WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=S_CNVRsQNwk

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: S_CNVRsQNwk):
- 00:00:00: Budget Overview: Addressing Costs and Long-Term Financial Strategy
- 00:01:17: Resolution 2026-113 & 114: NJ Infrastructure Bank Priority
- 00:02:09: Resolution 2026-115: Beach Badges for Church Loan
- 00:02:41: Resolution 2026-116: Employee Handbook Amendment, NJ Family Leave Act
- 00:03:12: Resolution 2026-117: Wellhouse #8 Variable Frequency Drives
- 00:03:44: Resolution 2026-118: Northshore Lift Station Service Change
- 00:04:18: Resolution 2026-119: New Base Station Installation Contract
- 00:04:35: Resolution 2026-120: Residential Meters and Radios Contract
- 00:05:05: Resolution 2026-121: Correcting Fiscal Year Amendment
- 00:05:21: Resolution 2026-122: Waterfront Application, 5104 Ocean Drive
- 00:05:55: Resolution 2026-123: Waterfront Application, 5114 Ocean Drive
- 00:06:25: Resolution 2026-124: Bulkhead Installation, Ocean Drive West
- 00:06:57: Resolution 2026-125: Sanitary Sewer Replacement, Change Order
- 00:07:58: Resolution 2026-126: Rental Registration Fee Overpayment Refund
- 00:08:17: Resolution 2026-127: Census Analytics Leasing Extended Warranty
- 00:08:34: Resolution 2026-128: Vehicle Rentals for Beach Patrol/Control
- 00:09:39: Resolution 2026-129: Asphalt Paving Repairs on Brigantine Avenue
- 00:10:13: Consent Agenda: Noise Ordinance, Bonfire, HOWA Event
- 00:10:53: Council & Manager Committee Discussions Begin
- 00:10:59: Deputy Mayor: Budget, Golf Course, Ramp Concerns
- 00:13:33: Blood Drive and Paper Shredding Event Announcements
- 00:14:43: Mayor's Updates: Memorial Day and Garden Volunteers
- 00:16:11: Council Members Report: Events and Anniversaries
- 00:18:26: Council Member: South Jersey Gas, Ebikes, Beach Bathrooms
- 00:26:19: Lighthouse Circle Redesign and Recreational Facilities
- 00:29:59: Gas Bill Concerns: Tri-State area Impacts
- 00:32:47: Public Comment 1: Questionable Mailer Regarding Gas Rates
- 00:34:07: Public Comment 2: Concerns about City Budget Surplus
- 00:36:04: Public Comment 3: Water Meter Relocation Requirement Issue
- 00:41:23: Adjournment, Final Comments and Happy Mother's Day!


Part: 1

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challenges we are facing today and the responsibility we have to plan for the future. Over the past several weeks, we have had the opportunity to review this budget in detail and thero the approach remains consistent. We are addressing rising costs while also putting a

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long-term financial strategy in place. Most importantly, we are now taking actions to change how we fund projects by beginning to set aside money to reduce our reliance on debt. This is a critical step towards strengthening our financial position and helping to

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stabilize future tax increases. This budget was built with clear focus on balance. It supports necessary investments in our infrastructure, including our roads, our beaches, flood mitigation, and recreation while also

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recognizing the impact on our taxpayers. No one wants to raise taxes, but we are committed to making thoughtful decisions that protect the long-term financial health of this city. This is a responsible budget and it puts Brigantine in a stronger position moving

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forward. If there's no other comments, we have roll call. >> Yes. Latiri, >> yes. >> Haney, >> yes. >> Villio, >> yes. >> Kane, >> yes. >> Rean, >> yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes.

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Thank you. All right. Next up, we have resolution uh 2026-113. We have resolution number 26-114. This is a resolution supporting assembly bill number 1845 and Senate bill number608 to

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require D and New Jersey infrastructure bank to provide priority for principal forgiveness on environmental infrastructure project loans to municipalities and coastal areas. A motion second. >> Thanks. So questions or comments? Seeing

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none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. Lati, >> yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Rearden. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah. >> Yes. >> Finally reached the age. I got cheers on. I just can't see it anymore.

