Cindy, can I have a roll call, please? >> Commissioner Langrath, >> here. >> Commissioner Mento, >> here. >> Mayor of Creable >> here. Thank you. Um, the uh I'll read the open public meetings announcement pursuant to the open public meetings act. Adequate announce adequate notice
of this meeting has been provided. The agenda for this meeting is posted in city hall and on the city's website at www.bendercity.org. We also have the live streaming announcement. The city of Ventner offers live streaming in the option of public comment via remote access as a
convenience to the public. In the event remote access is unavailable for any reason beyond the city's control, the city will not pause or stop live meeting. The city reserves the right to discontinue remote access at the discretion of the city for any future meetings.
Uh we have no presentations and we have no department head reports. Uh we do not have capital meeting, capital discussion or minutes. We do have three ordinance introductions this evening. The first
will be lifeguard pension ordinance. Uh the second will be uh salary ordinance which is uh providing the ranges for salaries and the third will be uh beach patrol salary ordinance.
Any questions on that? >> Nope. >> Okay. Uh we have uh we do have a public hearing and adoption. We have uh uh ordinance 001. This is ordinance to
exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits to establish a cap bank. This is something we do every year. Do you have any uh finance and administrator? Would you like to make a >> It allows us to bank the >> Speak into the mic, please. It allows us to bank the difference between the 2 and a half% and the 3 and a half% for
appropriations in future years. It doesn't increase anything this year. >> And we are selected 1%. Correct. >> Yes. >> Well, the 1% is what we're allowed. 2 and a half% is the cap. You're allowed to go to 3 and a half% if you do this
ordinance. So, you're you're allowing that additional 1%. If we don't use it, it goes into a bank for use in this future two year next two years. >> And the and the purpose is for any uh unforeseen, overages, things of that
nature, right? >> Well, yeah. I think historically it's in recognition that the 2 and a half% just doesn't always work. You know, that sometimes it's impossible for municipalities to stay within that limit, >> right? So, by adopting this ordinance,
you give yourself a little bit of flexibility. >> I think that one% is about $300,000. >> Correct. >> Correct. Okay. Any other questions, Lance? >> Nope. I got it. >> Got it. Okay. Uh, moving forward to item
12 on our agenda. We have a number of resolutions by consent. Starting with 0044 is uh resolution authorizing a
refund for tax overpayment. It's pretty self-explanatory. Then we have a 045. This is authorizing support from local governing body authorizing a recreational improvement grant application funded by the department of
community affairs. This is a application for a potential grant that could be used for uh improvements at one of our parks. Correct. >> Any more more specifically ADA access to the Newport Avenue beach in the stage
area. >> Right. Then other things. I think it's broader as well. But >> it is it is broader. Yes. Um, next is 046. This is um this is one of a number of
tax abatements. Uh, I'll read out the uh 046 is a tax abatement agreement which we do in a uh for anyone doing new construction. Um, the first uh 046 is for 11 1 South
Amherst Avenue. 047 is for 601B Winchester Avenue. 048 is for 101 North Baltimore Avenue. 049 is for 316 North
Oxford Avenue. And lastly, uh 050 is 1B North Austin Avenue. All of those collectively are for uh tax abatement agreements which we do um throughout the city. Any questions on those?
>> No. >> Uh 051 is uh authorizing an abandoned vehicle auction. Um there are three vehicles for auction that are impounded through one of our um our towing companies,
which is something we do from time to time. Um 052 is um approving rates and charges and fees for the year 2026 for the recreation department city of Etner. So there's a variety of fees for different classes
and um uh uh cooper um uh co cooperations we have with different uh uh different events. Uh there's virtually very little um movement on this. if you have anything to add to that. >> Now, John, there's a couple of new things here. There's a couple new camps
being offered, so we have to establish fees for those and that they're in here as well. >> Great. Flag football, I think, was one of them. >> Football, softball. Those are new. >> Yeah. So, I think there's already some interest in that. Um I'll I'll just tag I'll just uh reach out. I just I would
just uh um shout out to anyone that's interested that the rec desk is open for these as well. I think flag football is something that um could be uh could be interesting for the city. Um 053 is an agreement with the ACUA for
digital media consultant services. This is um Sarah Varalo and her team. I can't speak highly enough for them. um they they um we I tend to give them last minute directions and a few words and she turns
it into a coherent post that is uh clear, concise and direct. So this is a small amount of money. They do our newsletter every year, every uh every month now. So I think this is a huge value in terms of communication for the city. I know you you work closely with her. Do you have anything to add?
