Yeah, let's just get it started. He'll come in when he comes in. He's probably gonna be the Good evening everybody. Thank you all for coming. I want to welcome you all to the May 22nd veterary commission meeting. Uh call to
order if we can have uh everyone rise for the flag salute, please. 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. Thank you all. Lisa, can I have a roll call, please? Commissioner Langria here. Mr. Mento here. Mayor Creel here. Lisa, would you please read the open public meeting announcement? Pursuant to the 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. Thank you. Would you please read the live streaming announcement? The city of Vendor 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 the live meeting. The city reserves the right to discontinue remote access at the discretion of the city for any future meetings. Thank you. Uh we
have um in anticipation of Memorial Day, we have a proclamation. Um I'll read that into the record. Whereas in the course of nation's history, men and women of all races, creeds, and color have been called upon to serve our nation in times of war in order to
defend sometimes with their very lives the freedom we all hold dear. And whereas Memorial Day was established as a day set aside to pay homage and respect to those men and women who serve in the United States armed forces and to reflect upon the great sacrifices they
made to secure and preserve our freedom. And whereas Memorial Day is observed on May 26, 2025 with special services held throughout the United States of America. Now therefore, and be it resolved by the board of commissioners of the city of Ventner City, county of Atlantic, state
of New Jersey, that all residents of the city of Ventner City are hereby urged to attend a Memorial Day service. Parents are encouraged to explain and impress upon their children the real significance of Memorial Day. All schools are urged to teach our young people the history and true meaning of
Memorial Day and of the great sacrifice made to those who suffered and died to protect our nation's freedom. Those unable to attend or participate in the memorial services are asked to take time and reflect on the price paid by our forefathers, friends, relatives to
preserve and defend the great nation and principles upon which we have founded. Be it further resolved that the families of those who were killed while defending the nation are especially remembered in prayers on Memorial Day. Thank you.
Uh we have a presentation today um thanking uh Richard Carter for his years of service as the city of Ener. I will pass on to Commissioner Langrath who is a uh a history uh I believe you worked
with before uh doing a lot of a lot of projects here in Ventner before becoming an elected official. Yep. So I so sorry to jump spring that on you. That's all right. No, I figured it was coming. So Mr. Carter. Dick Carter U was a longtime engineer here in Ventner City. He came
back to life to help us out with a recent project that we had a project litigation um and stepped up huge. He testified from his retirement home in Florida for us. Um and basically won the day. Um it was an issue about an old right of way and folks using that right
away inappropriately. So um Mr. Carter studied it up, sent we sent him down a packet of plans. He pulled out some of his own files, I think, that he still had from 1984. Yes. Um, so he testified in that. We won that case recently, so that was very nice. When we asked Mr.
Carter to send us a bill, he said, "No, thank you. Um, I enjoyed doing the work for the city of Vetner." So, we decided to thank him with a resolution. Um, do you want me to read the whole thing in? Is that all right to do? You're Yeah, of course. A little long. It's a little long. You can paraphrase. So, city of
Ventner resolution number 187 of 2025 resolution of the city of Ventner, county of Atlantic, state of New Jersey, acknowledging and thanking Richard L. Carter for his years of service to the city of Ventner. Whereas Richard El Carter is a professional engineer and professional planner who served the city of Ventner as its municipal engineer
from November 84 until December 2009. And whereas during his tenure as municipal engineer, Mr. Carter was responsible for preparation and overseeing of capital improvement projects, rendering professional opinions on engineering matters, interpreting and reviewing plans, surveys, maps on behalf of the governing
body, and submission of applications for grants for permitting various county, state, and federal agencies. Whereas during the same tenure, Mr. the municipal engineer, Mr. Carter, also served as both planning board engineer and zoning board engineer. That's when I got to meet him. um where he reviewed
the the submission of applications for compliance with the development regulations of the city of Ventner code. Whereas despite retiring from the city in December of 2009, Mr. Carter continued his dedication to the city by recently providing his services as expert witness on behalf of the city. As
an expert, Mr. Carter was incredibly gracious in providing his time, talent, expertise to assist the city. Whereas Mr. Carter's decadesl long commitment to the public service has been a tremendous benefit to the city of Ventner and the commissioner's wish to publicly acknowledge and thank Mr. Carter's more
than 25 years of dedication to the city of Vener and its citizens. Now there now therefore be it resolved by the city of Ventner. All statement I'm going that's just the preamble stuff. City of Vener hereby thanks and acknowledges Mr. Carter for his 25 years of service as a
municipal engineer and his continued dedication to public service during a recent appearance in a court as a court expert witness. So, we will sign that tonight. And we thank Dick. He was trying to come on. I'm not sure if he's on Zoom or not. I can't can't tell.
James is uh Mr. Carter on Zoom platform tonight? No. Can you tell? No. Okay. So, we'd just like to thank him for his help and for for years that I worked with him, I learned a lot. I've said this to him that uh it was my formative years as a planner working for him and working
for the city of Vetner and it was a great experience for me and he he he really came through with this particular project and and um I I give my appreciation for um simply asking for a uh a a resolution very uh really a
top-notch guy um so that would be um resolution uh 2025-187. Uh, the next resolution. Can we vote on that? Can we vote on that now? Yes. All right. Uh, Lisa, may I have a roll a roll call? No, we need a motion. I'm sorry. May I have a motion
to vote to vote on resolution 2025-187 as described by Commissioner Langraph? I'll make that motion. Commissioner Langra, yes. Commissioner Mento, yes. Mayor Creable. Yes.
So, uh we do have a uh resolution which we will vote on prior to uh um presentation uh an oath of office. Uh this is a resolution city of Ventner, County of Atlantic State of New Jersey appointing David Funk as beach patrol
chief. A um I see that um uh here in the office and I'll I'll just briefly recognize him. Uh David Funk's journey reflects a a lifetime of commitment to public safety. um excellent in competitive lifeguarding starting as a lifeguard at just 14 years old. Is that
correct? Um he has uh not only been a cornerstone of the Bentner Beach Patrol, but also a decorated athlete and lifeguard positions over more than uh 20 years uh remarkable success securing 11 individual titles in the gouties and nine overall wins in the
South Jerseys. Um uh uh I I hear I see the the eyebrows perking up of the various lifeguards in the community that um really know how difficult that is to train for and respect. I'm looking at you
guys. Um beyond the beach, uh David serves as lieutenant in uh the Margate City Fire Department. Um and uh further exemplifying his dedication to protect lives. known for his uh leadership conviction to Vner City uh earned the respect of his peers and subordinates
and leaders alike. Uh he's also instrumental in in um my experiences crafting the beach patrol budget. He has a nononsense and efficient um ma uh manner in which those tasks uh uh get completed. Uh David is and will continue
to be part of a remarkable legacy of life-saving and competition in the Jersey Shore. his promotion to chief of the vendor beach patrol stands uh as a well-earned acknowledgement decades of exceptional service and achievement. Uh I will ask for a uh vote on resolution
2025-178 as described. I'll make that motion. Second. Lisa, may I have a roll call, please? Mr. Langra, yes. Commissioner Mento, yes. Mayor Creville, yes. Yeah, before before I ask you to come up uh
for oath of office, Commissioner Mento has a some some other comments to add while you're still red. Congratulations, David. Um when I was administrator, David and I would meet um a few times a year, I think. And I was so impressed
with him from day one. He um first of all, my perception of him was that he was tough but fair. But when we would meet, it typically was over the budget or um something related to that, maybe operationally. And
um he he's just so intelligent. I was so impressed with him. And the spreadsheets he would uh put in front of me were pretty uh amazing. And um he's really dedicated to the job. And um he's very reasonable with what he would
propose. And um I'm so happy for you. So, congratulations, Chief, or soon to be chief as soon as we swear you in. So, I I'm I'm glad we got you here. And I used to say, I don't know if I ever told you this or just thought it to myself that when he retires someday, he would
make a great city administrator. You you really would. So, um maybe that's if I never told that to you, maybe that's why I was I was a city administrator. But, um I often thought, yeah, he's got another career.
[Laughter] He's not ready for retirement yet, but you you have another career in the future, too. Thank you. Thanks, Commissioner. Commissioner Langraph, Dave, congratulations. I mean, you have huge shoes to fill. I'm sure you're aware of that, but I think you are so up
to the job. You've done a great job leading our guys and girls through the last 20 years in your as an officer. um just how you carry yourself, how you treat your family in front of the public, you're you're exemplary and that's exactly what we look for here in
Ventner to lead our department. So congratulations and good luck to you. Hold it. Come out of your shell. I will support the Constitution of the United States of the United
Constitution of the state bear true governmentally all the duties all of the office of the city. The best skills
So David, following me would not be a tough fact. Following Chief Bergman will be. So best of luck to you and to former Chief Stan Bergman. Just found a piece of the uh plaster coming off. Look at that.
Nice there. Glue that back. I can. All right. Thank you. Um, moving forward on the agenda, item 10 is uh department head reports. We have none today. Item
11 is capital discussion. Um, none today. We do have Thank you everybody. Oh, there's Megan. I didn't want to jump, but nice Dan. You want to grab stand? What am I
grabbing? Just want to grab that for now. Uh moving through the agenda, following items are scheduled for action at the 5:22 portion of the commission meeting. Uh item 12, we have no minutes this evening. Uh we have a number of
ordinance introductions. Uh uh I I'm going to be dis uh bringing them up for discussion. There are some uh questions on which direction we're going to go on some of them. So I'll just kick that to you um Nicole if that's all right. Sure. The the first ordinance is uh
2025-10 an ordinance amending chapter 75 of the code of the city of Ventner entitled bicycles, roller skates, and skateboards. this um ordinance. We discussed uh the parameters of it some meetings ago, but the idea here is just to change the hours that bicycles only
bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk. This does not include ebikes. That's a separate discussion, right? Um currently they are allowed only during daylight hours year round and then there are restrictions on Saturdays and Sundays for the morning hours only during the
summer from July 1st to Labor Day. with this proposal. Um, the ordinance would change is that it would be 5:00 am to 10 pm year round and then from July, excuse me, from July 1st to Labor Day every day. So, this is not just Saturdays and Sundays, this is every day. From July
1st to Labor Day, the hours that they would be permitted on the boardwalk would be 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and then 5:00 p p.m. to 1000 p.m., right? So, that's the those are the proposed changes for this ordinance. So, in the spirit of the workshop, I I just invite Commissioner Mento and Langraph to weigh
in on whether they are in favor of adding those hours in the evening for bicycles only, not uh electric bikes, but adding the ability for people to commute to and from either events or uh along the boardwalk in those hours. Can you tell me the last hour? He said the
last It's 5:00 p.m. to 1000 p.m. Okay. And the um Chief Wooten has seen this ordinance and was in favor of the the hours as proposed. Correct. From a public safety standpoint.
I think this is what we discussed I think last summer. We had we had some folks come in and ask us and I've been approached out in public about adding the evening hours for bicycles to if you're going to go down to dinner somewhere. A lot of folks use the boardwalk instead of the street to ride their bikes down. Um I see our
lifeguards riding off when they get off at 6 pm riding on the boardwalk. So there's a lot of commuting up in for up to Atlantic City and down to Margate through Ventner on on the boardwalk at that time. And I think as long as it's policed appropriately, nobody's going
crazy with the speeds. And again, this is just bicycles, right? Not nothing pedal assist or anything of that nature. So I think I would be in support of adding the the 5 to 10 p.m. in the evening. I am also And I think we clarified the language from daylight hours to correct precise hours. Yes.
