call to order the May 14th, 2026 Benner City Board of Commissioners meeting to order. Uh we'll rise for the flag salute, please. Pledge >> allegiance to the flag of America to the stands
indivisibley and justice for all. >> Thank you. Roll call. Lisa, >> Commissioner Langra >> here. Commissioner Mento is absent. Mayor Creville >> here. >> Thank you. Lisa, you want to read the
open public meetings announcement? >> Pursuant to open public meetings act, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. The agenda for this meeting is posted in city hall and on the city's website. The the city of Ventner offers live streaming and 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 the live meeting. The city reserves the right to discontinue remote access at the discretion of the city for any future meetings.
Thank you, Lisa. Um, tonight we're going a little bit out of order because we have some swearing in to happen this evening. Some of our lifeguards here in the city are being promoted tonight. So, we're going to go with resolutions uh 2026-148. That is a resolution in the city of Ventner, County of Atlantic, state of
New Jersey, authorizing the promotion of Megan Holland to captain of the Ventner City Beach Patrol. Have a motion for that resolution, please. >> Uh, I enthusiastically motion that resolution. Congratulations, Megan. >> I second. >> I'll second that. Roll call, please.
>> Mr. Langri, >> yes. >> Mayor Cable, >> yes. >> Okay. Next one is resolution 2026149 resolution of the city of Ventner, county of Atlantic, state of New Jersey, authorizing the promotion of Daniel Shaw, the senior lieutenant of the Veterary City Beach Patrol. Could I have
a motion, please? >> Equally enthusiastic motion to uh promote Daniel Shaw. >> I second. Roll call. Lisa, >> Commissioner Langrav. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes. >> All right. Next in line is 2026-150
resolution the city of Vener County of Atlantic State of New Jersey authorizing the promotion of Vincent Mahoney to Lieutenant of the Ventner City Beach Patrol. >> Congratul. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes. >> And last but not least, we have
resolution 2026-151, resolution of the city of Ventner, County of Atlantic, state of New Jersey, the promotion of Padrick Milligan. Everybody knows him as Patty. Uh to lieutenant of the Venor City Beast Patrol. Need a motion, please. >> Make that motion. >> I second. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Langri.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you guys very much. If uh Captain Holl could come forward first, we'll do it in order. was going to hold the Bible for you. >> Right here on the
left hand on the Bible and your right hand up there. Okay. Repeat after me. I Megan Hall. >> I Megan Hall. You solemnly swear or affirm >> You do solemnly swear and affirm >> that I will support >> that I will support
>> Constitution of the United States >> Constitution of the United States >> constitution of the state of New Jersey >> constitution of the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> to the governments established in >> the governments established in >> the United States and in this state
>> the United States and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially >> and impartially and justly perform >> justly perform >> all the duties of >> all the duties of >> Venor City Beach Patrol captain effective April 23rd, 2026.
>> Ventor City Beach Patrol captain effective April 23rd. >> Yeah. 226. >> According to the best of my skill and abilities according to the best of my skills and abilities. So I'll be done. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> It's not fair and all that.
need a date. Good. >> We're good. We'll get it picture. Next up, Dan Shaw. >> No, >> I just made a rescue actually for everybody's wondering. >> Been nervous.
>> Left hand on the bottom, right hand up. Step one, step back right there. That's so I can see his eyes. So I don't and a prayer. I Daniel Shaw >> I Daniel Shaw >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear affirm >> that I will support >> that I will support the
>> Constitution of the United States >> Constitution of the United States >> the const the state of New Jersey >> constitution state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> I'll bear true faith >> and allegiance to the saint >> the allegiance to the saint >> in the governance established in >> the governments established in >> the United States and in this state >> the United States and in this state
>> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties of >> perform all the duties of >> Better City Beach Patrol Senior Lieutenant >> Better City Beach Patrol Senior Lieutenant
>> effective April 23rd 2026 effective April 23rd 2026 >> wearing the best of my skill ability to the best of my skill and ability sorry helping God >> congratulations I sign your address in here real quick. Next
up, we have Vincent M. Get a picture right in front of the flag. It'll be Take this off now. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Who's going to hold the Bible for him? >> Right in the air. Right. So you can get So our camera's right in the middle.
