All right, call the meeting to order. >> Adequate notice of this meeting was provided and published in the Asbury Park Press and the Ocean Star on January 16th, 2026. Copies of the agenda were provided to the newspapers, posted on the public bulletin boards, and on the township website. >> Roll call.
>> Councilman Albanese >> here. >> Councilman Makino >> here. >> Councilwoman Reno >> here. >> Councilman Cohen >> here. >> Councilwoman Travers >> here. >> Vice President Amazino >> here. >> President Feman >> here. At this point, I'd like to invite troop
number 61165 to come on up and lead us in the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it
stands nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Please be seated. Well done. >> Good job, girls. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. And uh is there a motion in a
second to approve the minutes from March 24th, 2026? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. Yes. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reno. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers? Yes. >> Vice President Eberino. >> Yes.
>> President Fman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. At this point, I'd like to invite Mayor Crate and Deputy Chief Drew to come up to the lectern. And I believe we have some police officers here.
stand up. >> Oh, all right. Forget. Good evening. First thing I'll do is apologize for the air conditioning being so strong. I'm sure uh you guys are all freezing. But tonight's a very exciting night for Bricktown Police Department as we swear in eight new officers. I'd be remiss if
I do not give thanks to the mayor, the council, and the business administrator for their continued support of our department. First up tonight is Katie La Point, badge number 363. Come on up, Katie. >> Are you coming? >> I'm coming.
>> Yeah, come on. >> Katy Le Point badge number 363. Katie Le Point is a lifelong resident of Brick Township. Katie Le Point graduated from Brick Memorial High School in 2020. She then went on to graduate from High Point University in 2024 with a bachelor of science in psychology and a criminal
justice minor. Cave Point began her law enforcement journey as a brick township 1 in 2025. She'll begin training at the Ocean County Police Academy class number 126 on April 24th, 2026. Katie Le Point is accompanied by her
mother Beth La Point and her father Ray Le Point. Ray La Point has served with the Brick Township Police since 2005. I will perform all duties of the office of police I was supported
in the United States. people. Speech. Speech. Speech. Was this in the way? Was this in the way? >> I don't know if it was in your guy's way. >> Next up is Zachary Meanie, badge number
364. Zachary Meanie has been a resident of Brick Township for 12 years. He graduated from Point Pleasant Burough High School in 2018. Zachary then went on to graduate from Ocean County College in 2021 and continued his education at
Mom's University, graduating 2023 with a bachelor of science degree in homeland security. Zachary Meanie began his law enforcement journey as a Point Pleasant Beach CLEO1 and CLEO2. He graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in February 2025.
He will begin his FTO training with Burke Township Police Department in May of 2026. Zachary Mean is accompanied by his mother Jennifer Barnes, father Chris Meanie, stepfather Chris Pritchard, and girlfriend Britney Capriyotti.
United States. United States. One more person. Next officer is Riley Lefay, badge number 365. Anybody else coming? >> Okay. Riley Lefay is a lifelong resident
of Brick Township. Riley Lefay attended Ocean County Vocational School from 2018 to 2022. Riley studied at the Academy of Law and Public Safety before graduating in June of 2022. Riley then went on to graduate from Stockton University in 2025 with a
Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. Riley began his law enforcement journey as a Bricktownship SEO1 from 2023 to 2025. Riley began training at the Ocean County Police Academy November of 2025 and will graduate in May of 2026. Riley Lefay
will begin his FTO training with the Bricktown Police Department in May of 2026. Riley is accompanied by his mother, Lori Lefay, and his father, Brian Lefay. >> Congratulations, trying to help you out.
I >> willition. United States. We'll get a picture. Next up is Steven Albanese Jr. badge number 366. Steven Alvin Jr. is a lifelong resident of Brick Township. He attended Redbank
Catholic High School, graduating in June of 2021. Steven continued his education at Georgian Court University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in May of 2025. Steven Albany started his law enforcement career as a special law enforcement officer one with
the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department in 2022. Steven transferred to Bricktown of continuing as a SEO1 in March of 2023 until being sworn in today. Steven is company by his father, retired New Jersey State Police Trooper
Steven Albanese Senior. Facebook. United Did you say okay? Thank you so much. >> I know everybody. Next up is Andrew Farnoff, badge number 367.
I graduated with his parents, so a little bit extra. Uh, Andrew Farov is a lifelong resident of Brick Township. He graduated from Brick Memorial High School in June of 2022 and went on to attend the College of New Jersey from 2022 to 2024.
Andrew began his law enforcement career with the Seagar Police Department as a special law enforcement officer class one in May of 2024. He later attended the Osh County Police Academy from September of 2024 through February of 2025,
graduating as a CLEO2 and continuing his service with the Seagar Police Department. He will begin field training officer training with the Bricktown Police Department in May of 2026. Andrew is supported by his family and loved ones including his mother Kathleen Farnoff, his father Joseph Farnoff, his
brother Matthew Fornov, and his girlfriend Tess Twitter. There you go. officer. United States. Are we still here? Oh, no. No. Congratulations. Next up is Anthony Pernino, badge number
368. Anthony is a lifelong resound high school in June of 2018. began his law enforcement journey as a Belmore Police Department CEO from April of 2019 to October of 2021 after gradu
graduating from the M County Police Academy. Anthony worked it up. Okay. Anthony then worked as a two for Neptune Township Police Department from October of 2021 to June of 2023 upon graduating
the Mammoth County Police Academy. Anthony went on to work as a full-time police officer and detective for the Rawway Police Department from June of 2023 until April of 2026. He will begin FTO training with the Brick Township Police Department in May of 2026.
Got a bunch of people listening. Who's mom and dad? Anthony Fino is accompanied by his mother, Lisa Fernino, and his father, Joseph Fernino. United States. United States. Sorry.
What are you doing? That was a good Okay, >> next up is Mark McDermott, badge number 369. Mark McDermott is a lifelong resident of Brick Township. He attended Brick Memorial High School and graduated in
2020. Mark then attended Ocean County College from 2020 to 2022, graduating with a liberal arts degree. He then transferred to Ryder University, graduating in 2025 with a bachelor of science degree in cyber security. Mark McDermott began his law enforcement
journey as a Brick Township SEO1 from 2022 to 2024. He will begin his law enforcement training at the Ocean County Police Academy on April 24th, 2026. Mark McDerman is accompanied by his mother, Cara McDermott, father Steve McDermott,
and brothers Steve and Matt McDermott. Tell them to come in. Office. True. Next up is Justin Ayanone, badge number 370. Nice to meet you. >> Justin Ayanna is a lifelong resident of
Brick Township. He graduated Brick Township High School in June of 2019. Justin began his law enforcement journey as a Manalan Police SEO2. He's currently attending the Ocean County Police Academy and will graduate in May of 2026. He'll begin FDO training with the Brick
Township Police Department in May of 2026. Justin's father, James, badge number 163, is a retired Brick Township Police Officer. Justin's brother, Ty Anarone, is currently employed as a sergeant with the Bayhead Police Department. Justin
also has an uncle, Jay Amato, who is a New Jersey State Trooper. Justin Ayanone is accompanied by his mother Lynette, father Jamesone, brothers Tyler and Donovan Ian, >> and his sister-in-law Daniela. There's
no way I remember United States of United States. Everybody who got some come on up. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Probably take like a five minute recess. like five minute recess because they
have to screen all the new people coming in. Any offices? assuming it's something very important to do. Hopefully >> Oh, is it up the office? >> Oh,
yes. Okay. Yeah. >> Oh jeez. >> Hey Jim. Oh, okay. Yep. >> Everybody We're all sir. Joanne, they were talking about doing it
after the EMS because the EMS people to come in. >> She said >> after EMS and said we're going to do >> No, after that we have to let in. >> I don't think we're doing the recess.
He just talked to Durant. So I guess we figured it out. >> No, I thought they were doing the five minute before the next >> and then there decided to do it after 8:30. It's fine.
Some of them are here now. Keep smile. >> Teeth teeth. President All All right. >> Okay. And if we're ready to continue, we have uh two additional presentations. Uh Mayor Craig, the floor is yours.
>> Thank you. I am very excited to have a proclamation here in honor of public safety communicators week. Uh better known as our dispatchers. If I could have those that group come on up here so we can celebrate you.
Come on up. Thank you so much. The second full week of April is annually recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, honoring the dedicated men and women who serve as
public safety commun telecommunicators. This observance raises awareness and fosters greater understanding of the critical role of telecommunicators play in public safety and emergency response. Dispatchers
and public safety te telecommunicators serve as the essential connection between residents and emergency service providers, ensuring swift and effective communication during times of need. These professionals consistently
demonstrate excellence in service, working with composure, skill, and professionalism to protect life and property even in the most challenging and high pressure situations. Often working behind the scenes, public
safety telecommunicators provide life-saving assistance by answering emergency calls, coordinating the dispatch of personnel and resources, and offering reassurance and guidance to individuals in distress.
People call our dispatchers when they are in the greatest need. uh I'm sure often panicked, upset, concerned, worried, fearful, and all of our dispatchers are so professional. I'm so proud to have all of you working with us here in Brick Township.