Yes. So it's clearly 5:00 am to 10 p.m. and then at 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. So it's carved out pretty clearly. Yeah. Once I think once the public understands it and gets used to it, I think it'll be a positive for uh commuting to and from our business
districts to homes. And as Commissioner Langraph said that um uh what it'll help the our lifeguards get home which is typically you see a mass of them running right exactly around six o'clock. So um and then in the evenings it it helps
police because they're not it's not something that could then uh create uh lawyering issue. There is a reason to get people off at the at the late hours. So there may be some uh some push back and complaints and we'll take them um as they come through. Will be a learning curve. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I think in general the majority are going to find
the ability to use the boardwalk as an alternative to the road with for bikes. So, I think we're all in favor. So, if you're in favor of the way it was drafted and submitted, we can put it on for an ordinance for um first reading by title only and then it would be on for second reading and public hearing at the
June meeting. Okay. Okay. I think we're there. Second ordinance has similar discussion which pertains to outdoor dining uh and premises uh expansion permits. There's some language in there that I think just needed to be worked through and discussed. Again, if you have any questions or comments on that,
you want to describe it. So, generally, um, this is meant to address, uh, formally permitting outdoor dining on public sidewalks as we've kind of grown used to in the aftermath of COVID. Um, the the state, I think, deemed that it
was a very good good idea for both the the cities and for diners alike. Um, so they have actually now made a a law that permits it under certain circumstances. So what this ordinance does is it codifies a lot of what's in that
legislation. Um, and with your approval, we'll move forward with that as well. Um, I I've read it and understood and understand it. I think it the the the the um the keeping the sidewalks clear was the one thing that we kind of focused on on it, but in general I'm I'm
for Commissioner Langraph. Yeah, I would agree. I mean, keeping the three-foot allows folks to get by, right? Excuse me. Even in a wheelchair, you can get by in three feet there. I think that was what the state recommended and so did um former Chief Fussner. I think he Yes. We had employed that before the state
decided to do do it this way. So I think that's a you know six feet off the curb and then a 3ft make sure you have a three-ft walkway correct around the tables I think is two good parameters to set it up and each of them I believe at the beginning of the season have to send a plan in yes to I believe PD or zoning
zoning be approved by zoning and police department alike good and any if there's an if it's an establishment that serves alcohol they have to go through the ABC to get their premise license renewed and it is a a permitting process that's going to be outlined in the ordinance that would be done annually by all of
these these businesses. Um just for the for the benefit benefit of the public and to make sure that the record is clear, there is one provision that was in um a draft of the ordinance under section 1.7 paragraph C. It did speak
about um limiting the number of seats that is going to be struck from the ordinance that we're going to introduce. So just I think we were all acceptable to that. Right. That was my understanding. town. I think that only makes sense. I mean, the idea that um outdoor seating expands with the
capacity that the city takes on in the summer months, that's only natural. That's what we do. Um we expand the restaurants need to expand. It needs to be in addition to the existing lo uh square footage they have and it's been proven. It's something since co all the the restaurants need to um get a little
bit of that curb share. Yep. Okay. Yeah. Um I'm also uh fine with it. I did review it and um we talked about the same items that were already mentioned. You did mention a restaurant that serves liquor has to go before the ABC that is to be able to serve it outside also.
Yes. So what the what they would have to do is they submit uh a premise expansion permit through the ABC. It's something they've been doing during COVID. So that's just going to continue. Okay. But there's there's specific language in the legislation and then in the ordinance
that would guide them on that. So, um, the idea when the law was approved was that they would keep what was an emergency ruling in place now that we've the emergency of COVID has has subsided. Um, but it seems like this was one of
the silver linings that came out of CO. So, um, want to move forward to codify that. Okay. Yeah. All right. So, we'll keep that in as described u when we get to the um the the the um comm the the
action portion of the commission meeting. Um the next ordinance for introduction I believe we are striking that is uh 013 Nicole uh 012 I'm
sorry entitled Boardwalk. Is that the um describe describer of the ebikes? Right. B 012. Yes, withdrawing. We're not going to put that forward. N013 N 013 hold off are holding. I think we need more discussion on those table
discussion on that. Chief Wooten just got hit with it. We'd like to get his at least I would like to get his input on it and you know not rush him through that decision. So like to hold off on those. I'll ask him to reach out. Yep, that'd be great. Um so that's uh 012 and
013. 014 for introduction is the um various capital improvements bond ordinance. Um this is appropriating uh 1,850,000 authorizing issuance and uh
authorizing 1,71,94 bonds. Do you uh do you have any um detail you want to add to that? Now, just to understand the difference between the numbers, the it authorizes the 1,850,000. The 1,7 number is 95% of that. That's the amount of bonds and
notes that's authorized. The other 5% we put up through from the capital improvement fund, right? And these are all, you know, fairly typical capital improvements that we that you authorize every year. purchase of uh DPW, police, fire equipment, road improvements, storm
drain improvements, building improvements, all all of those standard uh infrastructure and equipment purchases that are made. This is heavy my stuff. This is a laundry list of your department, Commissioner Langrath and he's big spender. Yeah. But the um
but infrastructure is uh is uh one of the main main um act you know mandates for the city, right? This is uh this is why this is our system service and pro and providing service that has to be maintained. Just like a house, you got to maintain or it falls apart. That's right. And you'll catch up next year,
mayor, when Chief Cahill asks for a million-doll fire engine, right? Left. No, he's in the back. He was up here. Yep. Uh I'll get to that. I was going to mention that later, but um the uh Yeah, we're no Chrome, so we'll
save some money there. Um the next is uh bond ordinance uh 2025-015. Uh and this is again various utility capitals. Correct. Um this is for water and sewer utility. Water and sewer. The general capital. It's water
and sewer, right? Uh issuance of the bonds and finance parts of that. Yeah. And this one's only 400,000 and that that's fully funded. There's no requirement for a down payment because the sewer utility is selfquidating, right?
Um, next is uh 2025-016 and this is hours of construction regarding pile driving. So, we had some discussions offline about this. Did you have anything you wanted to add to that? How that wound up? Yeah. Two years ago, maybe three years ago, I think we prohibited pile driving completely in the summertime. Yeah. And
that has created a huge I don't want to say backlog, but more of a rush like now because we would stop it May 31st, right? So, what's happened is you have everybody driving miles piles all over the place so fast. Um, right now the permitting process is is holding people
up. So, we looked at a little bit. I talked to Dino about it. Talked to a couple contractors about it. And, you know, nowadays they're doing them so quickly that, you know, they're in there for a day. It takes them three hours to drive pilings for a house. Um, so it's a lot faster, a lot more economical for
them to do it. And so we're going to allow them to do it midweek, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. No Monday, Friday or Saturday, Sundays. So that gets them to do the work they need to do to get the the start done, get the foundation poured and those kind of things. So um I
think it's a good idea to change it. We we did have some issues with folks driving the piles on weekends before we did this, right? And you know, you come down for the weekend and someone's driving a piling next to your house all day on Saturday. It's just not. So, we're going to hold that on the weekends and Fridays and Mondays. So, the three
days midweek is when we would we would allow piles to be driven in the summertime. I think you found you you struck a good balance there. I think the pile piles are the the gatekeeper for the rest of the house and without it this ordinance there would be um uh it could be increased cost as things go up.
Exactly. With the with the weights. Some of the comments I was Yeah. And so this is a this is a construction friendly ordinance I think um to try to keep uh keep things moving as we move forward. Any other comments on that? Um and then if you could just guide me Tom and
Nicole on the next uh this is public hearing carried over from uh item 14 carried over from April 24th uh and adoption. This is uh ordinance 2025005 carried over uh ordinance adopting the Vetner professional campus and redevelopment plan. And at what
point are we going to have a discussion on that now or? No, not now. What would happen is that when we get to that point in the agenda, right? We would need a motion to remove the discussion and public hearing from the table. If somebody makes that motion, we can go
forward, second it, and vote it. Yes. No. If the vote is for yes to have the public hearing, then we would have the public hearing on the adoption of the redevelopment plan. Right. Last, do you have anything that No, that's we want to move it forward. I think the the applicants here, they're going to do a
little presentation tonight as part of that public hearing and then we'll take comments on it and move forward from there. Right. So, we'll have a motion to open it for public hearing. The the applicants that are here will have their presentation and on that and there'll be and there'll be time after that for uh
public comment. Yep. Yes. Right. Good. All right. So, that is uh that will be item 14. Uh item 15 is uh resolutions by consent. Um we are adding correct.
Um yes sir. Just one resolution. Just one resolution. Uh so this will be resolutions 2025-169 through 2025- 2- uh 177 and 179 and
186 and 188 added at the bench. Is that correct? Yes. Thank you, Lisa. Um first voted on first resolution 168 uh relates to uh
special items of revenue. So this is a uh chapter 87 um a uh a uh small amount there I believe with regard to a um uh click it click
and click it uh ticket um initiative um about $4,000 I believe 2,800 uh resolution uh 170 uh another chapter 87 special. Uh this
is $12,000 in the AC from the uh recycling tippage fee. Correct. Any uh comment on that? Just that um it's positive. Yes. So it's an increase. Um
uh resolution 171 is uh our uh bond is our bond sale. This is a statement and jury returning form and other details of offering of our general obligation B bonds for 2025. Um and providing the sale of such
bonds. Um these are wide ranging from almost every department and going in Amy do you have any uh comment on that? But it is a wide ranging uh from just about every department in the city is uh is going to benefit from those bonds over
course of the next uh till 2037 as they uh get rolled in and initiated. Right. Any other comments there? Straightforward. Um resolution 172 is uh uh certification of our annual
audit. Um there were um no recommendations. No recommendations. Uh we discussed that at the last meeting which is a positive outcome. Thank you Amy for your hard work there. And well done Leon. Um doesn't happen by mistake. It's there's
a lot of things that could go wrong. Didn't go wrong. Right. Yeah. Boring is good when it comes to an audit. No findings. Um uh next is uh resolution 173. Um this is a refund of a marine
science camp. Um then we have um resolution uh 174. This is uh New Jersey participating in a leap implementation grant. So, this is authorizing us to uh with Atlantic County uh for a to apply
with the rest of Atlantic County for 77,000 shared service um um uh grant uh focusing in some ways on the kiosk um uh here in uh in the in city hall. Is that
is that correct? Yep. It's for paying tickets, right? For paying fines. uh uh bringing in some uh uh some some technology to to help that uh ongoing effort um to streamline that. Just to get real brief, there's a little outline
here. These will provide your residents with a fast, secure, and convenient way to pay and plea and resolve your traffic parking ticket or other municipal court complaint online. Right. And plans will be available if certain matters. So, yep. kiosk
probably probably inside in the entry um just just by the police window like that but he was talking about Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um so uh we can talk about that again. Uh public comment maybe I I see
commission um former mayor here. He's worked on that. Um we have uh next is uh resolution 175. This is for u uh green communities grant for tree inventory and community forest management development
plan. So, uh, again, this is for, um, application for a grant that would then help us, um, uh, have, we've done some work on this already. Helps the city, um, apply for other grants and, uh, and gives us, uh, green communities points,
which are always, uh, positive and helpful. Um, any comments on that? No. Item uh resolution 176 is authorizing uh seasonal and part-time employment uh for the department of revenue and finance
beach tag beach tag checkers and recreation aid. Um so we're adding part-time staff for the summer months um as per typical and as needed. Any any question there? No. Uh, next is item
177, uh, accepting resignation of, uh, Gabe R. I believe that's in your department. It is. Yeah. Just didn't didn't fit the he he resigned. So, nope. Yep. Pretty straightforward. Um, uh, next would be, uh, 179. Um, this is an
abandoned vehicle auction, setting the date. Uh, 180 is a authorizing a tax refund. 181 is uh authorizing additional seasonal part-time employment and I believe this is for special events. That
correct? Um Andrew McAved special. Yes. 170. So again, our our uh our uh events
was last is is uh is it I'm sure they'll come in in uh come in handy and it is a part-time position. It's events, it's the concerts, it's OEM, too. And OEM. So yeah, a busy busy summer of events that
busy work during the week too. Good. And this is the required minimum wage under the law. So that we're paying what we have to pay, right? Nothing more. Yeah. Probably more than I paid in my first uh part-time job. So uh setting up
beach chairs. Um resolution 181. This is uh authorizing award a contract to Art Design Studio LLC for marketing and advertising on vendor property. So, this is for the the firm that has done our banner and um uh for lack of a better
word, various um advertising um uh they've done it in the past and done a great job. I think the city looks great. So, um uh any other comments? Great. No, they look good and um we talked about
Yes, they were looking better. um they they it's a profit sharing um uh endeavor as well. So, we do gain some revenue. Um and we've been briefly talking about maybe doing some flags for sale for the general public for uh with
the Ventner City logo on it. Something that they would also there's there's a there's opportunity in that contract for other assets. So, I'd like to see them expand um uh as it as as it allows. Um, resolution
183 is authorizing no parking. Um, and this is during the Kenny Whan Memorial Scholarship Run. Um, so this is uh this is coming up on May 25th from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Uh, so on Atlantic Avenue
uh between um uh Portland and Fredericksburg uh and um along the beach blocks of New Haven and Newport. This run is such a great event for the entire city. It's a family event. Um it's you can tell that these are families that
come year after year. Um there's always the competitive pack that hits their hits there early and then there's uh there's um family and kids uh in the middle and uh and and people of all ages and walks of life. It's really great event. Um any So that's pretty
straightforward. Next is resolution uh 184. Uh this is to enter to a contract with Remington and Vernick for design services of uh storm water pump station at Fulton and Fremont Avenue. Do you have any Yes. So we have existing pumps there now. They need to be
replaced and and upgraded. Uh more capacity. Streets are flooding more and more. We know that from last Friday's rain. Um a lot of streets flooded. So this is a we got a grant to do these the design. We got $2 million in funding to do design work, right? So we're going to
be doing this one and the next two right after it. So all the design work and we're going to we're actually meeting with them. I think is Ed still here? Yeah. Probably next week we're going to sit down with R&V and talk about adding other design services in there because that's a lot of lot of free money for design. Right. So fantastic. I like the
sound of that. The and the reason we got that is because we're early in on the lead service line. Right. Right. That was why we're able to get these funds, right?$2 million. projects that right% good great yeah so there are two
additional resolutions ions with Remington and Vermick for similar design services. Do you want to add to that? That's Lafayette Avenue sewer um and the sewer pump station improvements out there. That is the pump station that brings sanitary waste through our city through to the county. So, we have to
pump it to our our our public works and then it gets pumped out by the to the county stuff. So, that area needs to be redone. And then in 2022 is 186 is for uh design service or ventner height sanitary sewer lateral
replacement program. That'll be part of the leadline service. We have to do the water services. This will help us do the sewer laterals. So it's going to be a lot of that. Yeah. Yeah. And and um and there explains the bonds. Yep. Um so uh
thank thank you for uh for adding the detail there. Those are all uh and and thank you for leading the charge on the lead on the lead service line. I think we're way ahead of other municipalities in that. We're first in line for the money. That's what counts. That's what counts. Um approval. We'll have approval
of bills and payroll. And we have one discussion item in the uh workshop portion. This is revocable license of 8 North Victoria Avenue. Before you get that far, we just want to add We're going to add one. I'm sorry. That's right. We have uh one on the
bench which is uh 18 uh 2025 1-188. This is um adding uh seasonal part-time employment um also and I believe this is for the recck department. Correct. Yeah. So um these are all um
again we have an active wreck department. Um we have these are all recreational aids for the season. five five individuals. Um and then and any other questions on that? Nope. We have approval of bills and payroll.