>> Left hand of the Bible. Right hand up. >> All right. I >> I >> Vincent Mahoney >> Vincent Mahoney >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear affirm >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. Constitution Constitution
of the State of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith >> That I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to saint >> and allegiance to saint >> to the governments established >> the governments established >> in the United States >> the United States >> and in this state >> in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully >> and I will faithfully
>> impartially >> partially >> and justly perform >> justly perform >> all the duties of >> all the duties of >> Ventner City Beach patrol lieutenant >> ventner city beach patrol lieutenant >> effective April 23rd 2026 >> effective April 23rd >> according to the best of skill and
ability according to the best of my skill and ability. >> Still helping God. >> Still helping God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. So name, address, No, not at all. Come on. >> Got everybody. >> Y >> All right, last. Patty Milligan.
Here he is. There you go. Let's see. >> All right. Left hand above, right hand up. >> All right. Repeat after me. >> I Patrick Milligan. >> I do solemnly swear. >> Swear or
>> affirm that affirm that >> I will support the Constitution of the United States. I support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> And I will bear true faith >> I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> allegiance >> to the same >> to the same
>> and to the governments >> governments >> established in >> established in the United States >> United States >> and in the state >> and the state >> under the authority of the people >> the authority of the people >> and I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> justly
>> perform all the duties of >> perform all the duties of Inner city beach patrol lieutenant >> inner city beach patrol lieutenant >> effective April 23rd 2026 >> April 23rd 26 >> the best of my skill and ability to the best of my skill and ability. >> So help me
>> uh you got to sign doesn't count to sign. So before we you guys all take off, I want to sit right here with these board meetings. First of all, I want to welcome Frank Finity. Everyone knows family. We got we got some legends in this room tonight. Stan Bergman's here, Chuck
Bergman. We all love our lifeguards and it's nice to see these young guys come up through the ranks and take over from legends that we've had. You guys got big fields shoes to fill. Dave knows that. um you guys are moving up the ranks, fill in their shoes. So, it's a really great
progression, see these young folks come up from, you know, starting out at 16 years old, you know, running cans for the older guards. So, it's it's really good to see these guys come up the ranks. We appreciate what they do and keeping us safe all summer. So, thank
you all for being out. There's more on it. It doesn't look like he got on. Yeah, go ahead. Sure. Yeah. You don't understand. Multi Mr. Okay. Yeah, it was
flying some missiles here. >> I didn't know I doubt it. Thanks guys. >> We got to continue with our meeting guys. >> Thanks, Frank. Great seeing you. Room's almost cleared out.
All right, we're going to continue with our agenda. Um, we're on item H right now. Presentations. We have none. Uh, department have reports. Uh, nothing at this time. I'll give some reports on some of the public works items that I have from Ernie and Rick. Capital discussion not at this time. Uh
following items are scheduled for action at at our uh formal action on the 514 2026 portion of our meeting. Uh the minutes will be approved from our regular meeting January 22nd, 2026. Um we have two ordinance introductions. One 2026-009.
It's an ordinance in the city of Ventner, county of Atlantic, uh, amending chapter 220 of the code, city of Ventner, as it same relates to water usage. It is a rate increase. Um, we're starting to build up funds to handle this leadline service replacement that we're going to be having to do over the
next 5 to 10 years. Um, it is a looks like it's a $35 increase on the flat fee. None of the the hour or gallon rates are changing. Um, any questions on that for now from you guys? We're good. Tim,
>> he's got to unmute him. >> Yeah, I think he was asking to be unmuted. >> Oh, if you muted, he's got you got to go. There you go. >> There you go. All right. Thanks, Jim. >> No, no questions. I I reviewed this with uh with Tom and uh with um Lisa earlier. Thank you.
>> Okay. Uh the next one is ordinance 2026-010 and that's amending chapter 186 of the code of city of Ventner as the same relates to sewers. Very similar. This is a $40 increase to the flat rate. No changes to the the per gallon fees or
anything of that nature. Again, these are fees that are needed to maintain our sewer and water systems and prepare us for the um leadline service. Even though that's sewer, it still goes into the same coffers to help us with those funds. Dom, you have anything else on that? No, just just to point out that
the the combined increase is $75 annually and since it won't go into effect until the second quarter, so for 2026, people will only see the increase for the three quarters. >> Gotcha. >> So, it's not even $75 this year. It's three quarters left.
