No, no one could afford to come in. >> Like to call the meeting to order, please. Johanna, will you read the statement of compliance? >> You're the notice requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act for this meeting have been satisfied. A copy of the annual
meeting notice was sent to the press of Atlantic City, Courier Post, posted on the Bolton board in the municipal building, the municipal website, and filed in the office of the municipal clerk. Please turn off all cell phones. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.
>> Attention salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Johanna, please take the role.
>> Mayor Collins, >> here. >> Commissioner Blumbberg, >> I am here. >> Commissioner Horn, >> welcome everybody. Sorry about the delay. We had some technical difficulties getting our Zoom set up, but we are good to go now. So, uh, we will begin with our engineering report.
Ed. >> Thank you, mayor. Good evening, everyone. Um, starting out with our first update on item E, which is the Veter Avenue parking lot project. We did reject all we we did reject the one bid we received on the rebid. So, we're now in the process of negotiating with
potential contractors for that work. We'll keep everybody posted on how that process goes. Uh, jumping over to page two, item I, the Bloom Pavilion deck, which has been on the list for a little while here. We've been working on the design um in parallel with a grant application we submitted which we were
just notified we were successful in obtaining $144,000 in grant funding for that project um through a competitive CDBG grant. So that's great news. Um we'll be able to hit the ground running um given that we've been working on the design and we're getting close to um a
bid. So we'll we'll uh we'll we'll get that project moving into construction soon. um lead service line replacement phase two which is our our next phase. Um we've submitted everything over to the IBANK. They've given us some very uh simple review comments back that we've
addressed and there's a resolution on the agenda today to authorize that project to go out to bid. So we are on track to receive another million dollars in principal forgiveness funding in fiscal year 26 which is great for the next phase of lead service lines. Next
bunch of projects are all part of the um new capital budget. Um, so these are all projects that are all mostly beginning the engineering phase, including the lifeguard headquarters expansion project, an exterior painting project for the Gladstone Avenue water tank, our
2026 state a road, which is Winchester Avenue from Brunswick Avenue to Belmont, the um Sig Rim walkway lighting uh which will be bid. The 2026 road program, which includes work on Barlay, Brunswick, Penrook, Thurlo, and
Fredericksburg avenues. phase one of our citywide dredging project. We're in the process of putting the plans and specs together for that phase. Um, which is exciting. Obviously, um, that was in a permitting phase for years and now we're actually working on the plans that will eventually go out to bib. Uh, Brunswick
Avenue beach bulkhead uh, replacement is also in process. We have some more storm water ordinance and uh, stormwater management plan updates we need to make in 2026 to stay compliant with state law. And we also have an update we need to make to our EPA risk and resiliency
plan um to stay in compliance. So those are all new projects that are coming online as part of this upcoming capital program. Um no new updates on our pending grant applications. Flipping over to page three uh for
construction projects. The 2023 road program I didn't get a chance to pop out there. This may already be done but Beayshore Fredericksburg and Aral were scheduled to be paved this week. um wrap that project up and then I think that may be all of our updates
for this meeting. Yep, that's it. >> Great. Thank you, Ed. We will now move to our department head reports. I will begin with our public works report. Uh we will have hydrant flushing the week of April 13th and that will occur between the hours of 8:30 and 3 p.m. Uh
also that week our meter the next phase of our meter program water meter program will begin and we did some we're in the process of updating the dog park. So Pat Power and I went out there um I guess it was last week and and looked at um looked at the
conditions and there were some areas that were in need of repair. Uh we're going to be putting two new dog water fountains in, fixing the gazebo, and uh replacing new latches uh for the gates. Um additionally, the uh fountains on the
Parkway are going to be getting a new paint job this month, and we're working on installing 140 yards of mulch on the city properties. So, that's it for public works. We will now move to Chief Adams and fire report.
