I'm trying to increase my average. So, >> we ready? >> Yeah. I hit the gavvel. >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> Adequate notice of this meeting was provided and published in the Aspbury Park Press and the Ocean Star on January 16, 2026. Copies of the agenda were
provided to the newspaper posted on public bulletin boards in the township website. >> Thank you. If we get a roll call, please. >> Councilman Albanese here. >> Councilman Minino >> here. >> Councilwoman Reena >> here. >> Councilman Cohen >> here. >> Councilwoman Travers >> here.
>> Vice President Amberino >> here. >> President Feman >> here. >> Thank you. >> Can we please rise for a salute to the flag and pledge of allegiance? Moment of silence 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. >> Thank you. Please be seated. Madame clerk, will you accept the reports from the municipal officers to file? >> Yes, of course. >> Thank you.
Can I get a motion and a second to approve the minutes from March 10th, 2026? >> Motion. Second. Copy that. Thank you. Roll call. >> Councilman Albany. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Aino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena? >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen?
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers? >> Yes. >> Vice President Amberino? >> Yes. >> President Feman? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. At this point, I'd like to invite Chief Forester and Mayor Crate up to the front for swearing in.
All right. Good evening. First and foremost, I want to thank the mayor, the council, and the business administrator for all their support for the police department. Tonight, we come together to celebrate a moment of pride and achievement. An
occasion that underscores dedication, perseverance, and honorable service. It is an honor to witness the promotion of one of our finest officers, Sergeant Anthony Zera. He has displayed leadership, expertise, and a commitment to the safety and
well-being of our residents. Every promotion not only signifies an elevation in rank, but also cause for a greater responsibility, a responsibility to uphold the ideas of integrity, honor, and service that are the foundation of our work. Congratulations, Sergeant
Zara. Thank you for your service and may your leadership inspire those around you as we continue this journey of excellence. Sergeant Zerka joined the Brook Township Police Department in August of 2008 and graduated from the Ocean County Police
Academy in January 2009. In June 2009, he was diagnosed with a rare form of esoph esophagus cancer. And after a 10-month battle involving chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, he returned to duty as a patrol officer. He
is now more than 16 years cancer-free. Sergeant Terica has spent his entire career in the uh patrol division, serving on both the evening and midnight shifts, with most of his tenure on midnights. He has been a member of the Marine unit
since 2018, serving as a boat operator. Throughout his career, he has participated in the helping hands basketball game and serves as chairman of the Richard J. Harper Memorial Golf Outing, which raises scholarship funds for graduating Bricktownship High School
students. His commendations include mtorious service award, honorable service award, life-saving award, and numerous chief certificate. Sergeant Zerico will now serve as a supervisor on the midnight shift in the patrol division.
He is joined tonight by his wife Kristen, his daughter Gemma, and his son Nicholas. Also present are his parents Joanne and Anthony, his sister Suzanne, and other family members and friends. Anthony, would you come up?
Have some of your uh family, kids. There you go. of the United States. True. United States. CONGRATULATIONS. SORRY. CONGRATULATIONS. SORRY.
All right. Thank you. For those who are not interested in sticking around for the budget presentations, now would be the opportune time to cut loose. We'll close our eyes. We won't look. I just wanted to
While the crowd thins out, I'd like to cordially invite Alyssa Cumins. from the division of engineering. I wasn't sure we don't have intro music to like play you up. >> Oh, my apologies. What I meant to say,
I'd like to invite >> Yeah, stick together brick by brick. All right, Miss Cummings, whenever you're ready, take your time. >> All right. Well, I want to thank you for your time this evening. Oh, sorry. Can you hear?
I want to thank you for your time this evening. No, >> little louder >> and allowing me better. Okay. Allowing me to provide a brief introduction to the engineering division and address items requested in the 2026 budget. The primary functions of the division of
engineering are to establish and maintain public infrastructure and assist with the integration of private property development. We monitor the site construction and off-site improvements outside of the physical building envelope. Engineering currently employs six full-time employees, one
full-time uh SE our full-time staff includes one licensed professional engineer, two National Institute for Certification and Engineering Technologies certified inspectors, an engineering aid/road inspector, a permit clerk, and a secretary.
As a group, we provide professional assistance to township departments such as the Department of Public Works, the road crew, in-house construction, traffic safety, and parks, as well as technical support for homeowners, businesses owners, realators, and developers. We also serve as the contact
for various divisions of the D, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Engineering staff will play a key role in assisting residents and professionals in understanding these changes, coordinating with the DP, and helping
applicants navigate revised development standards while maintaining compliance with state and federal floodplane regulation. The division anticipates a significant increase in resident, realer, and contractor inquiries related to the implementation of the DP's new
real regulations. It stands for resilient environment and landscape rules. These regulations are inspected to impact flood hazard areas, coastal development, permitting requirements, and redevelopment feasibility for many properties within the township.
Our office is also the designated flood plane administrator responsible for compliance with the rules and requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, a division of FEMA. Based on how well we comply with NFIP regulations and guidelines, our citizens are provided a discount on their flood
insurance premiums. Uh we are currently a class 6 and our residents enjoy a 20% discount on their flood insurance premium. Most of the day-to-day operations of the division involve interaction with the public, including homeowners, business owners, contractors, and licensed professionals
looking for guidance with development. Our 2026 goals include coordinating with public works for repairs and improvements to our existing infrastructure and maximizing the capital funds available for the greatest extent practical. expanding our GISbased
stormwater inspection system, maintaining the township status within the NFIP community rating system for discount flood insurance premiums. Clearing violations from the National Flood Insurance premium violation tracker, assisting residents, realtors, and development with private property
development and anticipated changes within the revisions to the D regulations. developing the tr the townshipwide dredge material management and habitat restoration master plan and educating the public on f flood risk and preparedness. We have spent a lot of thought and
effort over the last few years developing procedures for better organization and standardization within the division. We centralize our permit intake by clerical staff. We do electronic inspection reporting. We do digital archiving of closed permits almost immediately upon closure. We
standardized coordination with zoning and code enforcement. And now we have a GIS-based stormwater inspection tool. All of these things may seem small, but combined they enable us to better assist people with their requirements, wants, and needs while saving time and saving money. Engineering salaries and wage
budget request for 2026 is $175,000. While our salaries are fixed, the actual cost to the township are estimated. The funds recouped in the budget from inspections, escrow accounts, and capital accounts will vary from year to year. Therefore, the actual staffing costs to the township fluctuate
annually. We strive to keep our costs as low as possible. Our overtime is something that's very difficult to estimate as the time required is completely dependent upon the volume of work running through the division and this work is development driven.
We provide inspections as requested by contractors or the administration outside of the normal operating hours of the township, provided the overtime hours worked can be charged to an escrow project that can be built for the associated costs. Our overtime budget
request for 2026 is $10,000 which is consistent with requests from last year and the actual cost for the last few years. Our operating budget request is $115,250. These funds are requested to pay for our general supplies including like tools and equipment that we need to do our job
such as you know pens, uniforms, paint, measuring tools, levels, etc. Uh our renewal fees to pay for our professional licenses and certification as well as the courses that provide the continuing education credits we need to maintain them. costs associated with annual
permits for the DP stormwater permitting for our annual municipal permit, our industrial permit for the Trader Scope Marina, and a multitude of permits for our public works facility and tidelands licenses for our waterfront parks and infrastructure. The professional services of engineers, surveyors, and
architects, and environmentalists that are needed to be contracted with and to complete the tasks that are beyond the resources of our in-house division engineering. That's engineering's largest line item is for expert services. This is the money that the division reserves to pay engineers,
architects or other professionals for services that can't be capitalized such as surveying, flood mapping appeals, um the ADA, which is uh the barrierfree sub code compliance consultation, master plan updates, sound studies, and general
traffic consultations. If the services are not required, these monies are not spent. With that, I thank the mayor and council and our business administrator and the citizens for their patience, support, and active participation in all of our projects and initiatives.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh moving on to the Division of Inspections. Uh Mr. Joseph couldn't make it tonight, so Miss Bergen will be presenting uh that budget. >> Thanks, Council President. Um thank you,
Mayor Crate, and the council members. I'd like to take this opportunity to present this to the public on the divisions of inspections budget for fiscal year 2026 on behalf of our construction official Michael Josephic. The division of inspections is empowered to enforce the New Jersey adopted
uniform construction code NJAC 5 col23-1 through 12. Budget 195 is dedicated to the cost associated with administering and enforcing the uniform construction code. The purpose of the uniform construction code is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of structures. The code is
also designed to encourage innovation in construction, including the use of modern tech technical methods while eliminating obsolete construction regulations that increase the cost of construction. The number of permits issued in 2025 was 3,394
with an additional 801 permit updates issued in 2025. This represents a relatively consistent number of permits issued year after year. The total number of permits issued can fluctuate based on economic and other conditions outside of our control. The number of inspections performed in
2025 was 15,972. As with permit activity, the number of inspections fluctuates depending on economic conditions and construction activity. Much of the revenue from permit fees is based on the value of construction projects. The total value
of construction in 2025 was 153,512,442. Improvements made to real property increase the overall value of properties and contribute to property tax revenue for the township. Revenue generated by permit fees total $2,383,890. Additional revenue from penalties,
applications for variation, certificate fees, and ongoing inspection programs such as annual inspection of public swimming pools, annual testing of backflow prevention devices, and annual inspection of elevator devices generated an additional $52,233.
