WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=PwPMMvVY3gA NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: PwPMMvVY3gA): - 00:00:08: Meeting Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance - 00:01:08: Special Event Applications and Council Announcements - 00:03:04: Opening Public Participation; Hex Street Sweeping Request - 00:05:14: Street Sweeping Discussion; Johnny Max Construction Project - 00:06:50: Update on House at 309 First Avenue Complaints - 00:08:44: Housing Authority False Alarms: Solutions and Accountability - 00:13:37: Sidewalk Width on Web Street; Green Aprons Debate - 00:18:38: Web Street Sidewalks; Permanent versus Temporary Construction - 00:20:52: Web Street; Permeable Pavers Maintenance Plan Requested - 00:25:09: Update on Solomon Report and Paramont Theater Repairs - 00:29:33: Concerns Regarding Homelessness and City Priorities - 00:34:00: Tree Removal Permit Request; Shingle Damage and Hazard - 00:36:44: Shade Tree Commission; Tree Removal Requirements - 00:41:18: Web Street Construction; Parking Spots Missing - 00:45:56: Solomon Report Update; Save Asbury Park Concerns - 00:48:11: Minutes Approved and Consent Agenda Resolutions - 00:49:27: Individual Resolutions and Added Resolutions - 00:51:02: Ordinance Introduction: Transportation Utility Improvements - 00:51:34: Public Hearing and Adoption of Municipal Budget Part: 1 1 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:27.359 Meeting call to order. Council member Bezerson is absent. Council member Chapman >> here. >> Council member Clayton >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn >> here. >> And Mayor Morton >> here. >> Please stand for a silent prayer. Moment of reflection. >> Now salute the flag. I pledge allegiance 2 00:00:27.359 --> 00:00:44.000 to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all >> as complied the open public meetings act chapter 231 PL 1975 adequate notice of 3 00:00:44.000 --> 00:01:01.000 this meeting has been provided in the following manner the notice for Aspberry Park Press the coaster and the star ledger on January 15th 2026 and posted on the bulletin board the same date all notices are on file the city clerk we're now on special event applications from recreation director Licia Floyd. 4 00:01:08.159 --> 00:01:24.799 >> Good evening, Mayor Mary and council. Um the first application before you is just an uh amendment. Uh, first Fridays would like to also add July 10th to their uh, calendar for events and the rest of the applications are all returning events 5 00:01:24.799 --> 00:01:42.000 and weddings. Are there any questions for any new events? Nothing. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Alicia. Moving on to Maris City Council. Council member Chapman. >> So, as Leicia noted, we are having our first Fridays downtown on Cookman Avenue 6 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:58.799 in Press Plaza. The next one is June 5th, runs from 5 to 9 and it will feature live music, craft vendors, and activities for children. >> That's it. >> Thank you, Council Member Clayton. >> Hi, good evening. On Wednesday, June 7 00:01:58.799 --> 00:02:16.319 10th, the Asbury Park Senior Center and the Police Department are hosting bingo for seniors. So, if you're interested, it's at 1:00 and it's going to be at this and transportation will also be provided for Asbury Park seniors. So, 8 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:33.360 you're all welcome to attend. And and I'm very excited to announce that this year we're starting back with the Asbury Park Jazz Festival June 28th. It's going to be from it's a Sunday afternoon. It's 9 00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:50.000 from 12 to 8. It's free. The headliner is Paula Athetherton plus some of our local groups. Please, it's free. Come out, have fun, and enjoy it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Thank you. And Mayor Moore, 10 00:02:50.000 --> 00:03:04.959 >> nothing. Thank you. >> Thank you. Moving on to Marrison, city manager. >> Uh, good evening. Nothing to report. >> Thank you. And Madison, city attorney? >> I have no report tonight. >> Thank you. We're now on to public participation. May I have a motion to open the meeting to the public? >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? 11 00:03:04.959 --> 00:03:21.120 >> I. Public participation is now open. Any member of the public who wish to speak, please use the microphone, state your name and address for the record, and you'll have a threeminut time limit. >> Your name is John McCarthy, 311st Avenue, Asbury Park. And I guess I'm sorry I have to even come here with this 12 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:38.400 request. It seems pretty basic, but we don't have a street sweeper on Hex Street. And we've asked a number of times for the whatever the department is to have one put in and we've gotten all kinds of excuses. It's the only street that does get a service between Grand 13 00:03:38.400 --> 00:03:54.000 and the beach. I mean, it's a paid parking area. The beach goers use it during the summer and they leave all their garbage there. People use it as a storage lot because First Avenue and Second Avenue are street swept. So they put their cars on Hex Street and they 14 00:03:54.000 --> 00:04:08.799 leave them there for weeks at a time and all the garbage and trash just builds up under the cars and then the residents end up having to clean it up. Isn't that something we can just implement? Have alternate side of the street parking and have a street sweeper come down Hex 15 00:04:08.799 --> 00:04:26.160 Street. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so without looking at it. I'm going to ask the city manager to look into it and talk to the DPW director and see when the street sweeper is in that area why he can't add three more blocks because you're talking about 16 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:42.960 five minutes added onto a schedule, >> right? And it's just common sense. I mean, the streets look like hell over there unless we're out there sweeping and cleaning them up. >> Okay. >> So, I'd appreciate if we could get that done. >> So, yeah. So, if we can find out what what days do they usually do over there? They usually do First Avenue on Tuesdays 17 00:04:42.960 --> 00:04:59.199 one direction and Thursdays the other direction. So unless you're out there begging the guys to come around the corner and clean up, you know, and they've been very helpful, but it's not the same thing as having a street that they can just drive down and clean up. I guess, you know, it may not be the life-threatening issue, but it just 18 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:14.800 makes sense. I mean, people are paying money to park there and then we have to pick up all their garbage when they leave, >> right? And if it's only block not being done on that area, >> why it can't be added doesn't make a lot of sense to me. So >> they do Berg Street every week or you 19 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:31.520 know on their schedule. So there's no reason why we can't have alternate side and just have it clean like everybody else. >> Okay. Thank you. And uh we're going to look into it as quick as possible. >> I appreciate it. Just one other little thing. What is going on with Johnny Max and that construction project that's 20 00:05:31.520 --> 00:05:47.199 been fenced off now for at least 10 years? There's no reason why he either hasn't take the fences down and just leave the building there, but it's Main Street and it's been looks like a war zone. So, there's no reason why that should still be in the place. I know I 21 00:05:47.199 --> 00:06:04.240 hear excuses that he's got permits, he's going to start doing it. That was over two years ago. So, I mean, don't you guys have you guys look at it every day. Doesn't it make sense just to say take down the fences, finish the sidewalk, leave the construction project empty and just go from there, but just to let it 22 00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:19.919 sit up there? They put all their picnic tables behind. It's like a storage facility for them now on on Main Street. So, I'll throw that out to you. You guys can deal with it, but it just makes sense to me. >> Okay. And that was uh before the planning board, I'm going to say within the last two months, right? 