WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=Ng2C-E08-is

Part: 1

1
00:00:01.400 --> 00:00:17.200
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided to the Coast Star, the official newspaper of the Borough of Belmar, and the Asbury Park Press, and notice of this meeting was posted on the Borough's website and at the municipal building. Take roll call.

2
00:00:17.200 --> 00:00:35.360
Councilman Kenny? >> Here. >> Councilman DeBlasio? >> Here. >> Councilman Maroney? >> Here. >> Mayor Donovan? >> Here. >> Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

3
00:00:35.360 --> 00:00:58.350
and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please remain standing for a moment of silence for our troops, their families, and our first responders. Thank you. >> [clears throat]

4
00:01:06.240 --> 00:01:22.000
>> Okay, we will move on to workshop discussion. Um first, I would like to review and vote on nominations to fill our unexpired council seat. >> I received an email from the Belmar Democratic Committee nominating um

5
00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:43.520
three people to fill your council seat. They are Johanna Ruber Robinson, Barry Lubin, and Mark Spagnuolo. >> I would like to make a motion for Johanna Ruber Robinson. Hearing none, I would like to make a motion for Barry

6
00:01:43.520 --> 00:02:58.600
Lubin. >> Second. >> Councilman Kenny? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman DeBlasio? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Moroney? >> Yes. >> Mayor Donovan? >> Yes. >> [applause] >> You would like your

7
00:02:58.600 --> 00:03:19.840
>> I would like your assistance. >> On my honor? >> Always. >> Okay. >> I, Barry >> I, Barry Lubin >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the constitutions of the United States

8
00:03:19.840 --> 00:03:36.480
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the state of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same

9
00:03:36.480 --> 00:03:51.840
>> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and in the state >> and in the state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully

10
00:03:51.840 --> 00:04:10.867
>> impartially and justly >> impartially and justly >> perform all the duties of council member >> perform all the duties of council member >> to the best of my ability. >> to the best of my ability. SO HELP ME

11
00:04:10.867 --> 00:05:15.600
>> [applause] [applause] [applause] >> OKAY. WELL, FIRST FOR WORKSHOP, I'D LIKE TO JUST go through the agenda and then we'll move on to a discussion on limiting construction hours on holidays and weekends, which I know Councilman that you have been on the zoning board

12
00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:36.400
and have a thorough understanding of the issue. Okay. So first with the consent agenda, we have our usual resolutions authorizing the payment of bills and authorizing funds. The next one is a resolution that

13
00:05:36.400 --> 00:05:55.080
resolution author authorizing a 25-day extension to third quarter property taxes. This means that they will be granted until August 24th with no additional grace period. Next one is a resolution uh amending our minor land use application fees. This

14
00:05:55.080 --> 00:06:11.240
will be a matter of the heels of our last council meeting. Uh this one says that applicants that require review of three or more times will be charged an additional fee for each additional review. We then have the special events. This will include the Lake Como Day 5K, uh

15
00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:30.040
9th Avenue Cure Mini Golf Fundraiser, the Fallen Heroes 5K, the Borough Town Fall Wide Yard Sale, and the Sand in the Air Festival, which will take place on September 19th this year with a rain date of the 20th. We have an authorization for a change

16
00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:48.760
order for the new boardwalk bathroom. Uh to clarify, this doesn't add any additional fees or payments from the borough, um and that borough that project is slated for completion in mid-late August. Now we have ordinances. These are second readings. Uh the first one is that bond

17
00:06:48.760 --> 00:07:03.360
uh >> [clears throat] >> bond ordinance that includes uh two Durangos for the police department, various improvements to the DPW building, turnout gear for the fire department, resurfacing and drainage improvements to 6th Avenue, which is

18
00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:19.320
covered by a DOT grant, resurfacing to 8th Avenue from Ocean to D. Uh that also includes drainage improvements and landscaping, which is also covered by a DOT grant, um replacing the municipal roof, and uh matching funds for the Shark River Basin

19
00:07:19.320 --> 00:07:36.600
grant. We also have a second reading of an ordinance that makes some transparency changes to our municipal structure. These say that any applications made for development must be submitted electronically to the borough clerk, then sent to council. The zoning officer

20
00:07:36.600 --> 00:07:53.920
must create a monthly report and share it with council, and then the borough attorney must make quarterly reports about any pending litigation and the bureau engineer must make quarterly reports as well. And finally, we have another ordinance. This is also the second reading which amends our municipal code clarifying

21
00:07:53.920 --> 00:08:08.400
that the council with two-thirds of the vote, which would be four votes, has the authority to remove the borough administrator. And I said this last time, but I also want to say again that these are all designed so that there are no surprises and that there's transparency

22
00:08:08.400 --> 00:08:25.400
between mayor and council, all of our department heads, that we're all working together, and that each member of our staff is accountable to the full governing body. >> [clears throat] >> Finally, we also have an ordinance. This is also like the previous resolution. This

23
00:08:25.400 --> 00:08:42.440
establishes license fees that would be $50 for mercantile licenses, $50 during the first 30 days, and $100 after 30 days that they're late. And then finally, we have re new ordinance which is authorizing our

24
00:08:42.440 --> 00:08:58.080
SMER SA agreement. SMER SA is the Southern Monmouth Sewer Agency. This is basically consolidates our existing agreement and five addendums that have been added on over time, but makes no other real changes. So,

25
00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:15.640
moving on then to our workshop discussion, which is a discussion limiting construction hours on holidays and weekends. This was brought up by a resident during our last council meeting and we will open it up to today's discussion. >> I announced that I have to abstain from this because I own a construction

26
00:09:15.640 --> 00:09:33.040
company, so if you see my teeth grinding, it's because I'm not allowed to talk. >> Well, I think it's a good idea. I don't think we should have construction vehicles on holidays and weekends, so I'm I'm all in favor of this. Was there going to be specific holidays or going to be all summer

27
00:09:33.040 --> 00:09:49.480
holidays? What were the What's the bonds. in the summer? I thought the easy way to start was federal holidays. So, um that would include the summer holidays, it would also include Christmas, it would include um yeah, Thanksgiving. Uh these are

28
00:09:49.480 --> 00:10:05.000
this also our borough attorney sent out a memo about it because it was notable that our construction um was mostly contained within our noise ordinance. So, we'd have to be very careful about thinking about what constitutes professional construction

29
00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:21.280
versus personal construction and how we um either we if we delineate between those two or if we don't. >> Yeah, one of the examples that was cited in what we received from uh Mr. McGill was it was if it was on a structure.

30
00:10:21.280 --> 00:10:36.360
But, they made the point that you somebody could jackhammer a piece of um sidewalk outside a house during a holiday and that would technically not meet the the standard of being against law. So, um the fact that we're just going to kind of do it on a on a broad base, I

31
00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:51.400
think is the way to go. >> And as far as that goes, wouldn't that uh Mr. McGill go against our noise ordinance anyway? Or if they have a a permit for construction? >> Well, the odd thing about putting it in

32
00:10:51.400 --> 00:11:07.960
the noise ordinance is that noise is noise ordinance is to control noise, not construction. So, um I I think what we we have to do is it'd be a great argument if somebody's doing construction the noise ordinance goes to what it is,

33
00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:23.839
the court judges. Yeah, we would technically have to say well, it was noise essentially, but it was construction. But, we have other ordinances that deal with construction, although they limit the time. Um we have two, they're inconsistent.

34
00:11:23.839 --> 00:11:40.040
Um one is seven starts at 7:00 in the morning, the other starts at 9:00 in the morning. Um so, I think what we really have to do is take it Well, I don't know if we have to really take it out of the noise because maybe

35
00:11:40.040 --> 00:12:01.440
we want to write that ticket, but >> [clears throat] >> we really need to get it into either Well, there's one in the traffic section or probably in the The other one is in the street and excavation side walks and curbs, but

36
00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:19.720
maybe we need to find another home for for it. And our ordinances and has to be all one place and has to say what we want to say based on days, times, holidays, types of work. We have an exception in the noise

37
00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:34.600
ordinance for people They Homeowners can do their own work on a Sunday. Um Yeah, provided they don't have a contractor. Now, I I don't like that because I

38
00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:50.280
actually live next to a contractor. >> [laughter] >> And I cannot participate in this. I pretty much have free reign. So, we need to figure out what we want to do in that regard. And the other is that

39
00:12:50.280 --> 00:13:10.080
you can do work inside. I don't know if we want to do that. >> I also point out that one of the reasons that the resident was prompted to come and talk to us about that is because of the parking issue. So, even if they're doing work indoors and there's no noise on federal holiday, they may still

40
00:13:10.080 --> 00:13:25.280
prompt a parking issue, particularly if we're talking about equipment and I forget what the term of art here is. It's not serviceable vehicles, but a front loader versus a van. >> You're looking at me like I'm going to be any help.

