She's me. >> Yeah. Good evening. >> It is Monday, May 11th, 6 PM. Welcome to the Beach Haven Council meeting. Please join us in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance 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. Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, adequate and electronic notice of this meeting has been provided
by posting on the bulletin board in the Beach Haven Municipal Building and on the Burough website legal notices page as required by law. Miss Anderson >> here. Mrs. Ball Miller >> here. >> Mr. McCaffrey >> here.
>> Miss Snyder >> here. Mayor Lambert >> here. Did you want me to give the finance report first or did you want >> Well, doesn't matter to me. Okay, I'll do it real quick. Cash receipts in the current fund account for the period of April 1st to April 30th, 2026 were
2,871,45729. Cash dispersements in the current fund account for the month of April 2026 totaled 4,752,94.93. Cash receipts in the water utility account for the period of April 1st to April 30th were $43,28243.
Cash dispersements in the water utility account for the month of April totaled $115,936.99. Cash receipts in the sewer utility account for the period of April 1st to April 30th were $27,482.98. While the cash dispersements in the sewer utility account for the month of
April totaled $52,68.94 submitted by our treasurer Sherie Boulder. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um next is the presentation. Friends of Beach Haven. Uh Mr. Snider, would you like to handle all this? >> Sure. Um I'll just start it off before I
introduce a couple people to um to the audience. Um, several months ago, back in the fall, friends of Beach Haven came uh came here and addressed council to ask for council's support on a pavilion project for Veterans Park. Uh, Friends
of Beach Haven informed us, of which I'm a member, I should say, full disclosure, uh, that this would be a gift to the town and that they were confident that they could raise the necessary funds to design and build such a pavilion. Council agreed to consider this project.
So, we moved forward with it and hired an architect. As a member of Friends of Beach Haven, I promise I promise you that we have worked very closely with Will Esserly, um the owner um of Handline Architectural Firm. In fact, Will donated much of his own time on
this project. Um, as we worked with with Will and his team, we believe that we have come up with a timeless coastal design that once built will feel as though it could have could could have stood in the early 1900s.
The goal and of the overall project is to provide a gathering space that feels like part a part of Beach Haven's history rather than a new addition. in my opinion and after many back to the drawing board directives, uh Will and his team have come up with exactly what
we were hoping for. So, um I'd like to introduce um well, our president, the president of Friends of Beach Haven, Ken Rubin, and Sally Pablati, and Will Eserly, who is our architect, and um I have Helen Casiff, Denise Hodes. Not
everyone's going to talk and and Don K. Don U sorry for some reason I'm really nervous tonight. So I just without further ado I'd like to call Will up and Ken and Sally I'm going to speak. Thank you so much.
>> First I want to thank you for having us here again. And as uh Councilwoman Snder said, we're here in the fall and we really introduced a concept to you that is building a larger pavilion in the park. We didn't have plans at that time, but I think you all said I know you all
said move forward and that's what we've done. uh from the fall through the winter. We went through different iterations of the plan, modified it, but always with the desire to come up with a pavilion that looks like it had always been in the park, something that was
timeless, something that wouldn't go out of date, that would really fit in with the community. And it wasn't until Will came up with that design that we felt comfortable coming back here. And we think we've done that. We're proud of the design that Will came up with. We
think it's truly timeless. Um, and we'll describe it in greater detail, but more importantly, we're here today and I wanted to explain to you the process. It's almost like a domino. We need one step before we can move to the next step to go to the next step. The next step
really is completing design plans. We have a concept here and we have some pictures. But the next step is um really construction drawings so that we can submit those drawings to builders, come up with a bid and we're going to do a competitive bidding process, then
ultimately choose the best bid thereafter obtain a building permit and actually build it. Um, in a perfect world, we'd love to be able to start in the fall and have it ready for next summer. Um, we hope to get to that
point, but obviously some dominoes need to fall before we get there. Um, so today, what we're looking for from all of you is hopefully an approval to move forward with those three items. Um
uh and we're hoping if we can to get through tonight with all of you in agreement uh so that we can start really start construction of the pavilion in the fall and then have it completed through the spring and the summer of next year. Um and with that I'm going to
let Will introduce his plan which we're really happy with. >> Good evening. Hi. Uh so I'm Will Esie. I own mainline architect. I'm licensed architect in the state of New Jersey in Indiana if anybody has property in
Indiana. But um so a little about me real quick. I've been in New Jersey since 2002. I'm officially from New Jersey now because I've lived here longer than anywhere else in the world that I've been um and married into the area. I've been working on the island
for the last 20 something years and building in the historic district and then drawing in the historic district. So being asked to even think about this is a huge honor for myself and my friend. I really appreciate the opportunity to speak here tonight. Um
and to be able to draw something. But um so I was approached by the friends of Beach Haven to help them design a pavilion that was going to fit in the park. Something that has the goal of existing here for a long time to come and look as if it's been here for a long
time before. Um, we spent a lot of time discussing what a pavilion is and what a pavilion does. Um, what the park is and what the park does, right? That was a big part of the initial steps for the project. And we looked at the functions
that happen there over the course of the year. How many events that are happening there and how many events would be enhanced and helped by the opportunity to not have to put up a large tent for certain events and especially music events, things of that nature. Um and
and that sort of led us down to the the idea of the scope and size of what we're looking for. The initial goal was to not overwhelm the park. And that's why when we look at the site, we can see that we're to scale with the overall scale of
park, we scale that down to the center portion here in 30 by 60 more or less uh event space, right? It can be used by multiple people at the same time. Um, we researched all the way back to Tucker
Railroad historic detailing, even into the West Creek historic houses at the end of Weston. Looking at some of the images that we started off with and initially the first thing you find with the old historic
old historic houses is a lot of porch areas, overhangs. Um, you see the framing, you see the exposed raptor tales, which is what Beach Haven really is because it's the only town on the island that's really going strong with a
historic idea, right? That to keep that alive, keep the shingle style movement, cedar shape, and craftsman materials, um, stuff that looks like it was built by people who were living there. So, that's that's the goal. We went through
a bunch iteration. There's the old railroad station here in Beach Haven. some of the old rail stations in Tucker, um some of the old pavilions and then around the country to see what a pavilion does and what it does is it covers people up who are outside. So, hence the big overhangs, right? You want
that overhang. You want that porch, that inviting area to go spend time. I went to Barnagate Light. So, as most of you probably know, Barnagate Light recently put up a pretty big pavilion and their open space up there. I just went to go see the pavilions up and down the beach.
