Star, the official newspaper of the Burough, Belmar, and the Asbury Park Press, and notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building. >> Take roll call. Mayor Buckusco >> here. >> Councilwoman Donovan here. Counciloman Kenny >> here.
>> Counciloman Randero >> here. Councilman Levis >> here. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisible
with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing for a moment of silence for our troops, their families, our first responders, and also the uh young lady who was a drowning victim a few days ago and her family and also Irene
McCann who passed away last month and was a member of our historical society. Thank you. We're going to start with the workshop and then after that we are going to go into an executive session. So let's um
do the workshop. Any items for workshop? >> I actually had a couple questions if that's all right. Um, one is on the affordable housing uh, piece. Um, it had a mention of the medium income. Is the medium income
that's referenced there for Mammoth County, Belmar, and state federal medium income. Where is the to qualify? >> It's the region four. You're in region four. So that's Mammoth County, Mercer County, and Ocean County, I believe.
Um, other question. Uh, there was a connection fee that I wanted to ask about. It was pretty hefty. It was over $8,000. Can you share a little bit more about that? >> Yeah, a connection fee is a fee that is
uh paid by individuals or developers uh in order to connect to the the water sewer utility. It's very common in other towns and it's essentially a like a buying in to the to the um utility. I I I compare it to like a a fee that you
would pay if you're joining a country club. You know, there's usually a there's usually a a a capital fee that you'd have to put up front and then you pay your your annual dues. And it what it represents is the amount of money that all the users of the utility have
essentially paid into the system to keep it where it's at. So it's it's a matter of not just letting people now come into the system essentially for free and take advantage of all of the all of the upgrades and all the expense and the and
the other things, the debt that the uh utility has taken on and it's they're contributing to that. so that we have, you know, money to continue to improve the utility as it goes on. >> So, is that fee flat for both like a
large development and an individual residence? >> Um, I believe it's a uh it's a per unit fee. So, and correct me if I'm if I'm wrong, if it's a single family home, it's it's one fee. If it's a a 10 family
apartment, it's going to be 10 times that that fee. So that that 8 that 8,000 number is is tripping me up a little bit because that's so it feels so expensive to me. So um is that comparable to what other local towns are charging? Is can you
tell me anything about that? >> Well, it's really not relevant to what other towns are charging. What it what it's done is it's done and computed by by a formula that I believe is designated by statute. Correct me if I'm wrong. >> It is statuto. It's a statutory way that
towns would uh come up with a fee. And there there's I don't know all the details, but it has to do with I guess how much um and you can correct me if I'm wrong, how much how much debt the the utility is in um
grants that that happened. You know, there is definitely a formula that is used to come up that is not just a an ad hoc, you know, off the top of the head fee that we come up with. >> And this is for this is for new connections, correct? Yeah. So, this you
redoing your home and just not affect anybody who's living in their home at the present time and has water service from the burrow. >> So, I want to know why we haven't done this before. Like, why is this all of a sudden? >> That's a very good question. I can't answer that.
I'm curious to know is this a new thing that everybody's doing or um why have we never done this? >> Good evening Fran McMahon Salman in Bound. Um I don't have an explanation for why the bureau hasn't done it before. Many municipalities do have these connection fees in place. It's a way to recapture as the mayor said the
capital investment in a system by new users and it is not a new concept. The statute's been adopted for a very long time and as I said many municipalities have these connection fees in place. The reason though that we're we started looking at this number one we don't have
it and like as said many municipalities do. The other reason is that um it's I just lost lost my train of thought
but I'll think of it again. Um >> to an earlier question, it is a mathematical calculation that's set by statute based on as the mayor said the amount of capital investment in the system, the amount if you were there were any grants received and then debt service and then there's a mathematical
calculation that will be presented by we have a the bureau's financial advisor NW is here as well and they'll be presenting the mathematical calculation for how that's um calculated. >> I remember what I was going to say. The other the other thing that has prompted us to do this is that the the water
utility water sewer utility is um essentially uh financially not as well as it should be because of the the changes in the ordinance that were made years ago. Uh it is struggling to be what we call
selfquidated meaning paying for itself. So um one of the ways that we can we can you know enhance the the the health the financial health of the utility is to uh have people who are making new
connections pay their fair share of of you know those connections. uh and and you know we've discussed in terms of even uh new developments that are coming in it it's quite quite common that developers expect to pay connection
fees for the things that they're going to build. So this is just another step to put the water utility uh the finances of the water utility back in uh in um to improve them basically over time. And
the only reason I ask is, didn't we just raise our rates to help with the water utility a couple meetings ago? >> That's not enough. >> Is there a way to do this ordinance? So, it's for multi-unit uh buildings instead of for individual
residences. Is that possible? >> No, because I think in the legislation they they have that I think I questioned it. What was it? An aaou or something. Yeah, >> they define what a unit is in the legislation and we can't we can't just
make our own definition of what what that unit is. >> It's an equivalent dwelling unit and I'm going to ask Brendan to come up from NW. He's he was this calculation and it is a defined term and so you wouldn't be able to sort of selectively decide who is
subjected to this ordinance and who isn't. that would it would not be it would be it would be a subjective determination and that's not um really applicable under the statute. >> It means that we can't just say these people have to pay it and these people
don't. >> That's really big. A unit is a unit whether it's in a single family home or a 50 unit uh development because it goes by the amount of water that's being used. You can correct me if I'm wrong. He's the expert.