41
00:13:25.280 --> 00:13:44.080
>> Keith, are you seeing any enforcement issues you can flag here as we're thinking about this? >> I don't I guess it's >> Any enforcement issues? >> No, I mean if we get a if we get a call for a noise or construction, 2:00 in the morning hours, they're not supposed to be doing that, but

42
00:13:44.080 --> 00:14:02.600
we'll um we'll go and check it out. >> This would basically mean we would have to change the ordinance for parking to no commercial vehicles on the street on a federal holiday, also, correct? Is that kind of the direction we're going with that, also? >> I'm sorry, can you

43
00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:21.720
>> So, you know how our ordinance has we can't have commercial vehicles overnight on weekends, right? >> Okay. >> So, that would include now, if we wanted to say no commercial vehicles on a federal holiday, also. >> Right, we can do that, yes. >> Sounds like we want to move forward with

44
00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:36.360
this. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> So, if if I could get some directions to what you want to do, um so I can amend the ordinances accordingly.

45
00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:52.560
You want me to put together a an ordinance dealing with all these issues, and and we'll put it in the ordinance where it makes sense, and repeal what doesn't make sense, and um I'll have the ordinance it it you know,

46
00:14:52.560 --> 00:15:08.600
in in whatever how many paragraphs it it takes, but it'll it'll be um all consolidated. You can look at it, you don't like some of it, just take it out, you want to put something else in, and then we can correct it that way.

47
00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:27.160
>> Sounds good, and then we should have a um more easily accessible version to update all of our potential construction companies around, so they understand the new rules. >> It would be nice to notify, there's a lot of those. You know, it's like that's the law,

48
00:15:27.160 --> 00:15:43.280
that's the law and you can't say you didn't know. >> I don't know if I'm in the business of asking lawyers to read easily accessible things, but we can work on it. >> Yeah. >> Contractors should look up the town ordinances. I mean, contractors should look up the town ordinances. We work in all the towns, everyone's different. Uh so >> Well, I suppose they should be

49
00:15:43.280 --> 00:15:58.560
responsible to look that up. >> Well, I suppose instead it should be aimed at residents then so they're aware of what they're entitled to. >> Yeah. You can put it on on the website. You can put a sign and notice up that the ordinances have changed because I understand you know, they

50
00:15:58.560 --> 00:16:14.520
they're operating under the old rules. They're not going to check on ordinances. Um but yeah, so as a you know, courtesy um put up a you know, just a notice saying rules have changed. I don't know if you want to post the rules or

51
00:16:14.520 --> 00:16:30.960
>> Aesthetic-styled graphic. >> Um Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Thank you, George. Mr. Miguel. All right. At this point we can close workshop. Do we have any petitions? Mayor, I did not receive any petitions.

52
00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:52.000
Having no petitions, we can move on to approval of minutes. I have a motion to approve the July 14th minutes. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mr. Levin. >> Abstain. >> [laughter] >> Councilwoman McKinney.

53
00:16:52.000 --> 00:17:13.000
>> Yes. >> Councilman DeBlasio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Maroney. >> Yes. >> Mayor Donovan. >> Yes. >> [clears throat] >> And we will move on to reports of council. Councilman Levin, would you like to add anything? >> Mine is uh

54
00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:36.320
I just want to thank those of you that put me up here. First, the mayor and the rest of the council. >> [clears throat] >> To my wife, who's not here this evening because of a long-scheduled engagement. Also, thank you to my fellow nominees,

55
00:17:36.320 --> 00:17:52.280
Johanna and Emma. Um the Dems party who put me on the list and their support. The people of Belmar who I will spend the next few months doing everything possible that I can do to keep this a

56
00:17:52.280 --> 00:18:14.160
wonderful place to be, to live, and moving Belmar forward. And finally, to my mom and dad, no longer with us, who taught me to be a good person. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Councilman. Council President.

57
00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:31.160
Thank you, Mayor. Uh okay, so the Shade Tree Commission is working towards amending their tree ordinance in town. This is going to clarify the laws about permits, hazardous trees, etc. Um we also, as a Shade Tree Commission, were awarded $25,000 grant, which is

58
00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:47.200
going to help with helping improve our tree inventory, help with maintenance and pruning and fertilizing all our beautiful trees in town. So, that was awesome. Um recreation, the movies on the beach tomorrow night is Freaky Friday. Starts at dusk. Piano Plaza, the

59
00:18:47.200 --> 00:19:03.000
band this Friday is the Matt Coffee Band. Um couple sign-ups, the fall rec sign-ups, soccer rec sign-ups are still happening. Season starts in September. Fall tennis sign-ups, boys and girls, uh sign-ups start August 1st for September.

60
00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:18.760
And the Belmar lifeguards hosted their home lifeguard tournament on Wednesday, July 15th. Nine beach towns were invited and Belmar came in first place. So, congratulations Harry Harrison and all our amazing lifeguards out there. >> [applause] >> UM

61
00:19:18.760 --> 00:19:35.120
AND THEN THE BELMAR JUNIOR Guards had their home tournament on Thursday, July 16th. Towns from all over the Jersey shore from Sea Isle City and LBI as well as most of the Monmouth County beaches were in were participants for the Junior Guards tournament here in Belmar. We had

62
00:19:35.120 --> 00:19:53.600
over 570 kids. So, I want to say congratulations to Nicolette who does an outstanding job with our Junior Guards here in Belmar. >> [applause] >> Um I am heading up a newly formed parking committee in Belmar. So, I have

63
00:19:53.600 --> 00:20:09.040
a dedicated group of Belmar residents and Belmar businesses. We're going to start meeting monthly to talk about working to improve parking conditions conditions and enforcement in town. And our first meeting is the first Friday of August. So, I will keep you all informed

64
00:20:09.040 --> 00:20:25.080
about what happens with our active parking committee. And that is all I have. >> Council President, Councilman DeBlasio. >> Yes, we had our planning board meeting last week and we continued our conversation with reports to our planner

65
00:20:25.080 --> 00:20:40.240
from our department heads and the school discussing our master plan and how to move forward with that amendments or adjustments as we update the master plan. Harbor Commission was an exciting one

66
00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:57.080
being it was the first meeting after the bridge closure and the issues in July 4th. Um Mayor Donovan and I were there and talked a lot about an emergency plan for this for when these types of events do happen whether they were planned or alerted. We were talking

67
00:20:57.080 --> 00:21:14.320
about getting New Jersey Transit to give us more of a heads up regarding their closure. We also had some good talk talks about the marina itself and updates to it. We're looking into benches around the marina. We're looking into some ADA grants. Some

68
00:21:14.320 --> 00:21:30.120
of the boat commercial boats were very interested in looking at getting a handicap ramp to get on boats like the whale watch boats or the touring boats because you know, the clientele isn't as equipped as fishing as as the fishing boats.

69
00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:46.520
So, those are some grants we're definitely looking into and and it was very well received by the board and we had some meetings on that already. Um, the I said we got the benches and the and the ramps. Just a reminder that we do have the

70
00:21:46.520 --> 00:22:02.240
farmers market every Sunday. I got to go up there this weekend and had some fresh vegetables and mozzarella. I bought some of that. And then the last thing is I saw I got some emails over the week, especially

71
00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:18.600
this weekend regarding the 5th Ave the lines of the 5th Ave bathroom. They were down the boardwalk quite a bit. We have been working on the 3rd Ave bathroom. I brought it to our engineer's attention in March. The issue was that the trailer that I wanted to bring there is being used in

72
00:22:18.600 --> 00:22:33.880
16th Ave right now. So, that application never made it to the county, but it is an application that can similar to how 16th Ave bathroom is right now. It is it is an application we're going to be moving forward with as soon as we free up that

73
00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:50.200
trailer and hopefully is okay with us putting it on the 3rd Ave side. That is a goal of mine and I think ours, but we will continue to work on that, but we need to free up that trailer on 16th Ave and with the bathrooms not being complete yet, we couldn't do that this summer.

74
00:22:50.200 --> 00:23:06.800
So, hopefully this gets better for the near future. That's all I have. >> All the good stuff is always taken by the time it really gets to me. I just want to congratulate Councilman Lujan on his election today and looking forward

75
00:23:06.800 --> 00:23:22.720
to working with him. That's all I got. >> Well, Councilman Rooney, you you neglected to mention one thing, which is that thank you for participating in our town hall that was held earlier last week. It was a very great turnout. We had

76
00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:42.760
about 100 or more people who came, I believe, and a robust conversation. So, between that and I had the first coffee with the mayor. The first coffee with the mayor on Sunday, which I got to say was only slated for an hour and we went 3 hours.