So, uh the Township of Brick is proud to be served by a team of 23 full-time and three part-time dispatchers who provide aroundthe-clock coverage every day of the year. 247 every single day of the year ensuring
help is always just a call away. Therefore, I Lisa Crate, mayor of the township of a brick in the county of Ocean in the state of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim the week of April 12th through April 18th, 2026 to be public safety communicators week in the
township of Brick. And I call upon all residents to join me in thinking in thanking and showing them our appreciation to the community's dispatchers for their dedication, professionalism, and exemplary efforts to assist us in all of our times of need. Thank you so much for all that you
do. >> I like to offer I like to offer. >> All right, we're gonna All All right. Reentering. >> All right. We are not quite done yet. >> Oh, sorry.
All right. It is also uh we're also coming up next week on National Library Week. So, if there's anyone here from the library, come on up. Oh, hello. >> Hi. How are you? Did you
Okay, perfect. So, April 19th through April 25th is National Library Week. And as a former li former librarian, I love to celebrate this week. Libraries play an important role in the quality of life of a community as they provide citizens with
a wealth of resources and information that can be used to enhance and enrich their lives. Libraries offer free and equitable access to books, digital resources, and innovative programs, ensuring that individuals of all backgrounds have the tools they need to
learn, connect, and succeed. Libraries ignite creativity, inspire imagination, and promote lifelong learning by providing welcoming spaces where people of all ages can explore, discover, and grow. The residents of Brick Township are very fortunate to have the Brick
Branch of the Ocean County Library, which provides convenient access to valuable resources, services, and community programming. The brick branch of the Ocean County Library joins libraries, librarians, and library staff nationwide in celebrating National
Library Week under the theme find your joy. And I want to point out that our um brick branch of the Ocean County Library is wonderful about doing outreach throughout our community, going to community events, making sure that they're on hand so that people know what
services that they offer in all different um settings. They've been to the teen center. They've come to our community threads. They go to our green fair. Uh they they show up all the time at different places because they are a dedicated staff and we are so lucky to
have them here in Brick Township. So now therefore, I Lisa Crate, mayor of the Township of Brick in the County of Ocean in the state of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim April 19th through April 25th, 2026 to be National Library Week in the Township of Brick. And I encourage all
residents to visit the brick branch of the Ocean County Library to explore its many resources and celebrate all the ways the library and its dedicated staff help our community find joy. Congratulations. >> Thank you once again. Every time I come
here, I talk about how the Brick Branch is the best library in the Ocean County Library system. And it truly is. I've worked in many I've been a librarian for over 10 years. And the Brook Branch is just amazing. We have a great friends group that helps us raise money. We do really fun programming. We have great kids programs. We just have a great
staff that just wants to provide for the community. So, please, if you haven't come and visited us in a while, come back out. We've got lots of stuff going on. >> Great. Thank you so much. Here we go. I'm gonna pop over. >> Thank you. Now, at this point, um, I
would like to invite Miss Bergen, Chief Rickio, and Deputy Chief Hank Drew to come join us at that table up there, and we're going to begin the presentations. >> Yes, I have Miss Bergen going first. So, whenever you're ready.
>> Okay. Thank you. So, I apologize in advance. I have 12 budgets under my uh direct report. So, this uh does tend to take a few minutes. So, take a quick power nap. Do whatever you feel is necessary. I will I've tried to keep it as succinct as possible, but it's a lot
of departments. On behalf of all the departments and division heads represented in this report, thanks to our mayor and members of the township council for your ongoing support. I will go through the division budgets that are included under administration. There are 12 budgets and hundreds of line items. I'll first start with administration.
Staff includes four full-time employees. We're the front line for all in-person and telephone inquiries that come to the township. We also track and ensure follow-up on all email inquiries that come through the website. Staff also handled 18,48 calls in 2025.
Public relations, marketing, and special events are also handled by administration, including monitoring and updating of the township's website and social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram, preparation and dissemination of press releases, and oversight of Brick Township's PEG channel, BTV. We have won several awards
for our efforts to keep the public informed. Staff also manages the buy and brick program, which continues to grow and benefit our taxpayers. There was $532,55742 buy in brick sales which are dollars processed in 2025. Resident tax savings
last year was three $33,719 713.39 with 55 55 participating businesses. Administration also manages constituent relation and publications such as advertisements, promotional materials, event flyers and any other publications
as needed. administration manages the design and creation of our recreation brochure and senior booklet, reducing the overall cost by bringing this work inhouse. Our public information officer sends out a weekly email newsletter and designs the annual print newsletter that is mailed to every home in Bricktownship. Administration staff also
provides support to municipal boards and commissions. Next areas I'll discuss are mayor's office and council. The office of the mayor includes our mayor, one full-time staff member and a part-time secretary. Mayor Craig is a full-time mayor and maintains office hours throughout the day and in the evening each week. Her active schedule includes regular meetings with groups and
organizations within town and she hosts many initiatives to engage the public such as the tremendously popular mayor's minutes and create conversations. The mayor's student advisory committee continues to engage young adults in activities and through the Bricktownship Teen Center, a place for teens to connect with peers and mentors in a
safe, positive environment. through the student advisory committee. Staff also plans special events including the longest table, hero awards, senior prom, brick birthday party, and also coordinates the Trader Cove concert series. In addition, there are numerous teen center special events throughout the school year, including milkshakes
with the mayor, a pi day celebration, and work with the township PBA on wrapping gifts as part of the toys for tots program. The mayor readily accepts all invitations to speak at older adult communities, social service organizations, schools, businesses, and wherever else she is invited. She promises the township's she promotes the
township's interests and advocates for our needs at the state and federal level. In terms of the council's budget, the salary and wage budget remains flat. The council budget line item includes things like conferences, flowers for special events, plaques, name plates, letterhead, business cards, presentation
folders, publications, and miscellaneous office supplies. Council office is comprised of seven council members and a full-time secretary who attends the council meetings along with the clerk. The council meets twice monthly for their meetings and in 25. They adopted 461 resolutions and 16 ordinances.
Council members are very active in strategic planning and have working subcommittees including business of finance, recreation, land use, public works, and public safety. They regularly attend and represent the township at a variety of community events and activities. Council budget include items like conferences for council members,
flowers for special events, plaques, name plates, letterhead, business cards, presentation folders, publications, and miscellaneous office supplies. Next report is for purchasing department. The office of purchasing and contracting is a division within the department of administration and finance. It's a responsibility of the division of
purchasing and contracting to conduct all purchasing the acquisition of all goods and services in accordance with the applicable laws of the state of New Jersey, more specifically the local public contracts law. In 2025, the purchasing officer office processed 4,348
purchase orders, 30 bids for goods and services, 25 professional service requests for proposals, 18 capital bid projects, one competitive contract, 25 purchases over the bid threshold, eight national cooperative purchases, and 18 formal quotes. The above tasks were
accomplished by an office staff of four. The office also oversees central receiving mail room, which includes one additional staff member. He has processed approximately 46,000 pieces of mail plus delivery of approximately 11,000 pieces of mail to the post office for bulk mail projects such as tax
delinquent notices. He delivers mail packages and supplies through the municipal complex and all off-site location and manages central receiving in the stock room. Postage encompasses approximately 94% of their operating budget. This line item includes postage for all departments and divisions
outgoing mail, property tax bills, homestead benefit adjusted bills for the second quarter, estimated third quarter, final tax bills, and added omitted assessment tax bills. Delinquent tax notices mailed after each quarter, tax sale notices, post tax year income statements mailed every January. Chapter
75, the tax assessment notification, which is mailed every January. The township newsletter mailed every to every resident in town. Beach badges via registered mail when requested by the purchaser. Certified and registered mail priority and overnight packaging. An additional line item in the operating
budget is $2,500 for conferences and education. Four staff members are registered as registered public procurement specialists in the area of public procurement through Rucker's educational program and one is also certified through the state as a qualified purchasing agent. These
certifications are required to be maintained through continuing education by attending conferences and seminars. 2026 renewals are due for two employees certificates and one employees QPA certificate. The $1,245 budgeted for dues includes $500
membership dues for Stafford Township Cooperative pricing system. The township uses this cooperative for the purchase of office materials, diesel fuel, natural gas, rock salt, and automotive parts, which provides greater savings to the township than if these services were procured through an in-house bid process. The additional membership dues
are for the Government Purchasing Association of New Jersey and the Southern Jersey Chapter of the National Institute for Governmental Purchasing for four staff members and one membership to the National Institute of Government Purchasing. Memberships in these associations provide discounted
prices for seminars and conferences as well as a resource for bid specs and pertinent purchasing information. Another line item in store room supplies at $3,000. Purchasing offices purchases and stocks frequently requested office materials and supplies requested by all
departments. Items are purchased off the state, county, and Stafford Township cooperative pricing system contracts. On a quarterly basis, the purchases are totaled and charged back to each department's budget. Human resources is next. The HR department manages all township employees, currently 427
full-time and 153 part-time seasonal. During the summer months, they coordinate all hiring and employee management for the approximately 150 additional employees. They create and institute HR policies and maintain compliance with state and federal laws.
HR handles all employee training, including safety, the employee assistance program, and other workplace training. All health benefits are handled by human resources. They coordinate with our brokers for contract proposals, renewals, rate changes, fee submissions, and compliance with federal guidelines. They handle required
reporting as well as resolving claims issues. HR staff processes all liability claims with our insurance company. They ensure compliance with safety regulations and vendor insurance. HR reviews injuries, accidents, and incidents to evaluate for cause and act to prevent future occurrences.
