Not Um, Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah.
Yes. Nobody puts baby in the >> corner. Oh, definitely. >> Please rise. We'll salute the flag now. >> Where's the flag? >> Where is it? How about
small problem? >> We're usually more professional than this. >> That's right. rise again. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. December 15th, 2025, notice of this meeting was emailed to the Courier Post newspaper and Philadelphia inquir and duly posted on the Bolton board of the municipal
building. All requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act have been met in compliance with the Sunshine Law. Roll call. Fran. >> Councilman Ber >> here. Councilman D'Angelo >> here. >> Councilman Evans >> here. >> Councilman Fina >> here.
>> Councilman Hoben >> here. >> Councilman Wilhelm >> here. >> Mayor Solder >> here. This time we will go out of order. And I'd like to revert to new business at this time
and have Fran read the first resolution for tonight. Resolution 06 10626 resolution authorizing the appointment of chief for the Belmar Police Department.
>> It's my honor tonight to place the name of Keith M. Williams for chief of police for the burough of Belmar. Sure. [applause] Councilman Ber, >> yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo, >> yes. >> Councilman Evans, >> yes. >> Counciloman Fina,
>> yes. >> Councilman Hovind, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilner, >> yes. >> This time, I'd ask the chief's family to come forward for the swearing in. Swearing [snorts] in will be done tonight by Councilman Wilha.
>> The oath is there. You need a pen. >> [clears throat] >> Okay, >> perfect. [laughter] It's up to you. read, please. >> I, Keith M. Williams, >> I, Keith M. Williams, >> doly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> to >> support the Constitution of the United States >> to support the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> I will bear true faith and allegiance to this. I will bear true faith in the legions of the same >> and to the governments established
>> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> and partially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of chief of police
>> all the duties of the office of chief of police my ability >> working with the best of my ability to be >> congratulations >> [applause] [applause] >> I got a better spot than Chris. What you doing? Turn around.
Thank you, sir. Congratulations. Thank you. Okay. >> Yeah. Just got just got your >> Yeah. Next. I need a bigger.
>> Okay. And over the years. >> Sorry. Hold on. >> Take your time. >> Take your time. >> At this time, I'd like to turn it over to Chief Williams for a few words.
Sorry, Greg. You're out of my speech now. [laughter] >> Good evening everyone. Thank you all for being here tonight. To Mayor Solder, members of council, fellow law enforcement officers, family, friends, residents of Belmar. Thank you for sharing in this special occasion.
I was born and raised right here at Belmar. These streets help shape who I am and this community and values that have guided me throughout my life. hard work, integrity, loyalty, and service to others. As a kid growing up here, I
never imagined I'd one day stand before you taking to be a chief of police. To serve as chief in the town that raised me is truly an honor of a lifetime. I want to thank Mayor Surn and council for placing the trust in me. I
understand the responsibility that comes with this position. I promise to work every day to maintain that trust. I would also like to recognize Chief William Perman. Thank you for your leadership and service to this department and our community. I had the privilege of serving directly under you
for three years as chief and I wish you nothing but happiness into retirement. And to Councilman Craig Wilhelm, thank you for swearing me in tonight. Craig, you have been part of my journey from the very beginning. You were my first sergeant when I walked in these doors of the dispatcher.
and over the years I had the privilege of serving under your mentorship in many ways. Having you administered this oath tonight makes this moment incredibly meaningful to me. I also want to acknowledge someone who helped shape my understanding of service long before I wore this badge. My
grandfather Harry Williams. My grandfather was involved in this community in many ways and he taught me that you want your community to be better. You can't sit on the sidelines. Amen. >> You get involved, you show up, and you give back.
>> Toward the end of his life, dementia took many things from him, but one thing it didn't take was confidence of me. He used to call 911 on the daily, ask him to speak to me. [laughter] I was only a dispatch at the time. Maybe
a little something at the rest of us didn't at that moment. I think you got a pretty big kick out of the night. To the men of the Belmont Police Department, thank you. It's been an honor to work alongside you. Most of you I have trained, but a lot of you have helped shape who I am today. We've
answered difficult calls together, celebrated many successes together. Grew together, carry one another through the toughest moments this profession can bring. As your chief, I promise to support you, challenge you, advocate for you,
and hold us all to the highest standards. My door will always be open and I will never forget the leadership is about standing beside the people you serve with. >> To the residents of Belmar, thank you for allowing us into your lives. We will continue to lead with professionalism,
accountability, and compassion, and we will work every day to earn your trust. Most importantly, I want to thank my family, Kathleen. There truly aren't enough words. You are You are the heart of our family.
You've been my biggest supporter, my voice of reason, and my greatest source of strength. Carry burdens that come with this profession without ever asking for recognition. Through late nights, missed holidays, interrupted dinners, and difficult days. You stood beside me every step of the
way. When this job demanded more of me, you gave more of yourself. I would not be standing here tonight without your love, sacrifice, encouragement, and unwavering belief in me. I >> thank you for walking beside me through every chapter of this journey.
>> Kayla Marie, I couldn't be more proud of the compassionate and determined woman you become. Your heart for others and your desire to help people in their time of need make you so much like your mother and I know you'll make an incredible nurse. KJ Keegan, watching the two of you grow
as a young man has been one of my greatest joys of my life. I know you both talked about following this path someday. If you do, I hope you'll remember this page is about service, integrity, and treating people with dignity and respect.
Kaylin, KJ, and Keegan, no matter where life takes each of you, know that being your father has been my greatest accomplishment and my greatest joy. I couldn't be prouder of the people you become. Some of my memories aren't found in this job at all. They're sitting together as
a family of the many hockey games. Cheering from the stands and simply being together. Those moments mean more to me than you ever know. Tonight may look like my achievement, but this accomplishment belongs to all
of us. We are together. So, as I take this out, I do so with gratitude for everyone who helped bring me to this moment and with commitment to serve this community with humility, integrity, and purpose. I am and always will be our kid who was
fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to serve the town of Rston. >> Thank you everyone. I'm truly humbled. [applause] [applause] Thank you, Chief. In a couple seconds, we'll take a um
recess and you'll be able to leave and celebrate with your family and friends. Uh, I'd like to take a minute and introduce a member of your family that came here tonight. The former mayor of Glustester City, Dan Spencer. Welcome, DAN. [applause]
OKAY, can stay for the meeting or you're all welcome to leave. We'll >> take a quick recess. Nice job. >> Yeah, I want that truck. Good job.
Congratulations. You better not your eyes I'd like to believe How you doing? How are you? Jesus. How are you? Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Calm
down. Well, no, actually, but this is why he came back. I mean, me and him I haven't seen him in the whole year. >> Okay. Hey, I just went by the electrician straight.
I don't know where I am. I'm sorry. like they're on the ground. >> What's this? >> I guess they're the same level. Yeah, >> it's the Bill Evans. >> Bill Evans needs the rise floor. >> Yes, I will.
>> Okay. When we get over >> now rise the floor. >> Yeah, I'm going to go through our committee. >> I heard you. >> Either that or you just feel so low. I feel pretty pretty high. >> Oh, that's because you got a special chair. >> Yeah, that's right. You want a cherry tree?
>> Anybody good? We're all back. >> Ready, friend? >> Yeah. I've been ready my whole life for this. >> Yeah. >> Okay. At this time, we'll bring the meeting back to order.
And at this time, I'd entertain a motion for approval of the meeting minutes from the council meeting of May 28th, special meeting of May 5th, special meeting of May 26th. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, Fran.