>> Good. >> All right. Thank you. All right. Um, we'll then have a public hearing on adoption of ordinance 2026-008. That is a bond ordinance looking for $1.5 million. You'll see some of that coming in. This is water improvements um
for Portland Avenue. Portland Winchester, I'm sorry. Winchester Avenue. Portland is the storm water. Um you'll see some of that. This is funding we're going to use through the I bank. You'll see some resolutions coming through on that as well. So, just tonight we'll introduce we'll have the public hearing on that ordinance that we
introduced at our last meeting. Then we'll go through resolutions 133 to 147 under consent. Um we're going to add 152 here on the bench and that's to add to a drainage pro or a project that we need to do drainage on and that's the Portland Avenue project that we're we're
working through I believe. Um the 148 149 50 and 51 we've already done because they were the the promotions for the lifeguards. First resolution is 133 and that is the sale via public auction of property located at 4803 Ventner Avenue
identified on Vent City Municipal Tax Map as lot 2 block 87 is a vacant lot. The minimum bid being proposed is $152,000 and that auction will occur on June 9th. Any questions there, Tim? >> No, that's uh also like I said that was
reviewed. I looked at the the um appraisal. Hopefully we'll get some biders on this one. Agreed. Next item is 134 resolution 134 authorizing similar authorizing a sale by a public auction. The property located 6512 Ventner Avenue identified
on the tax map as lot 15 block 71 that is also vacant land and its minimum bid is being set at $138,000. Also being bid out on June 9th. >> No questions. >> No no questions. Same. Uh the next one
is uh 135 resolution 135 authoring authorizing a water and sewer refund. That was for overpayment or double payment by their um by the the resident. So that'll be refunded. Resolution 136 authorizing refund of tax overpayment.
137 authorizing payout of funds to to Bradford Cook uh in his retirement. >> Yes. >> No questions there. Um, resolution 138 authorizing the hiring of Morgan Visco, public safety telecommunicator. >> Assuming that's dispatch. >> Yes.
>> Technical terms. My my note was dispatch. So, it's good. I know we're looking for somebody there for a bit. >> Yes. >> All right. Resolution 139 authorizing Roth contributions to deferred compensation plan through equitable and authorizing
execution of same questions there. That's just kind of typical business, right? >> Yeah. Adding it to our availability to the employees. >> Yep. Um resolution 140, library lease agreement with the county of Atlantic authorizing exe execution of same. My
understanding is we didn't increase the the rate the monthly rate that they pay for that. >> We've got a good tenant there. >> Yeah. This just a renewal of the lease would expire, >> but it was before, right? Yes. I thought >> resolution 141. uh determining the form
and other details of note relating to the construction of financing construction financing program New Jersey Water Bank to be issued in the principal amount of $ 1.5 million providing for the issuance and sale of such note New Jersey infrastructure bank and authorizing execution and delivery of such note by the city of Ventner in
favor of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank all pursuant to the water bank uh construction financing program of the state of New Jersey infrastructure bank. So, this is the funding for the project that we're talking for, the bonding that we're doing for water improvements. Uh,
Winchester Avenue, I think that one is >> uh 142 is filing of an application for a short-term construction loan. Similar to the last application, this is the following through with that from from the I bank, New Jersey I bank under the construction financing program
authorizing issues of the construction loan note in connection there with the Winchester Avenue water mane replacement project phase one. So kind of the three we did tonight dealing with that $1.5 million is is those three items.
143 uh authorizing seasonal part-time employment for the for Ventner city. Um, these are returning summer summer folks to our summer camp and our our tennis court and pickle ball courts staff there. Most of these guys are returning. Couple new folks, but most of the ones
are coming back, which is good. >> Yep. Three camp counselors and four court attendants. >> Yep. Uh, resolution 144 appointing Robert Newcomer to a sewer repair one to and to senior plumbing station operator job two. Um, we finally went through the
civil service rules and got these guys the promotions and titles that they needed to get into to move up. So, we're starting to do that. This is one of the first few that that's starting to happen. So, congratulation congratulations to Robert, good worker for us in public works and uh happy to
have them. Resolution 145 authorizing seasonal part-time employment for the city. These are recreational aids. Again, these are some folks coming back. A lot of them, some of them are new as well. I saw some names on there I recognized and some that I didn't. So, um, good to have
those folks back. These are the more of the pickle ball people, I think. >> If I could, um, these are the camp aids are going to help. >> Okay. So, I had it backwards. I'm sorry. >> Also, um, one gentleman is new and he's going to be a court attendant. >> Okay.