>> Thank you, Mayor, Commissioner. Um to start off, I just want to say we had a great event this past Saturday with the uh annual Easter egg hunt. Uh it was probably the largest crowd that we've ever had as far as the Easter egg hunt here in Margate City. And I have to say thank you to the Margate Mothers for
co-sponsoring it with us and to the Margate Business Association for their support. Um it's always great that we work with in the community and work with our different organizations to asssure that we can make these events successful. And thank you to the mayor, commissioners, and to public works for
helping us set up the course. But it ended up being a great event, well attended, and everybody had a great time. Um, coming up on April 6th, we will have round two for all city employees, our D2 cyber security training. The information will go out on
or about April 6. So, I will follow up with all the departments to asssure that they got it and assure that all of our email addresses are correct and that we have everybody in the system to asssure that they're getting the training completed. Um, a few things regarding
the resolutions for beaches opening. Um, you know, this is our 250 year celebration of our country. So, we're going to kind of tie that in with some of the beaches opening things to asssure that we allow the picnicking on the weekends like we have done in the past for the holiday weekends. Um, I will
work with Chief Hankinson along with public works to asssure that we have all the dates and everything properly correct uh when we put that out, but we will have that on the agenda for the meeting on April 16th. And we will also have the bathing season and guarded beaches on that agenda. And that's
basically when each of the 12 beaches opens and closes for the season to asssure that everybody's aware of when each beach opens and closes. And lastly, as far as the resolutions, we have the location and times for surfing, kayaking, and sailing. And I can tell you that hasn't changed. The locations
and times and information will be the same, but each year by because of the ordinance, we have to pass a resolution stating where they are and what they are for that purpose. Um lastly, uh we submitted right after the storm, the snowstorm, the February snowstorm, the
county had asked for information regarding our expenses related to the storm and what we had. And we compiled all that information through all the departments and we forwarded it to the county right after the storm. And this past week on Monday, that information was forwarded to FEMA to see if we'll be
able to get the reimbursement back. So, we're hoping and looking for, you know, the reimbursement of the funds back of what it cost us for that snowstorm event for the city of Margate. So, um, and that's all I have for now. Thank you. >> Thank you, Chief Chief Henson.
>> Thank you, Mayor Commissioner. Uh, first of all, on the agenda you'll see is the traffic detour plan for the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd. It's really not that big of a detour. This takes some cars going up to Atlantic Avenue, some cars going down to uh
Winchester Avenue, but as we know, that's a heavily attended event. It was canceled last year, so hopefully we get good weather this year. Uh the police department has been working with public works recently and they've been great about we're going to install lights at the Decatur Avenue playground for the
summer season. It's one of those areas that gets dark and sometimes kids hang out there. So, the lighting in there will give a maybe a deterrent to hang out in that that little playground, but it's something the residents in the area asked for and we're going to get it done
before the summer season. Also, traffic maintenance is beginning to repaint a lot of the crosswalks on Betner Avenue that get faded over the winter months. We usually do it over overnight during the midnight hours just because there's less traffic. I think it's a little bit safety for my line painter. So again,
it's trying to freshen up things for the summer because it's getting close. Also, just a reminder, Park Mobile will be in effect beginning Friday, May 22nd. The rates will remain the same at $1 per hour in all three of our areas where we have paid parking. And finally, we have a bike auction
tenatively scheduled for Saturday, June 13th of 2026. We are going to get the advertisements out there. I spoke with Johanna this morning. So hopefully everything will be on track to get that bike auction. There's usually some good buys there. We have about 30 bikes that are sitting there and hopefully some
people can come get a bike for the summer. That's all I have. Thank you, Chief Pat. >> Um see there's a a bunch of >> You're better. Um as you see there's a bunch of empty seats up here. There's
been a u a bunch of uh various reasons why people couldn't make it this evening. Um our solicitor is actually on Zoom uh watching and and if he needs to uh make a comment or if someone has a question regarding that, he's he's going
to call my uh cell phone. >> Any better? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Okay. So, what I said was There you go. that the uh solicitor is available by phone and uh that if there is a question
regarding um anything that he's uh working on, he he'll call and and uh address it. He is watching on Zoom at this point. Um I do have a report from our building department. Um Palma could not make it tonight. Uh the building department reminds realtors and