23 00:06:19.919 --> 00:06:36.000 >> And they did get an extension. because they're trying to finish the project now, >> right? In all honesty, and I appreciate the response, but they've told me that a couple times now. So, but I appreciate it. Maybe we can get it done. So, it's 24 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:50.960 just, you know, it's for everybody, you know, it just doesn't make sense to have the city look like that. So, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. And last meeting, his wife Bessie complained about the house at 309. So, do we have any update 25 00:06:50.960 --> 00:07:08.319 on that? 309 1st Avenue about in >> two two and a half years of calls. There was likeund some calls to that one address. >> Uh yes, give me sorry for that. Uh yes, 26 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:24.560 mayor. I don't have the documents here with me, but yes, there when we looked at it, when um when you combine police, fire, and um and EMS, uh they they amounted to that number. Um however, the 27 00:07:24.560 --> 00:07:40.240 house is um certified as a um >> as a group home. And so it appears that a lot of the calls that were coming in uh the biggest the year that had the 28 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:58.160 biggest problems was actually in 2024. 2025 we only had a very number a very uh minimum number and then for this year uh there's been um I believe it's 26 calls for this for 29 00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:14.240 this time period. Uh when you look at the numbers, it was actually um um the way it was it was it sounded sounded like there was a lot of frequent uh calls coming in but that is not uh that is not the case uh based on the numbers 30 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:29.759 that we got from police, fire and EMS. >> Stay on top of it because say if it's from January to now 26 calls to me is a lot. So, and if it's run by DCA, if we have to get in touch with Miss Schwarz at DCA and say, "Hey, we have a problem 31 00:08:29.759 --> 00:08:44.880 here. What can you do to help us?" >> Yes. Uh, I have the data in my on my desk, mayor. Unfortunately, I >> No, no problem. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good enough. So, we are still looking into it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. 32 00:08:44.880 --> 00:09:00.240 >> Uh, good evening. Jezonerv, uh, Third Avenue here in Asbury. Uh, I've been to city council meeting on two other occasions regarding false alarms at the housing authority. Um, I've gone as far as given FEMA numbers in terms of what 33 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:17.519 the costs have been to the city, uh, as well as taxpayers. I've given solutions. I've written emails. I've gotten assurances that something's going to be done. Months have gone by. And I'll use a perfect example. Sitting on my porch on Monday, three deployments within the 34 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:33.120 hour. And that's that's a daily occurrence. So I've been to the housing authority who I might add a former fire marshal is on the board who was uninterested in the conversation. He just wanted to 35 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:49.920 >> I'm sorry. No speaking out. >> And according to him my numbers were incorrect but he seemed uninterested about the deployments. I've been asked to reach out to the fire chief on numerous occasions. I've been ghosted by him except for when the time he did a background check on me and I found out 36 00:09:49.920 --> 00:10:05.839 about that from my former fire chief. So instead of all this background ridiculousness, this is millions of dollars a year and we're doing nothing. I've gotten assurances from you all. It's been 37 00:10:05.839 --> 00:10:22.959 months and even even last night 3:00 in the morning. I don't know if you know what it's like to have fire engines in front of your house at 3:00 in the morning. weekly, daily, and nothing is being done. What What is being done? Because you all have told me something was being 38 00:10:22.959 --> 00:10:41.040 done. And it's very simple. Charge the housing authority hundreds of dollars for each one because if it was a false alarm at my house, I'd get a bill. And this is we talk about life-threatening. This is a life-threatening issue. So if there's a 39 00:10:41.040 --> 00:10:57.519 ladder truck, an engine truck, ambulance, a battalion chief screwing around at Robinson Towers. What if there's a fire at one of the highrises? They're there three times a day minimum. 40 00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:13.600 And I've brought this up for months. Nothing's been done. So I'm just looking for some assurances because it seems like we're going nowhere. >> Appreciate it. And you you did bring it to us and we did pass an ordinance. 41 00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:28.560 >> They they they should be fined every time they go there. Now, is that being done? >> I'll I'll I'll get the information there. >> Well, I and contextually, because I know my time's running out, I did speak to the battalion chief after the third 42 00:11:28.560 --> 00:11:43.680 deployment and he said, "No, we don't charge them. We just we we get a call. We show up. That's all I care about." Well, the battalion chief doesn't run the city. The city manager does. >> No, I understand that. >> We set policy and because of your 43 00:11:43.680 --> 00:11:59.680 complaints, legitimate complaints as far as like I think he even said it'd be cheaper to put two full-time fire fighters at the building, >> right? >> What we're paying. We did pass an ordinance. I was under the assumption that fines were being given out. So, 44 00:11:59.680 --> 00:12:16.399 >> well, and and and with that, I don't want to dominate the conversation, but we should be happy then because we're taking in thousands of dollars from the housing authority and the housing authority must have thousands of dollars just to give out because of all these 45 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:33.680 what it's 7,000 deployments a year. That's insane. And you know, at least half of those are from the housing authority. We should be rolling in the dough. We should be lowering my taxes based on that. >> Okay? And I'm not going to cut you off because your time or anything, but just to let you know, after we passed that 46 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:50.639 ordinance, we met with the housing authority and told them, "Hey, here's the new law and we're going to enforce it." So again, I apologize. We'll get you some numbers. I was under the assumption since we met with them and told them like the party's over, we were going to enforce this. I mean, it does 47 00:12:50.639 --> 00:13:06.000 us no good to pass an ordinance and not enforce it. >> Yeah. And and honestly, I I I don't want to play uh city council member or board member or any of that. I've done that. I don't want to do that again. And honestly, I appreciate you all, but I don't want to be here. I want to be at 48 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:21.360 home eating dinner, >> but not with fire trucks in front of my house daily. >> So, I totally understand. >> Just leave that. So, I would appreciate it if that could look into it and start charging them. Please, >> we're going to hopefully the report I get tomorrow is we are charging them and 49 00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:37.360 one way or another you can give me a call or send me an email with give me a couple days for the city manager to get this information together and we'll let you know exactly where we're at. >> Okay, I appreciate that. I'll drop you a note next week and see where >> Thank you. >> Thank you, 50 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:53.760 >> mayor. Um, just want to let you know we're asking now to see if they have a number that we can share tonight. Uh, so I can provide that to you if if we get it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. Gabriella Cuchinada, 2096 51 00:13:53.760 --> 00:14:10.720 Avenue. Um, I'm here today um to talk about the sidewalk widening specifically on Web Street. We were always under the impression from seeing the plans that those sidewalks were supposed to be five five feet wide. And we saw the ones that 52 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:27.120 were um on have already been placed are seven feet wide sidewalks between 8th and and 7th Avenue. Um and there's absolutely no need for a 7 foot sidewalk on a one-way street that has very very 53 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:42.880 