Okay. >> Meeting call to order. >> Council member Bez Anderson >> here. >> Council Mayor Chapman is absent. Council member Clayton >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn >> here. >> Mayor Moore >> here. Please stand for a silent prayer.
Moment of reflection. We will now state the flag. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> As comply with the open public meetings act, chapter 231 PL1 1975. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in the following manner. The own notice was forwarded to the Asbury Park Press, the coaster, and the Star Ledger on January 16th, 2025, and posted on the
bulletin board the same date. All notices are on file with the city clerk. >> Moving on, tonight we have three proclamations. First up is a proclamation for hunger awareness. Accepting is the executive director of Mercy Center, Kim Guagno.
Mercy Center's first. >> Oh, Mercy Center's first. >> Okay. >> We should wait for everybody to get in. Anthony. >> Yeah. If we can keep the noise down, please. The meeting's in session. >> Just the microphone. Good evening everyone. Whereas hunger
and poverty are issues of grave concern in the United States, the state of New Jersey and whereas the city of Asbury Park is committed to taking steps to raise awareness about the need to combat hunger. And whereas the city of Asbury
Park is committed to working with Mercy Center to educate people about the role and importance of food pantries in addressing hunger and to devote more resources and attention to hunger issues. And whereas more than 7,000
individuals in Mammoth County, including Asbury Park, rely on food provided by Mercy Center annually. And whereas the federal poverty level in New Jersey for a family of four is $32,150
and approximately 10% of families live below that level. And whereas in fiscal 2025, Mercy Center provided 1.8 8 million meals, reflecting 200,000 more
meals than fiscal 2024 and 700,000 more meals than fiscal 2023. And whereas one in every six people in Mammoth receive emergency assistance from food pantries. And whereas
September is hunger action month and in an effort to bring awareness and attention to encourage involvement in efforts to end hunger in our local communities. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the mayor and city
council of Asbury Park, County of Mammoth, state of New Jersey, do hereby recognize September as hunger action month in the city of Asbury Park and call this observance to the attention of its citizens.
[Music] Oh, say a couple words. So, um, a quarter of a mile from here, maybe a little less. Uh, we fed 200 families on Tuesday. Let that sink in. And we couldn't do it without the help
of the community. Um the Kowanas help us stay open late at night, but 200 families just on Tuesday. Um we did 110,000 families last year and most of them walk, which means most of them are your
neighbors. So you can't tell somebody that's hungry. You can't tell whether they come to the pantry. But if you know anybody that is hungry, come to the pantry. I'm not going to tell you who comes to the pantry. You can sneak in the back door. you can give me a call. We'll get you in the back door. Um
because it's going to get worse before it gets better. And I can't thank the city of Asbury Park enough for all of the help they've provided to us and all of the support they've provided to us over the last couple years as we've
responded to the need. We could not do it without the supports especially of the community police officers um but also especially with the without the town. So, thank you everybody. >> Somebody from the city got a picture.
>> Yes. Next up is Asbury. Next up, we have the Asbury Park lifeguards, Henry Burke, Joseph Ace, Nicholas Bon Giovani, and James Mclody for their rescue on June 29th, 2025. Then we'll let found family members come
up. But Whereas the actions of Henry Burke, Joseph Ace, Nicholas Bonjiovani, and James Mclody, members of the Asbury Park Lifeguard Team on June 29th, 2025 during a boating incident off the Fifth App Beach, were nothing short of heroic and
life-saving. The team's swift and professional response in controlling the victim's injuries, ensuring their rapid transport, were vital in saving a life. This conduct, executed with adm admirable speed and precision, exemplifies the highest standards of
lifeguard training and dedication. The team's professionalism serves as a role model to colleagues in the entire Asbury Park lifeguard team. Mayor Moore and the Esbury Park City Council do hereby offer their deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for their remarkable
contributions and selfish selflessness. Their courageous actions stand as a testament to the commitment and valor of our city's lifeguards. Oh, I was just going to say I would I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge Joe Banjiovani for his years of
dedication for the city of Park. >> What I would like one of you to do first explain what happened because what you did is truly truly remarkable and you saved somebody's life. So, somebody explain me everyone. Um,
so on that day it was myself and Nick on stand. There was also one more Jason Hermes. He didn't make it tonight. Uh, we watched two people on a boat uh, rip by the stand and then uh, lost control
of the boat. One of them got ejected and hit by the propeller of the boat. Uh, I paddled out pretty quick, got to the boat, hopped on, and noticed the extent of the injuries. So, after that, I guided the operator of the boat into
the beach safely while trying to keep positive control of the victim. Got him in. Um, Nick was there helping out a lot. Joe came down. Uh, James also came. James is an EMT. Uh Joe also helped him helped us get him off the beach up to uh
the fire department. Um and then we got a little we got a call later that he made it. So very grateful for that and I'm happy to see that he's here today. He's right there in the background. Glad we could help you out.
