It's Just wanted to touch. >> All right, guys. Ready? >> I'd like to welcome everybody to our July 15th Brigantine City Council meeting. Please rise for flag salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands.
Please remain standing while our deputy mayor lead. >> Heavenly Father, as we enjoy the warmth and beauty of summer, we give thanks for the men and women who serve as first responders in our community. Watch over
our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, beach patrol, and all who answer the call to need for uh the call for help from others. Protect them as they work in the heat, through storms,
on crowded streets, beaches, and in times of emergency. Give them strength when they are weary, wisdom in every decision, courage in every challenge and compassion for those in need. Bless their families who share
in the sacrifices of their service. May they know your peace and return home safely after every shift. Help us to appreciate their dedication, support them with grateful hearts, and work together as we continue to build a
safer, kinder community. In your name we pray. Amen. >> Christine, can you read the open public meetings act announcement? Thank you. Today's a very special day here in Brickine. Uh we have our police
department that's here. We're going to be swearing in uh some class ones and class twos. Our beach patrol swearing in uh new lieutenant, new captain. Uh before we get into the swearing in, I actually want to take a minute. I want to talk to everybody who's here. I want
to let you guys know how much we appreciate everything that both of your departments do for this city. Um, I will tell you probably the lifeblood of our city is our beach patrol. When people come here, they come here for our
beaches. And the compliments that I hear most is how professional our beach patrol is, how safe people feel, how courteous they are. And I think one of the most important things is the life-saving skills that you have. You know, you watch the race that we just
had, 61st annual Chief Bill race. That race isn't just about athleticism. It's about showcasing the lifesaving skills that our guards have every day. Some beach patrols, you got a couple of good athletes that go out and race and
do well. One of the things that Brigant team has always been great with, it's not just about having one or two athletes, but having a depth of a team and guys and girls who are incredible at what they do. And it's something that
we're we're very very proud of. And for our police department, not enough good things I can say about our police department. Um, literally there is people who have told me they have specifically moved to Brigantine because of the job that each and every one of
you do every day. They come here because they want to feel safe. They come here for the professionalism. They come here for the community policing you do, the interaction. And it's something that's really special. And I don't think you guys get to hear this enough, you know, and I want to share that because I can
tell you not just for myself, but every single member of council is proud of everything that both of these departments do. And I know I'm not talking about everybody in the city. I'm going to talk about the people that are here, but it's very, very important. But there's another side of the story, too,
that I think people need to hear. And it's something that's really important, especially too seeing representatives from our business community. Uh, one of the things for us is everything kind of goes hand in hand. If you don't realize it, for those of you that are new here to Brian Team, it's not just about having a job. It's about being part of a
family. And we are family here. Each and every one of us. And we look out for each other. We watch over each other. We help each other. Sometimes we disagree as all good family. Sometimes we're a little dysfunctional, but that's what makes it fun. Um, but I will tell you
something that's impressive. Um, one of the things I want to add in, and this is a story that a lot of people don't often get to hear or see. We see the job that you do. People don't often get to see the job you do behind the scenes, the
work that each and every one of you do to make this city successful. One of the biggest things um and I want people to know it especially for the beach patrol. For the past decade, the beach patrol has really worked to keep expenses under control.
Always always put the needs of the city first. But it actually got to the point where it was no longer competitive. You look at where other cities went. Things had to change. And you'll see that in the contract that's here tonight. The guys had worked as hard as
they could to keep things where they are, but things needed to change because it was putting us in a position where it was becoming harder and harder to attract good guards and harder and harder to get people to stay here. And it's something that we needed to do and we needed to change for the police
department. I see those same issues. I see those same same challenges and it's an issue that needs to be addressed. But I want people to know publicly that it's the right direction to go in. It's the right thing to do because at the end of
the day, it is our city employees who make the biggest difference in this city. And it's the argument I make all day long. We look at what it means for taxes. The one thing I always come back to is 100% of the work done in this town is done by
those employees. And we are very, very proud. people come here for that and it's something that I want people to know, not just what we see on the surface, but what we see that goes on behind the scenes. One of my proudest things is being here to cheer you guys
on when we have these swearing aids, getting to meet our police officers, getting to hang out with our lifeguards. And I will tell you probably one of the saddest things for me is leaving the beach patrol. Most guys, we saw this. If you look at the beach patrol, the first time you leave, never really counts. We
always say the first job never takes. I went through that. I was on the beach patrol. I left. I got a real job. And I will tell you, every day I drove over the bridge, I kid you not, cops, don't pull me over for this. I would look back at the beach. And I'm like, what did I
do? I'm like, I left the greatest job in the world. I left the greatest group of people, amazing family. I left. I did that for about two years and then I was like, "Kip, I'm coming back." I went back, you know, we call it the victory lap. I came back for a few years. I did
it. Um, best choice I ever made, but one of the hardest choices I ever made was leaving that job for this position. Um, you know, sometimes, you know, you talk about like changes you make in life. It is for the better, but I miss
it. Probably one of my favorite things is anytime I go down the beach, there's always somebody there with a smile, always somebody there to talk to me, somebody to make me feel included. Some of the guys on the south end when it's not busy, let me guest guard. But, uh, Michael Brooks, it's funny. Um, I think probably when I first got off the beach
patrol, I used to sit on 16th Street and I don't know if you remember this. I said I said, "Mike, you got to do me a favor." Mike said, "Of course." I'm like, "Look, if I become one of those old guys who comes down here and starts telling the guards what to do, tell me to go have a seat." And Mike started
laughing. He's like, "I would love to do that." And for any of you who are guards, you know, and I see Paul laughing back there, you know that when you first come back to the beach, especially being off, you actually have to turn your chair around and not watch because there's so many times I'm down there and I start grabbing for a whistle
that's not there, right? Because it's it's just who you are. We have incredible promotions today and two people that I'm very very proud of and very very excited for, but also for our family. Uh for our police department, I
kid you not, hands down, best police department in the entire state of New Jersey. Leadership that you have here is outstanding. The training you're going to receive here is outstanding. the partnerships you're going to have with all of the different departments. You
will never have a better experience and never be a part of a better family than your own bloodline as we are here. And it's something that I want everybody to know and know, you know, I don't often get the opportunity to tell people how I really feel, but I just want you guys to know that I love each and every one of
you like family and it's always going to be that way. So, we have our swearing in tonight. I'd like to invite the chief to come up and I'll start that process off. But again, thank you for all that you do for Brick. >> Well, as always, it's almost impossible
to follow Mayor Sarah. He is quite the uh quite the speaker, but I'll do my best here. I'll keep it short. I know there's a lot of people who have uh some celebrations after this they want to get to, but I just wanted to tell everyone here how proud I am of the individual sitting right here. To dedicate your life to help others is a huge step for
our lifeguards, for our police officers. 23 years ago, I sat right here in those seats. And look at me now. You never would have thought that this would be where I would be. Heck, the only reason I'm here is because I was waiting for the lifeguard test and that came first. But I wanted to come here tonight and