little pedestrian traffic. Um there's actually no economic benefit to the city for having a se 7 foot sidewalk. It actually costs the city or the developer, but it's always going to come back to the city anyway, a lot more 54 00:14:42.880 --> 00:14:58.160 money to have seven foot to build seven foot sidewalks than five foot sidewalks. That cost then eventually is going to be passed on to homeowners who have to replace 7 foot sidewalks versus 5 foot sidewalk. If your sidewalk cracks in front of your house, you're responsible 55 00:14:58.160 --> 00:15:14.240 for it. So, the other thing is the concrete pavers. And we brought this up before. We live in a residential neighborhood. The other side of the street is allowed to have ca grass. Why can't we have grass? And why can't residents who have always been mowing 56 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:31.519 the grass on in the aprons continue to do so and give the city a green field which is good for the public health. It's good for people in general to have grass versus concrete. That's it's also good for the trees. I have to put that 57 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:48.880 in there. Um so the interesting thing is some of the areas that were recently developed specifically between second and third and Berg and Berg is is the western border of the waterfront redevelopment area in that area just like web is have five foot sidewalks. 58 00:15:48.880 --> 00:16:05.759 This is a block that was completely redeveloped. They have lovely five foot sidewalks. You have to take a look right and they have grassy green aprons. this there is actually less cost to the city by changing the plan that they they can 59 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:22.240 the contractors are just doing their measurements as they go anyway. It's not going to cost more for changing the plans. So that's that's really my ask. So So that's why do we need five seven foot sidewalks on a one-way street? Um 60 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:39.120 especially on a a residential area that's not going to have highrises. Why are green grassy a aprons being replaced with concrete pavers and residential in some residential areas and not others? And I'm not saying you should turn theirs into pavers. I think you should leave ours grass. And can the city 61 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:55.279 change the current plans for Sixth Avenue to be more consistent with the area around Second and Third and Berg? And then my final question um is you know when and I've sent I think multiple emails and they've gone unanswered. When when is the development and the road 62 00:16:55.279 --> 00:17:10.559 projects on 6th Avenue finally going to be completed? It was just started two days before Memorial Day weekend. They've ripped up the rest of the road and it's costing all that money for lost revenue in parking. So that they're my questions. 63 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:35.600 >> Okay, Adam, you want to handle some of them? >> Yes. I I have to >> You can read it out loud if you want to. So this is a schedule for that area. >> Okay. >> Okay. So as far as the pavers and the 64 00:17:35.600 --> 00:17:50.480 five foot sidewalks, can we be consistent? Can we look at that and and consider not putting seven foot sidewalks on a one-way street that has very little foot traffic? And if not, what is the economic benefit to the city aside then for the fact that 65 00:17:50.480 --> 00:18:06.320 it's costing more to put it down? And the the pavers are going to cost a whole lot more to maintain whereas they're free if it's grass. So that's their they're my questions. I mean, it's something that can be relooked at. It's just a simple ask. It really is. If it was your neighborhood, you would hate 66 00:18:06.320 --> 00:18:22.000 concrete papers, too. And you would say, why are you putting seven foot sidewalks in front of my house? I'm not even saying the ones on six. I'm saying the ones on. So that's that's my ask. If you can look at that, it makes sense. You we were told a while ago that we have to be 67 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:38.559 consistent. If we do for others, then we have to do other for for you to or for if we do it for you, then we have to do it for others. And basically what we're asking for is what you've done and approved for Berg a Berg Street between second and third. That's what we're 68 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:54.559 asking for. Thank you. I really >> mayor. Well, I I have some answers. As far as finances, I I'm not a financial expert to measure and figure out how much money we're going to get in return 69 00:18:54.559 --> 00:19:11.360 for people walking on sidewalks. But as far as the amount of space uh that is currently being taken with the new redevelopment in that whole area which includes 6th Avenue uh web um I'm being told that the reason why they went to 7 70 00:19:11.360 --> 00:19:26.480 1/2 ft wide is because of the foot traffic that is going to be uh that is uh coming to the area because of the new redevelopment. In fact, the building the the lot next to their property is 71 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:42.720 actually uh calling for a certain number of um of units uh that they're looking to um I guess to fit in the lot. I know that's in discussion in the future, but they're saying that the the 7 1/2 ft is 72 00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:59.200 actually something that is going to be permanent moving forward. when they did Berg uh it was actually they consider that to be more of a temporary that was done seven or eight years ago because um the the amount of the work that was being 73 00:19:59.200 --> 00:20:15.600 done in the waterfront was not what has occurred the last couple of years. So they are trying to install permanent sidewalks and that is why they're going with 7 and 1/2 ft B. I was told it's five feet currently because 74 00:20:15.600 --> 00:20:32.159 uh because it was temporary. However, they do have signed agreements with the um with the homeowners and in those properties that they uh that the that the right of way that the the right of way will be taken at some point in the 75 00:20:32.159 --> 00:20:52.400 future to accommodate 7 and 1/2t um sidewalks. That's the answer I got from Aar. Thank you. >> Okay. Frank Cuchinado, 2096 Avenue. Just wanted to follow up on uh one of the 76 00:20:52.400 --> 00:21:08.640 requests we had from a meeting or so ago about the maintenance plan for the quote unquote permeable pavers. So, we haven't seen anything to that regard. And I think somebody was it was being passed back and forth between you and and Adam 77 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:25.360 as far as uh we were going to figure out whether there was a maintenance plan or not because those quote unquote permeable pavers do not remain permeable unless they're maintained. And that's what we were sold on is oh you're 78 00:21:25.360 --> 00:21:39.760 getting permeable pavers. It's just as good as grass. Not but that's what they say. And you know it has to be maintained. It's not being maintained all around town. We have these permeable pavers. They're not being maintained and they're not permeable. We're better off 79 00:21:39.760 --> 00:21:55.120 with grass. So, that's again, you know, I've asked this before. I've sent private emails and we haven't gotten a response as far as what's the maintenance plan for these permeable pavers. So, that's that's question one. And 80 00:21:55.120 --> 00:22:12.000 again, the sidewalk issue, it's like we uh the the whole street between Web and Kingsley is completely closed. The street is closed. It's it's dug up. The both sides of the sidewalk are closed. So, not only can we not get to the to 81 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:27.280 the board to the ocean or to the boardwalk, but anybody in land cannot get directly to the boardwalk because they that the entire street is closed. The street and both sidewalks are closed. So, they've got to go and end around all the way around either Seventh 82 00:22:27.280 --> 00:22:45.679 or over to Sunset. And they can't go very easily to to Seventh because Web Street's closed. The Web Street sidewalk is is torn up. So, are we going to get that fixed anytime soon before the end of the summer? That was supposed to be done before summer started. 