>> Councilman Ber, >> yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo, >> yes. >> Councilman Evans, [clears throat] yes. >> Councilwoman Fina, yes. >> Councilman Hoben, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm, >> yes. >> Okay. At this portion of the meeting, I'd like to turn it over to our CFO, Maria Thulo, for the presentation, the
2026 municipal budget. >> Hello everyone. Thank you for coming to the 2026 municipal budget review presentations for the residents. Our finance committee consists of Ray B
as chair, Bill Evans as member, and Craig Wilhelm as member. our process. We review prior year results, meet with department heads, um assess current needs, evaluate future
needs, analyze revenues and tax base, and develop a balance budget. This is a [snorts] side of their five-year um adopted budget history. Over the five years, it's been a 25% increase.
challenges for 2026. The finance committee works hard not to raise taxes and keep the rate as low as possible without affecting the health and public safety of the residents in town. This year, during the 2026 budget process, the Barrow appeared before the New
Jersey Local Finance Board regarding a one-time use of surplus to fund legal expenses related to tax appeal matters. The Barrow also addressed questions concerning appropriation limitations, the calculation of legal fee obligations, and the long-term plan for
funding similar costs. The bureau has since evaluated future budget capacity and anticipates additional financial stability through the anticipated pilot revenue from pending redevelopment projects. The New Jersey Local Finance
Board approved the application. an explanation of our appropriation increases, salary and wages three and a half percent cost of living increases contract agreement increases and step increases. Other expenses uh the
purchase and imple implementmentation of updated software systems for the clerk's office, fire department, and payroll functions. These upgrades are to improve efficiency, accuracy, and record management, report capabilities, and
overall service to both employees and residents. This is a look at the last five years of total local tax revenue history. It shows the amount to be raised by taxation, the percentage of the rate
increase, and the dollar amount change. This is a five-year comparison of the rate between the municipality, the county, the local school, and the regional school over the past five years. How much will this budget cost the average taxpayer? The average home is
assessed at 1696 and will pay $2,170.88 this year in municipal tax. That's $80.82 of a municipal tax increase in 2025. That's approximately $6.74 per month.
Fund balance appropriated. This shows our year end bal fund balance or surplus which you utilize in the budget in succeeding year and the percentage of fund balance used. This is the cannabis municipal tax. It continues to offset [clears throat] the
local tax and support budget stability. And this is it showing the past five years, how much was received, what was utilized in the succeeding year budget, and the percentage of usage. Use of your local tax dollar. This shows what each department um and what and how
much of the budget goes to that department and the you know cost sense per dollar and what would cost the average taxpayer for those services. For bond rating, our last rating was in 2020. It was an AA minus.
Stable outlook reflected by S&P's anticipation in Belmar maintaining a strong level of reserves based on sound budgetary performances, strong institutional framework for the New Jersey municipalities. Sorry. Looking ahead, continued redevelopment
efforts, anticipated pilot revenue growth, technology modernization, maintaining strong reserves, protecting public safety services resources. Uh on our website, thumbmar.com, you can find our annual
financial statement. Our audit will be posted in the summer or or early fall of 2026. And of course, if you have any questions, you can always contact me. Uh my email is finance belar.com or you can call the hall.
Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you Maria. This time are there any comments or questions under the public retaining uh pertaining to the budget? [clears throat] One question. Um, is it available on the
website? >> It will be. >> Okay. >> Always. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Hearing none. >> There we do have a motion to close the public hearing. >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> Roll call. All
>> favor. All in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> We're going to do 102 and 103. Mayor, since we're here, >> since we're under new business with me. >> Yes.
>> Yes. This time, revert back to the resolutions. Fran, if you go to 5102 103, we'll do them at this time. >> Resolution 0510226. Resolution authorizing 2026 municipal
budget to be read by title only. >> Entertain a motion. So second >> roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans. Yes. >> Counciloman Fina. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hoben. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm. >> Yes.
>> Resolution 0510326. Resolution adopting the 20 26 municipal budget. >> Entertain a motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Ber. Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. Yes. >> Councilman Evans. Yes. >> Council Dena. Yes. >> Councilman Hovind. Yes.
>> Councilman Wilhelm. >> Yes. [clears throat] Okay. Thank you, Maria. You're >> You're good. >> Thank you, Maria. >> Thanks for doing that. Good job. >> Good night. >> This time we'll continue on with
committee reports. Councilman Bder. Well, uh, Maria kind of went over the budget and the committee, Bill and Craig, myself really appreciate
everything she has done because this year was probably the toughest we've ever had. uh because of the state delays several months and also the local finance board reviewing
uh and I just want to really thank her even though we've had a dozen meetings Maria every meeting has worked hard to get us updated figures. So,
uh, the other I want to, uh, today Chuck put another feather in his cap as president of Belmar Glendor Remy Rotary. So, I'd like
to congratulate him for that. And uh the other thing for those of you that do follow the redevelopment now out on Creek Road, you'll see some work
starting. Uh and the construction actually should pick up a great deal come August. So, uh, we're looking forward after [clears throat]
16 years to finally have something out there where, uh, the state, Green Acres, DOT, everyone has approved. So, that's all I have. Joe, >> thank you, Ray. Councilman D'Angelo.
>> Yeah. Um, >> I just have one thing and you'll notice on the agenda there's 0614-26. It is the youth sports code of conduct and I would just like to personally thank our solicitor,
Mr. Long, because it is probably the most comprehensive, intensely written sports code of conduct document that I have ever seen. Am I sick or something?
>> It's like it is seven pages of of dos and don'ts at a sports complex or event. Um that was really well done. >> Thank you. >> And I want to just give you the kudos for that because
>> you know our children are really watching and now I have my grandchildren that I'm watching. So I get it. there there's just needs to be a different approach from those sitting in the stands >> and cheering on that should just be cheering on u their child and their
team. >> And as a joke I made this joke but but it's not really funny. I checked Maple Leaf Gardens, Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park. They don't have anything as intense as this. So I want to tell you,
you really went above and beyond on this one. Um, and that's all I have. Just want to let you know it's going to be passed. >> Take more time. Take more time. [laughter] >> Thank you, Jim. >> Councilman Evans. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, first I'd like to extend personal congratulations to uh
our new Chief Williams uh and his family. It's uh it was a it was a it was a well done process and and these guys all all of our department. We should be really proud of of not only our new chief but but the the rank and file that
are coming through. We we we have a really good police force. We really have a good police force. We should all be very very proud of it. Um I'd also like to uh acknowledge Maria for the great job she did. It was a pleasure to work with Ray and Craig um and and the rest
of the board on on the f the financial end of things. It wasn't easy as Ray said. Um the other thing I want to mention, not because it was all over Facebook, but because of the personal loss I felt when u the Belmar Little League Hall was taken down after
>> 60 years. Um it broke my heart. I spent I cut my teeth in Belmar little league and um it was an emotional thing for me to see happen but it was a necessary thing. The building unfortunately had fallen into such a state of disrepair
that you really just couldn't rehabilitate it and um it was the the smart thing to do. We haven't yet decided completely on what to do with the the the space. I know the little league would like us to put a field there. Uh and I know the school system
would like us to put a parking lot there. Uh somewhere in between we'll come up with something. But please know that uh that decision was not made just willy-nilly. Um it was made uh with a lot of thought, a lot of emotion behind
it for many of us who spent spent days down at that little hall. >> So that's all I have for you today. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Bill. Councilwoman Fina. >> Thank you, Mayor. I would also like to congratulate uh Chief Williams. Um I
know he's going to do a great job for Belmar. Uh the Fourth of July parade will be coming up again this year. We will be celebrating 250 years of independence as well as the 100th
anniversary of Belmar. The parade will start at St. Jum School. We will have four three stops where there will be performances done. That will be in front of the cemetery, at Bell Road, at the
7-Eleven, and then once they get to the municipal building in front of the stage. Immediately following the parade, we be doing um complimentary hot dogs, ice pops, pretzels, and soda. Um, we will have the community center
open with air conditioning because normally it's about 120 degrees today, the parade. So, that will be open for your convenience. And if anybody would still like to join the parade, you can reach out to Lisa Young at the Barrow Hall. And that's all I have. Thank you
very much. >> Thank you, Joanne. Councilman Hoben. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, just to reiterate what Councilman Evans was saying about the little league hall, you know, I certainly remember the dances there being a kid playing baseball growing up.
