WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=DOv4u_zPVfQ

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: DOv4u_zPVfQ):
- 00:00:07: Meeting Opening, Pledge, Mission Statement, and Introductions
- 00:01:31: Haitian Heritage Month Presentation by Raphael Pier Lewis
- 00:08:38: Jewish American Heritage Month Presentation by Zay Rosario
- 00:12:00: Approval of Previous Minutes and Ordinance Introduction
- 00:12:47: Ordinance 0-06-26: Brookdale College Acquisition Public Hearing
- 00:14:30: Public Comment: Vincent Leapour on Brookdale Acquisition
- 00:19:45: Ordinance 0-06-26: Second Reading, Recusal, Motion Passed
- 00:20:16: Ordinance 0-07-26: Capital Ordinance Amending Block 275
- 00:21:23: Public Comment: Vincent Leapour on Ordinance Seven
- 00:23:25: Ordinance 0-07-26: Second Reading, Recusal, Motion Passed
- 00:23:57: Ordinance 0-8-26: Boardwalk Extension Increase Appropriation
- 00:25:22: Public Comment: Vincent Leapour, Pier Funds Shell Game
- 00:27:53: Explanation, Closing Public Hearing, Ordinance Passed
- 00:28:59: Ordinance 0-09-26: Bond Ordinance Amending for Broadway
- 00:30:03: Public Comment: Vincent Leapour on Ordinance Nine
- 00:31:12: Ordinance 0-09-26: Second Reading, Recusal, Motion Passed
- 00:31:27: Ordinances for Introduction: Pool Fees, Parking Spaces
- 00:34:12: Public Participation: Resolutions and General Comments
- 00:34:29: Public Comment: Vincent Leapour, Taxes and Allegations
- 00:40:11: Public Comment: Steven Burnley, Public Comment Reform
- 00:43:54: Closing Public Comments and Moving to Resolutions
- 00:45:09: Miscellaneous Business: Council Member Comments


Part: 1

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So, good evening everyone and welcome. Good to see you all here. Um, the May 13, 2026 council meeting of the Long Branch City Council will now come to order. Uh, roll call, please. >> Mr. Rases, >> here. >> Mr. Vieiraa, >> I'm here. >> Mrs. Whittis,

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>> here. Mr. Dangler, >> here. >> Dr. Vote, >> here. >> Uh, please all stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation

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under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And I will now read the mission statement for the city council. The Long Branch mayor, city council, and administration are committed to cultivating an environment of mutual

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trust and respect that values the diversity of our community. We will strive to enhance the quality of life for all who live here by making Long Branch a desirable place in which to live and prosper. We will treat all members of the public with respect and

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expect the same in return. Certification, please. I hereby certify that this meeting has been published in the newspaper in accordance with the open public meeting act and posted as required by law. >> Okay. Thank you. So, we have two presentations tonight. Um the first one

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is going to be for uh in to honor Haitian Heritage Month and it's being presented by the Long Branch Public Schools. and if you could come forward and introduce yourself and then if you could read your uh

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information. >> All right. Um my name is Raphael Pier Lewis. >> Um yeah, get get close to that microphone. >> Is it Is it good? Y >> All right. >> My name is Raphael Pier Lewis. I'm from

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the Long Branch Middle School. >> I'm going to talk about Haitian culture. Good evening. I would first like to thank the Long Branch City Council members and the Long Branch School District for asking me to speak on the behalf of Long Branch Middle School in

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honor of different cultures that represent the Long Branch community. Tonight, I'm going to be talking about Haitian culture and the history of how Haiti became the nation it is today. Haiti is a country located in the Caribbean on the western side of the

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island of Hispanolia. Although Haiti is a relatively small country, it has had a huge impact on the world history and has a culture that is rich, colorful, and full of pride and resilience. To understand Haitian culture, it is important to first

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understand Hades history. Before European colonization, the island was inhabited by the Tano people and the indigenous group who lived peacefully through farming and fishing. In the late 1400s,

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Christopher Columbus arrived on the island and Spain claimed it as a colony. Later, the western part of the island came under French control and was called St. Doming. During the 1700s, St. Doming became one of the richest colonies in

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the world because of sugar, coffee, and other crops. However, this wealth came at a terrible human cost. Hundreds of thousands of Africans were kidnapped from their homes, brought across the Atlantic Ocean, and enslaved on plantations.