honor these individuals because it's been a few years since we've honored the class one specials and the class two specials at a council meeting. And I don't think that people understand that this is one of the most difficult jobs I've ever had. I've been screamed at worse probably as a class one special on a parking ticket than I have in any other portion of my career. So to do
what they do to sacrifice every day to come out here and give what they give to the city because without them we couldn't function. There's nobody else who wants to go on there and walk the code when it's 100 degrees outside like these guys were doing today to enforce parking and drinking and other things that really make this city safe and make
it safe and a great community for all of you. So today I'm honored that I get to stand in front of you and introduce all of these fine officers. So first we're going to call our class 2 officers. They just graduated the six month police academy put in a lot of great work and did really well and got nothing but high accolades from the Ber County Police
Academy. So, we're very happy to bring them up here and introduce them and hopefully you will all welcome them with open arms into our city. So, if you guys could uh stand up and be presented tonight, we're going to be honoring and identifying our two officers. We have Officer Hunter, Officer Zeb, Officer
Cox, Officer Bradley, and Raise Rep. picture. You guys turn this quickly. I'm sorry. United States. Justice for all. All
right. Best I just want to make sure the beach patrol heard them say their names. And not to be outdone, like I said, now we're going to have our class ones be sworn in. They really are out there putting in the work. So, it's really
good to be able to honor them tonight. They are one of the hardest working people on the island. And I think it's really great that they get to be in front of you guys today and they can be uh seen and and for all the services they provide. So without further ado, if you guys want to stand up, officer McGowan Brook Mloud
and Emory package. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I state your name to sleear solemnly swear >> that I will support the constitution >> that I will support >> of the state of New Jersey
>> of the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> allegiance to the state >> and to the government established >> to the established >> in the United States >> the United States >> and at this state >> and under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully >> that I impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties required >> for the position of >> the special law enforcement officer
class one >> according to the best my ability >> so Oh god. So It's called Chief EMT. And before we get started, I just want to say too, I've probably known Kip for I think it's been
about 33 years now. Um I think probably one of my best stories, I'll tell this real quick and we'll move on is uh it was my rookie year. It was a fog day sitting on the beach. It's one of those days where you can't see anything. The air is just still. I'm sitting in the stand. I fall asleep,
right? I wake up and he's on the trike. He's on actually a little quad and he's leaning over like very gently and he's got a note in his hand. I think it was my paycheck and he wrote a letter on it and he drops it on me and I wake up and I'm like, "Oh my god." And it literally
says, "If you were awake, you'd re remember your paycheck." And I'm like I'm like, "Dude, I'm fired." I'm like, I'm I'm here for like [snorts] three weeks into this. It was the year of the five. It was terrible. I'm like, this guy's going to fire me. I sweat it out for like a good hour. He comes back and
he's like, tell me what happened. And I told him, I said, you know, here's where I am. I'm sitting out here. I've been out here all day by myself. No radio. It's hot. And he's like, all right. He went and talked to some of the senior guards about, you know, leaving rookies by themselves out there. But it's like one of those moments that you never forget. And Kip's actually been a really
good mentor to me, uh, as you know, lifeguard on the beach. One of the things he's really big with is giving people responsibility, letting people learn, um, teaching me how to race, you know, and that's a big thing, too. That's a huge tradition out there. But also some of his leadership
skills. I think, you know, when it really comes down to managing a team, coaching, running a department. Hands down, Kip does a tremendous job of that. And I think one of the most important lessons I've learned from Kip and when I was a union president, um, you know, especially being an educator, one of the
things you talk about is like sometimes young people make mistakes, >> right? They make mistakes. And it's not just about slamming them. It's about teaching them, holding them accountable, and giving them a path forward. And it's funny because some of those
conversations I had with Kip, they stuck in my mind, and it shapes me as as teacher, as a father, and, you know, of course in everything I try to do in the city. So Ke thank you for being a good friend is tough to go after that's for sure. Uh good evening mayor, city council
members, city manager, uh beach patrol members, family and friends. Thank you all for being here tonight. It is an honor for me tonight to recognize two really important people on the beach patrol. Um these guys have been doing the job for many many years and their dedication and the service community are
outstanding. Uh first like to congratulate Alex Crossy on his promotion to lieutenant. Alex, could you please come up? [snorts] Alex began his patrol career in 2001. After his rookie season, he served at Seventh Street and 10th Street South. Then he moved down to the central zone at 34th Street South. And then for the
for 18 years, he was the senior guard at Third Street South Beach. In 2022, Alice was promoted to our equipment maintenance officer and did a great job keeping all the equipment running excellent and just doing a great job by taking care of all the beaches. And this
year, I had the opportunity to promote him to lieutenant, which is my honor. Alex, you've been a great job. You've been a great part of this beach patrol and I look forward to you doing a great job as a tenant. Congratulations. I say that I was supportit I support the constitution of the state
of New Jersey authority and that faithfully perform all the duties all the duties required for the position of required from the position of police Control
the best money. Uh, Beach Patrol's second promotion tonight is um Andrew Dorley. Andrew is being promoted from lieutenant to captain tonight. Andrew began his beach patrol career in 1993 serving at 7th Street and 10th Street South, then a
staple at 38th Street for many years. In 2004, Andrew became our race director and slashequipment maintenance guy. It's kind of when we invented the job. Um he has done that he did that job up until 2013 when Andrew was promoted to
lieutenant. um he served under district two for 13 years with Captain Paul Sevel and learned a lot from Paul and being ready for this position. Andrew's been a steady leader, trusted mentor, and respected role model. And congratulations to Andrew. Andrew, Dory,
come on up. All right. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I say your name. I say your name. >> Do silently swearly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. state of New Jersey that I
will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> to the established United States United States >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people that I will faithfully
>> impartially >> and justly perform all the duties required for the position of required for the position of each patrol captained to the best of my ability to So hope God
Well, [clears throat] while the beach patrol members are still here, I'd like to just congratulate you on a tremendous win on Monday night. It was it was All right. So, we're going to actually retire to executive session. We're going to take action to do that. Anybody who wants to take pictures, stay up here and
take pictures. You'll have the room for a little bit, but we'll probably be about 15 20 minutes. Um, Tiger Tactics for executive >> contract >> contract negotiations. Perfect. Christine, can you read the resolution?
>> All right, perfect. Uh, can we have a motion to second? >> All in favor? I >> I any opposed? All right, seeing none, motion passed. Again, thank you all for coming in tonight. We really appreciate >> it. >> [snorts] [laughter] >> Just wanted to say to all the guys
[laughter] follow All right. That's That's better. I want to make sure I just got a billion. >> Go ahead, Judy. Thank you.
special to do even [snorts] make sure that I just want to wake up. Very nice to meet you. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. Something slowly.
This is [screaming] It's like increase. Thank you. All right. Perfect. Is this good? Perfect.
Thank you everyone. Stay away. So you're talking about All right, we have a motion and second uh to Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah. Can we have a motion and second to return from executive session? >> I'll make that motion.
>> Second. Second. >> All right. Uh George, can you summarize? >> Yes, mayor. There were there's discussion regarding two contracts and the first two resolutions will take care of this. >> All right. So, we're going to resume our meeting. We had a motion second. All in
favor? I. Any opposed? Seeing none. All right. We're resumeuming. All right. We need our approval of our June 17, 2026 council meeting minutes. Motion second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call?