>> Excellent. I mean you would think she worked here. >> Yeah. the the way she just uh really is able to characterize what >> what was that? >> But um it is uh it is from someone that's seen the way that city's
communicated over the years. It's such an improvement, such a better such a better uh example of the things that we we need uh um to to to get across things um to our public. Uh 054 is appointment to uh school board. So um
uh this is a um Carly Imperial. She's uh going to be one of our uh she's going to be uh um uh taking a a vacant seat. Um and I look forward to her. She's got a great uh she's got a great uh resume as
a u a speech therapist in Atlantic City, has kids in uh act and she's active in the community. She's been to a couple schoolboard meetings to offer her insights and I'm looking forward to having her on the school board as um I'm sure the rest of you are. >> I agree. I think she's going to be a
great selection. >> Yeah, >> she is a great selection. Going to be a great board member. >> Yeah. Thank you. Um, next is 055. This is uh authorizing Remington and Verdict engineers for construction management services for Winchester Main
replacement. Uh, you have you want to add anything to that, Commissioner? >> Yes. Um, so this is part of an IBANK application for eventual principal forgiveness on the loan to do the work. Um, we have to have them in as they were
design engineer on it as well. So you want them to be the guys managing that contract. So this completes that application to the I bank so we can hopefully get money to pay for it as well as the principal on that loan forgive. So forgiven,
>> right? >> So that's the uh that's the influx we're doing here. We're going to do that again on another sec. This is phase one. We're going to do phase two which I think we have another engineer working on that. Try to you know spread the work out to some of our pool. I believe Mark Delasio
is working on that space too. And you'll see the same kind of thing coming up. It's just the best way to fund these water and and storm water improvements and sewer line improvement throughout the city. >> Right. So this is this is a water main.
So this is also improving our um you know updating and and bringing things that are uh more under >> we missed you there. Yeah, I couldn't understand you. What was that? >> It's undersized in that.
>> It's undersized. Yeah, that's right. That's what I was getting at. It's an unders sized man. >> The existing I'm going through a bad se on the expressway, I guess. >> Understood. The the existing main is undersized. So, I think we covered that.
Um >> Yep. >> Uh we'll have approval of bills and payroll. Uh I don't have any discussion items. Any discussion items? No, but you did remind me when you mentioned the rec desk is open. The rec desk is also open
for vendors for our um summer concerts. So um if you're a vendor, you want to get on there and there is a wait list, but just get on there and get on the wait list. >> Great. Okay. Um,
so at this point, um, can I have a motion to open the workshop meeting to, uh, public comment on anything that we've discussed so far? >> I'll make the motion to open the meeting. >> I have a roll call. Cindy,
>> Commissioner Langrath, >> second commissioner Mento. >> Yes. >> Yes. I think we got it there. >> Okay. >> Little delay. >> Little delay. Okay. >> Um so anyone have any comments? Uh we have no one in the um
>> we have one person >> in the in the um about about items that we've spoken about so far. If there aren't any um anybody on the Zoom platform has a public comment about items that we've
spoken about so far. >> Anybody on Zoom wish to speak or comment in any of the items spoken so far? Please raise your hand within Zoom or within the chat feature and you will be recognized. >> Okay, hearing none. Can I have a motion to close public portion on workshop?