Highlights and accomplishments from 25 include the continued development of the UKG payroll and HR system. They completed supervisor training, continued medical claim oversight, employee policy update, completed bianual anti-harassment training. Projects for
2026 include continued adjustments to UKG horizon oversight, specialized supervisor training, providing the coaching and maintenance vehicle operators training for all public works employees, utilizing the new projector to make training more accessible in all locations, instituting a new program to
provide optional benefits, and streamlining FMLA and FLA tracking. The next department is the township clerk. Our municipal clerk serves as secretary of the municipal corporation, secretary to the governing body, chief administrator officer of elections and chief registar of voters. Our clerk also
serves as registar of vital statistics and ethics officer. The clerk's office is comp compromised of four comprised they're not compromised of four full-time staff members including our clerk, our assistant clerk, two full-time clerks, and a part-time clerk. The assistant clerk and township clerk hold registered municipal
certifications. Four staff members hold the certified municipal registar certifications. These are required to be maintained through the continuing education by attending conferences and seminars. In addition, every staff member is a notary public. Two are fluent in English and Spanish, which has
become increasingly important as the demand for translation services continues to grow. All of our vital statistic forms are available in English and Spanish, and most applications are accessible through our website. In 2025, the township clerk's office issued over,400 licenses, permits, and services
totaling 27,156.37 and 962 pet licenses totaling $19,800. The Office of Vital Statistics, which includes all records of birth, deaths, and marriages, issued almost 4,000 certificates and 371 marriage applications totaling $48,236.
Additionally, the office has collected $15,08 in tourism fees and processed 1,939 OPER requests. Some of the functions they perform for residents but do not charge a fee for include 273 landlord registrations. They manage the
township's do not knock registry and notoriization of all types of documents. The office also handled over 11,000 phone calls. The office organizes and works annual events such as the elections and the rabies clinic. The division of archives, which manages and
preserves township records, has a staff of three full-time employees, an archivist who holds state and federal records management certifications and two clerks. One clerk is assigned to police records, but is working on a large police scanning project and archives. The division manages 1.2
million files in 26 databases. To date, they have scanned over 9.8 8 million pages of documents, including scanning work performed by an outside vendor. They also received authorization and destroyed six tons of records and received 171 boxes from the various
departments. For 2026, they will continue with digital imaging, train, and prepare for disaster recovery. The operating budget for the clerk's office includes archives, and that totals $32,600. Advertising, which is for all departments, and codification of the
township code being the largest and legislation is what drives those two line items. We have started posting all our legal notices on our township website, so we are anticipating a considerable savings on that line item moving forward. The township spends almost $10,000 annually on advertising.
Additionally, the archivist would like to take on another major back filing imaging project this year for $5,000. Last year's project of payroll records dating back from the 1980s and prior was postponed for construction permits due to the lack of to the backlog of these
documents. We will be getting proposals for that project in the upcoming months. Imaging would free up space in the compact storage unit and we do not have the resources to do this project in house. Brick Township has 59,240 registered voters across 57 election
districts in 23 polling locations. The operating budget for elections is the printing and mailing of the sample ballots for the primary election and a service administered by the county clerk but build to the township for 2026. We are requesting $14,000 which is an
increase of $2,000 due to voter growth. There is not a salary line item associated with this budget. Next is our finance department which consists of five full-time employees, two of whom are dedicated to payroll. Finance department also has one part-time employee. Vinance department creates and
signs all purchase orders 400 4348 were created in 2025 and checks 3,285 in claims and manuals were created in 2025. They create the current temporary and adopted and capital fund budgets. They post budgets at the beginning of the
year. They do all transfers and close out procedures at year end creating all pertinent resolutions to process these. They agree receivables to tax reports. Tie general ledger appropriations and reserves to budget reports. Balance all inter funds. Keep a cash flow analysis monthly and tie all cash receipts and
dispersements in every in entry Excel books to posted reports. They send out the W9s and the W2s at year end. They keep a township fixed inventory asset inventory that is added to or deleted from as needed. They create cancellation resolutions for grants. They create
chapter 159s as needed and enters all new grants into Edmonds. At this time, there are 52 grants that are open. They analyze money in the capital budget to keep track of when a band sale is needed and when needed to roll into bonds, create supplemental depth statements, create cancellation resolutions when
needed, input capital chargeback, create and sign all certificates of availability of funds, and enter all new capital ordinance into Edmonds. At this time, there are 53 ordinances that are open. They perform 40 bank reconciliations monthly. Analyze 943
open escrow accounts, analyze 247 electric accounts, 52 water and sewer accounts, 27 natural gas accounts, and 32 telecommunication accounts monthly. All aspect of payroll processing. Implement payroll into UKG. Make changes to employee files that would need to be
reflected in salary and wages such as longevity and steps when applicable. Health care contributions, pensions, direct deposit information, court subpoena, garnishments, etc. The township has kept its A3 Moody's rating on all of its bond long-term financing
and M1G1 on its short-term financing. Next up is data processing the IT department. 2025, they worked on the following projects. They went live with the redesigned township website wwwbrickenj.gov. Upgraded the 911 system, installed a new wide format scanner and archives,
replaced all of our Wi-Fi access points at Town Hall, DBW, and Civic Plaza. Replaced deployed over 90 computers, laptops, and tablets. Upgraded more than 80 cell phones, installed additional cameras at Trump Point Sports Complex, Winward Beach, Ocean Beaches 1 and three, Pinewood Park, and Cedar Bridge
Matter Park. They ran wire and installed network data, phone connections, as well as security cameras and access control on most of the doors for the new operations building behind town hall. They replaced all of recreation's credit card terminals and tablets used at beaches for collecting payments. They reclo relocated senior service personnel
to Civic Plaza in town hall during the flood. They blocked and filtered out over 600,000 malicious emails in 2025, keeping our network and computers safe from cyber security threats. They fielded over 3,000 help desk tickets. 2026 they plan to migrate and upgrade
police new world software to their hosted cloud enterprise. Continue deployment of additional cameras to Civic Plaza, the parks department, drum point sports complex, the ops building and town hall. Install cameras to the new senior services diialysis bus. Install two additional service to expand storage and backup for the police body.
More cameras. replace or deploy over 50 new desktop computers and more than 70 laptops and tablets, which include the deployment of a new transportation scheduling and routing system for the senior services buses. Replace five servers, including the email server. Replace old security cameras at several
township parks like Riviera, Herbertsville, and Arrowhead. Migrate the township network computer systems to a new domain, brickj.gov, to coincide with the new township website deployed in 2025. Replace UPS battery backup systems in the IT department and phone room, which
supply power to 90% of all servers and networking equipment. Deploy new IT management software for auditing, reporting, and managing servers and computers. And complete the police dispatch renovation. Next report covers both tax collector and tax assessor. Tax collector's 2026 budget request is a
decrease. During 2025, the tax collector's office collected more than 296 million in payments through the office. More than 2.8 8 million in cash, 124 million in checks, and 168 million in electronic payments. In addition to regular collections, we sent out nearly
10,500 delinquent notices, handled more than 17,100 phone calls, and processed 80,000 in tax appeals. The tax assessor's office with a staff of five oversees over 32,000 residential, over 800 commercial, and over 1100 exempt properties with a total assessed value
of over 11.3 billion. Last year, they placed more than $65 million of added assessment value on our tax list. Part of their responsibilities include not only maintaining a record of specifics about a property, but also monitoring all deed recordings to asssure that any changes in ownership are made in our
public record, implementing tax map changes, variance report for planning board meetings, and defense of state and county tax appeals are also duties of the tax assessor's office. Township has approximately 2200 residents receiving senior citizens or veteran property tax
deductions which the assessor's office manages on behalf of the division of taxation on a yearly basis. The tax assessor's office also maintains the records correspondence approvals and denials of over 100 exempt properties in addition to over 250 disabled veteran exemptions. A project that may affect
2026's budget is the ongoing work done being done by CME Associates tax MAC preparation for state acceptance for evaluation. The total work cost for this year is not yet known. Now on to senior services. 2025 we serve 4,05 congregate
meals to seniors between two locations three days a week. One day at the Brick Housing Authority and two days at the Senior Center. The meals were supplied by Meals on Wheels of Ocean County. Our senior center hosted some new events in 2025, including a presentation from the state of New Jersey taxation division to
discuss new property tax relief applications, a stress stress release planning activity to celebrate Earth Day, Taste of Italy virtual tour, and Italian lunch, numerous educational and health presentations related to senior wellness. We look forward to hosting new events this year, including senior
dinner and a movie. Our outreach staff handled 1,283 requests for assistance as well as annual screenings for approximately 130 seniors receiving meals on wheels. Our shuttle service continues to grow with five buses in our fleet. We are expanding our dialysis
program to two shuttles, meeting the growing need for this vital service. We are fortunate to receive 35,000 in donations from participants which reduced to offset cost of these vital programs to the community. Grant funding for 2025 total 196 500 to the Ocean
County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Area plan contract grant funding awarded senior services 2026 is $170,500 through the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The last report, municipal court, the brick municipal court is one
of the largest of the 33 municipal courts in Ocean County. Annual filings for 2025 were $11,443, which is an increase from 2024 of 1,14 filings. This number consists of filings not only from the brick police department but also the state police,
the ocean county prosecutor's office, division of fish and wildlife, department of weights and measures, marine police, animal control, code enforcement, zoning, building and private citizens for any incidents occurring in the jurisdiction of Brick Township. Court sessions are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9 and
11:00 a.m. Currently, the first Wednesday, the second Thursday, and the second Monday of each month are inerson court sessions. All other court sessions are virtual via the Zoom platform. In addition, we hold an in-person mediation session the second Tuesday of the month at 9:00 am. And the second Monday 9:30
a.m. court session is in person for code enforcement violations only. The staff consist of a deputy, a court administrator, one deputy, and four additional full-time staff members, and a part-timer. This concludes my report. any members of the council or the public that would
like to go into more details or this budget to welcome to make an appointment in my my office. Thank you again for your support and special thanks to the department and division heads who work so well serving the public. >> All right, well done. Thank you.