77
00:23:42.760 --> 00:23:58.360
So, I see Kyle back there. She was a part of that conversation. And we talked about everything from the master plan to a potential dog park and everything you can imagine in between. So, it just to me underscores how much the people of Belmar really

78
00:23:58.360 --> 00:24:14.400
want to be involved in their government and and want more information and we are here to give as much to you as we possibly can, including if you look out on the table when you're exiting or when you came in, there is a QR code there to sign up for the newsletter. We have that almost about ready to go.

79
00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:29.240
So, I wanted to give everyone one more chance to sign up for that so you can get everything from links to the audit to announcements about road closures. I want to say thank you to DJs and to OHI for the sand castle competition. They help sponsor that every single

80
00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:46.040
year. It's an incredible event. We were there to hand out prizes in incredible heat. It is always I swear the hottest day of the year for that. >> [laughter] >> But, it is a great time and it is no surprise that that those groups know how to make a really good and healthy time.

81
00:24:46.040 --> 00:25:02.520
I also want to thank Council President Kinney for heading up the parking committee. She really did find great people to put on it and we're looking forward to hearing their conclusions. Um, also speaking of thank you, I want to thank Union Fire Company because I've met with them now twice

82
00:25:02.520 --> 00:25:18.280
and they are being incredibly cooperative and are working hand-in-hand to to help the bureau move forward with plans for that building and get it cleaned up. So, we thank them for that and to keep the those incredibly important

83
00:25:18.280 --> 00:25:35.480
memorabilia in the bureau as well. Um, I want to also say congratulations. I want to add on to the congratulations to the lifeguards because we also got a report that they made over 60 saves this weekend. Um, and you know, they are truly our first responders in every sense of the word

84
00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:50.680
and an incredibly busy weekend where we sold over 9,000 badges each day. So, that's just our daily's, that doesn't include obviously the people there who are there our veterans, our military our first our active military, children, season ticket holders, badges,

85
00:25:50.680 --> 00:26:07.320
tickets, our seniors. An incredible amount of people who come to the beach here in Belmar and and they do an incredible job as does our beach front staff. Um, Okay. Uh, we also have planning board. I I want to I just add one other thing to the planning board which is I really want to encourage everyone to come to

86
00:26:07.320 --> 00:26:22.480
the next planning board because right now we are working on the master plan. This is incredibly important document and we're not only just talking about upgrades to our infrastructure, um, but we're also talking about what Belmar is going to look like. Uh, and I know that is so incredibly

87
00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:39.080
important to everyone here and to residents throughout the town whether we're talking about the trees that are planted to what our main street buildings look like to um, creating these intentional spaces in all of our green areas. So, please come out if you

88
00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:54.120
On the master plan? When is the next planning board meeting? Do you have >> Announce that. It is on the 17th, August 17th at 7:00 p.m. >> Yes. Monday night. Um, yeah, Environmental Commission, they

89
00:26:54.120 --> 00:27:09.120
continue to do incredible good work. They are wrapping up the planning process for the um Cleary Park subcommittee, which will be an incredibly exhaustive report what they're looking at from the road to the

90
00:27:09.120 --> 00:27:24.720
debris to just areas of of the park that need work uh between uh the bulkheads that are there that need need extra help. So, thank you to them for all of that hard work. Um, I have met with so many of you. I have tried to reach out to pretty much

91
00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:46.120
all of our commissions and committees. I I know the Army Corps this week and again, I just want to emphasize like how much you guys have responded to the increased opportunities to contribute to everything we're doing up here. So, thank you. >> Uh next we have public session. If

92
00:27:46.120 --> 00:28:06.960
anyone would like to ask a question or make comment about a resolution on the agenda, please step forward, state your name and address. I have a motion to close the public session. >> Motion. >> Second. Favor? >> Aye. >> Can I have a motion to approve the

93
00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:22.440
resolutions as listed on the consent agenda? Make a motion. >> I'll second. >> Councilman Lubin? >> Yes. >> Councilman Kenny? >> Yes. >> Councilman DeBlasio? >> Yes. >> Councilman Maroney? >> Yes. >> Mayor Donahue? >> Yes.

94
00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:38.960
>> Next we have our first ordinance is ordinance 2026-9. This is a bond ordinance providing various capital improvements and acquisition of capital equipment. This is open for public hearing if anyone would like to comment on the ordinance.

95
00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:57.960
I have a motion to close the public hearing. >> Motion. >> Second. All in favor? >> Aye. >> And I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2026-9. Motion.

96
00:28:57.960 --> 00:29:18.280
>> Second. >> Councilman Lubin. >> Since I wasn't up here, I'm abstaining. >> Councilwoman Kinney. >> Yes. >> Councilman DeBlasio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Maroney. >> Yes. >> Mayor Donovan. >> Yes. >> Next is ordinance 2026-15.

97
00:29:18.280 --> 00:29:39.680
This is an ordinance amending chapter 40, uh various sections. And this is open for public comment. >> Hi. Ken Pringle, 203 First Ave. You first I want to apologize to my bathroom cuz I parked in his parking space. I did

98
00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:55.120
not didn't say acting CFO, so I thought it was okay, but sorry. The treasurer I left the treasurer's space open for you. Um and to Barry, I I had planned I didn't expect the outcome. I had planned to say always a bridesmaid, never a bride to

99
00:29:55.120 --> 00:30:12.480
you having not been chosen the last time, and then here you are. You're the bride today. Congratulations. Um I compliment you on the ordinance. I think this is a very important ordinance that you're doing tonight. Um couple comments though. Um one is there there in in our redevelopment ordinance

100
00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:27.640
on section I think it's 1.1, review of applications for redevelopment. It was amended originally provided um pretty sure during my tenure, but certainly the 2011 version that we have

101
00:30:27.640 --> 00:30:43.160
posted um stated that applications for redevelopment um get get presented for consistency review directly to the mayor and council. And that meant that it automatically got to you all at the same time. Didn't have to be given to to

102
00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:59.240
someone else and passed on to you. It started with you and it would be part of the open public meetings act and it was designed to be um a public event so that the public would know right away. And it was also designed as a consistency review, which

103
00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:14.520
in my experience over the past 2 years in dealing with um our our uh redevelopment council and the professionals, they've treated it as a um completeness review that they get to play with it for as long as they

104
00:31:14.520 --> 00:31:31.280
I should say that what changed in 2012 uh was the that that provision was amended to say that it's no longer a point uh uh submitted to the mayor and council. Uh read it to you and I'll tell you what it means. Um

105
00:31:31.280 --> 00:31:52.240
It's uh says that it's Oops. Too many books. It's uh First, the application for redevelopment shall first be reviewed by borough staff and professionals for consistency determination, which shall include but

106
00:31:52.240 --> 00:32:06.960
not be limited to a whole bunch of stuff. Um and and in my experience, that was used as an excuse to keep the document from becoming public and keeping the application from being public. Um we In fact, when I we

107
00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:22.800
filed our application for the 7th Avenue project, which to this day, despite my requesting last December at a public meeting that it be posted so everyone could see it for what it was, is still not anywhere listed on the borough's website. Um and I don't No offense to

108
00:32:22.800 --> 00:32:38.520
you, April. I don't think you had anything to do with that, but whoever made that determination, I I think that was absolutely wrong and it should never been that way. We submitted it to the planning board directly cuz that's what the statute says. The statute says redevelopment um applications shall be

109
00:32:38.520 --> 00:32:53.520
submitted directly to the planning board as a major preliminary final major site plan application." Um and when we did it, I got it back. It The whole thing got sent back to me, including the

110
00:32:53.520 --> 00:33:11.120
application, got returned to me by email and stating that we could not file it with the planning board because it had to go through the consistency review. That's not what the statute says. The statute And I think it's within the town's rights to say it's not complete and it therefore isn't can't be on the planning

111
00:33:11.120 --> 00:33:26.000
board's agenda, but it's still a public document. It's a public document. It should be a public document the moment you file it and it should be available for anyone. Now, what your ordinance here does is provides transparency between mayor and

112
00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:43.320
the council. And And I can't stress to everybody in the audience, in the public, and to you all, um how ridiculous it is that we have to do an ordinance requiring our mayor to share information with the members of

113
00:33:43.320 --> 00:33:58.920
the council, who by the way, under our form of government, and I and I think the strong mayor thing is is a completely wrong description of mayor. But the the mayor has exactly the same rights as the other council members, no greater or lesser than that. He gets to,

114
00:33:58.920 --> 00:34:15.399
you know, preside over the meeting only when he's there, but but there's no other rights that go into this. So, um So, so that's a great step, but it got changed in 2012 and by someone who who recently complained about strong mayors

115
00:34:15.399 --> 00:34:30.080
and claimed that the mayor had the right to control and make a determination of what got decided, what kind of major developments moved forward. That only happened because mayors play hide the ball. If a mayor plays hide the ball and keeps the information about an