83 00:22:45.679 --> 00:23:01.919 They are the uh Yeah, they're they're the two things that I have. >> Okay. I don't have the schedule that Adam gave your wife in front of me, but I believe all their work is ending before I'm going to say summer when 84 00:23:01.919 --> 00:23:17.760 school's out is >> Yes. So, >> mayor, if I recall correctly, the schedule I believe states that the work in the area is going to be completed I think toward the uh middle of June, >> give or take a few days. uh they say 85 00:23:17.760 --> 00:23:32.480 that they're trying to work as aggressively as they can to uh to complete the work before the the date that they have on the schedule. However, uh we have some rain periods that prevented them from doing additional 86 00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:49.679 work, but they they believe that well they're very confident that they're going to get it done by mid June. >> Okay. Okay. >> And then the maintenance plan for the pavers. >> What's that again? >> Is is there a maintenance plan for the 87 00:23:49.679 --> 00:24:04.480 PA? >> Yeah. So, the plan for the PA mayor, we actually uh DPW had a conversation with um with our city engineer and the um uh and representatives and they actually uh 88 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:20.159 follow the manufacturer's recommendations and a plan is being put in place to actually powerwash those pavers uh in a certain time frame. I can't be can can't remember if it's uh annually or every four months something 89 00:24:20.159 --> 00:24:35.200 like that. So it just requires for you to go and just power wash them. >> Okay. So yes, there is a plan in place and will be followed and I thought I didn't want to answer a couple weeks ago, but I thought there 90 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:53.200 already was a plan in place citywide. So there seems to be >> yeah there wasn't you know from what anything that we could see because I I put in an open request to see that and there apparently wasn't any because it came back said there's nothing that matches your request. 91 00:24:53.200 --> 00:25:09.440 >> Okay. >> Uh mayor this is I'm sorry the this is regarding the the paper plan. >> I can make that accessible to the Mr. Kosara. >> Okay. We'll get that to you. Thank you. Uh, good evening. Chuck Lada from 35 92 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:24.720 Charles Court in Ocean Township. At the council meeting two weeks ago, attorney Stark, he had mentioned that he had possession of a an opinion from a retired judge regarding the city's rights to force uh, uh, Madison Marquette perhaps to do some more work 93 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:41.279 in the casino area based on the prior agreements and whether they were covered by the renewed agreement, etc. And I believe they were in the process of being redacted. Can you give us an update on the status of when the letter or that opinion will be released to the public? >> I'll let the 94 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:57.840 >> uh um just after that meeting uh Justice Solomon requested one additional document he did not have at the time. Um I provided that to him. I spoke with him uh yesterday morning. Uh he said he completed his review of that. He would like to issue a supplemental uh 95 00:25:57.840 --> 00:26:14.480 supplement to his opinion which he expected to have to me by the end of the week. I'll then provide it to the council and it will be released publicly shortly thereafter. >> All right. Thank you. And the other uh thing that was interesting is there was a lot of excitement generated when scaffolding was erected on the west side 96 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:31.600 of the Paramont Theater. I posted that to the Save Asbury Park web page and it actually went out to 75,000 people's Facebook page because of all the comments and likes. Uh subsequent to that I was able to receive through an Oprah request the actual contract 97 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:48.880 documents that explain the scope of the work that was being done. And it was very disappointing to see that while substantial expense was being incurred to create access to the flag pole on top the Parammont Theater to uh repair and paint the steel structure supporting the 98 00:26:48.880 --> 00:27:05.039 flag pole. None of the money that was re received from the state of New Jersey for my review of the contract documents was allocated to paint the exposed B steel beams that are uh holding up the second floor of convention hall. So my 99 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:20.480 question is who made the determination of where this money was to be allocated and how did such an obvious uh uh problem which is being deteriorated daily by salt air not receive funding to at least receive a coat of paint. What 100 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:37.679 was the process to allocate this money almost like a triage is this needs to be done before this needs to be done? Was the city involved in that or was that simply a decision made by Madison Marquette? No, absolutely. The city was involved when we first got the 101 00:27:37.679 --> 00:27:52.000 $20 million grant, 13 for them and seven for us. And we thought they were going to start a lot sooner. And you know, we wanted we were hoping the 13 would be enough to get the Paramount open and 102 00:27:52.000 --> 00:28:07.440 obviously it wasn't. But so we with Maza Marquette decided where the money was going to go. we said into the Paramount because that's the quickest thing with the least amount of money that we can get opened. As far as them not painting 103 00:28:07.440 --> 00:28:24.080 the rest of the steel, I've been moaning and groaning for at least 12 years. Like when you lost the copper panels, like just seal them with green uh marine grade plywood and paint it green, it'll 104 00:28:24.080 --> 00:28:40.640 keep the elements out. But you're right, it's totally open and salt air and salt water will knock down a building like it did in Florida. So, uh, the deterioration gets worse every day. And you're absolutely right, Chuck. >> All right. Thank you. 105 00:28:40.640 --> 00:28:56.880 >> And just just to add to that, the flag pole, it's been the source of the leak into that Parammont Theater. And once they secure and and fix all that area around the flag pole, it will stop water from infiltrating that building. Some of that 106 00:28:56.880 --> 00:29:11.840 masonry work that was done could have been delayed, you know, like in a triage situation. Rusting steel is is critical and I'm in the process of obtaining the inspection reports through the next Oprah request. And hopefully um you know 107 00:29:11.840 --> 00:29:31.720 once we have some scope of the the repairs necessary we can move forward on a plan to figure out where that money could come from to make that happen. So thank you. >> Well fixing the lease is it was our priority. >> Yes I understand. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Move to close. 108 00:29:33.679 --> 00:29:54.960 >> Go ahead. Good afternoon. My name is Nancy Phillips and I do not have an address. I am actually homeless. Okay. Now, the reason why I am here is because I am truly embarrassed to I am 109 00:29:54.960 --> 00:30:11.120 truly embarrassed to of as the city of Asbury Park. Okay. That since the last time I was here, mayor. Okay. Warren Hall, a convicted child rapist, is preaching less than a block away from 110 00:30:11.120 --> 00:30:27.440 the Asbury Park Middle School and the water park. Since the last time I was here, I was dragged out of church by your prosecutor, Mammoth County Prosecutor Ladell Akens. The guy that was hired, the guy that the Asbury Park 111 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:45.039 hired to protect us is using forced having us dragged out of his church. I am disgusted that you do not know what's going on in the city of Asbury Park. Every time a resident complained, your answer, mayor, was I was under the assumption. I was under the assumption. 