And that one was great. There's tons of people over the course of every day that we were there just lounging, people chasing the shadows around the building, which that really led me to that that idea that the overhang was supposed to have. So if you're not in the pavilion,
you can sit on the edge and be in the shape. And that's what led to the the overall quick design for overs. And then we had to reiterate and iterate and iterate because me looking at all the historic images especially with the
angle side which used to be directly in front of it kept trying to find something around the park to rip on and we had drawings that showed the turrets big round sections taken directly from the angle side. Then pricing started to come into play and how are we going to
build this and how can I justify all the details. Um, so we've beat that up and broke that down to keep a lot of the same details. If we look at the drawing sets, not so much round on Google, but we do
have a lot of what's going on at the top with the art to reference back to what it's there. Because if it was still there, directly through the face of this building, if we look at this image here, coming from the old pavilion looking back, you'd be staring straight at the
old side right out the end of the right out to the beach where everybody wants to be. You can catch that sunrise. You can catch the sunset, which I said is obviously our sunset. Um, and then reference back of course to
the historic board's idea of cedar shape, cedar materials, wooden materials, craftsmanship, and we meet all the guidelines in doing that. Again, when I was looking at the Engleside, that was a really tall building in the sense of what it was. It had the real
high peaks. So, I went there initially and then we started to pay attention to actually building heights and what the town has for its maximum heights. So that sort of brought the scale down and we're still two feet below what the maximum building height is for the feet
as it is today. So the goal is not to build something that overwhelmed the park scale it down make it more define soften the materials and bring it back to historic containers. Well, would you mind just telling everyone the heights
of the of the hip? You know, the peak of the Koopa >> peak of the Koopa is at about 33 feet all the way to the top based on the average grade in site right now, right? Um, and then a lot of what you guys do when we build a building is we base it
off the crown street. the crown of the street's so far out from this. It's it's a rough close, but you know, when the emergency vehicles are parking in there during the storms, they're driving into the middle there, right? They're trying to get up to that higher area. This is
slightly higher than the road. Not much, but another another point actually by saying that brings me back to a function of the pavilion and what it can be. If we're parking emergency vehicles out there, that gives them a drive staging area. So they're not just parking
vehicles out there and standing out there waiting or whatever. We now have a space that they can use. It's not just it's an opportunity and that opportunity would pretty much any event that's being
take place out there. >> Thank you. And I just wanted to point Yeah. the heights. >> We work our way back down. So, we're 33 to the top. The main ridge that runs across the upper part of the building is only 22 feet out of the ground today.
Um, and then there's a cross ridge, the lower ridge, which runs uh east to west is only about 19 ft above. Um, not far. I honestly can't remember off the top of my head what the height
was of the pavilion that's out there today. But it's about the same height is that but that pavilion is up on the mound. So that area is taking up. It's up high and we're going to be down the middle slope. It's a nice gentle grade
right now today. ADA standards fit. We don't have to do much grading to change that make that site work. I have a question and I just asked Kitty this earlier because when uh the friends of Beach Haven came to us in the fall
and they spoke about this pavilion and where it was going to go, it was going to be in place of the current gazebo and we talked about I said it could be a little difficult to engineer but certainly could be done and it was kind of to replace that. So I'm not sure why
are we now talking at this location I guess. I mean, I honestly I think if I go back to the site in terms of locating the pavilion for the community use, I can say that I can either do a sunrise
or a sunset concert and have no problems in either one because I do have two faces east and west on this in this opportunity. I can put the pavilion out here with much less uh site work, grading work.
Anything we did, if we replace anything in here, um there's a lot of grading work. We have the trees, we have what's already happening in in that pavilions area today that would have to be touched and have to be messed with. ways sort of have a clean slate here and then I can
also provide use in both directions that if I slide the pavilion back to this location it sort of leads me just to that that eastern base in a sense right if I music in the park I can play it in round
here >> I was just curious because that was that was what we decided back in the fall that it would be on that and I mean I I understand about your engineering concern concerns. I think, you know, personally, I know you have a lot more to say about it, I'm sure, but I think it's beautiful and I
think the fact that it's, you know, being basically donated to the town is kind of a no-brainer. I would just like to make sure that all the groups that use the park, especially the community arts program, are comfortable with this location because when I think of all the
events that go on, like right now that's right in the middle of the seating area for all the concerts and you know there there are considerations such as that that I would want to make sure that all the groups that and like I said particularly the cap because they do so much there. That would be my only
concern. I and I can speak to this now or speak, you know, we can do it at the end, but I did speak to um many of the CAP um members um spec and especially Carol. I
see Carol's here tonight and and Rob, and they saw the designs, they like the designs. They have they are not they do not like the location of it. they would prefer it in the current location and asked if we could just restore renovate
the current gazebo. Um, and the current gazebo in my opinion is limited um, in its use because it's smaller and it's all the way to the end, you know, all the way to the west. It's a lovely gazebo um, albeit small. So I
to to remove it or demo it. It's a it's a darling gazebo. And why not just use that and then have another space an additional space that can provide so much more for generations to come in our
town. Um I know that if you know we could you could still have your concerts in the gaze board if you wanted to. cap certainly could and they could use the pavilion as seating and they could you know seating won't won't affect the parking in the park. Um it won't affect
that at all. I mean I do I hear that I mean and I care about I spoke to many of the stakeholders because I want to make sure that um I mean I wanted everyone to love it and I was sad when and capped many some
of the CAP members um are resistant towards approving uh supporting this because of the location. So you know here we are. So here we are tonight. We have this beautiful gift to
give to the town. And if we put it now where the gaz where the gazebo is now, it would be much more expensive. And I mean, if the town the town wants to pay for the removal and the grading and all of that and we just donate the building, then that's a possibility. But if we have to do it
all, we can't. It's just completely cost prohibitive. So here we are. And it's I I truly I mean I know that we many of us don't like to see change even if it's thoughtful change and I believe that this is thoughtful change that
you can still use the park in the same way if you want to use it in the same way. It's just that you'll be sitting in another pavilion instead of on the grass in that exact same space with your beach chair on your blanket with your kids running around you know whatever. or you
can use it for the concerts, the 14 concerts we have this summer, which are so important to Beach Haven. But the other possibilities for this gazebo are tremendous. Um, not only is it beautiful in structure, it just gives us so many
reasons to gather. And I I believe and I know it in my heart that once this is built, if it is built, um we won't understand how we did without it, frankly, because I think it will be so so well used and and loved for
generations to come. So, I'll say that. Um and you know, it just we we are not in a position to put it in the original space just basically because of the cost. So anyway,
back to you, Will. >> Anybody have any other questions or thoughts? >> Do you have more? Are you going to go on? >> I I mean, I can talk about a little bit about, you know, would you do a feasibility study in the in the cost
difference in that would probably be a smart move to make just to have that conversation. um knowing that it would be more expensive obviously if you're doing the demo and you have the rent take up you have the grading issue ADA standards
that would have to be put in place to make sure everything works in that location which is not too far off of what would have to happen here but there's no major grade changes in that location
>> no trees you know nothing to remove >> I mean It's it's worth the thought. >> I had a question and that was um >> also I just want to say just don't don't forget how much more shade this you know now we have two sources of shade because
there is no shade in that park. >> If we're going to use it for concerts, Beach Haven Burrow would be responsible for adding electricity to the new pavilion. So there there's going to be code standards and requirements um that would come into play as well. So we'd
have to have some electric out there. >> When we bid it, it's our intention that the bid would include electric and that that would be something that the donations would pay for. >> So we're not >> we're not looking for the the the
burough beach haven to pay for the electric associated with this. We're hopeful that donations are sufficient so that we would pay for to >> electrifyion. Are we going to incur cost? Because it seems like everything we take on is like, oh yeah, then you got to do this and oh yeah, we did, you know, there's