>> I'll make the motion to close the public portion. >> Have a roll call. Cindy, >> Commissioner Langraph. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. Mayor Cre. >> Yes. Um, we have no approval of minutes. We
have one ordinance introduction. Can I have a motion to introduce ordinance 2026002 which establishes the um uh pension plan for lifeguards in the
city of Vner. Uh this is a uh p this pension plan as described in the packet but we um this is something that is if you have any you have any comments you want to add to that. >> Yeah if if you would like uh historically the city has had a
lifeguard pension plan since 1987 I believe goes back that far. Uh it's uh statutoily mandated. There was an a law adopted actually back in like the 1930s that requires all cities of the fourth class of which we are one to have a
pension plan for lifeguards. So the office of the state comproller did audits of the various cities along the coast last year uh and issued reports on each and in reviewing hours the audit report that they issued had some
recommendations for modifications to the plan. Uh so a new plan has been drafted to comply with uh those deficiencies that the state controllers's office noted and this ordinance adopts the
plan. Uh it has already been presented to the new pension commission that you appointed as the first step in updating this uh this plan. They've approved it. The next step now is for you to introduce it here and to adopt it. And
at that point, uh, we'll be fully compliant with the statute and with the state controller's recommendations. So, that's where we are. >> Thank you. I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2026-002 as described. >> I will make the motion to introduce 002
as described. >> Thank you. I have a second. >> Second. >> Have a roll call. Cindy, >> Commissioner Langrath. >> Yes. Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes.
>> Public hearing on that will be February 12th. February 12th. Great. Um, next, uh, item 19 is a motion to introduce ordinance 0206-003
establishing salaries, compensation, and salary ranges of officers and employees of the city of Ventner and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances here to for adopted, the provision of which are inconsistent here with. May I have a motion? >> Okay. Motion to introduce 2026003
salary ordinance. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Can I roll roll call? Cindy. >> Commissioner Langrath. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. Mayor >> Creable. >> Yes. >> Can I add something, Tom? I think you
said this is probably good for three years. >> That that was the plan when I was doing it is basically what you're looking at is the minimum. There's two columns. the the one on the left are the minimum salaries for all of the positions that we uh presently use. Not all of these
titles are actually in use presently, but they're titles that we could potentially be using. The maximum ranges are drawn from the uh collective bargaining agreements that we have with the police, the fire teamsters,
communication workers, and clerical. So what you see is the maximums are the maximums in those contracts. So where they go out three years, these are the salaries in that third year. Okay. So that's the idea behind this was to then match the other non uh union salaries to
also go out three years. >> Thank you. So someone's looking at this and they look at the max. It's not necessarily what someone's salary is this year, but it may be what somebody's salary is three years from now. >> That's correct. It absolutely. I don't think there will be anybody that will be at these maxes this year. These these
are ranges that set minimum max. >> When we do after you adopt this, assuming you do, we'll introduce tonight adopt on February 12th. Subsequent to that, as part of the budget adoption, you'll do a salary resolution that sets the specific salaries for the non
bargaining unit employees. And those salaries then have to fit within these ranges. Okay. The contract people are already settled. We don't need to vote on those again except for the FMBA which we're not settled with yet. >> So the FMBA doesn't take into
consideration the union in here. >> I'm sorry. >> The FMA in here. Will we have to do another ordinance for them? >> Uh no. I've kind of gotten out my crystal ball and >> I'm sorry. >> I I kind of looked into my crystal ball and I predicted when I think they're going to settle.
>> Yeah. Yeah. >> Or you just build something in it. Okay. >> Yeah. And if if we have to amend it, we will. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um next we have um or item 21 on the
agenda is >> um uh public hearing for ordinance 2026- >> one more one more introduction to beach patrol salaries. >> Beach patrol salaries. Oh, lifeguard.
Oh, I'm sorry. 004. Um, item 20. Uh, next we have ordinance introduction of ordinance 2026-004, ordinance of the city of Ventner authorizing 2026 through 2028 salaries, wages, and compensations for members of
the Ventner City Beach Patrol. >> I will make that motion. >> I have a second. >> I'll second. >> Roll call. Cindy. >> Commissioner Langra. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. Mayor Creable. >> Yes.
>> And again, if I may, brief summary on this one. >> Yes, please. >> This also goes out three years. You'll see that uh there's four columns showing 25 to 28. Uh that we're looking at 3 and a half% increases across the board for each of those three years. Uh this is a
companion to the salary ordinance because it itself is pretty comprehensive. The beach patrol has a 20 year 20step program for people to go from the beginning to the top and a number of other elements that include
stipens for EMT certifications and things like that. So it's done as a separate ordinance rather than trying to fit all that into the ordinance that you just introduced for the general salaries. So that that's the beach control sour ordinance.