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Enslaved people were treated cruy and forced to work under extremely harsh conditions. Despite this suffering, the enslaved people never gave up hope for freedom. In 1791, enslaved Africans began a major uprising against French

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colonial rule. This became known as the Haitian Revolution. one of the most important revolutions in history. Leaders such as Tus Staint Louis Vature and played a major role in organizing and leading the fight for freedom. Although to St. Levaturure was

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eventually captured, the revolution continued other under other leaders. Finally, on January 1st, 1804, Haiti declared its independence from France. Haiti became the first independent black republic in the world and the first

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country created by formerly enslaved people who successfully fought for their freedom. This victory inspired oppressed people around the world and change history forever. Haitians are still very proud of this achievement today and the ideas of freedom and resilience remain central to

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Haitian culture. One of the most famous parts of Haitian culture is music and dance. Music is deeply connected to Haitian life and is used for celebrations, storytellings, and bringing communities together. One popular style of music is ka, which

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combines African rhythms with Caribbean sounds. And another traditional style is ra music, which is often performed during festivals and parades using drums, horns, and dancing. Music in Haiti is energetic, joyful, and it

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reflects the strength and creativity of the Haitian people. Food is also an important part of Haitian culture. Haitian cuisine combin combines African, French, Caribbean, and indigenous influences. One popular dish

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is go which is marinated in fried pork served with [ __ ] spicy pickled vegetables called pikley. Another traditional dish is diagon. A flavorful black me mushroom rice dish

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often served during special occasions. Haitians also enjoy soup jumu, a pumpkin soup that became a symbol of freedom after independence because enslaved people were once forbidden from eating it. Today, many Haitians eat that soup on New Year's Day to celebrate

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independence and remember their history. Haitian art is recognized around the world for its beauty and bright colors. Haitian paintings often show scenes of daily life, markets, nature, spirituality, and historical events. Many artists use

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bold colors and detailed patterns to express emotion and tell stories. Haiti is also known for its handmade crafts, sculptures, and iron work. Art is not just decoration in Haiti. It is a way for people to express identity, history,

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and hope. Religion and spirituality are also important parts of Haitian culture. Many Haitians pra practice Christianity and Catholicism. At the same time, some people also practice voodoo, a spiritual tradition

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with roots in West African beliefs. Voodoo emphasizes respect for ancestors, community, and nature. Although voodoo is often misunderstood in movies and media, it is an important and respected part of Haitian history and culture.

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Family and community are extremely important in Haitian society. Haitians value respect for elders, helping one another, and staying connected to family traditions. Even Haitians who move on to other countries often continue speaking Haitian Crayole, cooking traditional

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foods, and celebrating Haitian holidays and music. Haitian culture remains strong around the world because of this deep sense of pride and identity. In conclusion, Haitian culture is a very powerful combination of history, music, food, art, spirituality, and resilience.

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Haiti became Haiti through the courage and determination of enslaved people who fought for freedom and independence. Their victory made history and continues to inspire people everywhere. Haitian culture reminds us of the important of strength, unity, creativity, and pride

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in one's identity. Thank you, [applause] >> Raphael. >> Thank you, >> Raphael. Excellent. Beautiful. Great job. Really nice. >> You taught us all so much.

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>> Yeah. >> Um and uh your pride for your heritage is just beaming. Beautiful. Beautiful job. What grade are you in? >> Seven. >> Nice. >> Excellent. >> Wow. Nice job. >> Yeah. All right. Good. Uh, and our next

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presentation is for Jewish American Heritage Month and again presented by um our Long Branch um public schools who will be doing that one. There we go. >> So, just tell us your name and tell us what grade you're in.

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So my name is Zay Rosario and I'm in freshman year. >> Ah nice. >> So let us tell tell us the story for Jewish Americans. >> Okay. Whereas thousands of years the Jewish

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people have sustained their identity and traditions preserving in the face of persecution. And whereas throughout generations of enslavement and years of wandering through forced segregation and the honors of the Holocaust, they have maintained their holy covenant and lived

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according to the Torah. Whereas the Jewish people's pursuit of freedom brought multitudes to our shores, and today our country and city is the most proud home to millions of Jewish Americans. This month, let us honor their tremendous contributions as

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scientists and artists, as activists and entrepreneurs. And whereas we cannot pay our proper respect to the legacy of Jewish Americans without also reflecting on the rise of anti-semitism in many parts of the world. And in remembering the

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lessons of the Holocaust, we recognize the imperative need to root our to root out prejudice. Whereas we honor the contributed the contributations of Jewish Americans

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throughout our nation's 250 years of independence and we celebrate their commitment to the values, faith, family, and come together for the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside for time of rest,

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reflection, and gratitude. ude celebrated as a national Shabbat. Whereas let us all of us find in inspiration in a story that speaks the universal human experience with all of its suffering and all of its salvation.