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>> I need larger print. All right. So, we got uh resolution. All right. So, we got resolution number 2026-15. This is a resolution authorizing the loan of beach badges to the community Presbyterian Church. We have a motion. Second.

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>> I'll make that motion. Questions or comments? >> That's what we do every year, right? >> Yeah, we do it everyunt. >> Yeah. All right. Questions or comments? No comments. Can we have roll call? >> You? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Haty? >> Yes. >> Dillio? >> Yes. >> Kane? >> Yes. >> Reen? >> Yes.

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>> Mayor Sarah? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> We have resolution 2026-116. This is a resolution adopting the Brigantine Employee Handbook as amended to comply with the New Jersey Family Leave Act. We have a motion. Second. So move.

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>> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Haney? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Payne? >> Yes. >> Rean? >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Resolution 2026-17. This is a resolution authorizing a

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contract with EBS Electrical, Inc. for the replacement of variable frequency drives at wellhouse number eight. This in the amount of 14,450. Have a motion. Second. So >> second questions or comments? >> Seeing none, can we have roll call?

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>> Yes. Lati, >> yes. Haney, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes. >> Car resolution 2026-18. This is a resolution authorizing a contract with Northeastern uh electrical and GC services for service change at

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the Northshore Lift Station. This is the amount of $18,5247. We have a motion second. I'll make >> second. >> All right. Have a motion. Second. Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes.

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>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes. >> Resolution 2026-119. This is a resolution authorizing a contract with Hornme LP for the new base station installation. This is in the amount of $22,18710.

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Motion. Second. >> I'll make that motion. Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. Latiri, >> yes. >> Haney, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Resolution 2026-120.

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This is a resolution authorizing a contract with Corain LP for residential meters and radios. This is in the amount of $13,80. We have a motion. Second. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can

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we have roll call? Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah. >> Yes. >> Uh we have resolution 2026-121. This is a resolution amending uh resolution 2026-32

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to the correct fiscal year. This is uh from 26 to 27. Have a motion. Second. >> So move. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Terry? >> Yes. >> Haney? >> Yes. >> Yes. Pay. >> Yes. >> Rearen. >> Yes.

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>> Mayor Sarah. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Resolution 2026-122. This is a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign and execute any documents necessary in connection with a waterfront development application for property located at 5104 Ocean Drive

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South, block third uh 4301, lot 22. Motion second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. Yes. >> Haney. >> Yes. >> Villia, >> yes. >> Payne, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes.

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>> Motion carried. >> Resolution 2026-123. This is a resolution authorizing the city manager to assign and execute any documents necessary in connection with a waterfront development application for property located at 5114 Ocean Drive

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South, block 4302, lot 4. We have a motion. Second. >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none for mayor roll. >> Yes. >> Lati. >> Yes. >> Haty. >> Yes. >> Villio. >> Yes. >> Kade. >> Yes. >> Reen? >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah?

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>> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-124. This is a resolution authorizing the board of contract to Atlantic Marine construction for bulkhead installation at Ocean Drive West in Bay Court. Uh this is the amount not to exceed

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153,500. Motion second. So move second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Katie, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mayor Sarah, >> yes.

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>> Resolution 2026-125. This is a resolution authorizing work change order number one for the sanatory sewer replacement project phase one. Uh this is a net increase of $379,118.98. Uh we have a motion second.

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Second. So, just to let people know what this is for is um this is for some of the drainage work that we're doing 11 north. We wanted to make sure that uh before we pave the road that there's not areas of that road where the water just sits. So, this will help the water run

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uh to where it needs to get to. And this also includes the emergency repair work that was done on 38th Street. So, that's the the increase of this one. So, if there's no questions or comments, can we have roll call >> you? Yes. Yes. >> Yes.

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>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Sarah, >> yes. >> Resolution 2026-126. This is a resolution authorizing a refund of an overpayment for a rental registration fee. We have a motion second. >> Second.

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>> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes. carried >> resolution 2026-127. This is a resolution authorizing a

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contract with ORM LP for census analytics leasing extended warranty. This in the amount of $33,887 motion second >> questions or comments? Seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes.