like more comes out and we're, you know, I don't want to say stretch thin, but we got to watch, >> right? So whatever electric we go into, you need to get speakers in buyers. >> Yeah. And and we're pretty confident that the donations will be sufficient to
cover the cost of building the pavilion. So, it's not our intent to come back ask asking for money. It's our intent. We're not going to put shovel on the ground till we have the money to build this. And it's our hope that we can raise that money through donations. And we already
have a primary donor. Look, we hope that uh that primary donation is sufficient to build the entire pavilion. But, as I said, it's a domino. We can't get the numbers until you all tell us it's okay. Once you tell us it's okay, we can then
have Will prepare construction drawings. Once we get construction drawings, we can go out to bid. Then we finally get the real numbers. If anyone's ever built anything here in Beach Haven, they know until you get the actual bid, you have nothing, >> right? >> So, as much as we can all guess what
it's going to cost, until the bids come in, like anything else you build here, you really don't have final numbers. >> And it's a very good-look building. It's very attractive. Good job. >> And Sally, would you like
>> Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. >> Can you get an estimated cost of what it would would take to build this thing? >> We >> I believe we had a couple numbers come in. >> We had numbers come in that would seem
to say that the primary donation is pretty close to what it would cost to build it. But again, I caution all of you. I have no idea whether those preliminary numbers are correct. They based it on looking at a picture. >> They didn't see what type of wood we
want. They didn't see the site work. They they didn't see the specs on the electricity >> because they're not done yet. >> Because they're not done yet. And we can't. >> But the person that gave us the estimate is a highly qualified builder and a framer. So, I feel that the price is
>> I mean, hopefully it's pretty close. And if we have to raise more money, >> we're not putting on a cedar roof, you know, so it's, you know, we gota >> now that we're in government building with government stuff like that, it always there's always overruns and that's what I'm I'm concerned with because everything that we are building
is always over running way beyond the cost. >> No, no, I understand. But if we get a guaranteed fixedpric contract, >> okay, >> only then will we know exactly what it's going to cost. And obviously we can't proceed unless we have enough money to
build what those bids come in at. But we can't even determine that until we determine, you know, that we can go ahead and get the construction drawings done. >> I got it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That was my question, too. Well, you you
intimated that it would be prudent to look at the original site and see what needed. >> If you're asking the question, I say then that would be the way to go about it. >> Well, yeah. I'm just curious because like I said, you know, it's beautiful. Everybody loves it. It's just a question
of the location. And if the the main group that organizes everything in the park is saying they're not wild about that location, I just want to see what the possibility is. What would that do to your schedule? I mean, would that be something that would mess you up badly
if he took it? What would it take? Two weeks, maybe two or more? I don't know. >> Well, I don't think we can get a real estimate until the builders have some sort of construction drawings to actually make a determination as to what
site work is. >> Um, so it would just be pulling a number out of the air until we're actually getting firm numbers from the from the builders. But I mean for him to go ahead and look at possibly going to the original site
as he suggests it might be prudent to see what could be done as far as extra costs. I mean and if it's a lot obviously it's not going to happen but he said he' probably have to do that anyhow on this location if I understood correctly. Well I think >> go ahead. I think part of it it part of
the I I think that for us to move forward is going to be expensive. You know, we we will be spending money and I don't want to spend someone's donation on um a project that's not going to happen. So
if it's, you know, we could certainly look into um the cost differential one location to the other, but I would I would ask council to approve it moving
forward and then we will present the costs and you can you know we can weigh that. But I I I think I speak for Friends of Behaven when I say that and that, you know, that would be okay with me certainly, but that we need an approval tonight to move forward because
we can't spend the money on these full set of plans. Well, the other way we could deal with it is if you all approve the concept of the building, >> we could get alternate. We actually when we send the bids out,
>> we could get an alternate bid to get in effect have the contractors provide two bids >> because we can't get a real number until the construction drawings are done. And we don't want to do the construction drawings until you all tell us proceed. >> But what we conceivably could do is get
alternate bids. we can get one bid on one site and another bid on the other site. And that that's a real number. >> Yeah, I don't have a problem with that. Like I said, I like the idea. I like the building. I like the concept. It's just when it was first proposed to us, it was in a different location. It seemed to be
because that's how it had always been and everything functioned with it in that location. You know, a little better idea. Now we're hearing there are there's some blowback and you know, people who really do a lot of work at the park. So, I mean, I would I don't have a problem with it, but I would, you
know, if we could um get the two bids to see what each location involves. I think that would be if you feel that's doable and not unreasonable, I think hopefully we can come into it. Well, that's if I mean if if so are you are you try are
you in other words are you saying that you would be willing to approve it and if we look into the cost differential of both locations and then decide where to put it I I would be willing to but what
I would like to hear is from people in the audience if anybody has something a concern they have or you know approval if they have anything else they'd like to say. I think this would be a good time to hear it. >> Could Sally speak first? Do you mind if Sally speak? >> Sure. No, Sally, go ahead.
>> Great. Thank you so much. I just wanted to um reflect back on a community survey that was conducted uh in 2024 where the overwhelming uh request from the community was more shade. So, that was a
very big um influence and input into why would we even create a pavilion in the first place. Um the second most requested um thing from the survey was more events and I feel particularly passionate about that because I love
attending any and all things at Veterans Park. I love attending the CAP concerts. I love we're organizing Heritage Day where a cocktail party will be held at the park. I love go yoga at the park. Any and all things at the park. Um really walking our dog and doing all
those things. um attending Memorial Day, Veterans Day. Um I could see a graduation ceremony in this be wonderful, beautiful pavilion, um arts classes for kids, um music classes for
toddlers, dance classes for all of us, um and chamber events, uh fundraisers for um Chamber of Commerce or the police department or uh etc. So, I just wanted
to open up the imag, you know, all of our collective imagination about what it could be with having a bigger space where we could all gather and having an icon for an architectural a new
architectural icon uh for Beach Haven. Um, that's it. >> Thank you, Sally. Anybody else in the audience like to speak to this? >> Good evening. Martha Lodge, 122nd
Street. My family has been here a long time and I actually spent several years working on historic preservation and I applaud what you've presented here. It's beautiful and I think what we're looking at is something that could be a real jewel for our community. And I don't
feel that we necessarily have to take down the other pavilion. I think they can both be utilized. But this is truly a jewel. And having spent years and years here and now I have grandchildren here who use that pavilion for the
children's music classes and whatnot. It's pretty tough when a group a group of five years old is all crammed in there. We need more space. We we this looks like it would be perfect. we could utilize it um for so many different things and it looks like in the center
of our town we've created this beautiful jewel and I applaud your efforts and to the uh individual whoever the anonymous donor is I hope this gets approved and if so we appreciate your generosity. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Anybody else in the audience? All right, I'm a little lower the microphone. >> So, I'm gonna take this down a little bit. >> If I can do it. Oh, wait a minute. I can do this. Oops. Or I can even
>> do this. >> There you go. >> Work the room. >> Okay. Hi. Um, I'm Carol Kirby and I am president of Beach Haven Community Arts Program. And I first I have to say a
couple things. Design love it. It is it is really really good. And Kitty, I wanted to thank you for sharing the plans with us and uh tell everybody that this >> Yeah, that's why you have to if you hold it, it does that. >> You know, Carol, maybe one of the
microphones on the table, too. >> Yeah. Why don't you maybe sit down at the table now? Just sit down. Okay, I will sit. >> Okay, thank you. Is that better? >> Yeah. Okay, great. >> Um, so I was thanking Kitty for sharing
the plans and to let you all know uh friends at Beach Haven and Kitty that uh CAP did meet. Um, it was a very thoughtful I think meeting. Um, we spent a lot of time talking about it. I think
everybody loved the design. It was very nice. The biggest concern that CAP has is the location. It's right smack in the middle of the park. And um our concerns
um are that perhaps one of the things that would impact us is there may not be enough room for the vendors for the flea market because the flea market at the end of June we do uh get a substantial donation
uh from the person who runs that and um there are 10 they sell 10 by 10 uh she sells 10 by and spots for the uh flea market. And uh so that was a concern that maybe there wouldn't be as many
spots available and therefore that would be a financial concern for us. But I think the bigger concern is that um we do 10 or 11 concerts a summer.