116
00:34:30.080 --> 00:34:45.480
application, holds it until it has to become public, and and meanwhile it's progressed, the developer starts to think that he's got rights, that's going to move forward, the council's in the dark about it, doesn't know, and and then suddenly it's it's sprung on the

117
00:34:45.480 --> 00:35:00.400
public almost full blown. And and and you can't blame them for thinking things are corrupt or there's improper activity going on, and the poor council sitting there, you know, they don't know any more than than the than the the average

118
00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:17.000
citizen does. So, this will stop that, but I think the the point where the part we're missing is transparency is about us. It's not about you. That should be a given. Transparency is about the people understanding and learning about what's

119
00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:33.360
happening, and in a format that enables us to do something about it. Not telling us after the fact, not making us go look online to see what's happened. And the one point I would make on this though, on on development, everything's a development under the municipal land use

120
00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:49.520
law. Um a variance for a porch or um anything is is a development. So, you're you're going to have a you'd be amazed how many development applications actually are made in town, and this list could be very long, and people are going to get bored picking through it to try

121
00:35:49.520 --> 00:36:05.760
to find the big stuff. I would define major developments as the things that you should focus on. You can find them obviously as redevelopment applications, but also a building successive height exceeds the the you know, the um

122
00:36:05.760 --> 00:36:20.800
some of the density value um density limitations we have, um you know, oversized, you can pick them. I mean, the things that would bother people. Everything else is going to get People are going to get if there's a variance, they'll get a notice in the mail that they're within 200 ft. People

123
00:36:20.800 --> 00:36:38.080
don't don't care. So, um that would be my only suggestion. But, I also would suggest on the other part, and this is getting a little bit off topic, but um think about having an advisory committee of citizens on on the issue of of transparency. And start with a with a

124
00:36:38.080 --> 00:36:53.600
an inventory of the things that you do that are transparent. And and these shouldn't vary in in provisions throughout the ordinance. There should be a section you create on transparent government, and you put everything there, and including a transparency and

125
00:36:53.600 --> 00:37:10.120
inventory list that gets posted and updated. You can do that by resolution. But things that let people know what we're doing as a community to keep each other informed of what's happening. That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I want to first I I have three just

126
00:37:10.120 --> 00:37:25.840
quick notes. >> [applause] >> Um one, I agree that it's ridiculous that we had to do it. Absolutely, but here we are. Um it it was important to me to get these done. I I Our council can tell you that this was the first thing I brought up

127
00:37:25.840 --> 00:37:40.400
when when we knew that we were having a changeover. Uh but I also want to emphasize those were first These are first steps. There There's so much more to do. There's so much more we want to do. Um I'm very happy to talk about ordinances that bring transparency

128
00:37:40.400 --> 00:38:00.720
further to the public. I I think that's incredibly important. And I also love the idea of the section on transparent transparency in government on expansive amount of our ordinances. I think that's a really great idea. So, thank you. >> I have a motion to close the public

129
00:38:00.720 --> 00:38:24.400
hearing. >> I have a comment. Sorry. First and foremost, I apologize for being late. My name is Tony Almeida, 119 10th Ave, Del Mar. Unfortunately, I just got off work. Thanks for all of uh everybody for what you guys do.

130
00:38:24.400 --> 00:38:41.360
If I'm repeating myself just stop me. I had gone into the clerk's office last week regarding the construction site on across the street. >> Sorry to interrupt you. This is just on the ordinance. >> I figured I was wrong. Sorry. >> Thank you. >> Sorry everybody else.

131
00:38:45.320 --> 00:39:03.480
>> I have a motion to close the public hearing. >> Motion. >> Second. >> I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2026-15. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Lubin? >> Abstain.

132
00:39:03.480 --> 00:39:21.880
>> Councilwoman Kenny? >> Yes. >> Councilman DeBlasio? >> Yes. >> Councilman Maroney? >> Yes. >> Mayor Donovan? >> Yes. >> Next is ordinance 2026-16. This is an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 2, article 3,

133
00:39:21.880 --> 00:39:43.840
section 13, department heads and subordinates. And subject regarding the office of the borough administrator. This is open for public comment. If anyone would like to speak on the ordinance. Motion to close the public hearing.

134
00:39:43.840 --> 00:40:03.080
>> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Can I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2026-16? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Lubin? >> I agree with it, but I still have to

135
00:40:03.080 --> 00:40:20.120
abstain. >> Councilwoman Kenny? >> Yes. >> Councilman DeBlasio? >> Yes. >> Councilman Maroney? >> Yes. >> Mayor Donovan? >> Yes. >> Next we have two ordinance 2026-17, an ordinance amending and supplementing uh chapter 20 licenses.

136
00:40:20.120 --> 00:40:37.240
Do we have a motion to offer for first reading and introduction? >> I'll make the motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Lubin? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Kinney? >> Sorry.

137
00:40:37.240 --> 00:40:53.360
>> Yes. >> Councilman DeBlasio? >> Yes. >> Councilman Maroney? >> Yes. >> Mayor Donovan? >> Yes. >> And last one is ordinance 2026-18. This is an ordinance of the Borough of Belmar authorizing the execution and delivery of a 2026 amended sewer service

138
00:40:53.360 --> 00:41:11.400
area agreement with the South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority. Do we have a motion to offer for first reading and introduction? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Lubin? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Kinney? >> Yes. >> Councilman DeBlasio?

139
00:41:11.400 --> 00:41:31.680
>> Yes. >> Councilman Maroney? >> Yes. >> Mayor Donovan? >> Yes. >> All right. Now, we're on to the regular public session. If anyone uh would like to make a comment, please step forward and remember to state your name and address. >> So, I apologize again for that. Sorry

140
00:41:31.680 --> 00:41:46.840
about that. Mr. T, after being late, I'd like to thank all of you. We have a new councilperson, I see I missed. Congratulations on your appointment. Um couple different things, and I'll make it as brief as possible. Uh I think we as a municipality

141
00:41:46.840 --> 00:42:02.400
uh should set the tone for these construction projects that are going to be forthcoming in our community. And what I mean by that is simply this. We have a massive construction site on Route 35. To be blunt and honest, in my opinion, given my construction background, it is very neat and tidy,

142
00:42:02.400 --> 00:42:18.720
and they're doing a tremendous job in a in a fast fashion. With that being said, in my opinion, they They a responsibility to keep all the sidewalks on 10th and 8th Avenue and Route 35 completely free of debris.

143
00:42:18.720 --> 00:42:33.520
I don't need to drive by, come over the hill, and see weeds that are taller than the fence. I don't need to see residents of our community pushing strollers and watching the strollers get tangled in the weeds. By addressing this issue promptly, it will set the tone for the other

144
00:42:33.520 --> 00:42:49.040
developers. This is what we expect, and they have a responsibility to do it. We don't need Avenue on Route 35. We don't need 6-ft weeds growing out of the sidewalk. It's two guys, 3 hours, it's cleaned up. It should be a requirement.

145
00:42:49.040 --> 00:43:05.680
Second thing is, it's my understanding that the planning board did a master review of our master plan. I am the vice chairman of the zoning board. We I was not approached on my opinion or insight regarding this. I think that's kind of important that Mark and I and the rest of our group

146
00:43:05.680 --> 00:43:22.640
have a say in potentially the revisions of any master plan. That's an idea. Since I'm up here, one of them would be is we need to address impervious and pervious coverage when it comes to driveways. This is the third year in a row I am bringing it up. I am tired of

147
00:43:22.640 --> 00:43:39.800
talking about it. We need to address this immediately. Okay? Off the top of my head, I don't remember which one is which anymore. But, let's just say as a hypothetical, if you're installing a driveway strip, which is pavers, whatever's in between the pavers

148
00:43:39.800 --> 00:43:55.000
counts as 100% coverage. Even if it counts as 50% coverage, it's ridiculous. If it's stone, it perks. If it's grass, it perks. What happens there is people are putting in applications,

149
00:43:55.000 --> 00:44:12.360
okay? And they're defaulting on patios in the backyard because they're over coverage, and they're doing it illegally later. Let's address the issue, get it fixed. I've been on the zoning board for 5 years, tired of it. Maybe this should move in my direction. I don't know. But

150
00:44:12.360 --> 00:44:28.680
with that being said, those are my two topics. And again, appreciate all of you and thanks. >> Tony, that topic on the impervious coverage, we did get on planning 2 years ago and address some of the gravel. It was one of my things also as you know, engineers who have come with applications in front of your board.