>> Yeah. Just like uh Francancy said, the edu >> Oh, sorry. Brendan Hansen uh NW Financial. Um like Francancy said, edu is an equivalent dwelling unit and the township gets its water from South
Mammoth Regional Sewage and they >> it's the sewer we get from there. >> Correct. >> We get our water we have our home for water. um they define an edu as 208 gallons per day and that's the same calculation we use to do this analysis.
>> So overall is this to help us not occur continued raises in our water and sewer >> as these projects are going to be coming down the pike. It's it's a it's a fee that
is very common for most towns to impose. Okay. And we we are at the point where we cannot continue moving forward without having that fee. Uh to Councilwoman King's question, why hasn't
this been done before? I don't know. It it should have been done and we would have had a ton of money, you know, in the in the utility had it been done. If you think back over the even the last five years, six years of of the building
that has been done in town, we lost that opportunity to um to gather that connection fee. So, um we're putting the utility back on the right track more or less by imposing this fee. And uh as I
said it's done by statute. It's not something that is just pulled out of thin air. There are calculations. What are the calculations based on in terms of you know getting to that number? >> So um it starts with you have to
identify the cost of the systems for this. We went back I actually went through the audits over there from 1980 until uh now. And that's why the cost is so high at 8,000 like you're saying because so much investment has gone into the system and no one's really paid for
it coming into it. Um but you identify the cost divided by the .edu which is another formula and then that gets you your connection fee. >> So it's a way of spreading the past cost to future users. Is that more or less
correct to to say it that way? >> Correct. And >> again, this is not something that that you made up. It's a statutory formula on how to do this. >> That's correct. Yes. >> Okay. So, going back to 1980, that's the that that's in the statute to go back so
many years to to to do that. >> Yes, that's correct. >> Okay. >> One of the things that I read, mayor, in this is that um connection fees, which are at onetime initial um service charges for the right to connect are deemed an integral part of the burough's rates schedule. And also, should the
foregoing connection fee create a hardship, applications can be made to the mayor and council for a time payment. I have a question. Is this fee also going to apply to p to uh residents who might be renovating their homes or is this only brand new construction?
>> And I I I think it's statutory language. Well, as it's currently written in the ordinance, it will include additions to current residences that that expand the size of the residence >> if it needs that if it needs a new connection. If
there's no if there's if an existing connection can be used, is it um Let me just say as an aside, this is the first reading of the ordinance tonight. So, you know, we have the second reading in at our next meeting. So, you know,
there's ample time to to flush this out even further if you have more questions. But >> yes, so the language in the proposed ordinance is new construction or conversion or addition to an existing structure or change of use.
But that's still only if they need to make a new water connection. Correct. >> Correct. >> So if they're not changing anything in the water connection, then there would be no fee that would apply to them. >> Correct. Yes. It's new construction or conversion or addition. Yep.
>> Because there are there are instances where people will do a massive reconstruction and it involves replacing the water lines and all that stuff. But um you know we can we can look into that a little more and see if we can define or the statute might define what that
means in terms of the reconstruction piece of it but it's geared mostly for new new construction. >> I wish I knew more about this to be honest. I I'm struggling with the I understand the logic here. I understand the water utilities problem but I'm
really stuck on this number for individual residences. Well, that's why we have a second reading so that you can, you know, we can you can ask your questions. We can get you more information. I don't know if there's anything that's uh that can be is there, you know, we can send a copy of the
statute, our ordinance, the the NW financial reports with all the individual data in it and you can take >> No, I'm happy to take all information. >> But yeah, I mean, I think that's uh >> all of that can be made available. Yeah, we can make that available to everyone
on the council so you know exactly how it was how it's made and you know how it's going to apply in the future. >> I'd be interested too in knowing which u municipalities around us have that same um fee. >> Uh yeah, I could do the research, but
really you can almost click into any municipality e-code search connection fee and almost all of them. I can tell you that I didn't click on one that didn't have a connection fee. It's very unusual to not have a connection fee. It's statutoily permitted and it's as you said an opportunity for new
connections who are benefiting from the investment that burrows already made in the system to to pay their fair share. >> Yeah. Maybe we could look at all the all the municipalities in Mammoth County and see which ones have connection fees and which ones don't. >> Yes. I mean, I just keep thinking about
that stat where most Americans can't afford a unexpected $400 bill. So, that's what's going through my head when I'm looking at 8,000 something $8,000 something dollars and we've already had this 20% uh water rate jack up and and
people are uh things are expensive right now. So, that's why I'm nervous. >> This is only applying to a very very very small subset of people. People who are building new homes, right? It's not it's not going to apply to residents who
are in their homes and you know paying their water bills. It does not apply to I would say 99% of the residents at the current time. It's only going to be new construction. So that's why um you know it's uh it's
not going to really be a burden on most of our our residents. >> It does not apply to current customers. I just want to be very clear. >> I hear you. >> Yeah. Okay. Any other um workshop? Did >> we did we figure out what's going on
with the emergency plan uh resolution? My question before that the the resolution about the uh emergency response uh referenced a plan that we haven't read. So that was my question is whether we had tracked that down.