>> And I'm going to let Joe come up also and say something as well. Um, I just want to give a quick shout out to uh Tim Cortouse in the red polo. Um, he's in charge of all of our medical training and uh without all the work
that he put in um I feel like the situation could have gone differently because Tim puts in so much work and so many hours on getting us prepared and trained up for these types of situations and uh that training definitely kicked in in a moment like that. So that's what we trained for. Just want to give a
shout out to Jim Cordon House. >> The most impressive thing was, you know, the quick analysis of the situation um when it occurred, you know, Henry immediately went out on a on a rescue board and once they pulled the victim out of the water, he realized the seriousness of it. Had he not made a
decision to beat that boat at that time, I I don't think I think the outcome might have been a little bit different. Um, like I said, he immediately knew that it was a a a life-threatening situation. Uh, he signaled to the people on the beach, the other guards on the beach. They got on the radio and immediately called for EMTs, uh, rescue
boards, backboards, and 911 to get the first aid down here. Um, I don't think it was 10 minutes from the time the accident occurred till the time he was uh treated by the EMTs from the Andrew Park Fire Department who also did a phenomenal job at keeping him stabilized
to get him to the hospital into emergency surgery. So, um, like I said, the quick action just, you know, when he came up on the beach, um, we just taken off, you know, out of the boat and physically run up the beach and put on the bench and four people put pressure
on on the wound, you know, with our bare hands put pressure on that wound and stop it. Um, and um, I hope you don't mind saying so, but I did get a call a few days later from his brother who wanted to thank us and and informed us that his corateed artery was nicked
during that that incident. So, like I said, that that's like I said, we didn't know at the time it was that bad. But like I said, the speed that and the way everybody handled it, nobody lost their head. They did everything they were supposed to do, everything they were trained to do. And like I said, it had
the results. He's still here. So, >> um, just it was truly uh crazy moment. Uh, if it wasn't for Henry reacting the way he did, I don't think we'd be here the way uh doing this now. Um, everybody just, you know, like you said, kept a cool head and it was uh, it was crazy,
but you know, that's what we trained for, so we got it done. Um, I just want to say, um, thank you for both Asbury Park Police Department and Asbury Park Fire Department for their quick response to the emergency
and transporting the victim to Jersey Shore Hospital where he could get the emergency care that he really needed. So, thank you guys. Is the guy is the guy back there? Are you the guy from the boat? Do you want to just say anything very very quickly?
You don't have to. I'm not I don't want to put you on the spot. >> Thank everybody very much for saving my life that day. I nearly died and it wasn't for the trainer that you guys have and quick response might not be here right now. From the
bottom of my heart, thank you very much. do me a favor and come up and join the picture. We're going to take one picture with the city and then we're going to get out of the way and Joe, you can get family and the rest of the lifeguards up here because I see a lot of lifeguards
here and get the family up here and take a picture of that. So, first we'll do one Okay, >> you want to get the rest of the lifeguards up maybe >> if any other micro are here. Pop in that
picture. >> Okay. Congrats. >> Yeah. Thank you. Finally, we have a proclamation for officer Bacon, Officer Walsh, and Walsh, and resident Joseph Dumbar for their actions during a houseire on August
25th. [Music] There's two police officers. Whereas on a day of ordinary duty, Asbury Park police officers Dwit Bacon and John
Waltz were called to a life-threatening house fire on Prospect Avenue. And whereas they arrived to find a burning two family home and with the help of a neighbor discovered an 8-year-old child
trapped on the second floor with no clear path of escape. And whereas with remarkable courage and quick thinking, officers Bacon and Waltz along with neighbor Joseph Dunar coaxed
the child to jump from an upstairs window. positioning themselves below to make a heroic catch. And whereas their immediate and selfless actions born of extensive training and an innate
commitment to public safety prevented a tragedy and ensured the child's life was saved. And whereas their bravery, professionalism, and decisive action in the face of
extreme danger serve as an shining example of dedication of the Asbury Park Police Department and community. Now therefore, be it proclaimed, Mayor Moore and the Aspbury Park City Council
do hereby extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to Officer Dit Bacon, Officer John Walsh, and Joseph Dunar for their extraordinary bravery and heroic
actions. Their contributions stand as a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting and cons and serving the community of Asbury Park and they will be forever recognized for their vital role in saving a precious life. Thank
you. I just want to uh thank everyone for being here tonight. It uh means a lot to us, to the department. I know to Joseph it means a lot. Um I know you guys have probably all seen it on the news. I know it's not something that we get acknowledged for, but um it's been
pretty grateful. I mean, it's been a it's been a it's been a time. I mean, we're still getting outlets that want to talk to us at this point, but for people who who don't know or didn't see it, yes, there was an 8-year-old in the building, and if it wasn't for these two next to me, they were the first two uh
that were on scene. They're the ones who they're the ones who got him to get ready to jump out of that window, and I just happened to be there at the right time, right place. And um I'm just very thankful the kid trusted us to jump and uh thankfully we called him and got him out of there, and that's what uh mattered that day.