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Abstain. >> It's approval of our bill requisition list. We have a motion. Second. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can
we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> At this time, we'll open up for public comment. This is public comment on agenda items only. Uh if you wish to be heard, please come up and state your
name and address for the record. See no public comment. We're going to close the public portion. All right. First up, uh we have we have an ordinance. This is a public hearing and adoption. And this is uh city of Brigantine ordinance number 12
of 2026. And this is an ordinance amending chapter 284 of the code with the city of Brigantine as it relates to handicap parking spaces. We have a motion second. >> Second. >> All right. At this time, we're going to open up for a public hearing. Anybody
wishing to be heard on this ordinance, please come up, state your name and address for the record. >> Seeing no uh public participation, we're going to close the public portion. Any council comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> We have uh ordinance number 13 of 2026. This is introduction. This is a bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and by the city of Brigantine in the county of Atlantic,
New Jersey, appropriating 16,999,750 thereof and authorizing the issuance of $16,150,000 in bonds and notes for the city to finance part of the cost thereof. We have a motion second. >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can
we have roll call? >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> We have ordinance number 14 of 2026. Uh this is an ordinance to amend section 175-6A
fire official additional inspectors and staff of the city code. We have a motion second. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-165. This is resolution authorizing employment agreement with the government sorry government workers union local 300. A motion second.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-1
166. This is a resolution authorizing an employment agreement with Brigintine City Beast Patrol Lifeguard Association. A motion second. >> Questions or comments? >> Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-167. This is a resolution authorizing the work change order number one final for irrigation at the Brigine Gofflings for
holes 10 through 18. Uh this is a net increase of $26,494.95. This is for additional work required. Uh do we have a motion? Second. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-168. This is a resolution authorizing a work change order number two for city hall complex uh HBA system upgrades. This is
a net increase of $18,625. This was for additional work required. Uh we have a motion second. Second. questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Resolution 2026-169. This is a resolution authorizing the board of contract policy and associates for design, permitting, construction, management, and inspections for the sanit sanitary sewer replacement at Beayshore Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard. This in the amount of
$28,600. We have a motion and second. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
Resolution 2026-170. This is a resolution authorizing work change order number two, final for drainage improvements along Ocean Drive West. This is a net decrease of uh $1,520. We have a motion. Second. >> Make that motion. Second.
>> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Resolution 2026-171. This is a resolution amending the city of Brigantine 2026 municipal budget by
the insertion of a special item of revenue and appropriation from the state of New Jersey recycling recycling tonnage grant. Uh this is the amount of $14,94.96. Motion and second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Resolution 2026-171. This is a resolution authorizing a contract with CM3 Building Solutions to furnish and install one mini split heat
pump AC unit in police dispatch office. This in the amount of $12,245. Have a motion second. Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. Yes. Resolution 2026-173. This is a resolution authorizing a contract with CND Instrument Services LLC for the installation of the SCOD RTU uh for the storm sewage stations. This
is the amount of $10,550. We have a motion to second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Resolution 2026-174. This is a resolution authorizing the contract with CND Instrument Services LLC for the installation. Oh no, another one. Sorry. installation of a SCOD RTU for the sewer stations in
the amount of $27,760. Motion second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? >> May. Are these just different addresses? >> Yeah, they're different address. >> Just different locations. >> Yeah, different locations. Yeah, we have Jen. The last one was Jenkins Parkway,
Cberly, and this one is uh Kings Cove, Jenkins Parkway, Sher Park. Thank you. All right. There's no >> questions. Can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-175. This is a resolution author authorizing a refund to Crest Construction Group LLC for a hydrant meter and wrench. This is the amount of 1,500.
Have a motion. Second. >> So move. >> Second. Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Resolution 2026-176. This is a resolution authorizing a contract with Barco Productions LLC for trash and recycling waste containers for the prominade. Uh this is the amount $13,68416. We have a motion. Second
questions or comments? >> Sorry, it's for council. Yeah, you can ask it at the end. >> All right, seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. Resolution 2026-177.
This is a resolution authorizing a contract with CM3 Building Solutions to furnish and install one mini split AC unit to serve the library meeting/break room. This is the amount of $21,762. We have a motion second.
>> Second. Questions or comments? Seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-178.
This is a resolution authorizing a contract with core and main LP for residential meter pits and curb stops. This is the amount of $46,600. Motion second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-179. This is a resolution authorizing the tax
collector to issue refunds. Motion second. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Resolution
2026-180. This is a resolution authorizing a contract with H2M Architects and design for design and construction management of the lead service line replacement project. Uh this is the amount of $721,180.
Tiger or John, this is for phase one, right, of construction. >> All right, perfect. Uh, we have a motion. Second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments. Can we have roll call? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-181. This is a resolution amending the city of Brigantine 2026 municipal budget by the insertion of a special item of revenue appropriation from the county of
Atlantic and state of New Jersey for the 2026 click or ticket program. Uh this is in the amount of $3,500. Motion second. >> Make that motion. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can we have roll call?
>> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Resolution 2026-182. This is a resolution amending the city of Brigantine 2026 municipal budget by the insertion of a uh special item of
revenue and appropriation from the native plant society of New Jersey, Inc. for uh the public garden. This the amount of $500. We have a motion second. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? See? None. We have roll call. >> Yes.
Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-183. This is a resolution authorizing a contract with Jersey Architectural Doors and Supply Co. to the uh Department of
Public Works Fire Code Violations. This is the amount of $10,226. Have a motion second. >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Questions or comments? >> Seeing none, can we have roll call? >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Resolution 2026-184. This is a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Brigantine Short-Term Rental Association. We have a motion and second.
>> So move. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Uh, next we have our consent agenda. We
have the Brig Blanc event. Elks raffle license number 1163. Brian Chamber of Commerce raffle number 1165. Brig Vet Surf Camp Boy Scouts Bonfire. VFW raffle license number 1166.
Good motion. Second. >> Make that motion. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we have roll call. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. With our council manager
committee discussions, of course. >> Uh mayor, I just like to uh publicly thank all of our departments. Uh Fourth of July weekend, this island was just packed. Every year we say it can't get any more packed. And every year it
gets more packed. >> Um, and our our uh departments, police, fire, beach, public works, everybody, they were really, really busy and they did an amazing job. So, I just like to say thank you for doing that, keeping everyone safe. I also would like to wish
my deputy good luck, Ryan Hurst, as she competes in the Iron Man again. Uh, crazy. I don't know why, she's nuts, but she's uh heading to New York tomorrow to compete on Sunday. She said it should take about 17 hours. So, yeah. So, when
you see her, uh, >> she's amazing. >> Yeah, she is absolutely amazing. We're very lucky to have her. That's all. >> And T, you're right. I think this is probably the busiest Fourth of July weekend I've ever seen. I don't think we
could pack any more people. [clears throat] >> I I think this year takes it, though. >> It does. No, you're right. >> I mean, it's good. I mean, that's obviously it's good for all the businesses. It's good for people who come down here to vacation, but I will tell you that I know that all of our city departments worked very very hard
um and did a great did a great job. Outstanding job. So, we're very proud of them. So, thank you. Turn over to our department heads. We have also Any questions?