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Now therefore it be it resolved by the city council of the city of Long Branch that in May we tribute to the incredible indelible contributions we recommmit to ridding our world of bigotry and

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injustice and reflect the extraordinary ways in which Jewish Americans have made our country and city more perfect. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] Again, such an important [snorts] >> such an important story for all of us to

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hear. Very nice job. >> Good job. >> Yeah, we are so proud of both of you. Excellent. >> Okay, job. Well done. There we go. Very nice. Okay. And we will move along

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to the reading and approval of previous minutes. I need a motion to approve the minutes from the April 22nd, 2026 meeting. >> So move second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Rases, >> yes. >> Mr. Vieira, >> yes. >> Mrs. Whittis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dangler? >> Yes. >> Dr. Vote?

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>> Yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you. So now we're going to move on to the ordinances. And I am going to turn the meeting over to the vice president, Bill Dangler. And the re reason why I am doing that is um these

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ordinances pertain to where I work, which is Brookdale Community College. And so I need to recuse myself from any um business with college. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Consideration of ordinances, public hearing, and final considerations.

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0-06-26 an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of block 275 lot 10 and 11 on offic on the official tax map the city of long branch 195 Broadway for Brookdale Community College.

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This ordinance was introduced on April 22nd, 2026 and excuse me in the city of Long Branch will enter into contract to purchase from Brookdale Community College the building at 195 Broadway for $1.5

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million 3.3 I'm sorry for $3.5 million. The contract will include standard conditions that that shall protect the city during due diligent period with a closing date no later than June 30th, 2026. The college the college will sell

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the building free and clear of of any leases and tenencies. The contract shall also in also allow the city to enter into a lease with the with the college for a portion of the second floor of 131

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Broadway, excuse me, Bath Avenue Health and Technology Center to ensure Brookdale's continued presence and involvement in Long Branch. I need a motion to open a public hearing on this ordinance only.

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>> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> oppose. >> If any member of the public has a comment to make on this ordinance only, please come to the podium. State your name and address clearly for the record. You will have five minutes and may only

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speak once on this ordinance 0-06-26. Vincent Leapour 33 Ocean Terrace Long Branch requesting one minute notification. Good evening madame clerk. [sighs] [gasps] The acquisition of Brookdale College. The city is trying to justify the use of

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the police department and the court for the purchase of this. They've used the police department as an excuse for the renovation of other buildings. It's like a game of checkers with the city. Once a building becomes available,

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we'll move the police department or the court or whatever. The excuse to buy Brookdale facility is wrong. Opras were submitted to the city of Long Branch and Brookdale College for a

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contract of sale. Both the city and Brookdale College did not have a contract for sale available. which leads one to question, how did the media run this Brookdale facility sale

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without a contract of sale to source? It shows you the haphazard media covering Long Branch. There's no appraisal available from the city or Brookdale College, so nobody really knows what the true

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worth of this building is. How many more buildings are going to become available in the future for the city to consider buying without consideration of the taxpayers having a referendum

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to decide if the purchase particularly this building is in the taxpayers's best interest? Had these buildings, the Santandanda, the hospital donation and now Brookdale, gone on the tax roles to private buyers,

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it would have helped the taxpayers by effectuating the tax rate, bringing more revenue into the city. This purchase contradicts the trend of what all other municipalities are doing by centralizing municipal functions in

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one facility with the implementation of AI. Also very troubling over the past two months when at these meetings I would asked if the Brookdale facility was

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going to be sold to a developer or anyone else. and council played as if to know nothing about it. Particularly concerning was when I attended a Brookdale Board of Trustees meeting and they went into

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executive session to discuss the sale of the Brookdale facility and the leasing of another facility and lawn branch. And yet you, Council President Vote, head of the city redevelopment agency

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and associate vice president of strategic partnerships for Brookdale College, knew nothing about any of this while that executive session took place. As you stated at a council meeting, particularly in light of what Mayor

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Palone stated to the media, quote, "This partnership at the Health and Technology Center will be mutually beneficial to the city and the college." End quote. Amazing. Just amazing, Miss Vote. Madame Clerk,

