WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=9FYh7Zilftg

Part: 1

1
00:00:07.040 --> 00:01:12.240
school. I think >> well 50 years box. >> It's been It was a terrible day for me. >> Full moon. >> Is this like to call the meeting to order,

2
00:01:12.240 --> 00:01:27.520
please. Lisa, will you read the statement of compliance? >> The notice requirements of the open public's meeting act for this meeting have been satisfied. A copy of the annual meeting notice was sent to the press of Atlantic City carrier posted on the bulletin board in the municipal

3
00:01:27.520 --> 00:01:44.479
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. >> Pension salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands,

4
00:01:44.479 --> 00:02:01.119
one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Alicia, please take the role. >> Mayor Collins, >> here. >> Commissioner Blumb, >> I am here. >> Commissioner Horn, >> here. >> Welcome everybody. We will begin with

5
00:02:01.119 --> 00:02:18.000
our engineering report. Ed. >> Okay. Thank you, mayor. Good evening, everyone. Uh, I'm going to just cover the updates. I did add some extra bullet points in to hopefully make it a little easier to follow along on the items that have been updated. So, the first update is down for the uh, Ventner Avenue

6
00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:33.280
parking lot project. We have sent out our plans and specs to multiple contractors um to negotiate a price for that project. So, that is in progress. Um, we're still working with the contractors on the pricing. So, we'll report back and have some results before

7
00:02:33.280 --> 00:02:50.160
the next meeting. Turning the page to item I, the Bloom Pavilion deck renovation project plans, inspects are complete. We have sent those over to the ACIA for review so we could take a look at scheduling there, get that project out to bid. Uh, the lead service line replacement project

8
00:02:50.160 --> 00:03:06.959
phase two plans inspects are also complete and we're actually advertising that project for bids on the 18th of April. So, uh, we're on track there to receive our million dollars in, uh, grant funding through that program for this fiscal year for the next phase of that work, which is great news. Uh, the

9
00:03:06.959 --> 00:03:23.200
Lifeguard Headquarters expansion project is scheduled for a kickoff meeting next week with the Beach Patrol to get that project moving. Um, our Gladstone Avenue water tank painting project, we have our inspection on the schedule so we can begin to prepare the bid documents for

10
00:03:23.200 --> 00:03:39.760
that project. The Winchester Avenue Road project, we've completed the survey work, so that'll go into design for a bit. The Sig Rim walkway lighting project, plans and specs are already complete there and we're already out to bid on that project, which is great. Uh bid opening will be scheduled for is

11
00:03:39.760 --> 00:03:56.640
scheduled for April 30th. 2026 road program, which includes the roads listed there. The survey work is uh started on that. they jumped over to the road program after Winchester and then the Brunswick Avenue beach bulkhead replacement project. We're also

12
00:03:56.640 --> 00:04:14.080
uh complete the survey work on that project as well. Flipping the page over to our construction projects. We have completed construction on the 2023 road program. So, the contractors just working on the punch list there. Jumping down to our bike lane um painting

13
00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:29.520
project on Atlantic Avenue. As we've discussed, um, you know, over the course of the Atlantic Avenue road project, we have to coordinate the painting of those bike lanes with the road work that's going on out there and obviously with some of the winter weather we had, that contractor is doing the best they can. So, we just need to coordinate that

14
00:04:29.520 --> 00:04:44.720
schedule um around the upcoming summer season. So, once we have a little more um definition there, I can report back on a more detailed schedule. And then the last item on the list here is the 2025 road program which given where we are in the calendar, the contractor will

15
00:04:44.720 --> 00:05:02.639
be starting that work in the fall. That's my report. >> Great. Thank you, Ed. We'll now move to our department head reports. Chief Adams, would you begin, please? >> Thank you, Mayor Commissioners. Um, just start off with the fire department hired a new firefighter as of April 6, 2026.

16
00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:18.800
Uh, Aliana Melendez was hired. She will start the career fire academy on Monday, April 20th and that will run through the middle of June and uh we hope to have her back and on a shift somewhere about July 1st. Um we have two upcoming

17
00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:35.120
retirements in the fire department. Uh Kirk Battles after 30 years of service is set to retire May 1st, 2026 and Debbie Bole with 25 years of service is set to retire June 1st, 2026. Uh last evening the fire department had

18
00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:52.240
the honor of hosting the annual Atlantic County Firefighters uh Association Harold J. Whitey Schwarz Valor Awards ceremony which was held at the Atlantic County Fire Training Center. Uh it was a great event that honored seven recipients from Atlantic County for valor and seven firefighters were

19
00:05:52.240 --> 00:06:07.520
honored with 50 years service awards. Uh one last thing with the fire department, then I have a couple for the beach patrol. Uh we've completed all the motor vehicle record checks for the fire department for the spring of 2026 and everything came back in good standing.

20
00:06:07.520 --> 00:06:23.440
Uh for the beach patrol, the boat house uh work has begun to prepare the equipment for the 2026 season. The employees are in the process of on onboarding to asssure that all the proper documentation is done prior to them starting work. and uh Chief Graves

21
00:06:23.440 --> 00:06:38.479
is hard at work getting all the equipment, uniforms, and supplies ordered for the season as well to asssure that we have everything ready to go. And that's all I have to report. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you, Chief Scott. >> Mayor, as you know, we have a citywide

22
00:06:38.479 --> 00:06:56.080
dredging uh effort underway. I've been in contact with contact with some of the owners on Bay Shore Lagoon. um one of them has been in contact with many of their neighbors. You could ask maybe have a meeting set

23
00:06:56.080 --> 00:07:11.680
up with them to try to go over the various points that you know relevance of dredging out their private lagoon. It is all not owned by the city. Unlike the other there is some city ownership in there lagoon there's not and he says

24
00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:27.120
there's like overwhelming support and there are aware might be a special assessment in when you do that. Uh he said they'll work on the list. We'll get people we'll set up a meeting. We we publicize the three of you can attend if

25
00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:43.440
you want just one of however you want to do that. But the important thing is there seems to be very strong support to get their dredging dump with the understanding they might they're going to have to go to their wilds to help us accomplish. So it's you know another

26
00:07:43.440 --> 00:08:00.479
step in the right direction. Also I understand Eddie's uh working wanted to trying to get that permit for the Shelter Island which if we could hydraulically move dredge material made sure to shelter that would probably be substantial.

