Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2020
Due to the Point Pleasant Beach Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency declared on March 16, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the directive that all events on Borough property by cancelled until further notice, this meeting was held via the online Zoom Meeting platform/Meeting ID: 950 1409 9344. The public had the option to participate online or via telephone. Instructions were published in the Ocean Star and Asbury Park Press and posted in Borough Hall and on the Borough web site.
Mayor Kanitra called the meeting to order at 7:30PM. Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello and Migut. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: “Adequate notice of the time and place of this meeting was given under the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act and was posted and sent to the officially designated newspapers in compliance with the law.”
Flag Salute, Invocation
Councilwoman Testa stepped away briefly due to a problem with Zoom audio.
Motion by Councilman Vitale to approve the August 4, 2020 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilman Migut and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut….YEA
Councilwoman Testa….ABSENT
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Vitale: Gave Chief’s report since last meeting – training included SWAT and Canine; activity included 68 criminal arrests and 207 ordinance citations for QOL (quality of life) offenses – agencies from around NJ, including PPB PD, are gearing up for NJ’s largest annual drunk driving crackdown – 2020 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Statewide Labor Day Crackdown, Aug. 19-Sept. 7 (added as ITEM 2K) – appoint a designated driver, take mass transit or cab and buckle-up as the best defense against an impaired driver – planning for added patrols from NJ State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Dept., Prosecutor’s Office and NJ Dept. of Homeland Security during Labor Day weekend – the second Neighborhood Preservation Initiative (RPI) meeting was held Aug. 5th on Zoom – next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 2nd – on August 15th, Police cars and bicycles paraded past a young’s house, as part of his Police-themed birthday party, providing a hat, shirt and patches for him and plastic badges and coloring books for his guests – it was a reminder to all officers of the power of their position and was a way make a positive impact on PPB youth; reiterated that the NPI is a great way to interact with the PD; Recreation Committee started planning for the Bonfire on Sept. 26th/rain date: Sept. 27th – due to COVID precautions, is open only to PPB residents and taxpayers – information is on the Rec Facebook page – also planning a fishing derby – details to be released in the coming weeks – skate park fence was delivered and installed – DPW is making and installing required signs this week; NJDOT installed requested signage and painted “Don’t Block the Box” at the Rte. 35S/Arnold Ave. intersection; Offshore BBQ will add pedestrian walking barriers for outdoor dining on Arnold Ave. and will be constructing necessary ramps – town is providing water barriers; Ocean Ave. water main replacement project is on track to start early next year, heading south, for completion before Memorial Day – paving costs will be paid by the County, curbs and sidewalks by the Borough; the gazebo by the Post Office and District 2 public bathrooms were power washed.
Councilwoman Testa: Beautification Committee is watering barrels, maintaining gardens and weeding – thanked volunteers – next meeting is August 25th; Arts Committee is holding a free photo export class on Aug. 29th, 7PM-8PM – information on ptbeacharts.com; there will be a Building and Code meeting next Weds. – expecting Bike Ways grant to be announced in Nov. – thanked DPW and QOL Dir. O’Rourke for “No Outlet” and “Don’t Block the Box” signage (Mayor Kanitra: working on “Do Not Enter” signs for Niblick and tackling other areas including Chicago and Harvard).