>> Yes. um research. >> Dr. Martin is OEM coordinator. Um he did send me a copy of the plan. It's over 300 pages. It was the plan that they adopt every two years. Uh has to be approved by the county sheriff's office and the state police. Um I can circulate
it to the council, but it's an internal document that's not operable or releasable to the public because it's their emergency operations plan. >> Security issues, >> right? >> Okay. So, are we still voting on that tonight or are we pulling it? >> We can put it off until uh until that
gets circulated. I don't think there's any there's no deadline or anything for that to for us to >> um there is, but I think we have time. >> Okay. So, why don't we put that on for the next meeting? Everyone will get a copy of the 300 300page plan. There'll
be a quiz at the next meeting. You know, >> nothing choice. And uh and we can vote on it then. Which resolution was that? Oh, that was uh 156, right? 202556. So, we'll um we'll hold off on that.
Anything else? Um two things I want to just uh mention too. There's a our next meeting uh most of us would probably be missing because of an event that that's occurring. So we we would rather than cancel the meeting
uh just want to know if everybody's good with starting at 5:30. We will we will follow the you know obviously the rules the public meeting act rules will advertise it and um uh you know if there's no objection we'll just start at 5:30 for that meeting and we'll go to to
whenever whenever it ends. Okay. The second thing was um I know there's going to be interest in uh what attempts the the burrow or what actions the burough may take or may be considering taking in
terms of the uh lessening the the say the temptation for people to go into the water in the ocean when it's uh especially rough. uh or you know they just come. It's a beautiful night and people are going into the water after
the lifeguards have have uh have left. And I think I'm going to punt this to um our police representative here. Does he know he's going to >> Lieutenant Lee? He's going to
>> I know there's been discussions between uh the police and the chief lifeguard and and and Mr. Kane in terms of some of the things that we might be able to do towards the end of this season to to go over exactly what they're doing. But uh
just >> um but at the end of every every summer we get everybody together and assess the year and and come up with suggestions for you know to make things a little bit better. That's obviously going to be the number one because it seems like more
and more people are are are coming earlier or coming later and staying later and like you said on a on a on a nice night the temptation to go on the water is there. So I'll ask Lieutenant Lee to just you know go over what we've been doing and how we're going to expand
it a little bit for next couple weeks. So, what we've done just recently is we've added um personnel to stay later. They've been staying later. They've been mobile on the gators of the beach
vehicles to to have more visibility. And I know they've also kept skeleton crews of lifeguards on seeming as though the water is so rough. Just trying to keep people out of the water and keep them from swimming in it. Just uh one more thing, mayor, too. Uh
we had a a call from governor's office today and because of the hurricane that's that's out now and and creating the rough seas, uh governor's office is suggesting that most municipal beaches should red flag through Friday. Uh
obviously we'll be doing this on a on a daily basis and assessing the situation, but this storm uh based on weather forecasts and what everybody's saying is going to intensify the surf action which will most likely create, you know, keep
rough surf through the end of the week. So they're they're saying take take real precaution and possibly red flag your beaches through Friday. So, uh, like like I said, we'll we'll be going through this daily and putting notices out. >> I I think the the greater concern, at
least the way I look at it, is not when we're having the storms when the weather is beautiful and and people want to, you know, are up at the beach at 7:00 and want to go in the in the water. So, I mean, that's also an area where we might want to pick up patrols. I mean, when it's rough and it's raining, you know, I
doubt there's really going to be anybody running in the water, but um you know, when it's nice out, you know, those are the those are the nights or the afternoons where people are likely going to be um wanting to go in the water. Uh I will say I' I've been looking at the
weather forecast and it looks like there are like two storms backed up behind this storm. So, uh, it this may be, you know, the the status quo for the rest of the summer. I don't know. But it just seems to me that, you
know, we're we're in a trend now where we're going to have one hurricane or a tropical storm after the other. And I think we just have to pray that none of them hit New Jersey and they stay way out into the into the ocean. But, um, you know, it's it's a very seems to be a
very active season. So, uh, I think, you know, I think we'll be in in goodstead in in, you know, doing what we want to do at least until we're we're finished with the, uh, with the summer season. Any other questions on that?
Any other matters for workshop? Seeing none, why don't we move on to uh, resolution 151? Yes. >> 5:30 start. No, I don't think so. I think we're in agreement. I think >> I don't think I'm going to be able to make it though because I see patients
until 6. So, I might not be able to pull that off. I'll let you know. Um, can I have we have resolution 2025151? Uh, where whereas it has been determined by the burough council that it is
necessary to discuss the following specific matter at its regular meeting in the absence of the public pending litigation and affordable housing negotiations. Whereas the open public meetings act permits the burough council to exclude the public from that portion of a public meeting during which such
matters are discussed. Now therefore be it resolved as follows. The burough council shall recess into a private executive session from which the public shall be excluded to discuss the previous mentioned matters. that the scope of the AF for said executive
sessions shall be limited to the previous matters. Stated that those matters discussed in executive session shall remain confidential until such time as the need for confidentiality no longer exist as determined by the burough attorney and that minutes of the
closed session shall be taken and kept free from public review until such time that the need for confidentiality no longer exists as determined by the burough attorney. And then the regular meeting of the burough council shall resume after the private executive session at which time the burough
council may take action in reference to the topics discussed. Do we have a motion to offer this resolution? >> I'll make the motion. >> April before we uh vote on that, can you add also to reasons that we're going to discuss matters requiring confidentiality between council and the
board? uh the governing body. There are times that that attorneys need to talk to the governing body regarding matters like all attorneys talk to a client confidentially.
