Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
December 1, 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: 923 1200 1487. 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, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello and Migut. Councilwoman Testa was absent. 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.”
The Governing Body reserves its right to amend and supplement the purposes of executive session by motion at the public meeting.
Flag Salute, Invocation
Motion by Councilman Vitale to approve the November 10, 2020 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilwoman Byrnes and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut….YEA
Councilwoman Testa….ABSENT
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Vitale: the Recreation Committee’s Holiday Lights Contest started – registration on Recreation Facebook page – judging on December 12th and 13th – winner announced on December 14th – winner will receive a Joe Leone’s gift card – thanks to Open Space for purchasing pickle ball nets and equipment for next year; Pothole Killers, a patch management service, was in District 4 today – comment on Facebook or reach out to him with problem areas; thanked the LoSchiavo family who donated the 18-ft. Norway Spruce Christmas tree – it sits in front of Point Beach Interiors – thanked the Beautification Committee, Councilmembers Byrnes, Testa, and Cortes and all the volunteers who decorated for the holidays – nice to be surrounded by holiday spirit in this crazy year.
Mayor Kanitra: wished Councilwoman Testa’s son a speedy recovery from surgery.
Councilwoman Byrnes: the Fire Department is operating under stricter COVID protocol due to uptick in Ocean County – escorted Santa around town this weekend, since children couldn’t visit him during the annual tree lighting – thanked them for their enthusiasm and all they do; the Environmental Commission has finalized it’s 2021 budget request and is looking forward to next year, new projects and greater volunteerism – the Commission installed a Wood Duck nesting box by Lake of Lillies, with the hopes that the pair will return in spring; the Green Team continues toward Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification, while maintaining the Bronze Certification obtained in 2018; Shade Tree has been busy – more than 100 trees were planted in 2020 through the Big Beautiful Tree Program, the abundantly generous support of the Fischer Family Fund and NJDOT (Mayor Kanitra: in a normal year, might have 6-20 trees – it’s incredible) last week’s pruning workshop was a success – should be more such educational programs in 2021 – Commission suggested leaving Christmas trees in backyards until spring for wildlife refuge; thanked all volunteers and DPW.
Councilman Cortes: recognized December employee anniversaries – Ned Martin 29 years, William Crate 25, Kyle Grace 23, Brain Larrison 23, Glen Purves 7, Fred Millman 7; the Beautification reindeer parts he made have been painted and put out – barrels have been re-installed with Christmas greens, bows and ornaments – the Gazebo and Borough Hall have been decorated – thanked the volunteers and Councilwoman Testa – thanked Councilwoman Byrnes for adding festive lights to the trees and teardrop light poles (Councilwoman Byrnes: all trees will be plugged in the next couple of days); snowflakes were installed before Thanksgiving – kudos to DPW Super. Trout; his friend’s toilet on Randall Ave. was backing up before Thanksgiving– Mike Ormsby from the Water Dept., DPW Super. Trout and the contractor came out – the pulled out about 50lbs of rags, etc. from the sanitary sewer – there were a couple of broken house laterals – everything has been taken care of for now; Pothole Killers is on the agenda – he did some research – their spray injection patch was developed in the 80’s and has been greatly improved over the years – hands down a better product compared to cold patch, etc. – maybe patches will now last more than one season (Mayor Kanitra: Councilman Cortes is always a big help during the holidays – reindeer look great – recognized Councilwomen Byrnes & Testa – downtown looks great – asked if they and Fallon Schultz spent their own money; Councilwoman Byrnes: apologizes for stepping on anyone’s toes – she went to stores to see if there was any interest and businesses starting writing her checks – she is out of pocket now but will give in her receipts – Fallon suggested lighting the scaffold – all working together has created a festive environment; Mayor Kanitra: thanked her, Councilmembers Testa and Cortes and the Beautification Committee – also thanked Councilman Vitale for getting the Christmas Tree and installment at Everybody’s General Store – it’s like a Norman Rockwell painting or Hallmark movie).
Councilman Santanello: he picked up his daughter from college in South Carolina and when they pulled into downtown, it looked fantastic – great work; hoped all had a great Thanksgiving; is thrilled with item 1I – has been impressed with Brian Martin’s work ethic, etc., since the day he met him – good pick by the previous Governing Body and the present one – he agonized over item 1H – he knows and likes Mike Thulen, who did the same job in Lakewood, so he can certainly handle PPB – it’s a savings to taxpayers – has some drawbacks (inaudible) – could lead to rumors of a patronage position – the Mayor convinced him that his hire is all or mostly merit-based – will vote yes (Mayor Kanitra: they both know him – he probably knows him a little more – appreciates his comments).