Probably easier to say the things you don't do. Um, so, >> so at this point, I'd like to open up to council uh with any for any questions just on Miss Bergen's presentation.
Seeing none, close council. Open to public for questions. Again, just on Miss Bergen's presentation. Seeing none, close public. At this point in time, we'll move on to Chief Rickio's presentation. >> Good evening, everyone.
Established in 2006, the Brick Tantum Emergency Medical Services Division has been serving the residents of Brick Township for 20 years. This year being the department's 20-y year anniversary. The division is currently staffed with 70 employees that includes one director,
35 full-time, 27 part-time, and seven seasonal EMTs. The division operates 11 ambulances, three specialty units, and is currently housed at three locations. Lansill Road, Civic Plaza, and on Aurora Place in Lake Rivera. The EMS administrative offices, which are
currently situated in Civic Plaza, will be moving to a new location in the special operations building to the rear town hall. In 2025, there were over 11,713 calls for service, the most the unit has ever handled in a calendar year. In
addition to the variety of medical emergencies the division handles on a daily basis, a number of our EMS personnel are specially trained and act as tactical medics who train and respond with the police search team. Additionally, our EMS personnel provide services to the community, which include
things like conducting child seat inspections and instruction in areas such as CPR, basic first aid, and the control of bleeding. Last year we budgeted 2,800,000 for EMS salaries and 225,000 for overtime. This year we are
asking that 2,958,000 be budgeted for EMS salaries and that 200,000 be allocated for EMS overtime. The increase of salary budget considers contractual obligations as well as the adding of two additional EMS supervisors and two senior EMT supervisors. The
adding of EMT supervisors and senior EMT positions will reduce the span of control and allow for better oversight. In 2025, the EMS division spent $187,96.15 of the overtime budget. That's $37,93.85 less than what was budgeted. It should
be noted that the scheduling of part-time personnel to fill openings on a shift is a policy we continue to utilize in order to reduce overtime costs. In 2025, the EMS operating budget was 3 million $358,700.
Of that amount, $332,43082 was expended, which is $26,269.18 less than what was budgeted this year. We are asking that $371,800 be budgeted, which is a $27,150 increase. The majority of their in the
increase is in anticipation of a rise in costs associated with medical supplies expert services which is our EMS billing and maintenance contracts uh and added training. The cost to operate the EMS division in 2025 was 3,746,582.32
which included regular salaries, overtime, capital, and operating expenses. In 2025, the EMS division generated income from a number of sources which was used to offset these costs. Income sources include 2,224,42912
in medical billing, $5,277.50 in extra duty assignments, and $4,892 from a child seat inspection grant for a total of $2,234,59862. That concludes the budget presentation for the EMS department. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking men and women of the Brick
Township Emergency Medical Services Department who render aid to our community around the clock 7 days a week. And of course, thank you to our mayor, members of the council, and our business administrator for your continued support. You are always ready and willing to provide the resources and equipment necessary to keep the EMS
department fully functional and capable of providing our community with the absolute best emergency medical care. Thank you. Thank you. Very impressive. Um, at this point in time, I'll open it up to the council for questions just for Chief Rickio's presentation.
>> I have questions. >> Um, yeah, >> Chief Rickio. Um, how many supervisors are there currently? >> There are four. Uh, well, four supervisors, a chief and a deputy chief. So, >> why can can you give me the reason that
we need to add two additional staff members? to a department that's already got four supervisors. >> Yeah. Because with the number of personnel we have, 70, the span of control is just too much. >> We managed to handle it this past year. You said it's the most calls we've ever
had. We managed to handle it with the current staffing level. And I'm not talking about em I'm not talking about EMTs here. I'm talking about supervisors. >> Correct. >> Um again, is there absolutely a need to add two additional supervisors? Can we not add one?
In my opinion, that's what we need. Uh I don't make the decision as to whether to get at it, but my uh in my opinion that would be necessary for the amount of personnel that we have. >> All right. In uh in closing, let me just say that our EMS is amazing. Um I've
seen them in action unfortunately um with my own mom a few years ago. They are absolutely incredible. So good job. Um but again, we know we need to look at the expenditures and will we do more with less and still provide the
services. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Raymond. >> Yes. My question is do you have any current vacancies or open positions? >> Not for full-time, for part-time. Uh we do. >> So part-time is fluid. I mean they come and they go.
>> And is plan to fill them? And how what is the number? >> Uh the number right now I believe we have 27 parttime. Uh we can hire up to 35. >> And do those openings lead to any overtime? >> Uh they don't receive overtime. They
fill our overtime spots. The part- timerrs. >> So they they save us over time. >> Correct. >> By having our fulltime enters. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any additional questions from council? Seeing none, close council. Now
we'll open up to public uh for questions. for Chief Ricky on his presentation. Seeing none, close public and we're going to move on to the final presentation uh with Deputy Chief uh Hank Drew. >> Yeah, no more yell. Right.
>> Good evening. I'm pleased to present the 2026 budget for Department of Public Safety. Our mission is vital, protecting the safety and well-being of every member of our community. Our department plays a crucial role in delivering essential services including police operations, communication services,
class one special law enforcement officers, emergency management, crossing guards, and impactful community focused programs like the police cadetses, the DARE initiative, not even once program, our community emergency response team and neighborhood watch. Our greatest
asset is our dedicated team of 220 employees that consist of 139 sworn officers, 24 full-time and three part-time communication operators, 16 crossing guards, 17 class one special
police officers, one civilian deputy emergency management coordinator, one radio technician, one fleet maintenance worker, 14 full-time and four part-time civilian staff staffed in police records. and administrative functions.
Together, this team handled 104,1001 calls for service in 2025, 732 more calls over the prior year. This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff during the busiest year in the department's history. I'm pleased with our 2025
operating results. Our department leaders have worked together and have implemented organizational changes that better allocated our resources to keep costs down. In the past three years, total police expenses were 2.5 million under budget, all while our department
answered approximately 9,300 more calls for service. These outcomes highlight our ability to do more with less, an achievement we are proud of. We are a busy police department filled with employees dedicated to Brick Township. Let's now review the budget and highlight significant changes.
The first area we will discuss is the main police budget. The salaries of our civilian administrative personnel are also included in this line item. This year we are requesting $24,40,000 for regular salaries and 1.150
million for overtime totaling 25,190,000. In 2025, we budgeted 25,100,400 and spent 25,82,713 on regular salaries and overtime. In total, salaries and overtime were $17,687
under budget. Although we do not anticipate a significant increase in overtime spending this year, we need to plan for unforeseen situations. The police supervision and command staff will continue to be conscientious of the need to reduce and keep overtime costs under budget. For the past three years, I'm
happy to report that we have managed to keep overtime costs 11% under budget and remained 1.6 million under budget and salaries and overtime. We will look forward to continue that practice for years to come. The police general operating budget
includes uniforms, firearms, equipment, training, accreditation, cadetses, boat and bike equipment, and radio repair expenses. In 2025, we budgeted $330,850 and expended $31,250,
$29,600 under budget. This year we're asking for 350,650, an increase of 19,800 from what we budgeted last year to address rising costs for critical items such as ammunition, radio system and
infrastructure and service plant, bulletproof vests and with outer carriers and cameras throughout the town. The next area is class one special law enforcement officers. We currently have 17 class one special officers who perform year-round park enforcement,
traffic details, booking officers, municipal court security officers, and security for in-person township meetings such as the board of adjustment planning board and council meetings. In 2025, we budgeted $357,000 in salaries and overtime and expended
330,700 26,300 under budget. In 2026, we are requesting 330,000 in salaries and 10,000 overtime, which is $17,000 less than budgeted in 2025.