>> And then, um, three are beach checkers that we didn't get on the first round. >> Okay. We added grabbed a couple extra ones. Great. >> All right. Resolution 146 authorizing refund of another tax overpayment. Um
147 is authorizing re another refund. Um and then we're adding on the bench. This is resolution 152 authorizing change order number one for engineering service to design and permit the proposed drainage system including outfall of pipe at Portland Avenue and
the bay. Um, so we're adding 175 to this contract for Delasio Engineering to uh design and and inspect that that project. So we're adding storm water management that was needed once we started the rest of the project. Any questions on that one?
>> Nope. I see the change order here. That's 152. >> Yes, resolution 152. Yes. >> Okay. was the previous resolution was 20 290 of 2021 for in the amount of 23,900.
So we're adding 175 to that. >> Got it. >> For a total amount of 41,400 not to exceed. >> All right. >> All right. >> Newport Avenue. Thank you. >> Uh Portland Avenue. >> Okay. >> Same area. >> Right.
>> Black. All right. That's all we have for resolutions. Next, we would do our bill our approval of bills and payroll uh discussion items. I don't have any listed here, so we'll open up the public um for items that were on our agenda this evening or items that we've talked
about tonight. So, for anyone in the public or I'll ask for a motion to open public. >> Uh I'll make that motion. >> Second. All in favor? I >> I um open to the public. So, this is all items we that are on our agenda.
So, I I'll give an update on that. We've maybe the mayor can give an update on that. Um, >> I didn't hear the question. >> Yeah, we had to move it and I will I will take blame for the moving it to 4:30. It's normally a 5:30 meeting. Um,
we'll talk about that in our o the regular session of public. We can talk about anything. Um, I have a hearing down in Middle Township tonight that I'm trying to get out of here for, but no, no, no. Stay. We're gonna we're gonna have a public portion for you. Um, I just moved it to 4:30 because we had all these swearing ins. So, that's all.
>> Could you just repeat on um, Mayor Pel couldn't hear what the question was? Could you just let them know what you're going to discuss? >> Yeah, Mayor, it was regards the boats out um, behind Alb's house, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we know. We've Captain CBO's been working on it. I think Tim had we got an
email today I think with an update. >> Yes, >> Tim can give it when we get to you want to do it now so Albby can leave. >> Okay. Um we have a timeline of uh um of contact that we've made uh with the
various organizations in order to achieve the we have to uh have title of those boats before we can remove them. Um, so we've we've been pursuing that. Uh, we've and along with that parallel, we've been pursuing the ability to have
them paid for by grants that are available for this sort of thing. So, um, we are working on it diligently. It is one of those, um, things that is a bit of a bureaucratic tangle. Um but I would say that uh so the the certified
title search um uh Captain CBO has been very diligent in his response um to all of the um to all the paperwork that needs to be done starting from October of 25, January, February, March, May. Uh
and here we are now. Uh we did receive a rejection letter requesting additional information. So he's following up with that. Um, but the goal is to have them uh removed with no additional fee to the taxpayer. They are approximately $5,000 per vote to remove them. So, we're
trying to make that um not an additional uh burden to the taxpayer uh and pursuing these grants, but that doesn't hold up the fact that we are still pursuing the the the titles, which we would need to remove them anyway. So, um
it's a work. It's a it's it's something that we hope to have done uh as as soon as we're allowed. >> Yeah. Basically, the emails we got today from Captain Kos, they gave us a a denial basically
and asked for more information and I saw today, mayor, that he's he submitted that back to them already. So, >> correct. >> Every time they give us something, Captain Cable keeps us all in the loop. So, he sends it out. He responds immediately to them. This is the state police we're dealing with and some other
entities that manage all this and it's it's a managerie. >> Yeah. The uh in order for us to legally dispose of the vehicles, we first have to establish the ownership and that requires the documentation which we're pursuing >> as we're working through. So, um I know
>> we all want to be good stewards of the neighborhood and the and the environment. Um uh and um and that's kind of where we stand. >> Yep. You got to come up to the mic, Albby, if you if you wouldn't mind. And just hit
>> No, you have. Just hit that button so we can hear you. >> Just sit hit that green. Hit that button so it turns green for us. >> Gotcha. >> Here we go. >> Thank you. Uh, are we working to get some kind of ordinance together to prevent people from being able to leave boats anchored off shore, you know, off
the meadows? So the issue as I understand it and Kat you can maybe comment on this is we don't control the waters. They're state waters. >> Well behind my house it isn't. >> We've been told that it is >> brand from my house all the way to Daffy
Duck is city because Pedrick lost it in 19 in the depression after he had gotten that land. He was going to fill that originally all the way to Newport Avenue. But once once it's flowed by mean high water, >> it's the states.