Thank you. Um we'll have and we have one discussion item. Uh item 17 is with regard to revocable license at 8 North Victoria Avenue. So I saw the packet. Is that something that we want? You want to speak on you want to address the 8 North Victoria
revocable license? Excuse me, Ed. Could you just turn that microphone on? Thank you. The property at 8 North Victoria, uh, the applicant is looking to replace
existing steps. Uh, the steps currently extend into the right of way. So, the proposed steps, although they're going to modify them and bring them less of an encroachment, uh there still an encroachment. Uh his application was um
flagged by our zoning officer, which then um required the the revocable license application. Uh they reviewed the application. The steps currently do not encroach into the the sidewalk. uh it
does encroach into the rightway but does not block the sidewalk. Uh there's no other configuration that could be made without uh restricting parking or eliminating a parking spot. So uh it is the best solution and and my recommendation is uh to approve the the
applicant has to still submit a legal description of the area for the revocable license. I've I've had that conversation. Got that. We did get that. Great. Um, so other than that, um, we're pending the review of that. I would
recommend the approval. Great. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Um, I think that's that's that's all the explanation I need. I support the Yeah, it's he's making the existing condition better, right? So, if you guys are good, we would ask um our solicitor to prepare
a resolution and we'll put it on for the next meeting. Perfect. Right. You agree, Maria? All right. Um covering that we have uh item 18 which is the public portion. We welcome participants, interested organizations
and individuals during the workshop. Um to make any questions or comments. Uh if you wish to address the commission, please step up to the microphone or on the Zoom platform at the appropriate time. State your name and address. And this would be uh any items that have
been discussed so far on the agenda. There'll be an additional time at the end of the meeting to discuss anything that happens during the um actual meeting session. You have to hit that. Thanks. Thank Morer. You have to hit that button there. It's still off. Yeah. Got it.
Green light means go. Red light stop. There you go. That's good. Yep. So, uh, just a couple one, one, I want to thank you for resolution on the LEAP grant and supporting the Layman County's LEAP application to, uh, purchase kiosk to put them in the, uh, town halls as,
as Commissioner Lang said. I don't need to repeat it. Uh, but one thing I want to mention, it does come equipped with a printer so that people can print out a receipt, uh, printed receipt in real time. And Lisa will be glad to know this is it also has a telephone line direct
to the centralized municipal court. So if the pro person has any questions or problems, they don't have to come bother Lisa. They can pick up the phone and talk to somebody directly in the uh in the court. Um would you lobby for that feature? No, but I like it. I'll see
I'll see if I can get it called the lease a hand uh component. Um, but I want to thank you and if at least I'll be able to get those signed documents, the two documents. Uh, if you stay for after the meeting, we down to my office and Okay. Cuz it's the last piece I
need. I can submit the application uh to uh the state tomorrow. Question on resolution 171, the uh bond. Is that in addition to the $107 million that's on the uh bond statement or is this dollar
amount included in that 107 million? Could you rephrase the question again? The one on on 171 the is that the bond? Yeah. $20 million some change. Is that is that included in the bond statement that was filed at the
end of uh 2024 as a gross debt of $107 million? Is this $20 million in that that $20 million that's that is being authorized to go to sale is all projects that have previously been authorized and would be part of our outstanding debt as
of December 31st. Most of it has been uh is outstanding uh bond anticipation notes that are maturing and instead of rolling those over again uh we're going to permanent financing on the bond sale. So it's that bond sale does not
authorize any new debt. Okay. The bond ordinance being introduced on the other hand does. Okay. All right. Thank you. And on resolution uh 184 on the storm drain, uh I just
want to comment that Dick Carter designed that storm drain that pumping thing originally. Yep. Some back in 19 mid 90s. So Dick Dick Dick Dick work I'm sorry. It did the inspections on it. So Dick's uh work lives on. It does. It
just it's needs. He'll be glad to hear that it's being maintained. Yep. Uh I do want to congratulate uh the new Chief Funk. Uh he is, as Commissioner Mento said, he is will be a great leader and continue the great history and
reputation that the Veterary City Beach Patrol has enjoyed throughout the years. And also to wish uh Chief Bergman well on his retirement. And this isn't a gotchi question because very few people know this, but do you know who the first
beach patrol chief was in Ventner? Um, Paluty was before Chief Bergman. Yep. And I'm not sure if I know who the the first before him was. Most people will say John Gouty, right? But John Gouty was a captain that when Luke
became chief, he had to change to chief. Oh, okay. So, so it's a little bit of a trick question because most people say John Galley, but actually he was a captain chief um Paluti was the first chief. I can say it now because Chief's not here and he would be mad if I mentioned it. So,
Saturday we are actually naming VCB headquarters for Chief Bergman and Chief Paluti. Oh, this Saturday. Saturday morning 10 o'clock. 10 o'clock. 10. Yep. Thank you. So, he didn't want us to say anything here tonight because that's the kind of gentleman he is. Yes. Um, I actually had the plaque in my bag to
give him tonight, but he asked us not to do that. Yeah. So, I can say it now because he's not here. That's right. That's Chief Bergman for you to tell you here's the kind of leader he is. I was on the boardwalk a couple weeks ago and there he is out there with a paintbrush painting the lifeguard stands every year. Y I think he's that's his therapy.
I think he's that's going he will keep doing that. I'm not sure he was happy about that, but probably not. Probably not. I think he likes to. So, uh, I'm speaking really on, uh, behalf of Commissioner Vespertino and Commissioner Schaefer, um, on Dick Carter. So, I'd
just like to read a short our our thoughts on Dick. Uh, since I worked with Dick for 18 year, 16 years, Sandy worked for him with 12 and Joe Schaefer worked with him for eight. though. Um, and so I kind of written out
because all our comments are in here, but I want to congratulate the city and thank you for the recognizing Dick Carter for his years of service. It is long overdue. As a proclamation says, Dick not only served the city as engineer, but the planning and zoning
boards as a city planner and engineer. I want to share you a quick story. When Sandy Vaspatino became commissioner and I became mayor, we had full intentions of replacing Dick as our engineer. Uh, but gave him an opportunity to apply for the job. He came into the interview not
with a tone of entitlement that he deserved the job because he'd been there so long, but he came in with an attitude, I want this job. Here are my qualifications, and I am the best person for the job. He was a true professional. After the interviews, it was clear Dick
was the best person for the job. His knowledge of the city far surpassed the other applicants. We put politics aside and hired him over two others. One which was a good friend and the other was a campaign contributor and we never regretted the decision. He always gave
us his professional position whether we liked it or not. And sometimes we didn't. I know Sandy was not always the easiest person to deal with, but Dick always accepted our decision and to design a project that we could be proud of. We were able to take advantage of Dick's expertise by entering into a
shared service agreement with Longport to share Dick as an engineer. With all the infrastructure improvements both of us were doing, we hired Dick full-time and with his salary and including benefits, both Longport and us save money than if he continued as a
contracted person. In addition, because Dick was full-time and already being paid, we were able to keep escrow fees for those before our planning and zoning boards lower lower than surrounding cities and made it easier for residents and investors to improve properties. The
escro fees also added to the city savings. We also did a shared service agreement with Sharon Dick with Fairfield Township and Ocean City that further enhance those savings. Another example was Dick designed made a mistake
probably one of his few. He designed a a bulkhead short bulkhead uh and put creassote on the cap which created a problem because people couldn't sit on the the bulkhead and fish and crab and we needed to change it. Dick said I'll
eat the cost and we said no we should have read the specs closer and you saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. we can do it. But Dick, who's a standup guy, he said, "No, I don't want anybody paying for my mistake. I'll pay for it." So, he ate
that cost. Uh, so that was And then example again tonight read that Dick donated his services uh to help you with a with a case and that was Dick Carter and and a lot of that went unknown. So, I'm glad you recognized him and thank you for doing that tonight. It was welld
deserved and overdue. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. Um, any public portion on the Zoom platform, James? No, there's nobody on Zoom.
All right. Hearing none, I will uh I have a a motion to close public portion. So moved. Second. Mr. Langri, yes. Mr. Vento, yes. Mayor Creel, yes.
Uh with that, I'll close the portion of uh our workshop meeting. Um I have a motion to close a portion of our workshop meeting. So moved. May I have a second? Second. Have a roll call, Lisa. Commissioner Lang Grant, yes. Commissioner Mento, yes. Mayor Creable.
Yes. Uh we have no approval of minutes. Uh may I have a motion to introduce ordinance 2025-1-0? I'll make that motion. I have a second. Second. A roll call. Lisa. Mr. Langra. Yes. Commissioner
Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable. Yes. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance 2025-011. This is the outdoor dining premises expansion we discussed. I'll make a motion to adopt to introduce
ordinance 2025-011. Second. Commissioner Langria. Yes. Commissioner Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable. Yes. Next two or no? Uh the next two ordinances we are tableabling or ordinances 012 and
013. Uh may I have a motion to introduct ordinance 2025-014 bond ordinance as described. Make a motion to introduce ordinance 2025-014. Second. Commissioner Langrev. Yes. Commissioner Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable.