>> Start off with our deputy mayor. >> Okay. Um, we just on our consent agenda approved the Brig Blanc event that will be held on the 26th of September. Yeah. right down the middle of the street
here. This year we've added a lot of extra tickets. There will be 400 tickets available. Um tickets go on sale next Monday on the 20th on Reces. They're $20
each. Please support the green team and the whole community. It It's just a really great event with everybody coming out and celebrating. We purchase foods from local restaurants. We encourage
people to buy clothes from the local boutiques and uh you have to wear all white. It's a really great event, a fun time. So those tickets go on sale on the 20th, $20 on Recck Desk, the same
platform where you can sign up for classes at the CER. Uh golf course is doing great. It looks awesome. We're getting a lot of wonderful comments about the staff, about the condition of the course and uh
that's about all I have. Thank you. We're still working with the uh the county on the prominade issues that we facing. We're still still facing their feet, but this has been holding their toes to the fire. So,
we'll hope we get some resolutions in the next few weeks. The other thing, kudos to the fire department reaction to the fire on 14 north a lot worse than it was spread through the houses next door. It's very unfortunate.
unfortunate family unfortunate but the fire department great job mayor congratulations uh once again to our special officers both our new class ones and our new class twos
the very best in your safety and good luck on the job of our beach patrol uh promotions there, but uh continued best of luck in the awesome job that they always do out the entire beach patrol and special congratulations uh to
the to our two promotions uh today this evening. Uh, also I'm looking forward to hearing from Mike Berden uh on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce with the Fourth of July uh Walk on the Beach, the parade. That was uh incredible. And uh
great job everybody involved. And um that's it for me everybody. Have a great summer. Enjoy the rest of the summer. That is and uh thank you very much to Mark. >> Thank you, Mayor. uh great fourth of July five or six deep on the jetty beach
literally was the first time I've ever had an air down sad soft but uh great job police with public works patrolling with lifeguards so great great great weekend fabulous weather on a serious note I
don't know if anyone is here from the fourth ward tonight I got a lot of complaints about fireworks so it's something that chiefs we're gonna have to discuss. Um there, you know, there it's I've been here almost 10 years. It's it's a ritual of people that live
on the lagoon to to fire them off and and I get it. Um this year was taken to a whole new level. There was actually people that were on jet skis towing of stand up paddle boards with the
professional fireworks on them as they were driving through the lagoon and these were landing in people's boats on their yards in my yard. Um so maybe something over time mayor and the chief that uh we have some time to
prepare for next year. we may want to sit and talk about this, but I was told there'll be some other folks here. You'll get your chance uh when council is done to come up and speak. We'll have your time. So, something that we're going to have to to address for for next season.
>> Y couple things. Like we said, the island was packed, the farmers market was packed, the family fun day did a great job. They had a nice crowd down there. golf course was packed every single day from early morning till late in the evening. Um,
I really got to thank our garden club for being out there working in this heat. Keep an eye on absolutely fantastic. U congratulate everybody on the promotions. Makes it a great day. That's always fun to watch. Welld deserved for
everybody. I also had the opportunity opens to attend the Elks scholarship presentation ceremony. Um they gave out I think it was 22 24 scholarships 22
over $40,000 scholarship absolutely amazing great turnout. What an amazing job they do. uh be remiss if I didn't thank the police fire amazing job they did
countless telling you there was people parking on my street to get to the beach and walking down the street I'm going to go the golf course so absolutely unbelievable um I would
like to uh to mention that Um I was secretary on the bar club um to resign for personal reasons and I would like to nominate respir motion. Is there a second? Second
motion. Uh questions or comments? >> All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? None. All right. Motion pass. >> All right. Thank you folks. That's all I got. >> Turn it over.
>> Thank you, Mayor. First of all, I'd like to thank everybody that chose to come here tonight and spend your night with us instead of enjoying this beautiful summer night >> here for the air conditioner, >> but we appreciate your support, your,
you know, your uh input. Other than that, um I just want to thank like everybody else has depic uh put it [snorts] together and uh just want to thank everybody who came and
supported everybody on council. Uh Councilman Haney, he carried the flag up front. Councilman uh Kane provided the music. We had the deputy mayor and the mayor there handing out flags and ice cream and it's the only place to be on the water's edge. So it might be an
annual meeting now. So if you miss this one, you can catch it next year. The chief uh chief came out the chief sergeant power said a prayer. Uh we had Teddy Fos
sing the handm uh public works was outstanding doing everything covering including driving some people to the beach. So thank you again John and suggested that
thank you and the BFW. Yeah BFW was there with the colors with the flags. Other than that, on Saturday, we also had a uh a Brian Woods walk, another fundraiser for scholarships, and they gave out six $1,500
scholarships this year for kids going to high school. Great turnout. Cut it in half because it was pretty warm out there. Let's see. As far as items with the uh well the economic development committee is meeting this week uh to
finalize things about our 100th anniversary celebration that we have coming up uh the weekend of Columbus Day. Okay. It's going to be fabulous right down there uh the lighthouse area of the not in the lighthouse area but
down that direction. We'll we'll let you know. uh cultural arts commission is getting things together for their uh their uh art show and all that's coming up. Uh the chamber of commerce is just just never stops working and we have Alex and Barb here tonight. I want to
thank them because they really put a lot of effort in. Right now we have Twilight Thursdays. If you haven't noticed, it's a lot of special things going on late on on Thursdays. Get busy. Stay open later. The uh Stranding Center has a dancing with the Dolphins coming up on Thursday
uh August 6th that's at Hard Rock, but it's a it's a great uh a great fundraiser and know if you can make it, please do. Chamber of Commerce also put together something where they have the free shuttle bus that they work hand in hand
with Lascalas. It's been backless. You can go they have an app you can look where the bus is. So where you hop on and off at different locations. So there's information and the times and if you need more information, you can call me. You know where to get my number on the front page
with time. Right. All right. Uh PTA uh has a Christmas in July uh 5K and a mile walk coming up 7:26 that starts at the school. And uh kids bingo is coming up at Temple Beth Salam.