Um, but, you know, unfortunately the the main disrepair of the building was a cracked foundation due to years of flooding. So, very sad for the whole town. Um, but hopefully, you know, in the future we can put something there
that'll uh mean something to the next generations coming. That's all I have. Mayor, thanks. >> Thank you, Eric. [snorts] Councilman Wilhelm. >> Thanks, Mayor. Uh, real quick, for construction, I just want to say that
we're starting a program to address some of the abandoned properties that we have in town. um our code official John Strod will be um working on that and addressing some of the blight that we have in town and holding the the uh
owners of these properties accountable for for the condition of these properties. So, um that's something we're starting in construction. I just want to touch on the budget real quick and again uh say thank you to Maria for the outstanding job that she did. Uh the committee worked very hard to try to
keep the uh budget increase uh to a minimum. Um with with the senseless and and and needless spending that our federal government's doing right now, uh I I I feel that uh the increase that we have, I'm fortunate that it is an increase. Uh the services that we
provide um have either been increased or kept the same. And I think uh our services are second to none to any of the towns around here. Um, and of course I'm I'm a little biased in that respect, but uh um so thank you to Maria and
again to Bill and and Ray for the hard work that committee put in to it. And lastly, I also want to thank uh um Keith for for giving me the privilege of uh swearing him in. And as he stated in his
very eloquent speech that uh he started out with me as my dispatcher and uh I can tell you that you you're getting a chief of police that's invested in the department and I know that he's uh invested to to keep up the legacy of the great department that we have. So uh my
congratulations to him and best of luck. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Craig. Under my report for the police department, their activity for the month of May, they had 1,392 calls.
Uh 82 investigations, individuals arrested were 146, motor vehicle crashes, 21 motor vehicle summons issued were 511. Under the Belmar Fire Department for
May, we had a total incidents of 103. In town were 43, out of town 16, highway 44, and the fire completed uh 62 training
sessions for our EMS. There were 301 calls, 190 in Belmar, 33 Brooklyn, 39 highway, [snorts] 39 mutual aid, and also um
I extend my congratulations with the rest to uh our new chief, Keith Williams, and also to thank our budget committee for the hard work they put into it working with Maria. Great job
done by all. Um, also we have on um, Sunday evening at 7 o'clock at Bell Oak School is the Miss Belmar pageant. We have eight girls that are contestants this year. Doors will open at 6:30 and
it begins at 7. So if anyone would like to attend, it's open to the public. And also we had um graduations and we had the privilege of being at Bellow Oak School for their graduation. Very well done. And I had
the opportunity to be at Triton Regional High School for theirs. Um very proud of our children and congratulations to the class of 2026. Uh at this time before we go on to the public portion, I'd like to turn it over
to our solicitor Howard Long. >> Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate that. Could I just get a a show of hands for folks that are here tonight about the New Jersey Turnpike Interchange? Okay. I may have undercut the number of copies I made, but um Mark, you always
put me to work, so I'm going [snorts] to volunteer you now. Would you mind grabbing that pile right there and sort of spreading them around on both sides? I really appreciate it, Mark. Thank you. >> Yeah, all of them. You can take them all. Take them all and just give them to >> I want I I would like the public to have
it. So, while while Mr. Sharp is kind enough to be handing them out for me, I just wanted to to um introduce the topic and say some things. Maybe it'll answer some questions before you get up to ask questions. Um, this morning at 11:00
a.m. we had a teams meeting, which is the virtual Zoom stuff that I always seem to screw up, uh, between the representatives of Belmar and the, uh, New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the representatives and consultants. And the topic was the status of the interchange
1 to4 capacity enhancement project, which is what they call it. So present uh on behalf of the uh turnpike authority was Jason Bergman the director of communications and government relations Chris Dilia their deputy
director and community and government uh relations manager uh Dr. uh Priyag Siagi, PhD, a PE, who is their senior project engineer, working on this project for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. And then they had some of
their consultants, Caitlyn Laco, uh Dennis Kan, Angela Melvin, and Matthew Rayo, who uh are either through um outside communications companies engaged for public outreach. Uh Matthew Rayo is an outside design and engineering firm
that's assisting from the burrow side. Uh the mayor was on, our clerk Francine Wright was on, I was on, Mr. Bach, our engineer, and Mr. Bishop, our other burrow engineer, were also on. Um you'll notice that uh one of the things we were
hearing from you and and thank you for and we're glad you're here because we need your help. So, this is a plea for me for you to help us because we need your help, especially after talking to them this morning. So, I put on there the project website. If you go on there,
it has everything you need to know about the the project that you would need. Unfortunately, it's woefully outdated and has not been kept up to date. We did speak to them about that this morning. Um, they're in the process as they were
describing the project status of a redesign u of the project. So, it's not complete. Um and they acknowledged that they are fairly significantly behind schedule in what they're doing. Um they had no date that they could provide us
for anticipated construction. I asked them when they anticipated having shovels in the ground. Um and they had no date to provide me. Um, I asked why there was no public forum yet for an opportunity for us to invite Yukine
folks to talk not only about what you've been dealing with with some of the water issues that we're very familiar with that are coming off the turnpike, you know, the storm water issues, the sanitary sewer issues, um, the noise issues, all those kinds of things. I said, I am not going to a meeting
tonight and defending you. That's not my job. It's your project. you need to come to answer to us. They were invited tonight, but they did not come. Um, that did not make me happy or the mayor happy or anybody else that was on the call.
Um, I did get them to commit that before their plans are finalized, they would um advertise an open public forum to occur in Belmar with Turnpike representatives here in this room with
mayor and counsel. And I hope all of you and more the more the marrier. We need you on this. So please come. And when I tried to tie them down like I was ready to get a date today on our call and they said, "Well, we're not going to have our
plans ready to sometime in the fall to late fall." I tried to get a month. I couldn't even get a month out of them. I tried to get a date. I couldn't get a date. The best I could get from them was sometime in the fall to late fall, you know, in that October to December range,
beginning of winter. Um, so they nothing will happen at all. No plans will be finalized. Nothing will occur until they come here and talk to us and [clears throat] listen to us and explain to us what they intend to do. Mr. Bach has been um who's
been our engineer for a number of years has been all over them for information and we did get a concession from them that all design schematics uh drainage plans sound testing results any
construction plans including sanitary sewer will be forwarded to Mr. Bach's office for Mr. Bach and Mr. bishop to review um and provide input back to the authority because no one knows this town engineering wise like they do. They've
been here a long time. They know your neighborhoods. They know what neighborhoods are impacted and they know what these changes are going to do to your neighborhood. Now, what they tried to say, and I'm a I'll believe it when I see it kind of person. Um because I grew
up here like you. I I I don't trust what you tell me. I want you to show me. Okay. So, one of some of the things that Mr. Bach was bringing up on the call is um we have existing problems. You need to construct this in a way that fixes
problems and we need to take that into consideration. So, we talked about impact of noise and what they were going to do. They're still doing testing and we talked about the especially the flooding issues in some locations about
how one you know Steve said today Mr. Bach said today we could have a 10-year storm not necessarily even a 50 or 100year storm a 10-year storm and your roads are flooded because the outpoles that drain uh into into the into the the
water over by the turnpike are underwater. So they can't drain from the street if they're at the other end of the pipe is underwater just doesn't doesn't work that way. You know, General Hydraulics, you understand that. Um, as I mentioned, they also indicated that
their website for the project is outdated. Um, and they're in the process, they promises of updating it. And as the testing and design work moves forward, they will be updating that site. So, if you have this uh handout,
you'll see in blue that link. And if you go on, it's it speaks to every exit one, two, three, which is the one we're concerned about, and four. Uh, you know, the best we could get from them is they they they
no one disputes that the condition coming off the turnpike is a problem. It's how they're going to fix it. And I know that they're trying to come through so that exit come you come off that exit and somehow it goes Stephen maybe you can explain it better than me.
>> It goes through the motel properties >> through the >> Yeah. >> Well, it's updated. >> Hold on one sec one second ma'am. I'm about to turn it over. So at this point, you know, I just want to let you know that we did make inquiry. We are glad you're here. Um, I would ask you to
email our municipal clerk if you would like to be advised of when that meeting is going to take place. If you can email her, I'm sure she'd be kind enough to maintain a list and alert you. We will advertise it. We will put it on our
website. Um, we want you to know and we want you to come and but if you want a personal invitation, if we know that you want to come to speak to the Turnpike Authority, um, we want you to back us cuz we know you have a problem and we
know it's not ours to fix, it's theirs to fix. So, we can advocate. We've discussed I've discussed with the mayor and council getting our local legislators involved um our two assembly uh folks and our
state senator um getting them involved to apply some I [clears throat] don't want to say pressure but some influence upon the turnpike authority so that they're open-minded as to what's coming. So Steve, did you you asked some technical questions today?