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how much time do I have left? >> A minute and 20 seconds. >> 1 minute and 20 seconds. The sale of the Brookdale College facility also brings attention to the concerns of many over the past few years as the head of the county political organization who is

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also the county sheriff gains benefits from the sale of this county facility. A sale facilitated by a county commissioner. the dual roles of an individual being the head of a political organization and sheriff with this Brookdale facility

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housing the city newly contracted county EMS working out of the sheriff's department stinks of a political patronage pay-to-play gravy train racketeering scam if everyone existed by both the city and the county

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I'm requesting a no vote the matter should be put before the taxpayers of the city on a referendum. No. Anyone else? I need a [snorts] motion to close. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I

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>> opposed. So moved. This is the second reading of ordinance 0626. I need a motion to adopt the second and final reading advertised in according to law. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Rases?

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>> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Whittis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dangler? >> Yes. >> Dr. Vote? >> I recuse myself. >> Motion passed. >> Ordinance 0-0726. The capital ordinance amending the

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capital ordinance number 0-24-23. finally adopted by the this city council of the city of Long Branch and the county of Mammoth, the state of New Jersey on August 23rd, 2023 to amend the description of the improvement

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referenced in section 2A therein. This ordinance was introduced was introduced on April 22nd, 2026. And this ordinance amends the capital ordinance number O-24-23 finally adopted by the city council on

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August 23rd, 2023 to amend the description of the approvement reference referenced in section 2A therein adding 195 Broadway known as block 275 lot 10

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and 11 for municipal purpose. No new funds with the $2 million remaining unchanged. I need a motion to open the public portion of this ordinance only. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor?

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>> I >> opposed. So moved. Any any member of the public has excuse me any member of the public has any comments to make on this ordinance only, please come to the to the podium. State your name and address clearly for the record. You will have

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five minutes and may only speak once on this ordinance. >> Benson Leapour 33 Ocean Terrace Long Branch requesting one minute notification if needed. Madame clerk, ordinance seven

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quoting said requisition shall also include but is not limited to as applicable all engineering and design work, surveying, construction, planning, preparation of plans and specification permits.

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List documents, construction, inspection, contract administration, asbestous investigation, abatement, environmental assessments and all the work materials, equipment, labor and

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opportunences necessary therefore incidental there too. This is a school and you would think Brookdale College would have knowledge if they have suspest in their facility or not.

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Notwithstanding that, the list I just read, it stinks again. All it is is a pay-to-play gravy train once again in action with the city

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purchasing another building. I'm requesting a no vote. No. >> Anyone else? I need a motion to close. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. So moved. This is the second reading of

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ordinance 07-26. I need a motion to adopt on the second and final reading and advertise according to law. >> So moved. >> Second. Roll call. >> Mr. Ras, >> yes. >> Mr. Vieira, yes. >> Mrs. Whittis, >> yes. >> Mr. Dangler,

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>> yes. >> Dr. Vote, >> I recuse myself. >> Motion passed. >> Ordinance O-8-26. Capital ordinance amending and re restating in its entirety the

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capital ordinance number 0-16-25 finally adopted by the city council of the city of Long Branch in the county of Mammoth the state of New Jersey on December 10th 2025 to increase the total appropriation therein from 5 million to

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$10 million from the city receipt of of funds from the federal American Rescue Plan. Plan Act of 21 Corona Virus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. This ordinance was introduced on April

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22nd, 2026. And this ordinance amends the capital ordinance number 06-16-25. The original original ordinance which provides a con for the construction of of the boardwalk extension pro project

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in the city which includes but not limited to construction of of a pier and supporting amenities to increase the total appropriation therein by $5 million from $5 million to $10 million due to the additional $5 million

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increase in the amount received or expected to be received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Corona Virus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. I need a motion to open a public hearing on this ordinance only. >> So moved.

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>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. So moved. If any member of the public has a comment to make on this ordinance only, please come to the podium. State your name and address clearly for the record. You will be given five minutes

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and may only speak on once on this ordinance. >> Benson Leapour 33 Ocean Terrace Long Branch requesting one minute notification if needed. Madame clerk, Mr. Martin,

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I'm going to quote in this ordinance where it states 10 million received or expected to be received. End quote. Do we have that money in the bank? Yes or no? >> No.

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>> No, we do not have the money in the bank. All right. I'm requesting a no vote on this ordinance right off the bat. We're writing ordinances for blank checks. Money's not in the bank, folks.