That's not that wasn't read by April. So I'm asking that that be >> okay. If we do a second, [Music] >> Councilman Donovan, >> yes. >> Councilman Kenny, yes. >> Mayor Becca Pusco, >> yes. >> Councilman Roinero,
>> yes. >> Councilman Lewis, >> yes. >> When you coming back? >> We'll be back. [Music] All right. It's a special Next item is
uh I did not receive any petitions. The next would be approval of minutes. Can I have a motion to approve the July 22nd minutes? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Donovan. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Kenny.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Busesco. >> Yes. >> Councilman Randero. >> Yes. >> Councilman Le. >> Yes. >> Any reports to council? Um, let's start with uh, Councilwoman Diamond. >> One of these days you're going to pick someone at random. It's going to be
great. >> Um, it's been an eventful summer, everyone. Um, the environmental commission has been very busy. We had a visit from Senator Andy Kim uh who came with us on a trolley ride along with the
elected officials from Belmar, Lake Como, Spring Lake, Seagar, Spring Lake Heights, Bradley Beach, and Avon. Um and we discuss all the problems our coastal lakes are facing along with emergency management along with um
experts from the American Literal Society and M University Coast Institute and all ways that we can also work together as towns um amongst your services or or project ideas or just you know sharing what has been our successes. Uh so it was really really um
a great visit. Um I'm uh forever thankful to everyone who has helped along that. Uh pro administrator Kaine was integral to making that happen. So thank you very much. Um and it it was a great day for Belmar. Uh we also had great news where Congressman Chris Smith
has an earmark uh for a million dollars for Silver Lake in the restoration. Uh that still has to go through another vote in the House and then go through the Senate, but we are cautiously optimistic that this could happen. So that will be huge news. Uh and of course um our environmental commission there uh
Diane Valo and Gary Hener were huge part of making that happen. So thank you to them. Um still going. Uh we have patchwork for wildlife certificates that are being delivered to recognize homeowners for sustainable
landscaping uh practices. And if you'd like to be a part of that program or nominate someone, a neighbor, uh you can contact the environmental commission. Uh and the bureau has also received grant funding to create a community energy plan. So that is under works as well. Uh the Belmar Pro Serve competition is
September 5th, San Janeiro September 13th. And that is all I have for you. Oh, and last night, last night guys, we had six members of the Harvard University softball team come and they ran a free clinic here in town. um for
girls uh throughout our short towns. We had about 65 girls showed up almost that uh sign up. Um we had a two-hour free clinic. We raised a couple hundred dollars for the softball field as well. It was an amazing night. Uh we actually one of our goals in this whole process
has been to encourage more girls to play sports, more girls specifically to sign up for softball. And I believe we had more girls from Belmar come out than have signed up for Triore. So we are making steady progress on these goals. Uh, and it's wonderful to see the community supporting these projects. So,
thank you all. >> Councilwoman, >> thank you, Mayor. Uh, I did just want to say thank you to the Belmar lifeguards, water rescue, the police department, um, EMS, everyone who was involved in that
heroic save on Friday. Even though we did sadly, our hearts break for the family of the one girl that was lost. But I also just wanted to make mention that there were some local Belmont residents who were also up at the beach who participated in some of that um life-saving activity. And there they
will remain nameless. But I just wanted to say thank you to those amazing residents who just didn't even like think twice. They jumped in. They tried to help out. And I do believe they were able to help the one sister. So that I just would like to say we're very grateful for and everyone who was
involved in that even though it was tragically we're unable to save everyone. Um, okay. Couple quick things. Uh, recreation, fall soccer signups are happening now. Full tennis lessons for children and adults, you can sign up. Those signups are also h happening now.