27
00:08:00.479 --> 00:08:17.199
>> That's but who knows TP moves at their own speed but I think that's about it. That's what I have. >> Great. Thank you, Scott Pat. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, meter program

28
00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:30.560
started back up this week. They got about 60 meters installed this week. So far, we fixed two water leaks. We added a new bench down here this week. Gone up around town. All stuck. Ballpark

29
00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:47.760
is all finished up. The new gazebo. We just wrapped up the hydro flushing as of today. And next week, we'll start setting up the beach. Also, we're going to start building out new trash enclosures too. We got we got I think we

30
00:08:47.760 --> 00:09:07.040
got about 14 so far. We get back every year probably like eight or 10. >> Thank you, Pat Thomas. through April 16th, the building department has issued 283

31
00:09:07.040 --> 00:09:24.320
construction permits and performed 1,372 sub inspections year to date. This includes new construction, demolitions, alterations, and additions. Compared to the same period last year, permits are up 17%

32
00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:41.360
and compared to 2024, we're up nearly 25%. activity is strong as we head into the spring and summer season and we expect the that piece to continue. Um, our code enforcement continues to educate contractors on safe construction

33
00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:57.120
practices and we did receive feedback from our green team saying that they've seen some significant progress from last year. So, uh, we hope to see that continue and that's all I have. >> Great. Thank you. Roger. Thank you,

34
00:09:57.120 --> 00:10:14.320
mayor and commissioners. Uh is the season for pool construction as you know there is a moratorum this summer. So we're seeing a lot of pool applications come in. Uh some get rejected, some don't. And as you're aware on tonight's uh

35
00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:29.760
regular meeting, there's a a resolution to award the ice cream vending or actually we did the ice cream vending. So, the city received a bid for $98,000 for 2026 season and uh we have the right to extend it for one more year if he performs up to the standards this year

36
00:10:29.760 --> 00:10:45.839
for another $98,000. So, uh that's pretty much it for now. Thank you. Oh, and one other thing is we are since wewarded the master plan uh to Jim Ratalo Associates, we are going to get that kickstarted pretty soon with the planning board subcommittee and

37
00:10:45.839 --> 00:11:03.680
there'll be public meetings for the uh planning board and general public. >> Great. >> That's it. Thank you, Chief Henson. >> Thank you, Mayor Commissioner. Just a few police department. First of all, the police department has coordinated with

38
00:11:03.680 --> 00:11:20.079
the city clerk and our bike auction will be conducted on Saturday, June 13th, 2026 at 10 a.m. We'll put out all the legal notices. We'll inform the public. It's a really good opportunity to get possibly a cheap bike for the summer. There approximately 30 to 40 bikes that

39
00:11:20.079 --> 00:11:35.839
we have in storage. So again, it's usually a it's a laidback kind of event. We can fit on the bikes, but again, it's it's a good way to pick up a a bike for the summer. Uh the police department worked with public works and the city electrician and we have new lights installed at the

40
00:11:35.839 --> 00:11:52.240
Kater Avenue playground. Again, they are solar portable lights. Again, we'll see how they work. We'll see how much illumination we get, you know, for for nighttime. They're they can be on a timer. So, we're going to see how that works. We might have to install more. We're not sure. But we tried to find the

41
00:11:52.240 --> 00:12:07.839
most cost effective way to put lighting at that that park behind the police station on Dec Avenue. We had recruits be begin the police academy on Monday. They were replacing officers who retired and resigned. As of tonight, we are down to one police

42
00:12:07.839 --> 00:12:23.519
officer in the academy as uh one of the two decided the police academy was not for them. So yeah, we will start the recruiting process again to try to stay at our minimums as we have since 2031 officers. So again, we'll work on that.

43
00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:38.320
The police department also is going to begin onboarding three part-time class one officers for the summer season. Class one officers supplement full-time officers. They do task such as parking enforcement. We have a lot more parking issues in the summer. Traffic details

44
00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:54.240
along those lines. The their powers are limited, but at least they are a good supplement. Two other things is from the crime prevention standpoint. First of all, I say at every meeting and I I push it. It's not just Marty, even our Vetner and

45
00:12:54.240 --> 00:13:09.279
Longport this time of year, please make sure have that nightly routine. Make sure your car is locked. Make sure your house is locked because people have a lot of car burglaries and 99% of them come from unlocked cars. That is usually the first question when someone says my

46
00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:24.880
car was broken into. Was it unlocked? And most of the times it is. So I always say please. They're mostly crime of opportunity. Words are unlocked. I find it work. If it's locked, people will move on. So again, I say that over and over and I will say to everybody, please

47
00:13:24.880 --> 00:13:39.200
make sure you lock your cars in your homes. And lastly, we've seen an increase in fraud uh incidents over the over the last months and a lot of these fraud incidents are getting more and more complex and they're getting more

48
00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:55.680
bold and more brazen. We have uh through mostly telephone conversations, people think it's a fraud from your credit card department. They have people coming out to homes thinking they're giving uh documents to a fraud investigator from

49
00:13:55.680 --> 00:14:11.519
the bank. So again, I always say if you get solicitation by phone, double check with your actual credit card companies, double check with your local branch of the bank. With AI, they can even different voices of point B say somebody

50
00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:27.199
from your from your local bank so again I say over and over don't give out any information over the phone contact your local branches in fact with detective Aaron MLI we are working with the local also the FBI we're looking seminar first or second weekend in June some of our

51
00:14:27.199 --> 00:14:50.680
seniors just about the level of parole that's happening right now to see that's all I have right now >> thank you chief pats um help the ordinance for >> dining. >> Pat, your microphone's off.