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>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Julia, >> yes. Kane, >> yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes. Resolution 2026-128. This is a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement for the rental of vehicles during the summer season for

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beach patrol, beach control, which is our beach fee office and public works. This will be in the amount of $31,710. We have a motion. Second. >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Second. >> Uh just to let people know, this is something we started to do. Um it was

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just last season, right Al? We started to do this last season. Um, it's made a big impact. Uh, we get vehicles. In the past, we were buying vehicles for the beach. You know, you have vehicles out on the beach, they don't last long. What we do now is we rent them for the season. We use them at the end of the season. We turn them back in. Um, long

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term, this will be a big savings for the city because we won't have all the maintenance and repair of those vehicles, but it makes sure that um, the beach vehicles we use are always in good working condition. So, this is a great and I want to give credit to Al Stanley for coming up with this. So, thank you very much for helping us save money. We

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appreciate it. Uh, if there's no questions or comments, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Sarah, >> yes. >> Resolution 2026-129. This is a resolution authorizing a

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contract with Blackjack Construction for various asphalt paving. This is the amount of $18,284.76. We have a motion. Second. >> Second. This is just um various repair work that we've done on the uh Avenue on Bring Avenue. It's a county road. We've

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had to dig it up to do some repairs. This is covering that repair work. That's all this is. If there's no questions or comments and we have roll >> uh next up we have our consent agenda. We have the Elks Noise Ordinance Extension, the POCCC HOWA event, and

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welcome summer bonfire. We have a motion. Second. >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mayor Sarah, >> yes.

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>> All right. At this time, we're going to our council manager committee discussions. >> Anything for us? >> I have nothing at this time. Thank you very much. >> Over to our department heads start with our deputy mayor. >> I'd first like to thank our management

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team and Leon for the hard work working on budget. It's a very responsible budget and it's going to set us up for the future and allow us to maintain a good fund balance. uh golf course was closed yesterday and half of today for

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um so they could airify and top dress the greens. It is they are doing so much work. It's unbelievable how much every time you play how many improvements you see each day inside the the clubhouse looks great with the new paint and

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chairs and carpeting. They had a wedding. They have they've had uh baby christristening and different events out there already and looking forward to a good tournament season. >> Second

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concerns about the handicap ramp at 13 street update on that. Yeah, we're we're actually going to be reaching out to our county executive to see what's going on. Um, our understanding from the contractor is

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that that handicap ramp was pulled out of the job, but we're not sure what's going on. So, um I know that our city engineer, uh deputy city manager working a lot better. So, our county executive right now just to get an update on um

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there was also a set of stairs that were there. Um it was a set of stairs. The county needed a ramp and we did actually let the county know that putting a ramp location was probably a bad idea because storms storm came through and damaged it. So, they took it out. Our

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understanding is that they do not intend to replace the stairs at this time, but we're hearing that from the contractors. We hear actually from the county government, so we're going to get those updates from them. Yeah. So we're we're on also some information

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updates scheduled for this year will be May 30th May June 27th July 25th September 19th location will be 16th Street in Ocean Avenue at the city parking lot. There is where you would meet up. Time will be 900 a.m. to

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register. If you have any questions, you can contact John During 2667800. Also, the paper shredding events, uh, the truck event will be May 30th and September 19th. The times are 9:00 a.m.

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to 11:30 a.m. Again, the location will be the 16th Street Beach parking lot. We'll have uh commercial documents shredding truck on site also for secure document and all paper shredding for information again contact John at

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2667800 >> and Paul I want to add too I don't know if people realize but the prominade is not actually owned by the city brigant team it's actually owned by the county it's county property so that's why we have to reach out to the county to see why those decisions were made

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but I heard the flag pole's All right, go out to Dennis Mitch. Plenty of activity on the 26th Street baseball and softball fields. Boys and girls this summer. Went down that street a lot. It's great to see and as well as whatever activity is going on

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the field. Other than that, nothing of important note for the report. Thank you, >> Mayor. Thank you. I know it's early, but mark your calendar. Memorial Day coming. We have the parade sponsored by the BFW

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on the 24th Sunday at 5 I believe. But all the charities on the island, the BFW of the Elks and the American League having events all weekend. Check Check the Times while you're flipping