landlords to submit seasonal rental license applications as soon as possible so inspections can be scheduled in a timely manner ahead of the summer season. Um in March, the building department issued 97 UCCC permits and
conducted 493 sub code inspections. This volume is expected to increase as additional applications continue to be submitted. If anyone is constructed, I'm sorry. If if anyone has construction related questions or concerns, feel free to contact the building department by
phone or email and the staff will be happy to assist. Um, that's all I have on that. Um, our finance um few talk talking points. Um, was uh that the annual pension payment was made um April
1st and it was not April Fools. Um even though some people like to joke around about that stuff. Um and uh I do have the cash balance uh the February cash report um that was uh completed by our
uh comproller. The uh cash on hand total is 6,178 16960 on deposit 3,044 33775 um less our checks are $679,41169
with a cashbook balance total of $8,543 543, um9 $95. Um so that would be the report for those two. Um tonight we're going to be introducing our budget. Um we've been working on for
a while now. I'm going to go over a few uh highlights. Uh we're looking at like a 1.94% increase to our tax rate. This represents a 2.93% increase over last year. Uh worked hard
to keep the numbers as low as possible. believe the slight increase is actually a win for our our town neighboring towns I believe uh and talking to some of the folks um that um they're seeing their taxes increase by a much much larger
amount. Um everyone's pretty much struggling with the rising cost of health care and everyday expenses as we can see. Um, one of our biggest is we're looking at an 18% increase on health care alone, uh, which represents one of
the city's largest expenses. Every year we see increases in salaries and pension costs is expected. Um, I have negotiated what I believe are failed fair deals with our unions. Um, and that's to ensure that we maintain um, the level of
service that we have um, and the caliber of uh, individuals that we have working for us. Um, and I will say this, I've been through other towns and Margates's uh service to their community is uh is
second to none. Um, they do a really great really good job here. Um, I've been impressed to see um what our emergency responders respond to. Um, they're not always emergencies, but they are out there helping everybody in the
community. And um, I will say that they do an outstanding job. um our assessed uh valuation increased by over 60 million. Um that equates to about 1.47% and offsets some of our
rising costs, but obviously nowhere near what we need. Uh we'll continue to look at everything and see if we can find additional savings before the actual public hearing and the uh budget adoption in early May. So that's that's all I have for now. >> Great. Thank you, Pat. Now pass it off
to Leon. >> Yes. So today is the uh introduction of the budget which means that essentially the budget process starts at your level right now. It's been in the hands of administration. It's presented as a budget to be introduced. The law is that
you have to introduce your budget by March 31st or your next meeting in April. Today is your next meeting in April. So it has to be introduced tonight or you'll get fined for every day that it's not introduced. The introduction means nothing more than we're starting a process. It's not a
vote to finalize where it is. It's just a vote to start the process. When we have the public hearing on March 7th, >> yes, >> on March 7th. >> May 7th. May 7th. Going backwards. May 7th. You can change any line item you want. Obviously, ones that are dedicated
by statute, like we just paid to the pension. We can't change that. And we can't change debt service. you know, all those things that are mandatory that are set, we can't touch, but you can change other items if you want. Um, it would require at least two people to vote to change it. And the changes can all be
made on May 7th, and the adoption can be done that same night, providing that they're not more than 10% of any one line item. So, tonight is the introduction. Uh, since there's only two of you, you need both of you to vote yes to introduce it and move forward and hold the public hearing. You can have
all discussions you want between tonight and May 7th, but no action can be taken until May 7th. That's the time we can make any changes that we want to make. The, as Pat said, the increase is 1.94 cents, which is going to be one of the smaller ones you're going to see. I
think there was a buzz back in the audience about Brigantine's 5.7 increase that they introduced yesterday. Uh, you're going to see a lot of numbers that are over five. Uh we do 53 towns. So I can tell you I can't tell you which ones are going to come out with what number because they need to tell you
that when at their meeting but there'll be some bigger ones than this then and bigger ones in bringing too. So you're on the the bottom quarter of what the increases are. I can tell you that North Wild was 3 cents, upper was 3 cents, um
Summers Point was 3.6, you're 1 nine, Brigantine's 5-1. And there's going to be some over fives and sixes still coming within the next couple weeks. So that's what needs to be done today is to introduce it, get it on the table, and um it'll be on your website as the
introduced budget. And the May 7th meeting, anything can be asked, anything can be done, any items can be looked at and changed if there's a reason to change them. There may be some you have to increase. Who knows what's going to happen between now and then, but that's the process and that's what I recommend that you do.