Councilman Migut: met with BA/CFO Riehl last week – straightened out some things with the bond for a firetruck purchase; just finished fixing the air conditioning in one of the Animal Welfare Committee’s cat trailers – the second trailer is on its last leg with leaks and mold – is not worth fixing – will attend the Floodplain Management meeting tomorrow night (Mayor Kanitra: is very supportive of the Animal Welfare Committee – understands that have never had more than 1 or 2 cats in the trailers in last couple of years – might make sense to clean up the lot and not replace one trailer to save money – asked him to look into it – if second trailer is unnecessary, can consolidate).
Mayor Kanitra: addressed the passing of Marianne England, a good friend of his and Treasurer/Founding Member of the Arts Committee – she loved PPB and contributed so much – she helped with art galas, the budget and donations – forged friendships with the whole committee – called for a moment of silence to recognize her contributions and respect her passing – extended thoughts and prayers to her family; Brick, Point Pleasant, Bay Head and other shore towns have started instituting bans on short-term rental under one week in duration – PPB has had issues with Animal Houses – saw a spike in incidents related to people coming down for the weekend trying to blow off steam – get more calls to short-term rentals than longer-term ones, which are more a part of the community – as other towns institute these bans, there will be a shrinking pool of short-term places – invited thoughts – can take a wait and see approach – would have a lot to do with quality of life (Councilman Santanello left the meeting during this conversation) – seems to be gaining traction (Councilwoman Byrnes: asked if that would include Airbnb’s) would include all vacation homes, not hotels and motels – encouraged all to reach out to other towns and follow the news – texted Councilman Santanello to come back; addressed the 2 new hires – Mike Thulen to head the Building Dept. as Mike Gardner moves on – a very important time – are trying to shape the direction of PPB and have a plan for adherence to Borough ordinances – Mike is a former Point Pleasant Councilman, lives locally and is a Presidential appointee who heads up the USDA Office of Rural Development in NJ – comes from a lifetime background in building and construction – had an important role and a difficult position in Lakewood, worked under tough circumstances – getting an incredible value in terms of salary – another great hire for a bright future in PPB; Brain Martin was a pick of the previous administration to be Fire Marshall – had an opportunity to get to know him – have watched everyone in Town Hall to see how all departments are performing – he is by-the-book, detail-oriented and works hard – consolidating his job with Code Enforcement is a plus for PPB, as he knows the system – expects big things from both; will not vote on the sign ordinance tonight – wanted all to see it in their agenda packets – there is a reference to the Historic Overlay District for downtown, which is not yet finalized – after speaking with the Borough Planner and the Borough Attorney, are going to incorporate some of the sign ordinance in the historic overlay zone – will circulate a draft this week – will introduce the ordinances in tandem in the new year – encouraged all to look at pictures of downtown Haddonfield, NJ – don’t need to reinvent the wheel – their downtown is impeccable – they are advocating for wood signage, to get away from metal, plastic and vinyl; curbs and sidewalks can be expensive and are the homeowners’ and business owners’ responsibility – as streets are repaved, the Engineer will identify dangerous curbs and sidewalks – letters will go out to owners that this is their best and most cost-effective opportunity to fix – when a house is re-done, curbs and sidewalks have to be re-done as well, if necessary (Councilman Cortes: when municipal street is repaved, curbing is replaced – County does not do that) met with the County, Engineer Mele and BA/CFO Riehl – County is not willing to pay for curbs – would cost more than $500K to fix Ocean Ave. curbing – that will get passed on to the taxpayers, which is not fair to those who have maintained their curbs and sidewalks; the Reorganization Meeting was planned to be held in-person – received approval from Antrim to hold it there – were going to invite honorees for a big celebration, but with the Governor’s restrictions on indoor gatherings, it’s not feasible, so it will be held via Zoom – have asked the Clerk for ways to honor those folks and have some pomp and circumstance; Governor gave municipalities the ability to shut things down further after 10PM – PPB will stand firm – should respect the virus and take appropriate measures – have had 96 cases to-date with 1 or 2 people passing away – not something to be taken lightly – but current restrictions are sufficient; are applying for an Arts grant to create art that talks about flooding and coastal municipalities – applied for more than $1M from NJDOT for Channel Dr. streetscaping, lightscaping and stamped concrete at intersections, – is working to secure letters of support – trying to get rid of the 2 sunken boats along the Channel Dr. waterfront – have reached out the County – the Borough Attorney is doing research to encourage the County and highlight to them that it is their responsibility; are moving forward on the Lake Management Plan – have a limited budget and are haggling on price – looking for grants – Save Barnegat Bay is helping; the draft Resident Survey should be ready next week for early January; bike racks are in this week – QOL Dir. O’Rourke and DPW Super. Trout will mark locations for DPW installation this week or next; the Newsletter is heading to the printer; MAC meeting is December 7th at 8PM – agenda will be on PPB web site; continuing work with NJ Transit for use of west-side lot and allowing vendor in station – they are doing a cost analysis now; asked Ocean County Sheriff to help with weatherproof camera housing and power at the Inlet and Jetty – discussing it now; metal straps on downtown banners are collapsing and rusty – getting 236 replacements under warranty.