This Friday is the last Friday night concert in Piona PL in Piano Plaza and it's the Black Ties. So, come out and see the last concert of the season. There are two supposed to be two more movies on the beach, but they've already
scheduled tomorrow night as a tentative no because of the weather and the surf and the wind and it's not supposed to be great conditions tomorrow night. So, the last movie is The Wizard of Oz. And then um we also have a 50th anniversary
edition showing of Jaws and that's going to be on September 5th uh also I believe on the 7th Beach. So come out for jealous on the September 5th. Um back to school Belmar Elementary back to school. They staff teacher training is August
28th. Tuesday, September 2nd is orientation for new students and the very first day of school is Wednesday, September 3rd. And those first couple days of school at Belmore Elementary are half days. St. Rose High School and St. most grammar school also go back
September. The PD uh professional development and teachers go back on the 2nd. Orientations on the third and the first full day of school for the grammar school in the high school is September 4th. Sad, right? Okay. And lastly, skate park fundraiser October 11th. We're
looking um for donations. Anybody who would like to sponsor, there's going to be bands, giveaways, prizes, 50/50. Um it's going to be a fun day and so look out for that. That's a day event. All ages 1 to 5 at bar October 11th. So come out and support the skate park. And
that's all I have. >> Thank you. Uh councilwoman, council president. >> Oh, I love that. Uh thank you, mayor. Uh my heart also goes out to uh the young girl and her family who drowned last week. Um and I'm very grateful to those
all those who are on scene, our first responders, water rescue, police, EMS. Um and I echo the mayor's sentiment. um in his um statement uh which is that the way we can honor this loss is protecting ourselves and loved ones uh by not
having them swim in the ocean when the lifeguards are not there to protect them. Um I thought that was uh really something that we could do and I really hope that everyone takes um these warnings very seriously. um children, especially children. I love
the idea of the um the gators on the beach to be able to let people know, hey, come out of the water. You know, this isn't safe. We don't have um life present staff. Because as a child, your brain is not developed well enough to really know um you know that this is
okay or it's going to be fine. Let's just do this. This is going to be fun. Um and so it is our I think our duty to especially warn the the younger um population about the risks. Uh so thank you for all that you're doing. Um last week the Velmar summer camp wrapped up
uh their program. I'd like to thank our recreation director Barry Tgo and camp director Colleen Dylan for putting on such a great program again for our local kids. Uh the BJ still has their waiting list open. Um but it will close soon.
Two new tenants have moved in um and two units are being renovated. Uh last uh meeting we talked about a potential key box for emergency um entrance for the police uh to use to go into the BHA. Um and that will be
installed after a resolution from the board at their next meeting. um from the library. I'd like to thank the mayor and the library board for their support in making sure that our next summer concert will be back on the
lawn um at the library featuring the Eber Bandits. Um invite your friends and family, bring your lawn chairs for an evening of great music. Uh and then Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th and the library has two major
events for that. um Hispanic Heritage Field Day, which is September 20th at 10:00 a.m. to 1, which is a fun collection of indoor and outdoor activities and games, uh that celebrate contributions of Hispanic culture to American life. And then there will be
the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration on the 30th of September at Taylor Pavilion. And that'll be wonderful dance party music with the Rocka Boys and refreshments by Santos Ceviche. So announcements with registration links will be coming out
soon. Um so just stay posted. Thanks. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilman Lux. >> Thank you, mayor. I just want to thank uh our DPW director, Bill Mustau, for the preparations he's been doing for uh the high surf we're going to be having. The mogats are going to be coming off the beach. Uh beyond that, we're not
really expecting storm surge, but the data is showing that the the swell is going to peak around Thursday night at high tide at 7 at 9.9 ft in 18 seconds. Those are very big waves. Do not go in the water. Be careful if you're going down to the ocean to look at it. That's
going to be very, very, very high surf. So, don't put our first responders at risk by thinking maybe you could take a jet ski out or or doing something crazy. Stay out of the water. Keep your boats docked. just uh stay out of the ocean on that day. That's all I have.
>> Thank you. Uh I again would just like to, you know, express my thanks to our first responders, lifeguards, the water rescue team, the police, the EMS. Again, we're so fortunate to have these people
here in the burrow to uh assist and to to provide these services when they're needed. Uh I I ask every resident to pass the message on to people, relatives, friends that they're not to go in the water unless there's a lifeguard there. And you know, I going
to state the obvious. That's why they're called lifeguards. They're not called beach attendants. They're not called, you know, life uh beach watch or anything. They're there because, you know, you can lose your life in the ocean. And I think we have to impress on
our our friends and neighbors and family that, you know, the ocean is a dangerous place. It could be a lot of fun. Uh but, you know, when you go in, if you're going in the water, make sure you're in front of a lifeguard because anything
can happen. So, uh if you'd pass that on, and again, I I thank all the respondents for for what they did. One other uh item I would like to mention, let me just get my phone here. I'd like to just uh announce that our
resident Mark A Spagnolo who was uh in the fire academy has received a recognition of outstanding academic achievement and exemplary performance as a student in the firefighter one basic training program.
So, uh, you know, it's an honor for him to be, uh, a resident of Belmore and to be a part of our fire department. I just like to, uh, congratulate him on that award. Uh, and I believe that is all I have. Oh, I I do want to echo uh,
Councilman Levvice about uh, going up to the beach. Everybody wants to see the big waves. Again, when you're telling people not to go in the ocean, tell them not to go to the beach when when we're having a hurricane. You know, it's a you know, it I know it's interesting to see
the big waves, but again, we don't want to put our uh responders in in a situation where they have to now put their lives in danger to go rescue someone. So, just keep that in mind. You know, watch it on television. Uh I'm sure there'll be plenty of of uh press
on on what what's going on at the beach. And um other than that, I think I'm finished. Any other comments? Okay, let's move on to the uh the public session. >> If anyone has a comment or question
about a resolution on the agenda, please step forward, state your name and address. >> Just straight public session. This is the public session for the resolutions that are listed on the agenda.
>> Is there anyone else who would like to make a comment on the resolutions on the agenda? >> Close the public session. >> Motion. >> Second. All in >> favor. [Applause]
I have a motion to amend the consent agenda to table resolution 20256. >> Second. >> Counciloman Donovan. >> Yes. >> Council McKenna. >> Yes. >> Mayor Bafesco. >> Yes. >> Councilman Roder. >> Yes. >> Councilman Le.