112 00:30:45.039 --> 00:31:01.919 I thought you that alone says that you don't walk the streets of Asbury Park. Well, actually, you do. You only walk on the big side. When are you going to come over to THE WEST SIDE WHERE PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS? WHERE THE WEST SIDE IS STILL CLOSED? Where the police are ABUSING HIS 113 00:31:01.919 --> 00:31:18.320 RESIDENTS? YOU DON'T WORRY ABOUT anything except for THE BEACH, THE MILLION-DOLLAR CONDOS, and that big gay rainbow sign that's plastered ALL OVER ASBURY PARK. WHOSE DUMB IDEA WAS THAT? THAT GAY SIGN DON'T REPRESENT the city of Asbury PARK. IF YOU'RE GAY, THAT'S 114 00:31:18.320 --> 00:31:35.840 PERSONAL. DON'T NOBODY CARE. THE WHOLE ASBURY shouldn't have to see that dumb sign. But John Romero had to have his his sign taken down of a black man eating pizza on his door. Y'all harassed him about a a black man eating pizza, but a gay sign IS OKAY. I TRIED to have 115 00:31:35.840 --> 00:31:51.279 a peaceful march with all the violence that's going on in the Steven Manor. No leader wanted to support me, but y'all support the gays and prides. Y'all don't care about the west side. WE'RE POOR. NOT ONE PERSON OVER HERE HAD A COMPLAINT pertaining to the west side. Do y'all 116 00:31:51.279 --> 00:32:07.600 KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON? MR. LAWYER, DO YOU HAVE ANY answers as to why the Asbury Park Police is SO CROOKED? DO YOU have an answer as to why this town is RUNNING ON POWER, NEPOTISM, POLITICS? CAN you answer that? We don't get a fair trial here cuz y'all 117 00:32:07.600 --> 00:32:23.919 all friends. The police get to harass us, lock us up, and if you and if you file and if you file a complaint against them, it gets thrown out the window. For years, I have filed charges against Asbury Park Police Officer William Linton Whitley, and nothing has been 118 00:32:23.919 --> 00:32:40.559 done. As we speak, I have CHARGES AGAINST THE MAMMOTH COUNTY PROSECUTOR, Lidell Akens, for assault. The man that y'all hired to protect us and speak for us is abusing us. She wants to run for 119 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:56.720 mayor. Of course, she's going to run for mayor. >> She know too much. >> She's the plant. She know all the business. I would never vote for Amy. Never. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Question of the statement. >> Okay. I thank you. And if you are homeless, I hope you reach out to our 120 00:32:56.720 --> 00:33:13.360 social services department so we can help you. No, but I'm not paying $3,000 to live in no shack in Asbury Park. >> And you're you're completely wrong that Asbury Park hired Lidell Akens. He does not work for the city. He works for the county prosecutor. We do not pay him a penny. So you're completely wrong about 121 00:33:13.360 --> 00:33:29.360 that. >> He represents us. Asbury Park us and he's not >> I totally disagree with you that I'm never on the west side. And I think I could have thousands of people that live on the west side attest to how much I'm on the west side. Sir, 122 00:33:29.360 --> 00:33:44.880 did you see the man doing the crime scene? Was you at the house authority like about to approach you? >> Your time is up, man. >> Oh, okay. I was just asking cuz I never seen you. I'm everywhere. >> Okay. Well, I saw you at city hall one day. >> Yes, you did, sweetheart. Oh, yeah. I was pressed at the Asbury Park officer. 123 00:33:44.880 --> 00:34:00.559 What did that day? >> You was a witness. >> Okay. Thank you. Your time's up. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And I wish you luck as far as your homelessness. >> Oh, thank you. >> May I bring some photos up to you guys before I start speaking? Do what? >> Can I give you copies of this? I want to talk about what's in this. >> Yeah. 124 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:19.040 >> Give them to the officer. I'll bring them home. Thank you. >> Sorry, I'm short one. >> No problem. We'll share. >> Okay. Hi everybody. I'm Ruth Anne Harrison, 46th Avenue, Asbury Park, resident of Asbury Park since 1998. 125 00:34:19.040 --> 00:34:35.520 I just handed out to the council a little pamphlet that shows a a tree that is on my own property that I planted in 1998. Okay, this tree is 2/3 dead and it's causing all kinds of problems. It's 126 00:34:35.520 --> 00:34:51.359 hitting my roof, taking roof shingles off. It's dropping all kinds of needles everywhere that are slipping hazard for my tenants and for people who live there. and I applied for a tree permit to take this tree down. Are y'all ready? 127 00:34:51.359 --> 00:35:08.960 January 8th. Okay, this is now May 27th. And I have been talking to the mayor. I've been talking to DPW. I've been talking to the city manager. Meanwhile, my property is in danger. And with a big storm, that tree is going to come down 128 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:25.040 and crush my carriage house. Please get me a permit to take this tree down so I can be done with it and over with it. I'm trying to do the right thing. I should have just taken it down without asking for a permit, but stupid me. I like to go by the rules. So anyway, if 129 00:35:25.040 --> 00:35:42.240 you can please, please help me get rid of this tree. I would so appreciate it. Thank you very much. Does anybody have any questions? >> No. And you're right. You and I have >> we've been discussing it and you're very helpful, John. You know, I support you 130 00:35:42.240 --> 00:35:56.720 >> and I sent them to the city manager of the administration. I know they're on top of it. I think we're getting closer every day, but >> No, they're really not on top of it. I called George every week. I gave him about six weeks before I started calling. And for those of you who don't 131 00:35:56.720 --> 00:36:13.200 know, George is the uh DPW, head of DPW, and he's in charge of the tree permits. I called him week after week after week and all I got was, "Oh, we're looking into it. Oh, yeah. I'll try to go by this week and take a look at it. Meanwhile, shingles are getting ripped 132 00:36:13.200 --> 00:36:29.119 off my roof. Every time we have a strong storm, the branches just clip right across my roof. They're also hitting the building next door at 4026th Avenue. And the owners there are not all that happy. So, I would just like to take it down. It's only about 5t. It's a gigantic. 133 00:36:29.119 --> 00:36:44.800 It's like a 40ft tree. It's only about five feet from my carriage house and maybe seven or eight feet from my main house. That tree comes down, it's taken out my house or my carriage house, one or the other. And it might take out people. Branches fall randomly off that 134 00:36:44.800 --> 00:37:00.160 tree. If you look at those pictures, you can clearly see that twothirds of this tree are dead. It has a little green up on the top. But I mean, if I don't get a permit, I'm just going to give it a good crew cut and be done with it. So, I'll make a totem pole out of out of the trunk. 135 00:37:00.160 --> 00:37:16.640 Anyway, I don't know what else to do at this point. What do I do? Nobody's doing anything. They sent an arborist out. An arborist. The city paid to have an arborist go to my house two weeks ago. And I sent an email, I don't know, a week ago. I'm like still waiting. 136 00:37:16.640 --> 00:37:32.560 Nothing. Nothing. I get crickets. >> So, I'm going to say a couple things with um in that and I don't know that this will be helpful, but I'm going to say it anyway. So, the state of New Jersey made some requirements about tree removals. Yes, >> the shade tree commission and Gabriella, if you could just correct anything I say 137 00:37:32.560 --> 00:37:48.079 that's wrong, requires a different process that once would have allowed you to just remove the tree. Now there's requirements. Is the tree dying? If the tree is not dying, then you have to replace the tree. And it's a whole process. The other issue that you're stuck in right now is a transition. 138 00:37:48.079 --> 00:38:04.640 >> So what the shade tree doesn't want to do is go out to your house and I'm not saying you, but argue with somebody about whether they can have the tree is dying or not. So part of this transition is to hire this arborist who comes in and then you you pitch to him and they make a decision. So our volunteers at 139 00:38:04.640 --> 00:38:20.480 the shade tree are not getting in these sort of um uh passionate conversations about trees, right? Because they're just a group of volunteers. So part of it is a transition that you're getting hit with and and that's not an excuse. I'm just saying, you know, part of it is that and the other part of it is these 140 00:38:20.480 --> 00:38:35.920 new requirements with the tree removal. And >> so is the tree on your property? >> It's on my property. I planted it in 1998. It was my Christmas tree. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Gabriella is from the Shade Tree Commission. 