Councilwoman Byrnes: thanked the Mayor for his tireless efforts – admires his tenacity; community recognizes the Chief’s efforts and are grateful; thanked Council and Administration for all they do – a lot going on behind the scenes; gave Fire Report since last meeting – FD has had a heavy summer call volume – mostly electric and wire-related issues – handled 11 calls during last week’s storm – were called for coverage for a big structure fire in Lakewood, during which time they responded to a carbon monoxide call and another commercial alarm – a difficult time for the FD’s fundraising efforts – would be a good year to have something for 9/11 – suggested a lantern float on the lake with proceeds going to the FD (Mayor Kanitra: discussed other ideas with BA/CFO Riehl – a big tasteful vigil for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 will be planned for next year – looking to do something small and tasteful every year, going forward – doesn’t want to flat-out steal what Bay Head is doing – recommends that Councilwoman Byrnes speak to BA/CFO Riehl to figure out something for this year) they are selling t-shirts – their annual Harley raffle sales will be affected by the Seafood Festival cancellation; the Shade Tree Commission is calling for volunteers this Tuesday at 8:30AM in the business district and at Gull Island Park for weeding, mulching and installing tree guards – letters went to property owners regarding the Broadway fall planting schedule and to the County seeking donation – will be more replacements in spring; the Environmental Commission is working on a parcel of land on Arnold Ave. – lots of moving parts – landlords of vacant properties have been receptive to putting art in windows – merchants have weeded and pruned; invited continued calls about QOL concerns (Mayor Kanitra: there is more work to be done with ordinances and enforcement downtown).
Councilman Cortes: a black fence went up at the skate park – blends in better than silver – it’s vertical, so it’s harder to climb – met with DPW Super. Trout about the new multi-function truck – a smart purchase – DPW Super. Trout only includes needs (not wants) in his capital budget; sprinklers were installed at the Comfort Station and by Locks of Love, which has a lot of locks on it now; DPW cleaned Pleasure Park after the storm; met with DPW Super. Trout about downtown trash – spoke to in-ground garbage can supplier – a flush in-ground container – could solve the problems with bags on Arnold Ave., if placed strategically by upright receptacles – believes most bags are from upstairs apartments – @$240 set-up plus $70 S&H – would probably hold 2 kitchen-size trash bags; Farmers Market on Sunday went on as planned, even in the rain (Mayor Kanitra: might want to buy 2 or 3 in-ground cans and do a pilot project; BA/CFO Riehl: under threshold – no need to be on agenda).
Councilman Santanello: been speaking to people about whole house generators – lot of interest – Mr. Castin has one and said it’s wonderful – per CEO/ZO Tumolo, electrical and building permits are needed, at minimum, as well as 5-ft. setbacks from property line or structure – always asks employees when he has questions; is voting no on ITEM 1D – per the Conservative Heritage Foundation, there has been just .00006% of cases of vote-by-mail fraud in the last 20 years – false narrative by current President; will vote no on ITEM 1L – shouldn’t pay Atty. Riordan to pretend he is an engineer; ITEM 1W is a wise choice by the previous Personnel Committee; thanked the Mayor, Councilman Vitale and former Councilman Toohey for the skate park rules and regulations – asked if there is a mechanism in place for permits (Mayor Kanitra: asked BA/CFO Riehl to set the date after talking to Web Developer Cochran as to when he will have the APP ready – also asked her to finalize the application/pledge – about 3 weeks out from a ribbon-cutting ceremony; BA/CFO Riehl: also working on quote for helmet stickers, in addition to the APP; Mayor Kanitra: clarified that ITEM 1L, $30K, is not a Borough expenditure – it’s a grant that he brought in last year for stormwater mapping – looking at crumbling system to identify problems).