Our inspection staff is made up of a construction official, subcode officials, inspectors, and clerical support staff. Each local enforcement agency has one construction official who has chief administrative responsibility for administering and enforcing the provisions of the New Jersey Uniform
Construction Code. Each technical area of the code has a sub code official. Under the direction of the construction official, subcode officials have administrative responsibility for enforcement within their specific discipline. They interpret code requirements, perform plan reviews prior
to permits being issued, and supervise inspectors within their sub code. Inspectors under the direction of their sub code officials and the construction official perform field inspections. The staff dedicated to the building sub code includes construction official Michael
Joseph serving as the interim building subcode official along with two full-time building inspectors. The plumbing mechanical sub code includes one full-time subcode official and one full-time plumbing mechanical inspector. The electrical sub code includes one full-time electric subcode official and
one full-time electrical inspector. the fire subcode inspection services. We continue to utilize a shared services agreement with the brick bureau of fire safety. We currently have a part-time elevator subcode official. Our elevator inspector will be moving on in May and we will be exploring the possibility of
hiring a new part-time inspector or utilizing a third party agency. Clerical duties include permit application intake, data entry, inspection scheduling, moving applications through the plan review process, processing violation notices, and issuing permits
once approved by the subco officials. Our clerical staff serve as the frontline employees who interact daily with residents and contractors, and we are very fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking team. We currently have eight additional full-time clerical staff members. One clerk serves as a
clerical supervisor and is responsible for processing certificates of occupancy, responding to and processing OPER requests, and assisting other clerical staff. The remaining clerical staff has specific responsibilities, including one at the reception desk who greets residents and helps them with
information and paperwork. Three permit intake clerks responsible for residential permit applications. One permit intake clerk specializes in commercial construction application and manages ongoing inspection programs. One violation clerk is responsible for processing notices of violations and
coordinating investigations of complaints from residents. One inspection scheduling clerk is responsible for scheduling construction inspections. While all clerical staff are cross-trained, each has primary responsibilities within the division. Every three years, the state adopts new
code addition. The next code change cycle is expected to begin in April 2026 depending on the Department of Community Affairs adoption process. As a result, this line item in the 2026 budget will need to reflect the purchase of updated code books for each of the subcode disciplines.
Briefly, we'll talk about code enforcement, property maintenance, and rental inspections. Code enforcement, property maintenance, and rental inspection is provided by the Division of Inspections. The purpose of the township's property maintenance code is to protect the quality of life of our residents and ensure property owners
provide safe housing when their units are rented. The code enforcement main number responded to 3,846 calls in 2025. Our code enforcement staff includes four full-time inspectors who enforce the township's property maintenance co and rental certificates
of occupancy inspections. One code enforcement officer works in manaloking through a shared service agreement. The township is fully reimbursed for those costs. One code enforcement officer does investigations during weekend hours and the code enforcement officers share evening shifts for light pollution and
short-term rental complaints. The idea is for code enforcement to be accessible and available for after hours complaints, which as you can imagine occur frequently. Saturday code enforcement hours do not generate overtime. One of our inspectors has a flexible schedule that allows him to
work Tuesday through Saturday. In 2025, code enforcement performed 2753 inspections, including 987 rental inspections. Code enforcement also issued 84 847 rental certificates. In accordance with state law, code
enforcement is also now performing visual inspections for lead paint in homes and rental units constructed in or before 1978. The inspectors also investigate properties based on complaints or spot checks of known problem properties. Based on upon their investigation, code
enforcement officers issued 2323 violation warnings in 2025. Several of those resulted in summones being issued for rental violations, either renting without a rental certificate, overcrowding, or violating the short-term rental ordinance. Code
enforcement also maintains a database of properties that are vacant, or where a foreclosure action has been initiated, whether vacant or not. In 2025, the township processed 400 registrations. The total fees collected for this was $13,450.
The state now requires the township to collect proof of liability insurance from every business and many rental units. In Brick, this state requirement is accomplished by requiring a mercantile license for all those required to show proof of insurance. In 2025, we issued 429 mercantile licenses
and collected $10,2720. Code of forcement also supervises the property maintenance board, an active body that meets every six or eight weeks. Their work remains essential as the township works to ensure the property maintenance code is followed both for safety reasons and the overall aesthetics of our neighborhoods. Our
staff works diligently to prepare cases to be presented to the board. They provide testimony, make factual findings, and then implement the board's orders. Individuals that respond to code enforcement violation or respond to orders of the municipal court judge generally are not summoned to appear before the property maintenance board.
It is primarily used when individuals have failed to respond to violation notices issued by the code enforcement officers. The board heard 11 cases in 2025 and facilitated one demolition of an abandoned dilapidated structure on Winchester Drive. The state has now
mandated that dwellings built before 1978 that are rented for longer than six months must be inspected for possible lead hazards. Brick would only need to conduct visual inspections. However, the law does have triggers that would require additional testing and/or remediation. Properties that are
required to be registered with the state, like large apartment complexes, are exempt as they have already been checked for lead by the state. We conducted 255 inspections in 2025. Again, I thank you for the opportunity to present on behalf of Michael Josephic
for the building department and code enforcement budget. The Division of Inspections plays a critical role in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our residents while ensuring that construction throughout the township complies with the state's uniform construction code. Our staff works diligently every day to
review plans, perform inspections, assist residents and contractors, and support responsible development within our community. As construction activity and regulations involve, our goal remains to provide efficient, professional service while maintaining the high standards required to keep our
building safe and compliant. We appreciate the support of mayor and council and the division of inspections looks forward to another productive year serving the township and its residents. >> Well done. Thank you. And lastly,
from the Division of Land Use and Zoning, uh, Miss Paxton and Mr. Romano. >> Thank you, Council President. Thank you, Mayor Crate, Council President Fineman, and the governing body as well as our business administrator, Joanne Bergen, for giving zoning officer Christopher Romano and I
this opportunity to present the budget for the Division of Land Use. On behalf of our employees, we thank you for the support and continued assistance that you give us throughout the year. The division of land use and planning consists of the zoning office, the planning board, the zoning board of
adjustment, GIS mapping, grant management, community development, and general land use planning. The most notable accomplishments that we'd like to discuss uh from 2025 include the following. We achieved uh or we won a Greenacres grant approval for
$440,000 for the redevelopment of Winward Beach to uh install curbing and sidewalk and replace the safety surfacing. We successfully purchased a 4.22 acre open space property known as Osborne recommended by the brick open
space savers. Um and we've also achieved as of the last council meeting uh second ordinance reading the purchase of uh 1.49 49 acres known as the Western Westervelt property which is adjacent to the Drumoint Sports Complex and 5.38
acres of Summit Avenue which are both in in the due diligence phase of the acquisition um for which we will be reimbursed um under a 2024 grant for $1.4 million from the Green Acres program.
As you all know, we adopted the uh fourth round fair share plan and housing element. Um and we adopted the economic development plan. Uh as Miss Cumins uh indicated earlier, we achieved a CRS uh approval um for our
2025 year with submitting 98 elevation certificates uh which received accuracy of over 90%. Um the land use and engineering staff work in concert together and uh this serves as the prerequisite for our CRS program which
uh results in a savings to our residents who are in compliant flood um zones that pay flood insurance of 20% which is a savings a significant savings of millions of dollars annually. Um um from a staff standpoint, we ended
the year uh with uh seven full-time employees with 11 board planning board members and nine zoning board members. We currently are pursuing filling the position left empty by the departure of a land use staff person in January and my position um as the township planner
as my last day will be July 31st. Uh we also uh added an assistant zoning officer to assist Christopher Romano with the increased volume and complexity of permit reviews um as a result of um increase in OPER requests um changes in
mortgage requirements um and the adoption of an impervious cover uh regulation. We serve as staff to the planning board, zoning board of adjustment, land use committee, master plan committee, environmental commission, architectural review committee, sustainable brick
committee, the green team, brick open space savers, flood plan management planning committee. Mr. Romano serves as the ADA coordinator. We also assist the Shade Tree Commission, uh, historical commission, and Homes Now, Inc., who is our, uh, affordable housing
administrator. Um, I know we talked so much about affordable housing at the last council meeting, but humor me for a little while longer so that you understand how the program is administered. So, in 2025, our division collected um $826,754
in affordable housing fees. Um, this is an increase of $159,426 from 2024, which indicates that the township added more value in uh more value in taxable improvements than the year prior. These
fees are collected during the permitting of new homes and commercial sites. Um, and 85% of these fees are passed on to Homes Now, Inc., which is deposited in the affordable housing trust fund for which we um utilize to administer
compliance with the affordable housing program. A total of 880 deed restricted units are maintained in accordance with the fair share act regulations and the township reports over 1,200 credits that provide affordable housing. During the 2025 calendar year and the first quarter
of 2026, as you all know, considerable time and resources were deployed to defend the township from challenges to our affordable housing plan. From the revenue side, the division of land use and planning has five main sources of revenue that help to offset
the cost um to our taxpayers for our operations. We collect permit and application fees, zoning permit fees, affordable housing fees, planning and zoning board application fees, and escrow fees, all user fees. The total
revenue collected in 2025 was 1,321 uh,023, an increase of $215,274, mostly due to the affordable housing fee increases. From the expense side, salary and wages. The land use budget for salary and wages
that includes land use planning and zoning boards affordable housing budget line items is 550,000. The board of adjustment is 90,000 and overtime budget request is 2,000. Most overtime charges are made only to the writer account for the applica when the
applications are made um because they are related to planning board and zoning board cases for our review and our administration of the program and these are charged back to the township. Review of development applications are charged to the escrow accounts.