Hi, my name is Joseph Dumbar. Um, I just would like to say I'm very thankful for being here and thanks y'all for showing up and I'm glad that the little boy is safe. Thank you again. Thank you everybody for being here. This is uh it makes us feel really
good like you know it's like a good good recognition for the department and for the guys you know who you know put their lives on the line for any single one of these people in this town any single one of these people anywhere because like this is what we like to do. It's what we do. So, in that moment, that situation,
me, John, and Jo, we just, you know, reacted like anybody else would that I would hope we wish we would do in that situation. And, um, the 8-year-old boy got out of there, okay, and got him back to his mom. And that's all that really matters. The same thing. will do one picture with
us and then we'll ask for the police department and you also want to help any family want to come out for a >> picture [Music] Smile, [Music] John. [Music] Please welcome family like to come up
take a picture. family. [Applause] >> Okay. [Music] We are now on special event applications from recreation director Alicia Ford.
We're going to take a a threem minute break so everybody who just was acknowledged can go home and not listen to the boring meeting. Uh >> again, great work by all. Thank you so very very much. >> All right, Misha, you're up. All
right. So, mayor and council, there's just the one application before you this evening for art and St. John's Island on October 12th and 13th. >> Are there any questions on this? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Alicia. >> We're now on to Marrison City Council. >> One second, please. Just for everybody still here and people out there in TV land, I'd like to make a short announcement that Cassandra Dickerson
has joined us tonight. Cassandra is recently promoted to deputy city manager and uh welld deserving and we're happy to have you here tonight. You want to say anything? >> No, I don't. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council Member Bez Anderson. >> Nothing for me. >> Thank you, Council Member Clayton. >> Nothing except I do want to thank everyone who came out on Saturday to the Quality of Life Community Festival and thank everyone for the wonderful support
we received and especially Mammoth County meets the needs. That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Nothing. >> Thank you. And Mayor Moore. Yeah, I'm just going to very quickly say as much as we honored some lifeguards tonight and some uh policemen tonight, the city
employees, be it police, fire, lifeguards, uh every department, uh fantastic employees, but these two episodes were saved lives. And so, I mean, they were exceptionally special. But you know, our
men and women in all three of the departments do a fantastic job every day. You know, on the beach, many saved lives, but people not knowing how to uh swim with the rip tides and everything. Police out there every day, fire department out there every day, and all
the other uh city employees just do an excellent job. Too bad we don't honor more of them, but uh these two were very, very special. So again, I can't thank the police and the fire department and the staff. It saved two people's lives. So thank you.
>> Thank you. Moving on to Marrison, the city manager. >> Hi. Good evening. We have nothing to report. >> Thank you. And Marrison, the city attorney. >> I have no report tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. We're now moving on to a presentation of the 2024 municipal audit by the city's municipal auditor, David
Ganon from PFK O' Conor Davies. Good evening everybody. >> Good evening. >> You don't mind? Uh just make two pages. Here we go. So uh you just want to first
speak as to um you know the the the city staff does a really great job and in cooperating during the audit. Um you know we're we're on site for about four weeks. uh we ask for a lot of information uh in order to complete the audit. Uh so we're always very you know
appreciative of when uh you know the staff act so professionally and cooperative uh so I just wanted to make sure we you know we recognize them um because they they really do at least you know make the audit uh an efficient process.