I do not think where it's placed now, and maybe not even the design, I'm not sure, um is something that our bands would like. They like the elevation of the gazebo. Um this is going to be flat
on the ground. The So, I don't know that the bands would ever use it. Um because they like the elevation because the audience then can see them easier. I mean, when you go to a show, isn't it mostly a stage? So, it's elevated. And I
think that that is a a big draw for our bands. They also like playing at the end and looking out on everyone. And the problem is they prefer facing east
rather than west, mainly because of the sun uh coming down. And uh I know one of our cab members is a former band member and he said, "Oh my gosh, she would never get me to play there >> um because of the sun." Of course, it's
not always sunny, but anyway, they there were our big concerns and the elevation was a big one because it for those of you that go to our concerts, you know that the band is elevated and they like to take an instrument and come down the walkway and and play with the kids and
everything that are there. So, they were our concerns. Uh, we were hoping that maybe you would consider um even where the gazebo is, maybe not taking the whole thing apart, but adding
something on either side. I don't know how that would work. Um, the gazebo of course is our logo for BJ Haven Cap and um, it's very charming. So I was wondering that was a thought
that came up from the members of CAP. Maybe they could put an addition on two sides that would be elevated of course and the land I know would have to be built up a little bit but at least it would still all be elevated.
>> Hey, thank you. That's it. >> Um can I just respond to just a respond to just as far as the flea market is concerned? I I did express this before, but that um will not be I mean there's that won't change. I mean the flea markets,
everything that's been taking place in the park up till now um will continue and can continue. So that's that's a not >> that wasn't what I said. I said I'm the flea market you've assured us would continue. My concern, not my concern,
Cap's concern is that there would be room for less vendors. That's all I'm saying. Well, >> and I and I don't know. They don't I know we talked about the tables around, but they don't bring tables. They bring three-sided things and they have a 10 by10 spot.
>> That's all right. But it can you can use the inside of it, you know. So, you know, and you know how I know about the blue markets anyway, but that won't be affected. I won't I mean, it won't be affected. But uh the band in the gazebo
again um uh in this location you you have the benefit of having both structures and so your bands can continue to be in the gazebo and your viewers can sit in >> and also our concession stand is
oriented toward the gazebo. If it were in the middle of the park and let's say a band decided, okay, we we're going to try it out and do it. Uh yeah, I I don't know where we'd be, but >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah. >> And you know that we've talked about
>> I know we have and we Yeah. And Yes. And >> Okay. Thank you so much for your time and and thank you to council for your 25 years of support. This is our 25th year doing concerts in the park. So, >> and we all support you. You know that. I support. >> I know. That's why I'm thanking you. I
mean, we all love Cap. Thank you. >> Anybody else in the audience like to express their opinion on >> Kathy Riley 200? I'm a full-time res. I think this is first of all, thank you to friends of
Beach. I think and to our arch to the architect I think this is beyond timely beyond classic. I see nothing but an enhancement and uh future generations. I see this
far outlasting many of us here. Um I thank you for your time. It's obvious you have all put so much of your heart and soul into this. Um, I positively love the existing gaze. I see it staying
there. I see this these two complimenting each other. I like the idea that this is towards the middle of the gazebo of a park. Maybe even if necessary, move it a little bit closer
to Atlantic Avenue if you need to get extra seating for the concerts. The concerts in the summer are wonderful. Um, I don't know that I want to make decisions based on a craft show
or flea market, which some of the places are uh not that um um up to standard, I would say. Um I would hope we go forward with this and to whomever this generous donor is,
thank you. I would hate to think we are not going to take advantage of a gift and not go forward with this. So I thank everybody who's uh involved with this and the concerts
in the park. They belong in that small gaze. They're just wonderful. everything that the previous speaker speaker said where they're up high um and the children dancing around that's wonderful
people sit in the in this pavilion because we're looking for shade and um I think the two of them the two gazeos will just enhance our our park and and our
So, thank you to everyone involved. >> Thank you. >> And look, I I just want to change is always difficult and obviously this is a change. We think this change is really beneficial. We looked at the idea of putting the gazebo where the old one was
and it just didn't work because of the slopes, because of the trees, and for a variety of reasons. We also found that we thought the two gazeos could work together, that the concerts can stay in the old gazebo and the this new big pavilion could really complement what's
there. And and the other thing too is we don't have endless time on this project. um the primary donor wants us to proceed with this and obviously that person understands that this is a somewhat timeconsuming process but on the other
hand they want this to get completed in a reasonably timely manner. Um, it's been expressed to us that that they want construction to begin hopefully by the fall, but I I just want to impress that, you know, fruit dies on the tree and we
want to get this one built if we can, but thank you for for reviewing it. >> Sue Sharky 10 North Delaware. Um, I just say, wow, this is amazing. and and what great problems we have. Um and and thank
you for taking on the burdens of those problems. Everybody loves Wednesday nights. There's no disputing that. Um you know, I you didn't say how many square feet it is. It's hard to picture. Um I kind of first >> 1800 square feet. It takes up less than
2% of the >> I I my first thought was kind of the opposite of what Kathy said. I wanted to hug it more to the west to kind of marry the two gazeos together just a little bit. Not not touching the flag pole or anything like that because I'm picturing
Veterans Veterans Day and and all the honor and dignity sitting in that pavilion would be and um the concerts. It would become a natural we got to get there. Let's get to the the shady pavilion where maybe there's rocking chairs or whatever whatever the plan. I
have no idea. Or set our own chairs up in there. Um, but if if if it's that problematic for Cap in time, I I don't like change at all. Um, in time, maybe the bands would change. I don't know. And then I thought maybe you turn it you
you hug it to the north. Um, I you know, I don't know because then it becomes another focal point. I just think it's such a goodlooking thing. uh uh we're it sounds like it's a good pro a problem
but one we c certainly it's not just about looking a gift horse in the mouth it's it's about appreciating something that would be really good for beach haven so thank you for for the for acquiring it and accepting the burden of
hopefully making this something our town can really appreciate use use and appreciate. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. I think >> got Jamie on. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Sure. >> Can I ask a question to
>> Oops. >> Go ahead, Jamie. >> Hi. Sorry I can't use my camera because um I just pulled over. I was I was driving, but I've been listening and I can see the picture and I've seen these drawings before. Um I just wanted to say thank you, you know, to CAP and Friends
of Beach Haven. We appreciate everything that everyone does to pull this community together. Um, this pavilion is absolutely beautiful. Um, the architecture that goes into this is exactly what the um, it reminds me of like a cross between like the old train
station and old buildings. I mean, it's just beautiful. And I attend all of the cap craft shows. I attend all of the beerfest, everything. And what's missing in this park is a central location for everyone to meet. There's I mean at the
last beerfest, I mean it was just a bunch of like random people just walking around with no central location. If you have a meeting place, people will come and a lot of these events for fundraisers and whatnot will actually be more beneficial than less. and you'll
see a more congregation of people in a center of an empty park versus just a small gazebo. I think they both complement each other. I don't think that there's no reason why you can't have a concert um in the small gazebo and then you're going to have people
sitting in the in the larger pavilion. People that don't want to bring their chairs and are just swinging by on their bikes and are just walking in for a song or two. So, I don't see why we would even consider moving this at all. We're not the architects. I mean, architects
have a different vision. They can see spatially where things go. And this is where it belongs. It's a larger uh pavilion. It's going to complement the gazebo. And then down the line, then we can have other parts kind of spidering web from that with trees and whatnot and
really pull this park together. So, I'm in full favor of it. I love the location. I love the design. We can work with CAP. We can work with um other organizations, but this really is is at a great central location and it's it's
being donated to the town. So, let's take advantage of this. Give them what they need to move forward and have something that's beautifying the town, especially right now because we really need it. >> That's all. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Do you want to say something? I had a question or two. The ceiling, the inside ceiling of the pavilion, is it wood or is it plland with the shingles exposed kind of thing? >> The exposed rafters. And the goal would
be once the bins come in to find out what the roof sheeting would be would be from the raptors of exposed framing. >> Exposed framing. train frame all the way through to the pool. It's open to above.