So these salary chargebacks are what um I really like to highlight in my budget presentation. So, because we are a recipient of the community development block grant, um 20% of the grant that we received from the housing urban development program at the federal
government can be charged to the grant for our administration of it. That equals $54,200 from last year. Our affordable housing trust fund pays for part of my salary, which is $7,460. The planning board and board of
adjustment rider accounts was charged $23,59 and the planning board and zoning board escrow accounts was charged $62,419. These funds are not taxpayer funding funded. They are user fees or grant
funded um and resulted in a savings of $147,000 uh $147,60 for a net salary expense of 52637 in 2025. The proposed 2026 land use operating
budget um has increased due to the uncertainty for the need of expert services for planning administration. Additionally, the brick open space um uh committee, it recommends open space purchases and before we get reimbursed from the grant, there's expenses that we
have to pay uh for appraisals, surveys, preliminary environmental assessments, wetland delineations, and other studies that are required for green acres acquisitions. Now, Christopher Romano is going to talk about the zoning office and their activities.
Good evening and uh thank you again for this opportunity. I really appreciate it. Uh so the zoning office is now staffed by three employees. The zoning off the zoning officer, assistant zoning officer and and a clerk. Zoning applications can range from a small shed
to the development of a major major shopping center. The zoning officer looks for consistency with board approvals and the zoning code. The zoning office assists the residents of brick and the general public with all their development needs with respect to zoning compliance.
Our office is involved with all development applications from the initial informal meeting requests with applicants through the permitting process. In 2025, we processed 1,75 permit applications and brought in 99,830
in revenue from the issuance of permits. Uh the zoning board of adjustment which I have the responsibility to attend those meetings uh had a very busy year. Uh total of 49 cases were brought in front of the board. Uh writer account
took in $37,500 and uh took an escro fees of $227,863. the planning board uh slightly less 21 21 cases total with a writer account at uh 40,500 and took in escro fees uh totaling
$248,2. So that's it from me. Um I I appreciate all your time and I I appreciate all your support and it's very much appreciated. So thank you. Tara's gonna finish up. >> Thanks Chris.
So, uh, another important, um, function of our division is GIS mapping and document production. Um, our GIS and data specialist works close with the ocean with Ocean County, Brook Township Municipal Utilities Authority, and the Township Consulting Surveyor to maintain the township's computer mapping, tax
maps as well, and manages data to create, analyze, convert, and maintain terabytes of GIS data. He creates hundreds of maps detailing everything from conservation efforts to parking lot maps for Joanne to farmers market and green fair maps. He also works with staff on data management plan editing
and grant mapping. In 2025, we completed the economic development plan and the fourth round share and housing element plan that required hundreds of d hours of data management and mapping and remapping and redoing um the plan. He
also completed mapping for 10 new open space preservation projects recommended by the brick open space savers. And regarding grant management, as I mentioned before, the township is an entitlement community which receives funding from the community development block grant program from the housing and urban development agency. And we
received an award of $290,827. We received $96,000 in grant requests for the public services portion of that which you'll um uh have the pleasure of of giving out. And uh we awarded 43,624 in public service grants to 12 nonprofit
agencies that provide services to the township of brick. We also accomplished eight housing rehabilitation projects where we renovate uh low and moderate income qualified residents, usually seniors in our community. um with township staff administering the program
and in partnership with the Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity and we are working to create more single family scattered site opportunities for low to moderate income families through land donations. This concludes our report. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to working
with you in the years to come. >> Thank you. >> Not me but the department. All right. So, that concludes the budget presentations. Um, I'm going to open it to the council for questions.
>> I have one. >> Yeah, please. >> Um, my question is about the violations um from the NFIP flood insurance violations tracker. So, what are these? What is involved with clearing them? And are there costs
associated or fines? The short answer is there's no cost to the township other than the time. So we have to the NFIP doesn't actually have a set way to clear a violation. Um we are
a part of a pilot program with Atlantic Highlands where essentially I fill out a six-page form. I have to get a flood elevation certificate for the property that has to be dated after the date the violation was identified. Um, I cite if
it can't be cleared, I have to come up with a realistic it's been mitigated to the greatest extent possible. It It's mostly time that's invested in specific properties. Somebody has to approach me and say, "I'm willing to get a new flood elevation certificate showing I've
corrected my violations." With that, I submit the paperwork to uh representatives of the NFIP. They usually get back to me fairly quickly. um and say that they'll clear the violation. Um the the record of the
violation never goes away. However, that that property, that structure is now eligible to be re-entered into the CRS discount. Plus, their flood insurance goes down. Violations on your property dramatically increase the cost
of your annual flood insurance premium. So, people want to get rid of the violations. Plus, I don't even know if a lot of people realize if you're on on the list of violations, you're not getting the 20% discount that is afforded to other residents. >> Thank you. Do Do you know how many we have currently?
>> 655. >> 655. >> And I cleared them once and now with risk rating 2.0, which is um it's a new way that the National Flood Insurance Program uh develops your the rate of insurance.
they're they're starting to base more on actuarial rates as opposed to the um subsidized rates that were given out in the 70s. You know, if they if you had a structure that was in the flood zone when they made the flood zone, they offered a subsidized flood insurance
rate to everyone that already had a structure. Those subsidies are going away and people are getting closer and closer to the actuarial rate of what they would pay on the free market for flood insurance, even through the NFIP on a federal policy.
um when they changed this program, all of our availations came back overnight and it's not as easy to clear them as they would. Like each property needs the six-page form and the inspection and photos. Whereas before I was able to just provide flood elevation certificates um say that these
structures were built before the existence of the NFIP. I I think we cleared a couple hundred structures that way. We cleared several hundred structures just as a result of Sandy because structures were demolished or elevated after Sandy. And as soon as I could
demonstrate that through permits, they cleared the violation that these these structures are there structures on the list that don't exist anymore. But I have to demonstrate that through through paperwork. >> Thank you. >> I have a quick question for Mr. Romano.
Um, it's an easy one. So, you have a you have a bar chart that's colorcoordinated by the different types of permits, but my copy is black and white, so I can't make out what's what. There's one that is, you know, leads the um the highest
number of permits. I was just curious what that was. >> That was in Sarah's very happy that you brought up her her bar bar chart. Put a lot of time. Yeah, it is. >> Just can't make it out. What do you think it is? >> Uh, it's
>> a nice bit. You know, something that would during the springtime, summertime, a lot of people uh need to replace them. >> Yeah, I'm assuming it's not signs. So, probably pools >> closed just um it's fences. So, those I mean it's just a you know basic
application that is is the most popular. So, okay. >> Everybody's you know changes their you know replaces their fence and puts in new fencing. especially when it comes like you said with pools that's a requirement um with UCCC along with with the pool so it's it's a it's a busy one
>> okay got it thank you >> you're welcome >> all right any other questions from council seeing none close council now going to open to public for questions uh on just these presentations only
seeing none oppose public. Moving on to 61. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations to Miss Paxton on her final presentation here. Yeah, let's now why don't we move on to
6126 calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank in JSA4A 4-4514. Thank you, Council Vice President Embersino. >> Thank you, Council President. This is
something that we do every year. This ordinance allows the township to establish a CAF bank for future use. The ordinance allows for increases for budget appropriations and allows the township to bank any unused monetary room. This cat bank ordinance allows the
township to increase budget appropriations by 3.5% over the prior year's appropriations and to bank any unused appropriation room for up to the next two succeeding years. This ordinance is simply precautionary. It is
not funded through a tax increase since it is only used in subsequent years should we need to fund a one-time expenditure. The monies available by this cap rate index ordinance may be used to offset costs of any future disasters and the need for any future
emergency appropriation. We're not generating cash. We are creating the ability to raise money in the future should we need it. If the funds are not needed in the succeeding two years, the bank is simply dissolved. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Can I get a motion and a second on this ordinance? >> Motion. >> Second. Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. >> Seeing none, close council. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. Councilman Makino.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to item 71,
>> introduction of 2026 municipal budget. like to cordially invite Mayor Crate to the lectern. Oh, isn't your table lectern? Good evening, everyone. Good evening, Council President Fineman, Council Vice
President Amber Zenino, members of the council, Madame Clerk, and residents of Brick Township. Tonight, I'm here to walk you through the proposed 2026 municipal budget for Brick Township. As always, our goal is pretty straightforward. Manage things
responsibly, keep our finances in check, and make sure we're delivering the services our residents rely on every single day. This year's proposed proposed budget comes in at $126,243,931 which is a 2.8 incre 2.8% increase over
last year. Like everyone else, we are dealing with rising costs. Fuel, electricity, natural gas, utility expenses across the board are up and that impacts nearly every part of our operations. Even with those pressures, we've worked
hard to keep spending growth steady and predictable. Over the last 10 budgets, our average annual increase has been just over 2%. To put that in perspective, the 10 budgets prior have averaged 5.6%
each year. This budget continues to fund the core services that keep Brick running safely and smoothly. It supports our police officers, dispatchers, and EMTs who are
on duty 247. In fact, about one of every $4 in this budget goes directly to those departments. The people who are there for residents and with residents when they need them most. We are also continuing to support our
senior community through Brick Township Senior Services and the Senior Center. These programs are especially important for residents living on fixed incomes or on their own. Our senior services are a lifeline. So those in services include expanding
the senior shuttle which helps people stay independent and provides critical transportation including for dialysis appointments. Recreation remains a priority as well. This budget keeps our parks in great shape and supports the programs and
events that bring the community together, like the farmers market and Summerfest, which are very popular with all of our residents. And let's talk about the things people truly see and feel every day, the improvements that make our town better for everyone.