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through from Mike's phone number. You'll see the advertisements for everything going on that weekend. carry. >> Matty's car. Yes. Sorry. >> That is this weekend. >> Uh Saturday. >> Yes. Come get your car wash. Support the

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Elk Charities. >> First again, I want to thank the financial team for all your hard work. Guys, you did a fantastic job and going over everything with me. He knows I'm not that bright, so explained in detail. So, I was able to to grasp after um

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I also want to thank our garden club uh volunteers been hard at work getting ready for the summer season. Uh the Rigantine Island Secret Garden Tour will be held on June 27th uh from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or

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shine. and you can pick up a list of the addresses that are on the super garden tour either the farmers market that morning. They'll have a tent set up or the brick communities. Last but not least, I want to wish a

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speedy recovery for Mr. Bill Bennett recovering from hospital today. All the best. Thanks, Mayor. Thanks for everybody coming out tonight. I really appreciate it. Uh I want to thank Allan and every

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department had for doing the best we can this year having worked with Leon now for last 10 years. I know the excellent job that he does and so thank you. Uh other than that, cultural

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arts commission had a a great uh day last Sunday at their Frank Sinatra dinner at the Cove upstairs. Great time had by all big crowd. Have more things coming up. The economic development commission, they're working

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on the uh 250th anniversary uh of the country here on we're going to have a few extra items going on. We'll have details out shortly. Uh we also have our 100th anniversary coming up that's going to be after the summer. We're finalizing some things for that also. So the two

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big events along with food truck festivals and stuff that we have once a month now this right here at Han Park. Chamber of Commerce is working hard. They have movies on the beach scheduled. Uh a bonfire great bonfire coming up and

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that's about it. So any questions? You know where to find my number. Thanks. >> I have a couple of updates too. Working with Brigettine's been working with Senator Palestina to get answers on

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why the delivery charges for South Jersey gas are so high. You know, people are seeing like a 300% increase and with other rising utilities, it's been out of control. Uh we've been back and forth with South Jersey Gas requesting information. uh we had requested some

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specific details from them because some of the information they gave was kind of I think general and it was hard to kind of follow. So we asked for clarification and asked for some deeper detail on a few things. Uh put an update out the other day. Uh it's been about two months

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since they've responded. uh they have reached out twice during that time to kind of give an update and let us know that they're working on it, but the department who's responsible for compiling that information is very overwhelmed and unable to answer questions. We're trying to be patient,

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but um you know, after a while it starts to get frustrating. So, we put that update out yesterday. I think with the I want to say public comment on that. Uh South Jersey Gas reached out today and said we would have an answer by the end of the week. So, as soon as that information comes in, we'll let people

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know. But, uh, they responded first thing this morning to apologize again for the delay and get us getting us the information and that we will have all of the requested information by the end of the week. So, as soon as that comes in, I'm going to talk it over to Senator and

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his staff and then we will share all the information and questions publicly. And as I said from the beginning, I think one of the most important things is understanding what the main factors are driving those rates up because once we understand what those factors are, then we can start to begin to put together a

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plan to bring relief. I know that this has been a big platform for our new governor, uh, Governor Mikey Cheryl. She's working on utility bills, and I'm hoping this is something that we can all work on together to try to bring relief. I know she's done a couple things in the state to try to get things under control and I'm hoping through the senator that

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we'll be able to share the information that we find and some ideas we have on getting this done uh because affordability is a major issue in our state right now. So, we'll keep everybody posted, but again, they responded this morning to apologize for the delay that we will have the answers

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by the end of this week. So, we'll keep people posted either way. Uh next big thing, the state passed some uh changes when it comes to ebikes. I know that um this is in response to the requests of a number of municipalities, a number of young people who've gotten hurt and lost

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their lives on ebikes. Uh so the new regulations are out. They take effect this summer. Um Chief, I know that you guys put some information out from the police department. Uh if you can continue to put stuff out on social media and stuff in the newspaper. I

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think my biggest concern too is um one there's a lot of people who don't know that changes happened. Two there's going to be people coming from out of state that might not have similar regulations. So what they can expect there's a lot of people who come here who do follow our social media. I think the biggest

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challenge too is there is not a lot of guidance from the state on how to make this work. I think one of the biggest issues is they're requiring insurance but to my knowledge no one's insuring ebikes right now. And I think there's also a license that they have to get as

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well. Correct. Yes. Yeah, I would just continue to to share what we know that there's changes coming, but a lot of this is we still need guidance from the state and we just don't have that guidance and I just think It makes it challenging, that's all. Um, so we're doing the best we can.