>> Yes. >> Can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended? >> Motion. Second. >> Councilman Donovan, >> yes. >> Counciloman Kenny, >> yes. >> Mayor Besco, >> yes. >> Counciloman Randero, >> yes. >> Councilman Levis,
>> yes. Next, we have ordinance 202519, an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 39 entitled affordable housing general program purposes and procedures addressing the requirements of the Fair Housing Act and the Uniform Housing
Affordability Controls regarding compliance with the municipality's affordable housing obligations. Do we have a motion to offer this ordinance for first reading and introduction? >> I'll make the motion. Second. >> Councilman Donovan, >> yes. >> Counciloman McKini,
>> yes. >> Mayor McFusco, >> yes. >> Councilman Rodiro, yes. >> Councilman Levis, >> yes. >> And then we have ordinance 202520 and ordinance amending the burough code chapter 29 water us water sewer utility department establishing connection fees.
Do we have a motion to offer the ordinance for first reading and introduction? >> Motion. >> Second. Councilman Donovan, >> yes. >> Counciloman Kenny, >> yes. >> Mayor McFusco, >> yes. >> Councilman Randiro,
>> yes. Councilman Lewis, >> yes. >> Okay. And now we're at the regular public session. Just a reminder to please state your name and address before speaking. >> I just like to remind everyone there's a five uh minute limit that will be
enforced and try to uh limit your speaking to comments. Anyone >> Tom00 River girls it's very important this thing
happened two girls five six years ago they got one in and they died unfortunate these things are unfortunate mayor your idea of danger there's danger in any anything and
everything in this world there's danger in front of would be who people sitting there everybody else it doesn't matter where when how or anything else they call that an appointment and smar as unfortunate as it is uh and everything
well enough for that for now I'm very sorry too these things happen though as we know uh about the uh Hey uh pride the pride month and this incredible article in the
co-star. Well, I'm I'm sorry that none of you responded to my email to you. I I really wanted to have a good conversation with you, but you refused to do it. But as I suggested, what about putting
the concept of the Pride Month and the flag and everything else on the ballot? It's a special question. And if if the residents say they want to do it, fine, do it. But if they don't, then don't do it. What's wrong with
democracy? Felix says, uh, this is in this article, it's incumbent upon us that this is the only way we're going to change things through the voting process. That that's the day that we
have most power, the voting process. And then you and then you go ahead and say you don't want to have the the voting process. Why not put it on the ballot? That's that's a good tactic sitting there like that. I like that.
It's not it's not worth the spirit of your your assembly. You're doing very badly in that matter. All right. To offset if you don't want to put it on the ballot and everything, let's have a heterosexual
weekend. What about that? Could call it sex. You like that? And in that inclusive weekend, you can have a a gay tent.
What's it? A lesbian tent, a buy tent. What if I can't get these things right? A beastiality tent. That' be good. Everybody will like to go in there. You could charge a dollar for people to see that. I saw that once down at Tijana.
Interesting. Uh you can have all these different tents and everything. We can do this. This is Belmar. You can get a waiver to do it. Maybe you can sell drugs low, you know. Don't don't get the price crazy and everything. A lot of people like
Coke. Doesn't do me any good. Every time I pour it in my nose, I it just make me choke. Uh so why don't we do that? A heterosexual month. And each act, each person can go
ahead and show what he does best and everything. It would be wonderful. You can bring the all the children to see it and everything and all that. Oh, council lady or president Martin, you just said they don't have enough brain power to
figure it out to do things like this. Keep them out of the war. What about going to uh to sex night? Sex and rabbit. Maybe there should be an age limit. Silence. That's a real good tactic. But you're against this. Shows that you're
against the spirit of democracy. The spirit of interchange with with the uh with the public. You're against us. You're scared of us. Don't shake your head. No. Yes, you are. And uh you think this is amusing, this man?
>> No. >> There's a lot of things in this world, but it's not amusing. But it is your time is running out. So why don't you wrap up your comments? >> Everybody's time is running out, Mr. Mayor. Do I got to get here and tell you something like like that that their time
is running out? Everybody's time is running out. Where you been all your life? And the children that showed up at this thing, were they were they did they just show up themselves? Can you answer that one? This is a
comment section. We're here to listen to your comments. >> And who escorted them? Was it their their person their parents or or was it somebody that maybe from Lambda? You know that outfit?
>> It's time to wrap it up. Okay. >> Did I wrap it up? >> No. God. Any other individuals want to make a comment? Come on up.
Thank you, Mayor. Sandy Caputo, Surf Avenue. Whenever there's construction near my house, and this recently five different houses are being worked on right within a block of of where I live, um I go out
all the time picking up screws and nails. I have the magnet and I go all over doing it. I think I have prevented many flat tires for my neighbors and me and damage to cars. Uh
we are going to have several massive developments going on. I know the one we were here last night. We've got the St. Rose corner. Can we ask force course these developers to clean up so that we
don't have nails and screws on the street to give us flat tires? I I I think I think when you're looking at the big developments, it's it's a whole different uh level of of uh
equipment of people that are coming in and and it's they're not just building a single home. But I believe every every developer and builder knows it's their responsibility to clean their work site. >> So they will be doing that.