>> And and there's also problem we're running into. If it was our property, we could take the boats. >> And there and there's also an issue of navigation. It has to you have to have it uh you know be impeding navigation, which in that ca in some of those cases, it's it's not. So >> we've tried that. We had um one of your neighbors came into us and actually gave
us a draft ordinance that they used in another municipality and it's from from the research we've been told and we'll look at it again. We'll have our our solicitor take another look at it, but from what we've been told, it's not uh doesn't have any teeth. >> Okay. So, I appreciate the effort you
guys are putting forth. You know, I live there 50 years and and it's a beautiful vicinity. >> You got to look at that all the time. >> And I got to look out my back window and see that trash >> and now somebody's tied a floating dock off it.
We'll have the police go out and because >> Oh, we appreciate it very much. >> Take a look at it again if we could, Tim. If have the officers go out and just take a peek at it again because there's apparently something tied up to it now. >> Yeah. Thank you very much. I appreciate >> you coming out, Alvin. Good seeing you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Tim.
>> You bet. Looking good, Alvin. >> Jim, anybody on Zoom with any comments? >> Anybody on Zoom wish to make question any comments on any of the items that have been discussed so far? Please make yourself known by by raising your hand
or within the chat feature and you will be recognized. >> See none, I'll ask for a motion to close public portion. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. All in favor? I >> um need a motion to close. We already got that. We don't need to. Just going
to call to order the uh the regular portion of our meeting. >> Yep. >> So the first item on that agenda is the minutes from January 22nd, 2026. And a motion to approve, please. >> Motion to approve minutes January 22. >> I second. Roll call. >> Mr. Langrif. >> Yes. >> Creable.
>> Yes. >> Okay. We'll have uh ordinance introduction of ordinance 2026-009. Motion, please. >> Motion as a second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Lang Grant. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Second ordinance introduction of ordinance 2026 6-0. Um motion please. >> Motion to introduct ordinance 010. >> I second. Roll call please. >> Mr. Langria. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes.
>> I will need a motion to open public hearing on ordinance 2026-008. It's a bond ordinance for $1.5 million with regard to Winchester Avenue's water main replacement phase 1. Need a motion. >> Motion to open public hearing ordinance
008 as described. >> I second. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Langraph, >> yes. >> Mayor Creable, >> yes. >> Okay. This meeting is now open to the public on ordinance 2026- 008. Anyone wishing to comment, please step forward or make yourself known in the Zoom
platform. Seeing none in either, motion to close, please. >> Make a motion to close. >> Second. All in favor? I. Um, okay. Next one is ordinance adoption of ordinance 2026- 008 as previously
stated. >> Motion to adopt. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Langraph. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creel. >> Yes. >> Okay. Need a motion to adopt resolutions 2026, 133 through 147, and 152.
>> I'll make make that motion. >> Second. Roll call. Lisa. Commissioner Lang. >> Yes. Mayor Cable. >> Yes. All right, bills and payroll. >> So, we have two payrolls. Payroll from 412 to 425 in the amount of $674,78129.