First, our roads. This year, we are investing a significant amount of our capital budget in local roadway improvements. more than we've seen in over a decade. Planned upgrades include uh Lion's Head South, Herbertsville Estates, parts of
Riviera Beach, Midstreams, sections of Greenbryer, Matita Conch, Highland Point, Cedarcraftoft, and Malard Point. And speaking of Malard Point, after years of delays involving the D and the Army Corps of Engineers, the long
awaited Malard Point Park will finally break ground within the next few weeks. We're also addressing critical infrastructure needs. Drainage construction is underway for Elm Court and Elm Lane and Godfrey Lake will receive a long needed culvert repair.
Road elevations are planned for Snake Road and Ward Drive. And for pedestrian safety, we'll be making important improvements along Princeton Avenue and Herbertsville Road. We know that investing in our community is an investment in the future for all of the
residents who call Brook Township home. So, while we remain committed to fiscal discipline, we cannot ignore the cost increases we're facing. As I mentioned, the most significant increase is health insurance.
Additionally, allh experes are beyond our control. As a result, we conducted a thorough decision. There is very little in this budget that can be considered optional.
The proposed budget includes an increase of 3.2 cents for the municipal portion of the tax. Switch out. Thank you. For the average home in brick, that works out to about $98 per year. We understand that any increase matters and this
wasn't taken lightly, but it's necessary to maintain the level of services residents expect while keeping the township on solid financial footing. It's also worth pointing out that this increase only affects the municipal portion of your tax bill, which is about
30% of the total. The remaining 70% is determined by the board of education, the county, and the local fire district. Now, I think it's really important to also point out that despite all I've just said about rising costs throughout the state and nation, we have continued
to make real progress in reducing our long-term debt. Back in 2014, the the township's debt was 168 million. Today, it's down to about 119 million, a reduction of nearly 30%. That didn't
happen by accident. It's the result of careful planning, prioritizing what matters, and sticking to responsible financial practices. Before wrapping up, I want to thank our business administrator Joanne Bergen, former CFO Moren Laffy Berg, and current
CFO William Pandos. Putting together a budget of this size and magnitude takes a lot of time, effort, and attention to detail, and their work has been essential throughout the entire pro process. With that, I am submitting this budget
to the township council for their review. I'm confident that they'll find it to be a solid, balanced plan that reflects all of our shared values. And to our residents, please know that we take seriously the responsibility of managing your t tax dollars. Every
decision we make is focused on being efficient, transparent, and keeping Brick Township on a strong path forward. So, I thank you for your time this evening and let's keep working together to make sure Brick Township remains a community where we can all be proud to
call home. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor Crate. Now, I'm going to ask for a motion and a second on this resolution. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to counsel.
>> I have a question. So I'm seeking clarity. Um I just want to confirm this is only an introduction and there'll be a subsequent first and second reading to follow. Is that a true statement? >> So it's an introduction. Uh there won't be a first and second reading. Budget
resolution sort of a separate type of thing. There will be a public hearing. It's going to be at least 28 days after the introduction. So, 28 days from today, >> correct? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions from council?
>> Seeing none, close. Council, roll call. >> Councilman Albanese, >> yes. >> Councilman Makino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes.
>> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you. All right, moving on to the consent agenda. >> All matters listed under item consent agenda will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. If discussion is desired on any item, this item will be removed from the consent agenda and will
be considered separately. >> Thank you. 81 >> authorize certification of compliance with US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. >> Councilman Makino. >> Thank you. This resolution certifies compliance with the United States Equal
O Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforcement guidance under consideration of arrest and conviction records for the employment decisions under title 7 of the Civil Rights Act 1964. This is required by the Division of
Local Government Services as part of the 2026 municipal budget submission. Thank you. >> Thank you. 82, please. >> Authorized budget transfer 2025. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes budget appropriation transfers as needed for
year end. These transfers do not increase our overall municipal budget in any way. We are moving funds from one count to another. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. 83. >> Authorize emergency temporary appropriations for 2026 temporary budget. >> Councilman Mikino. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes
emergency temporary appropriations for the municipal budget as needed through the end of May. This resolution allows the township to increase line item departments budgets by the amounts specified which has been calculated to get all departments through the time to
adopt the budget. Thank you. >> Thank you. 84. >> Authorize amendment to the temporary capital budget 2026. >> Council Vice President Hercino. >> Thank you, Council President. So, this resolution authorizes amendments to the 2026 capital budget. Later on in this
meeting, the council will be asked to introduce the 2026 capital budget with projects in the five, seven, 10, and 15-year lifespan ordinances. This resolution amends the budget by specifying the various projects that go
within those particular ordinances. Thank you. >> Thank you. 85 >> authorized cancellation of stale dated checks, municipal court bail account. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes the cancellation of stale dated check in
the amount of $76 from the municipal court bail account. >> Thank you. 86 >> authorized cancellation of stale dated checks municipal court general account. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes the cancellation of state dated check in the amount of $1 from the municipal
court general account. >> Thank you. 87. >> Authorize receipt of bids flood control valves. >> Councilman Cohen. This resolution authorizes the receipt of bids for the delivery of various size check valves and their installation. Township has many low-lying elevation
areas and high tides can cause flooding in streets where seawater backs up into storm sewers. The valves will be placed within the municipality owned storm drainage pipes in areas subject to title induction. a property. A properly installed check valve allows storm water
to flow out, prevents tide water from flowing into the storm sewers, and can reduce instances of flooding that result from tide evaluations that are higher than the surrounding areas. And I'm sorry, that's elevations.
Thank you. 88. >> Authorize receipt of bids public safety uniforms and equipment. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes the receipt of bids for public safety uniforms and equipment. This contract is mainly used for clothing for new hires within the
police and EM EM department clothing allowances for full and part-time emergency medical technicians and replacement uniforms or all for all divisions such as police, sir, EMS, etc. Thank you. >> Thank you. 89, please. >> Authorize request for proposals
preservation architectural services. >> Councilwoman Rea. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes the request for proposals for preservation architectural services. The township is preparing to use grant money from the CB CDBG program to make repairs
to the historical society Hulse House on Herbertsville Road. Because of the nature of these repairs, an architect that specializes in preservation is required. Thank you. >> Thank you. 810. Please >> authorize award of contract landscape maintenance at Solar Field. >> Councilman Mikino.
>> Thank you. This resolution authorizes an award of contract to Riverview Company's Milstone in the amount of $60,000 for the landscape maintenance service at the solar field. The scope of work in this project includes a spring and fall mowing, seed mix with fertilizer, hay,
top soil, mulch, vegetation removal, and disposal of rip wrap areas of approximately 15 acres. This is a two-year contract. Thank you. >> Thank you. 811. Authorize award of contract Summerfest food truck vendors. >> Councilwoman Travers.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes award of contract for the following Summerfest food truck vendors. Big Blue Wrap and Roll, Delano Food Service, Jersey Juice Company, Jersey Mike Subs, John and Wo's Concessions, Tony's Italian Sausage, and
You Scream Ice Cream. Bid notices were provided to 130 prospective biders from our biders list, and 16 picked up bid packages. 11 bids were received with one rejection for faulty paperwork. Thank you. >> Thank you. 812 >> authorize award of contract beer and
wine garden concession. >> Council vice president Embersino. >> Thank you council president. So this resolution authorizes an award of the contract for the beer and wine concession to Manaloking Road Ale House. Manaloing Road. Bid notices were
provided to 26 prospective biders. Three requested bid packages. Two bids were ultimately received and the Maneloking Road Aeous's bid was the highest of the two at $12,500. This bid is for the four Summerfest concert series and the Fall Fest event
in 2026. Thank you. >> Thank you. 813. >> Authorize award of contract fireworks exhibitions. >> Councilman Cohen. This resolution authorizes an award of bid for fireworks exposition to Schaefer Fireworks
Strasburg, PAI in the amount of $43,876 for the Summerfest concert series. Bid notices were provided to 15 prospective biders from our biders list and two bids were received with Schaefer Fireworks being the lowest responsive responsible bidder.