One other line item is a class one special law enforcement officer budget is for uniforms and equipment. In 2026, we requesting $10,500, the same amount we requested last year. The next area we'll discuss is the communication operators or the
dispatchers. This year we are requesting $1,765,000 for salaries and allocating $220,000 for overtime. It should be noted that last year we expended $137,835 less in salaries and overtime cost than what was budgeted. For operating
expenses, which mainly covers training costs, we are asking for $6,100, which remains consistent with 2025. The next budget is emergency management. Last year we budgeted 71,000 for OEM salaries. This year we'll be allocating 74,000. It
should be noted that a portion of these salaries is paid for by grant monies which are received at different times throughout the year. The only other item in OEM budget is $750 for training. The next budget is police vehicles. These monies are used in replacing aging
vehicles which are used by the patrol division. In most cases, the older patrol vehicles which are still serviceable are repurposed in non- patrol units within the department. In 2025, we budgeted 428,250 for six patrol vehicles and spent
$421,97. For 2026, the requested amount is $584,350 for eight patrol vehicles. Last, we discussed the crossing guards. Last year, we budgeted $525,000
and crossing guard salaries and overtime and spent $531,167, which is $6,167 over budget. In 2026, we're asking for 540,000 to be budgeted for salaries and 5,000 for overtime. It should be noted
that during the summer months there are approximately 30 seasonal crossing guards employed. For the operating budget, we are asking for $12,225 for uniforms and safety equipment such as traffic vests, jackets, lighted batons, and cones.
In closing, I'd like to thank the mayor, council members, and the business administrator for your support. Your partnership ensures that we continue to lead as one of the nation's finest public safety departments. I also want to thank the officers in my department who work tirelessly to protect and provide outstanding service to our
community. I'd also like to thank you guys for bearing with me tonight. Thank you very much. >> Absolutely. You were phenomenal. Deep breath. Uh at this point, I'd like to open up to council for any questions.
>> I have a couple. >> Captain Cohen. >> So, uh so Chief, um as as I for um >> we were 2.5 million under budget. Why are we asking for an increase above that
if we were if we were able to do it saving 2.5 million under budget? Why can't we run this with the same budget we had last year? >> I mean basically the >> one we never know. We're also uh we
hired the people we hired tonight bringing us Yeah. bringing us back up to where we were through attrition, through retirements and stuff like that. So, I think the uh reason to ask for that additional is to make sure we're covered. Hope, you know, hopefully we
won't spend it. We're not we're not looking to be hired tonight. Congratulations to to those eight officers. I think it's wonderful that people want to step up and and do this job. Um those eight officers were not additional officers. they were already budgeted
for. Is that correct? So the money to pay them is already in the budget. So I still go back to my same question. We have got to fund our police department 100%. Okay. I think we want to have one of the most premier police departments in the entire state and I know for sure
in Ocean County. These guys do an amazing job. You know, I've had to tour. I've seen the stuff they do. It's it's incredible what our police department is capable of doing. Um, with that said, um, it's still my responsibility to look at budgeting and making sure that we are
not budgeting more monies than what is really required. So, it concerns me that we were 2.5 million under budget, why we're asking for money above that 2.5 million. public. >> Okay. We don't have money.
>> Very good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I had a question. Same question. With the addition of the eight officers tonight, that um fill all the openings or are there any remaining? >> That brings us up to 147 I believe we're at now, which is our number that we
wanted to get back to. So, yeah, we're we're very happy with that. >> It's an additional question. Um how many retirements do we have coming up? >> I don't know if we have any that are on the uh books or scheduled yet at this at this time. I think
Again, you know, a shout out to our police department. They do an amazing job. Absolutely amazing. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions from council? Seeing none, closing council. Open to uh public for questions for
Chief Drew on his presentation. Joe Lamb 386 for stereo drive brick uh regarding the last um question to chief about the two two and a half million dollars that was under budget. The thing is that $2.5 million doesn't evaporate.
It's still there in in the town coffers to be used the next year. So I mean I don't see the concern about the two and a half million. I understand that you're talking about an increase going forward for the next year or whatever that increase is again. It's if it's not
utilized, it's going to come back in the budget. There are all kinds of line items. If you're familiar with the budget of this town that from time to time it's not used and so it goes back into the coffers. It's not lost. It doesn't go into out of space. So just keep that in mind.
the people of this town that pay taxes. I want them to be aware of that. All right. Thank you. >> Well done. Thank you. >> I thought I saw another hand up there. Yes, Mr. Bacon. Good evening, uh, Mayor Council, and >> good evening, >> the leadership. Thank you for your
presentations, and thank you for your service in the town. Couple questions. Uh, Deputy Chief, uh, one of them you already answered. Our police force is 139. With the eight officers, we're going to 147. Is that correct? >> That's correct. something I've always been curious about
in the town. What's the average number of patrol cars roughly per shift? >> Would you say? >> Uh, I mean, I'd have to I'd have to pull up a staff. We have multiple shifts during a day. So, we have 5:45 in the in the morning that starts. We have
additional officers coming in at 12, >> at 3, at 5, and then our midnight shift comes in, covers until 5:45 in the morning. So, uh, yeah. I mean, we could have 20 25 cars. Would you say that's accurate, J?
>> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah, sure. >> That's actually more than I thought. >> Yeah. No, uh, you know, with our with the schedule that the officers work with the, you know, four and four, we were able to implement offset hours that gives us greater
coverage on the busier times of the day. >> Got it. Thank you. U this could really apply to all the different departments. Do we have organizational charts a breakdown of all the departments that are available?
>> I know Chief Rick, you talked about a span of control that always kind of interests me. I was just curious, you know, >> we maintain a table of organization with our divisions, our units and our supervision. >> Uh, one other thing this is just you
know, the presentations. We obviously the public appreciates these. Is it possible to get the presentations ahead of time that you're presenting or is that something that you typically wouldn't do? >> Well, you can request it.
>> And when do they usually get it? Right before this meeting or >> so it is something available to the public. I mean folks and the one last thing uh you know I've been to a few board meetings board of adjustment planning boards is it
possible to bring these up on the screen >> these presentations when you're doing >> oh just look at us >> yeah parking lot >> right but sometimes when you're you're going through a lot of great numbers you know >> the actual written report.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Where you can >> that's something to discuss with the council for next year. >> Yeah, we can definitely talk more about it. Absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your service. >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. Anyone else from public
regarding the presentation by Chief Drew? >> No. >> Oh, yes, of course. Yes, please. not looking to cut the 200 2.5 million that we were under budget. It's
>> three years worth of money. >> It's what? Well, it's what we're looking for to go above that surplus. That's what I'm concerned about. So, it's the additional budgeting that I'm concerned with, not that that 2.5. >> I just want to be sure that, you know,
that I'm clear on that because I do understand and I think everybody on this council understands that that money comes back if it's not spent. Okay. The problem is is that in order to raise that money, we're going to raise taxes and that's where our money comes from. Thank you.
>> Okay. Can I ask a quick question? >> Uh, yes. Deputy Chief Drew. >> Sure. >> Really of everybody, right? Cars and vehicles cost more this year. >> Definitely. Gas costs more this year. Uniforms cost more this year. Equipment
cost us more this year. I haven't seen any bills that have gone down for the police department. >> Exactly. Right. And I think we all need to keep that in mind when we continue to deliver the seller services that the township expects is that there are do
you say 1,700 line items in this budget. Most things just cost a little bit more. It's really all it is. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. So that concludes the presentation
portion of tonight's event. Uh I guess you guys are free to go. >> Really? >> I think so. >> Yeah. Thank you all. >> Yeah.
>> Could have fooled everyone. Thank you again all three of you. All right. Now, let's move 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. 71. Recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12th through the 18th, 2026. >> Councilman Mikino. Thank you. This resolution recognizes the week of April
12th through the 18th as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. National Public Safety Telecom Communicators Week is an annual observant held during the second week of April to recognize the crucial role of public safety telecommunicators who serve as a first
point of contact in emergencies and help connect citizens to law enforcement, fire, rescue, fire and rescue and EMS personel. Thank you. >> Thank you. 72, please. >> Recognize National Volunteer Week, April 19th through the 25th, 2026. >> Councilwoman Travers.
>> Thank you, Council President. This resolution recognizes April 19th through 25th as National Volunteer Week. This year's theme is your year to volunteer. Captures the power of how volunteering can bring people together and build stronger, more vibrant communities through service. Thank you.
>> Thank you. 73, please. >> Authorized acceptance of the 2025 annual audit. >> Council Vice President Amber. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution formally authorizes the acceptance of the 2025 audit. There were no findings in this audit. That's the
best possible result that reflects the hard work and acumen of our current as well as our recently retired chief fin uh chief financial officer and the entire finance department staff. Thank you. >> Thank you. 74 please. >> Authorized membership participation the
interlocal purchasing system tips national cooperative. >> Councilwoman Rea. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes participation in the interlocal purchasing system national cooperative. The township uses cooperatives in accordance with state guidelines to help
expedite the purchasing process. These cooperatives ensure pricing and help municipalities access goods and services by doing all of the leg work in advance. Thank you. >> Thank you. 75 please. >> Authorize abandonment of bid manufacturing and printing of tax bills.
>> Councilman Albanese. Thank you. This resolution authorizes the abandonment of bids for printing and manufacturing of tax bills. In March, the township received bids for the service. Bid notices were provided to 34 prospective biders from our biders list and eight picked up bid packages. One bid was
received. However, after reviewing the bid, tax collector recommended that we reject all bids and abandon the project. Instead of outsourcing this project, the tax collector will print the bills in house. >> Thank you. 76. Authorize award of
contract flood plan management plan. >> Councilman Mikino. >> Thank you. This resolution awards a contract for the township's 5year flood plan management plan to Geocint Bloomfield. In March, the township received bids. Six firms responded and
proposals were received by the township planner and the township engineers who recommended award to the contract of geocynch consultants based on their demonstrations and comprehension understanding of the process and procedures required in the scope of the work their experience staff and support
this project. Thank you. >> Thank you. 77 >> authorize award of contract maintenance and support for new world public safety software suit. Councilman Cohen. >> This resolution authorized an award of contract for maintenance support of the new world public safety software
currently used by the brick police department dispatch to Tyler Technologies. >> Thank you. 78. Please >> authorize a word of contract purchase and delivery of 76 life pack CR2s.
>> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes the award of contract in the amount of $223,21360 for the purchase and delivery of 76 life pack defibrillators to Striker Sales Chicago. The defibrillators will be used by the township's EMS department. This
purchase is being made through the Sourcewell National Cooperative. Thank you. >> May I interrupt for one second, Council President? Yes. Uh I just want to point out uh Chief Ricky I was going to mention and must have forgot that we are getting reimbursed for this through uh the opioid grant. >> Oh wow. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Excellent. Thank you. >> That's good news. All right. That brings us to 79. >> Authorized sale of surplus property IT equipment. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes the sale of surplus equipment using the
online auction service Auctions International. The auction will be begin on Monday, April 27th at 10 a.m. and conclude on Monday, May 11th at 6 p.m. at www. auctions international.com. >> Thank you. 710, please.
>> Authorized special event permit Laurton Fire Company car show. >> Councilman Makino. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes a special event permit for the Laurel Fire Company to host a car show on September 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Winward Beach. Thank you.
>> Thank you. 7-Eleven, please. >> Authorize special event permit preschool moving up ceremony. >> Councilman Cohen, this resolution authorizes a special event permit for preschool moving up ceremony scheduled for June 19th at 5:30 to 7:30 at Winward
Beach Park. >> Thank you. 712. >> Authorized special Prevent silent piano concert. Sorry. Excuse me. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes a special event permit for Mine Travel Foundation to
host a silent piano concert from 7 to 9:00 p.m. on May 19th, June 15th, July 13th, and August 21st at Brick Beach 3. This live piano concert broadcast is a meditative event and will be held through wireless headphones. Thank you. >> Thank you. 713
>> authorized special event permit bike MS coast to coast. >> Councilwoman Raina. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes a special event permit for the National MS Society's bike MS coast to coast event which will be held from 7:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9th at Route 35 bike lanes northbound and southbound. Thank you. >> Thank you. 7:14 please. Authorized special event permit steps for hope 5K to Mile. >> Council Vice President Emerino. >> Thank you, Council President. This
resolution authorizes a special event permit for J of Hope's Steps for the Hope 5K 2M walk event from 7:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18th. The event starts at Icarus on Route 88 and ends at
Winward Beach. Thank you. >> Thank you. 7:15. Authorized special event permit prek celebration. >> Council, I'm sorry, Councilman Minino. >> This resolution authorizes a special event permit for the prek celebration
from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 15th at Winwood Beach. Thank you. >> Thank you. 7:16. >> Authorized support for New Jersey Climate Super Fund Act S-3545 A-4696. And before we do read this, um there has
been a change to the um the titles. Uh the bill is now S2388 and A3735 due to a new legislative session. Councilwoman Traverse. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution supports the New Jersey Climate Super Fund Act aimed at holding
fossil fuel companies responsible for the damages caused by climate change. The act imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation projects and establishes a program in the D to collect and distribute these funds. Thank you.
>> Thank you. 717 >> inspection fund release block 321.02 lot 19. Inspection fund release block 464 lot 24. Inspection fund release block 1086.02 lot 24.
>> Thank you. 718 >> lot 18A senior deductions for 2025 at block 321.16 lot 17 block 1192.03 lot 12 block 382.40 lot 6 block 1068.01 lot 13
block 1107 lot 1.02 block 1386 lot 18 block 380.02 lot 43 18B are veteran deductions for 2025 block 1374 lot 1.01 1 Block 1280.72 lot 42 block 12103 lot 4
block 1047 lot 10 block 945 lot 29 block 969.01 lot 28 block 87010 lot 14 block 869.33 lot 18 and block 380.04 lot 10. >> Thank you. That brings us to the end of the consent agenda. Can I have a motion
and a second on the consent agenda? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to council. Seeing none, close council. Open to public for questions on the resolutions only.
Good evening. My name is Jane Cole Ranken. I live on Kuster Lane in the Herbertsville section of Brick. I was born in New Jersey. I've lived in bricks since 1968 and I taught here for 35 years. One of the subjects that I taught was science and we instructed our
students on the environment and protecting it, recycling and climate change among many other things. I I am asking you to pass the resolution in favor of make polluters pay for an affordable New Jersey. Brick has
suffered from devastating effects of climate change in the past and with sea level rise in New Jersey projected to be between one and two feet by 2050, we are likely to see much more. Make polluters pay for an affordable New Jersey bill
will put the financial burden on the repairing of infrastructure damages where it belongs on the fossil fuel industries who knew the damage they were causing while cashing in. The taxpayers of brick should not be paying to fix the
problem. The polluters should pay. Thank you. >> Well done. Thank you. >> A little bit taller, right? Hi, my name is Ben Jobeck. I am the executive director of CRAN, which is the largest Gen Z climate organization in New
Jersey. As you can see, many of our fellow members are here from all across uh Brick, Ocean County, and some from southern Mammoth. I grew up in Manisquan. So just relating shore town, right? Um so just quick explanation of
what this bill does, right? Polluters pay for a more affordable New Jersey act. Um this is a cost recovery tool, right? If you've emitted more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases since 1995 forward and operated in the state of New Jersey, you would have to
pay into a resiliency fund. You've done wrong, right? You emitted the emissions, right? and you have to pay. Um, municipalities are strapped across the board um with flooding and and uh issues with roads, bridges, you know, in our
shore and coastal communities. It's just even more exacerbated. Right. So, what we're saying is that local municipalities specifically are getting access to $50 billion dollars, $2.5 billion dollars a year um in funding
that would support local resiliency projects to strengthen uh our our roads, our bridges, to strengthen our energy system, right? So, when storms happen, we're stronger. Um down to even cooling centers for the summer and making sure
municipalities for emergency services and anything in between has access to funding, right? And that also goes for public health initiatives and, you know, uh, strong programs with the Department of Labor. We project that this bill would produce 18,000
new union jobs, right? And we are trying to deliver a more affordable New Jersey here. And we are really grateful for your support and passing this resolution. Big big shout out to the mayor for helping us out. A big shout out to the council for making this possible. You now join over 70
municipalities across New Jersey who have passed this resolution. Uh and we are excited to pass this bill in the legislature before the budget season. So we are really excited to work with y'all in the future press releases. We need our local electeds um um a part of this.
Um so really grateful for today and um we're on the right side here and holding the largest corporations accountable, right? So thank you. Thank you. Very well stated. Makes sense to me. All right. Is there anyone else from
public regarding the resolutions only? All right. Seeing none, uh close public roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> No to 16. Yes to the rest. Councilman Mino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Reena.
>> No to 16. Yes to the rest. >> Councilman Cohen. >> No to 16. Yes to the No to 16. Yes to the rest. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice Presidentino. >> Yes. >> President Fman. >> Seems kind of
>> a no-brainer. >> Seems kind of like a no-brainer. It'd be free money. >> Those who are voting no against free money. I don't get it. I'm going to vote yes. Thank you. Uh
I'm sorry, where are we? 11 19 >> be resolved by the time of council of the time of break that the following bills be paid and that the mayor and clerk be and are hereby authorized to draw orders on the treasur for the amount of the same computer bill resolution in the amount of 2,232,8183.
>> Thank you. Can I have a motion and a second on the computer bill resolution? >> Motion second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to council. Seeing none, close. Council, open to public for questions on the computer bill resolution only.
>> Seeing none, close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese, >> yes. >> Councilman Mino, >> yes. >> Councilman Reno, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Counciloman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Emerino, >> yes. >> President Fman, >> yes.
Item 720, please. Be it resolved by the township of council of the town of that the following bills be paid and that the mayor and clerk be and are hereby authorized to draw orders on the treasur for the amounts of the same manual bill resolution the amount of $4,117,69081. >> Thank you. Can I have a motion and a
second the manual bill resolution? >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none. Close council. Open to public for questions on the manual bill resolution only. Seeing none, close. Public roll call.
>> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Reno. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice President Amberino. >> Yes. >> President Fineman. >> Yes. Moving on to item number 81. Please.
>> Establish cap ordinance or cap rate, I'm sorry. Thank you, uh, Council Vice President Ambercino. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh, by way of explanation, this is something that we do every year. Uh, this ordinance essentially allows the township to
establish a cap bank for future use. The ordinance allows for increases for budget appropriations and allows the township to bank any unused budget appropriation. This cat bank ordinance allows the township to increase budget
appropriations by 3.5% over the prior year's appropriations and then to bank any unused appropriation room to be used over the next two succeeding years. This ordinance is again simply precautionary. It is not
funded through a tax increase since it is only consumed 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 the costs of future disasters and the need for any future
emergency appropriation. We are not actually generating any cash. We are simply creating the ability to raise money in the future should we need it. If the funds are not needed in the next two succeeding years, this cat bank is simply dissolved. Thank you.