52
00:14:51.600 --> 00:15:07.440
>> Sorry about that. Always tend to seem to forget that. Um, so we worked on the uh ordinance with the pop-ups. Um the outdoor dining, it's all been uh set up and it's being reviewed by uh some of our stakeholders to make sure that um

53
00:15:07.440 --> 00:15:22.720
it's something that addresses what we believe address our needs. Uh research uh areas for reduction in the budget. I talked to all of our department heads and our commissioners. As of yet, um we haven't uh been able to find any significant areas for savings. Um there

54
00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:37.360
has been no suggestions or alterations at this point. um worked uh on getting the cost and benefits of our third party third party for Trinity um with our uh construction office for that

55
00:15:37.360 --> 00:15:55.440
information. Uh looked at the finance reconi reconfiguration um website is has been completed. Um for the most part it should be on our next agenda. So we'll be updating our website. um our committee uh got

56
00:15:55.440 --> 00:16:12.959
together, they actually got quotes and I think they passed them went through Roger and I think it's it's going to be up and running for um the next meeting is going to be on the agenda. Um had a meeting with Booker's office regarding grants. One of them would be Shelter Island. Um the solicitor talked about

57
00:16:12.959 --> 00:16:29.440
that earlier. um negotiating contracts with the lifeguards and of course uh discussing dredging with other municipalities trying to get some ideas on how to go about doing things and making things easier instead of reinventing the wheel.

58
00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:46.000
That would be it for now. >> Great. Thank you, Pat. Lisa, anything to add? >> Yes, we'd like to remind everyone that on May 2nd right here at this firehouse, there will be the annual rabies clinic from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. You will also be able to purchase dog licenses

59
00:16:46.000 --> 00:17:03.920
for Margate. And also, if you are not registered to vote in the primary, the deadline for registration is May 12th. >> Great. Thank you. All right. We will now open up public comment. If anyone has any comment on any of the items discussed during workshop, please step

60
00:17:03.920 --> 00:17:22.160
forward. Is there a motion to close public comment on workshop? >> Motion. >> Second. Mayor Collins, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blumberg, >> yes. >> Commissioner Horn, >> yes. >> Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins,

61
00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:46.320
>> yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg, >> yes. >> Commissioner Horn, >> yes. >> Like to call the meeting to order, please. Lisa, will you read the statement of compliance? The notice requirements of the open public meetings act for this meeting have been satisfied. A copy of the annual meeting

62
00:17:46.320 --> 00:18:01.600
notice was sent to the Atlantic City Press carrier posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building, the municipal website, and filed in the office of the municipal clerk. Please turn off all electronic devices. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.

63
00:18:01.600 --> 00:18:17.440
>> Pension salute. I pledge allegiance 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. >> Lisa, please take the role.

64
00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:33.039
>> Mayor Collins >> here. >> Commissioner Blumbber, >> I am here. >> Commissioner Horn >> here. >> Is there a motion for the approval of the April 2nd, 2026 regular and workshop meeting minutes? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> Yes. Commissioner Blumberg, >> yes.

65
00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:51.280
>> Commissioner Horn, >> yes. >> We will now open up public comment on resolutions and ordinance adoption. So, if anyone has any comment on any of the items on today's agenda, please step forward. >> Uh Kathy Heitzman, 22 South Adams

66
00:18:51.280 --> 00:19:07.919
Avenue. Thank god I'm not on South Washington Avenue. That's all I Thankful I move. Um, I have a question on the resolutions about the labor agreements. It's 92-2026 to 94-2026.

67
00:19:07.919 --> 00:19:24.400
I wondered if I could get information about salary increases if there were indeed one because I know we talked about the 18% insurance increases and as a former employee not of this city but of another city, we did not get a salary increase because the

68
00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:42.960
medical went up and our medical was cut. What would you like to know? >> I would like to know what you have proposed in terms of the increase for salaries. >> Sure. So, there was a um a market adjustment. Um we went from uh 16 steps

69
00:19:42.960 --> 00:20:01.919
down two steps. Um and at that point, um that was for 2026. 2027 ended up being a three and a half. And then 28 is four and 29 is 4% increases.

70
00:20:01.919 --> 00:20:19.280
>> Can you translate that into dollars >> as far as what per person? Per >> No, no, no. Well, you can't do person, >> right? >> We would do um No, just in terms of the overall because I have a couple figures that I questioned on the budget. >> Sure. Um if you want to get a hold of me

71
00:20:19.280 --> 00:20:34.720
tomorrow, um I can I can easily get that information to you. You went for all three unions, correct? Yeah, all three and individual. >> Everybody's >> So, some of the individuals have not gotten contracts yet. We've only

72
00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:50.000
negotiated. Um, and the only thing on the agenda tonight would be for the >> But you proposed >> I have not as of yet. >> Okay. >> The the the the contracts have been proposed for tonight, but individual contracts for people um unless they're

73
00:20:50.000 --> 00:21:05.280
actually listed on here, they're not there. There's been any proposals at this point that There have been not not been any proposals uh for individuals as of this time. The unions are on for tonight. Will >> that be decided budget is approved?