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>> It's part of the reason why this government went into hell. >> It's a grand. Yeah. the Corona virus state fiscal recovery fund federal American Rescue Plan Act. City's playing a shell game

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with the end result being the money for Brookdale College. So you move the money from the pier to Brookdale and then you secure more money from the feds to make up for it to carry

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out the pier. The intent, the overall intent, loosen up the money for Brookdale College has flawed this ordinance. Someone's against the purchase of Brookdale College, they would not want this ordinance.

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It's a shell game. Whether indirectly or directly, it's a shell game. You wonder why the country's inflation has come about because of the Corona virus fiscal fund and the American

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Rescue Plan. You can look the long branch to see what inflation's about. I'm requesting a no vote on this ordinance. No. >> So, Council President, just so you know, everything that Mr. Leapor just said has nothing to do with this ordinance. All we're doing here is we got a five an

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additional $5 million grant for the pier. Um, and we're now uh passing a capital ordinance so we can appropriate that money to pay for the pier as every grant that works that comes from the state of New Jersey. We put in our request for the money. We got a grant

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award. We're now able to appropriate that money and the money will be sent to us by the state. It's doesn't really have anything to do with Brookdale College. So, I'm not sure what Mr. Leapor is talking about but I guess his theme is tonight to make every ordinance about something he doesn't like. >> Thank you,

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Mr. Relo. [snorts] >> I need a motion to close. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> This is the second reading of of ordinance O-26. I need a motion to adopt on the second

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and final reading. Advertised advertise according to law. >> So move second. Roll call. >> Mr. Ras. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Whittis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dangler. >> Yes. >> Dr. Vote. >> I recuse myself. >> Motion passed.

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>> Thank you. 0-09-26 a bond bond ordinance amending bond ordinance number 0-1 17-25. Finally adopting adopted by the city

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council the city of Long Branch the county of Mammoth the state of New Jersey on December 10th 2025 to amend section 3A and section 7B therein. This ordinance was introduced on April 22nd, 2026.

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and the bond ordinance amended. Bond ordinance number 017-25 adopted by the this city adopted by the city council of the city in on December 10th 2025

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to amend the description of the improvements and to add [snorts] 195 Broadway block 275 lot 10 and 11 for municipal purposes for a period of usefulness of 25 years. I need a motion

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to open the public portion of this ordinance only. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> If any member of the public has any comment to make on this ordinance only, please come to the podium, state your name and address clearly for the record.

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You will have five minutes and may only speak once on this ordinance. Vincent Leapour 33 Ocean Terrace Long Branch Ordinance 9 amending to include 195 Broadway the

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Brookdale Community College facility purchase. >> No. Okay. I need a motion to close. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I I >> opposed. [snorts] So moved.

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This is this the second reading of ordinance 09-26. I need a motion to adopt on a second and final reading advertised according to law. >> So move second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Ras. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Whittis?

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>> Yes. >> Mr. Dangler? >> Yes. >> Dr. Vote. >> I recuse myself. >> Motion passed. I now um turn the um meeting back over to the council president. >> Thank you uh Councilman Dangler. Now we're going

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to move on to ordinances for introduction. Um it's 0-10-26. This is the first reading of ordinance 10-26 entitled an ordinance amending section 117-3 of the code of the city of Long Branch

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fees establishing midseason rates for the community pool. A summary of this ordinance is as follows. It's an ordinance to establish a midseason rate for the use of the community pool.

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I need a motion to introduce on first reading advertise and post according to law and set the public hearing for May 27th, 2026. >> So move second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Ras, >> yes. >> Mr. Vieira, >> yes. >> Mrs. Whittis, >> yes. >> Mr. Dangler,

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>> yes. >> Dr. Vote, >> yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you. Ordinance 0-11-26. This is the first reading of ordinance 11-26 entitled an ordinance design designating a handicap parking space 307

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Chelsea Avenue. The summary is that the city of Long Branch will install a handicap parking space in front of 307 Chelsea Avenue due to the resident not having a driveway with all qualifying paperwork sent to the Long Branch

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Traffic Safety Unit. I need a motion to introduce on first uh reading advertise and post according to law and set the public hearing for May 27th, 2026. >> So move second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Rases, >> yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa, >> yes.