Uh next slide just talks a little bit about some of the objectives. Uh so you know we are we are engaged to do a financial statement audit. Uh that's a little bit different than you know what people refer to a forensic audit or an operational audit. Uh this is to provide an opinion on the on the financial
statements. Uh as well as perform the audit in accordance with recovery auditing standards uh as well as other standards. This next page uh we also based on the level of funding are required to do a federal and state single audit. So, uh, because the city
expends more than $750,000 of federal and state awards, uh, we're required to do a specific audit on compliance and internal controls over those grant programs. Uh, and it's important to note, you know, we we we do have to follow several standards. We're we're very, you know, tightly governed by
those standards. uh whether it's general accepted auditing standards the United States of America uh government auditing standards uniform guidance which is the federal grant requirements uh and New Jersey R&B circle 1508 which is the state grant requirements uh as well as
the state of New Jersey has you know various statutes and administrative codes that we have to design our audit to test for compliance of that uh next page just goes through some some of the orders results uh so the financial statements we did issue an unmmonified
opinion on the financial statements. That's the highest level. It's considered a a clean opinion. Uh it's important to note that the financial statements are not uh what's considered generally accepted in accounting principles. So the state of New Jersey specifically has its own uh set of
financial statements standards uh called the regulatory basis. Uh so the city follows those standards exactly the way they should. Uh so the financial statements reflect that and we have no exceptions that we had to take. Uh I will tell you that the financial records
that are maintained by the city's finance office and the and the chief financial officer are in excellent condition. Uh Miss Booze and her staff do an excellent job as far as maintaining those financial records. uh any information or support that we need
supporting a transaction a balance all that information was was provided during the course of our audit and what I would say is over you know over this the rest of this this page and the next page the city really is in strong financial position uh the current fund fund balance at the end of the year was $1.2
$2 million, roughly the same from the prior year. Uh it's important to note though that in the 24 budget, you did utilize $7 million to at least fund the budget. Uh the city was able to build that back during the course of the budget year. Uh $2.8 million was
restored uh based on the prior year's budget reserves that were unspent, lapsing in the fund balance. Uh there was miscellaneous revenue that was not anticipated as part of the budget process of $2.2 $100 million that further restored fund balance. Uh as well as the miscellaneous revenues that
were anticipated in the budget, there were several budget lines that uh beat budget expectations, let's say, uh on the the the construction code, the core uh pilot revenue all exceeded what was uh anticipated.
Next page, talking about the utility funds, the sewer utility uh fund balance at the end of 24 was $8.4 $4 million which was an increase of 6 from $6.5 million the prior year. Uh sewer rents were in excess of budget by $718,000
and prior year budget appropriations were went unspent of about 109 $941,000 which again lapsed into fund balance at the end of the year. Uh the beach but utility fund balance ended the year at $9.2 million up from 7.9. Uh and beach
fees again exceeded what was anticipated in the budget. transport transportation utility fund balance did have a slight decrease uh from uh 214.5 from $15.3 million. Um but again, parking fees did exceed budget
estimates. Uh but you know, it's important to note the transportation fund does provide substantial support to the current fund. Uh so it contributed $6.5 million to the current fund budget uh during the 24 year. Next slide. Uh some other key indicators
of uh the city's financial strength, tax collection rate, uh 99.94%. Uh the city over, you know, many years has had an accelerated tax sale. Uh so it's been consistently over 99%. Uh net debt at the end of the year was $41.5
million, which was 1.467 of equalized valuation. So in New Jersey, there's a statutory limit as to how much net debt you can incur, which is 3.5%. You're well under that. Uh so in in reality your your remaining borrowing power is $57.5 million from a net debt
perspective. As long as the utilities you know remain self liquidating that doesn't eat into your borrowing power. Uh again we we do our audit in accordance with government owning standards. Uh one of the things if we have any significant findings material weakness or deficiencies we notify you
of those in writing. There were none. Uh the city's internal control structures is operating as it's intended. Next page uh just talks you know we again I mentioned we did a federal state single audit uh we didn't find any internal control findings or compliance
findings so we issued an unmodified opinion on the city's compliance with those regulations uh so from a federal single order perspective we had to uh audit the American Rescue Plan funds uh and from a state perspective we we we audited one of the DOT grants
uh we did have two other matters you know two to two to two to two to two to two to two to two to two to two to two findings that we uh felt uh that that improvement could be could be uh could occur. Uh one regarding the police records and having an automated system vacation time that's actually a repeat from the prior year. Uh my understanding
is the city is um making progress towards that and it's hopeful that that will be uh corrected by the end of the year. Uh and then there were some personnel forms when we when we did some of our payroll testing. uh we do look at some of the information in the personnel
files and and some required documents were not there. Um so that's just you know an area of of improvement. And with that if there's any questions I'll be more than happy to answer them. Well, I I thank you and again, I agree with you. Uh
Joanne, her staff do an excellent job keeping the numbers straight and uh it's not a bad audit report. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions from anybody? >> Thank you. >> We are now on to public participation. May I have a motion to open the meeting
to the public? >> Move to open. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Public participation portion of the meeting is now open. Any member of the public who wishes to speak, please use the microphone, state your name and address for the record and 3 minutes. And there will be a threeminut timeline
for each speaker. >> Hello, my name is Frank Cuchinatada, 2096th Avenue. And I know members of the board, members of the committee are tired of hearing me and my wife speak about the the infrastructure improvement plan.