Okay, thank you, Leon. And just for everybody in the public, uh the May 7th public hearing is when you can ask your questions, but uh feel free not to wait till then. Email myself, Commissioner Blumbberg, Commissioner Horn with any But the fact that they're saying it's a twocent tax decrease is a twocent tax
decrease based on their equalization. How each town gets it is different on every single one. >> So, I can get you that answer. I didn't bring that. >> No, no, no. Again, it's just for the general public to have an idea of where we're going to be.
>> You know, a lot of people say, "Hey, this is great." And then they see the add-on from the county every year, right? >> And uh it, you know, it makes it hard to >> and remember that the county is a it's a pie and you get your piece of the pie.
As you grow, you get more, right? >> And that's just a matter, but those ratables that you get should offset a lot of what your growth is also. So, it's it's a mix and it's a very tough tough thing to describe to everybody. And I get this all the time because
after the bills go out in July, the mayor will call me and say, "Hey, I thought the county said we're going down two cents. Why do we go up four and a half?" Because you got bigger and other people got smaller. It's it's goes all over the place. >> Well, one last question. How much of uh
how how much surplus are we using to get to the 1.94 and what will we have left after? >> Okay, you're using 5.5 million which is an increase of 400,000 over last year. >> Okay, >> you'll have 3,086 left. Last year you
had 2 million I mean 3,206 left. So it's a little bit less than last year. um you are using more than you did last year and you're going to be starting the year off with less than you had last year. So, we need to make back all that money to be in the same position next year for
next year's budget. >> Got it. Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Good. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Leon. Yep. Johanna, anything to report? Um, the rabies vaccine will be held May 2nd
at the firehouse here on Washington Avenue between 10 and 12. Dog licenses are required. We're still hoping for more merkantal renewals. We're missing a few of them. And voter registration for the primaries
ends May 12th. And that's it. >> Great. Thank you. All right. We will now open up public comment for anything discussed during workshop. If anyone has any comment, please step forward. >> Hello. Uh good afternoon, Sam Lashman,
uh Hanover Avenue, and uh happy holidays to everybody that's celebrating. I do have a question, a few questions about uh the budget. Uh when does the state aid come in? And I think I read we're getting a reduction.
That's one of them. Uh the state aid is in every town's getting exactly what they got last year to the pen. There's no change at all. You get 773,000 to fund a uh >> $40 million budget. So it's insignificant. >> Okay. How about when does the school
budget get set? >> The school budget the school budget is set. That was done last week. >> A border school estimates meeting last week. meeting last week and their increase um
their levy is going to be 11 million8 compared to last year was 11 million1. So it's a $700,000 increase by time you take the new ratables and
the um increase that they have. It's around 610 of a cent it's going to be. >> I don't know if you can answer this. Uh how many kids we're sending to Atlantic City High School >> that I don't know >> supposedly that >> number is going up to 35.
>> Yeah, I don't have the exact number. Um but Pat, do you want to get Mr. Lashman's number? >> Are we have like 80 kids or something and the others are going to Ocean City and Harvard Township or other schools? That's not the only >> Oh, they go all over the place. Yeah,
but 30 around 35 are going to >> I know a bunch of them over 35. Yeah. >> And and the rest are going to other schools. >> Yes. >> Thanks a lot. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Pat. If you just want to your microphone.
>> Sherry Lillianfeld, Wellington Avenue, full-time resident and also an active member of the green team. Um, first of all, and forgive me if it's there, is the budget posted on the website so people can see it.
>> First of all, there isn't a budget yet >> until they vote to put it vote to reduce it. If we don't get two to zero to introduce it, there'll be no budget on the website >> because it won't be introduced. >> So, I'm sorry, is that the seventh May 7th day? When does it get introduced?