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>> Mrs. Whittis, >> yes. >> Mr. Dangler, >> yes. >> Dr. Vote, >> yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you. Ordinance 0-12-26. This is the first reading of ordinance 12-26 entitled an ordinance designating a

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handicap parking space 118 at 1185 Elbron Square. The summary is that the city of Long Branch will install a handicap parking space in front of 11uh 8085 Lincoln Square due to the residents ne

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never having a driveway with all qualifying paperwork sent to the long branch traffic safety unit. I need a motion to introduce on first reading advertise and post according to law and set the public hearing for May 27th, 2026.

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>> So moved. >> Second. Roll call. >> Mr. Ras, >> yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa, yes. >> Mrs. Whittis, yes. >> Mr. Dangler, >> yes. >> Dr. Vote, >> yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you. Moving to the public participation uh part of the meeting for

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resolutions and all general comments. I need a motion to open the public portion of the meeting for all comments. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. The public portion part of the meeting is to allow you the public to state your

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comments directly to the administration and have a voice in the proceedings of your governing body. There will be no cross dialogue during the public portion of the meeting. If there is anyone in the audience who has a comment to make,

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please step forward to the podium. State your name and address clearly for the record. You will have five minutes to speak and may only speak once. Vincent Leapour 33 Ocean Terrace Long Branch requesting one minute

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notification. Madame Clerk, I introduced a resolution at the last council meeting to be on tonight's agenda declaring a state of emergency for the taxpayers in the city to eliminate all

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tax abatements. Apparently, council ignored it. You have no concern for the taxpayers. It's obvious. You have no feelings for their pain. You have no feelings for their

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suffering. Many of you have been here for eight years. Taxes have doubled. Rents have doubled. Rents particularly due to the increase in taxes. What have you done to help the people out on rents? Zero. Nothing.

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So, the city likes tax abatements. at the last council meeting. This follows your little colloquy on ordinance 8 attorney Rnome. Perhaps if you read the ordinances your law firm writes, you would understand. >> I don't write >> what I was saying.

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>> I don't write the bond or >> no cross dialogue. Attorney Ron, I will enforce the rules. >> You don't. >> Also, at the last council meeting, I mentioned two actions concerning the renown and cello law firm.

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The city attorney's firm, city attorney Rainon responded, quote, "Not true." End quote. And then >> still not true. >> Quote, "It's all lies." >> Still not true. >> End quote. Well, tonight

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we'll see who the real liar is. from the public record to the public record concerning the family leave act and city attorney Ron's law firm attorneys Castello and Silverman

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representing Donado A Ferraro plaintiff verse reown LLC defendant superior court of New Jersey Middle Sex County Law Division civil action complaint and jury demand file filed

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March 18th, 2026. [snorts] This concerns your law partner, Cochland, sponsoring of the Family Leave Act, >> Coughlin, >> and allegedly violating it in his law firm with his employee. >> By the way, it's Coughlin, not Coughlin.

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The second action which you lied about, attorney renown, with your involvement representing Facebook groups in the suppression of public comments, the action of Alan Levy and Lisa Levy,

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Planifell versus Tom O'Reilly, Joanne Papadakas, Bill Tuckering, and the Rawway community voice at Al defendant respondents. Civic Action, Appeal of Judgment and

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Order of the Honorable Robert Mega. Entered on October 29th, 2025, Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Union County. Docket number UNM-C 088-24.

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Defendant respondents Tom O'Reilly Papaus Bill Tank Harris memorandum in law in opposition to plaintiff appellence appeal reown Cochland

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attorney for respondence February 4th 2026 >> you're right Mr. Laor I'm not a party that I >> order of motion by American Civil Liberties Union filed March 2nd >> one minute notification.

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>> Thank you madame clerk. Order of motion by the American Civil Liberties Union filed March 2nd 2026 answered March 12th 2026. Judge Greater Brown

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ordered a motion to the ACLU to appear as Amicus Curi. File brief and participating in verbal arguments granted. The record is clear. Attorney Reon,

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you denied at the last council meeting your firm was not involved in any of these actions. From the public record to the public record, you attorney are a liar and you symptomize what this council and may have been all about.