>> Just add a couple. >> Yeah, please do. >> Us public Steve engineer with Nick Bishop. Been here several years. A lot of issues down at the turn bike authorities. A lot of people coming out about the uh flight
that we're having over there on B Avenue. This is not a new condition. We have been on the record with the turnpike authority over and over and over again before this interchange problem about the existing flooding that we're having down there. Um
the mayor has sent a very detailed uh letter of report that the solicitor and I helped with as res members of council about that existing condition. Unfortunately, it is a minor dredging on the side of the turnpike. It did not fix
the problem of the Vaughn Avenue neighborhood. And I I know there's more than just Vaughn Avenue, but this is called the Vaughn Avenue neighborhood for sake of discussion this evening. Uh since the introduction of the turnpike
entertainment expansion, we have been on several zoom calls with turnpike authority ACOM, the design engineer, Dennis Cole, their their public relations outreach coordinator, and we are on the record very specifically as
we understand you get to design your roadway under the D, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, stormwater regulations, and you can't make it any worse than it is now. We were on the record that it's been worse since the interchange was originally
constructed. They caused the difficulty with all that storm water when they did the original interchange. They had to solve that underlying problem and then also not make it any worse. They have to make it better than it is now, not just not make it any worse because that's
what the DAR right said. Can't make it any worse. And by the way, you have to make it a little bit better. We want it all the way better where it's not holding the water in what I call the triangle motel portion which is behind all the homes there between the the
motel properties and the neighborhood. That's where all the water is being held because there's a choke going through Black Bike and 168 and they tried to fix it several years ago and they we've been on the record on that portion for a while. We put a very detailed
memorandum together and a report in August of 2025 and that's all on file with the department. We reiterated again that we understand they are the turnpike authority. They are going to have the rights to make improvements to their
highway. We're not going to be able to stop them, but we want to be heard as to this is already an existing problem with drainage. Number one, you have to study that and you have to report back to us. Even though we don't get approval process, we'll get input as we have been
doing. You have to show us that you're actually doing something that is going to make it better. And we have got a concession since our August of 2025 that they have commissioned a study about that and the and the not just their
interchange and how much water is coming off of the new asphalt but what is the problem with uh the actual crossing of the route 168 and the whole flow going not only through Belmar but also on the other side of 168 which is uh running.
So, they do not have that report yet. When that report is available, I'll make sure I let the mayor and council know in the clerk and we'll be able to provide that information. Uh, the other thing that we pointed out, they had some sound studies and people probably been on their websites. Sound study was not on
the road. It was on the two roads that were closest to the black mic. We pointed that out and they had a concession today on the record that they're going to perform sound studies and the impacts to the rest of the neighborhood uh which is Von and
>> and Rob. So all the all the surrounding community now the turnover authority has standards which they're allowed to design to and that's you saw that probably on the website I hear you looking at which is like 66 dB that's actually less than the volume that I'm
talking right now but it's going to be a noise and they are going to be able to build up to that standard our job is to see anything where they're exceeding. They're only showing a little bit of exceedence right now, but that's only showing two roads. We want to see the
study for everybody that's infected in this neighborhood. So, we got a concession that they will be doing that comprehensive sales. We don't have it now, but they're going to provide it to us. The other thing is, as Howard indicated, this neighbor
[clears throat] before the interchange, our drainage pipe from those neighborhoods goes down and goes into what is considered the the turnpike right ofway. When that floods, our pipes don't work. And we understand that. We've been out to the neighborhood many times uh with
Nick and myself as well as Joanna for public works as well as many other members of uh the pro. Until that is solved where we're not holding water in this area, our pipes are never going to be able to drain. And we're on the record with that. They have
to solve that problem. It's not our we don't have the right to solve the problem, but at least we're on the record and we're on the record over and over again. And there's also an issue with sanitary sewer that really doesn't affect the residents right now, but affects our public works uh department
and our staff. When the turnpike floods, we have access roads where we have to access our sanitary sewer line so we can maintain them. It's unfair for them to try to go through two, three, four feet of water just to do normal maintenance
when we just have an average drizzle. And that's what we're experiencing here. So, we were on the record to the greatest extent possible and and and very I'm going to say this totally honestly very comprehensive engineering
terms. So our engineering terms and our engineers are talking to their engineers in their language. So the scientist manufact very very hard may be council to be on the record for Belmar of what we would
expect when this is done at the end of day. And that's that's >> and and with that I I just want to reiterate that that when we do schedule >> this public forum open public forum when they're coming down we will certainly let you know it'll be on the website but
I would love to see standing room only in this room. I mean, we want we want you to come >> to a bigger venue >> or we'll go and we would love to go to a bigger venue if if we got that kind of feedback because >> we can sit here and tell them till we're blue in the face. If they look out and
see the residents staring at them, I can't tell you that works. I I've been doing this long enough to know that when you come out, they feel it and they know it. So, we want you to be our partner in this because this is our chance to solve your problems. We're well aware of what
they are. We're willing to do what needs to be done to get things rectified. This is our time to do it. To some extent, I'm a little glad that they fell behind schedule slightly. Gives us an opportunity to gear up. So, I would encourage you to speak to all of your
neighbors and everyone in your neighborhood. And when that notice, that meeting comes out, the more the merrier. We need your support to come out because we have very limited controls over what we can tell them to they can do or not do. There's certain standards that they
have to meet, but until they look out and see these faces who are being affected by it every day, it really they really really don't make the connection. So, we want you to come out and make that connection. And we're sorry we took so much time from the public portion. I
when I saw the hands go up and there I figured that's why there were many people here. I'd ask the mayor if Steve and I could address it because perhaps and and I don't want to prevent anybody from getting up and asking questions. But I've told you everything I know >> and Steve has pretty much told you
everything he knows. And that can tell you the the officials up here only know what we've told them except for the mayor who was on the call this morning. But you know, we're pleased to do that. Answer any questions you may have. So, with that, mayor, um, we can open it up to the public, but I wanted to just make
those remarks in advance. >> Okay. At this time, we'll open it up to the public. Anyone like to come forward to the microphone? State your name and address for the record. >> Hi, I'm Patricia Burn. I live at 80 Avenue and uh, I'm the person who sent
out the flyer. So, you got flyers in your mailboxes. That was me. >> Thank you. Um, >> and you were out here before, right, ma'am? Were you here? I remember. Um, >> so I sent out 71 flyers. I walked the streets, put out 71 flyers, and I think this is a fairly good turnout.
>> Um, but most of the people had no idea about this project. Um, especially the people on Chadwick. And I have to be honest, I've never been down Chadwick except to go to Carmen's or, you know, uh, the pizza place. But when I walked that street the other day, I realized
that the house on the very corner, their sideyard is the hotel. And I'm thinking, do they even know? I mean, I don't think they even know. I don't know if they're here. If anybody in Chadwick is here, um, obviously not. But is there
any way that we can do a more formal um flyer or or announcement so that the entire area knows what's going on? Um because I think a lot of people are saying what are you talking about?
Certainly we could draft a letter for you and the residents of that area and everyone and tell them that this is happening. Sort of explain what we explained here so they know this is coming. Please come out. We could do a letter, an official letter from the bureau just to those impacted streets. [clears throat] In fact, Steve was
showing me this morning during our call to streets that are impacted by it. He he went through the slides and showed us. Okay. >> So, I think it's a very good idea and and we can get noticed to them with the intent and if you could back up that, you know, we're not your adversary in this. We're we're your advocate.