Councilman Migut: asked BA/CFO Riehl about passes issued in the employee parking pass program will be good for calendar year (BA/CFO Riehl: yes – next year, goes into effect in March) asked if she obtained a copy of the Shared Services Agreement for ambulance restoration (BA/CFO Riehl being worked on by the Borough Atty. – arranged, when bond ordinance was done, to fully fund it and do the shared service as a reimbursement – can move forward absent the agreement, if needed); attended Fire Company BBQ on Saturday – OEM Army vehicle has a 300-gallon tank on a mount intended to fit a pick-up truck – are looking to sell/auction it – can reach out to John Pasola – it has a pump too (Councilman Cortes: will reach out – P/T Maintenance Worker Balzano’s pick-up is small – not sure if bed is big enough – will reach out to DPW Super. Trout for measurements) – fire officers reminded him that former Mayor Vogel initiated a program for replacing and upgrading fire hydrants – many are underperforming due to rusting pipes – Fire Inspector has a list – motion that a subcommittee of Councilmen Cortes and Santanello be formed for fire hydrant recommendations as to which hydrants need priority died for lack of second (Mayor Kanitra: a very expensive, on-the-fly situation – problem is the underground infrastructure – 100-year-old pipes – fixing hydrants would not fix it – asked BA/CFO Riehl to put together a shell of a 20-30-year plan to start addressing the aging infrastructure – this would be an appropriate part of it; BA/CFO Riehl: have been consistently replacing hydrants throughout town – working off a list from 2015 or 2016, instituted in 2017 – replaced 12 this year – 8 to be done – been financing and paying over the last couple years – would be interested to see what the FD is requesting) someone should contact them (Councilman Cortes: Councilwoman Byrnes is liaison – he and Councilman Santanello can also reach out).
Mayor Kanitra: wrote a lot of letters this week – one to the State Assembly in the aftermath of the recent storm, addressing power outages that lasted for days, haphazard tree trimming with no care for aesthetics or tree health, and the health of poles – thinks Internal Affairs Mgr. John Meehan did a good job – was dismayed at JCP&L’s corporate issues, which left crews sitting in the lot behind Brave New World for a whole day, with no one touching problem spots – major efficiency issues that would best be addressed through technology and better planning – submitted another letter regarding the offshore wind situation and desire that it not be within visual horizon of PPB; paired-down newsletters being sent out next week – good info from Beautification Committee and the Chief, a calendar, etc.; vacant house on Sanborn which has become a massive eyesore over the last 18 years has finally reached legal conclusion and is on the agenda for tear down and demolition; thanked the Fisher Family fund for donating half the money for the 18 red seagull bike racks – will address areas where temporary ones are moved around – will also serve as a tasteful art installation and protect trees from damage when bikes are tied to them; continuing to work on DOT and neighborhood safety issues, making Rte. 35 safer, island maintenance – looking at possible acquisition of State land, so PPB can maintain it better – there is crosswalk request in as well; QOL Dir. O’Rourke is working with the Postmaster General to address defunct, rusting green mailboxes east of the tracks that haven’t been used for years; met today with Engineers regarding a Federal transportation grant – have asked for a meeting with the NJ Economic Development Authority – hoping for monies to spruce up downtown with streetscaping, and possibly Channel Dr. as well; the identified kayak launch area off Randall was non-intrusive – a floating dock for one kayak to be launched – people have asked about it (Councilman Santanello: excellent idea – discussed last year – that was the agreed-upon location – people around the lake objected to the original location at the end of Boston – Open Space Committee favors it as well; Councilman Vitale: agrees – perfect location; BA/CFO Riehl: was approved last year – Engineer recommends the west side of the street, which is different than what was conceptualized last year – may require annual riparian grants and permitting – one was a 30-ft. ramp (Mayor Kanitra: that came out of left field – won’t support a ramp on the west side of the lake – intrusive to neighborhood: BA/CFO Riehl: will gather plans and pictures and get to Council in advance of the next meeting, to determine what to move forward with; Councilwoman Byrnes: spoke with constituents/kayak enthusiasts about – someone volunteered to build a rack for kayak storage – could even collect a fee) thinks there would be massive uproar to storing kayaks there – this was incredibly controversial – has now gotten controversial again – want only 1 or 2 people using it at a time – will pull back and keep talking; Councilman Santanello: agreed).
BA/CFO Riehl: Council chambers being painted and carpeted, with trim work and new blinds – will be ready if and when in-person meetings resume; has exploratory call set up with FEMA next week about recovery scoping for COVID and care – what’s eligible, ineligible and submission requirements; Maryland and Delaware road resurfacing project is on the agenda to go out to bid; continuing work on Boston and Lincoln Ave. bulkhead replacement; thanked PD and Code Enforcement for diligent work on outdoor seating plans, amended applications and adherence to the Governor’s and OEM’s guidelines – been very successful to date.