Yes. I have a motion to introduce ordinance 2025-015 bond ordinance as described. Make a motion to introduce or ordinance 2025-015. Second. Commissioner Langria. Yes.
Commissioner Mento. Yes. Mayor Kel. Yes. Can I have a motion to introduct ordinance 2025-016? This is hours of construction regarding pile driving. I'll make a motion to introduce ordinance 2025-016. Second. Commissioner Langraph. Yes.
Commissioner Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable. Yes. So to this one, you need a motion. A motion to remove from the table the public hearing carried from April 24th, 2025. I'll make that motion. Thank you.
Second. Commissioner Langra. Yes. Commissioner Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable. Yes. Now you have the public hearing with regards to the ordinance adoption for the vet and professional campus redevelopment plan. Okay. So now we can call our um the public hearing portion
for that. Yes. Okay. Need a motion to open motion to open public hearing on ordinance 2025-00. You just did that. I just did that. Okay. That was my fault. I thought we had to do it again. Okay. So um Mr. Blacker and
team, you have the floor. Thank you so much. Uh good evening, mayor, commissioners, uh professionals. May it please the board. My name is Jack Pler. I'm from law firm Fox Rothchild. I represent uh the property owner D A. Uh
I have with me Dave Waxman who's sitting right there. I think everybody knows Dave. He's a part-time ventner resident and also is the owner of the property, his company. Also I have uh John Barnhart with me as well. Uh just to
give some brief background um as we know the governing body of the city of Ventner in recognition of the Is that me or no? Oh okay. Sorry. In recognition of the uniqueness of the site took affirmative action on its meeting of
December 13th, 2023 to officially designate our property as an area need of redevelopment. As we know, the site has a long history. Uh it was a former Ventner Avenue and Troy Avenue school back in the 30s, 1938. The site
obviously uh there has not been a lot of development. Uh it's zoned uh mixed use and I want to I'm going to talk about that in a minute. Um the redevelopment site does consist of an entire city block except for uh
the firehouse which is now partial. It's not part of the area in need of redevelopment so is exempted. The site is 2.3 acres and under the current zoning it contemplates a mixeduse development that allows both residential
and limited uh office type development offices of professional and so forth. um is antiquated and needs updating. So, our clients have spent significant time studying the site, finding ways to improve it, make it better, something
that um can work for them, but also would be a credit to the city of Ventner and our clients are excited about this opportunity. When we do talk about the development tonight, understand that it's only a conceptual plan that is the
concept based upon the ordinance and we still have a lot of steps here. We have to work with the planning board and so forth to come up with a uh an approval. Uh we did appear before the planning board on April 9th, 2025 and they did find the redevelopment
plan to be consistent with Ventner's master plan and that was adopted uh by resolution. Um basically there were some concerns though which we heard and uh the plan uh takes into account the ask
of reduced density. Keep in mind that the current MU zone allows 20 units per acre. If we tore down the building, we could do by right without a redevelopment plan or without any change in the zoning up to 46 units by right.
Uh that's not what we want to do. Um our current plan proposes, and this is conceptual only, 34 units that translates into 14.78 acres. I'm sorry, 14.78 uh units per acre, far below the current
permitted density. So, you ask what are the changes in the plan? Well, the plan allows a couple things. One, it allows us to do indiv individual lots because rather than condominium development, we'd like to have individual home ownership. That's more popular today. It
also um as you'll hear, allows us to expand the type of uses that go in the front building. One of the things we're dedicated to is preserving that front building, which is a lovely building, but it it has some challenges. Um, as we
know, uh, what we'd like to do there is make the first floor retail, which is not permitted under the current MU zone, and bring out some pedestrian activities, uh, have some outdoor dining, outdoor seating, and make it pedestrian friendly to further enhance
the commercial area. Uh, one of the things that we do know is that um, you know, all the seashore communities, Ventner is one as well, uh, they're losing commercial development. I just read an article today about Avalon where they say there's they keep reducing it and everybody there's nothing but
housing and as a result there's not a lot to do. Well, Vendor and Margate, uh, two good examples of of, you know, I think towns that are trying to promote that type of commercial development. So, this redevelopment plan will allow uh Dave, and we'll talk about that a little
bit, to enhance that building. Uh we have a potential restaurant tenant to go in there right now. Uh they're going to do enhanced lighting, uh enhanced pedestrian activity, and things that will ensure that that building remains viable for all the residents. Um the
other thing I want to just comment briefly about density is that the number of units is only one measure of density. And when you look at the size of these units and the number of bedrooms, again, it's only conceptual, but we're only really proposing uh three bedroomedroom units as as opposed to um other town
homes in the city that have four and five bedrooms. So, you could do 30 units and have five bedroomedroom units, it would it would actually be a greater density. Um we think it fits. And the other thing that this residential development will allow us to uh spend
money and preserve the front building for uh retail uses, office space and other things that can promote the commercial development along uh Ventner Avenue. And it is a challenge to do as we all know to do retail in in seashore
communities because of the seasonal nature of these communities where in the summer if you have a retail business you're going to do fine. But what happens after the summer uh and in the middle of winter, people in February, in the middle of the week, people aren't really going out to a lot of
restaurants. So, it's it is a challenge, but we're we're dedicated to um you know, preserving that front building. Um you know, there's been a request to make this development really special, and we believe it will be a substantial improvement over current conditions, and
Dave, I can tell you, is committed to working with the planning board and this this governing body to do that. Um, again, our CL client pledges to continue to work with um the city government uh to present a redevelopment project that everybody can be proud of. And at this
time, I'd just like to call John to just briefly show you again what are, you know, rough conceptual plans of kind of the concept for the development. I don't know that we have to swear him in, but if you want to swear him in, uh, Nicole, you can. Okay. Go ahead, John. I think
everybody knows John. So you can take the the swearing in off tonight, John. One of the few nights off. Does that mean I get the live this time? No. No. Tom, hand them the Sure. I'm gonna I'm gonna let you take the mic here. I'll move.
Oh, okay. Might need to be turned on. I think she got it. I think we're feeling pretty good. Yeah, it's green. Okay. So, uh, Jack kind of gave gave you the full overview of of the project, but we just want I just want to give you a few of the details, um, and how we've
come to, uh, the project that we propose here, uh, here that's part of the redevelopment plan. Um, as you're very well aware, uh, both Vetner and Margate in in in our opinion have done a really good job at making it known to the development community that, um, that that you want to make sure you're
preserving your commercial spaces, your offices, your retail, things of that nature. A project of this n of this character and and a site of this size in the projects that we see, the lion share developers would come to our office and say, "I'm tearing that down and making it residential because that's where the
dollar is." But Mr. Waxman showed up and said, "We want to create a better project than that. Something that works for the community, but also something that's viable and feasible that that can be as successful for for his team." So, what what we've come up with is the is the redevelopment of the front building
um that sits on on Veterary Avenue. Um and here is a uh kind of a night shot of what that building uh would look like. Um one of the things one of the main elements that that uh Mr. Waxman and his group is trying to do is to create some outdoor spaces in the front of that
building which really have never existed. There's there's nice landscape areas but but they're not active spaces. Um so what he's trying to do um and again this is just a concept. You can see as an example some outdoor dining um some modification to the front building or the front of the building. So you've
got actual doors that open out onto that patio area. uh and then an an additional uh outdoor uh space uh usable space right up on the avenue to really activate the front of this building. Architecturally, it's a beautiful building, but it's a building that you right now you just drive by, it's kind
of closed off from the avenue, and it's nice to look at, but if you drive by there, generally most people don't even know what's in that building. Um, this will really activate that, beautify the front of the of the building and hopefully uh help attract uh tenants to to occupy the building and and continue
to make this building a true success to help support that endeavor. Can we see that up? Yeah. Fact, there's actually if you want to take the bottom clips off, there's actually a few
different versions of it in there, too. So to help support that endeavor is the res is the residential component of the project. As Jack said, this is conceptual at this point. Um we will have to come forward and go the planning board for a full site plan subdivision application. Um but the current plan, as
you see here before you, is 34 residential units. Um they are threebedroom units that will each have three parking spa, three off- streetet parking spaces. Um uh as far as the density is concerned, Jack already hit on these numbers, but I think it's important to
ex to to let you understand how consistent this proposed density is with not just this block, but really your community as a whole. Um the this is this site lies in the MU district um which was I was already mentioned uh permits up to 20 units per acre. Um this
development as proposed is under 15 14.6 units per acre. But what I also want to point out is that some of your other zones in the area, the R seven, the R4, if you look at those zones, which are your which are your are similar density
to to this, the R the R seven district only requires 2,000 square feet per lot. If you if you look at that on from a density perspective, um it is about 21 units to the acre. Even your R4 zone, which is the lesser dense zone, uh, but
does exist in and around this area, if you do that math, it's about 19 units per acre. So, this proposal is less than 15 units per acre. It's actually, although the residential units are clustered to the rear of the property, as a block, it's actually a a lesser
density than even your R4 zoning district. So, I wanted to point that out because I wanted to make sure you understand that the density that's being requested here is very much in character with not just this block and the MU district, but a number of the districts and the density throughout the
community. Um, you can see we've taken some uh some of the comments that came from your planning board uh were a little bit more open space and and you know, what can you do to beautify the site? We've reduced a couple we've eliminated a couple of units since that since that concept and we've created
like a little passive park area in the center of the development which then has connectivity to the commercial development. Um additional green space and park benches an area to just kind of sit and relax um uh with right in the center of the uh of the site. What we've
also done, we heard some of the comments and concerns with regard to traffic circulation that came out of that planning board uh hearing. Um and and so what we're proposing to do as we initially had our prop our our roadway through the facility to be two-way um based on some of the comments and concerns which is why we were there that
evening we modif we're proposing to modify that to be one way uh from New Haven Avenue to Troy Avenue. The consensus was that that would be a safer condition. So that is what we are uh now proposing. Going to the architecture of the building. Um there were a lot of there's been a lot of comments and and
again just keep in mind this is concept. Um we came with a uh a very initially a more modern building. Um as we've as we've been showing it through the concept phase and specifically when we went to the planning board um the result of those discussions were that it's not
necessarily in character with the development of Vetner and it's not really harmonious with the front building and how can you tie those elements together. So, what what the new concept is here is to do a couple of things. First is to create that seashore look where we've got stack decks on on
all the floors of the building. Um, it's you come here, you come to Vetner, you're on the island, you want to be outside, you want to have that out that outdoor living space. This mod this architectural plan provides that that offering. But what it also does is it takes the
character of that front building and and and we're proposing to wrap the ground floor level and and around the water t water table along the sides of the building to use a very similar brick to the building that that sits and exists on Veterary Avenue to try to tie that that look and appearance to these
residential units. So, we believe that these modifications while they're while they're settled, we think that that that the recommendations that were made by the planning board um were were were made a lot of sense and we think that our that our client has has reacted to them in a way that
really has has enhanced and improved the project. So, um all in all, we you know, we still have a lot of work to do. Uh we're starting with the with the uh regulatory process um uh with regard to D and we'll be uh going into into our
site plan approval. Um, but this truly this process, this redevelopment process through the through Vetner really has been a great partnership of comments and feedback and making tweaks and changes and and more comments and feedback and making more tweaks and changes and we
believe that we've now have a project um that we certainly our team is certainly proud of and we're hopeful that that um the city of Vatner can be proud of. A question if I could. Yeah, absolutely. So the two parking lots behind the front building, the old Fenter school
building. Yes. So what how many spaces are going to be in each one of those? And that was a comment that came up. 16 and 16, 32 spaces. That's to support the business. They are dedicated to the to the commercial the the the building itself. And then there's been very little modification to the on street
parking on either Troy uh or New Haven Avenues. And as I had mentioned prior, one of the reasons that we turned the units and are creating a roadway was to avoid direct conflict. We talked about at one point having units lined up on New Haven and Troy, but this allows you us to avoid direct conflict with with
that on street parking um and create some separation with some landscaping and such for that parking both on Troy uh and New Haven. Okay. Can you repeat the proposed number of units at this point? And I know it's conceptual as 34 are shown on this plan.