Motion by Councilman Santanello to TABLE Ordinance 2020-24 (Revise Regulations Governing Signs in Borough) was seconded by Councilman Cortes and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut….YEA
Councilwoman Testa….ABSENT
Mayor Kanitra advised all in attendance to press *6 to unmute themselves when speaking.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:13PM
Alan Steiner, 423 Yale Ave., PPB: asked about reinstating the Safety Council – his wife was on it – they handled a lot of the things being talked about – is ready to join.
Vincent Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: town looks good; in favor of short-term rental ban – weekenders don’t have concern for town that longer-term people have; asked about 1E, 1K, 1P, 1T.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:23PM
Motion by Councilman Cortes 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 #24 ($280,580.07)
1b Approval of payment to BTMUA for October bulk water usage ($98,559)
1c Approval of payment of hand checks from BOA, Planning Board & Developer escrow accounts
1d Approval of payment to ADP, LLC for payroll processing fees ($8,855.80)
1e Approval of release of perf. guarantee/insp. fee escrow to J. Alburtus for 32 Pkwy ($8,451.08)
1f Approval of transfer of Developer escrow accounts to Trust ($111,254.64)
1g Approval of pymt to American Arbitration Assoc. for mediation ($3,197.50)
1h Authorization to hire M. Thulen as F/T Construction Code Official, Bldg Sub Code Official
1i Authorization to hire B. Martin as P/T Code Enforcement Official
1j Approval of PO to Community Endowment Fund for cat trailer air conditioning repair ($2K)
1k Approval of payment to Riggins for no-lead fuel for DPW for 2020 ($8,529.47)
1l Approval of payment to F&C Auto Supply for auto parts for DPW for October ($2,867.15)
1m Approval of payment to Rio Supply for water meter software ($17,500)
1n Approval of payment to Janitor Supply Corp for COVID Supplies, wipes/towels ($3,107.48)
1o Approval of payment to Sprague Resources for diesel fuel for DPW ($2,605.10)
1p Approval of pymt to Stop & Shop for 2019 & 2020 tax appeal refunds ($7,429.24)
1q Approval of Conditional Leave of Absence for Employee #000024934
1r Renewal of amusement game licenses for 2021 – Jenks Pavilion, Jenks South, Bdwk & Central Ave
1s Approval of bulk pick-up & drop-off dates and rates for 2021
1t Order approval to Pothole Killers for pothole & roadway repair ($12K)
1u Payment to QBE Specialty Insurance for retention/co-insurance ($9,736.30)
1v Memorialization of approval of ABC COVID 19 Expansion of Premises renewals (2) through 03/21
1w Authorization to execute Municipal Alliance Agreement with Ocean County
1x Authorization to order 2 iPad devices for Code Enforcement GovPilot application (NTE $2K)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($1,398,399.49)
2b Approval of payment to IDEMIA for Live-Scan maintenance agreement for PD ($3,930.57)
2c Approval of pymt to Absolute Fire Protection for yearly 4201 truck maint. for Fire Co. 1 ($3,815)
2d Approval of PO to PMC Associates for 3 2-way radios with accessories for PD ($25,612.72)
2e Approval of pymt to Emerg Accessories & Instal. for 2020 PD Interceptor accessories ($14,081.16)
2f Approval of PO to Emerg Accessories & Instal. for 2021 PD Interceptor accessories ($15,591.31)
2g Approval of PO to Emerg Accessories & Instal. for 2021 PD Expedition accessories ($12,235.54)
2h Approval of PO to Winner Ford for 2021 Ford Expedition for PD ($38,605)
2i Approval of PO to Winner Ford for 2021 Police Interceptor Patrol ($32,363)
2j Appointment of 36 SLEO’s Class II
2k Appointment of P/T Public Safety Telecommunicators
2l Approval of membership in Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company No 2 for J. Wall, PPB
2m Auth to execute OC Drug Recognition Expert Callout & DWI Enforcement Shared Svc Agmts
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello (except 2d-2k and 2m),
Migut (except 2a, 2c, 2l)…YEA
Councilmen Santanello (2d-2k and 2m) and Migut (2a, 2c and 2l)….ABSTAIN
Councilwoman Testa….ABSENT
ORDINANCES:
Ordinance 2020-22 (Amend Ch. 2 – Advisory Committees) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Migut to approve Ordinance 2020-22 on first reading was seconded by Councilman Cortes and carried by roll call vote. The public hearing will be December 15, 2020.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut….YEA
Councilwoman Testa….ABSENT