>> Thank you. 8:14 >> authorize award of contract dispatch center furniture. Councilman Cohen. >> This resolution authorizes an award of contract to PMC Wireless Houslet in the amount of 157,585 for the purchase and delivery of
furniture for the newly renovated dispatch center. The purchase being made through New Jersey state contract. >> Thank you. 8:15. Please >> authorize appointing members to the brick recreation advisory committee. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This
resolution authorizes the appointment of the following members to the brick recreation advisory committee. Myself, Councilwoman Melissa Travers as chair. Council President Steve Fineman, Councilman Perry Albanesey's, Joanne Bergen, Matthew Fagan, Robert Burns, Victoria Pala as board of education rep,
and public members Stacy Bradley, Barbara Lance, and James Shower. Thank you. >> Thank you. 8:16, please. >> Authorized supporting legislation A4017. Council Vice President Ambersino. >> Thank you, Council President. This
resolution is signifying our support for legislation at the state that is going to require that limited liability corporations that purchase rental properties in Brick Township provide contact information as part of their filing with the county clerk's office.
This resolution would prevent a property's true ownership from hiding behind an LLC, which makes it impossible to track down the appropriate people to hold them accountable for violations such as overcrowding that impact our residents and neighborhoods. Thank you.
Thank you. 8:17. >> Authorize opposing the NJ real rules in their current form. >> Councilman Mikino. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes opposing the NJ real rules in their
current form. Real rules are intended to impose resilience construction and land use requirements in the area projected to experience future inundation relying on climate adjusted flood evaluation and coastal inundation mapping including New
Jersey D's coastal flood exposure area mapping which extends beyond current FEMA flood plan designations. The real rules are fundamentally based on modeled sea level rise and storm surge projection extending for the year 2100.
It's a long time approximately 74 years into the future and applies those project conditions immediately at the present day land use development and redevelopment decisions. The township is concerned and applying reg applying these regulation standards today based
on the long-term projection rather than present or near-term condition fails to reflect lifestyle of residents, life cycles of residents, structures, infrastructures, investments, and property owners in the established communities within our town. Thank you.
>> Thank you. 818, please. Uh 18A is 100% DAV widow of veteran deduction at block 919 lot 23. >> Thank you. That brings us to the end of the consent agenda. Can I get a motion and a second?
>> Motion. >> Second. Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none. Close council. Open to the public on questions on the resolutions only. Seeing none, close public roll call.
>> Councilman Albanese, >> yes. >> Councilman Benino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, move on to item number
819. Be it resolved by the township council of the township of brick that the following bills be paid and that the mayor and clerk be and are hereby authorized to draw orders on the treasurer for the amounts of the same computer bill resolution in the amount of $25,90,17.13. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion and a
second on the computer bill resolution? >> Motion >> second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none, close council. Open to the public for questions on the computer bill resolution only.
Seeing none, close public roll call. >> Councilman Albert, >> yes. >> Councilman Mino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you.
>> Moving on. Item number 820, please. Be it resolved by the township council of the township of brick that the following bills be paid and that the mayor and clerk be and are hereby authorized to draw orders on the treasurer for the amounts of the same manual bill resolution in the amount of 2,265,9751. >> Thank you. Is there a motion and a
second on the manual bill resolution? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none. Close counsel. Open to the public for questions on the manual bill resolution only. Seeing none, close public roll call.
>> Councilman Albany, >> yes. >> Councilman Mikino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Moving on to item number
nine. bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements and acquisitions in and by the township of brick in the county of Ocean State of New Jersey appropriating 5 million139,84 therefore and authorizing the issuance
of $4,882,000 and $130 in bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the costs thereof. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you. So this explanation covers all the capital ordinances. The 2026
capital budget totals 12 million. At the outset, the total request for capital funds exceeded 20 million, but the department heads worked hard to back into manageable numbers for DPW parks and buildings and grounds. 3.7 million is being requested. The sanitation
requests included two automated garbage trucks, a jetack, a mason dump, a salter for the tandem truck, a tandem dump truck with a plow and salter, asphalt for paving jobs. For buildings and grounds, two F250s with plows, HVAC replacement at the Cherry Koi batting
cages, and in the police department, the township is also embarking on phase one of two for the ballistic glaze, also known as bulletproof improvements. There is 495,534 in the budget to install ballistic glaze at the tax collector, municipal court,
and township clerk offices. Next year in phase two, we will do the tax assessor and building department. The parks department requests include reservicing the pickle ball court at Angela Hibbert Park, redoing the rubber safety service at Trader Cove playground, a rear loader
garbage truck for leaf pickup, fencing, picnic tables, and shop tools. EMS is requesting 754,000 for four new power CS, replacement of two aging first responder vehicles, design costs for the renovation of station 2 on Lanes Mill Road, portable
trailers, a rehab trailer, and tactile ballistic vests and helmets. The building department has requested 36,344 for EV charging stations and equipment for a public station here at Town Hall. Purchasing is requesting a 17,000 folding machine. seniors is asking for
bus radios. Recreation requested 215,000 as a rough estimate for the township's third of the cost to renovate the Drum Point School playground, 111,900 for various pieces of equipment for the marina, and the installation of a pitching and catching batting cage
tunnel at Drum Point Sports Complex. They also requested items needed for the beach operation. The township's IT department requested $56,100 for various items include PC replacement servers, cameras, and laptops, iPad for
EMS, Toughbooks for the police department, as well as interview room cameras. The police department requested 760,316 for rifles, suppressors, undercover vehicles, guns, holsters, a vehicle for traffic safety, a vehicle for the patrol
supervisor, and two command staff vehicles along with three additional electric electronic speed limit signs. Engineering has the most requests at just shy of 6 million. There is a significant investment on roadway improvements at Lion's Head South, Malard Point, Herbertsville Estates,
Riviera Beach, Midstreams, a section of Greenbryer, a section of Mitakon, a section of Highland Pine, a section of Cedar Craftoft, a section of Midstreams, Tall Timber, and Westview, and parts of Riviera Beach. Other projects include Elm Court and Elm Lane drainage reconstruction, Godfrey Lake Culvert
Repair, Snake Roadway Elevation, Ward Drive roadway elevation, Princeton Avenue pedestrian improvements, Herbertville Road pedestrian pedestrian improvements, bulkhead repair, landfill monitoring, landfill well maintenance, landfill slope repair, soil remediation
at the old firing range, and improvements at the fire training center. Thank you. >> Well done. Thank you. Uh, can I have a motion and a second? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to council.
>> Seeing none. Close. Council roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice President Amberino. >> Yes. >> President Feman. >> Yes. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Moving on to item number 92. bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements and acquisitions in and by the township of brick in the county of Ocean State of New Jersey appropriating $56,100 therefore and authorizing the issuance
of $480,795 in bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. Thank you. All right. And this is for um bond ordinance seven-year life. Um is there a motion in a second?
>> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to council. Seeing none. Close. Council roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Cohen? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers? >> Yes. Vice President Amberino. >> Yes. >> President Feman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> 93, please. bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements and acquisitions in and by the township of brick in the
county of Ocean State of New Jersey appropriating $4,192,316 therefore and authorizing the issuance of 3,982,700 in bonds or notes to finance part of the cost thereof. >> Thank you. And this is a bond ordinance
with the 10-year life. Is there a motion and a second? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. >> Seeing none. Closed. Council roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Makino.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice President Ambrosino. >> Yes. >> President Feman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Item number 94, please. bond ordinance providing for various capital
improvements and acquisitions in and by the township of a brick in the county of Ocean State of New Jersey appropriating 2,162,500 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $2,54,375 in bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof.