34. Yes. Versus 46 which would be the um the MU district would permit up to 46 on the site. Yeah. And you've added a park in the center. It's sort of like down the center line of the existing building. Correct. And each of the units
have a backyard or is that a shared backyard on the on the um on the on the back side of the So each so some of the units have a very small yard. These the units this building that I'm pointing to here off of the proposed rightway and the building off Winchester actually
have um nicely sized backyards just because of the of the dimension of how the properties lay out um uh going around the firehouse area. Bigger than I have bigger than my yard. Yeah. and and yeah, and the uh and I think your your point's well taken that that that that
uh another developer may wouldn't consider the keeping that building. I mean, that's just the the to look at it from a true financial standpoint, but for me personally, re restoring that and and repurposing that building for uh for for
the types of um applications like restaurants, I think, is a is a is a way to activate that area that is in need of activation. And it gives a it gives and I I really like the the images um that you shown. I think it's always going to be a challenge for parking. Um, and
these units have parking for uh two places underneath underneath, right? Each one two interior, one exterior. That's correct. Three spaces. Two interior total. Three spaces in total. That's three more than I have. And the idea there is that we know that you're
going to use some of that for your bikes and your surfboards. So, you're you'll still have two open spaces at all times with storage. Yeah. Yeah. Two more than I have. And I'll I have a four bed. Yeah. And so so just to to step back, so part of the the the reason for the
redevelopment plan in my mind was to preserve the building in the front to preserve that commercial structure. Um and and knowing that the development behind it was going to the voices starting to fade. Yeah, I can see that the preserve that building in front and
the mechanism to do that is to allow the residential in in behind it as a little more dense than than probably some folks really like. There's a reason behind it and that's to save the building up front. Yeah. And I I see that in in this project and I you know that you have to
make some sacrifices to the gain in the end and I think the gain in the end to keep that building and activate it is really important. I I agree, Lance. And I think one of the things that you fought for in the beginning was to keep the the the parking along the perimeter that are on the two borderline streets.
So that uh angled parking still exists. I don't think uh I drove I've been driving the site a lot lately to get a feel for it and um the the the Winchester Avenue side is um is going to service those units and that's part of the property. I don't think there's
anything that um uh while it's going to be an adjustment for the area. I think it's it's still you're still as you say taking three parking spots per unit um that are um that are now owners of the lots. So, if I understand correctly, if
I can just bounce around, the condominium portion is not considered. Now, they're going to be single. They're going to be independently owned uh lots. Is that correct? That's correct. Okay. Simple. The gold lines that you see, the gold lines that you see on this plan are intended property lines, right? So,
that's a change that I kind of I kind of agree with. I think that's a it's really the way the town homes are going. Yeah. And it's a it's a it's better investment for the owners. It's a just a better ownership option instead of a condo. You're still going to have a homeowners association to maintain the the grounds
around it. I would assume. I would assume that. So, yeah. So, that's a good question. This way, it's they own the property. They got more skin in the game, if you will. Right. And that's the way town homes have been going. The projects I've worked on, projects that I see in Atlantic City that that John works on, everyone is fe
simple. Yeah. Yes. It's really becoming the trend. There's a there's you know condominiums are everywhere but they they they have a they have their issues and you find that if you own the land that your prop that you're building sits on seem people seem to get along better
for some reason. Yeah. So that takes me a little getting used to because you're kind of leaving uh the the it's a it's a a bit of a hybrid here. It's going to be a development that's going to be built all at the same time. the house is going to have a similarity, but you're going to leave it's going to be less restrictions
to the owners about what how they maintain the property. Well, there's there's still restrictions through the homeowner association on style, the colors and things like that. So, the association will still exist. There'll be a there'll be a declaration of covenants and restrictions that restrict you know paint your house purple or you know that kind of thing. So, it
maintains some continuity and and the basic architecture. Yeah. You're not hearing it in the So, there's one client you're going to lose. Um, but I All right. So, that that
helps. That's helpful. Um, uh, I um I I I like the way that it's evolved. I I don't Do you have any more comments? I know you got a sneak peek at this. This is my thing. We met last week and I saw a lot of this last week and you know we had some discussion and I had some
misunderstandings too and and we talked about some things people were saying to me what they were interested in seeing and what they were concerned about. So um I I had a much better level of comfort after our meeting in regards to
this project. Um what I do want to be clear on we're voting on something tonight. Correct. what we're voting on and like what we're not voting on because I think that might be helpful not only to me but to the public. Well, sure. So, I mean it's it's only the
redevelopment plan. You're not approving this design, this architecture. That's within the province of the planning board. This just gives them the guidelines of what you know what is permissible in the minds of the governing body. So, we're not approving what it looks like. We're not approving
the number of units to know It gives them an idea of what they designed to. Yeah, we're not approving. We're essentially taking the existing zoning in the MU zone and pushing that to the side and we're creating new land development ordinances regulations for this particular site. Reduces the
density, right? So to speak. Well, actually it does because right now it's it's over 20 per per acre and that allows a restaurant and retail. Correct. Anything else of significance? Well, it it also allows us right now you don't
have standards the MU zone for individual lots for the town and so it allows us to go with the more like as as Mr. Langraph said the more traditional kind of ownership where people have fe simple ownership rather than condominium. So it does that as well. But other and it does expand you know as
I said the front building expands the type of uses and allows retail and that kind of stuff rather than just right now it's kind of restricted just basically to professional office. I have a couple questions if I may. One one second real real quick. I had a
resident reach out to me, historical resident reach out to me about the boys and girls entrance signs. They're they're block somehow pull them down and save them. If you guys don't want to use them for something, please give them to us. We'll put them in in our historical museum. Or if you want to use them for
something, David there would be kind of cool. Maybe in the in the little park there, you could use them for something over the restrooms. Sorry. Did I say that out loud? Yeah, it was out loud. Um, oh, he does. He has them. So, that's good. All the I did I just emailed Bill while we were Awesome.
Um, so Tom had Yeah. Just a couple of quick questions. I thought when we met last week that uh the question about homeowners association was that there would not be right. Well, there there'll be declaration of restricted covenants, but what we're doing is um our our
initial thought was this the only common area for that building. Yeah, that was going to be my second question is who's going to own the main building? Is that going to be condoed into different offices or just single
ownership? Yeah. And and everybody there will be right. I think that's that's better with declamation declaration of covenants and then tying that open space to the front building. I like that as well. Okay. Easier maintenance.
And to reiterate, and last thing is not a question but more of a comment. As I understood, there's actually less impervious coverage on this concept plan than exists today. Correct. So, storm water management, you're actually going to be recharging water into the ground
more than what happens process. Yes, it's it's an improvement now. That is correct. Yeah. But the site will still have to meet the state storm water standards when we go through capital process, but but it is improvement. Yes, that's a good point, Tom, because we talked about that last week, too.
There's more green than cement. Right. Right. Correct. From a public safety standpoint, bringing people to the downtowns at night is uh I I think is a benefit. I think it's something that you see having restaurant activating that area to be uh
if you can go back to the main outdoor campus images, James, the the um activating that area in a way that uh contributes to foot traffic um in our in a in a downtown area that to me is um it it's in keeping with all the things that
we're trying to do to keep the momentum of Ventner going to keep the people uh in the surrounding area in improving the um the the the the values of the homes around it because this becomes a uh this becomes an anchor in a way for that for
that area. Um and um and clean and safe is what people want to see. That's that that to me is an impression of uh restaurants and shops. Um being in um you know being in in Europe recently, this is a a walkable this brings a
walkable aspect more to the town. So, I'm I um So, just to recap what we're voting on, it's the it's as Mayor Langraph put it, uh it's the it's the the the regulations in that MU district and it's the the things that have been
described. Also in this is are the things that uh working with the planning board and the things that were recommended during those evening sessions are part of the of this that we're voting on and we're leaning on the planning board for more recommendations, but the not necessarily everything that was described. No, no, but their own
record is saying they're lowering the density. I think that was a main a main issue here. Could uh is there any other comments? Would just like to briefly address the Sure. That's okay.
Uh thank you. Uh as you guys know, I'm David Waxman. Really appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight and the whole process. And I mean, I think you you've heard enough about the project from these guys, but I think it's important that you understand for me how important this project is. I've spent every summer of my life here, 49 years.
My kids have spent every summer of their lives, five and eight years here. I live right here on Cambridge Avenue. And so, like, this project means a lot to us. And I know how important it is to get it right. And and you know, we have to walk by it every day. I live here. So, you
know, for for me personally, um you know, the majority of my work in Philadelphia is restoring historic buildings and giving them new life. So, it was never even a question to not do that with this front building. Um that's great. And I just think, you know, we're just excited and honored to be able to
do it. And, you know, we're the right people to do it and we think this is a really good plan that's going to be a really good catalyst for Vander and it'll it'll be here long before, you know, long after I'm here and hopefully, you know, leave a really good mark on the community. So, thank you. And, you know, we look forward to all the work ahead if we're so lucky to get approval
tonight. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thanks. That concludes our presentation. Thank you. Thanks. We thank you for your time. there's any members of the public that have any comments that would become so um closing the u the presentation if
anyone in the public or in the Zoom platform wishes to comment or um have any questions regarding the development now is the time you if you could um come to the microphone and state your name and address. Rory Schaefer 410 North Dorset Avenue.
Hi Rory. Just out of curiosity, um, in the, um, Ventner Avenue school building, um, how many is it just commercial towards the front towards Ventner Avenue? Will there, you know, as you know, obviously inside our offices that
are in there? Will they that be commercial also? I mean, will they be like dress shops and things like that inside or So, the idea is to keep, you know, we brought a couple new tenants in. We brought in a med spa that the local doctor has. We brought in a preschool. Um there's a bunch of doctors
in there. They'll stay. Okay. To maintain Can you Can you speak into the mic? I'm sorry. You gotta come up to reply. Sorry. Yeah. So, the the idea in the front building is retail uses on the first floor, particularly fronting um Benter Avenue and then upstairs. We've
brought in some really good new tenants. Uh keep them. You know, there's doctor's offices, med spa, preschool. Uh there's a dance school. Um I'm trying to think what else was there. We have GSA in there although I think that got doed and they and they canceled the lease. Um but
the idea is have a mixture of office and um and retail and the restaurants will be in front like you said in the conception there. So they would be yeah the idea would be to to have them in the front take some of these windows turn them turn them into doors and have
inside out you know eating outside for you know five six months a year and then indoor but these would be the logical places for restaurants and cafes and we actually have a few folks interested obviously we can only talk to them because we don't have the approval but there's definitely an interest of them
going in. Any idea of how many? We would think two maybe you know ideally two maybe three if depending how big they are. Um but I think it would be a real nice a real nice addition to the to commercial quarter. I I am part of the veterary business association. We're
going to have restaurants that are going to ask us what more competition is coming into town. Right. So they just want to know that not six more restaurants coming into veterary avenue school was we're not bringing an ice cream parlor. Don't worry. We're not bringing an ice cream parlor.
That might be intent. And actually the ice cream guys are our tenants, the ones on the beach. So the we let them uh store their ice cream there. Uh there's, you know, one a small space that we give them for a nominal amount of money and they store all their ice cream for the beach and then they come and re up when they run out and go out there.