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Go ahead, Mike. Chief, is it true uh that those new requirements, new rules and regulations apply to the ebikes that are over 20 miles an hour or so for license of registration and have a throttle uh and that the less than 20

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mph uh pedal assist bikes are are not under that. Uh Not at scooters. as of now is required to wear helmets. There's a lot of changes. Just want to at least start the discussion so people know this is coming

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because I don't want to be July and all of a sudden be like, I've never heard about this. So, Thank you very much. I appreciate that chief. uh also going online on everything obviously on there is gospel but uh they can seek some guidance just searching whatever they can find title

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39 too right whatever is they can find up- to-date info at least search for up to date info I know there's good been on there already like I said it's not gospel but As far as our whoever they do have some options

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>> and the title 39 just for clarity that's motor vehicle jersey thank >> and thank I appreciate it apartments. Uh other thing we want to talk about, uh beach bathrooms. This has been a huge request from people. We are working on

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upgrading our beach bathrooms. The plan was to do four of them this summer. Um there's a specific type of bathroom that we need to use out there. It's um to meet all the requirements when it comes to ADA as well as being out there on the beach. When we looked at the cost of

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doing four, they were actually way more expensive than we realized. plan is to do two this summer to next next summer and start picking that off. But that is moving forward. The bathrooms are actually being constructed ahead of time. They will be brought in and dropped on site, but we're looking to

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have those in place by midsummer. We were hoping to have the start of the summer, but we won't. But they will be here midsummer, but we're going to continue to work on that as we move forward. Uh the other big thing, and this has kind of been hanging out there for a while, is the county is supposed to be doing a redesign of the lighthouse

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circle. Uh in short, the circle is not a circle, it's an obstructed roadway. Some people treat it like a circle, some people treat it like an obstructed roadway. The county wants to make it a real circle. Um this has been in the design phase with the county for about two years. I know

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engineers move slow, but I don't they move that slow. So, we're uh reaching out to the county to get an update on where this is. I've reached out to several of the county commissioners. They're also trying to get us an update of where this is and how we move forward on that. Uh but we want to keep people posted. But to kind of put this in

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perspective, this is three mayors and almost 20 years and trying to get this project done. You know, starting to worry, but we're two years into design. But, uh we're going to find out uh what's going on with that and let people know uh because the county said they would do it. So, need to get it done. We'll make sure that it's safe out there

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for everybody. So, we'll keep everybody posted. >> Yeah. The irony is when this first came, when it first got on council, people talked about the issues with the circle and I said, "We can solve this problem by putting yield signs out there." I was told that the yield signs would not meet DOT standards because it's not a true

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circle. And if the city or the county put yield signs out there with it not being a circle and there was an accident, the city would then become liable for the accident because it doesn't meet the DOT standard. So I'm just telling you what I was told. I feel like put a couple signs out there, real

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cheap fix, but we were told that we are not allowed to do that. So the county is moving forward with a redesign of the circle to make it a real circle. So this way circle ruled apply. And I'm gonna laugh if they just put yield signs out there after the circle because we could have just put signs, but it's not our

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road. It's the county road. So, we're working with them to to do what we need to do, but I think we need to make sure that this project keeps moving and gets done and the residents aren't waiting another 20 years, right? So, let's make sure we get this done. Uh the other thing I'm going to talk about last update is uh the pickle ball and tennis

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courts. There was major damage to them over the winter. A lot of cracking. We had a company come in. All the repairs were done. It looks absolutely beautiful, but I want people to know that this isn't the final bit. This is just to make sure that they're playable.