74
00:21:05.280 --> 00:21:22.480
>> We've we've made estimates for the budget itself, but um the contracts are still being negotiated at this time. >> Yep. Thank you, Kathy. There >> a motion to close public comment on resolutions and ordinance adoption. >> Motion.

75
00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:37.280
>> Second. Mayor Collins, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blumbber, >> yes. >> Commissioner Horn, >> yes. >> Lisa, will you proceed, please? May I have a motion for the introduction of ordinance number 05-2026

76
00:21:37.280 --> 00:21:53.039
bond ordinance providing for phase 2 of the lead water service lines replacement project by the city of Margate in the county of Atlantic New Jersey appropriating $2,500,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance

77
00:21:53.039 --> 00:22:10.320
of up to $2,500,000 aggregate principal amount bonds or notes for the city of Margate, county of Atlantic, New Jersey, to finance the cost thereof. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg,

78
00:22:10.320 --> 00:22:26.880
>> yes. >> Commissioner Horn, >> yes. >> May I have a motion for the adoption of ordinance number 04-2026, calendar year 2026, ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank?

79
00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:41.200
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Horn. >> Yes. >> May I have a motion for the reintroduction of resolution number 63-2026

80
00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:58.400
authorized payment home center? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> I abstain. >> Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Horn. >> Yes. >> May I have a motion for the authorizing of I'm sorry. May I have a motion for

81
00:22:58.400 --> 00:23:16.080
resolution number 83-2026 authorizing bill payment and claims? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumb? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Horn? >> Yes. >> May I have a motion for resolution

82
00:23:16.080 --> 00:23:33.120
number 84-2026 authorizing payment to Colemar Home Center? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> I abstain. >> Commissioner Blumberg. Yes. >> Commissioner Horn. >> Yes. >> May I have a motion for resolution number 85-2026

83
00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:48.240
authorizing self-examination of 2026 municipal budget? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Horn. >> Yes. May I have a motion for the consent agenda which consists of resolution

84
00:23:48.240 --> 00:24:08.080
number 86-2026 through resolution number 95-2026. >> Motion >> second. >> Mayor Collins. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumberg. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Horn. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Lisa. We will now open up public comment. If anyone has any

85
00:24:08.080 --> 00:24:27.039
comment on any topic at all, please step forward. Jeff Hoffner, five South Monroe, Sunrise to Gillibar. That's great. They got windows. Like I said, like I told you, Scott, I don't care if they spend a million dollars.

86
00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:45.919
>> I don't care if they spend a million dollars on windows. The sound's coming out the ceiling. What are you guys going to do about it? No answer. Anybody have a question? What? What are we going to do here? >> I mean, I I our approach by my house

87
00:24:45.919 --> 00:25:02.640
10:00, 9:00, whenever. You'll see what we're going through. See how fast it gets, you know, fixed. I'm I don't come to these meet just to about musical. I love music. I don't want to hear my porch. I don't want to hear my bedroom. I don't want to hear my kitchen.

88
00:25:02.640 --> 00:25:21.120
>> Yeah, I know. And at the at the last meeting, Scott had set up a meeting. I don't know if those meetings took place or >> Hey, Scott, he knows where we live. Come on. He walked by me the other day. >> Yeah, >> we can only do so much. The reality of

89
00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:36.640
the fact is it's a commercial zone. You live directly across the street from the bar and there's going to be noise there. >> Understood. Understood. I understand understood. >> Complain. We They spent 17. >> I don't care how much they spend on

90
00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:53.279
window in the last month. That makes no difference to me. I don't >> The fine I believe over 20,000 I forget exactly about 15,000 15,000 and our police are there. If you're going to complain I I think one of the

91
00:25:53.279 --> 00:26:10.320
best moves would be the parties met together, but there's really only so much we can do. A lot of that noise comes from patrons out. >> No, it's music, Scott. I'm not complaining about patrons. There's not a lot of patrons in there. Music. I agree with you is that the louver went

92
00:26:10.320 --> 00:26:26.559
through correct to do something more. >> Yeah, it's louvers. It's like >> windows. I think they have >> a three story house. It's come right through the louvers. Second and third floor. We're affected by it. >> But you have to understand >> I can walk by Johnny's. Hey, I can walk by Johnny's and Johnny's

93
00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:45.520
pumping music in there. You don't hear it across the street. I know him right about it. back. >> You don't hear it. You don't hear it. >> Memories. Memories, too. They're They did a good job over there.

94
00:26:45.520 --> 00:27:07.200
>> Greenhouse. They shut off at 8:00. >> I don't think so. >> 8:00 in the summer. They're done. They go past Island House and you guys shut them down. >> What's the solution? to be a wise solutions. Don't move across the street.

95
00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:22.159
>> Come on. It's got to been there 30 years. I've been there 30 years. You guys approved it. >> I do know it's because the crowds that are outside. >> It's not the crowd. It's What about February?

96
00:27:22.159 --> 00:27:43.440
>> What about February? There's no crowd of February. Come on. >> Is people outside? >> No. >> No. I'll send you a couple videos. Well, come over to my house. See what we're going through. >> Probably bring them back in here for

97
00:27:43.440 --> 00:28:06.799
more. >> It is a problem. I I told you that last meeting, >> but I would love to. >> Hey, they know where we live. They know where they live. We live. What? Do I have to end up suing personally or what? Well, you know,

98
00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:23.120
>> okay. >> Can't give you I'm not going to give you an answer. >> I don't have the ability. >> Why does every Why does um Roberts Health Side 10 o'clock? >> Yeah, but they're they're not 10

99
00:28:23.120 --> 00:28:47.360
o'clock. I get it. You don't go to one two o'clock in the morning. your pistol. >> Okay, >> I'm just going to piggy back on um Jeff um Janine Duro, 6 South Monroe. I'm two two doors down from the Sunrise Tequila.