While you're there, um can I just ask you one question in contemplating the development? Um it was brought up to me uh by our fire chief. Uh is there is this the an opportunity to have the utilities below ground? Good question. Uh I think the plan for this is it to be
below ground, right? Yeah. As far as black church. Yeah. Yes. So yeah. So the idea of having poles in the backside, you know, in the and as would I think be a negative. So are you saying for the for the proposed residences the utilities could be underground, the electrical? Yeah. I mean I think John
you can probably speak better to how we envision it happening but also for access for our uh apparatus all right serve this project will be underground that's awesome there's no plan to b any existing utilities but new utilities no no no so that I think that's a key
feature for this it I think it helps the curb appeal it helps the overall impression of the units and uh and and also for the accessibility so I'm glad to hear it Rory can you call Brenda and let her know [Laughter] that not that she'll see it from
California, but she needs to know that. Right. Right. Um, so I I appreciate you taking all the uh constructive feedback and the um that we've given through the planning board and and here as a commission board. Um, do you have another We have another comment from the
former mayor, Tim Grer, Ventner. Um I'm a little confused if my comments are for you guys or for the planning board. Good discussion comments or you can make it to both. I'll make them and you tell me if it's public hearing. So it's for us. Okay. So first I want to thank the
developer for uh doing such a great job. I think that I have some suggestions but I really I'm happy to hear his intent is to keep the front building. Uh I think one thing that will concern many people is the word of conceptional that there's nothing you
know this picture looks great and if it came across as that with the outdoor lighting you know I don't know how anybody could object to that but we keep using the word conceptional and I think you know if we could incorporate some of the conceptional
things into the plan so that you know and the the developers put together a great team I have to say of reputable people but there's nothing to say that you want to talk he's going to be the end up he's going to be the end developer and this isn't going to get sold somewhere down the line or you know
it's a matter of trust now but you know just if we can incorporate some conceptual when there's a redevelopment agreement that ties all these details together then he's tied to the property when we name him redeveloper that's when all those things come in and then he's we have to do the redevelopment plan and
then you Yeah. Then he's named redeveloper and that agreement ties him to the improvements that he's proposing. The details of this the details of even the front building and the the layout of the subdivision will get handled at the at the planning board. Okay, that's the
that's the process. So, you can come to the planning board to make those comments to them. I mean, they're they're good comments to have. Now, I don't I'm not dismissing them. I'm just saying he was concerned about them being tied into the plan, right? And that happens through the redevelopers agreement that um our redevelopment attorney Mike Floyd will will work with
or somebody leaving and redeveloping with someone that hasn't made these kinds of assurances and as commissioner Langraph says they are tied to the and I I'd ask uh Mr. Plato to make that comment as well. No go you you
wouldn't think of that. No, I I just want to point the word reason why we used the word conceptual was because we wanted we wanted to make it clear that this was kind of our this is our concept what we'd like to do. We can't we're not the board governing body
was not approving that. That's why we're calling conception. This is our intention and you'll see the planning board. It's not going to deviate from our attention. In fact, take all the comments into consideration. So it's not as if we're showing you this. We're going to switch to something entirely far. So that's we were just saying
conceptual because this board can't approve. It was not approving, right? That was my greatest. Well, hopefully the planning board will and I get Commissioner Langraph what you said it' be tied into the redevelopment agreement that the specifics will be hammered out
at that point uh to move past the conceptual stage into the reality stage. Uh reading from the the plan said the former Ventner Avenue school building will undergo an analysis to determine the feas feasibility for its redevelopment and improvement. In
addition to commercial uses, this building may potentially be suited for new residential. Just I I think I know myself and and the public would be in general if that would be taken out be considered for residential uses. That was one of the discussions we had to get
that language out. so that they would have to come back to us to change that plan down the road if that ever wanted to happen. Uh the building may also include a first level expansion of commercial uses to bring those areas closer to Veter Avenue, including new opportunities for
a variety of uses with cafes and alresco dining. Has anybody had any discussion with the business community if the current environment could sustain additional businesses? A and I don't believe that I think the marketplace should dictate
what goes where, but I I'm concerned about government playing a role increasing competition for our existing businesses. We increase opportunities with this. This is an open public meeting. We had one representative from our business association here and the
community knows about this project. It's been talked about for three months. So I don't know what else we can do to suggest that that adding the case that you may be asking a governing body to pick winners and losers in a competitive open market. And I don't agree with that at all. So I I don't think that we're in
a position where we can we can make those kinds of descriptions on on the public. I think the I think the the the market will to decide and that's the risk business owners like myself take every day and I agree with you the marketplace should dictate the number of
business restaurants that we have are just concerned about government playing a role in approving a plan that creates additional restaurants that's just my concern u and I was uh surpris I guess I if correct me if
I'm wrong, but the planning board approved a project in the next block uh to New Haven to Newport that for a project there, but prohibited new rest any restaurants from going into that project. So, why you prohibited
restaurants there, but allowing it here? You're talking about where the uh where the where the bank was? No. And you have to excuse me, the old Jojo's I you know, I'm old school. supports that empty. There's no pro prohibition. We we
required them to put retail use in that first floor. Just what the applicant said, we've we've promoted businesses here. They wanted to put residential there, strict residential. That's going to be a mixeduse project. It's going to have two two or three commercial on the first floor and then apartments above.
You're talking about the empty lot next to Jojo. But you prohibited the developer from putting in a restaurant. I don't believe there was any prohibition in that at all. wouldn't be our place to put what whatever is permitted in that zone. We didn't prohibit that. I'll check but I believe it was in the resolution. I don't I was at that meeting and I
don't I just restriction on that. Yeah, I'll verify that. Maybe I'm wrong. That's why I asked, but uh it it stuck out with me. Um you have a plan. you know, I appreciate you reducing the
density. Again, I don't know if any I think we all want to see this project work. I think it would be great for Ventner. Um, but I also concerned about density. If anybody has done an analysis that, you know, you have X number of
units selling at this price with the construction cost, it brings a profit of Y dollars. The sale of the land brings certain amount of money in. You back out the architectural fees, engineering fees, land prep, all that. The property
is worth certain amount of value. I don't think there's I don't think there's a role for us to play for you to play in that. Again, that's that's a place where you're asking us to analyze a profitability or an analysis for business. No, what I'm asking you to do is consider that in determining how many
units that can be built. If if if I hate to I hate like to do that analysis at the end of and I don't think the developer is making a killing here. It just I think it would be good to have that information say here's the bottom line what this is to developer. He needs
34 units. If he came back and said I need 38 units I'd be okay with 38 units if that was that analysis was done. All I'm saying is that the city should do that analysis before they grant 34 units. And Again, I don't think they're making a
killing. Maybe you weren't here for the presentation, but I think that it was pointed out that the density that's proposed in this concept is well below what is permitted under then why are we having a redevelopment plan
number three? So, I'm giving you input. If you don't want to hear it, tell me my three minutes are up and I'll sit down. Well, no. I I think you're misunderstanding and and that won't be the first time. Yeah. So let's just uh let's just uh take a breath here. So the so yeah the the the density that you
we've inherited whether it was a buy right or not they could have 46 units. They're proposing 34 units and their conceptual plan. I'm more comfortable with the idea of conceptual plan than maybe you are. What we're here to do is to is to allow the restrictions for
things that are not allowed in the MU district like and I'll I'll pass that to you, Commissioner Langraph, because yeah, it's the retail or the the restaurant the retail area and and retail because it was a school and um
and the the this is in a way a com a a master plan community in a way. It's like a hybrid of a master plan community and a uh redevelopment plan. and we're allowing the um the the the
the finesse of this plan to go forward in a way that's beneficial to the city that and the you were I don't know if you're here for the planning board but everything that the planning board asked for and there are a really um active um
well well-meaning well thought of uh planning board members that asked for these kinds of of restrict of kinds of pullbacks on their on some of the first, second, and third iterations of this have all been incorporated. So, the what we're here for to to answer your direct
question is to allow the MU district to incorporate a school into a commercial area that could be used for restaurants and that the that the the planning can go forward in the in the spirit of the conceptualization plan for density and
character that you see here today. Is that fair to say to the to the to the real presenters here? I I think what Mayor Cher was talking about was he wanted us to kind of do a market analysis project and really we rely on the developers to do that. Um if
it's so out of whack, they're they're proposing 50 units here. We need 50 to make that front building work. You can't fit that. You're going to build a high-rise there and we're not looking to do that. Right. I think, you know, early on when I met with with the f David and
his team, you know, I certainly didn't do the the market analysis of it. That's on them to make it see how much they need to make that front building work. Um, but I think they've come with a plan that provides a good mix of that residential use. And honestly, we're relying on them a little bit to to make
sure that they've done the right numbers, crunch those numbers. Um, I don't know that I would put I'm not an expert in that. Um, certainly I can do the planning end of it, but not the marketing analysis. That's not something we usually hire somebody to do that. I I'm sorry, mayor, commissioner, I don't think it's a marketing analysis. It's an
analysis of what the project would cost. Well, the feasibility study is what you're saying. There's a different and there's money to it. And and I appreciate what you're saying, but in the immortal war words of Ronald Reagan, trust verified. But I I hear what you're
saying. I get it. Uh also you was mentioned about the internal street. Sometimes these fall back on the city to maintain uh was set at the planning board. I'm not sure why that is. It should be on the tax map as being belonging to the uh homeowners
association, but just in whatever plan's finalized that should be clear that it's upon them. Um I don't know if that's been decided yet. I think the planning board will look at that that aspect of it because I know we have Villa Court right here that is a private street
right off Sacramento to to Portland. Um and they they do very little maintenance on there. Um I would almost rather this be a public street so we can maintain it um to our standards. Trash pick up. Trash pick. Well, the trash pick up we pick up. But brick crosswalks there.
They looked great when they were first put in. Now they're coming up. So, I don't really And uh the developer uh through Mr. Placer said that no uh Airbnb Airbnbs short-term rentals will
be permitted that by the homeowners association, but once this is fully developed and there's another homeowners association, can that homeowners association change that? And I I don't think that's what we want to see. that can that be incorporated in the plan that there'd be no rentals less than so
my understanding is there won't be a homeowners association it'll be a declaration of covenant to maintain certain things there so you're correct we agreed not to have any Airbnbs we think it' be detrimental to the residents we could even when we did the
declaration of covenants for some reason it's not enforced we could get the city lights to so it would just not be allowed and and and the the homeowner association couldn't change those covenants. No, it runs to the benefit of municipality. It'll and it'll also be in
the redevelopment. Yeah, that's that's the other point. That's what we're going to be able to enforce is a redevelopers agreement. So, thank you. Um I'm I'm almost done. Shrubbery, you talked about that. I I would suggest in the in the agreement that you put in for the wow
factor uh that a certain percentage of the shrubbery and trees has to be mature trees. So they're not they don't die or put in little trees that hope they grow. Just the percentage has to be to give that wow factor and that landscaping uh
that everybody's looking for. Um, have any have you ever heard of a revenue allocation district? Revenue allocation district. Revenue allocation district bond. Commissioner, you may know it under like tax diffs or so.