It's always a big hit on August 3rd and August 10th at 7 and 8 p.m. So, there's a lot going on and uh plenty more. I can't I don't have time to just go through all of it. So, uh that's all I have for now. Hang on. Uh John, I want to thank you
and your department for the outstanding job you guys did on Fourth of July with Jetty and Code. I mean, everybody was down there. They're watching the fireworks and I I think everything was pretty much cleaned up by like 10 or 11 o'clock that night. Outstanding job as always. And I think one of the best
services you started is having people out there for public works giving people trash bags because, you know, they're down there, they run out of them, it ends up on the beach. You hand them the trash bag, people do the right thing. And I saw um a couple members of your department driving around picking up the trash and taking it off the people. Huge
asset. So, thank you very much. Really appreciate it. Uh, one of the biggest things we are committed to as a council is investing in the community. Um, we're paving a ton of roads, working on the island, really
trying to make sure that Briant is clean, safe, and beautiful. Uh, one of the big portions of I say a big portion, but we're starting in this final ordinance is beach patrol headquarters. And this is another project we have to get done. When Beach Patrol headquarters
was first built, it was built for about 50 people. The patrol is overund I think approaching like 110. So, they don't really fit in there and the building is just old and it needs to be redone. This is something we've been looking at honestly since I was a lifeguard on the
beach and we've been trying to work out budget-wise we managed it and when it makes sense to roll things in. So in here uh in the bond orbits we put up tonight, it does the initial design and development for beach patrol headquarters and then once
we have that design, we'll start to move that forward. I think the beach patrol has been asking for a headquarters for close to 20 years now. Um it it is time to get it done. One of the biggest things that changed um I can tell you when I was first on the beach patrol there was one female lifeguard. Now 25%
of the beast patrol is women. One bathroom, one locker room. can't have that. They're good at making it work, but it's little things like that that need to be changed. Uh so this is uh something that we're taking on. We're we're moving forward with. We have
our city engineer, director of public works, and the beach patrol chief working together on a plan and a design. You know, one of the things we want to make sure to it has to be compliant with all the new flood and FEMA regulations, but also like what are
the needs of the beach patrol and how we make sure that this building is a functioning building. It's time to take that on and we're making a lot of investments here. Uh same thing too, paving a lot of roads. We're going to continue to pave roads. One of the things we want to get done is Harbor Beach Boulevard. We're picking it off in
sections. Um we're going to continue to work our way all the way around that. We're also picking off side streets. I know uh 20th Street's in there. It's actually 20th Street's designs done. I see people from 20th Street. Um it's it's in a group with about five streets. We're waiting on the designs to be
finished with that. The other big thing is uh Beayshore Avenue in front of public works. Um we've started on the construction with that. A big part of that is the um underground infrastructure when it comes to the drainage. We're working on those drainage issues down there now. Once
that's corrected, we're going to come through and repave that from end to end. So that is moving forward and that'll help too when you see some of the flooding and stuff that goes on at the circle uh the circle that's not a circle but anyway um this will help to alleviate some of that. We're also
working with the county uh county's in design phase for a redesign of the circle and this is about streamlining it to make sure that it's safer for people coming in and out and I will tell you this has been a long process. We are three mayors and 20 years into this
process, but our county executive and many of our commissioners have promised me they're going to get it done. It's in design phase. I keep checking on it. Uh we've seen preliminaries. Uh once that comes back, we'll be able to move that forward and hopefully get that on to construction soon. So the county has been a big partner in that. We're going
to keep investing in the town. We're going to keep working on stuff and believe it or not, a lot of the suggestions that people put out there on Facebook or the emails or things like that are helpful. So, um, so that's good. I know fire department needs another truck, so we're looking at that as well. There's money in there for
that. And, um, learning about the, uh, lifespan of equipment. So, uh, thank you guys for keeping me educated on that. But, uh, we find, too, it's better to stay on top of things instead of just waiting till something goes wrong. when it's emergent, it's much more expensive.
When you start to put a budget and a plan in place where you can start to tackle some of these big things on schedule, it actually help us helps us to keep our debt um manageable and helps to make sense. So, we're doing that and keep these things moving forward.
Another big thing we've been working on uh is with actually gas and electric prices here in New Jersey. You can see people getting hit real hard, especially over the winter with South Jersey gas. Same thing with Atlantic City Electric. I've been working with Senator Paul Stein and Don Guardian um on two big
things. First thing is transparency. I think one of the biggest issues is people see the rate for gas, but then you get these like rider charges. What what is that? The rider charges, the service charges, and I I think that's something that that all the utility companies need to be better at
explaining what that is. So, we're working on a plan for better transparency. And the other thing is also to working on relief. Uh Senator Palestine is a co-signer of a bill that is going to call for a suspension of the state tax and the social benefit charges. There'll be a savings there and
that will be with both [snorts] uh gas and electric and this will help to give some relief. Um Governor Cheryl is actually working on this too. We're trying to partner together uh to get this done. It's a bipartisan effort. I know one of her big platforms when she ran was um getting utility prices under
control. I see some of the things that she's doing. The first thing, and I don't know if people realize that we saw some of the raises that came in um for the utility bills, she put a freeze on those. And I know some people were kind of skeptical like, hey, it didn't do anything. But I don't think people
realized that there was actually more increases that were on the way. So I think what her plan was is let's let's freeze this for now. Let's get a handle on how we do this and how we move it forward. And I think a big thing that I'm starting to pay attention to too, and this was a concern that I had
especially on the electric side, is in some states, I don't know specifically for New Jersey, so let me say it this way, in some states, the rateayers are covering the cost for some of the AI data centers coming in. And I'm curious if that is a issue here. I
know the governor is working on making sure that that either can't happen or if it has, won't continue to happen. And I think that that is important. There's two sides to this. You look at the business that comes from data centers. I get it. But at the same time, too, you
can't put all that on the rate payers. You know, sometimes people get caught up in partisan politics, but when you see people doing the right thing, you got to let people know these are positive steps. The other big thing, too, is um you know, I know that she's working to push nuclear energy in New Jersey ahead.
One of the things we all agree on, and I don't care what side of the aisle you're on, we need clean energy. We need reliable energy. You saw the battle, I see many of my friends here, the battle with windmills. Uh, an environmentalist brought a very good point up to me. Windmills and ocean
windmills will always be a threat as long as we don't have a viable option to replace that energy. One of the things that um a lot of groups behind the scenes started to work on is what is the thing we can all agree on. Instead of fighting over something that doesn't
matter, we all agree that we need clean energy. What can we work on? Nuclear became that option. And I will tell you talking with um environmentalist Ruckers, I asked them, I said, "If you were going to give me an alternative,
what's the cleanest energy source you could go with?" It's funny because the one environmental student, he was like, "You're never going to believe me." All right, tell me. He's like, "Nuclear?" And I'm like, "Seriously?" He's like, "It's not like the old days. People see nuclear energy, they think Chernobyl, they think three Mile Island." He's
like, "The technology has changed." Uh France has actually made some uh tremendous leaps and bounds with nuclear energy. They've streamlined it. In the United States, it's all individual companies doing individual things. in France, they've actually streamlined it and uniformed it to make sure that it
works for the country. This is kind of a direction that we're working on here in New Jersey. And it's not just New Jersey. It's a number of states that are moving in that direction. So instead of all of these groups who were fighting with each other, we were able to get everybody on board with something that works, that benefits everybody. It's
clean energy, it's cheap energy, it's reliable energy. And for all of the unions that were out there, like our labor unions, this is real meaningful work that will go to American contractors. And that's what we're looking for. How do we bring people together on a plan that works? This is
moving forward. I I will tell you, I've talked to a lot of people in the nuclear industry, both here in the United States and France. I've learned a lot about it. The regulatory process in the United States is slow. If you fasttrack this, at best three years to get through the
regulatory process, another two years for construction, it's a slow process, but you can see that there's a lot of good people working on this and we're moving in a good direction and I think this is something we we need to continue to do because I do think it solves a lot of problem. I would say the biggest
challenge educating people on how nuclear's changed, right? I know enough to get myself in trouble and there are far better people in the industry that can do that. But this is something at levels way above me that they're working on to start to to help people to
understand the benefits. But but I want you to know that this is, you know, something that that started here with many people sitting in this room, right? There was a problem. We stood up against that problem and now a lot of our groups are working to continue to benefit [snorts] people. So it's something I'm
very very proud of. um prominant. I know uh Councilman Paul Lati talked about this. We've been in uh communications with the county. Some of the biggest issues is uh beach access. We lost two beach access points. Uh the other thing is the lights. The lights, they're on, they're off. They flicker.