151
00:44:28.680 --> 00:44:44.880
Um and it was confusing because actually there was a part where gravel entirely was 100% impervious and we changed that with our So that's more of a zone every year zoning does a review and a report to planning board and the planning board suggests to council. This will be my

152
00:44:44.880 --> 00:44:59.280
first year I get to review that on council. Uh but that's something else we could talk about. It doesn't have to be with the master plan. That's more of an ordinance review that we could do uh this year for sure. And I agree cuz anything that's in between if it's gravel should be 50% cuz that's what we

153
00:44:59.280 --> 00:45:15.840
allow it cuz it's not um any anything living or absorbing the gra- grass. It's just allowing it to perk. >> Thank you, councilman. I will say I believe zoning does send an report to council every year. I know I've read that one and I'm happy to put it on workshop for the next meeting. >> Can I say something? >> Yeah, go ahead.

154
00:45:15.840 --> 00:45:31.760
>> Um first, the Route 25 project, I did speak to the contractor this morning um and he is going to clean it clear out the weeds. But also um for the master plan, I did provide Christine Bell, our planner, with the last 5 years of zoning

155
00:45:31.760 --> 00:45:50.880
board uh annual reports and she did include them in the master plan. >> And for the people in this town that don't know, this is why our clerk wanted a state board. >> [applause] >> BUT IF YOU CAN COME TO THE NEXT MEETING AND WE CAN PUT IT ON WORKSHOP, I'm happy to invite you to speak on it again.

156
00:45:50.880 --> 00:46:06.760
>> Okay. Shame on me, but given where I am right now and my state of mind regarding work, I'd have to just sit down and just take a harder look at it. I would recommend somebody like Miss Mary Hearn who knows that inside out and backwards and also Ms. Bell to address it where

157
00:46:06.760 --> 00:46:21.200
it's it's more beneficial for the municipality in general. It just makes total sense. And Mike, I couldn't agree more. You know, it's not the way with that, but you get it, right? Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Just a quick question. Pervious means

158
00:46:21.200 --> 00:46:40.840
water goes through it. Impervious means concrete and it's just checking, making sure I have my definitions correct. I am Carol Moore at 1206 Oakwood Road. I'd like to talk about commercial vehicles being parked on our streets overnight.

159
00:46:40.840 --> 00:46:56.600
These are the vehicles that are owned by the homeowner. I live on Oakwood Road, as I stated. We are one of the narrowest roads or streets in Iowa town. You've got parking on either side. You

160
00:46:56.600 --> 00:47:12.080
can only get one car down in the middle. I sit out there reading in the afternoon and I'm watching a Chinese fire drill almost. Who's going to move first when they come out. We have a neighbor who has a commercial vehicle. It's an

161
00:47:12.080 --> 00:47:28.640
enlarged van. It's elongated. It's a little wider. It doesn't really fit in the parking space. I printed out some pictures to exemplify what I'm talking about.

162
00:47:31.520 --> 00:47:47.880
Some of the pictures show how his truck is wider than the space. And on a street as narrow as ours, that's important. It also >> For a minute. >> Um April did send me this, um and I sent the sergeant out to check on it, so I

163
00:47:47.880 --> 00:48:03.480
don't know where it's at. I have to follow up with them. >> It's a question straight from me. >> No, I know where it I know where it is now. I'm saying this I And sergeant was sent it I believe yesterday or over the weekend to check on this. >> only there after like 4:30, 5:00 in the

164
00:48:03.480 --> 00:48:18.280
afternoon. Um and if our our neighbors have gotten and we don't like seeing it in front of our house even. Because a lot of us sit outside. He our neighbors have started parking their

165
00:48:18.280 --> 00:48:33.520
vehicles on the street instead of in their driveway. He has room, some of those pictures I showed, how he has room to put the truck truck in the driveway. So, it's not an eyesore to us.

166
00:48:33.520 --> 00:48:49.240
Few of those pictures also show how he has block he blocks maybe a few inches by 6 inches of driveways. And the one picture, he's doing both driveways. I go out, he parks in front of my neigh-

167
00:48:49.240 --> 00:49:06.080
one neighbor's house, I go out, I have a hard time pulling into my driveway. It's so wide. I have to go almost through like K-turns just to get into my driveway when I come home. I'm lucky he respects my daughter, so he doesn't always park in front of my

168
00:49:06.080 --> 00:49:22.760
house, but he doesn't respect anybody else. And I talked to Mr. Heisman in Avon I not Avon, I'm sorry. I misspoke. Lake Como. And they don't allow any commercial vehicles over night no matter how many

169
00:49:22.760 --> 00:49:38.680
wheels are on the truck, no matter how many axles. April was nice, she sent me the uh ordinance. So, I know it has to have more than four wheels, it has to have more than two axles. And it's supposed to be less than

170
00:49:38.680 --> 00:49:54.920
a certain Well, I didn't I it was a little confusing, so I didn't see the width, but I don't think this one fits within the width. It can't. It's I mean, it's wider than cars. I mean, few of those pictures you see how it's wider

171
00:49:54.920 --> 00:50:10.400
than the marking of the space. Um but it's ridiculous. We We have a you know, I mean, it's the same I've spoken to people and it's the same all around town. His vehicle one day

172
00:50:10.400 --> 00:50:26.560
my neighbor had his uh pickup truck. He came home and for some reason doesn't like pulling all the way up cuz in front of my house we can get three vehicles. My daughter came home from work and he was back so far she had to block my driveway.

173
00:50:26.560 --> 00:50:42.280
And I was going out that night. So, I went I knocked on his door. He finally came out reaching for the keys and I said, "Could you just please move your truck up just a few feet so Samantha can park?" My neighbor with the pickup truck was

174
00:50:42.280 --> 00:50:58.600
leaving. He goes, "I'll do you one better. I'll pull all the way up." I said, "Why? Just pull up. Leave that space for Chris." >> [clears throat] >> He goes, "Where else am I supposed to park?" I said, "Your driveway." Now, his driveway is all rocks. He turns to me and goes, "Are you going to fix

175
00:50:58.600 --> 00:51:13.680
it?" Indicating to me that his truck is so heavy his driveway can't handle it. So, if his drive If that's his thought, even though right now when I left his truck was in the driveway because nobody wants a parking

176
00:51:13.680 --> 00:51:29.480
in front of their house. So, they park their cars whether they have a long driveway or not. They park one of their cars in front of their house. And so, it has to be over the weight if he doesn't want it in his driveway because

177
00:51:29.480 --> 00:51:46.320
it's it's going to ruin his driveway. >> Thank you. We're I'm happy to take a look at the ordinance and see what we can do. We can't the what I keep thinking about what my worry is is can't force people to park in a driveway because there's too many people who don't have a driveway. So, we'd have to

178
00:51:46.320 --> 00:52:02.080
think about that if were looking at the ordinance. >> That that's basically not That's not really what I'm talking about. This is truck is too big to be on the street. Plus, it's it's an eyesore. Who wants to look at that when they're sitting out in front of their house? I mean, I go out and read

179
00:52:02.080 --> 00:52:20.600
every afternoon for a few hours. I don't want to see that in front of my house, and neither do my neighbors. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Chief, does the van violate that ordinance? >> Depends on the size and the weight. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Okay. >> Is a commercial vehicle allowed in

180
00:52:20.600 --> 00:52:44.280
a person's a homeowner's driveway if it's their business? So, it is. >> Chief, is is the is height part of our ordinance right now? Height of the vehicle and or April I'm not sure what the biggest part I'm not sure. >> Um it is 18,000

181
00:52:44.280 --> 00:53:03.080
or vehicle is greater than 8 ft. >> So, so a van like this would actually would be violating that ordinance by its height. >> Again, uh sergeant was supposed to go out and check on it and then he was sent to me, so >> You got it. Thank you. >> Can I ask a question

182
00:53:03.080 --> 00:53:18.320
of Chief Staff? Do you have to comply with any generally? >> Hi. >> Hello. >> My name is Kelly Cruz, 518 7th Ave. Congratulations on your new seat. >> Thank you. >> Um I'm here today to address an issue

183
00:53:18.320 --> 00:53:33.880
we're having at our home. On July 9th, 19 days ago, a DPW worker came out to our house to mark the waterline at the curb and attempted to turn to turn off the water. By using a wrench as a hammer, he broke the pipe causing a water leak.

184
00:53:33.880 --> 00:53:51.200
The worker then left as he was unsure how to proceed, but he did come back later in the day with a second individual individual who also tried to fix the break, but they were unsuccessful. Um we currently are doing work on our house, so we are contracted with them. He notified me later in the day.