>> Thank you. All right. Um, no other comments on that item. Uh, we have next item is, uh, public hearing for ordinance 2026- 01
for the calendar year. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh public hearing for ordinance 2026- 0001 calendar year of 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap
bank. Can I have a motion to open public hearing on that ordinance? >> I will make the motion to open the public hearing on the ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriations limit and to establish a cap bank. And this is what we discussed just earlier.
>> Correct. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. Cindy, please. >> Commissioner Langraph. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes. Anyone in the public wish to make a
comment on ordinance 001? and Ben Zoom wish to comment on ordinance 001. >> It's our first ordinance for the year. >> No >> hearing none. May I have a motion to
close public hearing? >> Motion to close. >> A second. >> Second. >> A roll call. Cindy. >> Commissioner Langrath. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. >> Creable. >> Yes. May I have a motion to adopt ordinance
2026-001 as described? >> Motion to adopt 26001. I >> have a second. >> Think that was a second. >> I think he did it. >> He did. Yes. May I have a roll call, Cindy?
>> Commissioner Langraph. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. Mayor >> Creable. >> Yes. Okay. So, moving to uh mo uh resolutions by consent. May I have a motion to adopt resolutions 2026-044
through 2026-055 by consent uh which includes all the um description that we had earlier in the workshop. I'll make the motion to um introduce resolutions 26044 to 265.
>> Can I have a second? >> A second to adopt those resolutions. >> Have a roll call. Cindy, >> Commissioner Langraph. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. >> Creable. >> Yes. Tom, may I have uh
bills and payroll, please? Read into the right. >> Yeah. Good. Accounts payable 3,160,1201010 and payroll is $615,289.91. Actually, it might be $88. Is it you're you're laughing at me.
$615,288.91. >> Thank you. And I have a motion to approve bills and payroll. >> Motion to approve bills and payroll. >> I have a second. Second. >> Cindy, can I have a roll call, please? >> Commissioner Langrath, >> yes. >> Commissioner Mento,
>> yes. >> Creable. >> Yes. Uh, I have no announcements or safety reports, but do we have any commissioner comments? Do you want to go first? >> I have I have nothing new to offer that I haven't already said at prior meetings. So, >> Okay.
>> Um, I think that's it for me tonight. I have a couple things, but Commissioner Langraph, do you have anything uh you want to >> just an update on on the boardwalk? That's kind of the biggest Well, two things. Boardwalk and the water tower. Boardwalk is moving along. Um if you've been up there lately, the post for post
for the first pavilion there right at the pier were, as of this morning, they were installed. I don't know if they got any further, but the posts were up. Um they were framing out the second pavilion there, smaller one. Um, piling's going better. It's going
faster. So, they anticipate starting decking probably depending on weather. You know, I don't think tomorrow, but maybe early next week, they'll start decking um in that area where they're working closer to uh the pier water tower. We had a little bit of a setback
yesterday. Um we're draining the tower to start the maintenance on it and refurbishment. And the line that takes that water from the tower into the bay had a big hole in it. So everything goes at once. We had a water leak the day
before. So they fixed that yesterday. Tower should be fully drained by today. I haven't gotten an update as yet from from Ernie, but it should have been drained today and then uh they'll start the refurbishment of that uh interior of the tank first and work their way out
and then eventually repainting the entire thing. So >> that's pretty much it off the cuff tonight. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Thank you. Um um I just want to mention that there um uh that uh the two
things uh related I guess. Um our code red system has had some difficulty for people signing up. All the people who were registered prior to March of 2025 were migrated into a new dispatch list and no further effort is required.