And we have payroll from 426 to 515 in the amount of $538,665. And we have bills in the amount of 2,212,366.98. >> Okay. Motion to approve bills and payroll as stated. I'll make that motion. >> Second. Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Langrif. >> Yes. >> Mayor Creable. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next item is announcements and safety report. Safety reports in our records and I don't have any announcements. Uh, mayor, you have any commissioner comments report? >> Um, I have um not myself, but I I was
given a list from Commissioner Mento to read. That's okay. I I'll read that. Um she uh this time of year uh of course it is the um time of year for special events. She asked me to uh read into some of the events that have just taken
place. Okay. >> Um specifically wanted to thank everyone for their work on the successful block party on May 9th. Um thousands of residents and visitors attended throughout the day. Food vendors craft uh was great uh great way to start this
the uh the spring season. uh continued f positive uh feedback. There were also a number of community um uh highlights there with uh public safety departments, uh sponsors, vendors, entertainers. Um it was a great event. U and she also
wanted to note that we are as we move into the following uh summer season, we have May Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 25th from that Friday to Monday. Um, I encourage you to visit our Facebook page and read our recent and
log on to our newsletter which went out today that gives all the times of the uh the openings over the weekend starting with the farmers market on Friday, May 2nd at 8:30. Uh then the opening of the beach on Saturday, May 23rd and the
kickoff summer concert ski beach. I think we added another uh possible uh ribbon cutting that weekend um at the tennis courts. Is that right? >> I'll talk about that. Yep. >> Um and then May 24th, the annual Whan
Run um is uh of course a well attended event. That's Sunday, May 24th. Monday, May 25th, the Memorial Day celebration uh ceremony at city hall, weather permitting, at 9:00 a.m. Again, all
these items are available on our uh our website and on our Facebook page and follow um uh Venner City special events on um on their website and our shared uh email page which we put out. We also,
this also kicks off the concert series um and a number of events all the way through May and June. Um and she want to thank uh there are sponsor request letters uh that have been distributed and outreach efforts continue for returning sponsors and new community
sponsors. There's still room for sponsorship I believe uh for some of those concerts. Gives a high visibility especially in a a hyper local way for all of these events. That's all I have. >> Okay. Thanks, Mayor. Yeah, the uh we got lucky with the weather. I know it rained
a little bit in the afternoon on the block party, but the morning was great. Great turnout. Lots of people there having fun joining the vendors and and the the great shops there on on Ventner Avenue. Um just a couple things for me. Tennis and pickle ball courts are just about there. I think they just have to
restripe um the courts, put up the nets, put up the post, then the nets. Um so that we anticipate being complete this coming week. Um, we will do a ribbon cutting. I think we decided, mayor, we're gonna try and do it the same day as the beach opening.
>> We'll be right there complex. It seems >> I think we do the beach ribbon cutting at 9:00 a.m. We do this at 10. >> If we can keep people off the courts because they're probably going to want to be on there. >> Yeah, they're going to be playing. They're going to be playing. That's not going to happen. We had people walking the boardwalk before we ribbon cut that. >> Yeah, I I get it. I get it. It's all
good. >> Yep. So, it'll be fun. They came out really good. Um, you'll notice the color change of the courts. We try to get some of the the veterary burgundy color into into the the courts there. So, try to do that. Um, water tower, uh, Siri Avenue
water tower. The work there is just about complete. Uh, they're going to start filling it this coming week. Um, and see how it we have to fill it several times, empty it, empty it, fill it. It's a cycle and test the water each time. And then that final test, the D
will sign off on it and we will refill that for the last for the final time and then turn that that water tower back online. Um you'll notice if you saw around the city this week, you saw landscaping spruce up. They did here at city hall trim the bushes uh weeded and
um uh did some mulching through those areas. Uh same the tennis courts are are probably next. They didn't want to work while the other guys were there. Uh they als they did North Beach today. They did all those little cutouts in the islands there. So we got new plantings in there. Uh the library will also be included in
this this cleanup as well as some of the other city properties. Um things of that nature. So sprucing up for spring. Everybody's doing spring cleaning including the city. >> So that's all I have. You have anything on your end? I know you gave Maria's kind of report, but
>> yeah. No, I mean, um, I had a, um, uh, it's just nice to see we had a couple of trees that, uh, a particular type of tree in the planning that I was spearheading earlier this in the fall, uh, that didn't make it through the winter, but, they've been replaced with beautiful new tall trees. I don't know
if anyone saw those. Um, uh, the, uh, the city itself is, uh, like you said, we're in that process of putting up banners, putting up new signs, all those types of things. The city's looking at um doing the same kind of spring cleaning that everybody's doing this time of year. It's looking It's going to
be uh another great summer. >> Yeah, it was a rough winter on all of us. We're all lucky we survived the winter. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um all right, with that, um we'll open it up to public comment on any item that someone wants to bring up and talk about. So, I need a motion to open public comment.
>> I'll make that motion. >> Second. All in favor? I >> I >> All right. Anyone with any comments about anything in general? Yes, sir. Step up. State your name. Hit the button on the microphone there. And this one on this side, sir. Yep.