100
00:28:47.360 --> 00:29:04.559
So my question really is more about um accountability and enforcement. So when this was first approved by the planning board, I just want to know who enforces what was decided at that time. So it was decided they were only going to be open

101
00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:20.720
till 10:00. There's so many other things that our attorney put in that letter that they are not adhering to any of those besides the noise. The noise is horrible. Um but they're not adhering. So, who is what entity in the city is

102
00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:36.320
responsible to make sure they're adhering to these everything they said they were going to do in the very beginning? >> So, the conditions of their approval are enforced by the zoning board. >> Okay. >> And then >> so how like when does the zoning board

103
00:29:36.320 --> 00:29:51.679
go out and check, you know, what's going on there? >> If there's any zoning complaints, they go out and check and verify. And if um you know as they have gotten their approvals going through the temporary CO process. >> Okay. Well, what about the complaints

104
00:29:51.679 --> 00:30:07.919
now? Like who's who's enforcing that they're not complying? >> I think I think what we've seen again from the public as far as um things that the public think should be enforced are things that they may have said on the record, we're going to do this, but they

105
00:30:07.919 --> 00:30:25.039
were not conditions of their approval. Okay. Okay. >> So that the zoning board has no ability to enforce that. That correct, Roger? Isn't that >> okay? What about the 10 p.m. No music? And >> so so 10 p.m. is a ordinance for outdoor music. So >> well, it is an open air. It is open air.

106
00:30:25.039 --> 00:30:41.840
So does that count? >> Considered indoor space. So they're not held by the 10 p.m. So I'll give you an example. Roberts was brought up. Roberts has indoor space and outdoor space. >> They keep their music going indoors. Yeah. They they shut it off outdoors and that's that's uh

107
00:30:41.840 --> 00:30:57.200
>> and they also pipe music outside too. They have speakers on the outside of the building as well. So just so you're aware of that. It's not only the indoor music, but it is piped all the time. 10:00 a.m. till 10 p.m. Well, to whenever they close it's always on and there's nobody even outside. So it is kind of ridiculous that they have that.

108
00:30:57.200 --> 00:31:12.080
So my other question, so there is no enforcement basically. You're telling me it just happens after it's built like because I feel like we are being the enforcers now. like I we have to call and complain to the police and we're getting nowhere with that obviously. Um

109
00:31:12.080 --> 00:31:28.320
so, you know, we're all taxpayers here. I pay a fortune for my property that is now two doors down from a bar. And the fact that, you know, we live next to a bar, well, we've always lived next to a a packaged goods store and a pizza place and they were fine neighbors. We live across the street from a gas station. Great neighbors. Have never had a

110
00:31:28.320 --> 00:31:44.000
complaint. Lived here for 50 years. So, it's the taxes we pay here. we're supposed to feel safe in this environment. We're supposed to be protected by you guys. And I just feel like that's not happening in this situation. Um, you know, somebody had said, you know, maybe you guys should

111
00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:59.919
move. Okay. Well, if I move, I sell my house, which is now depreciated because I'm living next door to a loud bar. Uh, go where am I going to go? Where can I go for the amount of money I'm going to get from my house? There's nowhere I can go. I can't get in anywhere. It's so expensive. So, I would like to stay in

112
00:31:59.919 --> 00:32:15.840
the house that we've had for 50 years. However, I would just like a little help with this from the city to help us with this. And you know that you you had um said that maybe they'll meet with us. Well, nobody has reached out. So, that's ludicrous. They don't want to meet with us and they don't want to be better

113
00:32:15.840 --> 00:32:30.799
neighbors because they've only paid $15,000 in fines. So, my last question is how is there any way we can tie compliance with the things that they said they were going to do with maybe their licensing or something like that?

114
00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:47.440
Well, so I think and there was a a letter sent to the city by an attorney representing, you know, many of the residents in the area and, >> you know, our solicitor has reviewed that in process of reviewing it, trying again, there's >> Okay. Well, he obviously didn't see any

115
00:32:47.440 --> 00:33:02.240
of the videos that we've sent because we sent about 15 >> meetings between, you know, other city departments trying to resolve this. And again, I think what our solicitor has to determine is again what of those alleged

116
00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:19.200
violations are zoning violations or are they just um things again that people thought they were going to do but that they failed to do based on the the testimony given during the hearing. >> Okay. Okay. So So you'll be reviewing that? I mean I the letter we did send

117
00:33:19.200 --> 00:33:35.440
you a lot of videos of the noise and everything. It's not fair to say they haven't done any. >> You're still off. Scott 170 180,000 of new >> that open.

118
00:33:35.440 --> 00:33:50.720
>> I don't think so. I don't think so. >> I don't think so. >> I No. No. I didn't say I don't care. I said I don't think that's why they installed the windows. I think they installed the windows because when it rains it's a hazard and it rains all the time and the rain comes. I don't think

119
00:33:50.720 --> 00:34:15.359
so. I don't think so. >> Okay. So, all I'm asking as a resident here for 50 years is a little help from the city to try to come to a reasonable solution >> for 50 years. Liquor basically.