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We're also in the design phase for a full renovation of all of the outdoor recreational facilities out there. It's botchi ball, pickle ball, tennis, hockey, and mini golf. So, we're working on that. Um, we have some designs coming

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back in once we have internal approvals and working with our pickle ball and tennis ambassadors. We're going to hold a public meeting this summer. So, um, one, everyone who partakes in that can come out and take a look at it. Also, two, with the residents who live around there to make sure that things, um, are up to their standards. We're going to be

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putting in sound buffers to make sure it was pickle ball. I don't know if you guys have heard it, but it's a constant noise back and forth. It has been major issues in other municipalities. So, we're going to do what we can to put in sound buffers to try to minimize that. So, that'll be coming. We're moving forward on that. Once we have the design

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done, the next part of that is we have to work on putting together the funding. As we've told people, this is going to be a multi-year project. It's not something that's going to get done all at once because yes, we want to get it done, but we want to make sure that we're smart with how we spend money. So, the first part of this is design, community input, and then we'll start to

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look at um how we put together the funding to get that project done. All right. >> Go ahead. >> Um I know we're addressing some people, but game. >> Yeah, I think um you don't want to

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spread yourself too thin and I think it's important to start in one spot and get some answers and get some real movement. The other thing too is I think if we look at what's happening with the gas bills that may shed some insight into what's happening with electric

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bills there there's a lot going on and what's really amazing about this is that um people from the tri-state area have reached out to me through social media to give ideas suggestions things you should pay attention to and it's not just uh a New Jersey issue this is

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actually impacting people across the tri-state area and they want answers too. So I let people know that once we know this, we will share this publicly because this does impact more than just, you know, Lennox the electric or South Jersey gas customers. This is across the

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board. Uh some people also, we focus a lot on South Jersey, but people from North Jersey have also reached out to along with some of their elected officials. We say, "Whatever you find, please send us because we're going to take up these issues with our local utilities as well." So we'll keep everybody posted. >> And some people are saying, "Well, my

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gas bills are dropped. That's because your usage is down right now. Doesn't mean that the gas company actually did anything. Just means you're using less in this time as one of the things the gas company did share is that rates would come down around this time, but for the same

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reason because usage is down, the rates all drop. When usage is high, the rates go up. Um, so we want to get clarification. I will tell you like they gave me and I want to say it they gave me a number on what they said the rates went up but it doesn't match what people

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are paying so I'm assuming I'm missing something the numbers like the math doesn't matter so I asked for that breakdown and how they can explain how this number equals this number right so we want to make sure and that's why I said I don't with the frustration and anger that's out in

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the community I don't want to put out information if it's not 100% % accurate. It's not clarified because I want to make sure that people have the truth. That's not fair to anyone involved. So, we're going to work our way through the process, get the correct information, and then share it publicly. So, this way

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people understand. And that's why I said math doesn't math. You got to ask the question, give them the opportunity to answer that because, you know, once it gets out in the public and people get an idea, people are just it's gonna ask. So, we want to make sure that we're focused on

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providing solutions, not just making people blank. Thank you. All right. This time, we're going to open it up for public comment. Anybody wishing to be heard, please come up. State your name and address for the record. Come on, Dad. Come on up.

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Talking about the uh My name's Frank 605 West Drive. I got a letter in the mail today from some company. I don't know who they are. They're saying if you don't sign up for them, you're going to be being delayed

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for your rates to keep going up. If you sign up with them, they're going to hold your rates low. It didn't make sense. I don't know if anybody else got the letter or not. >> Is it from a utility company? >> I don't even know the name of the company. They say they're not involved with Atlantic the America area the

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Atlantic gas but um I don't know I didn't even >> a private contractor company but once you bring the letter we'll look at it because >> if I still have it >> sign up for anything yet just bring >> I just want to let you know. Okay.

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>> Yeah. Thank you. I know with electricity you can shop the rates. I don't know if it's the same per my electric bill staying down because I got the solar panels. It's keeping it down. Yeah. That's perfect. Thanks. Yes,

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>> Ann Phillips 30827th Street. Um, just a comment on the budget. I know was passed and I that was not not unexpected and this has come up before but looking over it was interesting to see that the

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city's revenues have increased almost $2 million over last year and you're leaving almost $5.5 million in the surplus out of $9.5 million that was in the surplus.

