract for the reconstruction of pickleball and tennis courts.

The meeting included the swearing-in of Eric Coup as fire lieutenant. A presentation was given on the tree planting project, including the replacement of trees and ground plantings in the theater district and near the Dunkin Donuts block. The commission discussed a ski beach resiliency grant, permanent employment for Sari Apple as an accountant, refunding a short-term rental fee, and a contract for fireworks on July 3rd. They also discussed supplying portable toilets for special events, the sound system for the concert series, new fees for special events, and parking enforcement.

The meeting addressed several resolutions, including an agreement with the city of Margate to supply potable water, revisions to personnel policies, and a corrective action plan for the lifeguard pension program. Discussions also covered the hiring of a laborer for the public works department, review of the best practice inventory, termination of participation in the state health benefit program, and a transfer of a liquor license. Additionally, an agreement with the county of Atlanta concerning streetscape improvements was discussed.