120
00:34:15.359 --> 00:34:31.040
>> Yeah. >> Not a bar. >> Yeah. Now they come in that commercial zone allows that type of use and it was a broad sea license and they go with the bar. >> Right. >> And now we're all suffer >> right. But you guys approved the bar which wasn't a great idea. No, you're

121
00:34:31.040 --> 00:34:49.440
not suffering as much as we are. Yeah. Because we this >> try to get them to make it as quiet as possible. >> Okay. Well, I I do appreciate that because you know we're all tired. I don't want to come down here. >> They have They're very

122
00:34:49.440 --> 00:35:10.720
>> they're very responsive. However, I would like to see them find every time we call. So that's, you know, so that maybe they feel it in their pocketbook a little more. All right. Well, thank you. Thank you for your time. >> Hi, Liz O'Brien for South Monroe. I wasn't actually going to talk tonight. I

123
00:35:10.720 --> 00:35:27.520
was just coming to support, but a few things that you said and also mayor that you said. Um, so at the planning board meeting where this was conditionally approved, this bar, um, I was here with my husband. We had pages and pages of questions because we went

124
00:35:27.520 --> 00:35:43.520
to city hall and looked at the plans before the meeting so we'd be prepared. And then when we got here, the plans that were here were different. And they said, "Oh, yeah. We just printed them out this morning." So that was nothing that we could have looked at until we got to the meeting. And then the

125
00:35:43.520 --> 00:35:59.119
architect when I asked about, you know, the garbage area and a couple things, he got a new plan and he was scribbling with a pen on plans and I said, "Okay, so where like are there plans at this meeting that you can vote on?" because I

126
00:35:59.119 --> 00:36:13.119
worked for municipal engineers um and I've been to lots of planning board and zoning meetings and I have never been to one until that one where there were not signed and sealed

127
00:36:13.119 --> 00:36:30.800
plans by a professional engineer and it got voted on and I I asked the question that night. I said are so a couple of the board members said oh well there's going to be a condition you know there's going to be a list of conditions

128
00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:46.000
that we're voting on and I said well is that going to be ready and before the end of this meeting before you vote and they kind of laughed at me and brushed it away and didn't answer the question. So that's exactly what happened. There

129
00:36:46.000 --> 00:37:03.359
were plans here that were not complete. They were not finished. They were not sealed and signed as they should be and there was not a list of conditions that the public or anybody else could see and yet the board voted to approve it.

130
00:37:03.359 --> 00:37:18.880
How do you explain that? >> So Liz, it actually happens probably more frequently than you think. Um the zoning board gets it gets plans and then they will ask for a modification for approval. Um I don't know if there's specific termin ter terminology. Palma and Roger maybe you can add something.

131
00:37:18.880 --> 00:37:35.359
But I I hear often we don't sit on the planning board. We will you know we get copies of the cases that are coming up. I'll review them. The next day I might call Roger and say what happened what got approved what didn't and he'll say this one got approved with this change in this modification this one. So it it

132
00:37:35.359 --> 00:37:51.920
actually is more common than not that there will be changes >> in this city maybe not a lot of other most places you need a you need a a final set of plans or a list of contingencies and conditions before you're a how do you vote on something if they're not it's not determined yet.

133
00:37:51.920 --> 00:38:07.440
>> So they they bring the plans there are modifications they have to have the final sealed plans in before they get their construction permit >> but yet you voted >> match you already it was already approved >> with those conditions. So how does that help the public? What was the point of having the public here?

134
00:38:07.440 --> 00:38:22.960
>> So a lot of times the public feedback is why those conditions are imposed. So the public may be concerned about a trash enclosure and the trash overflowing. So the board will say modify that trash enclosure to accommodate X Y and Z and we will we will give approval. So, do

135
00:38:22.960 --> 00:38:37.839
you remember me talking about the trash enclosure and that it wasn't big enough and that the the volume and their engineer Arthur Chu stood over there and said the architect stood here and said there's no way to know how much trash they're going to have. I said there

136
00:38:37.839 --> 00:38:55.040
absolutely is. They already know how many people they have. They know how much trash they generated this summer. So, they're adding 89 people. It's an e that's what engineers do. You can figure these things out. you model and you estimate and

137
00:38:55.040 --> 00:39:10.960
the trash enclosure isn't big enough. They have to empty it. They have people running down the street to their real estate office to throw away bags of trash because it's overflowing. And I've sent pictures, you've all seen my pictures with trash blocking the whole fire exit, emergency egress area. It's a

138
00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:26.720
fire hazard. And they do it. They're still doing it. Just this past spring, I on my Ring camera, there's bags of trash in the egress, the emergency egress. So, if if there's a fire or an emergency and people have to run out of there, people

139
00:39:26.720 --> 00:39:43.920
could get hurt and that's on you guys. And that's okay. You're shaking your head. That's okay with you. >> I mean, when those notifications were sent to us, I know maybe a month or maybe six months ago, whatever it was, fire chief notified all of us, hey, I got an issue. It went down there and it was cleared by the time you got there.

140
00:39:43.920 --> 00:39:59.440
So, is that accurate, chief? It was something >> Yes, mayor. That is accurate. And and Liz, you sent it to me and I act on it. >> You did. You were very quick. >> And it's taken care of right away. And we sent the onduty personnel down there to asssure that it was taken care of. And we sent them back later to make sure

141
00:39:59.440 --> 00:40:15.920
it didn't come back or was not a reoccurring problem that day. Um, you know, if there is a problem, you notify me regularly. You have my cell, you send me pictures, you send me notice, and we act on it immediately. I totally appreciate that and you did a great job. My point that I'm making right now is

142
00:40:15.920 --> 00:40:31.920
that I stood here at that planning board meeting before it was approved and explained to everybody that it was not big enough and yet you approved it. And so now people are running down the street and yes, the fire chief has to come out and you know it has to be like everybody has

143
00:40:31.920 --> 00:40:50.240
to get involved and there's unless I call or one of us calls nobody will know that the the egress is blocked. So, like Janine said, we're policing. >> Mayor, I I I can I can just interject here. I can make sure we're we're due

144
00:40:50.240 --> 00:41:06.400
for a reinspection of that facility for the uniform fire code inspection. I will make sure when we do that inspection that it's clearly advised to them that they have to leave the exit path clear and if there is a violation, we will inform that there will be penalties associated with that violation.