>> And it was built I mean it would kind of planned right for concerts, wasn't it? That was the original plan. I was just wondering any >> it was it was actually planned for a whole host of of activities, right? Concerts just being one of the items. >> I was just wondering any thought given
to acousticness of it. >> So it's pretty high up. So we're in the sense that the overall ceiling height we have. So the facial line here which is this raptor line here that white line
>> that is a little over 9 ft above grade right there. And then the actual ceiling height are a little over 10 feet change. So ultimately I would assume that if we're playing and I'm just making assumption,
right? So the goal would be that little cut out area to be under this small roof and projecting outward versus inside the space and projecting upward >> or either direction. So east or west. So
that would be that was the first idea. So is there thought to have really played with sound really to find out what that does
not so much in space. >> And then how are the posts mounted on? So there there would be footings under each post. So each column there's a couple of different ways that we can mount whether they're piles that are
driven and then not by eight columns are bolted to the side of the piles or whe they get concrete cap and a bracket on top. >> Yeah. I just think if they're sitting on concrete, you know, they could start to rot over time and hard to paint the way
that has to be handled. Right. So we have to make sure that we're doing it the proper way just like >> Yeah. who maintains it over the years. >> You do. We do. >> It's a gift to you, >> right? So once it gets built and done, you're going to own it. The public's
going to own it. Controlled by council. So the intent is to turn it over to council. >> So you're going to build it really good >> hopefully. But you'll decide how it's, you know, maintained. you'll decide how it's operated, who gets to use it.
That's all your decisions. >> And also back to the sound, I know. Excuse me. Well, I'm sorry. Um, when I did speak to Carol and Rob, one of their especially Rob's concerns was the um well, we talked about the sound and I
and I said to them, I we already knew that we wanted to reach out to them and get their input on where the electrical should be and, you know, talking about sound. So certainly regardless of the location, we would want CAP to be involved with and give us their input as
to what they need for the concerts and the plugins and for speakers and such. >> No, I was just going to say I mean Sue Shark hit the nail on the head, but it's kind of what I was trying to get at in the very beginning is this is a beautiful building. This is something that would enhance the town. It's just a
matter of trying to get all the main users kind of on the same page. um when you had the original P. Now that one looks like it's pretty close to the other gazebo, but yeah. Could you flip up the one where it showed it in the where it's location of the park because
you almost it looked like it was in the center of the >> Yeah. >> So, it's slightly pulled west of the bathroom. Okay. >> So, there's still plenty of room to park for the concerts and all that kind of stuff.
>> Okay. The idea of having two, right? So you have one that does something very well today. Right? If we talk about taking that away and putting something new there, we have one. >> If we keep the one that does something very well today and we enhance the park
with something else and we have two. >> We still have more for less expense. I I do understand that and I appreciate like I said I am just concerned with the people who use the park and have used it
for 25 years their concerns and I do think we need to be mindful of those >> right we are I agree >> I mean it's it's a terrible problem to have somebody wants to donate this beautiful building I mean every town on the island would be screaming to have this problem you know but >> yes
>> all right we have a beautiful >> state your name and address for the record. >> Susie Hall Oh, Susan Butler at 533 Leeward. >> Thank you. >> Uh, we have a beautiful building. We have a lot of people who put in a lot of
great time. The building is not in the quite the right spot. Can we the building this way so that it's a little bit further away from the gazebo, giving more space for the gazebo to do their
cap concerts, which are I'm I'm an attendant also, so I know how important it is to have all that room in the front and for the band members to be able to be on the rise and to play to
the audience. So, could we instead of putting the pavilion smack dab where it is, could we move it to the east? >> Just to the west. >> We have to be mindful of um the
emergency parking and I did speak to the chief of police about this and he's perfectly fine with the location where it is because it won't affect it. But if we have to be careful moving it a little further to the east simply because >> with the east we would have we wouldn't
have the grade problems. We wouldn't have the problems interfering with the concert ga uh the the concert cap problems. We would have you know you you go another 20 ft to the east.
>> Yeah that is a driveway >> line. it would be still probably a line. >> Yeah. So it I mean >> I don't know if that would make a difference to CAP, but you know, but
>> I'm I'm just saying it would make a little bit of a difference to CAP. It would give them a little bit more room for their uh for their alternate uses for the park besides CAP. >> Okay. >> They could they could work with it that way.
>> So Okay. Thank you. >> Well, I mean, it just seems to me in an effort to try and make everything work great. Why do we have to be so forcefully stuck
on this piece of property? Can't we just move it a little bit? That's all I'm saying. >> We're not We're really not. It can move, you know, a little bit. >> Let's put it on a wheel so we can roll it. I I I think overall just having spoken with enough people
over the last few months about sighting in the location. I think you're looking at a target area somewhere in here. A lot of people have started saying let's just replace it. I'm more let's not replace it and put
second in my >> Yeah. But I think there's a target area somewhere in here. And I think sighting it right where I have it set today may not be the right answer and say today that's where it's going to be. There's 30 ft. If I shift it 30 ft,
>> right, >> and align it with that bathroom. 30's a lot of space in setting up rows of seats depending on how park is set up for the concert. A lot of that could be dealt with just by laying out
seats and people on paper and working out where the sighting goes that way this way, >> right? work that is you out um probably with with Frank Little's office who has the building set up
for the site itself probably bene you know and um thank you thank you for your comment >> I I I personally also want to remember that it would be a perfect beautiful location for the Memorial day ceremony and the further away from the flag you
get, the less chance that you're going to be using it for that. So anyway, it's something to think about. I mean, I don't think that the friends of Beach Haven is really wanting to like go back and forth with this and that and back and forth, back and forth,
back and forth. I think I we're tonight we're looking for an approval for the structure and we can um you know, in in a very timely fashion maybe tweak the location. Sir, I mean, you know, whether I don't know if you'll approve it
without us looking into the destruction of the current gazebo or the removal of it. Um, we can't we're not we we want an approval for this design and we >> I think removing that old it might be
just listening to the community would be a problem. I think it would not be >> Yeah, I like the two of them personally. That's why we presented it this way. >> Not going to hold a big event inside. >> Okay. >> I think we're it's
>> I I don't think we're w on the exact footprint. Right. >> If it needs to move 10, seven, 12 feet >> one way or the other, that can all be done in the ultimate design phase. I think what we're looking at today, if possible, is there seems to be a
consensus that the two buildings would exist together where the the new one goes that could be tweaked. I think I don't think anyone's wed to that, but what we would love to have is an approval that the two buildings would exist. It would be in the approximate
location. It would move. It can move either way. We can work that all out. I don't think that's a substantial problem, but we need some approval to move forward to get the plans done so we can get pricing so we can understand if we have enough money from the primary
donor or we need to raise more money so we can proceed to a building permit. So, God willing, we can get this thing started in the fall. Um, but that's where we find ourselves. But again, we're not wed to the exact footprint. I think that could be tweaked.