Um there was a meeting uh and a decision I guess at the last executive session where they you you uh decided not to uh grant an exception for 207 and 209 6th Avenue. And it's come to our attention
that the property at 20 at third and Berg a commercial property has essentially the similar uh carveouts that that we were requesting. They have a grassy apron instead of the uh the
pavers the the permeable pavers. Their sidewalk comes out further. It's uh it comes out to the street. There is no bump out at the corner. um they have narrower sidewalks sidewalks than everyone else in the
neighborhood. So it's this type of these are the similar exceptions that we were looking for at 207 and 2096th Avenue. So we just don't understand why it's okay over at Third Berg and it's not okay at 207 and 2096th Avenue. In addition to
that, uh, you know, so the things that we were looking for was to keep the 8-ft grassy apron instead of replacing them with 4ft, uh, permeable pavers. Uh, we wanted to keep the three-foot grassy aprons on Web
Street instead of replacing them with permeable pavers. Uh, we wanted to keep 130y old blue stone sidewalks that are beautiful, durable, uh, over the concrete. replacing them with concrete sidewalks
which have a limited lifespan. Uh we didn't feel there was a need to increase the sidewalks in this neighborhood as it's a residential area. The foot traffic just is doesn't support having a wider sidewalk.
Uh we didn't want to have our retaining wall move back further into our property. uh there was uh you you you detract from the beauty of of of the garden that's enjoyed by the entire neighborhood.
So in addition to that uh the the uh by granting the exception or the carveout for these two properties, you would restore 2,000 square ft of grassy area to the neighborhood. You would save money by not having to install pavers in
the neighborhood that the that the neighborhood doesn't want. you would uh save money by not building a retaining wall on 6th Avenue or uh uh you would save money by not having to regrade and replace the driveway at 2076th Avenue. So, we're asking that you
reconsider your decision to grant us an exception or a carveout because that's what you've done for Third and B. We're not asking for anything special and it benefits the neighborhood. >> Okay. Thank you. What happened? What's that?
>> Yeah. >> So, is there a chance that you would reconsider that? >> You you sent a letter, I believe, yesterday asking for some answers. You'll be receiving that tomorrow. >> Thank you. >> Okay.
You have to go the microphone. >> Shauna Famo, 1509 Park Avenue, Asby Park, New Jersey. I don't want you to take me. >> Okay. >> I know, but that's fine. >> Okay. So, the every time I come to city
hall to see the tax assessor, he's never there. Um I I was trying to um ask him. Wait, first of all, is the tax assessor um new? Is this his first job? I saw that on Facebook.
>> Is it finish all your questions so I don't take any time. >> Okay. So, all right. Anyway, I I um did come to to see him and he's never there when I go to see him, but um
my like I keep complaining about my taxes being high. That's why I keep coming here. But I'm just trying to figure out like is it any type of solution that y'all can have like from um all the the property
uh the I I heard the parking uh y'all got a lot of money for the parking. How come y'all can't like distribute it out where we can get our y'all can reduce our taxes a little bit? That's one more one one thing I want to
know. And something else is um there was something else that I wanted. Oh um this was okay. All right. So Oh yeah. The How come
y'all voted to assess the taxes yearly? That's what I don't understand because the first year my house burnt down. Um, y'all charge $8,000 for a burnt house. I said, "Okay." I just I just dealt with it. But now this year is 7,000 every
like I don't understand like why my tax is going up like 7 $8,000 every year. Um, that's I don't feel like that's normal. Um, cuz I Airbnb. Are y'all taxing me for Airbnb? Like I just need to know why is my taxes going up rapidly
and if I wanted to sell my house, how could I when the value stay the same and my taxes are going up. >> The value of my house was 1.2 million two years ago and it's still that. But
my taxes went up $8,000 at that time when it was only 5600. Then it became 1350. now is 20,900 and in January it's going to be 24,000.