>> Well, that's what I was telling everyone. I didn't >> This isn't like an us versus you thing. This is we're all in this together versus them. that we we are not here to jump on you. We are here because >> because we can't do much anyway and now need our help. Um but I also would like
to say thank you very much to Fran. Um >> I have been bothering her since May. >> Um and she's always so kind and generous and very responsive even when she was on vacation. >> She does like that to me. >> Um she you know and and we know we love
our town and I told you that mayor months ago. We love our town. We love everything about it and all we want to do is improve upon it. Y >> um but we don't want to destroy it at the same time. So we have concerns about our wildlife and I I believe we have
someone here um from well she had to leave but maybe she's coming back. Um but she's got concerns about the the wildlife that's back there. Um, and if you, you know, you're now saying that their website is outdated, so maybe what's on there >> is not true, but um,
>> yeah, it's been revised. We confirm that there's revisions coming. >> Yeah. I mean, I had a um, a possum, no, a raccoon in in my yard who looked like it was having a seizure and so I had to call wildlife. >> Sure. Mhm. >> And he told me that he's had many of
them within the last month because whatever is back there um is infecting these animals and they don't know what to do, where to go. So, they're coming towards our property. So, that that's it was heartening. I mean, I was out there talking to this thing like it was a child. I felt so bad. But, I mean, that
that's a concern, you know? I mean, that's >> that's what they need to hear. It's exactly the stuff that we don't pick up every day that you know, that's exactly the stuff to bring. Bring it. So, I just wanted to say thank you. I appreciate all your all your efforts and especially to Fran. Um, I owe you lunch. [laughter]
>> Thank you for coming out. [applause] >> Anyone else? >> Yes. Come on. >> Hi, Linda Carbone. Roberts Avenue. Mhm. >> Um, I just want to say thank you to Fran too because I've been emailing her as well. Um, thank you very much for that update. It's very much appreciated. To
me, it just sounds like the turnpike is stonewalling everyone >> a little bit. But when I said to them, you've been messing with this town for two decades [clears throat] with this nonsense over on the other side of town and now you're going to mess with this side of town. We're done with it. >> Would it help to involve Renee and
Barington residents to show up as well? And it's funny cuz Steve's the engineer in Renee and my son who's also an attorney is their is their attorney. Okay. >> So, we do have that relationship to work with Mayor Kapatus and get that done. >> Okay. Good. Because there's a lot of homes right along the Turnpike and I
have emails from the Turnpike because I've been communicating with them at that website I was given. >> Um, they want to expand each direction 12 feet. >> Well, and I asked them, "How are you going to expand 12 feet on land that's eroding?" I mean there's a lot of questions.
>> They have a different set of problems. >> They have a lot of problems. [laughter] >> But they are also taking an active stance in trying to protect their neighbor. >> Well, we appreciate all that you're doing for us. We really do. >> We really do. We appreciate that cuz I also have an issue with rodent control.
>> I've had two rats in my house in the last two years and let me tell you the damage that a rat can cause. I mean, it's awful. So, because that was one of the other questions I had asked him. What what are you going to do about the rodent control? Let alone all the wildlife back there. You're you're destroying them.
>> So, I believe I was forwarded by Fran your email to the turn. >> Oh, where I had all my points. >> They gave you a response. >> Yeah, >> we we understand that some of those responses, at least my interpretation, were uh
more vague. >> Yes. >> From general policy than detailed answers. >> Yes. That's what we're pushing to for towards is getting the detailed answers. >> It's just so frustrating. >> Tell us about >> and they they went back they've already been back there. They're tearing down trees. They just leave that stuff,
>> you know? I mean, >> stuff that private developer could never get away with, >> right? And it's and we have to look at it. It's disgraceful. >> We hear you. >> So, but we really appreciate everything that you're doing. Good. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Fran. You're very welcome.
Anyone [applause] else? >> Man, I'm sorry, but you need to come up and give your name. >> Yeah, >> because we got to keep minutes of everybody who speaks. >> We'll need it for the turnpike. >> It's just a real quick question.
>> Mhm. >> Um, okay. I live on Lake Drive. Um, my house isn't like directly impacted by it. Um, but I wanted to know who do I email questions to regarding
um like the wildlife and the the whole building of it and where it's going to go. >> Um, do we submit them to you? >> And maybe uh Mr. Coroni, >> I have that. >> Yeah. But I believe that was on the uh website, the link where you can respond to it. Okay.
>> So on Mr. Long's U handout, there's a link. Okay. Yeah, I saw that. a spot there for you to ask questions and issue comments and those things have bleak. >> One thing that you might want to consider when they ask about the sound,
make sure they do it in the winter and not the summer. >> I I've already on the record, >> okay, >> that they indicated that there's still a lot of trees. >> Yeah, the trees in the summer block most of the noise. The trees are coming in summer in the winter. We hear everything. >> Not so great. If they're deciduous trees
and lose all their leaves, that doesn't do anything, right? So, >> majority of the trees back there lose all of their leaves. >> They they have not issued a formal sound study except for just those few streets and there was no detail to it. It was just some readings. >> Okay. >> So, we we have nothing to even comment
on at this point. >> Okay. >> But we're on the record that we need >> it would be appropriate for the Burough Belar and the residents to have that information for us to be able to express comments. Is there anybody in town that we can submit our questions to instead
of kind of >> instead of emailing them the questions so this way they can get a head start? >> I've develop I know one of their um the Dennis Coan who's president of that Phoenix strategies. I work with him in another community where he was sort of like community outreach.
>> So um >> she's going to love me for this but I love doing this. You could send him to Fran. She loves it when she gets emails. But I'd rather send Yeah, I'd rather send it all to her. >> She'll send it right out to to Dennis Coan
>> and he's the send it to him. >> He's the spokesperson for the the turn bike authority on this project. Okay. >> So he can get it into the right hands. >> Okay. But I I just didn't want them to know, you know, what our questions were. >> I'm just glad he asked to bother Fran. >> Okay. I'll bother you, Fran. Like I
don't bother you already. [laughter] >> Okay. That was it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Yes, >> Mark. Uh, Mr. Buck, did they did they give it like a time frame like when the sound studies would be completed? >> They were so tight on that.
>> Uh, >> lucky we got the other. >> Always a concern when we're dealing with a state agency and they're doing this their design. They're going to have the design very furong by the time they do the public outreach meetings. That's always been our concern and we're always
on the record saying could we have more public [snorts] outreach in the earlier part of the design. Their public outreach is I believe if I recall don't quot this but I believe at 70% mark is when they're going to have the public outreach. So they're saying fall late fall that they're going to be at that
point. That's why we were on the record in terms of the interchange project besides the drainage we've been on the record for years. But on the interchange project as early as was this time last year with a very detailed team [clears throat] will be doing your design looked at this this and this and
this. So we not going to see any detail designs or any designs probably until third fall outreach meeting. >> Okay. >> I wouldn't expect to see anything on the website until that either. >> How did you re reach out to the New Jersey DP commissioner and others off this book otherwise by chance?
>> Not yet. No. First, I wanted to get a handle from the N uh from the Turnpike Authority as to where they are with it. And where they are with it was a bunch of mish mash of nothing and just redesigned and it wouldn't give us any dates. In fact, Mayor Steve brings up a
good point with um with your permission with permission of council. I'd like to write to the folks that we met with today and ask them to do a public outreach here, a public forum here before they complete the design plan so
they can get the input and then again after they develop the design plans. They should this a major project with millions and millions of dollars >> and it's going to impact you. You should have them put before and after. So if council's amanable to that I would ask
for the authority to send that out >> definitely. >> Thank you. >> And Har and from the Zoom meetings before we have done that already. Their policies are what they're following and they don't do it. And that's and that's
what's frustrating to us as your fur representatives in support of your mayor and counsel. But I would re reiterate that and maybe you could add maybe some people to the CC. >> Oh, I know exactly what you're talking about. >> But we've been asking for that since we
heard about the inqu and as a burrow and is not happening and that's that's the frustrating part. So hopefully they're they're going to address our concerns. >> Go ahead. >> I'm Rich Huff. I'm right on Sullivan
Avenue. Who determined who's what streets are going to be impacted >> in terms of >> with this [clears throat] development like Sullivan Avenue, Vaughn Lake? Who who's determined them or the >> Well, we know from from uh experience of
uh which roads are flooding, >> right? >> And where that's occurring. So, we know that which is really that loop around B Avenue that goes up until >> Lake Lake. We know that that's happening on a day-to-day basis. Rain, we know that our
sanitary lines in easements along with what is considered right now the motel properties are underwater. Every time we have a drizzle that's been getting steadily worse and worse and worse and that needs to be addressed. So, we have put that on the record based on our
experience as being in the burrow. >> Okay. >> In terms of the sound analysis, they have said they were going to be doing the neighborhood. That's what they said. I do not know that it's finally going to look like, but I would expect at least all the perimeter properties that are
going to be adjacent to what will now be turnike property, which is a good portion of the motel properties where they're going [clears throat] to be doing this new uh offramp with the turn bike configuration that they should have them all listed and have some data.