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Junk government. >> Would anyone from the days care to respond? >> I I certainly don't need to respond to that. I'm sorry. It's not worth my time or energy. >> Okay. >> Um, anyone anyone else for a public

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comment? Good evening. Uh, I'm Steven Burnley, 376 West End. >> I'm sorry. Say your name. Okay. >> Steven Burnley. >> Okay. Thank you. >> 376 West End Avenue. Um, uh, just to clarify, I'm speaking on behalf of community member Jake Ruez, who couldn't

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make it tonight. Um, today [clears throat] I'm amplifying calls to reform the public comment section. To the audience and fellow Long Branch residents, I want to stress the importance of this. As much as I would like to talk about other issues, I believe it's necessary for us to change the public comment section in order for

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us to realize our other goals. Our last meeting was a prime example of this. At our last meeting, we saw the city attorney continuously interrupting one of the speakers. Uh, we also saw a member of city council discuss how they

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don't want to air the dirty laundry of another speaker. While the city council can interrupt us when we try to respond to them, we are then out of line. This power dynamic is unfair. The city council can interrupt individuals and there's no process or procedure that I'm

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aware of that holds them accountable. The populace, however, faces a risk. If we even try to potentially engage in some form of cross dialogue, we can be shut down or potentially even face charges. C 2C 33-8

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for disruptions if someone deems our behavior as meeting some threshold of a disturbance. Uh would a city council member ever be subject to such a provision? As I've said before on multiple occasions, again, I'm speaking on somebody else's behalf. I really don't have any specific

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issue with any council member here. I'm an individual who is trying to think short and long term of how we can cultivate platforms for people's voices and needs to be heard and acted upon. Because if this issue, if we don't address it now, will continue long past

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this council. Therefore, I'm here to propose a potential solution. It's called 532. Five minutes for the community speaker, three minutes for the council member to respond, and two minutes for the uh

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community member to rebuttal. >> This would allow for the effective cross dialogue that we desperately need in this space. It allows for the council to correct the record as they deem necessary and then for us to respond and potentially correct their correction to

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the record. Cross dialogue in this public record is necessary. It allows us to ventilate issues if we need dialogue especially nowadays and we need it in the public so that others know what is happening. I stand with

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those in Utah whose voices felt unheard as they have AI data centers built two times the size of Manhattan on their land. It reminds me of the time when we have we have felt our voices unheard in the process of almost losing our local hospital. Therefore, I urge Long Branch

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City Council and the residents of Long Branch to think about the 532. We need to ensure there are fair processes and procedures for our voices to always be heard, especially as new

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issues will arise in the future. The people's voices matter. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Would anyone care to respond? >> Nope. >> [sighs] >> Is there anyone else to make a public

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comment? Uh, okay. We will move on then. Um, and anyone from the public who wants to further discuss any other comments or concerns, please call the city clerk's office at 732-571-5686 to schedule a time at the public council

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hours that are held the first Wednesday of every month. And now I need a motion to close the public participation portion of the meeting. >> So move second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Uh I now uh will ask the uh the uh clerk

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if there are any changes to the list of resolutions. >> No changes have been made. >> Okay. Thank you. We can take the listed resolutions as a consent agenda. I need a motion. >> Move. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Rases? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa? >> Yes.

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>> Mrs. Whittis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dangler? >> Yes. >> Dr. Vote? >> Yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you. Applications, there are none. And so we'll move to the miscellaneous business for the good of the order and we will start with Councilman Rasus. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh first

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I'd like to thank uh everyone for coming out this evening. Uh especially like to thank the uh students from the Long Branch Public Schools uh for the beautiful presentations commemorating uh Haitian Heritage Month and also Jewish American Heritage Month. Um I'm really

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thrilled that we're a step closer uh to being able to provide a new facility for the Long Branch Police. Um it's much needed and um just want to thank everyone again for coming out. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing everyone in two weeks. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Roses. Uh

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Councilman VR. >> Yes. Thank you, Council President. I also want to thank everybody for coming out tonight. I want to thank Raphael to let me know about Ohio Haiti. A lot of good food, I understand, and good stuff. thanks for making a great presentation. Also, Zami Rosara for the Jewish

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community. They did a beautiful job with that. And with that, I want to say good night. >> Thank you, Councilman Vieira, Councilwoman Whittis. >> Oh, yes. Um, thank you everyone for being here and to the students. You've done a wonderful job and we appreciate

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you taking the time out of your personal life to come here. And um I also would like to um congratulate the mayor and council, the new council on their election last night. And I wish you much

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luck in the next uh four years. And um John, we appreciate your leadership over the last eight years. You've done a wonderful job and like to thank you personally for that. And um with that, I see everyone in two weeks. Thank you.