I just think something is not right with that. Like and if y'all have a new assessor and um he's in I mean like maybe I should uh run for the school for city hall and then my taxes probably be
cheaper too cuz your tax is not going up and mine are going up. >> Okay, your time's up. something just fish. >> That's why I didn't want to take any your time before I wanted you to finish it so you could the tax assessor know he's been here many years. Um it's first time I've ever heard that he hasn't
gotten back in touch with somebody. So if you want to supply the city manager with a number or the tax assessor call you tomorrow and >> I have to go out of town tomorrow. I >> Okay. Well, whatever time is whatever time and day is good for you, we'll make sure he calls you that day and time. And
again, it's the first complaint I've ever received that he doesn't return phone calls. So >> I I said I came in person. I didn't go. I came twice in person. Right, Cassandra? >> I am. >> Okay. So >> they saw me. I came here twice. And he's
either out of his office. Can I finish telling you? Or he's uh I just don't know. Or he left for the day. It's early. He's just like I didn't come late. >> If you'd like to make an appointment, we'll help you with that. Also, >> you got to make an appointment to see him. No, but you're saying you're coming, you can't make it. He He's not
here. So, I if that happened to me, I'd say, "Can I make an appointment?" So, you make sure you're both on the same path. >> Whatever you want to do, Mr. Favlower will help you. >> As far as that, as far as like uh the tax increase, when you got your tax
bill, there was a letter explaining why the taxes went up and how the city taxes have been flat for the past five to six years. And by keeping the city tax flat because this board of education flat tax
was going up and we knew that we tried to reduce it a couple years and we did and it was it smart I think it was the right thing to do at the time but eventually that catches up to the city where you know now we're not in as great a shape as we were a couple years ago
because seeing their increase which is substantial uh you know in 2019 19. For the board of education, you were paying $1,400. Now you're paying $6,500. For the city, you were paying $3,000.
Now you're paying 3,300. So in 7 years, ours has gone up $300 and theirs has gone up $5,000. So, and I'm not faulting the board of education. It's a terrible bill, the S2 bill. The number of legislators that are in office
now were there when this was passed. They're trying to correct it. Uh, I know tonight there was a little foul up where they have a board of education meeting, we have this meeting. Our meeting was usually on Wednesday night. We had to switch it because of
the Jewish holiday and obviously we didn't look at the board's meeting. So that's why tonight's meeting, Felicia, I just know you asked, is tonight. >> But listen, I'm not asking I'm asking about my taxes. Why are my taxes going up $18,000 in a year?
>> Can I just Can I just explain it to you? But Everybody in my row, nobody in my row taxes are higher than mine. >> But that's something you can tell to the tax assessor and like you I believe. >> But y but y'all control the city and y'all need to find out why things like
this are happening cuz it's only happening to us. Like I just need to know like y'all this is my second time coming here. >> Your your time is up >> about this. >> I tried to explain it to you. You can get in touch with the city manager. Hope
set up an appointment. >> That's not Felicia Simmons, Asbury Park. Kind of don't want to give my street address, but it's on record. Most of um I hear two capacities. First is for the
community. Um we know that there's a lot of um things happening, people passing. um sadness happening in town and um I commend all who came out to um the community meeting, but I know everybody wants to be part of a solution um action
plans so we can change and it all seems disconnected like what Miss Fabo was just up here speaking, but it's all connected, right? I know nobody's a nerd like me who sits up at night and think about this stuff for close to a decade, but all of these things are tied in
together. right from the assessing property every year and it tied to market rate, right, which peaks and we're the fastest growing market rate in the the country right now and only going to go up higher when um Netflix opens
when the building in town is opening and when the new hotel goes up in Long Branch, right? Then we have the S2 bill which is hemorrhaging is is cutting from us, right? And is digging deep deep down into our pockets, right? right? And in the school district and it's killing us.
And then it's the pilot programs, right? That don't have to pay any school taxes, right? The payment in lie of um property tax, right? That's all hitting us. And right now, right here where we are, Asbury Park, Neptune, Eaten Town, Long
Branch are the hardest hit in the state. We've seen increases up to of our of the budget of from 40 to 60%. And it's something that it seems it's not you. It's not I can't blame it all on you. Even though we you played a part. I can't blame it all on the school
district. They played a part. Can't blame it all on the county, but they played the part. But together they all together it makes a problem. And I'm not just calling to say that ooh there's we, you know, put blame on people. There's solutions. There's solutions that y'all can do right at your seats when it comes
to directly to the pilot programs, right? Y'all can y'all get 95% and of the payment in le of taxes and 5% goes to the county and nothing goes to the school. And I've been saying close to a decade you can pay some into the school
so the burden is not so heavy because the new buildings in town affect the property value of the houses. So their property assessment goes up but they don't they don't have to pay these billionaire developers don't have to pay
anything. is left on the average working person that has to pay their percentage. Right? Then with the S2, it wasn't done fair. It's crying. It's done to consolidate. We have to do something to mediate these cuts. Right? We have to do something. And in your space, I'm saying
please, please, please look at um that. also want to talk I might not get to talk about it tonight but we're going to talk about the Westside Community Center and all the great things happening and a grant that we just got approved for and all of those great things. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> And congratulations on your grants. Looking forward to hearing about it. >> Thank you. I'll give you a card before you >> Thank you. >> You have to go to the microphone. Good evening, mayor. Good evening, council members and members of the
public. My name is Susan Mckitis. I live in Atlantic Highlands, but I'm here on behalf of Food and Water Watch. I want to thank you for being a friend of our environment and supporter of some of our most important climate initiatives in New Jersey.
