Township of Toms River

The council agenda includes discussions on municipal governance training, the retention of special affordable housing counsel, and the authorization of professional services contracts. Key legislative items involve several ordinances related to affordable housing zones, land use, and site planning, as well as property-specific redevelopment amendments. Furthermore, the meeting covers the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget, authorization for budget readings, and various consent agenda items such as tax refunds, disabled veteran status certifications, infrastructure equipment purchases, and firework display permits.

The council passed a resolution requiring elected officials to complete training on the Faulkner Act form of government and municipal governance responsibilities. Several ordinances were discussed and approved, including designating land as an affordable housing overlay zone, a lease renewal with Docksider Marina LLC, the vacation of a portion of Germania Court, and amendments to create new multifamily housing zones to satisfy fair share housing obligations. Additionally, the council authorized a budget appropriation increase and the retention of special counsel to provide independent legal advice.

The council meeting agenda includes an executive session for litigation matters, final reading of an ordinance regarding street vacation and dedication, and first reading of an ordinance to lease property for a kayak launch. The consent agenda encompasses various resolutions, including the certification of disabled veterans' status, traffic safety improvements at intersections, a police department grant for the Cops in Shops program, a change order for tower demolition, and the donation of a vehicle. Additional items involve grant applications for cultural and local arts programs, issuance of massage business licenses, shared services for SWAT and crisis negotiation teams, and numerous site plan guarantee adjustments. Procurement approvals are slated for boardwalk expansion services, ADA-compliant restroom repairs at the senior center, police upfit equipment, new 4-wheel drive vehicles, and police laptop computers.

The council meeting addressed several legislative and administrative items, including an ordinance to vacate a portion of Germania Court and another designating parcels as an affordable housing overlay zone. The council discussed and approved grant applications for police department initiatives, senior center history and arts programming, and ADA-compliant restroom repairs. Additionally, the council approved a resolution rescinding a previously awarded boardwalk expansion contract and awarding it to a new bidder, authorized a shared services agreement with the County Prosecutor for SWAT and crisis negotiation, and managed various site plan performance and maintenance guarantees. Massage business licenses were also issued.

The meeting featured a moment of silence for American soldiers who lost their lives in Iran and a prayer. Key legislative actions included the passage of ordinances implementing site-specific and area-specific zoning to fulfill the Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, establishing new affordable housing zones, and amending the Township Code's affordable housing provisions to align with new state regulations. Public comments were heard regarding the legal and planning aspects of these zoning changes. Additionally, the Council authorized an executive session to discuss confidential matters, including active litigation.