I think um you know if CAP could meet with the architect I mean if you really want this approved tonight I take it you know there's I mean you know we it's been a while I know because Kitty you talked about this for a couple months now and it kind of got pushed back pushed back I didn't know what kind of
sense of urgency two more weeks I don't I don't think CAP has a problem with the building per se I don't think anybody has a problem with the building it's just the location is my Yes. Yes. >> I'm Kathyart, 1415 South Bay Avenue. I'm
a member of CAP. One of the things that we were talking about in terms of location would be having the gazebo anchor, the beach avenue side, having the pavilion anchor, Atlantic Avenue side. in terms of placement. That was one of the things that we were talking
about in terms because again you've heard CAP is not really in favor of right. >> Thank you. I think that would interfere with the parking. I know all the emergency vehicles want to be as close as they can to the ocean for obvious reasons.
>> That would be my own comment. >> Okay. Um I'm in I like the idea the building. It looks great. Uh, as far as the problems with cap, I think that could be worked out. I mean, being up higher so that everybody could see it,
but you also had could put bigger bands in this big in a bigger venue. As far as the musicians coming down and that they like the runway, you have four different spots that they could come out of and people could be listening from all all four sides. Um,
as far as interfering with um the fleet marketing system and stuff, you could probably charge more for the people underneath the underneath the building. I mean, there's I think it can be worked out. I think it's a great building. It's
free. I'm all for free. >> Anybody else? >> Empty space without it. Anyone else have anything at all to say? Yes, sir. >> Jerry Pigelli 110. Amber, not against, not for design looks good.
Just my only concern is gathering of kids. Um, you know, it's a quiet zone. How do we deter that? >> That's the only $64,000 question. So, that's my big concern.
>> Well, you know, right there. >> I I hear you because this is one of our we we've talked about this and um I will say that that it you know, you never know. You know, kids, you never know where they're going to pick, but this park is
some some say they're lucky, some say they're not lucky to be so close to the bars. And there is a pretty heavy police presence in that area more than anywhere except for maybe Betty. He's the next police. >> I've been out there for 20 years. >> So So I hope that that would you know
would help a bit and you know you know you don't know but there will be lighting in it that will be it won't be pitch dark. You know it's not going to be bright lights are going to be very >> too bright of lights. >> No ones that are at the end like the entrance of the park right now are
bright. No. And if there's a problem Yeah. >> And they won't be home all night. >> If there's a problem with the juveniles, >> call the police. >> Yeah. Call the police. >> Yeah. They'll they'll move along. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Anything else at all from anybody? Zoom. >> Zoom. Anybody >> want to speak? I don't see anyone else on Zoom. >> Did you want to go down the line and see if we have Yes or no?
Well, you all know I'm a yes and I I and when I say that I mean that um because we have looked at it all with every which way and I think that this you know give or take we can definitely move it a little bit here a little bit there. I I really
I think that it will be a great gift to the town and it will be a wonderful gathering place for many many activities. And I also think that um that we will still have our concerts
and they can stay in the gazebo and the guests can sit in the pavilion like we said or maybe um CAP will realize. I mean maybe it won't work for them, but I really hope that it will for some concerts and and we will see. I think that for other events it's going to be
fantastic. I mean, for the Beach Haven School graduation, for a classroom outside, for just, you know, you're walking your dog and you want to get out of the sun and you're just gathering with some friends or, I don't know, a family picture. I don't
know. I just think there's so many a yoga class, a music, you know, just so much opportunity we would have with both of these structures. So, I'm I'm a hard yes. They could use some benches for people strolling by with their coffee.
I'm a yes. Thank you. >> I'll keep it short. Yes. >> Thank you. I think it's a great idea. Nami. Yes. But I would like to make sure that there is a lot of exchange with the CAP program to see what we can do to
make it, you know, very uh a good idea and workable for all the groups using it because they are the number one group that uses the park. So, I'd like to see their considerations and their concerns, you know, very definitely taken into consideration. Jamie, you
>> Yes, I'm a yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, is that going to be reduced to a resolution? >> So, the resolution will be passed at what the next count, if possible, the next council meeting. >> Yes. >> Okay. We very much appreciate your votes
today because that really gives us the concreteness to move forward to have Will do the design plans to move the dominoes along the line and maybe get this thing started in the fall. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you, >> Will. Thank you. Thank you. Handline
architect. >> And also, you might want to see if you could set up a meeting with Cat. >> Yeah, >> for sure. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right, moving on. Ordinance 20268, calendar year
>> keep one of those at the in the >> uh Yeah, we're going to Yeah, we'll talk about that. calendar year 2026, ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriations limit and to establish CAT bank pursuant to NJSA4A
4-45.14 to allow Beach Haven to exceed the municipal budget appropriations limit and bank the unused allocation according to law final reading. Since it is the final reading, uh it is open to public comment. If you'd like to come up and
speak, please do so. Don't forget to identify yourself and please hold your comments to three minutes. Is there anybody in the audience who would like to speak to this? >> Anybody on Zoom? >> I don't see anyone on Zoom. >> All right. Seeing none, we will close the floor to public comment. And is
there a motion to approve 2026-8? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second, Miss Anderson. Yes. Mrs. Ball Miller. I need Jamie again. Thank you, Mr. McCaffrey. >> Yes. >> Miss Snder. >> Yes. >> Mayor Lambert.
>> Yes. >> All matters listed under item consent agenda are considered to be routine by the municipal council and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. Any items requiring expenditure supported by a certification of availability of of funds and any item
requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda and discussed separately. All consent agenda items will be reflected in full in the minutes. Resolution 115's returning tiling piling bonds, 116, returning dumpster bonds, and resolution 126
urging state leaders to implement fair and equitable reforms to mitigate the unsustainable increases in health benefits premiums for public sector employees. Would anybody like to discuss anything?
No. >> Good luck on the health. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve the resolutions within the consent agenda? >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Miss Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ball Miller?
>> Yes. >> Mr. McCaffrey? >> Yes. >> Miss Snder? >> Yes. >> Mayor Lambert? >> Yes. >> Okay. At this time, I am going to just give another summary of the 2026 municipal budget. Uh the total
appropriations for the 2026 municipal budget including reserves is 17,387,79725. This is an increase of 1,179,64763 over the 2025 budget. It's a 7.28% overall. Since last year, we saw a 82% increase
in salary and wage. That totaled $46,28047. And we saw 10.76% increase in operating expenses. Uh that equates to 1,133,36716. uh we did see a 14% increase in our
liability insurance, a 25% increase to our employee group health, and those two increases equated to $550,000. Um the amount to be raised by taxation is 9,535,7123.
We're going to be looking at a 1.5 cent increase over the prior year, setting our tax rate at 0428. The library tax levy and minimum appropriation is increased by 9.27%. That's an increase of 125,570.99,
making the new uh library tax levy and minimum appropriation at $1,480,414.92. We do also collect a 1 cent open space preservation tax. Um, and that fund contribution this year will be 222,7971. In order to balance the budget this
year, we're using 684,000 more in surplus than our prior year, which is now funding 29.5% of our budget. Also, the water utility, the appropriations is $2,30,415.