>> Thank you. And now this is a bond or ordinance with a 15-year life. Is there a motion and a second? >> Motion. >> Second. Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. >> No questions, but I'll make a quick comment. Everything that Councilwoman Travers had explained and ran through
was a summary of everything that's part of the 2026 capital budget. Some of those projects extend for 5 years, for seven years, for 10 years, and for 15 years. So each of these resolutions, these ordinances that we're reading is
for the particular life of those bonds essentially. >> Well stated. Thank you. Okay. So, moving on to item number >> I'm going to take the roll call. >> Let's do a roll call first. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Nikino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Cohen? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers? >> Yes. >> Vice President Amberino? >> Yes. >> President Fman? >> Yes. >> Thank you for the reminder. >> Now, let's move on to item number 95. An ordinance of the township of brick county of Ocean State of New Jersey
amending the township code in section 288-42 schedule 12 through through streets to add the roads known as Blake Circle as a through street along its entire length. >> Councilman Cohen >> Brook Township Police Department's traffic safety division request this
ordinance designating Blake Circle as a through street. The ordinance enables the side streets off of Blake Circle to post stop signs, which is part particularly helpful for people visiting the community and not familiar with the Blake Circle Loop. As one of the primary roadways in Greenbryer, Blake Circle
spans approximately 1.45 miles and serves as a major artery for the community. It currently lacks the necessary traffic control measures for road of its size and scope because it is an uncontrolled intersection. It has experienced increased traffic volume and there are documented speeding
concerns. The ordinance allows for consistent traffic control at all 28 intersections. In additional, installing additional 25 mileph speed limit signs along the 1.45 mile stretch of Blake
Circle will help reinforce safe habit habits driving. Implementing these changes is a proactive step toward ensuring the safety of Green Bryer residents and reducing the risk of accidents or uncontrolled crossings. Thank you. Is there a motion and a
second? >> I'll make the motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. >> Seeing none. Close. Council roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Marina.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice President Amberino. >> Yes. >> President Feman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to item number 101, >> an ordinance of the Township of Brick,
County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 250-29A and chapter 191-6B to amend the fees applicable to land use applications. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Rea. >> Thank you. This ordinance comes as
recommendation from the county use committee who reviewed and approved the need to increase escrow fees and application fees for planning and zoning board applications. The fees have not been increased in nearly 10 years. Land use staff recommends the implementation
of a $500 escrow fee for accessory bulk applications and to increase the escrow fee for the principal bulk applications to $2,500. Land use staff is finding it increasingly difficult to manage the billing because the fees for small bulk
sea variance applications is $250. The board attorneys use up the fee and we have to build we have to build to the writer account for virtually every application which means we are in the red for every bulk application just to have the resolution completed.
Additionally, for pool applications, the engineering review is much more detailed now due to coastal rules and the permit clerk frequently has to ask applicants to replenish the escrow fees in order to pay the professionals. This is a
hardship for the public because we are continuing to ask them to replenish the escrow. As a result, land use staff made the recommendation to charge upfront rather than having to keep asking for more as the application progresses. In
some cases, LAN use staff had to result to billing the rider account to cover these fees because applicants have refused to replenish the funds. As a result, the rider account is being depleted from the billing of the accessory bulk applications because
there is no escrow to be built. Land use staff have conducted research of other municipalities and have discovered that we are the only municipality that does not have an escrow fee for the accessory bulk applications and our escrow fee is low in comparison. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Is there a motion and a second? >> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second it. >> Copy that. Thank you both. Open to councel. Seeing none, close counsel. Open to open to public.
Seeing none, close public roll call. >> Yes. >> Councilman Albanese, >> yes. >> Councilman Makino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes.
>> Item number 102, please. An ordinance of the town brick county of Ocean State of New Jersey amending chapter 225 to require annual inspections for a rental certificate of occupancy and amending the fee applicable to the issuance of a rental certificate of occupancy.
>> Council Vice President Ambersino. >> Thank you, Council President. This ordinance provides for an annual inspection at rental properties in Brick Township for the purpose of issuing an annual rental certificate. Currently, inspections occur only when there is a
change in tenants. In this ordinance, the township's code enforcement officers will conduct these annual inspections, which provides us with the ability to ensure that there is adequate code compliance for all rentals. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there a motion and a
second on this ordinance? >> Motion. Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Um just a couple just one really quick statement on this. Um I received an
email from a resident um who owns multiple properties and very unhappy about this ordinance. Um and I can understand where they're coming from. Uh being a property owner, the increase in in the cost cost for the annual
inspection. However, what we're hearing and what we're seeing in town really makes this ordinance extremely important in order to keep the quality of life for our residents where it should be. So, although I do
understand where the landlords are coming from, I believe this ordinance is in the best interests of most of the residents of Brook Township. I have one additional comment regarding that same email. So, uh the one of the
questions or concerns that this resident posed was that um uh concern about the cost of the uh chimney inspections and we do have confirmation that um that is not something that is included um in this uh annual inspection.
I did have one question um because they mentioned um chimney inspections uh being a prior fireman um at Pioneer Host Fire Company many years ago. Um chimney fires are very common and their objection to the chimneys being
inspected again um I believe everybody's chimney should be inspected. the chances of a fire are um substantial, especially if a chimney hasn't been used by a pri a prior tenant, never used it, new tenant comes in, they start to use it, it could
be an absolute problem. So, I don't know what our current ordinance is, they kind of ask that. >> So, the current rule is the policy that we follow is that we inspect it every time we issue the a rental inspection. So every time a tenant changes or a property went from owner occupied to a
rental. So when they come and get their rental certificate or have a change in tenants, there is a rental chimney inspection done as part of that. When we come in once a year to do this check, the checklist is not as extensive as an initial rental. We're just looking to
address problem areas. So it's modified slightly. And the chimney inspection is not included every year, but it is included every time there's a change of tenant or when there becomes a rental property for the first time. >> So if our inspector sees something around the chimney that would indicate they would inspect it during that annual inspection,
>> they would bring that up. Sure. But they're they're not it's not on their checklist. >> Absolutely. I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Okay. >> All right. Seeing uh no other council comments or questions. Closed council open to public on this ordinance only.
Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Come on up, please. Christopher Alino, landlord in brick for 30 plus years. Um, I wanted to thank the council for their service to the community and I want to thank everybody for giving me
the opportunity to be heard. I would ask the council to vote no on this ordinance, the amendment to the ordinance as it is worded currently now. Um, there's a couple things I wanted to bring up that I think that we should talk about. Um, I
think it's a little excessive to go from once and done to once every year. Our other fellow county townships don't have anything that's yearly. I mean, town Tom's River has every three years for an annual. Seaside has every
two. Work river has no seal requirements. Ocean Township has no seal requirements. Little Lake Harbor has once and done like Bricktown once and done. Um there's no exceptions for multif family or apartment complexes. They're already inspected by the DCA
every 3 to 5 years. They're also inspected annually by the Bureau of Fire Safety in Brick Township, who comes out and does fire safety inspections every year, which we already pay for. Um, I believe there should be some changes, but annually is a big jump to go
annually. Um, it's very excessive. We also have a lot of uh, you know, there's probably 6,000 units that are inspected in rental units. So, to jump through 6,000 new units, we're going to have to hire two, three full-time employees just
to catch up. You know what I mean? The current um building department, code enforcement, everybody does a great job. I mean, I've been doing this for a long time. Everybody's par excellent. But they're already service 10,000
complaints on regular just people calling up and saying, "Code enforcement, I want you to take a look this high grass and stuff like that. They're already doing all the inspections they're doing now. Um, one of the gentlemen that's here does a fantastic job. It's just how are we going to add 6,000 new inspections
without it's just a lot of new inspections every year. Um, and and especially with multifamilies and apartment, we're already DCA inspected, you know what I mean? Um, there should be some exceptions. Um, once again, I feel that
annually is just a big jump, you know what I mean? And Why do we need this ordinance? I mean, do we get one complaint? I mean, we've been doing this for 40, 50 years doing cos. I mean, is there that many complaints? And and even with this
ordinance, you're still going to get that one or two persons that's going to still not comply no matter what. You know what I mean? Um, so basically, as it's written right now, I just urge everybody to step back. Yes, we need
something, but there needs to be some exceptions in this new ordinance. The the fee for doing it, that's okay. There's a fee. It's going to get passed on like everything everything else, you know what I mean? Um, but we really should consider
also, you know, we're going in people's homes every single year, you know what I mean? You know, you wouldn't want somebody from the township going and you're inspecting your house every single year. You know what I mean? It's just a little excessive. I just wanted to get your thoughts on it. If anybody thinks
I'm wrong, they can say something. >> Thank you for your comment. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you for Thank you for hear me. Thank you for doing your service. You know, I just want them everybody to consider. Yes, we need something, but this is a little over the top. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Chris. >> All right. Is there anyone else from public on this ordinance only? Yes. Uh Roxan Jones, uh West Princeton Avenue at the Laurel Plaza Apartments. Uh my question is about these
inspections. What exactly are you inspecting? Miss Bergen, would you like to >> So, we're inspecting rentals of homes and single family residents, uh, apartments to some extent, rentals,
>> but what exactly are you going to be looking at? I mean, >> so there's a checklist that we have when we go uh when the inspectors go out and issue the original rental certificate. We have a similar checklist modified to be significantly smaller that's checking on things annually. So, we have a lot of
pro a lot to To answer the other question, get a lot of complaints um of rental properties that their tenants are um overcrowded u creating a lot of problems in the neighborhoods and neighbors are getting very frustrated living next to these places. And our
code enforcement officers, their hands are tied when we get these complaints because we can't knock on the door and we can't see if there's mattresses on the floor that shouldn't be there. They can't we can't see if they're exceeding occupancy. So, this gives us the opportunity to do that once a year to be
sure that they are compliant with the initial rental certificate. Once we issue it and go away, we don't really know what people do, but we do know there's a problem. Councilman Cohen said it um very accurately. There's a problem and this is ordinance is going to help our code enforcement officers address
that problem. >> Okay. And when will these inspections begin? >> Uh well, we haven't passed the ordinance yet. So we have to first pass the ordinance and then it becomes law and then we'll implement enforcement. >> Okay.