The Municipal Clerk announced additions/revision to agenda.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:27PM
Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: asked about items1G, 1H, 1L, 1U and 1Z.
Louise Stillufsen, 331 River Ave., PPB: asked about item 1O.
Kristin Hennessy, New Jersey Ave., PPB: asked about item1D.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:44PM
Motion by Councilman Migut to close public participation and approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
1a Approval of payment of Payroll #17 ($316,402.97)
1b Memorialization of cancellation of large-scale Special Events for the remainder of the year
1c Approval of 2020/2021 ABC License renewals (22)
1d Resolution encouraging the right of in-person machine voting for the General Election on 11/3
1e Approval of PO to Access Rec for 5’x75’ beach access mat ($2,773.10)
1f Memorialization of approval of pymt to Solitude Lake Mgmt for 2020 lake treatments ($3,040)
1g Approval of PO to Bortek Industries for 2020 sweeper parts ($3,500)
1h Memorialization of approval of payment to Bortek Industries for sweeper parts ($3,096.99)
1i Memorialization of approval of pymt to Sprague Resources for 2020 DPW diesel fuel ($3,749.19)
1j Approval of payment to Tennant Sales & Service for DPW litter vac ($31,500)
1k Approval of payment to the State of NJ for employee & retiree health benefits ($114,963.27)
1l Approval of Maser proposal for Stormwater Inlet Insp/Mapping, subject to atty review ($30K)
1m Approval of payment to PPB Parking Authority for 2020 contribution ($50K)
1n Approval of payment to PPB Historical Society for 2020 contribution ($1K)
1o Approval of payment to Jersey Shore Lawn Sprinkler for irrigations systems ($6,754.12)
1p Approval of payment to National Auto Fleet Group for 2020 Ford F550 for DPW ($106,964)
1q Approval of PO to Traffic Plan for 8 water barrier rentals for July & August ($2,880)
1r Approval of payment to BTMUA for July bulk water usage ($162,468)
1s Approval of payment to the OC Landfill to replenish escrow ($50K)
1t Authorization to demolish 56 Sanborn per quote received from H&D Rosetto ($11,050)
1u Approval of payment to Michell Humphrey ($2,480.00)
1v Approval of payment to Castlerock Rooming House for tax overpayment refund ($4,671.71)
1w Appt of B. Martin to permanent position of Fire Official/Auth for Clerk to dispose of CSC list
1x Approval of payment to R. Crowley for tax overpayment refund ($6,143.66)
1y Approval of payment to Petroleum Traders for 2020 DPW gasoline ($8,261.40)
1z Auth to submit a strategic plan for PPB Municipal Alliance grant for 2021
1aa Recognition of September as Hunger Action Month
1bb Authorization for Maser to advertise/bid Maryland and Delaware Ave. road resurfacing project
1cc Approval of Rec Cmte S/E app for resident-only Bonfire on MD Ave. Beach, 9/26 (rain: 9/27)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($654,614.97)
2b Approval of payment to Valic for LOSAP awards for 2019 ($48,750)
2c Approval of payment to Fireflow Services for annual hose & fire pump testing ($5,210)
2d Approval of PO to Open System Integration for Boardwalk Police sound system ($10,660)
2e Approval of pymt to Servpro of Toms River for Police station bioremediation for July ($2,675)
2f Approval of payment to Ocean Fire Company No 1 for annual contribution ($18K)
2g Approval of payment to PPB Company No 2 for annual contribution ($18K)
2h Approval of payment to Pt Pleasant First Aid & Emerg Squad for annual contribution ($38,500)
2i Approval of payment to All Time Auto Body for Police car towing & repair ($8,279.12)
2j Approval of pymt to Premier Electronic Solutions for replacement PD security system ($12,185)
2k Support for Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2020 Statewide Crackdown (PER CMTE RPTS)
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello (except 1D, 1L, 2C, 2D, 2I, 2J),
Migut (except 2A, 2B, 2C, 2F, 2G)
Councilman Santanello (1D, 1L)….NAY
Councilmen Santanello (2C, 2D, 2I, 2J), Migut (2A, 2B, 2C, 2F, 2G)….ABSTAIN
ORDINANCES:
Ordinance 2020-15 (Amend Ch 3, Skate Park Rules & Regulations) was considered on second reading. Mayor Kanitra opened the public hearing.