>> If if both of you say yes. So, we we introduced the budget today. So again, just a reminder, comments on the budget are for uh the May 7th meeting. So any questions regarding the budget, we introduce it today. We give everybody um I think we have to give them at least 28 days or so. You said
>> exactly >> 28 days to review it >> and then including ourselves and then uh it will be voted on at the May 7th meeting. So at that point between >> now when we introduce it, it'll be put on the website tomorrow. I would I would
imagine um the public can view it and then come back with questions at, you know, uh the May 7th budget hearing. But as I said, if anyone has any individual questions on the budget, feel free to email us and we'll we'll >> respond. >> But after today, assuming you both vote
for it, we can see it and >> Yes. >> Perfect. That's what I wanted to know. So, of course, um I always have a question for our engineering report. um the lead service replacement. Um obviously they have to dig up the roads
and I think my street was one of the first ones because it happened a few weeks ago. So in terms of repairing the roads, is that going to be phased in as well or are you going to repair the roads um when everything is done? Because I don't really know how many phases there
are either. Like how many phases and when's the roads going to be? >> There are going to be multiple phases. The lead service line project itself will include patching the road. Basically, where they dig it up and that's because the funding source that we're using is very restrictive on what they will pay for as far as paving. In
other words, they their money is supposed to go towards taking the lead out and they don't want to use it to repave all your streets. Um, so that's probably something we'll look at going forward as part of our, you know, capital road improvement project. There will be multiple phases of this lead service line work. So, we want to be smart about it. um as far as when we do
our paving, try to get it all done in one shot. So, >> yeah, because there's a lot of patches in the road. And then one thing I noticed, it didn't happen with my home. With my home, they they ripped up the grass and they kind of put it back, which all right, but my neighbor when
they replaced it, they destroyed part of his concrete driveway. So, I'm hoping and he he hasn't been back, so he hasn't been able to complain, but >> um obviously there's going to be some driveways or concrete that's going to need to be replaced, too, not just the
roads >> that they will fix. So, anything they dig up as far as driveways, you know, grass, they'll res it. Um what what's out there now is probably temporary, that'll all be put back the way it was or better. So, is there a mechanism to let them know if there is something
other than the road to fix? >> We're out there. We're out there inspecting it. We It'll It'll get fixed. We We have a punch list and we'll we'll make sure it gets addressed. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> You got it. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Questions. >> Uh Steve 12 North Lancaster Avenue.
Another question for Ed. Um these have to be physically dug. They don't have a a means means of like snaking them through. Um, >> no, they do. They've been mulling a lot of them. Um, that's what they've been trying to do wherever they can to minimize the disturbance. So, that's they have been doing that where they
can. >> Okay, that's it. Yep. >> Great. Thanks, Steve. Any other public comment on workshop? >> Is there a motion to close public comment? Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins? Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbber? >> Yes.
Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbber? >> Yes. >> All right. Soon as we are ready, we will start the next meeting. >> Like to call the meeting to order, please. Johanna, will you read the
statement of compliance? The notice requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act for this meeting have been satisfied. A copy of the annual meeting notice was sent to the Atlantic City Press carrier posted on the Bolton board the municipal building the
municipal website and filed in the office of the municipal clerk. Please turn off all cell phones. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> Attention to Igian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Johanna, please take the role. >> Mayor Collins, >> here. >> Commissioner Blumbberg, >> I am here. >> Commissioner Horn, >> is there a motion for the approval of
the March 19th, 2026 regular and workshop meeting minutes? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg? >> Yes. >> We will now open up public comment on resolutions. If anyone has any comments on any of the resolutions on today's
agenda, please step forward. Is there a motion to close public comment on resolutions? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg? >> Yes. >> Johanna, will you proceed, please? May I have a motion for the introduction of ordinance number 4-2026
calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limit and to establish a cap balance cap bank. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. Yes. Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. May I have a motion for resolution
number 71-2025 or 2026 authorizing payments and claims? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. May I have a motion for resolution number 72 2026, a resolution of Margate
City authorizing the filing of a loan application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and to the New Jersey Infrastructural Bank to fund phase two of a lead service water line replacement
project. >> I'll make that motion. Second, >> Mayor Collins, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg, >> yes. May I have a motion for resolution number 73-2026 budget introduction? >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Mayor Collins.
>> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. >> May I have a motion for the consent agenda which consists of resolution number 74-2026 through resolution number 82-2026. >> I'll make that motion.
>> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. All right, we will now open up public comment. If anyone has any comment on any topic at all, please step forward. >> Is there a motion to close public comment? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second.
>> Mayor Collins? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbber? >> Yes. >> Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I will make that motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbber? >> Yes. >> Thank you everybody. Enjoy your night. Yes.