Councilman Santanello asked for clarification that Ordinance 2020-23 will allow dogs on the Maryland Ave. Beach (Mayor Kanitra: correct, in terms of actually the beach and not just up to the high water line) and doesn’t affect any other beaches (Attorney Riordan: we regulate all beaches in town – this brings this ordinance in line with the other ordinance that regulates the beaches – dogs are allowed on the Maryland Ave. beach, but they are not allowed on any other public bathing beach) the Chief said they write tickets for dogs on the beach but don’t have to do that any longer – asked if that is for all the beaches (Attorney Riordan: Police have never chased dogs off any beach in PPB, except when they are public bathing beaches – they wait for the dog to come off the beach; Chief Michigan: have no problem with people on the beach – the big concern is people walking the dogs on the Boardwalk area – the Maryland Ave. Beach is the only beach on which you are allowed to have your dog off-leash or on the beach, only during specific times of year) asked if dogs are allowed on bathing beaches, like Jenkinson’s in the off-season (Attorney Riordan: as far as the municipality is concerned, but Jenkinson’s might have a different view of dogs on their beaches and that would be up to them – can’t walk dog across the Boardwalk to get to Jenkinson’s Beach – would be subject to a ticket – even if the dog is in your arms) asked about Jenkinson’s doggie on beach day (Attorney Riordan: they ask for a Special Event permit, which is granted every time they do) so, dogs are only allowed on beaches where there is no Boardwalk (Mayor Kanitra: not treating Bradshaw’s any differently than Jenkinson’s; Attorney Riordan: right – from the Borough’s point of view, dogs are not allowed on the beach when it is a bathing beach – if it’s your beach and you want dogs on your beach in winter and they don’t have to cross the Borough’s Boardwalk to get there, there is nothing that the Borough is going to be able to do – if it becomes a problem, the Borough can do something else, but he doesn’t think it will) is trying to clarify the demarcation line – so, people can have dogs on any beach below Bradshaw’s (Mayor Kanitra: not true – can walk along high water line, with feet in the water, from the Maryland Ave. Beach to Jenkinson’s Beach – if Jenkinson’s wants dogs on the beach in the off-season, ok – if they don’t, dogs can’t go on – there is access to all these beaches anyway; Attorney Riordan: agrees that it is not true – the Borough’s regulations apply uniformly to all beaches) too subjective – voting no (Attorney Riordan: this is a recommendation of the Chief, back before COVID, that we are finally able to implement).
Ordinance 2020-23 (Amend Ch. 7 – Licensing of Dogs) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Vitale to approve Ordinance 2020-23 on first reading was seconded by Councilwoman Byrnes and carried by roll call vote. The public hearing will be December 15, 2020.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….NAY
Councilwoman Testa….ABSENT
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:33PM
Vincent Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: asked about Pothole Killers – look at Boston from Forman to Ocean – indentations in the street; need to look at ways to reduce taxes with COVID; asked about Coast Guard Station; hopes all had a Happy Thanksgiving.
Dave Cavagnaro: asked about the reorganization meeting location; asked about 1J; thanked Councilmembers Testa and Cortes for help with garlands, on behalf of Beautification – thanked Councilwoman Testa for getting other volunteers.
Mary Jo Gradel, 402 New Jersey Ave., PPB: thanked Councilwoman Byrnes for downtown – (inaudible) there is a dance party every Tuesday night at the Gottlieb building – COVID-safe.
John Taurozzi, 509 Delaware Ave., PPB: asked about funds spent on the Jenkinson’s lawsuit.
Kim Allen, 146 Ocean Ave., PPB/Owner of Barefoot Real Estate: supports short-term rental ban – too much effort for little reward – maybe consider just banning during Memorial Day-Labor Day – there is a lot of Airbnb action in the winter and it’s never a problem.
James Caulfield, 101 New York Ave., PPB: opposes short-term rental ban – depends on income to fix-up house – a lot of rentals are hotels – hotels are the problem.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:47PM
Motion by Councilman Cortes to close public participation and adjourn was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:48PM.
ATTEST: _______________________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