Mary Steiner, 423 Yale Ave., PPB: asked what the signage would indicate (Mayor Kanitra: video surveillance, vandalism; BA/CFO Riehl: there will also be signs that say park is under video surveillance and, per JIF requirements, permit is required/the skate park is open daily from 8AM to dusk/no food or glass containers/no use of alcohol and tobacco products/skateboard park is for skateboards only/bikes and scooters are prohibited/no personally-owned ramps, boxes, rails or other similar items/no amplified sound is permitted/parental supervision for inexperienced skateboarders and those less than 10 years of age is strongly recommended/helmet, elbow pads and knee pads are required while skateboarding/abusive, profane language or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated/ skateboard park will be closed during inclement weather and-or when equipment is damaged or wet or for routine maintenance/rule violations will result in suspension of skateboarding privileges/ maximum of 13 users at any given time; Councilman Cortes: asked if suspension would be in perpetuity or if there is a time limit on it).
Kristin Hennessy, New Jersey Ave., PPB: absurd location – asked what would be done about inadequate parking and lack of bathroom facilities and who is responsible for enforcement of rules – was sold by former Councilman Toohey as a nice addition for PPB children – APP could bring in young adults from far and wide – concerned that children will be squeezed out – asked how it will be used (Mayor Kanitra: would still have to sign pledge in Borough Hall – APP could not be forged – would still be issued by the Borough and would correspond with number on permit – an electronic version of the sticker; Mayor Kanitra: location was decided by prior administration – doesn’t want port-a-potties all over; Chief Michigan: PD will conduct periodic security checks to ensure rules are being followed and there are no problems – will address urinating in public there, as they would in any area of town – people can park in the train lot, on the street or between the firehouse and Post Office lot – thinks people will skateboard to the park) she is thinking of people coming from out-of-town – should be signage in the Post Office lot that it is not for the skate park – otherwise, senior citizens visiting the Post Office will not be able to find a spot (Mayor Kanitra: can talk to the Postmaster General about that – the area will also be under video surveillance).
Motion by Councilman Cortes to close public participation and adopt Ordinance 2020-15 was seconded by Councilman Santanello and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut….YEA
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:59PM
Vince Castin: asked about beach ordinance issues at large; said Hoorah and Semper Fi to Chief Michigan for job well-done; has whole house generator if people want to see it – good investment.
Kristin Orlando, 300 Philadelphia Ave., PPB: she and another tax payer had requested place bring garbage on Sundays – asked for follow-up.
Kristin Hennessy, New Jersey Ave., PPB: asked about re-entry plan and having town business back in the building – Zoom was supposed to be stop-gap measure, not permanent – commended Mayor Kanitra and Councilmembers Vitale, Testa and Cortes for participating with cameras on – all public servants and Borough professionals should, in the interest of professionalism and transparency.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway, PPB: in-ground trash cans at adult communities are not well utilized, don’t hold much, hard to empty; asked why ordinances were removed from agenda.
James Casserly, 1705 Beacon Ln., PPB: loves Zoom meetings – has no problem with not using cameras – hopes it continues all year.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:14PM
Motion to close public participation adjourn by Councilman Cortes was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:14PM.
ATTEST: _______________________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