Okay. My name is Howard Keats. I live at the Oxford. I walk in the boardwalk every day, almost every day. And I happen to look out and want to thank you for the beautiful boardwalk that we now have in front of the Oxford. uh from the
tennis courts right to the Fentner pier. Uh I also enjoy the Ventner pier. So I have a lot of things that I'm thankful for, but at the same time as I look towards the ocean, obviously since I was born and raised here, I can remember seeing the ocean. And half the time you
can't because of the dunes. Nobody's fault, but it's just something I miss. When I look at the ocean and look at the dunes, I happen to see a snow fence. The snow fence looks like I mean, sorry, doesn't look Well, you're not wrong. You're not wrong. And they want
to know, go ahead. What is planned and when you plan to remove that snow fence? Well, we won't remove it. One, this Army Corps of Engineers put it in. Um, so we can't remove it. U, we can replace pieces of it that are in poor shape. So, we actually tried to include that in the
boardwalk project. Um, the price that that contractor gave us was exorbitant. So, we are looking at other ways to to fund that. Um, and and maybe have our guys do it. Have our public works guys reinstall that snow fence at the and both the side towards the ocean is in
better shape. The back side is the one that hasn't been touched in years since the June. >> So, I understand my understanding was that you do need the snow fence um on the ocean side. >> You do? Yes. >> Um because it prevents the uh dunes from
flowing back into the ocean. I don't know if you need it on the bay side. Yes. When you built it, it was because you're trying to stabilize the dunes and planting dune grass. You've now stabilize the dunes and uh you know and
on the st the the beach grass, whatever it's called, dune grass. >> So, I don't I personally don't see the same reason for the for the dunes the the snow fence on the dune side facing the bay. I don't see that as being
necessary. The other thing I you know um would like to comment about besides the dunes >> sure and you know our street department I think should be able to put up a snow fence where it's needed and where it looks like it's falling down or it has
fallen down. Um I see no reason why the city can't do that. Besides that, if you look on the other side of the boardwalk, uh, as I walk up and down, I notice that some people who own property, uh, have placed
a beautiful grass or what do you call >> landscaping >> landscaping uh, and others have not and some have doomed grass, some don't um, and of course I don't know whether there's any ordinance or any way in
which you can find out who owns that space. Sometimes I understand from what I've heard that the U property owners own to a foot of the boardwalk and other people don't have that same right. >> That's correct.
>> So is there any way of policing that or encouraging people who do own that space to clean it up, pick up the models, the glass? >> Right. So we try and do that with our public works. We go out there, we start in the season, we'll start now to try and do that and and clean up as much as
we can. We just hired our summer crews, summer workers, and that's their job. So, they will be starting at one end, and they'll be cleaning both sides of the boardwalk on in the in the sand and the street ends. Um, they will be starting, they've already started doing some of it, but that's something that
they will be doing on a daily basis. Um, getting back to the the the landscaping that some folks do, you're correct. Some folks, actually, some right by the pier, they have easements that go all the way out in the ocean. Um, so our boardwalk is through there, but in other cases, they own back to that old bulkhead
that's there and then it's city property in there. >> Yes. >> Um, now that we've got that boardwalk there, we're going to probably wait until they do the other section in the fall through next winter where we'll start at Surrey or SuffK and go all the way up to Jackson with the new boardwalk. um look at doing some things
on the city's dollar because the state grant was only for the boardwalk itself. That's why we couldn't include the snow fence on the on the back side of that dune. Um >> I I think >> we do need to put that back because that slows the creep of that dune under the boardwalk. When they replaced the
boardwalk, they dug out 3 ft underneath it. >> I'm aware of that. I watched it being >> to to allow that boardwalk to breathe more and allow it to last longer. Um, so we will be putting that back and that's why we didn't hire. Um, look, Siobhan did a fantastic job on the boardwalk and finished it way ahead of schedule, but
the number was just a little too much for us to pay. So, we're going to look from funds to buy the fence and have public works install that snow fence on the back side. Um, >> now as a taxpayer, you know, uh, I've lived here most of my life and, uh, I lived at the Oxford the past 35 years,
so I've been around a long time. But I've noticed an inordinate amount of new homes >> all through Ventner. I assume the tax base has doubled. >> It's It's certainly gotten better. Our ratables have increased significantly.