>> Okay. So, we're we were >> I mean, they're just talking about you're just talking about the flooding and the sound, but what about visual? I mean, it's going to be an elevated >> Well, this >> they insisted it wasn't right, Steve. That was the one thing they did say. >> They insisted and and I just want to
caution all the and if I may, just caution all the residents when fuel guys are out there. I'm I'm an engineer. I have surveyors that work for me. I caution them at all times. Please, if you don't have information, be respectful to the to all the residents.
If you don't have the information, don't guess. >> And I think there's some, at least according to the turnpike, there is not going to be an elevation to the uh the the new offramp or the interchange, it's going to be at the same elevation as the
turn bike is, >> which is still high, >> right? Which is still high. All right. [clears throat] And when it crosses what I call the lowline triangle area that it's holding all the water right now that is going to be at least according to the limited graphics which I think is
now on the website that is going to be on uh pilasters or on columns and then it's going to come back to grade at the what is the existing motel property grade. There were some conversations and I saw many emails that it's going to be as
high as the rooftops that was asked very specifically uh uh at our [snorts] meeting today with the turn bike. They said that is not the case. However, I don't have real plans. Okay. >> All I have is an August rendering and that was also a concern that was raised
by our solicitor with our clerk of we don't have any information that went out last week. >> Yep. So we we are told it's not going to be effort but we don't have any information. >> Yes. Okay. >> As soon as we have information everybody
will have information. >> Anyone else? >> I'm Anthony Davyy 1144 Vaughn. Um, I had a lot of questions tonight, but you can't answer a lot of them, so I'll just keep it short. Who currently owns the wetlands and the hotels behind Von
[snorts] Avenue? >> Well, they're negotiated is because they're having difficulty obtaining title to the hotels. >> Okay. >> And they're negotiating with them presently to acquire that property. Um, the other area, I assume, the wetlands
adjacent to the turnpike, Steve. The wetlands adjacent to the turnpike is turnpike >> property property >> I would think so. >> So it's either turnpike right away right now and their property >> the and wherever the the property line is with the motel right now it's still
under private ownership as of today's 11:00 conference. >> Yeah. >> Uh but they're working to acquire that. So that will be for all intents and purposes in the future that will be turnpike property. Now, does the turnpike have to follow uh wetland
guideline guidelines? So, they can't just willy-nilly go through there and do whatever they want. >> They I just want to say this, they have to follow all the guidelines. >> Okay. There is always permits that can be obtained and we saw this with the
missing moose project where you saw things that are happening on the missing moose project that a person would never think would be possible in terms of going through wetlands and marsh lands. There are procedures for them to follow. They have to follow all those procedures. Uh but I can't say they
can't impact the wetlands. Now, this is a dumb question or a dumb dumb statement, but I assume they know there's a giant gas man back there, right, that goes under that order. >> They they know they're they're they are actually involved in the utility. Uh
besides gas, there's also uh >> regional sewers. There's also local sewage. There's aluh there's also many other utilities back there. I can't speak to their actual knowledge, but I know it's been discussed at previous conference calls [snorts] with that that
there is concern. >> And does the turnpike need burrow approval for things going through the wetlands or the hotel parking lot >> since they wouldn't need burrow approval >> because it's private property. They would own it. >> Mhm. They're superior to us and so they get to tell us what they're doing.
>> Okay. >> They they don't need approval or mutual approval. >> So their final say is the final say. Mhm. >> That's why your attendance >> the public comment and outreach especially to them and also to our legislators
>> is what needs to drive this hopefully to a better conclusion [clears throat] for >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you sir. >> Thank you. >> Sure can come up. Sorry, I just had a thought. Um, Patricia Burn, 8 Bone
Avenue. Um, when they do come to this meeting, is it possible for them to have a 3D >> drawing of what we want you to come with the detailed so we can look at? >> Yeah, absolutely.
>> Hi. >> Hi, >> Teresa Okonnell. I live at 92 Vaughn. My question is, and I'm only asking this because something that happened a couple years ago, is there anyone looking at what it means for the integrity of the
foundation of our homes with the construction of that? And I'm only asking because a couple years a sorry, a couple years ago, they were doing construction on 9inth Avenue in Renee and our houses were shaking from across
the turnpike. and I have video of my house shaking. >> So, I'm concerned being right there. >> Good point. >> What does that do to the integrity of our foundations of our homes? >> That's a great question to ask him, but I want to give you a little bit of advice on preventative measures.
>> I would strongly suggest that before they do any work, you take pictures of your foundations on all sides. And then if after the work there's a crack or something that was not there 3 months ago when you took the pictures after they're done their heavy
construction. >> Mhm. >> Well, we know where it was caused by. So I would encourage all of you if you're within fairly close proximity to the work that's going on. >> Take those photographs >> inside and out to determine if there's any issues.
>> Our homes are shaking from work that's done across the turnpike. Imagine what we're going to feel right there. >> That's a per, you know, you go first and leave with that question. That's a great question. >> And I do have video. I have video. I put a glass of water on my countertop and it
was shaking and I remember Linda was at home and she's like, "What is going on? My whole house is shaking." I thought and I was like, I thought it was just me. >> That's a great question. So, >> it's one we didn't even think specific questions. Uh what was done by not the turnpike authority but another agency
the New Jersey Department of Transportation as part of the missing moose project >> is they uh should be following a similar protocol and actually having seismic seismic stations
>> right along the construction zone. Um, and they should be able to give at least their policy >> and to ask for their written policy. Ask them what they're doing. Are they doing this? Are they doing that? They should be able to give it to you in writing, not just say, "Oh, we're going to take care of it." Okay? >> That's what we brought up during the
missing moose project, especially right along Belmar Park because there a lot of the older homes there, the ones they took, >> but was right up against the sound walls. >> Yeah. >> Cuz it's not just during construction either. like that once they build this
road, this road stays there. So, it's the constant after the construction is done >> that we're also going to >> We don't have the answer, but that's the question that should be asked. >> Okay. And I have a lot of questions about that sound study. But my other thing too, >> the lack of [laughter]
>> Yes. I think they're really going to be sneaky is the timing they do that, the length of time that they do that. But my other thing too is being so close to that turn pike is what they are going to do since they're taking the trees down about the pollution
>> coming off of the highway after that. >> If they're taking down all these trees, that's our barrier from not only noise but pollution. >> They indicated at least one conversation today that they're not doing a wholesale removal of trees. Uh but that is based
on an artist rendering. Please bring this up on the public forum and hopefully we have more than just >> a pretty picture from a thousand well actually probably 2,000 feet away. >> We need some detailed information of exactly what they're doing. >> Right. Okay. Yeah. Cuz I know somebody
took a bunch of trees down and I see more of the turnpike now than I have in my whole 25 years of living >> where I live. It's crazy. Crazy. But thank you. >> Thank you. Yeah.
[clears throat] >> And the domain. [cough] >> Yes. >> So they can take somebody's partial somebody's property if they really wanted to. >> Yep. >> And is nothing we the borrower can do about it? >> Nope. >> But they have just cause. I mean they
have to prove why they would be taking purpose is what they have to prove. And if they say it's to facilitate improvements to a state highway, that's a public purpose. >> And I assume that they would. >> So the low threshold, you know what it really is? They have the authority to do it. It's just a question of how much.
>> Unfortunately, when there's condemnation issues, that's why, you know, I always recommend my clients, don't condemn. Don't ever condemn. >> Would they pay for for something? They can't just take it from you, right? Can they? >> They [snorts] must pay you your fair market. highest best use
>> and the burrow will be losing money also. >> Yep. >> Hello. My name is Tom Johnson, Old Kings Highway. Thank you for the opportunity. Uh we're get we're experiencing flooding
Old Kings Highway and Leeds because you can see as the storm waters coming up and we've had the stuff coming over the sidewalk probably six or seven times this year with the rains that we've had. So, it's it's we're further up from the turnpike, but we're still seeing the
water being back up over the curb and stuff after the rains. >> I'll take a look at this. I'm not familiar right now with anything Kings Highway >> Kings Highway and Lee because you can see it goes right down to the turn pipe >> and then makes the makes the right and follows all the way down. What I would
like to say in terms of storm water >> since the storm water and I'm going to use a >> ditch along the turnpike is not really functioning well. It's not right is not really being maintained and it has doesn't have the capacity that
backwaters everything that should be draining to it and we've been on the record for years that it's not working right now. It's not being maintained. It's not big enough >> and that is continued concern because
>> we can't train to it if there's no room left in. >> I agree. >> And that's what's happening. >> I agree. >> Do we know who are the actual users of the interchange? Where do they come from? Where are their where their destinations going? Because I don't know if there was a traffic study done
because I don't see the amount of traffic coming through there as residents of Belmar. Are they going somewhere 295 42? Are they heading to Philly? Are they heading somewhere else? If a traffic [clears throat] study was was done on something like that, I mean, we're just the interim.