145
00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:21.280
>> So, how much is that penalty? >> I'd have to look it up. the code. It varies depending on what it is. Um, but I'd have to look the code up directly. It's not in front of me right now, but there could be penalties instituted through the uniform fire code that we can do. And I will make that clear to

146
00:41:21.280 --> 00:41:37.280
the owners of the property upon the inspection of that facility. >> That's great. Um, my other point is about you live next to a bar. I mean, it's a very different bar. You guys approve or the planning board approved something that should have never been

147
00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:52.960
put there. It was until now. Now there are windows, but we all know it's not air conditioned in there. And besides the fact that it has an open roof, all the windows are going to be open when there's people in there in the summer because it's not air conditioned. They can't keep the windows closed. It'll be

148
00:41:52.960 --> 00:42:09.280
boiling hot, right? So, we all know. So, how do you not consider that an outdoor bar? And before it had windows last summer, how did you not consider that an outdoor bar? Is there a definition

149
00:42:09.280 --> 00:42:26.079
>> like my boat three years ago? >> You're you're saying that you shouldn't live next to a bar, but we didn't live next to this thing. This was approved by the planning board and it should not have been. >> It's not. So, the windows are just going to be open. So, the fact that they spent

150
00:42:26.079 --> 00:42:41.839
all that money doesn't really matter because they're going to be You see how they are? They're It's like an accordion. >> Well, but he is voting me. We weren't there to think. We weren't We weren't there. >> So, you still have to take responsibility. You're the city

151
00:42:41.839 --> 00:42:58.800
solicitor. You're you're the mayor. You You have to >> Well, I'm saying you, the city of Margaret, I'm not saying you personally, but the city of Mar, the planning board approved something that was not final, that wasn't we couldn't ask questions.

152
00:42:58.800 --> 00:43:16.160
>> They come in today. I believe they had two full public, right? >> Two full public hearing. How many hours? six hours. >> So, it's not like, oh, somebody rubber stamped it and just pushed it. >> It absolutely got rubber stamped. >> Well, five or six hours in my due time,

153
00:43:16.160 --> 00:43:36.400
>> but we made all the points that we made and nothing was done about them. >> There's still no windows. There's still >> Yeah. final impression. >> So, what are >> right? So, they need air conditioning

154
00:43:36.400 --> 00:43:51.760
and they need a solid surface roof or they need to shut off the music at 10:00 like every other bar in town, >> right? >> So, upstairs they need to not have a DJ going on at 8:00 every single night that goes till 2 o'clock in the morning. So,

155
00:43:51.760 --> 00:44:07.280
why can't we say no more music upstairs after 10 o'clock? Can anybody How do we get that done? That that's what they said they were going to do. And that was why I asked at the planning board meeting. Is there going to be a list of conditions here? Because had

156
00:44:07.280 --> 00:44:22.720
there been and we could see what everybody's voting on, it would have been written down. But you're saying they just basically stood here and lied to us. Lied to you, lied to the board, lied to everybody, the town, and that so but because they said it, but because it's not written down and it's not in

157
00:44:22.720 --> 00:44:38.720
the conditions which we weren't allowed to see, which we couldn't see, that weren't available that night, even though it was voted on and approved, so they can't be held to that. >> Again, I I wish I could give you a better answer as far as the conditions and how that works.

158
00:44:38.720 --> 00:44:52.960
>> So, they stood here. You're agreeing. They stood here and said they were going to not turn off the music >> that what I'm saying is when a couple meetings ago when a group group of you came and were talking about this, it was it was brought up that there's conditions of approval and then there's

159
00:44:52.960 --> 00:45:08.000
testimony and they're different. So, all I'm saying is there is a there is a difference. I did not hear any of the testimony that says they were going to do X, Y, and Z. I did not hear the >> I was here at the meeting. They stood right there. We're going to have the music off. Oh, and we're not going to differentiate between

160
00:45:08.000 --> 00:45:24.560
>> cuz that's disgusting. Mr. Gold. Uh, >> we have the ability to listen to the testimony. I'm sure that we >> our lawyer, it's in the letter. They they went through, they scoured it. They made a transcript. They wrote down every single thing they said and it's in the

161
00:45:24.560 --> 00:45:39.280
letter that you have. Everybody should have it. So, we have to be able to listen to the testimony and then to hold them to what it is that they testify to and what and

162
00:45:39.280 --> 00:45:55.440
the board voted on what they said. >> When the board when the board votes the at the following meeting, it is then uh memorialized. Right. >> Memorialized. >> And the conditions would be in that report. >> The conditions are Yes. They're in the

163
00:45:55.440 --> 00:46:13.119
right DNR. Leo reads the conditions at the at the hearing so the board knows what they're voting. >> So Pat, could you could you do me a favor and review this um situation from from where I sit here? Um

164
00:46:13.119 --> 00:46:28.960
it it's not fair to the to the residents. They've been there. They've lived there. They shouldn't have to come in here meeting after meeting uh with no resolution. The letter that their lawyer wrote, in my opinion, needs to be

165
00:46:28.960 --> 00:46:45.359
addressed and replied to in writing. It's been almost two months, I think, since we've got the letter for >> the the >> So, it was official. Did we officially reply?

166
00:46:45.359 --> 00:47:00.720
>> Meetings, numerous meetings, met with them. As I say, they spent over 170,000. I I understand everything that Scott I I understand everything that they've done. There's still a problem there. There's still a problem. We We're listening to

167
00:47:00.720 --> 00:47:16.640
it every meeting. We shouldn't listen to it anymore. We shouldn't have to and they shouldn't be subject to it anymore. We in my opinion, we need to do something. We can't keep going on and on and on there. Something has to be done.