>> It's in the redevelopment agreements. >> Yeah. Our redevelopment agreements with the with the uh the entities that we've made agreements with in the affordable housing area. They know they have to do that. >> Okay. Thank you.
Also, last night's meeting was overwhelming. side. Um the meeting before there was talk about the dog run on the roof and how that would be cleaned and where that water would go. Did that get settled?
>> I'm not sure. >> Remember the the meeting before? >> Yes. >> Talk about they go to clean it and it goes into our storm sewers which all that doggy stuff probably shouldn't. I believe it was it was resolved at at the prior meeting.
Yeah. >> All right. Thank you. >> If not, it would have been up at last night's meeting. >> Okay. And the 5:30 meeting that is September 9th. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> What else? Barry Luben, 15th Avenue. Um,
on Monday, August 4th, I got a letter from the shiing commission. Um, it's ambiguous. First of all, I don't have a tree on my
property. It's signed shape commission which to me means the anyone on the committee the inspector who may have sent this letter is scared to be named. That's my
experience. Um all the organizations volunteered over my entire career. It's just a scared tactic just to name the committee. That night I sent a uh note to shade to
treat tree commission and my phone number. Can we discuss two days later that night? I will look into this and get back to you. The next day, good afternoon. I'm still waiting. That afternoon, Barry, we will get back
to you shortly. That's Tuesday the 5th. Monday the 11th, I said good morning. It's now been a full week and I haven't gotten a response.
On Monday afternoon, thinking I was doing the right thing on the bottom of the letter, I put in an application for uh ornamental grass that I had put in oh
four years ago thinking that's what because it was on the curb cut the the strip thinking that's what the issue was. So, April saw me but I gave it to the office.
And so I just did that. I figured 10 bucks to the town. Okay, I can handle that. Tuesday evening over a week, I got the phone call finally.
And I said, I don't understand what's going on. Well, the tree on your property is playing with the is making the sidewalk come up. I said, "I don't have a tree on
my property." He said, "I can send you a picture." So, he sent me a picture. It's property next door. So, why isn't someone, whoever this inspector is or whoever is looking,
looking at the zoning charts and seeing whose property truly is. I know for a fact recently at least one other person got their next door to a neighbor's letter. So, somebody's not looking. So, that's my complaint.
Um, so that was Monday and Tuesday. So my notes, I find it awkward that nobody will sign it. Uh, the chairperson on the zoning board, April signs it, the attorney signs it, somebody signs it.
Uh, the fact that it took over a week, that's problematic. The fact that I know I'm not the only one in town to get somebody else's letter, that's problematic. Today in the mail, pardon me, I got an
email denying my permit. Ordamental grass is not allowed in the curb cut. Okay. It's been four years. Nobody's complained about it. So I did an informal survey driving around
town this afternoon and there must be 50 or 100 people that have one more grass in the plant curve cut. So what I'm asking after my anger now I'm thank you helped
bring that anger down. I'm asking for the governing body to please look at that minor thing about no ornamental grass because
the permit asks for the tree and if I were putting a tree there I would have put one of the ones that the environmental commission requests native ornamental grasses native else. Um, if I put a tree there,
which I could by permit unless because it's under the wires, it would have been denied. I don't know. But a tree in several years is going to hit those wires. It's going to have to
be the tree in a few years is going to bring the sidewalk up. The grass is never going to get higher than 6 ft and it's not even going to get that high because I crop it like properly.
So, I'm asking that you guys look at that provision and allow ornamental grass. It's just it's far better looking than a lot of the other people have. That's it. >> We'll look at that. I mean, that's going
to require a change in the ordinance, but I think we'll we'll take a look at it and see what you know, council wants to do with that. >> And as leaison of the she, I will certainly relay your comments and help get to the bottom of what this all why
this all happened. So, I'll get back to you. >> Anyone else? 18th and be um driving around the other day just by chance stop the stop sign and watch this little kid on a little
bicycle with his training wheels do a header because a handicap curb it's an old handicap curb and there's like about that much space. All right, that the curb is it's not flush. Okay. So, I notic that BPW was
around doing like some uh filling potholes on because they have nice little patchwork going in that maybe we could get um some of that put into those types of curbs if it's possible. Not to redo the whole curb, but just make it
flush so these little kids don't get hurt. I mean, it's not it's mine, but I sat and watched it right in front. So, >> 14 and all four basically and honestly driving down
there's a lot of it's it's just as much >> it's just that much but it's you know >> sometimes sometimes that much of asphalt just makes it damn big enough for the water not to run around the corner and then you have you have we'll look at >> yeah you know just something that I
wasn't looking to >> um thank you for that enlightening workshop um it was interesting information especially for zoning. So all the people that are coming and building new houses, we have more information from them now. And is like that information is available as soon as
like April publishes the the um agendas with that on those ordinances. I guess that's best way to find out all that information. >> Yeah. Okay. Everybody kind of look a little shocked that they're about hearing about that. Um
the beaches when you're talking about, you know, were up there on Friday night afterwards and people were saying I get $1,000 fine. Put your foot in the water, you get $1,000 fine, which is probably impossible to do. But at the same time, I don't know if you noticed some of
those hot summer nights, those beaches were packed. I I mean like packed as if it was like noon time. You know, I know it cost money to extend the beach hours. We extended the park until 2 a.m. or something. 1:00 a.m. for what? I'm not
sure. So like maybe an entrance on every other block or something. >> Can I make a comment about this? I don't know if you heard, but after the fatality in Seaside, I did hear they were ticketing people who went I don't know if we do that, but I did hear that that is happening in Seaside after their
fatality. They it's something that obviously we can discuss, but it it still boils down to the fact that if you if you have guards until 7 o'clock, then you know, you still have a window of opportunity after 7 for people to go
into the water if you know. So there's no there's no real answer to it. The real answer is for people to not go in the water when there's no guards available. And you know, it's uh it it's just you you can't and and and to just have
swimming on certain beaches, that's probably uninforcable because you know, you can have guards on every other beach and you'll see people down at that end swimming and people over there swimming and you know, it's just going to become a nightmare trying to to to do that. So,
you know, it's uh and then, you know, if you want to take it even one step further, then we have a situation where, you know, are we going to have to put guards until like October 1st because, you know, the beach the guards end at, I don't know, midepptember, but you have beautiful days at the end of September.