There will be a test of code red system tomorrow, Friday, January 23rd at noon. This is only a test. It does not require a response. Does not require anyone to uh to call city hall. It is simply a test. If you receive the test, this will
be confirmation that you are actively enrolled. We have 3,245 people code red registered. Um there uh so there may have been uh some people that were not migrated after March of
2025. If uh but if you receive this test, that means that you are actively enrolled and you will have no further actions to complete. If you do not receive a test, you will need to register. We will be also be actively um
looking at uh how the the test uh takes place. Uh you can go to vetnercity.org. You can watch our our Facebook site and our website. Um if you do not receive a test tomorrow, um it's recommended you register on a computer and not on your
phone. The phone tends to have um small uh small links and small pages that can cause some confusion. Um so uh after uh so rest assured that we do have an active list of 3,245
people. My guess is that most people will be um notified yesterday and there'll be a small number of people who are not. The people that were having difficulty were likely people that are um that were already registered. So, um, also going into tomorrow and Saturday,
we have a pretty substantial storm, um, uh, forecasted for our air, >> uh, ranging from 8 to 18 in. So, our, um, our fire department, um, will be,
uh, holding, uh, holding a shift over from Sunday from midnight, uh, on and probably adding some uh, overtime. The following day we have 348 fire hydrants that will have to be make sure they're cleared and accessible. So
um a lot of uh a lot of shoveling and uh making sure that that they are in operation. Um uh Lance, there was um definitely some um uh uh some thank yous given out to Ernie and the water department team. This is according to
our um our fire chief who's been here uh his entire professional career. I believe this is one of the only times that every single hydrant in town has been operating 100%. There may So he's uh he's he was very appreciative of the
work that Ernie does in upgrading and keeping and maintaining whenever there's a problem, but um all hydrants are up and running. >> Great. I will I will make sure Ernie's aware and the crews are aware. It's >> yeah, >> not an easy. They're they're fire hydrants are a they're a problem. So,
you know, glad to hear that. Glad to hear that. >> There's always redundancies and backups, but um but but we have we have all um all all hydrants working and they'll be all dug out. But just encourage people to also to um be aware that they need to
shovel their sidewalks um after a snow event like this so that people who are using public transportation and our sidewalks um can safely navigate them. Um >> just to follow up on that, mayor, because I I forgot to mention the storm coming up. Uh public works will be we
have a meeting tomorrow to go over preparations for that storm. You will see probably tomorrow and Saturday the brine trucks will be out uh hitting our major roadways uh around city hall. They'll be salulting. All the public buildings will be salulting getting
ready for that storm. So um follow the weather channels, follow, you know, your your favorite app on your phone and you know this could be a significant storm event. >> Yep. It seems to be shaping up to be that. Do >> you want to give Sarah a post about shoveling the sidewalk? Uh
>> we can reminding people. Yeah. Sure, we can. >> Do you want me to do that or you want to handle it? Okay. >> Um, so um after uh any other The only other comment I would have is just as we get into the there's also uh uh please
follow our Facebook page. We have uh we have u our there's classes coming up in the recck department. We mentioned that. And our arts uh our cultural arts center also has classes in the in the wintertime if you're looking for things to do. Um any other uh commissioner
comments or reports? >> Not on my end. Thank you. >> Okay. So at this time we have a moment in the agenda for public comment on anything Vetner city related. Um the Vetner city commission welcomes participation of interested
organizations and individuals during this regular session. Uh uh we order uh however in order to for the commission to conduct business and be most productive. We ask uh uh to speak to any questions and comments um to limit to
three minutes per person. If you wish to address the commission, please step up to the microphone um and state your name and address. Can I have a motion to open the meeting for public comment? I have a motion to open.
>> I will make the motion to open for public comment. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. Cindy. >> Commissioner Langraph. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes. So, anyone that wishes to make a comment, please step up to the
microphone. Let me turn it on for you. Got it. >> Thank you. Please state your name and address, please. >> Good evening to you all. My name is Ed Dixon. I live at 3507 Asbury Avenue in
Ocean City, New Jersey. And I am a member of the VFW Lifelong in Washington Township, New Jersey. I'm a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lifelong, also in Washington Township, New Jersey.
and I'm also a member of the American Legion in Ocean City. And I am here to thank you for all you do to honor our military veterans over the years on Memorial Day celebration,
the June 6th celebration uh of our military bremans. Um, the this is their 82nd anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, June 6th.
Think of that day. Over 2 million military personnel. Over 4,000 ships and over 4,000 planes of all types. The greatest armada the world has ever seen.