>> They just do volume. They don't do destination. They don't tell you where they say who's. They say how much of what vehicle is passing through. >> Okay. So, they didn't. Okay. So, has anybody looked at actually moving
the interchange? >> We It was uh asked actually by some of the residents. I think it was Linda [clears throat] you know, can you move it down? >> Can you move it someplace else? >> Because because from what I see, most people are going to 295 or they're
taking a shortcut through the to the through the industrial park to go to 42. >> Why can't they do it with the construction that they have down there on Creek Road already? >> We asked actually, Gosh, >> can I answer that one? >> We actually asked him one of our
meetings, >> they could move it closer down >> Ben Cord Ben Peningo Boulevard. where you would have access right to 42. You right on Bango Boulevard and you ignore the Black Horse Pike completely >> and
>> 42 295 now you got the interchange you go beat the way >> right >> it's the perfect answer >> I think that was four or five years ago >> and they said no it was a while ago >> yeah it was one of our first meetings we had >> one said even before some of them making moves >> right because even if they improve the
interchange itself nothing's going to be done to get from 168 down to uh 295 five or the 42 except that you're going to have more people coming in saying, "Oh, we have a new interchange. Now, we can use that and we're just going to have more traffic." >> You're going to have long longer
stacking lines than >> Okay. Until they widen the Black Horse Pike to to [clears throat] three lanes each way. >> It's useless. >> Right. >> Because you're going to come off the turnpike and you're still going to sit there. >> But winding three lanes is going to
destroy the center of town. So, >> Mhm. There's no plans right now for widening the three lanes. [laughter] >> No. >> That's not happening. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> I remember that. We asked them to move >> to move down. >> Yep. >> I just wanted to thank Teresa because I
live across the street from her. I totally forgot about that incident a couple years ago because I actually they were putting pilings in 9th Avenue. Yeah, I >> drove over. >> I have one of those jewelry boxes, you know, furniture that sits on. It was moving across the floor.
>> That's how bad it is. And that's across the Tur Pike. >> I totally forgot about that. >> Yeah, >> but I have pictures. This is what my yard looked like after we had a flash flood one night. >> This was my side. Yeah, I think a couple of you were out there that day after
that. I mean, that's my side yard. And I understand there the occasion where the cars were submerged and some of the cars were floating. >> Oh yeah. >> And I I was I've been there and I saw >> at that intersection at Vaughn and Roberts and like said it's going further
and further up. So >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Jim Doyles, uh Glen View Avenue. Um, most of you know me and what I'm about and I found out um, Councilman Hobin. I
don't believe I've had the pleasure. Jim Doyle, pleasure to meet you. >> Nice to meet you. >> Um, I think that almost all of you guys know that I'm about national debt and the elimination thereof. I don't know that you are, but I brought you something.
Would you pass this to him, please? I had these made at Parole Printing here in town. Got it. >> They look like coupons, but they're really identifiers. about oh I guess maybe a year ago I talked to Maria and I
said look what I want to do with these coupons or these identifiers is I want to start a campaign so that the money that we're currently using has direction of specificity like this because it's only going to go against
the debt if you say that it's going to go against the debt. I found out that I've now been on this crusade to end the debt for 20 years, not the 10 that I thought, which is something remarkable to me that I could miss 10 years of my
life. Um, the reason that I wanted to speak today was because we have a national birthday coming up, July 4th, and it's 250 years since the start of this country. Uh so that you guys know in case you didn't,
I'm a honorably discharged Army veteran and the country means a lot to me. The direction of the country means a lot to me and I can't tell you how uh encouraged I am and pleased about the unity that we have here in this room.
seeing everything that you're doing with the residents of a neighborhood in Belmar that I'm not familiar with, about how you're standing up for them and about how they're coming forward [cough] and and responding to that. I love the
unity of the police force, of all 21 of the um you know, of the troopers here, you know, acknowledging the new chief. I'm going to miss Bill Pera. I'll let you know because Bill [clears throat] Per was with me when I started this kind of a thing. Um,
I wrote it I wrote a couple of notes down so pardon me for a second. I think that we all know that you you don't really you don't really change a system by keeping it the same. If you have a
system that always causes debt, no matter how much you pay into it, which is what the national debt is, you have to come up with a system that is different than what you're dealing with.
Okay? We we know that doing the same thing over and over with and expecting different results isn't, you know, the definition. Okay? We've heard it plenty of times in this area, right? So, what I want to do is propose something different. I'm not I I wish I
could say that I fall in line with most things. I do. I went to high school. I went to college. Went to the army. Stayed married to the same woman for 32 years. Lived in this city for 25 26 this August.
And I wish that I did not have to have the uh the drive and ambition that I have about solving this problem because I see solutions. And it it it really uh pains me, got to be honest with you, it
pains me that I have to fall into the system that is currently in play that still causes debt. I have to do it. I don't want to do it. I want to work to get out of debt the way that most people
do, right? These coupons are a way of doing that, >> but there's a better solution than these coupons, as a matter of fact. And before July 4th, I'd like to talk with e anybody in the council that would like
to entertain how we can overcome the system at work. Now, one of the great things about the debt, if you want to call it that, is that we're all in it together, whether we know it or not.
And because of that unity in that collection, we can actually change the system, which is what we have to do if [clears throat] you want to work out of the debt. Okay. >> I was going to be bold cuz that's my
nature and ask for an ordinance, but I know that that's not a one night thing. Pretty sure I' I've never had to ask for an ordinance before. >> But the ordinance that I was going to ask you wouldn't be about like a a defensive ordinance like you can't go
into the park after dusk kind of an ordinance. It would be an ordinance to say that what I'm doing or what we're doing for anybody that's joining in with this would be okay to do it. That there's nothing wrong with doing it
because what we're doing is pursuing a future that is not built on debt, but it is built on the unity of the people. And that's where I stand. >> Okay. >> I love doing what I'm doing. I've never I've never not felt encouraged to keep
going the way. >> Yeah, he's right on it. >> Typically, we do have a five minute time before we go, but you can wrap up some other things to do. Thank you. >> Um, one thing we deal with a subtractive economy and
I'm I'll keep this brief. A subtractive economy right now is we charge for what we make. we have um an amount that we come up with and then we subtract for the services. It's exactly what Maria just showed us, right? You collect this money and you divide it. But the system
that I'm proposing with one of you guys' help hopefully [clears throat] is an additive economy where it doesn't really matter the money that you make. It's the people that you have. And that's the main point because if you have the people, you can change it. You could
change the economy. Without the people, you can't do anything, >> right? >> That's all I got. >> Okay. Thank you, Jim. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else for public portion? >> You're in. >> Hi, my name is Mike O'Brien. I'm on 139 Lake Drive.
>> Uh, I was anticipating the turnp committee people being here today. So, the last two days I composed this letter with basically all our concerns and you probably saw it being passed around today. Everybody put their name and
address and probably some comments. So, now everybody's out of here. Uh, and there's no turnpike people here. What can we do with everything that's signed? >> Well, over one is benefit. [clears throat]
>> Okay. to make sure you have that when we have the public outreach. >> We're not expecting to see representatives on turnpike until the fall, late fall, >> but if you have any comments or concerns based on any information, please be in
communication and use their form. I would suggest if you wanted to copy our clerk so our mayor council and our professor is [clears throat] aware. >> Okay. But I think that would be appropriate for him. Is that correct?