Thank you. >> Is there anyone uh from public on this ordinance only? Yes, Mr. Bacon. My name is Charles Bacon. Uh, good evening, Mayor, Council, and Administration. I have a couple comments
to make. I think some challenges with this and then a just the structure of the ordinance. First, uh, I do believe it's a good first step on this. I also believe that landlords I guess have mercantile
licenses will probably welcome this with exceptions and I understand those exceptions and some of them are going to be valid. I think the challenge you might have and I know several people in the real estate industry is there's a number of rentals going on in this town
that are probably not licensed and that's going to be the struggle you're going to have implementing this. So, just something to think about on that. Uh, now getting into the structure of this ordinance, some of the language. And the way I'm kind of looking at it
real quick, we talk about shall be inspected at least annually. It was stated here and also discussed in the ordinance. What I do not see in this is the notification of the people that are
in those homes or those other places where they're doing multiple year rentals. And I' I'd like to stop at that point. So maybe we could have some clarification on that. >> You notify the landlords. >> Okay. And what's the So the ne and what
is the rule with the landlord? Is there a certain period of time before that notification's going to take place because of the >> So, it's going to be on an annual schedule, right? >> So, if your rental certificate was issued in April, then April would be the
start of when we would reach out and try to schedule that. >> Okay. You might want to consider I don't know what the outcome's going to be of this. we might want to consider making some technical changes just saying that the landlord will be notified. Thank you
very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Bacon. >> Is there anyone else from public? Yes, sir. >> Just want one point of clarification. Um, does this ordinance cover short-term rentals like Airbnbs and stuff like that or is it just on long-term rentals?
>> So, those are called seasonal rentals, not short term, not necessarily called short-term rentals. So, we issue that at the beginning of the season. So, no, it wouldn't be annual because we only do it at the beginning of each season. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
Anyone else from uh public? Yes, sir. Bob Maniano from Brick. Um, my question is, me personally, I think it's a good idea of the inspection. It's going to cost everybody $20 a month. You
know, that they're going to, you know, the renters. Um, the inspection is going to consist of the license. Make sure it's the same exact person. Correct. >> I'm sorry. So, there's a checklist, not a Right. >> Right. And we're code enforcement officers will use the checklist.
>> Um, is that going to consist of the heating, the appliances that were working when because when we when we rent the houses, they have to be, you know, everything working. Is that going to consider, you know, consist of the appliances working such as air conditioning, heating system?
>> So, it's as as I mentioned earlier, it's not as comprehensive as when we issued the original rental. It's much more abbreviated to cover the main safety issues of each property. and for us to get eyes inside and make sure that people are living safely and not overcrowding.
>> So, heating system is kind of essential for the winter. My point is >> I don't have the checklist with >> I know I know that. I'm just going to suggest that because of a situation that I knew of that the people had no heat in their house, which is kind of pitiful.
they're scared to say something to the r to the um the owner of the property because they don't want gonna get evicted. So, they had to live this year, the coldest year I've seen in a long time with electric heaters and that's
it. It's pretty pitiful that they had to live like that because they were scared of being evicted for saying something. So, I think that's kind of like on a priority like heat, air conditioning is just a luxury, but heat is very important in my opinion. So, I think that should be, you know, checked. I'm
just trying to bring that up. All right. >> Excellent, Bob. Thank you. >> Thanks, Bob. >> Anyone else from public on this ordinance only? See, unfortunately, you can only come up
uh one time. I'm sorry. Um, seeing none, >> unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. I'm sorry. Fair question. Um, seeing none, close public roll call. >> Councilman Albanese, yes. >> Councilman Makino, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Ambersino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. Thank you. Uh, moving on to item number 11, public comments. Please note that
each person addressing the council during any section of the meeting during which public comment is permitted shall limit his or her remarks to five minutes pursuant to Bricktownship Administrative Code section 2-33b. >> Thank you. Is there anyone from public
would like to make a comment? >> Mr. Finelli, >> if I didn't make some comments about the proposed budget, you'd think I was sick. So, >> well done. >> Some comments, some questions, just to go over some numbers. And I I realize
this is the proposed budget, not not the final. So, maybe I can influence the final. I'm going to talk about the numbers that you didn't talk about. According to the proposal, the tax levy is going to go up by $3.86
million added to last year's $2.2 million. That goes up by $6 million in two years. That's the actual tax levy which you're collecting from us. The surplus in this proposed budget is going up 1.4 4
million. The reserve for uncollected taxes is going up $1.44 million. And I'll come back to that one. Um, other expenses are going up 1.778
million. I guess you talk about what most of those were. All right. debt service is going down this year by $2.28 million. That's good. 2 million
2.2 million less we have to pay on debt service. Salvian wages is going up by $785,000. Miscellaneous revenue is going down by $2.78 million. So my questions are
one on a miscellaneous revenue. Do do you know what that is? That's c getting less revenue. >> Yeah. I mean you can ask but that's really for when the CFO is here to answer those questions. >> Okay. >> Accurately. Yeah. >> Okay. So next next meeting on the 20
next budget meeting >> uh April 14th >> 28th. >> 28th. Yeah. 28th. April 28th. Okay. >> Um, if you didn't raise the surplus by $1.4 million, that would be $1.4 million less
coming out of the tax levy. And my other question was the reserve for uncollected taxes. That went up to $4.94 million, up from 3.5 last year. Just so
happened that last week in the paper was the tax thing all the delinquent accounts which I thought was kind of on the high side was 144 residences and they ran a re $2.29
million which I think is a little higher than it normally is. But my question is, if that number is 2.9 million, why do you have to have more than double in the reserve for that at $4.98 million?
>> So, I I could answer it now, but I'll wait for the budget hearing. So, our CFO is here because this is just the introduction, but I took a note of your questions and we'll make sure we're prepared for you. >> Okay. Um, I guess since I have a couple minutes, I
have one more thing that has nothing to do with the budget. At the last meeting, there's a lot of discussion about housing. And um I came up and said uh please don't use overcrowding the schools as a reason one of the reasons
for not voting on housing because brick school district will never be overcrowded the way they are right now. They lost 4,000 students and down from 12,000 to about 8,000 and they haven't closed one school. And one of you came
back at me with with uh a comment about well overcrowding doesn't mean just the number of students but it also means class size. Let me talk about class size. This brick school district has a budget
of about $160 million. They get to decide how they spend every dime of that money. 160 million bucks. Um, the last contract for the teachers, they gave out a five-year contract. Instead
of the normal three, they gave out a 20% increase. It comes out to about 4% a year over five years. So, money must not be an issue because they can give out a five-year budget not knowing what's going to come in the next five years as
far as any kind of revenue. Class size is sometime used as an excuse for poor scholastic achievement. Class size again is totally under the control of the school district. They
decide all of that and the story. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Finelli. >> Is there anyone else from the public with any comments? Yes, sir. Mr. Bacon. My name is uh Charles Bacon and some of the comments I want to make now
basically were I couldn't stay as late as it was for p public comments at the last meeting but there was a couple points I did want to make and over the last two meetings there was a lot of discussion about population
everybody had their own sources is about different numbers. Is the population up or down in brick? So, kind of the way I look at numbers being kind of a statistical stat guy
um is you got to take those numbers with a grain of salt. And I'll tell you why. We just talked about a new ordinance, right, about doing annual inspections. There was a comment made in public, right, about we want to
get inside these rentals to see if there's mattresses on the floor. I don't think that's counted in the census. People are living in hotels right now. How many people live in apartments?
Nobody knows. And how many people live in homes that are rented? And there's a lot of homes rented in this town that do not have a mercantile license. Another thing I brought up last at the
last meeting, I actually made a comment about immigrants in the state of New Jersey. And I didn't have the document with me. So I purpos purposely used the word immigrant.
I did a research In May of 2024, Assemblyman Paul Canetra did a report has over 104 footnotes with hours of research and everything
else. And that was talking about illegal immigrants, 892,000. And it was a very conservative estimate. I recommend if you don't have a copy of it, I can give you one. You can Google
it or go down to the legislative office. We don't know how many of those individuals live in our town. So, if we're going to start quoting population, I think we need to consider a lot of factors. And I wanted to bring that up.
The other thing I wanted to bring up in closing is about three meetings ago, I came up here and spoke about two issues. I had three issues that night and I got the first two in. I waited
till everyone was done in public comments. I raised my hand and I believe council president you said something I get in trouble if you allow me to speak again. Now I don't crawl around Robert's rules or whatever. So I I'm not expert
on that, but I would think for the whole point of being transparent in this town, if somebody wants to come back here and speak again that we should allow that. I do respect the fivem minute timing. I understand there are
things that extenduating circumstances where you might want to reduce public comments, especially a meeting that lasted well beyond 11:30 at the last one. So I just want to make that comment. do not know what the Robert's rules are or what the protocol is, but I
think people that want to come up here and speak twice about important matters are important for transparency. Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Bacon. Anyone else from public? Uh, yes, Bob.