As you know, after a long battle, defeat of the enemy was maintained. This year, we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great country. For 250 years, our military has allowed
us to live in peace and liberty and freedom. Many good men and women have fought and some never return. Today they are still fighting in foreign countries to keep us safe and preserve our
freedom. In November, we celebrate Veterans Day, a great reme chance to have tribute to them. There is something I would love to you to
consider. I am here to ask the mayor and council of Ventner to consider dedicating the entire month of August to our military veterans, men and women. They are supported and made them many
sacrifices for us and in their families. I have talked to VFW and American Legion and they seem to like the idea. We will talk again. It is the veteran, not the preacher, who
has given us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to assemble. It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right of a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician,
who has given us the right to vote. So, I'm asking for the month of August. We have special celebrations for other months. This month of August, it's the last month of summer and usually accumulates the largest crowds before everybody has to go back to work again.
Also, the month of August has a number of days in it that don't seem to be mentioned anymore. and I thought tonight I'd mention them to you. August the 1st is Air Force Day. August the 4th, United States Coast Guard was established in 1790.
August 7th, Purple Heart Medal was established in 1782. Also, the Veterans War begins 1964. Japan surrenders on August the 14th, 1945.
August 16th, National Airborne Day, August 19th, National Aviation Day, and on the 26th, Women's Equality Day. So, what I'm trying to do is establish
this month to honor our veterans because of 250 years they've allowed us to live in freedom. So, I'm asking this mayor and council to consider dedicating the month of August. And hopefully many of the people who
come down here to visit will go home thinking, "Wow, Ventner dedicated the month of August to our military veterans. Maybe when they go back to their cities and towns, they can suggest to them to do the same thing.
Because that is my quest. I will not stop. As long as I can walk, I will continue talking to different mayors and councils of cities and towns, even to newspapers, which I've done already. And I also want you to know too
that I'm backed up by Mayor Jeff uh or uh Council Congressman Jeff Andrew. Uh I have spoken to him about this a number of times. He has also suggested to the
house that this month of August also be dedicated. He doesn't know how long it'll take for that to happen, but he says he'll watch on it and hope it happens soon. So, I thank you for your attention and may God bless you all.
>> Thank you, >> Tim. I didn't catch the gentleman's name. Um, so I apologize, but uh >> my name is Ed Ed Dixon, 6093982478. I live at 3507.
>> I don't I don't need all that, sir. I just want to thank you. My My son's currently serving in the Navy. Um, he's in his last year, last of six years as a naval aviator. So, Tim and Ray, you know how I feel. >> All right. I'm >> all for it. >> I'm glad to hear you. Okay. Thank you
for that comment and I wish him the best. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I um I have no objection either. I would just put you in touch with our local BFW so that we're coordinating with them. Give them give them uh to be a part of whatever communications we have. Yeah.
I'll pass it on >> presentation. >> Thank you. >> Um, that was a very nice presentation and I'm all for the month of August for our veterans. Um, on a sadder note,
>> could you just give your name and address, please? >> Oh, I'm sorry. Mary Samberg, 219 Northwest Hicken Avenue. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um I I don't know if you remember me, but I was here a year ago regarding
the boats out in the um bay with an ordinance >> and I followed up and um with your attorney because I was here for uh one of the meetings and she was going to look into the ordinance about the boats
docking and staying and living out in the Back Bay and nothing was ever followed up through the city. So, I'm here to bring that to your attention again. But in the meantime, uh because the ordinance wasn't put in and the
boats were not rendered unseaworthy and taken away, now the boats have sunk and they're an eyes sore behind our house. I didn't come right over because uh Sito was behind our
house giving the city a price to get the boats removed. So I figured I'll give you guys time, but nothing has happened in the meantime. And I called STO and they said that the city wasn't moving
forward with removing the boats. So, um, I had spoken to Jeff Drew's office and they said it's the city's responsibility and they gave me the paperwork regarding getting rid of those
boats. >> Um, I'm just here trying to follow up and understand what's going on with it. >> You can pass that on to the uh our our administrator and our attorney. I just uh I would just clarify that >> um we did meet in person and we did pass
this on to our attorney and the attorney has been looking at ways that we can create an ordinance as a municipality. But as you may know that our our our jurisdiction ends at the bulkhead. So then there so it's not as though we can
enforce something that is in an open waterway. Tom has been working on this. our police captain and our police chief have been working on this. Commissioner Mento has been uh offering some uh >> We still have that from Long Break. >> Yes. Yes, we do. >> We do. Okay.