>> Thank you. I'm going to ask for a motion and a second. motion. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none, close. Council open to uh public on this ordinance only. Seeing
none, close. Public roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Councilman Mino. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Reena. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice Presidentino. >> Yes. >> President. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Item number 82,
>> bine ordinance, fiveyear life. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This explanation covers all the capital ordinances. The 2026 capital budget total 20 12 million. At the outset, the total requests 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 include 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 Quay 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 the township clerk offices. Next year in phase two, we will do the tax assessor and building department. The parks department requests include resurfacing the pickle ball court at
Angela Hibbert Park, redoing the rubber safety surface 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 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 the various items include and the various items include PC replacement servers, cameras, and laptops, iPad for EMS, tough books 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 electronic speed limit signs. Engineering has the most requests at just shy of six million. There's a
significant investment on roadway improvements at Lions Head South, Malard Park, Malard Point, Herbertsville Estates, Riviera Beach, Midstreams, a section of Greenbryer, a section of Matita Con, a section of Highland Pine, a section of Cedar Croft, 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 Culver Repair, Snake Roadway Elevation, Ward Drive roadway elevation, Princeton pedestrian improvements, Herbbitzville Road 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. >> Thank you. Uh, is there a motion and a second? Motion. >> Second.
>> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none, close council. Open to public. Close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mino. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Rita. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Yes.
>> Vice Presidentino. >> Yes. >> President. >> Yes. Moving on to item number 83. >> Bond ordinance seven-year life. >> And again, these are for those items with a seven-year life expectancy.
Uh is there a motion and a second? >> Motion. Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to council. Seeing none, close council. Open to public. Close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Reno. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes.
>> Council Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice Presidentino. >> Yes. >> President Fman. >> Yes. >> 84, please. >> Bond ordinance 10 year life. >> Again, this is for those items with a 10-year life expectancy. Can I have a motion in a second? >> Motion.
>> Copy that. >> Copy that. Thank you. Few of them. >> Yeah. So many. Uh, open to council. Seeing none, close council. Open to public. Seeing none. Close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman. >> Yes.
>> Counciloman Reena. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Councilman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice Presidentino. >> Yes. >> President Fineman. >> Yes. 85. Please. >> Ordinance 15ear life. >> Again, these are items for uh with a 15-year life expectancy.
Have a motion and second. >> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none, close council. Open to public. Seeing none, close public. Roll call. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Councilomano. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Reena. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Cohen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice President Emerino. >> Yes. >> President Fman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Item number 86, please. Amending chapter 288-42 schedule 7 adding Blake Circle as a through street.
>> Councilman Cohen, >> Brook Police Department traffic safety division requested this ordinance designating Blake Circle as a through street. This ordinance enables the side streets off of Blake Circle to post stop signs which is 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 four five miles and serves as a major artery for the community. It currently lacks the necessary traffic control measures for a road of its size and there are
documented speeding concerns. The ordinance allows for consistent traffic control at all 28 intersections. In additional installing it um an additional stall installing additional 25 mile per hour speed limit signs along the 1.45 mile stretch of circle will
help reinforce safe driving habits. Implementing these changes is a positive step toward ensuring the safety of Greenbryer residents and reducing the risk of accidents are at uncontrolled crossings. >> Thank you. Have a motion and a second. >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Copy that. Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none, close council. Open to public. Seeing none, close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mikino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Reno. >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen.
>> Yes. Councilman Travers. >> Yes. >> Vice President Emino. >> Yes. >> President Feman. >> Yes. >> Item number nine, please. >> Please note that each person addressing the council during any section of the of the meeting during which the public comment is permitted shall limit his her
remarks to five minutes pursuant to Brick Township Administrative Code section 2-33B. >> Thank you. Is there anyone from the public who has any comments? Seeing none. Oh, yes sir. >> Doing okay.
>> Better. All right. Sorry. So, uh I'm stopping by real real quick uh to take a few minutes of your time. Hopefully, I can get in under five minutes. So, um this may not be the perfect venue, but but I need to start somewhere. Uh the high school has a junior RTC program. uh
that apparently is at risk of being shut down. It's currently on probationary status due to the fact it only has one instructor. The contract requires two. So, and I do know that the superintendent has been trying to do the best with what he has with the resources. Uh and and I guess there's some trouble funding it. What can we do
to help out? I'm a graduate of that program and I can attest to the value that does, you know, because it it affords people, young men and women, that opportunity for for, you know, self-confidence, just self-discipline,
educational opportunities. Without that, I wouldn't have had a a scholarship that allowed me to go off to get my bachelor's and received my commission to which I joined the Air Force myself. Retired a few years ago out of it. As a matter of fact, had a, you know,
pleasure, great time flying in the Air Force, uh, on on Awax, which is flying radar station. So, it's a very unique opportunity and I would hate to see that program go away. Uh, you know, again, like I said, I personally have gone through that. I'm just curious as to
what can we do? And when I say we, I don't mean like we we where can I help out as well? So, I'm just what what can be done? >> So, have you tried addressing the school board yet? >> Uh, I have not. Uh, I I have talked to to the instructor over there a little
bit about it. So, but I believe the next school board meeting is the 30th of April. >> So, >> I'm not sure. Is that right? I'm not sure. >> Council President, we do have a school board member here this evening. >> Hi. But >> absolutely.
>> Perfect. Yeah, it's like a separate >> That's all I'm asking. Like I said, I didn't know if this is the right avenue and I'm at three minutes. I'm giving them back to you. I'm good. >> Outstanding. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Excellent. All right. Is there anyone else from the public? Any comments?
Seeing none, close public. Um, Mr. Starky >> comments. >> I'm sorry. >> Thank you. >> Hello. >> At your service.
>> Yeah. >> All right. Uh, Mayor Crate. >> Yes. Uh, just a couple of announcements. First, I would like to start with, uh, congratulating the kickoff of the season for the girls recreation softball. I was there this afternoon just prior to the meeting. And, uh, very exciting seeing
those girls out there on the field. I did not throw out the first pitch. I like to have a real pitcher do that. So, uh, we had a great pitcher throw out that first pitch. And congratulations to the girls at the beginning of their season. I know they're going to have a great season. Uh, and thanks to all the coaches who volunteer their time that we
would not have a season without them. So, thank you to all the coaches and our recreation staff as well who do all the planning that goes into that is immense. We do have a few events coming up on Saturday, May 2nd. I believe it's from 10 to 2. I think I have the timing
right. Uh the Bricktownship Police Department is hosting a bicycle rodeo at Drum Point Elementary School and uh we invite you to come out and join us for that. They will be reviewing all sorts of bike safety tips. This is for people
kids and people of all ages. So it's from kids learning how to ride a bike all the way up to ebike safety and and everything in between. Uh it's a lot of fun. They hosted it last year at Lanes Mills. This year they're moving it or actually brick memorial. This year we're
moving it across town taking turns with each side of town. The entire town is invited to to attend. There will be I believe the Mr. Softy ice cream truck will be there for ice cream purchases if you like. And there's also a lot of great giveaways and our police department, our great police force will
be out there to talk about bicycle safety, answer any questions you may have. There's a fun course for the kids to ride through. So, make sure you bring your bikes and we hope to see you there for that event. Also, on May 2nd, we are doing a pollinator garden cleanup at Haven's Homestead. Uh we want to get
that pollinator garden. It is our community garden cleaned out in time for our green fair that's coming up in a few weeks. And we would like to make sure um that you know, we do a little weeding. We clean up the area. We plant some fresh plants for anything that might have died over the winter. So, you are
welcome to join us at Havens Homestead at our community pollinator garden on May 2nd. We will be there from 10 to 12 and we hope you can join us for that. There will be our next pickup brick is taking place at Riverwalk Refuge. That is Saturday, May 25th. That will be from
10 to 12 and we invite the public to come out to that as well. If you come if you go on our website, there is a spot where you can click to sign up. You don't have to officially sign up to attend, but we do like to kind of have a headcount in mind. And if you have a student that is looking for community
service hours, this is the perfect two hours to get uh while walking through beautiful trails in Brick Township. So, you're invited to come out for that. Also, on May 25th, we have our first of two semi- townwide yard sales. We split
it this year, so the north side will be hosting their town side yard sale on May 25th as well. That's all day. It is rain or shine. If it really rains, just have your yard sale on Sunday. Uh you know, it's hard to I can't we can't predict the weather,
but um that will be the north side. So, if you're look if you're shop you want to shop on the 08724 side. Right now, we have over 70 homes signed up and we expect that number to be higher as the uh as the date goes up or as the date gets closer. Uh,
did I say May? >> Oh god, >> it's April. I'm going back. I'm so sorry. You know why? Because the pollinator garden was May. >> Yes, >> I jumped ahead. I just traveled through time. I want you to go back in time now. Forget everything I just said about the dates. The pollinator
>> the pollinator garden is May 2nd, but the the pickup brick is April 20. That's why it wasn't matching up on my calendar. Oh my gosh, my bad. The the uh pickup brick at Riverside Refuge is April 25th. I'm so sorry. And the townwide yard sale is May 25th.