>> Oh my god. Yes. Okay. From what it was. So when you tell me you have trouble buying snow fence, I smile. Okay. Because >> Well, it's budgeting >> with Aldi. But we just don't go out and buy stuff. We have to go through a process. We have to get it priced. The first price we got from the contractor was too high.
>> Okay, >> that was a month ago. So, we've had our city engineer look into doing that as a project and he'll give us a price to purchase the material. We'll go out and bid on that, get that bid um and then we'll try and install it ourselves. >> Okay. And the other thing was that are
as I'm looking at the ends of the street in which the uh gutter is supposed to flow on the into the into the beach side. A lot of that is blocked >> is I'm sorry. >> Blocked. >> It's blocked. Well, you don't see the
exit coming >> on the on the beach side. Yes, sir. >> That's one of the things they do when they go in in the spring. We try and clean those out to allow that water. What I would like to do, and it's again it's a dollar's number and a budget number, is to do rip wrap of some sort on that backside to allow that water to
come through there without eroding the sand. So that's if you look at Cambridge, you'll see it's done there. Um the neighbor, the owner of the property next door really did a nice job. We certainly can't compete with that, but we will try and do a rip wrap kind of stone in there to try and soften that water getting to the beach because
that's the drainage from Atlantic to the ocean. all that water goes. >> I I'm I'm aware of that. Y Okay. Thank you. >> Thanks for coming out tonight. >> I made a point of coming here just to complain about the snow fence and I don't want to complain about my taxes because you can't do that. But I
do think that uh you know we do have a very beautiful town here. I've you know I was born and raised in Ventner. >> Thank you. I'm still here. So >> glad to hear that. >> I have a uh >> And you have a new neighbor, Mr. Sykes there in the Oxford. >> Is he behind me? >> Uh he's on one of the floors. I'm not sure. I know Tom.
>> It's on the ninth floor. I'm on the eighth. >> Okay. >> And believe it or not, >> I was the person who encouraged him to come because his father was there at one point. >> Okay. >> And had a had a condominium on the 10th floor. >> Nice. >> He's only on the ninth, but he has a
gorgeous view. >> And I we kind of I've known him for many many years. And I leaned on him for almost a year to purchase that condo. >> Good. Oh, I'm familiar with I have a
great deal of respect for Mr. Sykes. >> Me as well. Me as well. Again, thanks for coming out. >> Okay. I The rest of your time is up to you. I'm thankful for taking the time to say hello >> and I'm going to leave out the front door because there's nothing else that I have to say or I assume you're going to
run the >> We're just We're finishing. You're the last thing on the agenda. >> We actually So, we had to start the meeting a little early tonight. We started at 4:30. Yeah, I 5:30 was what I read on the >> It's normal for 5:30, but we had swearing in of of five of our um
lifeguards who got promoted this evening. Four, not five. Four of them. >> What did the lifeguards get promoted to? >> Uh so one was promoted to captain. >> Who was that? >> Then Megan Holland. Uh Dan Shaw was moved up to senior senior lieutenant. Vince Mayon was lieutenant and Patty
Milligan was also a lieutenant. So they all moved up. >> Okay. Uh, I hate to say when I was a lifeguard, but you know, was, you know, >> Stan Bergman was here tonight. He was here. >> Uh, was before Stan Bergman. Okay. Was that >> Chief Paluti?
>> Well, I knew his father. I don't know. Lou Paluti wasn't here tonight, but probably his son was here. >> Coach Paluti passed away a few years ago, but yeah, >> Lou was uh on the beach force when I was here in 1952. >> And Puduty was your was on there with you probably.
>> Yeah. Well, it was Bill Howards was down at beach 8. >> Yep. >> And I can give you most of the people um you know who were on the beach. >> I wish you would have come earlier tonight because they were all here. You had Ward Holland. You had the whole Holland family was here. So, it was nice. >> Yeah. Well, at one point uh you know, I
was there when they when Ward, you know, started the ski resort up in >> Yes. Y >> and he encouraged everybody to buy a a property up there. >> A lot of them up there. >> Good job. >> So, we're going to we're going to move on with our agenda. love to chat with you, but we're going to thank you for
coming out. >> All right, anybody on Zoom? Any comments? >> All right, seeing none. Motion to close, please. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. All in favor? I >> I >> All right. Uh, no executive session,
I'll look for a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Thank you all. >> Have a good evening. In base of