That's an increase of $9,9757 overall. Um, we saw an increase of debt in debt service for the water utility in the amount of 76,000. For the sewer utility, their overall appropriations 1,735,000.
It was an increase of $10,000 overall and they saw an increase in debt service of $5,000 over 2025. So, at this time, we'd like to open the floor to the council and to the public if they have any questions about the proposed budget.
Why don't we hear from the public first and then take the council? Anybody in the public like to speak to the budget? Mr. Halurn? John Hal from 319 Fairview Avenue. Uh I'm making these comments on behalf of the Beach Haven Taxpayers Association.
Uh we did thoroughly analyze the uh the budget and we can appreciate that a lot of the expenses are beyond uh operate are beyond uh the administration's control you know such
as health which we mentioned 500,000 there were statutory increases that was beyond the control there service 250,000 as as you can see we did we did some homework. Um the the concern we have is
uh it appears to us that the taxpayers are are are subsidizing uh some of the surpluses. Uh we did an analysis and the the average increase
for uh municipal uh cost increases using a CPI index was 3.3%. The uh the tax increase that we're asking our taxpayers to support the budget is 4.6%.
So, we we would recommend in any way possible to decrease that 1.5 cent increase to at least get to the 3.3% we're seeing through the CPI increase or even less. And we don't know what that
means in terms of reducing the 1.5 cent increase the tax rate. what that means in terms of a reduction to that 1.5 cent. But that that is the uh taxpayers association's recommendation.
>> Thank you. Thanks, John. >> SH, did you want to have anything to say about that or >> if you do please use a microphone either the standing one or the other >> on the fly. That is a a difficult um
response, but the the three the 3% um increase would equate to about a 1 cent tax increase. So I think maybe what he's asking is to go to a 1% increase instead of a 1.5 cent increase. Um the budget in
its entirety went up um how much was the total increase? >> 7.28% 28%. >> And and what was that in dollars? I don't have that. >> 1,179, 647. >> So the tax levy itself, I mean, went up
about 400,000. We're utilizing about what 600,000 more in surplus. So we are sharing in the increase with our own money, our own surplus. I think the
bigger issue there is just um the overall budget it seems in total is increasing greater than this CPI this average index. >> So to to combat that I would just say we
just have to reduce our expenses. You know that's that's the overall >> argument that we've always had. So >> thank you. No, thank you. >> And it is it is a tough one and we agonize for months over what gets cut,
what doesn't. We cut the police vehicles what two years in a row and finally we you know you just get to a point where you have to bite the bullet and unfortunately it's coming at a time when healthc care is through the roof, insurance is through the roof and I
agree Mr. Halper in a perfect world we would love to see this lowered but things what they are Yes sir. One final comment. >> One final comment. I wasn't looking for the perfect world, but uh we I did we
did notice that even with the surplus that's being used, there is $5.5 million in surplus. That's that's our balance right now. So if we could uh Sherry suggested we could figure if we could reduce that tax rate from 1 and a half
cent to 1 cent and subsidize that with that part of that $5.5 million surplus that that would be our recommendation. >> Thank you. I know Sherry is doesn't want us doing too much with the surplus at all. And I
know for me personally, like particularly this year, our beaches took a huge hit and we ask for help in the county, state, and feds, we're not getting any. So if we need to truck in, you know, sand or anything like that, that's on us. So I know the surplus is
there and it's attractive, but we also may need it. We're not even sure yet where we're standing with that. So again, you're right, but uh living where we do and with everything that's going on right now, that's it's tough to gauge. It really is.
>> 5 million can go away real quick. >> Anybody else care to speak to this? >> I think that was very well said and I agree with you. >> Anybody on Zoom? you know, half half a cent, you know,
would be equate to, you know, $100,000 or so. I mean, it's not it's almost a drop in the bucket with the amount of money that we're talking. Um, I'm not necessarily recommending I didn't necessarily recommend to lower it to 1 cent. you know, we belabored this quite
a bit over, you know, and that's why, you know, when we increased >> um the amount of surplus that we're using, we're funding the budget 30% with surplus. Um just about 29% or so. Um but one of the the things that having this
strong surplus, you know, we've we've talked about this also recently at length, you know, what's our policy, what's our limit. Um we do have a healthy surplus. We're giving back more. We're utilizing more in the budget than we ever had with this surplus. Um we
just recently um rolled over our bond anticipation notes and we had we ended up paying a service we got a rating this year standard and poor and you know that was a lengthy process. Um you know they took a look at our financials um and we
were given the highest rating that you possibly could be given um for a municipality. And so with that, having that rating, we believe that gave us a stronger um more competitive market. We, you know, we had a few more bids that came in maybe over the prior year and
lowered our interest rate. You know, we borrowed $17 million in notes. So that lowered our interest rate, you know, hopefully with that having that higher rating. So one advantage of having, you know, and they did say to us, you know, that you have a healthy surplus, you're
fortunate to have that. That's what it's for. You know, it's it's to help fund the budget. We're utilizing more of it. We're utilizing about half of it to fund the budget and like you said, a million can go pretty fast if something were to happen. So, without that, you know, they looked at us favorably
>> for that instance. >> Thank you. Thank you for giving us that great bond rating, too. That was >> that was a nice plus. Um, anybody else care to speak about the budget? >> I don't see anyone on Zoom. >> Okay. Okay. So, I guess it's up to the council. >> Yep. You want to close the floor?
>> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Close the floor to public comment. >> All right. Be it resolved by the council members of the Burough Beach Haven County of Ocean that the budget herein before set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute an appropriation for the purposes stated and the sums therein
set forth as appropriations and authorization in the amount of 9,535,712.3 for municipal purposes $222,7971 for open space recreation. ation 1,480,414.92 for the minimum library tax.
>> Miss Anderson. >> Yes. Mrs. Bmiller. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCaffrey. >> Yes. >> Miss Snder. >> Yes. >> Mayor Lambert. >> Yes. The sum summary of revenues.
General revenues 5,130,4911. Miscellaneous revenues anticipated 1,41,261.19. Receipts for delinquent taxes 200,000. And the amount to be raised by taxation for municipal purposes 9,535,712.3. and the amount to be raised by taxation
for the li minimum library tax 1,480,414.92 making the total revenues 17,387,9725. Sorry, hold on. General appropriations within CAPS the operations including contingent 10,796950
$796,95040 deferred charges and statutory expenditures 1,438,132 excluded from caps operations total operations excluded 2,283,157.35 5 Capital Improvements $22,460.50
Municipal Debt Service1,92 $992,000 and the reserve for uncollected taxes $675,97. It is hereby certified that within this budget is a true copy of the budget finally adopted by resolution of the
governing body on this 11th day of May 2026. It is further certified that each item of revenue and appropriation is set forth in the same amount and by the same title as appeared in the 2026 approved budget and all amendments thereto, if any, which have been previously approved
by the director of local government services. Thank you, councel. Thank you >> again. Thank you Sher for all your hard work and Sherry for your hard work. It's really we're we're very lucky to have both of you. Thank you. >> We have a bill list this evening in the
amount of 2,197,12528 again. You see all the medical expenses and the insurance is coming up. >> So that's why it's a little bit bigger again. Um anybody have anything to say about the bills? >> No. >> No. Is there a motion to approve? >> I'll make a motion to approve the bills.
>> I'll second. >> Miss Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ball Miller? >> Yes. >> Mr. McCaffrey? >> Yes. >> Miss Snder? >> Yes. >> Mayor Lambert? >> Yes. That's all I have. >> Okay. It's uh public comment time. If anybody has anything like to say, please hold it to three minutes and ID yourself.