>> Nope. Still April 25th. I can't do it. I wrote May on my paper and that's what I'm looking at. So, you know what? Just go on the website and get the We want you to come. If you show up and we're not there, you can still pick up garbage. It's fine. Um, okay. Uh what I really do want to take a
moment to talk about is the resolution that the township council passed this evening regarding the polluters pay to make New Jersey more affordable. I appreciate the votes yes on the council for this. I think this is an important resolution
for us to pass in support of this bill. Um here's what I want to say about this. I I do not have a high level of concern for fossil fuel companies. Um the The cost of this bill being passed for them
is honestly the cost of them doing business. It's a drop in the bucket. It's uh it doesn't it's not going to make or break any of these companies that would participate in this. I have a concern for Brick Township residents specifically as mayor here in Brick. Um,
and the impact of um, climate change here in Brick Township is quite evident as as the time that I have spent on uh, both council and as mayor. Uh, quick fact for those people that don't recognize this, Brick Township has the
most waterfront property in the entire state of New Jersey. And every single person that lives on the waterfront is impacted. Sunny day flooding, rainy day flooding, flooding on a whim. Um and we've
recognized that here in Brick Township and the ability to get this bill passed by the legislature at the state level is immensely important for us not only because we do have those huge impacts that residents pay for daily uh not only
in u monetarily but in inconvenience and in damage to their homes oftent times. Um, we simply want a seat at the table and with the passage of this legislation that gives Brick Township again with all of the waterfront property that we have
in this township a seat at the table with all the beaches we have in this township, our bay properties, our river properties, and everything in between. It is gives us the opportunity for us to have funding that helps with infrastructure changes that need to be
made in order to keep our residents safe. It allows us to deal with issues that um you know impact our electricity and our um you know upgrading to roads as we need to raise roads as things
happen here in the township. We all live through super super Serum Sandy. We know what that was like. We know the impact of that. And we know that the probability of other weather events like that happening is becoming more frequent. And we want to be here so that
we can sit at the table when this passes and have a voice for what the residents of Brick Township need. So, I thank the council members that voted to pass this resolution. It is simply a resolution that is um in support of getting this
legislation passed at the state level. And I appreciate your yes votes and I look forward to hopefully having this pass at the state level. So when that happens, Brick Township can be the first per first town to pull a seat up and have a conversation about what that
means positively for our residents and how we can help them further. So thank you. >> Well done. All right. Good crowd tonight. Uh, Miss Bergie, >> I think I've spoken enough tonight. I'm good. Thank you.
>> Okay, understood. Thank you. Um, Madame No, Madame Clerk. >> Uh, no, thank you. I'm actually think I'm pretty speaking tonight as well. >> Okay, I'm losing my voice. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you for your
service tonight. Uh, Madam Secretary, >> Councilman Albanese. >> Uh, yes. Thank thanks to all the presenters tonight. Um, congratulations everybody who's sworn in and, uh, and the groups that were recognized.
>> Thank you. Uh, Councilman Mikino, >> same thing. I'd like to thank the officers that were sworn in, uh, dispatchers. Um, I have a little soft spot in my heart for dispatchers as my represented them. If you've never seen them in action, maybe you should try.
I've seen them answer the phones. They are the first responders. They are the ones that talk that pregnant woman through her birth when nobody's around. They talk everybody up. Somebody that fell, can't get up. They talk them to be calm. They tell them somebody's on the way. They let that person know
somebody's coming, how to get in the house. There's a lot that they do that we don't see. And they're right. It's 247 365. There no days off for them. Um, the library, thank you for everything you guys do. Uh, and the the budget presentations. Thank you. They were
awesome. That's it. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Raina. >> Yes. Um, I did want to take this opportunity to um share my appreciation for attendance at the powers and duties of the municipal governing body um offered by Ruters last weekend. It was
definitely um worthwhile and uh learned um additional uh information. So appreciate being able to attend that. I want to congratulate our eight new officers and also um share my appreciation for the comprehensive budgets that uh uh um budgets that were
presented here this evening. And then lastly um with respect to number 16. So I I have completed research on this topic and I don't want to to a dispute about uh climate change. But I will say
that in the last legislative session, this act was considered stalled and considered dead. There are concerns about higher energy costs. Um and it fails to include substantial cost-effective alternatives. Um so that
that is the rationale for my no vote. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Cohen. >> Um so I attended um the class last Saturday um presented by Ruckers. Um it was extremely informative. I appreciate the opportunity to have gotten a little
more education. Um as I sit up here, like to put again congratulations to our eight new officers. Um they are starting a career in one of the best police departments in the state of New Jersey as far as I'm concerned and always has been. Back to the day when I met the
officer whose badge number was one. I was 11 years old. So, um I've watched our police department grow um into an amazing organization with incredible people um from the police camp um in the
schools u mentioning the schools um did want to state the gentleman who came up here um to discuss the ROC program um he's back there talking to um George who is on the school board. Um, the ROC
program is also near and dear to my heart. I was very upset when I saw they were talking about possibly cancelling that program. Um, because of that program, my son today is a gunny sergeant in the US Marine Corps. He has his master's degree in cyber security.
Um, extremely proud of him and all of that is because of that ROC program. So, please go to our next school board meeting and voice your concerns about the cancellation of a program that has been nothing but instrumental in bringing our children forward and
teaching the responsibilities of good citizenship and of the rewards of serving the US military as my son, my daughter, myself, and 37 other family members have since World War II. Um,
as far as number 16 goes, um, I am not anti-climate at all. But there is, um, our president mentioned the fact that he doesn't want to pass up free money. There is no such thing as free money. That money comes from somewhere. This
bill will only increase the cost to the taxpayers as it will be passed on to the public. um is just another feel-good measure that has not been thoroughly thought out. The basis behind it is a good idea. I don't dispute that. But the
the oil companies are not going to pay. You the public are going to pay an increased costs that right now in a state that's unaffordable, we cannot afford any more dollars being added to the cost of energy. Um,
in the end, um, I believe this bill is going to hurt the taxpayers of brick and of our state. It needs to be reworked and they need to actually figure out and put into this bill that the cost of it will not be passed on to the taxpayer or to the rateayer or to the person buying
gasoline, electricity, whatever energy it is you're using. Um, with that, I would like to thank the presenters tonight um that presented their budgets. Uh they did an amazing job uh listening to RBA drum on and on.
I had to pick I had to pick on I had to. Um but there was some great information in there. Um and definitely some budgeting concerns. As we promised, we will go through this budget line by line and do what we can to save the taxpayers of brick as much as we can. Um thank you
and have a great evening, Mr. President. Thank you, >> Councilwoman Travers. >> I also just simply wanted to congratulate all the um police officers that were sworn in tonight and again the department heads for being so
transparent and always giving us so much helpful information and for all the hard work that the EMS and police staff always do. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Council Vice President Emino. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh, am I
the first to remember to thank our Girl Scouts for leading us in the pledge of allegiance this evening? Um, a sincere thanks to them for that. They were all very, very cute. Uh, I'd like to thank, uh, all of our department heads that spoke this evening, business
administrator Miss Bergen, Chief Rickio, and Deputy Chief Drew for their budget presentations. uh and furthermore for sincerely the hard work that their very large departments do on our behalf day in and day out. I also want to thank the Ocean County Library System, especially our
brick branch. My family is a big uh consumer of the library. They have fantastic services. Uh and lastly, I want to congratulate all new eight police officers uh including Katie Le Point, Zachary Meanie, Riley Lefay,
Steven Albanese Jr. no relation. Andrew Farnoff, Anthony Fino, Mark McDermott, and Justin Ayanna Ran. These are all uh young men and women that what I heard repeatedly was grew up in brick, grew up
in brick, grew up in brick, just like me and Councilman Albanesey's. I think that they exemplify the concept of a generational community that we're establishing here in Brick Township. So, congratulations to them and thank you to our brick PD. Uh, and that's it. Good
night. >> Thank you. I'm still hung up on that n number 16 and I really appreciate the explanations that was that were provided and Councilman Cohen, you said the taxpayers were going to pay. I I don't know how that would work. It
seems like the taxpayers would be the ones receiving our portion of the 50 million uh 50 billion 50 billion. You know, you were you were you had a couple questions for the uh the presenters
about uh overtime or you know, particular police officers. Um so it just is is a little bit confusing for me when we have our share of 50 billion uh on the table. Um, so that's all I
have to say about that. Um, I So, as Mayor Crate mentioned that the uh, rec department had um, our opening day for softball. I am one of the coaches. I don't know. >> Yeah, my pleasure. The Dragons have a real chance this year.
I'm happy to report it's kid pitch. It's no longer coach pitch, so that makes all the difference. >> Um, and I >> faster pitches. >> Yeah, fast pitches. Yeah. Uh, but I do want to give a shout out to the recck department. Uh, Matt, Jeff, and Michelle
for putting up with all of the coaches such as myself, all of the parents, all of the players, all the schedules, the practices, the games. It's not easy. So, I just want to give them a shout out. I really appreciate all that they do. Uh,
and then lastly, uh, today is my daughter's birthday. So, let it be known for the record. I'm here uh missing the, you know, the dinner and the cake and at this point now the presents because I'm sure he's
getting ready for bed soon. Uh but um I'd rather be here with all of you. So, happy birthday, Annie. Stay safe. Have fun. Uh next schedule meeting will be held here Tuesday, April 28th, which is my birthday.
Uh >> we'll have to have a cake. Yeah, we should. I like that. Uh at 7 p.m. >> Have a motion and a second to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Copy that. All in favor? >> I. >> Meeting adjourned.