They don't work. And there's some other general maintenance issues that need to be addressed. Um we put it out to county. We sent them a formal letter lining all of the issues out. I don't think that they realized how severe the problem was down there until they
actually came out and looked at it. Part of this is that we requested that they come do a walk through, come look at it, see what the issue is. Once they came down here, I think they recognized that like we weren't just nitpicking that these were real problems that need to be
addressed. Um, heard back from the county executive. The county uh intends to take care of this. They're supposed to get back to us. we haven't heard. It's been probably about three weeks. I'm going to tell you like I think that's a long time to respond. So, um I
spoke with our deputy city manager and our city engineer and um asked them to do a follow-up letter to ask where are we at? Where's the decision? My worry is that we're going to go through the entire summer and nothing get done. Can't have that right. This
needs to be addressed and something that should be done correctly. And if any go down there, I'm going to tell you same thing I've I've said publicly. If this was any of our homes, we would never accept this work. So why should the city or the county accept this work, right?
So county executive says he's on top of it. A couple of the commissioners, Rich D, J Burns has come down to to walk it and look at it with me and actually with Karen as well. And uh they said that we're going to address it. So we will stay on top of it. We will get this addressed. I will tell you, government
moves slow, but I learned if you don't stay on top of it, sometimes it moves backwards. So, we'll stay on top of it. We'll keep everybody posted. All right, this time we're going to open up for public comment. Anybody wishing to be heard, please come up and state your name and address for the record. Frank,
good evening, Mayor Sarah, council members, staff. Uh for the record, my name is Frank Lee, 433 Lafayette Boulevard. Um I have three compliments this evening and one observation slashconern. Um first of all, the paving, wonderful job. Um whoever's in
charge, everybody involved looks great. The north end, the Harbor Beach Boulevard you spoke about looks great. Um, one quick observation around that Roosevelt area. The engineer, whoever laid out those intersections and those roads had a warp sense of humor or his transit was off a half a bubble because
some of those intersections, you're not really paying attention. It's nobody here's fault, but questionable at the best. The golf course, Deputy Mayor, you spoke about it looking greater and greater every day. Um, I'm seeing more golfers. I don't know if it's just my
observation or hopefully it's it's happening for the city. Seems like more people are enjoying of course the grass looks good. That sprinkler system seems to be working. It's coming up and um also the drainage system. There's a couple areas in the back of our house on the adjacent properties where lowlying areas where anything more maybe half an
inch of rain um we get these puddles puddles are gone. So any of the work that they did over the past winter or this past spring is is working like a charm. So again, kudos to everybody involved with that. And um where my heart is all the time, the fire department couple weeks ago. Um a hell
of a save. Pardon my English, but a hell of a save. People look at a destroyed building. I look at as a as a great stop. Um the conditions were pretty bad, the wind, the time of night, uh occupancy concerns, not only for the building that was burning, but the uh adjoining structures and especially for
the exposure protection. So please pass it on to the brothers. Um I rode by a couple of times. The only melt or exposure damage that I saw was a little bit of the area on one of the decks and one of the flags had some sing marks on it. So, great job by the guys, everybody
involved. And um my last one is Councilman Villi, you hit it right on the head with the fireworks. Um this seems like it was a really really bad year um for the illegal ones. I'll get that out straight. Um the 12th and 13th fairway had a display that probably
would have rivaled the one on the prominade. Um dogs were howling. Um people were yelling across the uh the uh the course, hey, knock it off. Stop. You know, it wasn't just some kids sparklers. It was some goodiz shells as you stated. Found it in the backyard.
Found it on our deck. Uh came out in the morning. It's on the hood of my truck and in the driveway. Um fire hazard all around. not only to the to the uh adjoining structures, but the course for those couple of days was was was tinder dry. And I hate to see what would happen if after all the work and and um money
that was put into it that it get burned for somebody's um satisfaction. Also, the animals. Um there's a lot of dogs howling, including my daughter's dog was going nuts for about two hours. So, as councilman said, perhaps next year we could do a little more enforcement. Um there's all kinds of billboards out, you
know, illegal fireworks not to be used. Of course, people can't read or they don't care. So, all due respect to the police department, they can't be everywhere at once. We did call up and I believe a car came by within maybe five or 10 minutes, but the damage is already done. So, um I thank you for your time
and um I appreciate all the work that not only you as the council doing, but um all the city agencies have done. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Miss Al Turko 230 10th Street South 44 years. Um I was going to speak about
one thing but you brought up the energy and and electric things. I have solar panels on my house had about five years. What a savings and I have electric bill I get funded back from the state. I don't know if the city council has looked into that on on our buildings,
but solar panels is an alternative that is uh we can afford and uh save money on it. But my main thing uh I was hear about the property, the old Bella Luna property. I don't know if that's set yet
with Haven Homes owns it and it's going to build houses. I don't know that. But, you know, there was a restaurant there and we want more businesses in the town and that'll be a I believe somebody approached who bought the seller's liquor license that was going to put a
restaurant there and bar. I don't know if that's accurate or not, but uh so I don't know if that's as for homes. I see plan on Facebook that homes are going to be built there. like to see more businesses
because it was a business in the past. Two more things. Um, a recycle b uh barrels on the beaches if we could have them there. I would put my bottles cans in there. I don't know if it's such a
big thing. >> We don't have >> Okay. >> A lot of people just take it home with them. >> Yeah. Well, we, you know, we throw have a bag and we throw it out, but it's all mixed. >> We take take it home. >> Okay. >> Recycling.
>> And um the thing about the beach badge inspectors that that they stop at 3:00, a lot of people come after 3, but uh I think they should be on longer to inspect the beach badges, be my badges.
I think that should be set. That's all I have to say. Thank you very much. I said he looks great. The streets are great. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Anthony Duca 4125 Atlantic Greater Team. I took some notes because this is 11 years and I need your help.
tried to solve this problem myself and it involves uh safety some other issues in the in the city. So there's some liability to the city. We want to protect it. There's also um so let me let me cut down. What I'm asking what
I'm requesting is uh Stephen Tacerio has been working with me for at least a year on this. It's the regulation, control, and removal of the tree of heaven. It's not a tree. It's an invasive. an invasious species. If if no one's familiar, I have I
submitted a packet to uh hopefully you've seen the email. There's at least five pictures. There are um other states it's an invasive species in New Jersey. Other other townships and municipalities have taken action on
private property. And I want to explain for people who are not familiar with what this tree is. I'll I'll explain. Um, it's an invasive weed. It's not a desirable tree. It's very aggressive. It's very hard to eradicate. My property
is lined with this tree right next to the gas line. It's 10 feet over my over my roof. If you cut it, it becomes more aggressive. Every tree has hundreds of thousands of seeds and it shoots. So,
very similar to bamboo, this tree smells smells horrible. I can't go. So, here's one other thing about this tree. If you if hopefully we're familiar and I've had multiple I've lived all over the state in New Jersey and I've lived in the woods.
It is I live imagine living nest next to a property that is infested with bugs, hornets nest, wobbut. Well, this is this harp. The spotted lantern fly feeds on this tree. New growth and old growth. That's
it's all in the pictures. I've doctorred these pictures. It's absolutely disgusting and it's uncontrollable. This has cost me so much money in maintenance. Gutter guards. Every week I have to pick the shooters up. I have a
letter from my neighbor 100 feet away. So what I've done is outlined different reasons uh why it's uh a significant burden. The the rate with the this tree grows. You
see a little shooter like this in two weeks it could be four feet. At the end of the year it could be a 14t tree. These grow to 70 to 100 feet. So you're nodding. I think you might be familiar with the tree. Is anyone unfamiliar with this plant? This invasive plant. What?