>> Um so I'm just telling you there has been movement on our side. >> Um >> so working with the state police, >> working with the >> they're helping us try to >> Well, this police I I was in touch with the marine police. The marine police said that um it's up to the city to remove
>> want to just follow up. I I I want to before we get back into back and forth too much. Tom has been the has been basically the lead on this. So I'd like to hear what he has to say before we >> I'm going to be very brief because there's there's likely to be litigation. There have been uh complaints filed against the gentleman that that as far
as we know owns the boats. The police department is actively pursuing uh an application that is relevant to this uh to do a title search and to potentially acquire title to the boats so that we can legally remove them and have them
destroyed. >> Right. So the title applic >> we're in the pro >> we're doing a title search to see who those posts are are registered to but I can't say I don't know the answer to the question because we're just doing the search. So
>> uh but the uh the state police have been very good at at doing this not ours. >> It's not right everybody seems >> one of the problems here is that the boats are not in the navigable water. So they're not a hazard to navigation. So
the Coast Guard, the state police or marine police kind of wash their hands of it, that it's in this harbor that doesn't go anywhere. So they don't really care. And I we understand your frustration that it's an eyesore, but uh
we are we are working on it. We haven't forgotten about it. It's been difficult, but we are working on it. >> And it's it's not it's not factual. When I read on social media that the city is doing nothing, I read that. I took offense to it. The city's been working on this, but our hands are tied in many
ways, but we're trying to work around that. >> Yeah. So, as an alternative, if we were to go in there and without making any any of this background, finding the title, finding the the legal ways to doing it, spending 7 to12,000
of taxpayer money to get that done, that would have been an issue. Of course, I don't want to spend the taxpayers money. That's why I try to >> That's what we're here. That's what we're discussing. And I appreciate your frustration and I understand. >> Yeah. >> It's when I talked to the marine police,
the marine police said that if these boats were stranded on the beach, that would get rid of them that day. And I Great. >> It's not that ma'am. It's not that easy. So it you you have to be able to take
title to the boats to we've followed up with the state police. They've told us the process. Uh is it it's Captain CBO, I believe, right, Mayor? >> That Yep, that's correct. >> He's been in contact with an officer of the state marine police. They've given us the steps. It's a lengthy lengthy
process. >> It's We couldn't come in and just take your home or your car if it was abandoned. You have to have legal jurisdiction to do it. We don't currently have that. >> Yeah. We wish we trust me. >> We wish we did. We'd be out there. We We had We got prices from STO. We got
prices from I think uh Newport Marine. >> Yeah. >> We don't want to We don't want to >> that that was put out. >> We don't want to see it either. >> All of them out there. >> But then when I you know I I tried to call the city. I called the mayor's office to talk to Patty. She wasn't
here. I stopped into the city, you know, not to have to come here at nighttime to do this, put it on the record. >> Uh, but it has been a year, >> you know. I mean, like it's kind of getting to the ridiculous point. And I
kind of tend to lean towards what the marine police had said. If the boats had floated up on the beach, it wouldn't take a year. >> It would be the same. >> It's the process, ma'am. the the description that they've provided to us. You have to wait certain period of time
to do something. Once that occurs, then you have to wait another 30 days. It is a we are in that waiting period right now. That's the last that's the last update I saw. >> And actually about three four months ago, someone from the state police reached out to us
>> with um some ideas. So, it may have be your year a year since you were first here, but it was about three or four months ago when the state police contacted us >> with some something, you know, they wanted to talk to us about on how to go about this. And that's what Tom is referring to, too. This lengthy process.