People still go on the beach. So, it's a it's a it's a um almost a never- ending cycle of where where you draw the line. I think the answer is education. get people uh educated about what they should do and shouldn't do with regard
to the ocean and they need to know that they swim at their own risk when that happens. I agree 100% what you're saying. Just it's it's a shame that you know they're that packed late at night and everything. And we not only have to
educate the children, got to educate some parents, too. >> Not for nothing, but >> um last but not least, 27th, August 27th, Jersey Mike's. All right. For the Belmore women's club, we'll be doing our monthly fundraiser in Jersey Mike. So,
thank you. Anyone else? Mr. Del one bite at the apple. After everybody speaks, I can speak again. I'll try to run the meeting correctly. I know it's ability
rules. >> That's the people. Huh, Mr. Mayor? >> In about a minute, I'm going to ask you to leave. >> Thank you. Um, a couple of comments. Um, piggybacking on what was just mentioned with the swimming. Um, as a former
teacher, I really would love to see swimming guidelines taught on a curriculum level throughout the state. >> It's just something that I think is really needed at this point. I mean, it's not a big to-do, but I know we do it at Belmar Elementary, but that's just
one school, you know, and um I don't don't know who we contact for something like that, but boy, do I think that that's important. And that's for parents as well as the children. Um I'm going to bring up the sidewalks again. I am finally in a shoe. I was in a cast for
six weeks and a boot for two weeks. The sidewalks are still an issue in town. So, um if you need a copy of it, I found mine. with all the names of the sidewalks that needed to be done. It's probably 10 years now. So, if you need that original
list, I still have it. Of course, I do. And the last topic is ebikes. >> Um, I don't know what the ordinance is regarding ebikes, age groups, helmets, lights at night, all of that. But if I
get one more bite, go by me as I'm walking my dog all lit up. And I don't know for those of you who have seen me at night, I am like literally neon lighted up. And when they drive by me quietly in dark and say, "Uh, almost got you." It really burns me. So I would
really think that that's something that's got to be worked out. You know, they need to have lights on them. They need to have helmets. They need to have something to identify themselves. >> So that's it. Thank you. Yeah, >> I do know that we updated the ordinance to include the enforcing against the
ebikes. I don't know if lights were on them. >> I don't remember. I feel like helmets were >> helmets definitely were going down a one-way street speed, but part of the problem that Chief Scott discussed with us is that the state doesn't enforce a lot of these. So when it comes to the
municipal level, like we're trying to enforce laws that aren't even ex in existent, you know? So like a like the moped speed ebikes, they literally are like little motorcycles. You're supposed to get a a license for those, but when you go to the state and apply for a
license, they say, "No, it's a bike. You don't need a license." So there's a big disconnect with that that we have to figure out how to work that out. >> Yeah. I wonder if it has to do with the decel level, too. Because with a motorcycle, you can hear a motorcycle coming, >> but you can't hear an ebike.
>> And they're really, really quiet. >> They consistently go the wrong way down one way street. >> Consistently. >> Exactly. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Hey, looking 3054th Avenue. Um, since it came up so much tonight about the uh
water safety, I uh I've lived in Belmar my whole life. I was taught to swim by the Belar lifeguards at the L Street Beach. They used to give free swim lessons when I was a kid. And uh so I spent a lot of time at the beach. I learned um to respect the ocean. A lot
of people don't know that. Um people who come to the beach after hours have different reasons for coming. Some people come because they don't want to pay. Some people come because it's not as hot because sometimes it's too hot in the middle of the day. I don't go to the beach in the middle of the day. I go to the beach early in the morning. My
lifeguards come on. I say hello and then I go home. Um I think the when I'm down at the beach in the morning, there's not a lot of people swimming. Um, the people that are being rescued are being rescued after hours, after 5:00 p.m., after 6
p.m. And I think the answer has to be that the people who buy beaches, daily season badges, they need to subsidize the guards to protect those people in the afternoons. I think it's our obligation as a community, no matter what their reasons for going to the
beach in the afternoon are to help protect those people. Um, and that's all I have. Thank you. Any other comments? And your chance. Can I have a motion to close the public session?
>> Ability to run the meeting. May >> I motion? >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> disgrace.