Bob M. I got uh two things I want to talk about. Number one is uh Brick PD on um two days ago. Um I witnessed a robbery happened right in broad day late. I called Brick PD. They were there. They
apprehended the guy that was robbing the two stores. Got broke into two stores. They caught him. So Brick was there. One, two, three. So, my thing is if you see something, people should say something because the guy was walking around, looked a little suspicious, all
black with a black masks um at 8:00 in in the morning. Nobody's going to be wearing that. These guys swarm the area and they got them. So, thanks Rick PD. Um the second thing is I'm back coaching little league again this year. I'm going
to with my son and my grandson. um something that should be considered and taken in on the school budgets and stuff like this. When I coached eight teams for T-ball, 5-year-old kids this year, 16 teams, there are so many more
kids in this town at that young age. Um it's it's kind of 700 over 700 kids signed up for T-ball. That's a lot of kids. So obviously if they're all they're going to be coming up through our school system which is going to be a
lot of children and everybody knows what happened a few years ago with CO. So that's more or less the time. So I'm just saying with the school budget and everything else going along it should be considered to watch.
>> I'm just saying >> that that's I couldn't believe that many children signed up for T-ball. So, it's very interesting. So, all right, that's all. Thanks. >> Excellent, Bob. Thank you.
>> Uh, anyone else from public? Yes, sir. Mr. Vasquez, >> Mark Vasquez, 440 line of court. Good evening, everybody. One thing I'm just going to ask in the future and I know it's a it's a daunting task but we're obviously in a financial
hole I think in the long run and I think it's uh important for us to start looking at what do we do to start cutting costs and I think while we're presenting the best that we can right now I think it could be better and uh and and I think that's a difficult task
to do but uh you know using the m a good chunk of our surplus again and you know not possibly not having FEMA money come back. I don't know if there's any more FEMA money, but I ask that we look at this for the long run. Not we're dealing with what we had to deal with now, but
in the future, we really need to look at how do we sustain what we have when we're taking less but spending more, right? Um and I don't think any company or household would like to be in that situation. And uh this impacts the seniors. I uh got to door knock the
other day and walked into a senior home and they asked me what I thought the budget may be and I said, "I think you're going to see an increase this year." And she looked at her husband and started crying because they said they couldn't afford it anymore. And uh it's a tough situation, right? Plus school board and everything else. And to Mr.
Finelli's comment, while there is probably space in a room somewhere that you could put children, uh we're not getting the funding that we deserve to get. Uh we have a lot of special needs students. We have we went from less than 99 or less than 100 English-speaking
students in 2020 and we were over I believe 700 last year. And so this does impact our schools. They cost two to three times more. And so the step you guys took tonight I I do appreciate. Um with that said, uh I do also want to
mention, Mr. Vice President, I think an apology is an order to the township for uh your frustration. We could disagree. We may not always agree. Um, and I know you're passionate about trying to bring your point to the table, but I think it
went a little bit too far and uh, and I would like to see an apology, not to me, but to your township. So, thank you very much. Have a good night. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else from public with any comments?
Seeing none, close public. Um uh madame clerk. >> Thank you madam secretary >> councilman Albanese. >> I just want to congratulate you officer uh being sworn in as sergeant and all
the presentations were amazing. Um have a happy Easter. >> Thank you Councilman Mikino. >> Thank you. Stole my thunder. >> So congratulations to the officer again. Um, also to the folks that did their presentations, we appreciate that and
happy Easter to everybody. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Reena. >> Yes. I also want to congratulate our new sergeant and I also want to take a minute um to talk about to recap what happened here tonight. So, tonight is an
introduction to the budget. We still have additional budget presentations to hear. We have public comments to hear as referenced. Um when our uh township CFO is here, we all up here also got this 250ome
page book. Um it's a working copy of 2026 budget and I commit to reading every single page. So we will all be also working through this budget um before we uh reconvene in 28 days and
vote on the budget. So I want to be clear about what took place here tonight and recap that. I also want to say um that I had the great fortune to attend the Hero Awards this past Friday alongside of Mayor Crate and um
Councilwoman Travers. I want to congratulate not only the recipients but all of the nominees for their kindness, their caring, and their compassion to others. Their stories were nothing short of remarkable. They are an inspiration
to me and to all in the way that they care for their community and make it a better place to live. Also, happy Easter to everyone. Happy Passover. Thank you. >> Thank you. Excuse me, Councilman Cohen. So, again, I'd like to thank um or
congratulate the sergeant um on his uh on his promotion. Um, you know, landlords in this town should be thankful that um, we are pursuing this ordinance. This gives them eyes inside their homes that they have no
idea what's going on in and anyone who has rented knows and is afraid to report certain things within that home. It is our responsibility as a community to protect their neighbors and to protect those residents whether homeowners or
not. So, I believe that this ordinance, although it's the toughest ordinance in the county right now, I guarantee you that moving forward, other townships are going to follow suit. They're going to look at what Brick Township is doing. We are a leader in this district. We are a
leader in Brick Township. We are not a follower. The rest of the county is going to do what we're doing here. So, I think that this ordinance is absolutely terrific. Um, in reference to the introduction of the budget, um, again, as um,
Councilwoman Rea said, the introduction of the budget, um, was just an introduction of the budget. Our yes vote was not a yes on the budget. We received this tonight. We have not had an opportunity to really review it, but I
can guarantee you that I will go through every single page and we will do everything we possibly can to lower that tax rate. I don't believe in increasing taxes, but in some cases it may have to
happen, but it does not have to be um what it currently is. It does not have to be okay, here it is, vote on it. We need to go through it. We need to make sure that there are um that it is accurate and there are places that we can cut. I'm sure there are places that
we can save money without affecting the services are the employees of Brook Township. Um lot of discussion tonight about schools. This is the township council. I am very involved in the schools. Everyone knows
I have run um for board of education in the past. Um, these schools are my passion. Having had myself, both of my brothers, and all seven of my children go through Brick Township schools, I can tell you that is the most dedicated
group of people you'll ever want to encounter. And I've worked at numerous boards of education. They are doing the best they can. But when we put in high density housing and with no regard to where that housing
is being put, it's going to affect the schools in that area and it's going to create overcrowding in the smaller schools like Osborneville or Drum Point. So these are things that need to be considered as we move forward. But again, that is the school board and you should go to the schoolboard meetings
and you should have your voices heard. The council does has no control over the school board, unfortunately. They're a separate governing body. I want to wish everybody a great Passover,
a um terrific Easter. Don't eat too much candy. And thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Travers. >> I also want to congratulate Officer Zerik on his promotion. And thank you to Mayor Crate for the introduction to the
budget as well as all the department heads that were here tonight and Joanne Bergen for the presentations. It's always very um informative and we appreciate the transparency when you um present everything. You can tell there's a lot of thoughtful and hard work that's put into it. Um and everybody happy
Easter. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Vice President Embersino. >> Thank you, Council President. I also want to congratulate Sergeant Anthony Zara on a very welldeserved promotion. Uh it is now springtime, I think, officially. I don't know if the weather
feels like it, but getting there. >> Hopefully no more snow. Like a lot of folks in town, uh probably. I've been doing a lot of yard work and cleaning up a lot. I just want to give a very special shout out to Kirk Gardner down at the DPW. He's seen me just about
every other day hauling leaves and branches from all of the storms. He's been fantastic to work for. I'd really like to thank again Director Steve Kowski and everybody in the DPW for the phenomenal service that they give to everyone in town. I don't know if you know, but if you're cleaning stuff up,
you could just drive over there and drop off anything that you need to. You can schedule a bulk pickup. They'll come out and pick it up. They're really fantastic. Do do a phenomenal job. I'd like to also wish a happy Easter to everybody and a good night.
>> Thank you. Um, I would like everyone just to simply stay safe and have fun. >> That's all I have for tonight. Mr. Sharky, >> I have no problem. >> Thank you, Miss Bergen. >> Nothing additional for me. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madame Mayor. >> Thank you. Just two announcements. Uh well, first congrats to Sergeant Zera. Uh very happy for him and his family. Um and also just two quick announcements. Our very first pickup brick for 2026 is going to be held this Saturday, March
28th, from 10 to 12 at Midstream's Trails. The meeting place will be Midstream's Elementary Parking Lot. Again, we'll be there from 10 to 12. And as of now, we have a little over 40 signups for people to come out and assist with that cleanup. So, if you
have an hour or so free Saturday morning, I invite you to pop on over and join us for our first pickup brick at the Midstreams Trails. Also, because we have a little bit of a break because of Easter, I just want to announce that April 11th is the beach sweeps. You do
have to go to the beach sweep site in order to register for that event. But that is taking place on April 11th. They start up at 9:00 a.m. and they will be at beach 3, I believe beach one, and also Winward Beach. So, if you're interested in attending that, you can go
to the beach sweeps website and register there. And that is all I have. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Mayor Crate. Next uh public meeting will be held here Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at 7 p.m. Can I have a motion and a second to adjurnn? >> Motion.
>> Second. All in favor? I