>> And there's there's a clear distinction that I think we need to make between a beach, a a boat that gets grounded on the beach versus a boat that is abandoned. There has to be a determination that it was in fact abandoned. the person that runs up on the beach is likely to have it towed
back out into the water and removed and go about their merry business. >> It took these boats were not abandoned until fairly recently when they sunk. So that's when a different process is
triggered to get title, to remove them, to have them disposed of. the gentleman who owns it has a certain period of time in which to reclaim it before we can uh collect impoundment fees. It there's a
process that has to be followed and we're trying to do that and do it right so that we don't wind up on the wrong end of litigation. I I understand your frustration and I understand but I I don't think that analogy is correct that those are those are those are recovery operations and the the owners are
typically in place >> can't be towed out if it was like a shipwreck type of deal they would get rid of it. I mean I think we both agree that that's would happen. >> Rest assured this is on our agenda with the police department. >> Understand? just want to I wanted to
know what was going on and how to follow up because Vandrew's office gave me that paperwork and that paperwork says 30 days after the thing is abandoned that it's now public property and you can remove it. It can be removed within that
30 days as long as it's documented and the marine police said it's been documented that it they were abandoned >> and sunk. So, I'm sorry. >> I don't know how else to to say it. We
are following that process with the guidance of the state police, our attorneys, and we are moving through that process. I don't know how else we can We are all very frustrated with this. We are all very frustrated. >> Believe me, nobody knows more than me. >> Yeah. And I'm back there all the time. I
see it. So, >> with Mark Hai >> on a constant basis, >> can we please not use names? >> I just ask you not to use any name. I well um it's his vote. >> I realize that but you're in a public forum. We ask you to protect the uh privac personal privacy.
>> Well, I don't know how I second part of this then because this person that owns the boat uh is now trying to live behind our >> Yeah, we're we're familiar with that. That'sing it. >> We are we are addressing it. Again, I
mean, I I I don't want to just beat a dead horse here, but but the the maritime laws are not necessarily uh going to play in our favor here. I I already pointed out that the boats were not in navigable waters. So, the Coast Guard and the Marine Police essentially wash their hands of it. And there's
nothing that I'm aware of statutoily that prohibits somebody that owns a boat from anchoring up for a period of up to 30 days and living on that boat. Ma'am, I'm just telling you the way that it was when this process started. I know
exactly where he is now. >> All right, I'm going to stop. >> Thank you. Thank you for your comments. >> I'm very I'm very sorry, but he isn't on the boot and understand >> he's popping up. >> That's a That's a police matter. We're not going to discuss that at this meeting. >> Okay. All right. So, moving forward,
what are we looking at as far as like a timeline? >> Your guess is as good as ours. We're in the process of getting title to the boat as I said to you and then we'll go from there >> cuz I know there's two different owners.
Correct. You are aware of that? >> No, we do not know officially who owns the boats. That's why we're doing a title search with the state motor vehicle commission to see who those boats are registered to. Then once we know that
officially, when we have a document that that says this belongs to him and that belongs to her, then we can take the next step. Until that happens, we're going to continue to do this in a in a welcome to reach out >> saying, but they both are registered votes. And to be registered, you have to
be the titled owner. Correct. >> I'm going to defer to >> we just we've already said that. Yeah, that's what we're pursuing. a title the city gaining title on them so that we can dispose of them. >> Okay. So, you are going to >> that's what the motion is doing. You
It's not just there to rot. >> Correct. >> Okay. That's really all I'm here for. Okay. >> All right. >> All right. I appreciate your time. >> Thank you. >> Anyone in the Zoom platform that wishes to make a comment about anything
regarding Ventner City? Anybody on Zoom wish to make any comments, please make yourself known and be recognized. Nope. All right. Okay. We have a motion to close public comment. >> I'll make the motion to close public comment. >> I have a second.
>> You said it. >> I heard second. May I have a roll call? Cindy. Commissioner Langrath, >> yes. >> Commissioner Mento, >> yes. >> Neo Creable, >> yes. I see no executive session listed.
>> I may have a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Second. >> Commissioner Langress. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Mento. >> Yes. Mayor >> Creel. >> Thanks, Lance. Uh, yes. Thanks for uh
drive safely. >> Yeah. Thanks. It's almost where I'm going. So, thank you. >> Yep. Meeting adjourned.