You have helped us stop the proposed Keysby power plant in Woodbridge and have passed a resolution earlier this year in support of the New Jersey Super Fund Act. We are once again asking for your help, this time to defeat the Williams Transco Nessie project.
Williams Transco is again proposing a 23mm fracked gas pipeline through the Raritton Bay. As a waterfront community, I'm sure you can appreciate the harm this will do to our environment and all water waterfront communities are
connected. This project has been defeated twice before, but Nessie is back. This time their application has been fast-tracked and approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, also known as FK. The federal government
has let us down. So, it is now up to New York and New Jersey to once again stop this harmful project. This pipeline is intended to provide fracked gas from Pennsylvania to Long Island and provides no benefit whatsoever for New Jersey
residents, only substantial risk. The proposal that Williams Transco has submitted is essentially the same as the proposal that regulators have previously rejected twice. This is an attempted money grab, plain and simple, by an
outofstate company. Rateayers will bear the cost burden of this project, not Williams Transco. Previous estimates were in excess of $1 billion. That's with a B. National Grid, the New Jersey, I'm
sorry, the New York operator and intendant recipient of this fracked gas has also publicly stated that it is not needed and favors more environmentally friendly alternatives. It is now up to state and local authorities to put a
stop to this project. Many other Mammoth County municipalities along with Mammoth County commissioners have joined this nonpartisan effort in opposition to this polluting project. Will you support this opposition by resolution at your next
city council meeting? I will make sure that Anthony has the uh sample resolution for your consideration. Many thanks for your help. >> Thank you. Yep. Get it to Anthony and we'll go from there. Pardon? >> I said thank you. Get it to Anthony and
we'll go from there. Obviously, we want to read it before we pass. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Move to close. >> No, I'll go. >> Good evening, Mayor. My name is Nancy Phillips. >> Good evening.
>> Good evening. Um, the reason why I am here is because I have made an observation as a resident of the community. The reason why Asbury Park is so jacked up is because our leaders are jacked up. How can you have a pastor who
is an ex- rapist that's still practicing in the city of Asbury Park? Pastor Mark Warren. Okay. Then then we read in the paper about the Westside because the city of Asbury Park is confused. When the Westside Community Center get all
those thousands and thousands of dollars, do it goes to you or do it go to Felicia Simmons? Because the Westside Community Center is dilapated. You can't go into it. It's terrible. And I keep reading that every year thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars is
being done is being given to the West Side. Yes, it's still closed. I also like to say that that the reason why the Asbury Park is so jacked up is because the city of Asbury Park is ran on politics. Politics and eagles, okay?
Which is not fair to the rest of the the uh the residents of Asbury Park. Um we genuinely care about the town, but you got people who use uh their power as an elected official. Okay. As far as the police is concerned, they get away with
violating our constitutional rights. Okay. I have I have reported I have I have charges against the Asbury Park Police Department, but no lawyer wants to represent me, not even my private one because nobody wants to go against the police department. I have documentation,
the original copies of how the Asbury Park Police, William Whitley, Steven Love, falsified records. Okay. It is not fair that y'all eagles getting in the way of Asbury Park. The only thing that y'all care about is those eight million dollar condos. Who can
afford to live in condos? Who? Nobody. Only thing that y'all care about is the beach and the million-dollar condos. Y'all don't care about the west side. Y'all don't care that people are homeless. People living in tents. People have low income housing. Y'all don't worry about stuff like that. Y'all don't worry about all the crime. People are
getting killed every other day at the Steven Manor. Are y'all offering post-traumatic stress care for the residents? Pastor Lidell Akins, he is the community liaison and not once has he represented the city of Asbury Park. Why is he on
payroll? That's ridiculous and it's an embarrassment. You have a you have a pastor who's a rapist. You have money that's going to the west side that's just being missing. You got you got residents that's getting killed under our newly installed cameras. This is
ridiculous. Have you ever heard of the Steven Manor mayor? Do you know about the crimes? Do you know about the the corruption that goes on um in the board of education and that Mark Arbino is in office by default? Are you aware of that? You need to take
a walk through your town starting with the Steven Manor, starting with the Port of Education, starting with the House of Authority. The whole entire city of Asbury Park is crooked. And while you taking a walk, walk through some of these churches. Miss Stokes, your time is up. >> Okay. Now, now for the record, when the
city of Asbury Park get money for the uh Westside Community Center, who who cashes the check, is it you or is it Felicia Simmons? Cuz inquiring minds want to know, >> Miss Phillips, I'm going to answer this one question when you sit down. >> Yes, sir. Sir. >> Okay. To the best of my knowledge, and
we'll check and I'll verify it to you. Okay. >> The city of Asbury Park has received no money and given it to the Westside Community Center. As a matter of fact, the Westside Community Center owes the city over $100,000 in taxes. >> Wow.