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It's interesting to note that over the years a city always has a large surplus at the end of the year and they use maybe 40ome% in the budget and it's a practice I think that they

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call conservative and certainly I'm conservative but I wonder at this at this practice because by leaving so much in that surplus to carry it over the taxpayers have to come across to pick up what is extra, you know,

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extra expenses. So, I just wanted to make that point and I see the auditors here and he definitely doesn't agree with what I'm saying, but in terms of um you know, the taxpayer and how much taxpayer it has to make up when you're

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carrying such a large surplus. So that's just my comment and I hope you think something about it but um I know your practice through the years has just been the opposite. You keep a large surplus as surplus. So at any rate just

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something to think about when we all have to pay our taxes. Thank you. >> Thank you Mrs. Phillips. I was just going to say that the strong surplus it also helps our bond rating as well which in turn saves money. Let's

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destroy something that I just want to point out just >> good evening. Um Ashley Kitten, 4200 Atlantic Burgine Boulevard. Good evening everybody. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to come out and speak to you all tonight. So, as said, I'm Ashley

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Kitten. I'm here on behalf of um our fourunit condo association, and we're here tonight to talk a little bit about us struggling to understand um some necessity and fairness around a requirement in the letter that we received. But I do want to first state

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that um we have had some communication back and forth and this was a prepared statement. So, I'll I'll get to that at the end as well. So, um, we were informed that, uh, a state requirement tied to emergency access was, uh,

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affording us the necessity to move a water meter. However, based on our understanding, water meters can currently be read electronically, and each property has a shut off valve located at our curb currently. So if that's the case, we're respectfully asking what specific emergency scenarios

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require the meter itself to be ro relocated from our current crawl space area to the curb. And after review of cited ordinances, we understand that the city has the right to access our meters for inspection and under certain circumstances has the authority to

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temporarily shut off our residential water. Um the city currently has the ability to access the meter in our crawl space. It's just not the preferred location, which we understand. We fail to see in other ordinances where the city has the legal ability to mandate

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this relocation of meters or shut off our water for non-compliance, which the letter that we received stated, especially in a building of 30 years plus age, which ours is. Um, further after reviewing additional ordinances, we understand this requirement exists

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for potential new constructions but construction but fail to see the clear language requiring meters to be at the curve for existing properties. Additionally, there seems to be some inconsistent communication regarding whether or not the meter for this project would be provided by public

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works or not and the ownership of the current meter. So the cost of the materials for us would be approximately $2,300. And we're receiving quotes for the movement of this in excess of $5,000. So um that's why I'm here on

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behalf of the four of us saying that this is a really undue hardship and we're being faced with that significant unexpected financial burden with that compliance listed in 90 days. So given all of that, we're respectfully asking, what are the specific ordinances guiding

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this? Um why is this being enforced in a way that appears inconsistent with written code? On what legal basis is the threat the city threatening to um cut off our essential water for non-compliance? And if you are legally allowed to require the movement, why

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must we as the homeowners bear the the full financial cost? And additionally, would the old meter responsibility remain with the city as we believe that it should? So, I I want to thank everybody that has spoken with me today

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because I've spoken with many of you. I appreciate the phone calls, the conversations um and your ability and your willingness to be collaborative. Um I want to make sure that you know that we are not here to be adversarial, that we just want to get to a resolution and it seems like we're working towards

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that. I just felt it really important to be here and have this discussion. >> Absolutely. Thank you. I tell you, we are working towards a resolution. I'm gonna turn it over to our deputy manager, Ryan Hurst, because I know she's working with you on this issue. >> Hi, Ashley. Thank you so much for coming

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tonight for the time speaking earlier. Um, so we want to let you know first and foremost that at this point we aren't uh going to push the 90day um we're not viewing you as being in

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complant because you have contacted us and we are going to work something out. Um as far as the ownership um we do have to go over that with our attorney and answer

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the situation and um we would like to I really appreciate that. Thank you again your willingness, your ability, and your your phone calls back and forth. So, thank you for addressing it here while I'm here. Thank you. >> Thanks for coming. >> There's no other further public comment.

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All right, we'll close the public portions. Any final council comments? Seeing none, we have a motion and second for adjournment. I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Seeing none, motion pass. Thank you for coming out and watching

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your council team at work. Jury night, everybody. And to all our mothers out there, happy Mother's Day this weekend. Don't forget everybody.