141 00:38:35.920 --> 00:38:51.520 >> Okay. Well, Tom Pavinsky actually came out and looked at it like a month ago and then George kept telling me, "Oh, we need to get, you know, an arborist out here." And they did that two weeks ago, and I'm still waiting. >> So, Ruthan, email me. I'll put you in 142 00:38:51.520 --> 00:39:08.720 touch with Gabriella. and she's she's one of the people who >> okay who um >> so >> well we could just >> Can I just say one more thing? If you look at paragraph G in your ordinance, it clearly states that if a tree is 143 00:39:08.720 --> 00:39:24.480 causing danger or damage or can be a hazard. First of all, there's no requirement to plant that's another thing in the ordinance. They want you to plant three trees if you take down one. So anyway, um I have tons of trees on my property. I don't need I did actually 144 00:39:24.480 --> 00:39:39.359 plant a couple of trees. Just trying to go along. And then I'm told, "Oh well, you know, well, we'll just find you $1,000 for the tree." I'm like, "Are you kidding me? I bought this tree. I planted it with these two hands when I was much younger and more able to do 145 00:39:39.359 --> 00:39:57.119 so." And uh yeah, so I would just really like to get this tree down. Armstrong um Armstrong Tree Service is so backed up and I keep trying to get on their schedule and I can't get on it until I get my permit. >> All right, just call me today. I will 146 00:39:57.119 --> 00:40:12.720 get you in touch with Gabriella and we will we'll figure it out. We'll figure out. >> All right, Amy, I appreciate that. I appreciate all of you everything you do, but this is just totally absurd. We'll figure it If this tree falls and kills somebody, I'm going to be liable and then the city's going to be liable cuz I 147 00:40:12.720 --> 00:40:31.040 have a whole p paper trail of, you know, all of these different emails and phone calls and everything else that I've made. So, any help would be most appreciated and thank you very much. Love you all. Have a good night. >> Thank you. >> Um, deputy mayor, uh, the report came in 148 00:40:31.040 --> 00:40:49.040 and George will be in contact with her tomorrow. >> Thank you. Rosanne, did you hear that? >> The the No, your time's up. But Adam said the report came in and George will be in contact with you tomorrow. 149 00:40:49.040 --> 00:41:03.280 >> I've been hearing that for months since January 8th. I have been hearing that and that's all I've heard. And just on another note, the city cut down a public tree that is right on the side of my house and there's a 4ft stump that's 150 00:41:03.280 --> 00:41:18.880 been there since the summer and the city's supposed to grind it. I looked at the ordinance kind of grind it down. >> You're correct. >> So anyway, hopefully uh we can get some time. So appreciate it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. 151 00:41:18.880 --> 00:41:39.440 >> Thank you. Hi. Uh my name is uh Jennifer Cocher 301 Sunset. Um to go back to earlier on web the construction that they did the roof pavement when they put the lines for the parking. We're missing parking spots 152 00:41:39.440 --> 00:41:57.119 now. Um I can count at least three spots that were moved. One was a handicap, which that one got moved to the other side of the street to the east side versus the west, which that one when this in the summer when it's jam-packed and you can't find parking, it does 153 00:41:57.119 --> 00:42:11.280 become a little bit of a hazard with that crosswalk. So, I can see that one getting moved. But losing three other spots on a street so close to the oceanfront, like we already have trouble as locals, yearround locals that live 154 00:42:11.280 --> 00:42:28.480 right here with parking. And we've lost three, at least three that I can count of that make sense that shouldn't be lost. And my response today was that it was Starfield, the redeveloper for it, and that at some 155 00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:45.040 point it will be taken care of. That these are temporary and implementing permanent strips later in the year. What's when's later in the year? We needed them back before summer actually hits. >> Okay. Are you done? 156 00:42:45.040 --> 00:43:00.319 >> Well, that and then the street is even lower. So when we had that flood a few October ago, I had to walk waist deep to get home in water and that street level from the curb is even lower. So was there like any like looking into that 157 00:43:00.319 --> 00:43:17.440 when they did that? >> Well, again, I don't have the time list that Adam gave Gabriela. We want them out by mid June. They will be out by mid June. And when they're out, everything will be buttoned up so they can come back after the summer and 158 00:43:17.440 --> 00:43:32.960 finish. And >> but what about the parking spots that are closed right now? >> James Banana is usually here. If you guys could ask James tomorrow and I think when the guy from Starfield or somebody told you. >> No, this was uh this was James. That was 159 00:43:32.960 --> 00:43:50.000 his response to me earlier today. I thought you said somebody from Starfield said >> he said Starfield was responsible for the construction and the painting of the parking lines. >> Okay. But I want to find out from James did we okay losing parking spots because we 160 00:43:50.000 --> 00:44:05.359 were never okay. >> No, he he he says there was something on their end that they did wrong. >> Right. And that it's temporary. It's temporary and they're going to correct. >> Yes, it's temporary, which is what he said. And I get the temporary, but how long is temporary? I'm hoping 161 00:44:05.359 --> 00:44:21.760 >> because it says by the end of the year. >> This says mid June. >> Midune. >> Mid June. >> No, this this fall 2026 um street trees final paving. >> What? >> So they're going to I guess they're going to there's only a top. I think they still need to put another layer of 162 00:44:21.760 --> 00:44:37.200 asphalt everywhere and then they'll restripe them, I guess. >> But they Okay. They can stripe them, come back, put on the layer. The paint won't hurt the second layer. So the stripes are there after the first go around. They 163 00:44:37.200 --> 00:44:52.800 can be striped. >> And you're right >> because we did lose we lost two at least two. >> Yeah. And that's just between sunset and six. So I know when they're done with the temporary repairs and then again they 164 00:44:52.800 --> 00:45:08.319 try to leave the base coat down because it's going to sink a little bit before they >> No, I I put the final coat down and in a year we're going to replace it. >> I understand that. and the leveling and I understand that they'll do another one, but right now for parking with how 165 00:45:08.319 --> 00:45:24.079 much we've already lost in this town up there, like I work right on the boardwalk, too. I manage two stores, so I live right there and work there. I never leave that fourb block radius, okay? I rarely leave that fourb block radius. So, when I do have to make runs 166 00:45:24.079 --> 00:45:40.880 to go to the bank for work, I can't find parking. Like, I have to do that towards the end of the week. If I do that on a Monday, I'm screwed on Friday for change like and then I can't find parking to get back home, >> let alone work. >> We will be on top of Starfield to make 167 00:45:40.880 --> 00:45:56.400 sure. >> It's just the parking. I get it. It's just the wording was by the end of the year for that being like fixed and adjusted for the parking spots. >> We could make field painted. >> Okay. 168 00:45:56.400 --> 00:46:12.880 >> If not, the city can paint it. It'll be painted. It just Yeah, we just need those parking spots back. We can't lose them for the summer. >> Agreed. So, when we meet with Charfield, let's make sure that's a priority that when they're done with the first coat, 169 00:46:12.880 --> 00:46:30.079 temporary lines are put in for the entire summer and then when they come back, they pave and they repaint them again. Please. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Seeing nobody else, Bill. Uh, good evening. Chris Olith, um, 306 170 00:46:30.079 --> 00:46:45.359 Steel Lake Drive, Asbury Park. I'm also a member of Save Our Structures Asbury Park, SOSAP. Um, please check us out online and learn more about our our efforts on historical and cultural preservation in the city. Um, just wanted to follow up on the 171 00:46:45.359 --> 00:47:01.680 update to the Solomon report. Um, obviously there's a lot going on with the buildings being permitted. I know there's a big um, you know, planning board meeting coming up June 1st. Um it seems really um urgent that we understand the opinion in the Solomon 172 00:47:01.680 --> 00:47:17.440 report as we continue to move forward with other uh redevelopment efforts by the master developer in the city. So, I just want to really encourage uh you all to the extent that you're able to release that as soon as possible because it's hard to understand how that doesn't 173 00:47:17.440 --> 00:47:34.319 also inform conversations with the developer and you know any anything we can do to help encourage them to work on the historic preservation issues. So, appreciate that. And then um back on April 17th, Adam, thank you for sending me an email about coalating and 174 00:47:34.319 --> 00:47:50.240 publishing a documents page on the city's website. We're also in the process of doing that on our website as well. Um, and just wondering the status of that and if that will be done soon like things like the construction uh, you know, permit that was described. It would be great just to have those 175 00:47:50.240 --> 00:48:07.680 available for public review as opposed to needing to apply for oper requests each time which are lengthy and can be expensive. >> Yeah. regarding that, it should be active already that you didn't >> I didn't receive a link. >> I'll find it. I'll I'll send you the link. 176 00:48:07.680 --> 00:48:24.000 >> Okay. Thank you so much. We really appreciate that. Um and then, you know, just on the Solomon report, we just really appreciate that level of transparency and if that's the kind of thing that, you know, we can continue to update the website with, we would um really appreciate it and uh we really appreciate all your continued efforts 177 00:48:24.000 --> 00:48:41.040 with the mastery developer. >> Thank you. Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor. Public participation is now closed. Moving on to the minutes. I have the executive and regular meeting minutes from May 13th and the special meeting 178 00:48:41.040 --> 00:48:56.480 minutes from May 20th, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Council member Chapman. >> Yes. >> Council member Clayton. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. 179 00:48:56.480 --> 00:49:11.440 >> Yes. We're now on to the consent agenda resolutions. All matters listed on consent are presented collectively to city council and will be considered for approval with one vote. These matters are considered to be routine in nature. There will be no individual discussion unless one or more council members 180 00:49:11.440 --> 00:49:27.200 desire it. Uh tonight on consent, we have resolutions 2026 212 through 2026 218. Do I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council member Chapman. >> Yes. >> Council member Clayton? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn? >> Yes. Mayor Mort. 181 00:49:27.200 --> 00:49:42.880 >> Yes. >> Individual resolutions. I have resolution 2026 219 resolution authorizing payment of bills per please note that purchase order number 26-00207 has been removed from the bill list. >> Move it. >> Second. 182 00:49:42.880 --> 00:49:59.599 >> Second. >> Council Chapman. >> Yes. >> Council member Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026 220. Resolution of the mayor and city council of Asbury Park authorizing the city of Asbury Park to enter into a subsequent developer agreement with Asbury Partners LLC and 183 00:49:59.599 --> 00:50:15.520 APW Redeveloper LLC regarding residential development on block 382 lot 1 to6 Cookman Avenue and referring the matter to the planning board for appropriate approvals. >> Move it second. >> Council Chapman, >> yes. >> Council member Clayton, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn, 184 00:50:15.520 --> 00:50:30.400 >> yes. >> Mayor Moore, >> yes. >> All right, we have two additions tonight. I have resolution 2026 223 resolution authorizing payment of invoice from the stone pony for services rendered for the mayor's rodeo event. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Council member Chapman. >> Yes. 185 00:50:30.400 --> 00:50:45.760 >> Council Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Resolution 2026 224 resolution authorizing assignment of contract for pedal boats on Wesley Lake from Asbury Pedal LLC to Calibo Island LLC subject 186 00:50:45.760 --> 00:51:02.640 to conditions. Move it. >> Second. >> Council Chapman. >> Yes. >> Council Mayor Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Yes. >> Moving on to ordinances for introduction. I have ordinance 202613 bond ordinance providing for various transportation utility improvements by 187 00:51:02.640 --> 00:51:18.240 and in the city of Asbury Park in the county of Mammoth State of New Jersey appropriating $2,70,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $2,70,000 in bonds or notes to finance the cost thereof with a public hearing date of June 10th, 2026. 188 00:51:18.240 --> 00:51:34.400 Move it. >> Second. >> Council member Chapman. >> Yes. >> Council Clayton? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn? >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore? >> Yes. >> All right. We are moving on to a public hearing for the amendment to the 2026 municipal budget. Um, prior to that, uh, 189 00:51:34.400 --> 00:52:24.240 do you want to brief description or open that up the hearing first? I think Joan make your presentation. Yep. Just We have to do a resolution for this first. 190 00:52:24.240 --> 00:52:40.240 >> Right. Hold on. If you want to start hold hearing, right? The we're going to do the entrance. >> Yeah. The amend budget amendment. All right. Do that one that the state required us to do from what we originally had. >> So, we have to do a public hearing on 191 00:52:40.240 --> 00:53:19.280 that first. We had to make an adjustment for a couple of the revenues that the state determined we had were going to realize a little bit too much. So we made adjustments to that and then to surplus. >> So overall it was a wash. 192 00:53:19.280 --> 00:53:34.480 >> It didn't change anything, >> right? >> Yeah. So zeroed out. >> And then transportation, we had an issue with an ordinance we had to correct. So there were charges. So we had to put that in the budget for the transportation >> utilities 193 00:53:34.480 --> 00:53:51.920 and we use surplus to cover that. And that's it for that. So if you guys have any questions on it? >> No. Do we have to vote on that now? >> We have do a public hearing. >> Yes. >> Move to open. >> Yes. >> Second. 194 00:53:51.920 --> 00:54:08.640 >> Public hearing is now open for the budget amendment. Any member of public wish to speak? Please use the microphone. State your name and address for the record and your comment may only be about the amendment. >> Seeing nobody motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Public comment is now closed. Do I 195 00:54:08.640 --> 00:54:31.520 have a motion to adopt uh resolution 202621? >> Second. >> Council member Chapman, >> yes. >> Council member Clayton, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn, >> yes. >> Mayor Moore, >> yes. >> Moving on to the budget adoption. >> Uh good evening, council, and uh members 196 00:54:31.520 --> 00:54:49.200 of the public. Um today is the um uh the adoption of the 2026 uh city of Asbury Park calendar year 2026 budget. Um the proposed budget as we stated on the 197 00:54:49.200 --> 00:55:06.319 the day of introduction is actually under the state cap which requires that any and all municipalities and the state of New Jersey uh adopt a budget that is below a state law that requires that the budget not to 198 00:55:06.319 --> 00:55:22.480 exceed 3 and 12% from the previous year's adopted budget. So this budget is actually uh below the three and a half. So it meets the requirements of the state. Um the good news is is that any 199 00:55:22.480 --> 00:55:38.800 and all programming that was being done in 2025 by the city and any department is also being brought into 2026 and is being provided to the residents. So uh with the passage of this budget, no um 200 00:55:38.800 --> 00:55:55.040 programs, no operations or services are being um affected. Um there has been no increase in state aid. Uh which means that we are at a flat number and we've been at a flat number 201 00:55:55.040 --> 00:56:11.680 for what 20 years? >> Yeah, probably 10 years. >> Yeah. All municipalities of the state of New Jersey have seen no increase. uh it is just a repetitive number over and over and over and so our number hasn't changed from last year. So it's the same amount of money that we're receiving. 