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Thank you, Councilwoman Wittis and Vice President Tangler. >> Yes. Uh I too would like to um congratulate the uh students. Both students um were very articulate. Uh they spoke clearly. Um they did a

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wonderful job and um I'm sure they made their parents uh proud of them tonight. And you represented Long Branch Public Schools. Well, thank you. Uh, also last at the last council meeting there was questions about the AYFP

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Warner. Um, I still call it Pop Warner because I'm a bit older. Um, but the the truth of the matter is there was not Pop Warner last year. Um, there are reasons that um I don't feel is necessary to

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talk about this the the uh past leadership, but there was not AYF Pop Warner uh last year. Um but it was not because of this administration and it was not because of Mr. Charlie Shirley as stated um at the last meeting. But we

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will have POP AYF this year. They are sending out registration. They have new uniforms and the insurance they need. They have every everything they need um to have Pop Warner again, excuse me, AYF again in Long Branch. Um so I just

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wanted to report that. And with that being said, thank you all for coming out. Uh, and God bless you. >> Thank you, Councilman Dangler and Mayor Palone. >> Thank you, U, Council President. Uh, I'd also like to thank our presenters for being here today. You know, it's uh a

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lot of these uh proclamations on various her um national heritage are just put into um our consent agenda and it's so much more effective when we actually have especially students from our high school read them. So, thank you u to

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parents and and to the students for being here. Um, I also want to thank we were uh Councilman Rasus and Councilwoman Vote and myself. Uh, we were reelected uh last night to serve another four years. And uh I just want

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to say that I'm honored um to serve as your mayor here in Long Branch. And and and thank you so much. I'd also like to uh acknowledge new council uh councilman elect Paulo Beriro who was in the audience tonight. So congratulations to

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you, sir. And of course uh we're lo we're uh three of our council members are retiring and I'd like to thank you so much for your service and dedication and for what you've accomplished um in the last eight years. So, uh, just just a couple upcoming

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events that I'd like to quickly mention. So, now in its fourth year, uh, the Spring into action disability resource fair continues to grow as one of Mammoth County's most inclusive community events, bringing together vital resources, live entertainment, art,

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food, familyfriending activities, and community support for individuals of all abilities. Uh so in partnership with the city and motion center for independent living uh and the long branch disability caucus this um will host this year's

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event which is this Saturday May 16th from 12 to 3 p.m. at the senior center rain or shine. Uh join us for information on resources and services and a lot of uh free food activities, music and more. We have two exhibits

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going on now at the Arts and Cultural Center. includes the Long Branch Student Art Exhibit, which is quite amazing, and another exhibit in the Branchport galleries called the New Botanical. Both will be going on through the month of May, and we'll also have many events throughout the month as well related to

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these two uh exhibits. Uh go to long branch.org to find the full calendar. Wanted to mention our citywide yard sale will be this weekend, May 16th and May 17th, from 9:00 to 5:00. So, anyone who wants to have a yard sale, there's no

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permits or required for this two-day event. And finally, the full 2026 summer concert series schedule is now out and available on our website and social media. We'll have four dates that are planned for bands on the Sand in West

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End Beach. Uh, as you know, we have concerts throughout the city, but these are very special that are literally uh on the beach, and we usually have two. This year, we're having four. So, uh, again, check out our website, longbranch.org, for more information.

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And again, finally, I would just like to thank everyone for being here this evening and have a great week. Thank you, Mayor Palone. And I'm going to join in with the um, thanks to our students and uh, really kind of emphasize the

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word proud and pride. Um I for when you think about it from our perspective, students who come up and go through kind of the nerve-wracking

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uh preparation and speak so eloquently about their heritage. Um just make us so proud of our students and uh all all of the work that you're doing. So I hope you feel wonderful. um you did a great

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great job. Um, and with that, I want to thank Vice President Dangler for running half of the meeting um for me. And I share um the sentiment that the mayor said in uh there's a

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certainly uh we are happy those of us who will be continuing uh on the council but we are sad that uh Councilman Dangler, Councilman Vieiraa and Councilwoman Whittis have chosen not to

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run again. Um and they did that because of the many many years that the three of them have been in public service. Um so so many thanks but you will be so thoroughly missed. Um it has been wonderful working as a team.

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>> Thank you. >> So >> thank you. Thank you so much. Um and with that we hope to see you again in two weeks for our next meeting. Be safe, enjoy, and we'll see you soon. And with that, I need a motion to adjourn.

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>> So move to approve. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Good night, everyone. The loss that he's talking about in Raway is that there's a private Facebook page that knocks