185
00:53:51.200 --> 00:54:06.960
Um and I did in turn contact the township. Um except um the response I received was that unfortunately in Belmar the homeowner is responsible for the water service. >> [clears throat] >> We then requested several times by phone and by email that the water be turned

186
00:54:06.960 --> 00:54:23.960
off as it was leaking, causing flooding in the street, and eventually flooded our sub-basement 11 days later. It was only at this juncture that the water was turned off to our house. It is, however, still flowing into the street as of today, and the water is accumulated all along the curb, um and

187
00:54:23.960 --> 00:54:40.680
continues to come out of the pipe, and anyone can drive by and and take a look. We have now been told that there is only one private business that is allowed to come out and do the work, that our plumber is not allowed to handle it. We have also had to wait for an estimate of cost and pay prior to work being

188
00:54:40.680 --> 00:54:56.640
scheduled. There seems to be no urgency from the township to rectify the leaking water pipe. We need a better understanding of why this is not considered an urgent matter, and why it is the homeowner's responsibility to coordinate fixing and paying for damage that the township causes.

189
00:54:56.640 --> 00:55:13.440
Why is there no sense of urgency? Why is there only one private company allowed to turn off the water, and our contracted plumber cannot handle this situation whatsoever? What would have happened if my house was a rental, or no one had noticed? Because no one from the township hasn't

190
00:55:13.440 --> 00:55:30.000
contacted us first. For 3 days, all we heard was the ordinance, of which um which I believe personally should never been passed to begin with, because it states that everything from

191
00:55:30.000 --> 00:55:47.240
the street in is a homeowner's responsibility. Um I don't I don't with that at all, nor does my husband. When we are not the people causing the issue. When the township causes the problem, the town- township should rectify the issue.

192
00:55:47.240 --> 00:56:02.160
Um and I I think like what would happen if I was a senior citizen on a fixed income? This is costing over $5,000 and now it's being put up on us to pay that money before anyone will come and

193
00:56:02.160 --> 00:56:19.120
even fix it. What What happens if this breaks the sinkhole? Um I did see online that you were now paving 6th Ave and 8th Ave and completely skipping 7th Ave. Um and I don't understand why some of that was being skipped

194
00:56:19.120 --> 00:56:33.960
because that's the one with the firehouse and right down the street and I'm sure they use that on a regular basis. Does that slow down their response time when they're having to slow down to go through all those potholes? But that's another separate matter.

195
00:56:33.960 --> 00:56:50.480
Um The council's responsibility is to protect and support town's residents. The ordinance does neither. It merely passes the buck onto residents who may [clears throat] not be in a position to pay. Um and it is the township's responsibility.

196
00:56:50.480 --> 00:57:07.600
Um I would like you to review the ordinance and I would also like the township to pay for the damages that they caused. >> I I know you've been in extensive contact with our borough administrator. Um I can tell you that we have been talking

197
00:57:07.600 --> 00:57:23.560
about changing the ordinance. Uh we have a lot of complications with our water sewer utility. Um and the amount whether or not we can afford to change it immediately, frankly. Um but I

198
00:57:23.560 --> 00:57:38.080
Mr. Administrator, if you could >> I'll be back to you in a Um Mrs. Cruz and I have talked on several occasions, Mr. Cruz as well. Uh and uh it was a series of uh problems on the property that resulted in the

199
00:57:38.080 --> 00:57:55.520
water service being broken. We had something to do with that. However, we were called out to try to turn it off. The service was filled with dirt. The They couldn't get the shutoff down. He tried to get it down maybe inartfully

200
00:57:55.520 --> 00:58:11.560
with a with a hammer or a wrench on top of it. That caused it to It caused it to leak. And it has been leaking as Mrs. Cruz said. Um We believe we've got our arms around this right now. It has taken a little

201
00:58:11.560 --> 00:58:27.280
longer than we all would like. Um I don't believe that that caused any flooding in the in the property, Mrs. Cruz. I believe that 4 in of rain and the crawl space was open last weekend caused a lot of the water to go in

202
00:58:27.280 --> 00:58:42.880
there. And there was a The meter was over was taken out and there was another pipe put hose put on and the hose clamp broke and it started flooding the the crawl space there. Um

203
00:58:42.880 --> 00:58:57.960
As it relates to who should pay for it, we've gone back and forth about that. It is a private service from the water main into the house. We've looked at other municipalities. Some municipalities the

204
00:58:57.960 --> 00:59:13.880
the town is responsible from the curb to the main. Other municipalities do it exactly as we do it. Um >> That doesn't make it right. >> Oh, I'm I'm not saying that. I'm trying to give the councilman and council a little bit of an overview. Um

205
00:59:13.880 --> 00:59:28.760
The the The town on an annual basis bills property owners like the Cruzes to the contractor over $150,000 a year for breaks that go from the

206
00:59:28.760 --> 00:59:45.840
property to the water main. Uh there's an argument that says why should other residents pay that money to for private water service. Um some towns do do do provide it, other towns do not provide it. So so it's not

207
00:59:45.840 --> 01:00:00.960
an easy question. I know you folks have been wrangling with it for the last uh I think longer than a couple weeks. I think uh over the winter there were a number of frozen and broken pipes that the same situation happened. Uh and the property owners were required

208
01:00:00.960 --> 01:00:16.080
to uh to repair them and we billed them. So uh you're you're you continue to talk about it, but that's exactly what happened [clears throat] to the Cruzes. There was a problem. Um It it uh they tried to uh turn it off. I

209
01:00:16.080 --> 01:00:34.320
actually thought it was turned off. Uh I >> The water to the house is turned off. The pipe continues to it's in the wide open pipe. The water is flowing out of it like a little fountain. Um into the street and it continues to run continuously now for 19 20 days.

210
01:00:34.320 --> 01:00:50.960
What that's doing to the ground underneath, we don't know. And I just like to clarify, there's a big difference between a natural line breaking just from wear and tear and an employee taking a wrench and using it as a hammer to knock dirt off a pipe and cracking it.

211
01:00:50.960 --> 01:01:07.480
So it's not And my contractor has now dug out that hole all around that so the township can come and take a look at it at expense to us again. So your township can come, your employees can look and see what what the

212
01:01:07.480 --> 01:01:23.080
issue is twice now. And still nothing has been done. >> I'd like to say I thought we were pretty responsive. We haven't solved your problem, but I've had a lot of dialogue and and so has our

213
01:01:23.080 --> 01:01:40.560
superintendent of public works with your contractor. So, we're trying to be as responsive as as we as we can with the problem, but it's not an easy fix. It's just not an easy fix at this point. Uh uh the uh uh the the the the line for the gas went through

214
01:01:40.560 --> 01:01:55.880
it. We don't know what they did uh for the new gas line, uh Kylie, but um >> Everything is marked still marked. All the pipes are still there. Um Listen. Bottom line is I'm being held hostage here. Either I pay and I bring you a check

215
01:01:55.880 --> 01:02:11.280
tomorrow and pay this money, or the water continues to flow. That's really where we're at right now. So, tomorrow I have to go to the bank, get a cashier's check for over five grand, bring it down to the township, so the work can be scheduled, so we can be

216
01:02:11.280 --> 01:02:27.200
put on someone's calendar to get this done someday in the future. I don't know if the township really wants that water running and running and running for is it next week? Is it two weeks? Is it a month before that one company can come?

217
01:02:27.200 --> 01:02:43.000
>> I can get you that answer. >> Why is there only one company? >> Yeah. >> Why is there no competition here? Well, because they can charge whatever they feel like. >> It's a monopoly. >> That It's a monopoly. That's crazy. I mean, you have to have two >> See, there there's a public bid. There's been I reviewed this. There was a public

218
01:02:43.000 --> 01:02:59.600
bid, and there's a rate for a certain size line and a certain length. So, it is agreed, and they and it hasn't been raised in over two or three years. Uh they It was an extension and we extended it uh his contract. Now, why is there only one? That's That's part of the ordinance

219
01:02:59.600 --> 01:03:15.560
that we should look at. Uh that there is only one but it's top name. Um and uh That that's why there's only one, but there is not uh you know, a monopoly or anything cuz they did It was a low lowest qualified

220
01:03:15.560 --> 01:03:30.640
bid that the uh borough held. >> My understanding is that with um other vendors that they would come in, they would do work, and then we would have to call someone else to come fix their work. And apparently that was a recurring issue. >> And just for transparency, we're paying

221
01:03:30.640 --> 01:03:47.280
for the work. But we're also paying for the police officer who has to sit there, and we're also paying for the the street to be put back together, patched back up. So, it's like 4,000, 1,000, and then almost another 1,000. So, it it adds up. >> And I think it's actually substantial.

222
01:03:47.280 --> 01:04:03.120
>> So, it's over like 3,500. >> Oh, sorry if this is a stupid question, but why are we not shutting the water off? >> Uh we really can't get down to it. I thought we did. Uh I thought we did shut the water off. >> Just to the house. >> Uh well, that I I thought we shut it off

223
01:04:03.120 --> 01:04:20.640
completely because they said as a result of the water coming out of the out of the the pipe, it cleaned it out. Uh I I then I'm mistaken if that I I did not think the water was still in the gutter. >> No, I I was just there the other day. I took a video of it.