>> I love your >> What's that for sure? >> Oh, wait. Advertising. >> Uh Sue Sharky Ted North Delaware. Uh just thinking about the the money. Nobody wants nobody wants to pay more. Nobody feels happy about paying more. But I feel very content. I think I feel
satisfied because of your hard work. I want to thank the council for hiring the right people. Um just the the town is in such good good shape. The the public works, the police department, the the whole package. You've got three
competent, powerful women sitting right here that make you feel good about it. So I I really do feel content and satisfied in the quality of our environment. So thank you for putting the right people in those
places. Thank you. >> And and I know that the the salaries and the healthcare are the biggest thing. U my husband Paul is the um burough's representative to the Southern Regional District and they're dealing with the same thing. And I would applaud Southern
Regional for making some very prudent decisions that to keep quality and that's what but also to you feel confident that we're kind of tightening things up and we're where it's not like you're just waving the magic wand. So I just want to put that out there before I
get my real plug in. I'm so excited for for this summer. Things >> the boulevard aside things are really >> Thanks for not mentioning the road. got the that the town is just in in it's spring has sprung. The optimism for
summer is here. I want to wish all of the businesses and all of everybody the the residents, the renters, the you know the rental owner, rental property owners just a really good season without any teenage um yeah incidences which isn't
going to happen. You can't make everybody happy all the time, but I think that we're really in a fortunate place and um I hope more people will choose to appreciate that than just picking it. So, I hope your problems will be less. Um I'm I'm excited about
Heritage Day and I know you all talk about other things, but it's really important for me to say that um Compassion Cafe, I'm getting choked up thinking about it because we've passed that five-year small business mark.
We're starting our sixth season tomorrow and Sherry and Tom Hughes should be just applauded for continuing that they it's not even question yes operate here. Yes, we we we fully endorse this and I love
that the town fully endorses it and um it's we haven't changed a thing. It's Monday through Thursday 7 to 11. I know maybe I don't know how we would set up a delivery, but maybe someday we'll set up a delivery service to you guys. Uh but I
will well um I'll stop by sometime and um just thank you and um hope you can come up and be part of the the joyful fun and we're creating opportunity. And with that, I forgot to say another great excitement is Jake's playground is
coming and and all great things. So thank you very much. Oh, thank you so much. So, thank you. >> Here's the pass you have. >> Yeah. And I was going to give you a plug. You already did it yourself, which was very nice, but that's good. And and I do want to just kind of um piggyback
on what Sue said. I I mentioned the police cars earlier as an example. They were on the back burner for the last couple years. We said to the chief, "Can you wait one more year? Can you wait one more year? We do it with public works. You know, we need the new beach rake. Can you get the old one to work one more
year?" I mean, the budget is super hard and our department heads have done a wonderful job biting the bullet and trying to get us through, but every, you know, if the time comes, you can't kick that can any farther down the road >> and that's kind of where we are. So, thank you for recognizing that and uh
good luck tomorrow. >> Yeah. >> Anybody else like to make a public comment, Mr. Halper? John H 319 Fairview Avenue Beach. It's very difficult representing the taxpayers association when I have to follow such a >> she's a top activist.
>> I hope you appreciate our our role as as being the advocacy group for all of our taxpayers. Um, I just we we met on Saturday and we felt an obligation to respond to the emergency operations center,
I guess, rebuttal to our commentary from from Sher. Um, and I we don't want it to be lost in the point we were trying to make and that that that point was in consult in consultation with the GSA
General Service Administration. Was there any communication or uh consultation with our experts in the building, construction, and trade industries in
terms of what the impact would be if you tore it down and rebuilt it from scratch versus the renovation and the cost uh overruns that we're current currently experiencing. So that was the point whe
whether there was options considered you know and what were those options was GSA consulted on those options and what were the outcome so that that that was the point we're trying to make commentary thank you >> thank you
anybody else the public anybody on Zoom >> no >> okay seeing none we'll close the floor to public comment and now we go to uh council's final remarks. And Mr. McAffrey, I almost forgot you last time. I'll make sure we start with you this time.
>> I know you finally look this way. >> I know. >> Um, yeah. I just, if anybody hasn't noticed that the speed limits are down >> and I guess Monday, I'm not sure, but they usually turn the lights on on a Monday.
>> They are. >> There's a ton of construction on Bay and we're doing everything that we possibly can. You have to really be careful with that. Um, it's a mess. Uh, they they seem to be making some progress.
Like I said, just be careful with everything out there. You got to really watch watch where you're going and watch where everything's at. And that's I guess have a good Memorial Day. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you, Kitty. Um, yeah.
Thanks for coming. Uh, and uh, Yep. This weekend is Heritage Day. It's uh there's still tickets available for our house tour and cocktail party um through friends of beach haven.org. There's posters everywhere with a QR code. Um and on that day at 3:45 we're another
exciting project um is going to be sort of um unveiled with to to celebrate our heritage in Beach Haven. So So that's at 3:45 in the park. So, please, you know, come by for that and free ice cream and um or come to the tour and come to the
cocktail party. So, with all the food is donated by local restaurants and it'll be it's really nice. So, hope you'll join us. Thank you. >> Thank you, Sanderson. >> Thanks, Kitty, for your work with Friends Beach Haven. The pavilion is really gorgeous.
>> Thank you. Nice. Appreciate that. >> Um other than that, I don't have too much to say. be safe and watch as you drive through Beach Haven. I don't want to reiterate what everybody else just said. Make sure you go to Compassion Cafe because it's a wonderful experience. You'll go back time again,
tell everybody about it. >> Um I I know I tell everybody about it. That's all from me. Thank you, Mrs. Bono. >> Um no, thank you for being patient with my coming here. the zoom the zoom part just I can't just see you
>> no I was like was holding my camera and I'm like I'm gonna pull over and I got to comment now and then you know I got here so thank you for being uh patient with me >> um I can just feel the you know excitement and the anxiety in the air always the week before uh Memorial Day
trying to you know button everything up with the boulevard we are taking um you know pictures of everything making sure that we're doing our due diligence and really kind of you putting a fire underneath the county to really get this moving forward and doing
the best making it the best it possibly can and the safest it can possibly be by um next weekend. So, you're going to see a lot of things happening uh next week as far as cement work and um really trying to make everything as safe as possible. Um other than that, I you
know, I see a lot of businesses, new businesses that are coming into town getting ready, you know, just the anticipation of starting your own business. I, you know, I wish them all the best of luck this summer for a successful season and um that that's it.
>> Have a great Memorial Day and I'll check back in two weeks. Uh okay, thank you. Um on my list, a lot of this has already been said, just to reiterate, Compassion Cafe tomorrow, 7 to 11, grand opening, be there, be square. Um, Heritage Day,
Kitty's already spoken about, and the Heritage Trail, they're doing a special presentation at 3:45, I believe, um, at on Engleside kind of across from the museum. Uh, there's a craft market on May 24th from 9:00 to 4:00 at Veterans Park. And before our next meeting, we
have the Memorial Day parade and service. The parade begins at 9:40 and the service begins at 10:30. An annual event. I know they're always one of my favorites. I feel they're so important all the way around. So try to be to all our events. Have a great Memorial Day.
Be safe and thank you all for coming out tonight. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I'll make the motion. >> Thank you very much. >> Motion. >> Okay, you got it. being ajourned.