168
00:47:16.640 --> 00:47:32.240
And then and then my last and final question is um for Mike and Kathy, have you guys had any conversations related to the situation with the owners? I I know I know we know them. Has there been

169
00:47:32.240 --> 00:47:48.240
any conversation related to that with the owners? Do they know that? Do we know do they know that there's a serious concern here? and do we have the ability to like they've asked can we impose

170
00:47:48.240 --> 00:48:05.760
restrictions uh and if they don't comply we don't renew their license I I think it's come to that for me >> I know they are aware I have not had any conversations directly with them I've only spoken with Scott and Pat and the chief and whenever we have our meetings

171
00:48:05.760 --> 00:48:24.559
that's that's >> for for me we just we shouldn't have to they shouldn't have to live with it. For me, it's an easy fix and maybe Pat can uh address the the concerns and the uh

172
00:48:24.559 --> 00:48:40.480
testimony and then we can try and move forward. >> What's the easy fix >> for me? The easy fix is turn off the music at 10:00. You're done. Thank you. >> It's over. >> No more music. And they because they

173
00:48:40.480 --> 00:48:57.520
>> Well, they don't. No, they don't >> because they don't >> come over Saturday. >> They're getting fine, Scott. >> Yes. >> So, they don't we've had >> Commissioner Commission Mayor, if I may, >> and I have been involved in this from

174
00:48:57.520 --> 00:49:13.200
the beginning. I have had more meetings. My police department responds to all the calls. I have had more headaches all the way around with this because I get informed on this. There is an issue that we need to define and we need to define

175
00:49:13.200 --> 00:49:30.240
if that is outdoor space or not. We need a clarification. I've asked for that clarification and if we can define it, it will move us on from this. I have had so many conversations with everybody in this room, the attorneys, the owners. And I think that would clarify some

176
00:49:30.240 --> 00:49:47.760
things. Is it indoor space? Is it not indoor space? Is it outdoor space? And I think that will clarify some issues. Can we vote now? It's outdoor space. >> Outdoor space, obviously. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Liz.

177
00:49:47.760 --> 00:50:03.839
>> Commissioner, I just want to be clear. You want me to review >> listen to the testimony, right, >> that they are referring to? There's a tape from the planning board where they agreed to certain to to certain conditions. >> Okay. >> So that we can have an idea whether or

178
00:50:03.839 --> 00:50:34.319
not there are things that we can or cannot enforce. >> There were two meetings. you have to listen to >> and and Roger can help you with >> Okay. Thanks. >> I just want to make sure I was clear. >> Perfect. >> Hello, Mary and Clemer 25 North Madison. Thank you for uh your help with this.

179
00:50:34.319 --> 00:50:50.160
And I just wanted to say that I don't care how much money they spend on those windows. They keep them open. They're not stationary windows. I I'm just piggybacking on everything they said. So if they keep the windows open,

180
00:50:50.160 --> 00:51:05.599
the noise I hear two two and a half blocks away. So I wouldn't even want to be them because every time we come here, we pledge allegiance to the flag for liberty and justice for all. And it doesn't seem like the people that live there forever have the liberty that they

181
00:51:05.599 --> 00:51:31.760
used to have. So I just thank you for your help with this. Kathy Heitzman, 22 South Adams Avenue. I'm a nonpartisan person in this issue. I live on South Adams. I can hear the music as this lady just said. However,

182
00:51:31.760 --> 00:51:46.559
as a citizen of this community, as most of us are, and as thank you so much, Commissioner Blumbberg, go back to the letters. Look at what it said. I was at that meeting with Liz. I walked out there and I couldn't even speak. I was

183
00:51:46.559 --> 00:52:04.640
so furious at the way they spoke condescendingly, a little like you were today to Liz. They had I was here. They had a bar. They had a pizza place. There were apartments upstairs. Apartments. Correct.

184
00:52:04.640 --> 00:52:22.400
>> Yeah. This changed the whole focus of the neighborhood. And I mean, I have friends in Longport who complain about it. They complain about the parking. We talked about the parking. 29 parking spaces. There are

185
00:52:22.400 --> 00:52:38.880
none. In the old days, you'd come, you'd pick up a pizza, get your six-ack of beer, and leave. Right or wrong, it has changed the entire community. It breaks my heart. And I don't want to prolong this meeting anymore, but you

186
00:52:38.880 --> 00:53:02.559
need to think about your people that are paying your salaries, which I will get tomorrow morning. >> Thank you, Kathy. There a motion to >> I do have one more thing to say and I'm sorry. I'm sorry everyone but this is really important. You have a 10:00

187
00:53:02.559 --> 00:53:18.960
curfew here in the summer with those teenagers that made me move because they were hanging at Wawwa. We have no problem. What's the problem with this? Can you explain that to me? We had police when we had the problem

188
00:53:18.960 --> 00:53:35.760
with memories. The new man that opened up Memories, you station police people down there in the corner. Can't we do that? Can't you have a couple people there? Or even just rotating around 10, 10, 15, 10:30 to make sure they're complying and raise the fines, explain

189
00:53:35.760 --> 00:53:51.040
to them because of all this. First time 500, a thousand, third time that night, shut them down. I mean, we need to as community people think about other people

190
00:53:51.040 --> 00:54:13.280
and what they're living through because it's not fun, especially in the summer when all these windows will be opened. >> There a motion to close public comment. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg.

191
00:54:13.280 --> 00:54:24.880
>> Yes. Commissioner Horn. >> Yes. >> Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mayor Collins. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blumbberg. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Horn. >> Yes.