Tiffs. I've heard of tiffs. Yes. But it is a it's a law under New Jersey uh that I actually testified on behalf when we're going through the redevelopment project. I get still get the shakes whenever I say that that maybe uh it's
an opportunity to look at that that creating a revenue allocation district in that area and extend it down to the business district that the increased revenue tax revenue that comes in can be dedicated to improvements into that
district and it might be a way to fund uh the the I know you've been working on landscaping and streetscaping along that Ber Avenue corridor This may be a way to to designate funds for that. It's not rads. RADS are not for everybody, but it
may be a suggestion for you to look at. No. Yeah. As long as it doesn't impact over and above as long as there's like I have always resisted the idea that you're charge that you're No, I'm with you. Charging a fee over and above, but if it's something that could be Yeah. you
know that in a way that's over that the revenue in the increase in revenue increased revenue you think and correct me if I'm wrong Jack we're going to look for a pilot on this as well no pilot pilot well we're going to apply for standard fiveyear right
okay we're not ask okay all right and and the last thing I have to say I want to thank I sent you email commissioner or mayor you responded back commissioner Lang. Oh, that was the other thing. I knew there was some. Has when we when you started this, did was
there any other alternative use looked at and analyzed such as a mid-rise single family? And I know the the developer has to maximize his dollar and his investment. And you know, those
choices may not be um viable, but I just My short answer is if it was city property, I'm sorry. If it was city property, I would have certainly looked at other options like that, but it's not. It's private property. But you could have done a redevelopment plan that had a mid-rise, you know, understand that, but I didn't think
mid-rise was the way to go in this six. So, it wasn't looked at. And again, my opinion, I didn't ask these guys, but it was and I'm just asking if anything was looked at. But you know if not I know when I first met with David they actually looked at the structures to convert them right into it was one of the first conversations I think we had
David was to to convert them to residential in the buildings and it just was the numbers weren't there the cost was you know with with the new flood elevations and God help us after the real rules come in um they're going to be required to be another 5t in the air
so that was a problem with the structures getting finished floors and I have two other things I'm Sorry, let me get back to the I want and Commissioner, you responded to my email, so I appreciate you always. I try to respond to everybody. Commissioner Mento, you
talked to me about this. So, I appreciate all three of you following up with me and bearing with me. Um, the other thing too is I don't know, developer probably would know more that the marketing is softening a little bit
on the island. I know we have some homes that have been torn down that have been vacant for a period of time that one thing that we all want to create with a wow factor. How much more would it cost? I'd be even
given more a little bit more density to make up for it to build these this project in phases so that the market dictate so we don't have halfbuilt units if they're all built half built units or empty
units that aren't selling that we get oh oh god uh reaction instead of the oh wow reaction. So again, I know probably add additional cost, but it's just something I think should consider because we don't
want half completed project that's going to deter or that's going to take away from everything that the developer wants and and the city wants. Um, that's a hard one to answer. That's kind of a crystal ball question. um that I don't think that uh and again
it's also relies on the feasibility for I think the developer and they're so I don't really have a way to comment on that. Um I think I think there's there's always going to be um a ups and downs. I think the developers that I work with and know I I think the the future's
bright for Ventner. I think the things that we're doing to increase the the downtowns as you mentioned to make them I think we we have more room to go to and I think building this this uh supports and activating our downtowns that I think will increase not just this
development but the surrounding area. So I'm I'm a cup half I'm a development half full. Well, thank you listen me and thanks to thanks the developer for coming back with making some changes and some of them hopefully you'll consider mine but
thank you. All right, any comments from the Zoom platform or in the audience? Anybody on Zoom wish to comment on this presentation? Please raise your hand and
may make yourself known. All right. Well, countdown. So, we can now motion to close the public hearing. So, moved. Second. Commissioner Langra. Yes. Commissioner Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable. Yes.
Thank you. So motion to I have a motion to adopt as described. I'll make a motion ordinance 2025- 0005. Second, yes. Mr. Mento, yes. Mayor Creable. Yes. Congratulations. Good luck. Thank you
guys. Looking forward to it. Thanks for everybody. All right, moving on to item 20. Wait a minute. We go to 29 to 23. Yeah. Do do we do 23? That's right. Okay. Item number 23. This is motion to
adopt um resolutions 2025-169 through 2025-177 and 179,86 and 188. So moved.
Well, let me just clarify. It's 179 through 186. Correct. And then 188. I'm sorry. Yes. Thank you for correcting me. May I have a motion to adopt as described? So moved. Second. Lisa, roll call, please. Commissioner Langria, yes. Commissioner Mento, yes. Mayor Creable.
Yes. I have a motion to approve bills and payroll. Lisa, I'm sorry. Excuse me. Amy, can you read bills and payroll, please? Payables for this period 6,661,871. Thank you. Payrolls for this period 816,67969. Thank you. May I have a
motion to approve bills and payroll including the pennies? So moved. Second. Commissioner Langra. Yes. Commissioner Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable. Yes. We have any announcements and safety reports? Question before we do something. Hey
John, John, can you do us a favor? The con conceptual site plan layout and the building facads. Can you send us to those digitally? Like to post them on our website. We can see what we're doing. You guys good with that? Yeah, send them to me. I I'll get them
to to Jim. Yeah. Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks, John. Thanks, John. Sorry to interrupt. No, no worries. Um any uh we have no announcements or safety reports, but we can go directly to commissioner comments and reports. Commissioner Mento, we start. Okay. Well, we we heard
a little bit about what's going on in finance already tonight with some of the resolutions. We had a audit with no recommendations. Congratulations, Amy, and your department and all the departments that contribute to that by following the rules and regulations because there's a million things that can go wrong at any time and and good
job. Okay. And um I will go over some of the events for the benefit of um ourselves and um the public. So um we do have some upcoming events. Um it's Memorial Day weekend
lineup starting Friday with the uh Veterary City Farmers Market and um that is a volunteer um run market and um it's one of the best markets in the state as we just recently saw. They were land uh Vetner was recognized as having the the
best market in Atlantic County. Um that opens 8:30 a.m. to 12 on Friday. Saturday is the beach opening and lifeguard headquarter dedication at 10:00 a.m. at Sulkook in the beach. Then we have the kickoff of the summer concert at 5:00 p.m. at Ski Beach Dorset
and Burke. Sunday, May 25th is the annual Kenny Whan run at 9:00 a.m. at Atlantic and Newport Avenue. Monday is the Memorial Day ceremony at 9:00 am at city hall at the flag pole. Be wonderful to see uh the public out there
recognizing um those who have um given of themselves um so that we can have the life we have today. And um before the next meeting, there are some other upcoming events. Uh the American Cancer Society bike run, bike ride is June 1st.
The lour to down beach is also uh June 1st on the boardwalk. June 6th is the color run fundraiser that is done by the Betner home and school association at ski beach and June 7th is the Dean Randazzo cancer fundraiser at Ski
Beach. We um concluded uh the last uh weekend in the last two weekends we had the block party on u May 10th. It was a great success. We had some great vendors and a lot of people um came to the block party and it was sunny and we had over
90 vendors and we estimated the crowd to be about 6,000 people throughout the day. So I like to say thank you to all who participated and helped make this a standout day for the community. And then on May 18th, this past Sunday was chef's night out. This is all done by
volunteers and that was also another successful event. There were 48 tickets sold. There was a 400 cap, but there were 48 tickets sold. I think it, you know, there was a little error there on scalping tickets at city hall. People were scalping tickets at city hall and
people were selling fraudulent tickets. I heard that Facebook. I mean, we've arrived when, you know, people are like trying to sell fraudulent tickets and saying they they'll um email them the ticket. Well, you know, everything's oldfashioned with Chef's Night Out. There's no email tickets and it works.
Um, so, uh, yeah, it was a great success, the chef's night out as well as the block party the week before. So, that's I think pretty much the news with events and finance. The tax office is running like it should and so is the tax
assessor. You have anything to add, Tom? We did have the rating agency call, right? And that went well, you think? Well, I I think it went very well. Um, I I expect that we will maintain the
rating that we currently have, which is double A. Uh, we expect to get their formal report on June 2nd. Would love an upgrade, but I know they never do it. No, they're not. Leon says they're not. Nobody's getting upgrades. You know, double A is is really, really
good. I think we deserve it, but they just don't do it. Yeah. And it just it really doesn't get you much anyway. Yeah. Yeah. Other than some bragging rights. I would have liked to have the bragging rights. Pardon I would have liked to have the bragging rights the city the city but I know they don't do it.
So it's just not something they do. They'll downgrade you in a second but they'll never upgrade you without a lot. So thank you Mr. Langra. Do you have any Sure. Just some updates on some of the the construction going on. Uh basketball
court should be ready first second week in June. Uh they put the first coat of paint on it this week. Last week I think they're be finishing up next week putting the backboards on and the fencing around that area. So that should be ready for the summer. Um talking about the same
location over there, pickle ball and tennis courts. We are working on a design to get that out to bid for construction in the fall. That'll be basically doing the same thing we did for the basketball court, tearing up the surface um and reconstructing it because we're getting a lot of refle reflective cracking. Um we're not sure what's
causing some of it. So we're going to have to dig it up and find out. What is that? Um, if you look at the tennis courts, right down the middle of the courts that are parallel with um, Atlantic Avenue, right underneath the net, there's a crack that runs. And then behind the the courts where the light posts are, they must be tied to a
concrete plinth or a a base, right, that's moving with the lights and the wind and it's cracking them. You're getting about a 2in opening there. So, we filled it temporarily. We ask all the guys out there. We had a contractor come in and at least fill that so it's safe um to get us through the summer and then
we're going to dig those up in in in the fall over the winter to to resurface them. So that's part of the bonding money that we've been using budgeting and bonding money for for those improvements. Um had a great phone call from and you guys know Ken and Geanne
Ross. They live on Vetner Gardens Plaza. We're in the process, we're not even done yet with a stormwater management project out there. The pipes there not only serve Vetner residents, but some of Margate. Margate's participating in some of the dollar improvements here. And if
you go out there, the pipes are being put in are huge. So after that rainstorm on Friday, Georanne calls me up and she starts off the call with Lance, our flood, our area always floods. Always floods. For years, it's flooded. It's not flooding today. So, and the
project's not even done. So, it's already showing some improvement. So, just getting those old pipes that were about 12 inches in diameter and putting in realsized concrete, you know, reinforced concrete pipes that are much larger uh varying sizes and cleaning out
some of the areas. The next step will be to improve that pump that's even there. We're going to add a add a new um system there as well. And if I may just jump on that, sure. One of the questions that was asked during the ratings call with standard and por had to do with what
we're doing about storm water management and storm preparations and all that. So those kinds of projects are going to be the things that help us to maintain our rating. Yep. And we're still looking for for funding for the lower um vent heights project too. So we're still
working through that. Um if you've been by the band shell the superructure of the canopy is up. Uh the rest of it should be done in the next 5 to 10 days. Be ready for for June, the first concert there hopefully. Um which we should be good. We can even if it's not completely finished, you can still have the concert
there. Um Maria already talked about the um the weekend events. The block party, spring block party was fantastic. I mean, granted, the weather was absolutely perfect for it, but kudos to Donna and her team. They did a fantastic job. Fire
department, police department, you know, public works being there. the guys were there, you know, I saw them emptying trash cans constantly. Um the place looked, you know, and span by seven o'clock that night. So, great job. When the road was reopened, it was it was done and ready to go. So, great job
by by everybody there. Um just want to thank those everybody for for doing their job there and and really going off a great event for the city. We looked perfect that day and I didn't see any complaints. So, that's all I have. And just to reiterate the the dedication of
the building on uh on Saturday 10 am. Thank you. We'll open up the beach after that. You're gonna row out. Uh if the weather's good and it's flat, I don't want to go out of them. Well, I didn't hear that caveat. I didn't hear that caveat. I heard he was going out no matter what. So glad the mayor's not out
of town. Yeah, right. Um I just honestly want to piggyback. The block party was an amazing day. I mean, it was bigger, better, but it was wellrun. The the streets were
maintained. The the amount of uh food options. Uh felt like I was uh you know, it was just it was like it went on for I think three blocks of food trucks. Oh, yeah. and and um and the the the way it's been the way it's evolved into having the stage on one end and
activating some of the street the the the the crafters and then leading to the food trucks for blocks and the kids events nearby. I like the layout. The layout was really worth it. And we had 30 more vendors this year. So there's over 100 vendors. You were 90 close to
it. 90 something. Yeah. Yeah. That's a lot. That's a lot to uh only one um only one close call when a v pulling out one vendor. Um I we we don't have to get into that. There was no no uh no damage. That's another thing. So much can go
wrong. So many things can go wrong. But um public safety, you know, closing off the streets, all that kind of stuff. There was no real uh they feel like they got that down. So I I I just wanted to um mention that again how much I appreciate that how that turned out. Um, and then then the farmers market is it
is literally one of the best farmers markets. And my wife goes to every farmers market wherever we go. And it is it it is uh I've already got my marching orders. We haven't bought groceries for days because we're going to go on tomorrow. It's tomorrow morning. Um so
uh um bring your wallet. And um chef's night out. I'll piggyback on because we did really have I didn't uh it was really a great event. Uh, the thing I like about it is I saw people that had never done it before. So, you're still introducing people to Ventner that
haven't been to our restaurants. Um, Shelley has some kind of magic where she gets this thing pulled off and gets people in to she's got like Jedi powers where she makes them do things and sells
tickets. And just to piggyback that, uh, you know, she's, uh, she's a big part of why the the stage will be affordable to the general public. There are I can't really put my finger on anybody that gives $100,000 to a municipality that get that does so much and gives so much.