>> Okay. So, anybody else like to be heard? >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I participation is now closed. Moving on to the minutes. I have executive and regular meeting minutes from September 10th. Uh do I have a motion?
for minutes. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council member Bazar. >> Oh, yes. >> Council member Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn? >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore? >> Yes. >> We're now on to the consent agenda resolutions. All matters listed on the consent agenda are presented
collectively to the city council and will be considered for approval with one vote. These uh matters are considered to be routine in nature and there will be no individual discussion of these items. If discussion is desired by one or more council members as to any particular items and set items shall be removed from the consent agenda and considered
separately. On consent tonight we have resolutions 2025 396 through 2025 403 and 2025 405 and 406. Do I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council member Bezerson. >> Yes. >> Council member Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Moore. >> Yes. Moving on to individual resolutions. I have resolution 202547, resolution approving payment of bills. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council Baz Anderson. Yes. >> Council Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Yes.
>> Resolution 2025408. Resolution accepting the 2024 municipal audit. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council Baz Anderson. >> Yes. >> Council member Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2025 352. Resolution adopting a corrective action plan in response to
the recommendations contained in the 2024 report of audit and summary of prior year findings and recommendations. >> Move it. >> Have a second. >> Second. Council >> Bezerson. Yes. Council Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Yes. >> We have an addition to tonight's agenda
of resolution 202549. Resolution ratify the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Union Contract. >> Move it. >> Second. Council member Bezerson, >> yes. >> Council member Clayton, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn, >> yes. >> Mayor Moore, >> yes.
>> Moving on to ordinances for introduction. I have ordinance 2025, ordinance of the city of Asbury Park, amending and supplementing section 4-25 entitled licensing of towing business of chapter 4, general licensing of the code of the city of Asbury Park with the public hearing date of October 8th,
2025. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council member Anderson. Council member Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Yes. Moving on to ordinances for second reading and public hearing. I have bond ordinance 202523. Bond ordinance providing for the roadway
improvements to Third Avenue appropriating $2,475,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $2,27,355 bonds and notes to finance a portion of the cost thereof authorized in and by the city of Asbury Park in the county of Mammoth, New Jersey. Do I have a motion
to open the meeting for public comment on ordinance 202523? >> Move to open. All in favor? >> I. >> Public comment on ordinance 202523 is now open. Any member of the public who wishes to speak, please use the microphone. State your name and address for the record. Your comments may only
be about ordinance 202523. >> Move to close. >> Second. >> Uh, do I have a motion to adopt ordinance 202523? >> Move to adopt. >> Council member Bazar. >> Yes. >> Council member Clayton? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn? >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore?
>> Yes. Moving on. Ordinance 202524. An ordinance of the city of Asbury Park in the county of M state of New Jersey authorizing the execution of a second amendment to a lease agreement with Asbury Partners LLC, Cajun Fish Holdings LLC, and AP Triangle LLC for certain property within the Asbury Park
Waterfront Redevelopment Area. Do I have a motion to open the meeting for public comment on ordinance 202524? >> All in favor? I >> public comment on ordinance 202524 is now open. Any member of the public who wish to speak, please use the microphone, state your name and address for the record. Your comments may only
be about ordinance 202524. >> Move to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Do I have a mo do I have a motion to adopt ordinance 202524? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council member Bazerson. >> Yes. >> Council member Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn? >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore? >> Yes.
>> If that's all I have for tonight, do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Move it. >> Second. Uh, >> all in favor? >> Thank you everyone. Have a good night. You too.