What is it called? >> The name of it again. >> It's It's called tree of heaven. It's not uh It's not a tree. It's an invasive plant. It's disgusting. Um I've been monitoring this for the state of New Jersey for over 20 years. I have to
submit paperwork, but not in brigotine. Um there's different circumstances with my property and and my neighbors. I encourage you to drive by my house. You can go on my property. Steven's been on my property. Jack Murray's been on my property years ago. Um, I just want to
make sure I didn't miss anything. There there's a lot there's a lot in here and it's a very emotional thing. So, I wanted to start a process without um and I want to help you because without um knowing about it, you can't
do anything about it. And I I've tried to be reasonable um with a neighbor and it's just the city can only do so much. But what if you cut the lawn, if you cut it back, it makes it worse. If you actually it would
would have been a good time, which I have pictures. Please look at the pictures. If a week goes by, you have hundreds of these plants and on every shooter, every every tree has hundreds of branch or dozens of branches with thousands of these bugs. They're in the
nymph stages. I've sent videos into the town. So, I'm asking for help. If you if you need help from me, if you need any information, I'm happy to provide it. I figured this was a I was encouraged to come here. Um, and I think it's a good first step. So, thank you for anything
you could do. >> Your house number >> It's 4125. It's a small blue house. So, if you make the left, you're coming out Harbor Beach. Make the left. I'm about five houses on the right. It's easy to miss. It's easy to miss. It's a tiny
blue house. Just look for the trees. What if you look if you're driving by or coming on the island, you'll say, "Oh, there's only 20 trees." The grown trees aren't the problem. It's the way it spreads and encroaches through shooter there. When I say hundreds of thousands
of seeds in the I'm picking two hours a week for for 11 years I've been here. Two hours a week I am picking these shooters up. If I miss a week I've got this thing has taken root. It's it's worse than bamboo.
And then it's got the bugs and it smells. >> Is it on your property? Oh, it's and um um it's yeah, you can't control it. It's got to be eradicated. And that's why other towns are doing it's got to be it's got to be cut the right way. It's got to be sprayed. It's got to be
controlled. Um and without a a private the issue is the private property. So, >> expired. >> Yeah. No, thank you. I I'll be in the back if anyone had any comments. >> Thank you, >> Anthony. Thank you very much. Um, I actually had the opportunity to speak
with our city manager in code enforcement about it. Um, I know we're looking into it now. It is an invasive species on uh New Jersey's list. I was actually unaware till I heard from you that there was any existing on the island. So, I know we're going to look into how we address it and uh update and
change our ordinances to include the uh tree. Thank you. >> China. Hi, my name is Barbara Turo on 10th Street South. Um, just um, we always talk about how beautiful our island is and I certainly agree. Uh, and I know
uh, I missed all those pretty flowers when we pull into the island that were there years ago and I know that had to change because of [clears throat] the electrical and whatever, but what are we doing about that gas station and you know the San Tucci thing? Uh, is it going to be fixed? Because that's kind of an eyes when you come on.
>> Yeah, absolutely. I can uh, give you an update. I try to put them out on social media. One of the things I've been letting people know is that the it's owned by an investment group. The company is based out of uh Las Vegas. The owners live in California. So,
we've taken them to court several times. We're actually in the court process right now, but one of the reasons I stopped putting social media updates is they were looking at our updates to gauge their legal defense. So, we've kind of gone silent on other than let
people know that we went to court. The court has given them a date to remediate and clean the property. If they don't meet that requirement, then we're going to move forward with our actions and we are aggressively going after this. Unfortunately, it is a very slow process
and the courts tend to take the side of giving owners an opportunity to fix things before they take severe action. So, we're hoping to [snorts] be at a resolution real soon. We are addressing
this and we have not let off. And one of the things I think has to happen is the state of New Jersey needs to change the laws when it comes to gas stations and abandoned gas stations because this isn't just a brick and problem. This is a problem all over the state of New Jersey. And actually, because of the
action we're taking here, I've spoken to several mayors in other towns and they're very curious about our resolutions. very curious about our resolution, how we address it, so they can kind of gauge how they move through this process, too. Me personally, I think if you're going to open a gas station in New Jersey and put tanks and
all that stuff, I think you should have to have a performance bond that if you don't keep up with what you do, then that performance bond covers whatever needs to be remediated there. But that's something that the state legislature needs to do. So, we'll be working on that as well. I'm hoping to have a
resolution soon, but this is beyond frustrating and taken way longer than it should. >> Well, thank you for that. And Sanuchi, too. Is that a reason why that's not ever been completed? >> I didn't hear you. I'm sorry. >> Such such, why has that never been? It's another eyesore when you're walking.
>> I'm not sure. I can tell you that the city has worked with them to come in compliance with what they need to do. Um, I don't want to get into the owner's personal issues, but we're doing what we can to support to help to keep them moving forward. I think they're operating under a TCO right now because
there's obviously outstanding work. We want to see businesses and bring teams succeed. So, everything that needs to be addressed from a safety standard has been addressed, but they still have um unfinished construction out there, but they're not using that portion of the property. >> Thank you.
>> You're welcome. There's no other public comment >> because we talked about the seaw wall so much more than prominade. [snorts] >> Um I just want to make sure in your comments name and address >> uh Lori Goldmith the seaw wall
>> 1415 East Brigatine Avenue. Um >> everybody uses my front yard. They walk through my driveway, climb up onto the seaw wall, and then jump down onto the beach all day long. They'll hand their babies over, they're old people,
whatever. And it's so easy. Just climb up and go down the seaw wall, but it it's across my yard. So, let them know somebody's going to get hurt. I put up signs, but in the meantime, make sure that's in your letters. They're coming on my private property to get onto the beach because there's no access, >> right,
>> for anyone. If it was like my neighbor, I'd be like ahead. But it's just any old buddy. >> Yeah. And I I appreciate your patience. >> Yeah. >> But it's it's frustrating. >> It's frustrating. >> Yeah. >> They should. And if there's anything that I can do, if you want videos, I
have plenty videos of people just walking across and jumping in. And then after they get to the beach side there, there's pylons or wood coming up that's all like broke apart. And they're somebody's going to get hurt barefoot doing that or a dog or whatever. So
that's our concern. Like our concern is that and that um access ramp was originally part of the project. For some reason it was pulled out of the project and left. We don't understand that. >> Yeah. I mean just even just open it up, let people hop off the bottom. It's
safer than going through my front yard. >> Probably safer than your front yard. I I agree. But we're we're going to continue to work with the county. I'll let them know about that because it is a safety issue and we're going to, like I said, we're putting together another letter to the county of here's the issues, here's what's going on,
>> and where are you? >> Pictures, whatever. But I look forward to an update or having that ramp fixed. >> Yep. Absolutely. Thanks for bringing that up, Laura. >> Yeah, thanks. It was people with disabilities also use that ramp to get down there that now this it was a it was
a it was a safety issue and >> not so >> sad to see the people climbing over your wall the barriers >> really unacceptable at this time of year to have that close >> 100% I agree agree
PJ Hello. How you doing? PJ Cook, 47 Cummings. I wanted to touch on something the that we did last year, the council meeting at the clubhouse. I think it was in August. >> It was >> we brought up what is it? >> Yeah. Ward meeting. First and second ward meeting.