And today she was in my office with the next thing she wants to do, you know. So, she'll, you know, work on um facades and murals and it's gonna lock her in the house. She's she she does she does this
mind trick and she'll get I don't do not underestimate her there there if when she puts her mind to something. So I want to a real thank you to her. Um uh I was there for the ratings call. Uh, we did talk about all those things that you that were were done and I think we I
think he did a great job and the the city and actually um um Leon had his PowerPoint presentation going with all the bells and whistles and numbers and charts and graphs that really had that that thing going. Um the the the the uh
infrastructure bond just I think reiterates how much that means to the city. the pump station, those things that that that one um that one, you know, getting a call for somebody that's appreciative of an infrastructure project. That's a small file.
But I'll add one. We got a letter from uh people that lived on Somerset Avenue, the uh a letter titled pipe replacement and street repair. So, you can have this for your file. Okay. Um uh I hope you're well. My wife and daughter live on Somerset Avenue. We would like to thank Ventner City and the crews completing a
pipe replacement and street repair project on 100 and 200 blocks of North Somerset Avenue. The men worked hard, quickly, and throughout the entire project. They were polite and courteous, and their workmanship was excellent. As you might know, our street now looks brand new. Thank you again. It's a small project. New sewer line. Yep. New sewer
line. New project. And water. Um, our fire chief is gone, but I will just um note that after um a uh um a down Oh, I forgot to ask them about the tear down here. He's really looking for training opportunities. Um we had Portland Avenue
uh after the local um uh SWAT teams used uh that building before it was torn down. It's now an empty lot. um our uh he had crews through um through their onduty groups training on um all sorts of whatif scenarios in in buildings that
are uh because we because we luckily don't have fires uh very often. But those physically challenging um specific to new con to to construction, those things are things that are uh the next generation of firefighters need to to know how to handle. So um they're
training on um on uh getting through doors, getting through windows, tearing down ceilings, cutting seal cutting ceilings and roofs. All those things happen. We want to maybe talk to the developers. Already done. Already done. Yeah. I I introduced Chief Cahill to the developer
and Jack Blacker before the meeting. Ask their permission when that uh back building is vacant uh to allow the fire department to use it for training. and they've uh readily consented to that. Great. That's great. It's a really really important thing. Um there are,
you know, live burns, but the to be in a building and do these what if scenarios is where Chief Cahill really can get that culture of uh being prepared when it when you know that muscle memory of how do you how do you pull a door open? How do you pull hose through street through buildings and corners and
turning hallways, things like that. So that's great. Thank you. I think it has to do with live burn next. It's your turn. We've all done it. Um, bring somebody from the electric company with you, right?
[Laughter] So, that's a burn actually. Um, so the that ends my comments and you guys had your comments, right? Yep. Um, so that'll um and commissioner comments and reports. Um, that leaves uh next item,
item 27, public comments. At this point, we welcome participation of all uh interested parties and individuals. Uh we um to make public comment on any items. We ask that you limit your comments to three minutes per person.
And uh if you wish to address the commission, please step up to the microphone at the and state your name and address. Just hit the Yep. Press a button so it goes green. There you go. Good job. Uh Charles Johnson, 116 South New Haven
Avenue. Um I'd like to get the discussion started with the homeless, mentally ill person that we're allowing to live in the library or or the cultural arts center portion of the
building. I know it's been a long-term problem with the city. Apparently the previous chief had indicated at one point she was staying in city hall but was too disruptive so she doesn't do that anymore. I don't know
when the library became her home but obviously it's been condoned by the leaders of the town and I just I don't agree with that. Well I well that's what the word on the street is by everybody that the word on the street is not here. This is where we make. So, I'm going to
ask, what's the position of the municipality? Well, the library is open during the day. She's not in there at night. Oh, no. She is not in the building. She's sleeping in the library. And she's not doing She's not sleeping in the library. She's sleeping in the cultural arts center. She's not supposed to be doing that. She's sleeping in the
cultural arts center. I've got video. I walk my dog four or five times a day between me and my wife. Five o'clock in the morning now that the lights out, sunny out. I'm two blocks away here screaming. I'm down by the synagogue on Atlantic
Avenue and I'm thinking it's kids coming from a night out on town coming down the street walking back towards my house on New Haven and it's getting louder and louder. I take my dog's waist and put it in the trash can and I see her inside
the building with the door open having one of her mental issues that she has frequently. Um, I called the police. She knows how to calm down when they show up.
Um, a few weeks later, same instance, back in the building, meaning that got the front entrance coming in off Atlantic, we got the back entrance coming in off the parking lot. Uh, 5:00, I'm on my deck in the morning. You I don't mean to interrupt, but you you gave these this you reported this to the
police department as well, I believe. What's that? You reported this to the police department? Oh, yeah. they came out and they're the ones that say that she's got permission to live in the cultural art center. She she does not um well it's happening and it's been happening for a long period of time. Um
she Tom and I have addressed this. We've talked about it. Uh we had a couple there there's issues in involved here today. So I went I walked I live across the street. I walked over. She's sitting in the hallway.
And when everybody leaves, she will stay in that building. She was there at 5:30 this afternoon. She will be there at 5:30 tomorrow morning. Um, this isn't a one-time thing. This has been an ongoing thing. Uh, I am I'm
not trying to get this lady in trouble. I'm trying to get her to help the the library is not the right place. The cultural arts center is not the right place. The state as statues for home for sheltering homeless people. I think we all agree with you there and we all agree it's not the right place for her to be. If you want to just take a pause,
we have uh we we've we this has been brought to our attention and and we've been Tom and I had discussions about this. Uh I think I I' I've been working on this almost since I got here two years ago and I I understand the gentleman's frustration. There's a lot
of privacy issues here involved that I think prevent us from really discussing it in any kind of detail in public. Uh we are aware of the situation. and we are doing our very best to try to get help from this woman from social service agencies, but for a lot of very
complicated reasons, she doesn't qualify and doesn't want to take advantage of what services might be available to her. Uh so we're trying to deal with this in
a in a humane as possible way while also respecting the rights of others. But I I just can't speak about it any more than that. I've had I had conversations just today again trying to enlist some support from the county and other uh
agencies and so far again for complicated reasons she doesn't qualify for many of the assistance programs that would normally be available to people. So, okay. So, how now can one second?
How do we keep her out outside of the building? We She's not allowed to be in the building at night. I I don't know the answer to that. I I just don't How is she getting in? She stays there during the day during uh she she uses the the food the uh
nutrition center. Mhm. Um how how she specific our director there has because of her own humanity did not feel that she could put this woman out in the weather during the winter months when it's cold and snowy
and rainy and icy and she has allowed her to stay at times in the cultural arts center and I I don't know that we there there I don't know where else the woman can go Frankly, well, in the winter time, there's warming centers. If the temperature goes below a certain
level, there's warming centers in Atlantic City. She has gone to shelters where she has been abused and robbed. Uh, and she doesn't want to go there and you if she goes there, she just leaves to JFS. We talked to JFS. Everybody that
provides the social services. Yeah, this is every resource they could think of and there's nothing she qualifies for for like you said complicated reasons. Can we start the conver we we have had the conversation going on. You haven't been a part of it. I appreciate you bringing
that to our I understand you've had a conversation but there's there's there's actual state statues uh require uh certain facilities for homeless for sheltering homeless people and the library does not qualify where the cultural arts center you have to
supervision that has to be at least one supervisor overseeing the homeless person. There has to be a bed for the homeless person. There has to be bathing facilities for the homeless person. So is your issue because she's staying there when she goes outside she's
disruptive? Well, what's happened is because she's staying there she Yes, she is disruptive. It is a playground right there. I do have five grandchildren under the age of seven. Not only do I have kids, but everybody uses that playground. And she because we've made
this her home, she's still going to be out there. She stays there. She's going to be outside whether she stays there or not. where she was staying. That would become her home. We can't make her stay somewhere. Well, no, but she but you can't you can't allow her to stay in.
She can be outside, right? Absolutely right. I understand that there's rules about what homeless people can do outside. That's what I'm saying. She's still going to be outside is that we're enabling her by allowing her to sleep in an un in the month of April there that I'm aware of just because I'm not there
all the time. I live there all the time, but I work, I travel. Uh, so I'm not there 24/7. I don't see everything at scale. Um, but there were at least two fire alarms that went off at that library. If there were an actual fire at that
library while that lady's in there sleeping in the middle of the night, she ain't getting out because she isn't supervised. She's not mobile. She ain't getting out. She's mobile with her walker, but she's not mobile enough to evade the danger. Um, yeah, we're open to suggestions if you have any.
There, but basically what I'm saying is is that Do you want to Did you want I'm sorry to interrupt. Certainly continue looking at securing the building in certain ways, but I I don't know how much longer this conversation. Yeah. So, I appreciate you bringing it up. We can take we'll we'll table it. You can leave
your name that what you're doing is does not comply with the state of New Jersey shelter act. It's not suggest that you Well, you're treating it as a homeless shelter. And so basically the statute is is that if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it's
a duck. And the same standards goes for homeless shelter. If you're allowing home one homeless person to sleep in there, what's the number? How many we're going to stop at? Two, three, four. We're not allowing people to sleep in there. We are. We are not. There's a woman who's there doing that. That's
going to stop. The town is We'll look We'll look at it. This is not you may just become an aware of it which is not a good sign because as leaders of this town you should I had heard about it about a month ago and I thought it was resolved. Okay. And I and it's been
it's been going on for years apparently. Um I think in the privacy issues that we discussed don't necessarily I'm not asking for medical history. Well we're not we're asking you to not that that we'll take the conversation off the um off the public forum at this time. Okay. All right. Thank you for your comments.
I hope it gets resolved. Yeah, we we hope it gets resolved, too. One one point to make that maybe you'll think is relevant, maybe you won't, but the Vetner City Cultural Arts Center is a dedicated portion of that building that is dedicated by the city back in
1975 for the use of the Cultural Arts Center, which is a notfor-profit LLC and over which we do not have jurisdiction. So, they basically control that section of the building. uh we are responsible for maintenance because we do own the
building but it is specifically dedicated to the culture arts center and it's the cultural arts center director that has been trying to keep this woman alive. He's not asking for I don't think we have time for a rebuttal or disc or or discussion on the topic. Thank you.
Thank you for your comments. We'll talk. Well, he just com made a comment. I'd like to respond to the comment. That's not the proper form for That's not the proper form. Thank you. Well, I'm going to say my piece and I'll leave. The director does not live there. The director I have compassion, too. I
want this lady to get the proper care and that's not the place you should get. The director does not live there. People have houses. If you It's similar to the open border. Everybody wants an open border, but nobody wants them in their house. Everybody wants to help the homeless person, but it's not in their backyard. It's not where their grandkids
are hearing people scream. And she when she has her meltdowns, I got it on video. mentally screaming, "I'll kill you." and dropping FP bombs to people as they're walking around that facility. There have been people that have been afraid to use the library because this
lady's having issues and we're condoning it and enabling it until it gets resolved. Call the city. Any other comments from the public in
the Zoom platform or in the chambers? Hearing none. Can I have a motion to close public comment? So moved. Second. Please. Commissioner Langra. Yes. Mr. Mento. Yes. Mayor Creable. Yes. Uh item 28. We have an
executive session this evening. So I have a motion to we had we had two that we had talked about happening. Um not sure the commission wants to move forward with both of them. One was a matter falling under attorney client privilege and the other was to
discuss um contract negotiations with the PBA. Right. Okay. New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act permits the disc discussion of certain matters within executive session as an exception to certain provisions of sold. The Betner City Board of Commissioners wishes to discuss certain matters which
qualify as exceptions in executive session. No action binding upon the board of commissioners will be taken within executive session and the discussions conducted in close session will be disclosed to the public when legally permitted and when the public interest is no longer to be served by keeping such matters confidential. Any
client? We have Okay, we're back from executive session. We discussed two items. One falling under the attorney client privilege and then the other uh falling under contract negotiations with the PBA. Um minutes will be released when it's no longer necessary for the
contents to be confidential. Thank you. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Second. Lisa. Yes. Yes. Yes. Being journed.