>> Okay. All right. All right. That's all I have. Good. Thank you. >> I can just say everything that we've been receiving we've been forwarding to Assemblyman Melon's office so he's aware of everything. >> Awesome. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Anyone else from the public? Okay, we'll close. Thank you all for coming out. Thank you all for coming out. >> [clears throat] >> We're going to well business Fran >> new well business m >> new business >> new business we have
a few ordinances that are solicited >> so first we have mayor is ordinance 01 col01-26 our 2026 salary ordinance for the bureau of Belmar um these are all second readings >> yes >> so we need to have a open up for a public hearing mayor close it and then
proceed with the adoption if you're so inclined >> okay time we open up to the public on the ordinance. Any questions? Hearing nothing from the public. Close the public portion. Entertain a motion. >> So, >> second.
>> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo? >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans? >> Yes. >> Councilman Fina? >> Yes. >> Councilman Hogen? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm? >> Yes. >> Next is uh again for second reading 05 col 11-26. bond ordinance authorizing
the acquisition of various capital equipment and the completion of various capital improvements in and for the burrow of Bmar County of Canada, New Jersey, appropriating the sum of 2,756,000. Therefore authorizing the issuance of general obligation or bond anticipation notes to the bureau of Belmar County of
Camden, New Jersey and the aggregate principal amount of $2,720,700 making certain determinations and covenants and authorizing certain related action in connection with the forego same program. >> Open up public portion. Any questions on
the ordinance? Hearing none, close the public portion. Entertain a motion. >> Second. >> Second. Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. Yes. >> Councilman Evans. >> Yes. >> Councilman Fina. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Hogan. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm. >> Yes. >> Next is 0613-26. I'm sorry. Did I skip one? >> Yeah. I'm [clears throat] sorry. 0512-26. bod ordinance authorizing supplemental funding for the completion of capital
improvements to the water utility system in and for the burrow of Belmar County of Camden, New Jersey, appropriating the sum of $520,000. Therefore, authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds or bond participation notes to the burrow of Belmar County of Camden, New Jersey, and the aggregate principal
amount of 520,000 making certain determinations of covenants and authorizing certain related actions and connections with the foregoing. >> Open up to the public. Any comment on the ordinance? Hearing nothing from the public. Close public portion. Entertain a motion.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fina. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hovind. >> Yes. >> Councilman Roh. >> Yes.
>> Next we have 06 col13-26. An ordinance creating chapter 444 entitled establishment of recreation committee of the burough balmar county of Camden [clears throat] new state of New Jersey >> open up to the public. Any comment from the public
hearing? None. Close the public portion. Entertain a motion. >> So move. Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. Yes. Councilman Evans. Yes. >> Council. Yes. >> Councilman Hoben. >> Yes. Councilman Wilhham.
>> Yes. And the last ordinance is 0614-26 an ordinance creating chapter 445 entitled youth sports code of conduct in the burrow of Belmar County of Camden in the state of New York. >> Open up to the public portion. Any
comment on the ordinance hearing? None. Close public portion. Entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Vider. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans. Yes. >> Counciloman Fina. Yes. >> Councilman Hovind. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Wilhham. >> Yes. >> Next we have resolutions on a consent agenda 061. Oop sorry. 06107-26 to including 06118 26. >> Want to entertain a motion?
>> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call for him. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans. >> Yes. Councilman Fina, >> yes. >> Councilman Hoben, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm, >> yes.
>> Next, we have resolutions 06119-26 to including 06124-26. These are all active renewal licenses for liquor license. >> Entertain a motion. So, second. >> Roll call.
>> Councilman Ber. Yes. Councilman D'Angelo, >> yes. >> Councilman Evans, >> yes. >> Councilman Fina, >> yes. >> Councilman Hovind, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm, >> yes. >> Resolution 0612526. Resolution renewing preliminary retail
distribution license for Belmar Redevelopment Partners for the period of July 1, 2026 to June 30th, 2027. This is unsighted a pocket license. Mayor, at this point in time, um, we are
considering only renewal of the license only. There are pending persontoerson, place-toplace transfers, um, in which they're seeking to move that license to a different location to sell it. >> Um, our action here by in no means um,
is intended to impact their request for transfer uh, either to a person or to a site. We're taking no action with respect to that. this evening. However, we are renewing the underlying license. Just want to make sure that's clear.
>> Entertain a motion. >> So move. Need a second. Second. Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. [clears throat]
Councilman D'Angelo, >> before I vote on this, could could you just explain to me how council again we're approving the license? The license will remain in pocket and
and which we can do. We have the authorization under the new law to do. also have discussed that anything that's been in pocket for over eight years, we have an opportunity to uh not renew it and take possession of it. Um we're not
there yet on this one, but we do have the authority to just renew a pocket license for an additional year until we get to that 8-year limitation. Then we can take some more aggressive action. >> So, this does not approve moving a license or selling a license. It just
approves the renewal thereof. Can we stop a sale or can we stop a movement of a license? >> Well, we're not going to approve that. So, essentially, we are stopping it at this point um on this particular license with the intended [clears throat] consequence of sale to person and and
removal to another location. Um, I've engaged the ABC specifically and I know that they uh reached out to our police department and are investigating the underlying intent. And it's not that anything did any anybody did anything criminal. I don't want to suggest that.
But there are rules and rags that need to be followed with uh plenary retail distribution uh licenses um and consumption licenses. They all have specific purposes and we're gonna stick with the law and what those purposes ought to be.
>> Okay. Thanks. Yes. Yes. >> Councilman Evans. >> No. >> Councilman Fina. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hoben. >> No. >> Student government.
Councilman Wilhelm. >> No. >> Mayor. >> Mayor, we have a tie. >> That's a first. >> There it is. >> Yeah. Good lure. Yes. >> Uh the only time the mayor votes in a in a um in our form of government, our burough form of government is when it's
a three-3 tie and he just exercises his authority right there. >> So the motion >> 43. Yes. >> Resolution 0612626. Resolution appointing two part-time EMT positions [clears throat] for the bar of
Belmar Fire Department. >> Place the names of Thomas Chadwick and Zach Rose. >> Entertain a motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans. Yes. >> Councilman Fina.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Hovind. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm. >> Yes. >> Resolution 0612726. Resolution for appointment of two part-time employees for the Ber of Belmar Department public works the highway department
>> place in names of Ryan Wolf and Hayden Chulo >> entertain a motion >> second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans. [clears throat] Councilman Fina. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hovind. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm.
>> Yes. >> Resolution 0612826. Resolution for appointment of a full-time EMT for the Ber Belmar Fire Department. >> I place the name of Elena Laflur. >> Entertain a motion. >> Second. Roll call.
>> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. Yes. >> Councilman Evans. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fina. >> Yes. Sorry. Councilman Hoben. >> Yes. Councilman Wilhelm. >> Yes. Resolution 06129
resolution for appointment of two full-time fire fighter fire [clears throat] inspector inspector positions for the Barra Balmer Fire Department. >> Place the names of Matthews Stout and Justin Day. Entertain a motion.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Evans. Yes. Councilman Fina, >> yes. >> Councilman Huben, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm, >> yes. >> Resolution 0613026, resolution authorizing the
[clears throat] execution of an employment contract by and between the Barrower of Belmar and Chief Keith Williams. >> Maintain a motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. Yes. Councilman D'Angelo. Yes. Councilman Evans. Yes.
Councilman Fina. Yes. Councilman Hilen. Yes. >> Councilman Wilhelm. >> Yes. Resolution 0613126 resolution [clears throat] reappoint of municipal court judge for Belmar Municipal Court
>> the name of N. Ryan Treybos. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo >> abstain. >> Councilman Evans. Yes. Councilman Fina, >> yes. >> Councilman Hovind, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilhorn, >> yes. [clears throat]
>> Resolution 061326, resolution approving June bill last 1,795,41.76. So >> move second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Ber. >> Yes. >> Councilman D'Angelo. Yes. >> Councilman Evans. Yes. >> Councilman Fina. Yes.
>> Councilman Hovind. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilhham. >> Yes. >> That's [clears throat] all I have. Ner. >> Having no further business. entertain a motion for adjournment. >> So move >> second roll in >> favor. I >> I meeting a term. Thank you both
so now you got to work. [laughter] >> Now you can't sit around cuz then you're waiting to do all day. >> You need to be you need to be productive. >> I know Craig, you know that, right?