>> We brought up um the safe to school act with the sidewalks. Is there any progress on that? Because >> what we talked about was when we're redoing the roads, we're going to do the sidewalk. So, we just did Sheridan, >> which is where we wanted the sidewalk and there's no sidewalk. >> I was going to say, do you get my
newsletter by any chance? >> No. >> So, we It's actually good that you're here. I'm glad you came in. We actually just had an update in the newsletter. I think in our last conversation at the board meeting, we told you we had uh applied for grant money. >> Yeah. >> The state actually turned it down. They
gave us recommendations on how to reapply. So, we're doing two things. were reapplying for grant money based on the recommendations they made. And I'll be honest, they said the project you put in place for what we fund is too small. Increase the scope. We need to increase the scope. Anyway, what we're also doing
as a part of this bond ordinance, I don't know if you saw various sidewalks. What we do here and bring a team is when we want to move a project forward, we bond for it. We have the money available. We apply for the grant. If we get the grant, we can move the money to
something else. If we don't get the grant, we actually have the money now that's a part of this bond with us to move that forward because uh we we all agree with you 100%. We need to make sure that kids get to school safely. >> Um part of the issue that is going to come up which is going to increase the scope of work is it's not just about a
sidewalk. It's actually drainage we have to put in. But it's like anything we just talked about the county do it right. >> So I appreciate your patience. We're moving this forward, but whether we get the grant or not, this project is moving forward because we've now committed
money to it >> and something to look into with it. Like like Neil said, the people are parking on Cummings now and going to the beach. >> Absolutely. >> So, if there's curbs all along where the golf course meets, that's all parking, >> right? >> You know what I mean? So, and then one other thing I want to touch on. Is there any uh the Army Corps engineers, their
one-year study should be up in August. Is there any update for the jetties we're trying to get or groins or whatever we're trying to do? So, we have to follow up. They have not shared any information with us, but um I'll follow up with Congressman Drew, Congressman Van Drew to see where they are in that study. Um I can tell you that they're
looking at beaches. I don't know that they did any specific work here in Brigantine and that's what I'm curious about is how they're studying this, but as soon as we have that information, we'll follow up because there's a couple of projects we're working on. Uh one is the hard structures. We all agree we had
hard structures out there. It makes a difference. You just look at the south end of the island uh to the extension of the prominade. Um we have the congressman has worked on appropriations in order to get the study done. Federal government moves slow. They got to study
it. The study has to show there's a need blah blah blah. So we're starting that process. The congressman has committed to funding it all the way through through earmarks. The other thing we're working on is the beach replenishment for that area. We're up in two years. uh
anyway for our cycle. So when we're looking at funding, it was either the funding for the emergency beach replenishment which you see going on in the south end or the funding for the seaw wall. For us, a cost to build a seaw wall is probably going to be between 15 and 20 million. Our cost when
it comes to do a replenishment is usually about 1.5 I'm gonna say to 2.5 million. it made more sense to go through the normal path for that and then uh get the federal money for the seaw wall because a $15 million hit is a yeah >> a big expense.
>> But PJ, as soon as we have it, I'll make sure we share it. If you want to sign up for my newsletter, I put a lot of that stuff in there. There's a link on the city's website. >> And then one more thing I noticed, as you guys know, I fish a lot. In the mornings, I fish Brientine Jetty or the TJ over in Lake City. They redid that and they filled the whole jetty up with
concrete. So, it's literally a fishing pier that's whatever 100 yards out into the ocean. Brigintine jetty is the most dangerous jetty we fish on. >> It I agree with you. You want to hear something? It >> is crazy. >> Want to hear something interesting about that jetty? You want to take a guess on who owns it?
>> Atlantic City. >> So, when we talk about doing some repair work to that jetty, >> they don't care. What we're what we also found out too is when the Army Corps of Engineers, they call it decommissioning it. They didn't just give it to Atlantic City, they gave it to the state of New
Jersey. So, we're trying to work with the state of New Jersey in order to do something because what Atlantic City did is great. They um made it safe, made it a good fishing pier. The other thing we want to do is actually extend that jetty out further. >> One, you can see how the jetty beach has
built up, but believe it or not, a lot of the sand that's built up across the island >> has to do with the You remember when we were kids, like how long that jetty was. If we lengthen that jetty, it'll actually increase [snorts] the entire island. And something else we're working
with too is uh something called backpassing where in between replenishments, they'll take sand from the south end and bring it to the north end. Um they're testing this out in like areas like um Wildwood. And one of the things we said is like I
like to see things in operation. Let's see Wildwood do it for a little bit. If it makes sense, we'll try to do it here. They think Bridgetine's a good candidate, but we we'll see. But I want to see them doing it in Wildwood first because just in case something goes wrong, let them mess it up there. >> Okay. >> But you're Yeah, you're 100% correct.
And we we're going to stay on the state to try to get that done and hopefully with a new governor in place. Um the relationship with her is really good, so I'm hoping to be able to get that done. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you, PJ. All right. If there's no other public comment Oh, one more.
How's it going? Frank O'Brien. Five Kirkwood. Um, sorry. What was your name? >> Uh, Frank O'Brien. >> Frank. >> Yeah. >> Um, I was just >> We need your address. >> Five Kirkwood. Uh, I just was coming to kind of complain about the um the automatic
license plate readers. >> Sure. >> Um, a bunch of cities are having them taken down now. um their main defense for being up uh the case that they were referencing just got overturned by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. Um
and so they're kind of seeing this virtual drag nets. So it's a violation of people's like fourth amendment rights. Um and then on top of that, the personal use of it. Um Steve's awesome and the police department's awesome. I don't have to be worried about them. But
it's the data shared over the country um with people and officers are using it to stalk and other police too, but these stalk like ex-wives, women that they've come across. Um so it's like you constantly
have a idea of where someone is. You know, it's this history of someone's um uh location constantly. So, it's easy to kind of take advantage of someone like that. So, >> thank you.
>> I don't know. I know two of them are Brigantines or it's Leonardo that the ones off of 15th Street here and the one off the um like baseball fields. The other two are Homeland Security. So, I don't know if there's anything you do about Homeland Security is ones, but at least the ones
that bring pays for. >> Yeah. Thank Thank you for bringing that attention. Chief, you could look into that for us. >> Yeah. Whatever recommendations you made. >> I apologize because I know if I can't hear you, nobody else can.
>> If you push it, you're muting it. We've been looking at >> I say if there's legal precedent guys look into it just to make sure that we're doing the right thing. That's all chief. Thank you very much. All right, if there's no other public comment, we'll close the public portion. All
right, any final council comments? >> Yeah, I just want to say I didn't say it earlier. I just want to say thank you to the fire department. That was an amazing job you did saving so many other structures in the neighborhood up there and uh thank you for all you do and police as well.
>> All right, then. Can we have a motion and second to adjourn the meeting? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I oppose. Meeting adjourns. Thank you for coming out and watching your council team at work.