224
01:04:20.800 --> 01:04:50.440
Thank you. >> Is this the public company? >> Pretty sure this ordinance happened in 2020, December of 2020. It was It was a cost-saving measure. I had a legal secretary in my office who had formerly been in my office

225
01:04:50.440 --> 01:05:05.800
who had a broken line on 16th Avenue, county road. Um and uh she was being given the same thing. You have to pay for it, brand new ordinance. Unfortunately for her, it had not been

226
01:05:05.800 --> 01:05:22.920
in effect for 20 days, so it hadn't taken effect yet. So, I was able to make clear to them that they couldn't enforce it against her, but there was no provision for um for the um bidding by contractors. Uh the they were

227
01:05:22.920 --> 01:05:40.360
told she was told that you have to use our contractor, borough contractor. Um I opened I'm pretty sure I opened the the the bid and there was no such bid document. Um she was told um that you

228
01:05:40.360 --> 01:05:57.120
can I I was told when I asked that well you she can have her own contractor. I said this guy's on the list. I said well how how do you get on the list? She he says you do a job for someone not explaining really how suddenly you break into it and get to do the job, but

229
01:05:57.120 --> 01:06:12.520
if you do a good job and they're satisfied with the work you do, then you get added to the list. I said well how many people are on the list? Two. The the guy you talked about and some other guy who not really sure how he was getting all the work, but there was no

230
01:06:12.520 --> 01:06:29.760
bid for it. And I asked the the borough um administrator at the time to that he should investigate that cuz I thought that wasn't right and I'm not sure whatever came became of it, but it makes I mean I get the money part of it, but these roads are they're we can't control

231
01:06:29.760 --> 01:06:44.920
what the trucks are. That's what causes it. You know, the heavy trucks. That's what happened on on on Main Street with the folks who who had problem another county road by the way. And um it's like a reverse lottery. You you suddenly get plucked out of oblivion and

232
01:06:44.920 --> 01:07:00.520
you get smacked with a bill you you you have no reason to to have to pay. I mean that's this is a particularly egregious story, but even if it's just wear and tear, it's it's our system. We suddenly overnight in a meeting here

233
01:07:00.520 --> 01:07:16.960
four or five years ago declared that this problem infrastructure that we know is a problem a lot of it is is uh lead or or um zinc and and we now bequeath that to people. We said, "This is your problem."

234
01:07:16.960 --> 01:07:33.160
Lines that we've had in our ground for 30 years, 50 years, maybe longer, we suddenly said, "From now on without even you knowing whether or not you're the main is on the far side of the street or the near side of the street, this is now your problem."

235
01:07:33.160 --> 01:07:49.040
Nobody knew about it. It was just a past. No one really understood the implications of it. And now I I get that it's an expensive problem, but you know, you got so many problems in your water and your sewer your sewer utility. Not even funny. And I mean I mean sure we understand what

236
01:07:49.040 --> 01:08:14.960
all the problems are, but this is one of them and I don't think you can solve it by just saying we can't afford to fix it right now. So. >> Lorraine Atkins, 10B. I've been attending these meetings for 11 solid years now and probably attended more meetings than everybody except for

237
01:08:14.960 --> 01:08:47.920
April um that's sitting up there. And I just want to say I received more information in the past month than I have in 11 years. So, keep up the good work. Thank you. >> Howard Zeltner, 14th Avenue, Bellmore. First uh Mayor D'Amato, thank you for

238
01:08:47.920 --> 01:09:03.680
taking time Sunday and answering questions that we had no answers for. And you answered a lot of questions. Um to the chief, yesterday I made a phone call to the dispatch. We've got We've got a real cat problem in this

239
01:09:03.680 --> 01:09:18.759
town. A lot of people come down for the summer and they want to have an animal for their kids, so they get a cat and then they leave and they leave the animals here. Last year, I had a really bad cat problem on my property. They destroyed all my patio furniture. They were

240
01:09:18.759 --> 01:09:33.759
doing their business everywhere. They destroyed so many things. Um called animal control and I don't know what happened, but they suddenly disappeared last year. Well, mama cat's back with a whole load of kittens and there they are. They're doing the same

241
01:09:33.759 --> 01:09:50.319
routine as these other cats did. So, I called Belmar police yesterday and dispatcher got my information and said someone from animal control will contact you. Thank you, Chief Tina. Within 10 minutes, animal control was at my house.

242
01:09:50.319 --> 01:10:06.000
10 minutes. 10 minutes. So, dispatch really moved fast. They came over and the old lady came over. I showed her what was going on. She told me what information I gave her all the information I had. She told me She gave me some suggestions

243
01:10:06.000 --> 01:10:22.120
and she said she was going to forward my message to someone at What's it called? Trap, neuter, release. I'm like, great. You're going to trap these animals, you're going to neuter them and you're going to let the darn things back here? I don't want them back here. I said, I'm allergic to these cats. I don't want to see anything

244
01:10:22.120 --> 01:10:38.400
happen to them, but I don't want them there. So, I got in I She gave me an email address and I emailed the young lady that was in charge of that. She's emailed me back today, so now it's just kind of playing email tag back and forth. So, you know, a lot of people think that oh,

245
01:10:38.400 --> 01:10:53.000
the police department is running around doing this, doing that. They're doing their patrols, but it's little things like that to somebody else means a lot to me. Today, I was out. I came back and I'm coming around the corner and there's this dog that's loose. And I looked at it and said, well, is

246
01:10:53.000 --> 01:11:08.760
that a pitbull? Is it a What is it? I didn't know what it was and it was roaming, and all of a sudden it jumped up on my neighbor's garbage can, knocked it over, and started to have a feast. I'm like, "Yeah, something's wrong here." So, I called Belmar police. And again, within I don't even think it was

247
01:11:08.760 --> 01:11:25.560
10 minutes, there was an officer there. And when he got out, he saw the dog, and he says, "Oh, we're here because we said it was a pitbull." I said, "Well, it looked like a mix, but I wasn't sure." I said, "I don't know whose dog this is, but it's just roaming around." And he opened up the police car. The He opened up the door to the SUV, and the

248
01:11:25.560 --> 01:11:42.040
dog just jumped right in. And I guess he took him back to headquarters. >> I don't know what happened to him after that. >> So, anyway, that's that's not important to somebody else, but it was important to me. All right, thank you. >> Thank you.

249
01:11:44.320 --> 01:12:11.120
Anyone else? >> I had a bad day at work today, so Um just to touch on the >> Last time. Yeah, I and I apologize, you know, I should be capped, and all residents should be capped for a certain time frame. And I didn't I congratulate you on your new appointment. This week it was good to see you.

250
01:12:11.120 --> 01:12:27.320
Um regarding the infrastructure, I just looked on my phone. I built a home in this town in 2022, and I had two options for water and sewer at that time. Um I'm not going to disclose the two companies. I will tell you one was significantly higher than the

251
01:12:27.320 --> 01:12:43.840
other. Um they're both reputable contractors. In Mr. De Blasio's defense, I did heavy highway utility my entire childhood and early adult life. Typically, it is uh a bidding process, and in agreement with you,

252
01:12:43.840 --> 01:13:00.840
um some municipalities make the responsibility from what's called the curb stop, which unfortunately happened to our resident and broke, back to the house. Other municipalities make it from the house all the way to the main. Um with that being said,

253
01:13:00.840 --> 01:13:16.440
uh and not to go down rabbit hole, but since we're just talking about this is it's my understanding that the sewer line was just relined on 8th Avenue. Right? And now we're [clears throat] going to send out, if it's not publicly bid already, I think a contract was awarded

254
01:13:16.440 --> 01:13:33.280
to pave 8th Avenue. Is that correct? Well, rule of thumb is you take care of the utilities in the ground, then you pave. Cuz what happens is, in this lady's defense, if all of a sudden 7th Avenue gets paved and you have three or four

255
01:13:33.280 --> 01:13:49.200
water breaks, they got to open up the roadway, right? Um so, that's something to consider. For what it's worth, I was responsible for the cost associated with this, uh meaning from uh there to my new home for my water

256
01:13:49.200 --> 01:14:04.840
service. Uh I did not have a break right over in the street. That's an unfortunate circumstance, but it sounds like if the DPW or whoever did break the valve stem, then the bureau should be held accountable. Um with that being said, and I know Miss

257
01:14:04.840 --> 01:14:20.920
Donovan is not going to bring this up, we are awarding a project on 8th Avenue to pave from I'll call it the circle all the way down to Ocean Avenue. I can tell you my family and I own a house on 8th Avenue. It is severely damaged

258
01:14:20.920 --> 01:14:37.400
from the 500 block, which is D, all the way up to Saint Rose. When you have a general contractor come in on a project of that magnitude, it makes sense, it's entirely, if it's within the budget, to pave the entire street. Because 8th Avenue,

259
01:14:37.400 --> 01:14:53.040
uh from again from D going uh which would be due west, there is constant puddling of water along the north side of that road every single day and that's because the pitch does not take the water to the

260
01:14:53.040 --> 01:15:09.520
drain systems and in some of our neighboring driveways there the road is opened 4 and 1/2 ft off their driveway and filled with stone. Unacceptable. Okay? Unacceptable. So, it's at that point if

261
01:15:09.520 --> 01:15:24.600
it's in the municipal budget, maybe a change order should be looked at to finish paving it accordingly or at least let's get rid of rid of a double wide driveway that's filled with stone in a municipal right away.