202 00:56:11.680 --> 00:56:32.400 The proposed budget for this year is actually 63,85,03 $13.94 to be very exact. Um one of the challenges that we had uh from last year to uh the to this year 203 00:56:32.400 --> 00:56:49.680 some of the challenges that we had is actually uh we had to ensure that of course that we had a balanced budget and of course the number one issue here is taxes. Um uh so that was actually uh the the the main uh our main focus was 204 00:56:49.680 --> 00:57:04.640 uh putting in front of the body and of course uh in front of the budget committee a budget that would be voted uh uh uh in favor and not voted down. So uh you know we followed your recommendations. 205 00:57:04.640 --> 00:57:22.480 Uh we met several times. Uh, in fact, we almost got kicked in the face by the mayor uh when we showed him the first budget and he said, "You got to do better, you know, go back to the drawing board." And of course, uh, Eileen was in the room to, uh, to witness it. So um so 206 00:57:22.480 --> 00:57:39.520 uh um uh Joan and I have to go back uh go back to the departments and request that they uh sharpen their pencils and work on a more uh conservative number um because their Christmas shopping list was actually not something that this 207 00:57:39.520 --> 00:57:55.760 council was interested in entertaining uh with the you know with the with the taxes going up with the school board. So that was actually our our our biggest challenge. Um once we brought it down to a a number that we can work on uh then uh you know you guys once again engaged 208 00:57:55.760 --> 00:58:09.760 us and said okay now we're talking a little bit more serious. Let's go down and uh you know uh uh break it down a little more. So we uh we went back to the bigger departments in the city and 209 00:58:09.760 --> 00:58:25.839 asked that they actually uh may cut to their budgets which they did 10% uh for most of the big departments and this is how we ended up with with this budget. Um as you will know costs continue to go 210 00:58:25.839 --> 00:58:44.000 up every year. uh even if we say we are not going to spend additional money for for the department so you're going to stay at a zero increase everything else around us continues to increase just like the utilities uh uh gas prices go 211 00:58:44.000 --> 00:59:00.319 up um our cost of health insurance goes up our cost of pensions go up uh so everything is going up around us so it's very difficult to say we are not going to um you it'll be going to stay flat. It's very difficult and the only way to 212 00:59:00.319 --> 00:59:16.319 do that is to absorb those costs. But unfortunately for the city of Aspbury Park, that is not possible. Uh the city went through a chaotic uh era as some years way before my time and you know some of your time where the city was 213 00:59:16.319 --> 00:59:31.440 broke and the department of community affairs have to get involved and assist the city in getting out of that financial uh abyss. So, um um you have been very frugal at expenditures and uh you know, I got to give you guys a lot 214 00:59:31.440 --> 00:59:48.799 of credit for for that because uh you know how it is to be on the other side where uh where you have no money to now having uh a balanced budget and having some uh surpluses here and there, but you continue to hold the line and you know, you mostly do it to assist our 215 00:59:48.799 --> 01:00:05.599 residents in ensuring that the um that the budget is actually a reasonable number maintaining the cost of taxes uh to the bare minimum. Um so uh this budget actually has 216 01:00:05.599 --> 01:00:21.839 an increase of one uh where is it? Where's the list? Yes. So the the it's actually that the average increase in property taxes is going to be $192 217 01:00:21.839 --> 01:00:37.839 and it's not due to the expenses because that's what we did to avoid um incurring additional taxes because of our expenses. Uh we only kept it to the amount of property inc uh the uh 218 01:00:37.839 --> 01:00:55.599 property value in the city went up. So that is the actual number that was that was uh uh forwarded to the taxpayers and uh uh the average price went up $60,000 and so the the cost is $192 in taxes. Um 219 01:00:55.599 --> 01:01:12.000 we kept the line when when I say the the tax rate uh last year is uh 516 in 2025. This year we also kept it at 0.516. So there was no increase in the tax rate. It was just a pass down as I 220 01:01:12.000 --> 01:01:40.880 mentioned. So that is why you're seeing uh the uh that amount uh from uh 2025. The budget in 2025 was 62,465,025. this year as I mentioned was 63,85,014 uh for a difference from 2025 to 2026 of 221 01:01:40.880 --> 01:01:59.040 $619,889. So for the amount of increases all around us uh you know this number is actually uh very very conservative and the the reason why we were also able to uh to keep the number down. As you can see, one of the the previous uh slides 222 01:01:59.040 --> 01:02:14.319 shows the increase in uh health insurance for the city. That was actually a big task uh that we were uh given and we were successful at uh switching a lot of the a lot of the uh 223 01:02:14.319 --> 01:02:29.680 the employees from one plan to another and uh because we were facing a 34% increase uh if we would have if we would have done nothing that would have cost a couple of million dollars in increases 224 01:02:29.680 --> 01:02:53.119 and uh we actually ended up with an increase of uh 13% and not 34%. So that was a very successful story. Um the next one if if you like me to go over the numbers or um you just want to 225 01:02:53.119 --> 01:03:16.880 leave them on the board for a few seconds to take a look at it if you have questions. And then the next slide uh Anthony is the municipal and all other agency uh taxes. So in uh if you look at ours in 226 01:03:16.880 --> 01:03:34.640 2025 the municipal taxes were 17,548,000. uh county schools and libraries was 40,665 uh uh 246. So our percentage in taxes 227 01:03:34.640 --> 01:03:53.039 municipal taxes is 30%. Overall we have no control on county schools or library unfortunately. That's that's all I if you have any questions. 228 01:03:53.039 --> 01:04:08.319 >> No, but I'd just like to thank Joanne and and Adam and Cassandra and the mayor for pouring over every single line item to get to this number because I know it wasn't easy >> and especially the health insurance. 229 01:04:08.319 --> 01:04:23.839 There's such a difference in what the state wanted to charge us and what we've been able to negotiate. So, very very grateful for that. >> Yeah, I give Joanna a lot of credit. I echo what Eileen said. I thank you 230 01:04:23.839 --> 01:04:41.440 three very much. I thank Eileen and uh it's it's not a great budget. It's not a bad budget and we've done a good job in the past seven years. That I'm proud of because not many towns can say that. So again, I appreciate this year was a little bit tougher, especially with 231 01:04:41.440 --> 01:04:58.400 health benefits and uh the staff did a great job because we had like two weeks to turn that around and everybody worked overtime to get more people to sign up to save us money. >> So that was very good and very helpful. So again, thank you for all your hard work. 232 01:04:58.400 --> 01:05:14.319 >> There were departments that took budget cuts knowing the shape we're in. And there are other municipalities whose services were cut in order to reach a balance that that they could live with. We didn't have to reduce services and thanks to all the departments who helped 233 01:05:14.319 --> 01:05:34.799 make those cuts. >> We even increase services with a full day recreation program. So, thank you. >> Do I have a motion to open the meeting to the public? >> Move to open. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> public comment is now open on 2026 234 01:05:34.799 --> 01:05:52.960 municipal budget. You use the microphone if you have any comments. >> Move to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Do I have a motion to adopt resolution 2026 20 22 resolution adopting the 2026 municipal budget? Move 235 01:05:52.960 --> 01:06:08.559 >> to adopt. Second. >> Okay. >> Council Chapman. >> Yes. >> Council Clayton. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Quinn. >> Yes. >> Mayor Moore. >> Yes. If that is all for tonight, do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Move to adjurnn. Second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you everyone. Have a good night. 236 01:06:08.559 --> 01:06:12.119 >> Thank you. Thank you.