262
01:15:24.600 --> 01:15:41.280
So, again, thank you. >> So, there is an engineering plan Tony and just for you Mrs. Cruz too. We didn't skip 7th. There is an actual 10-year plan. I mean whether or not we can amend that plan at this point in time is something we for sure and probably should look at but but there is

263
01:15:41.280 --> 01:15:57.000
you know plans moving forward and what lines are getting done and etc. >> And I would say in general too when we talk about 10-year plan, what we should be doing is paving and doing roads every year. We haven't been doing that. We need to look at what the most responsible way of going forward is so

264
01:15:57.000 --> 01:16:13.360
we can get more of that done more quickly because the need is pretty dire. And and for the record, the reason he said I wasn't going to bring it up is because I live in that area. >> [laughter] >> So. >> I I didn't I didn't want to say it. I didn't think it was appropriate but I I see that it's it's a need there and I

265
01:16:13.360 --> 01:16:29.360
have reviewed that plan. It's actually pretty well thought out and clearly identified but it's just things for residents to consider is you know there's a cost when you pave a roadway and then you got to fall back 5 years later and replace everything that's underneath it. >> Absolutely.

266
01:16:29.360 --> 01:16:45.000
>> You know, but you can't do it all at once because it's exorbitant. It's super duper expensive. But I would consider taking a look at the D to E at least because >> Somewhere in that 500 block maybe? >> I would highly recommend that our DPW

267
01:16:45.000 --> 01:17:01.280
goes out there and takes a look at it. You have a double-wide driveway apron that's filled with 3 in of stone right now in the right-of-way, in the road. So, clearly that needs to be addressed. It just can't stay like that. The water on the opposite side of the street is not pitching to the catch basin, but if that's for the next time, then that's

268
01:17:01.280 --> 01:17:27.320
for the next time. You know? >> Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> Dan Lang, 14th Avenue, Baltimore. Um regarding the ordinances regarding business trucks. We have a gentleman on our block who has a double It's like a double cab, but

269
01:17:27.320 --> 01:17:45.000
it's not his business truck. It's his employer's truck. He brings it home every day, parks it across the street. Now, it takes up two spaces. Now, his wife parks her car in the parking driveway. Everybody else has to park from the corner of K Street up to that house, and

270
01:17:45.000 --> 01:18:00.880
it gets very narrow. What can we do about the ordinance saying keep your business trucks with the business, use your private cars to come home with? He parks that thing every day. And when he was with another business,

271
01:18:00.880 --> 01:18:17.920
did the same thing. So, it's just you get tired of looking at the the raccoon and the squirrels on the front of his truck, and the logos. So, I don't know if we can do anything about that kind of an ordinance. I know it The

272
01:18:17.920 --> 01:18:34.200
ordinance says for double-wide trucks, double uh axles, I believe. I may be wrong, but something needs to be addressed so that you keep a consistency not only for business trucks, but for

273
01:18:34.200 --> 01:19:04.320
the people that have the their employers' trucks there all the time. >> Thank you. >> Hi. Jane Salmon, 1613 Route 71. I'm actually in Wall. Um reason I'm here tonight, I just wanted

274
01:19:04.320 --> 01:19:21.080
to uh all I'd like to congratulate any new appointees to the council. Um and I'd like to just reintroduce uh an organization that I'm I'm representing. Um I'm with Friends of Belmar Skate Park. We're an all-volunteer nonprofit that's

275
01:19:21.080 --> 01:19:36.600
fundraising for the building of a new skate park in Belmar. Uh we have officially established our nonprofit in 2024. And our small group of volunteers has been fundraising for the past few years and have so far raised about $50,000.

276
01:19:36.600 --> 01:19:51.840
Um our goal, originally it was a million-dollar skate park. We're not getting there too quickly. And one of the reasons I wanted to come up and speak tonight, I wanted to um maybe talk to the council about help with getting some grants cuz I

277
01:19:51.840 --> 01:20:12.400
understand that Belmar has a staff uh grant writer or a contracted grant writer. And I was just hoping that's something that would help us uh boost our momentum. >> Yes. Thank you for coming out. Um

278
01:20:12.400 --> 01:20:37.880
we are incredibly supportive of Council President Kinsey's efforts with the skate park and uh we'll of course look into some grants. Thank you. >> Thank you. [snorts] >> Thanks for coming, Dean. >> I was back. Um, there was a discussion we had had

279
01:20:37.880 --> 01:20:54.720
about a dog park. And some years ago, it was brought up about having it in Laclede Park area. And I witnessed someone walking a dog and when the dog was done doing his business, the person decided to kick the poop into the river. So, I just thought, well, I don't think that's a good spot

280
01:20:54.720 --> 01:21:09.760
for a dog park. But, there is a piece of land on Second Avenue and Ocean, big triangle piece of land and why wouldn't that be a perfect spot for a dog park? That's just a thought cuz that Laclede Park is well used for families and

281
01:21:09.760 --> 01:21:26.440
fishing and picnics and everything else from Friday to Sunday and even during the week, especially in the summertime. Weekends, it's very full when it's off-season. But, that was my thought about a dog park. I'm not against a dog park, but why not put it in that area

282
01:21:26.440 --> 01:21:42.120
instead of, you know, putting it at the Laclede Park area? >> Kyle, we actually have a dog park on the beach. >> I'm sorry? >> We actually have a dog park. It's on the beach. >> On the beach? >> Mhm. It's between Spring Lake and Belmar. It's like 21st Avenue to like whatever that first beach is in in

283
01:21:42.120 --> 01:21:57.600
Spring Lake. So, >> I thought. I always, for some reason, I just thought that was Spring Lake property. >> It's a public dog park during the summer before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. I know this cuz I have two dogs. And then in the winter time, it's there's pretty much no you can go anytime pretty much

284
01:21:57.600 --> 01:22:12.560
to bring your dog. So, >> It's funny cuz it was something >> We do actually have a dog park. >> more aware of it. So, now that you mentioned it, that's good now to make people aware of that. So, we're going to have a walk-through one of these days over at the Laclede Park to look at all the >> Absolutely, yeah. >> yucky boardwalk and

285
01:22:12.560 --> 01:22:27.880
tennis court falling apart and everything else. >> We're talking about it today. >> So, you're not you're not going to have a Rhododendron Point be the forgotten child of the town. >> Oh, we've never forgotten >> it. We're applying for grants and applying for grants at Laclede Park. >> Good. And to see that place, you know, get

286
01:22:27.880 --> 01:22:44.120
back up to snuff like it was. Thanks. >> I do. Anyone else? I have a motion to close the public session. Motion? >> Second. >> Favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Okay. And our last item is resolution

287
01:22:44.120 --> 01:22:59.800
2026 157, a resolution authorizing the council to adjourn into executive session. Whereas it has been determined by the council of the Royal Borough that it is necessary to discuss the following

288
01:22:59.800 --> 01:23:15.760
specific matter at its regular meeting in the absence of the public, which is contract negotiations and pending and potential litigation. Whereas the Open Public Meetings Act permits the Borough Council to exclude the public from that portion of a public meeting during which such matters are

289
01:23:15.760 --> 01:23:32.000
discussed. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Borough Council as follows, that the council shall recess into a private executive session from which the public shall be excluded. That the scope of the executive session shall be limited to the above matters as stated. That those

290
01:23:32.000 --> 01:23:47.640
matters discussed in the executive session shall remain confidential until such time as the need for confidentiality no longer exists as determined by the Borough Attorney. That minutes of the closed session shall be taken and kept free from public review until such time that the need for

291
01:23:47.640 --> 01:24:03.080
confidentiality no longer exists. And that the regular meeting of the council shall resume after the private executive session, at which time the council may take action in reference to the topics discussed. Do we have a motion to offer this resolution? Motion.

292
01:24:03.080 --> 01:24:12.480
>> Second. >> Councilman Lupin? >> Yes. Yes. >> Councilwoman Kenny? >> Yes. >> Councilman DelVecchio? >> Yes.