Borough of Point Pleasant Beach COUNCIL MINUTES
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach met at 5:38 PM with Mayor Vogel and Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer and DiCorcia present. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Councilmen DiCorcia and Dyer recused themselves from discussions on the White Sands liquor license expansion application.
Attorney Gertner: place-to-place transfer application deals with expansion of premises – commended Clerk Ellsworth for noticing that while Board of Adjustment permitted expansion of facility, liquor license was not expanded to cover same area – hearing is necessary because objections were filed – Council will act as hearing body – all questions go through the Mayor.
John Vassallo, White Sands attorney: Clerk Ellsworth picked-up need for application to expand premises last year, when application was made for change in corporate structure – asking that entire building continue to be licensed and that license be renewed for the year.
Attorney Gertner swore in Frank Chiaia, White Sands owner (Councilman Corbally: was on Board of Adjustment when third floor lounge was pulled back – is that part of this?) Board approved area as office – not open to public – bought building in 1996 and filed for alteration – Board approved – Board later restricted third floor office from party (Attorney Gertner: what’s to prohibit people from going to third floor office with alcohol?) it’s locked and is the corporate office – only service occurring in rooms is to send bottle of wine or champagne (Attorney Vassallo: Board restriction keeps it from being used for party, but Mr. Chiaia could bring an open drink from the bar – application is to license whole building, but won’t all be used; Mayor Vogel: could put on condition to reaffirm Board decision that third floor not be used for public functions; Councilman Liotta: asked if they currently have applications before Board) no (Mayor Vogel: confirmed that alcohol would be served only in building, nothing outside, no change to current operation) yes (Attorney Gertner: confirmed through applicant that there are no disciplinary proceedings against license; Attorney Vassallo: no problem with condition that no public functions held on third floor – executive office and balcony off it; Councilman Loughran: confirmed with Attorney Vassallo that people could leave bar area with drinks) continued licensing of entire premises would allow mini-bars at some point – currently, cost-prohibitive.
Attorney Gertner swore in Max Gagnon, 304 Parkway: based on information presented, has no problem – objected originally because of the way it was advertised in the paper, as different addresses on two sides of the street.
Attorney Gertner swore in Joe Lemma, St. Louis Avenue: asked if ABC needs to know capacity of customers on premises (no) – asked how many liquor license are in this town – asked if we really need additional customers in this town (not expanding bar area) asked if seating capacity was being expanded (no – just correcting the record).
Motion by Councilman Loughran, to approve expansion application with stipulation that all Board of Adjustment conditions and approvals are adhered to, was seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally and DiCicco…..YEA
Attorney Vassallo suggested that the condition be added to the resolution for renewal.
Department Head memos and correspondence were discussed. Clerk Ellsworth: Consent Resolution 1/Item ‘k’ and Consent Resolution 4/Item ‘g’ are the same.
Administrator Riehl: Water Department is firm, on request for water bill relief, that reading is accurate – put in pool and irrigation system – reduced sewer bill by $14,000 since water went through irrigation system – scheduled for July 7th tax sale (Mayor Vogel: will update procedures for handling these matters – Governing Body must follow state statute – water cost must be borne by all who use it; Councilman Loughran: if homeowner doesn’t pay, we do; Mayor Vogel: consensus is to offer 3-year payment plan; Councilman DiCicco: asked that Governing Body be provided with October 2006 water bill for comparison (all agreed to add to agenda).
Several other items were added to agenda for action. Special Event Committee recommended denying Blossom International request for lemonade stand on Boardwalk and St. Joseph’s School request to sell raffle tickets on Boardwalk, as Boardwalk is at full capacity and there are concerns with safety and traffic flow (all agreed to deny).
Councilman Corbally: asked about First Baptist Church request for outdoor movie (Attorney Gertner: no assemblage issue – event is on private property – no need to issue permit – not impacted by Special Event Ordinance); replacement for Officer Saccone will be discussed in closed session; Budget/Finance Committee will talk to Library Association President about library request.
Kathy Foley, Environmental Commission: would like stronger tree protection ordinance.
Mike LaManna, consulting forester and arborist from Hartwick Consulting: spoke on value of trees and how they are protected using ordinances – contacted by Toms River two years ago – their ordinance required permit for cutting trees, but they wanted to address clearing of wooded lots – did so through planning and zoning process – due to global warming, trees being looked at by State to reduce temperatures in urban heat islands.
Mayor Vogel: must balance need for trees and residents’ enjoyment of their property
Kathy Foley: another benefit of trees is they act as a privacy screen and absorb sound – could also help with flood alleviation – will provide sample ordinances from other towns.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, to enter closed session to discuss litigation (2), personnel (4) and contractual (1) matters, was seconded by Councilman Dyer and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Closed session started at 6:53 P.M. and ended at 7:36 P.M.
Mayor Vogel called the regular meeting to order at 7:38 P.M. Present were Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer and DiCorcia. The Municipal Clerk again read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Motion by Councilman Corbally, to approve the minutes of the April 4, April 18, May 2, and May 16, 2006 Council meetings, was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco (April 4th, May 2nd and May 16th), Dyer and DiCorcia ….YEA
Councilman DiCicco (April 18th)….Abstain
Mayor Vogel presented plaque to Amy Moberg recognizing her achievements as an Ocean County Mayors’ Scholar.
Council Members Liotta and DiCorcia presented plaque to Matt Rega recognizing his achievements in the sport of wrestling.
Clerk Ellsworth administered oath of office to Fire Officers Steven Brendel, Christopher Dempsey, Jon Lafferty and Jessica Shipley.
Ordinance 2006-14 (Traffic in Maryland Avenue Beach Area) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Dyer, seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-14 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-15 (Handicap Parking) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-15 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-16 (Flood Damage Prevention) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-16 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-17 (Parking on Private Property) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman Corbally and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-17 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-18 (Riding on Sidewalk, Boardwalk and Street Ends) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman Dyer and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-18 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-19 (False Alarms) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman Corbally, seconded by Councilman DiCicco and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-19 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-20 (Pedestrian Crossings) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman Liotta, seconded by Councilman DiCicco and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-20 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-21 (Alcoholic Beverage Control – Minors) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman Dyer, seconded by Councilman DiCicco and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-21 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-22 (Film Permits) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman Liotta, seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-22 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Clerk Ellsworth added several items to Consent Resolution 4; Councilman Corbally: added Item ”dd” to Consent Resolution 4; Councilman Dyer: questioned Consent Resolution 2/Item ‘e’ (subject to ‘Do Not Knock’, must get permits and alert Police); Max Gagnon, 304 Parkway: questioned how Police Chief could do two jobs during emergency (Mayor – done in other municipalities – County Sheriff is also County Emergency Management Coordinator – operational duties performed by staff officers); Ben Dispoto, 311 Parkway: asked about correction to minutes, donation from Curtis Avenue LLC and open space in Consent Resolution 4/Item ‘f’ (reaffirming Board of Adjustment decision); Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: regarding Consent Resolution 3/Item ‘g’, Police Chief is very talented, but summer population can swell to over 50,000 – need someone with more time to devote to emergency management – can put town in jeopardy (he has resources at his fingertips – can assign staff members – also coordinating from central location – command structure will be reorganized); John Szafranski, 319 Yale Avenue: questioned Consent Resolution 3/Item ‘p’ (handicap curb cuts in Woodland Avenue area) and blowing grass in street (Councilman Corbally: will hold – Clerk Ellsworth found an existing ordinance – will address during committee report); Ed Sirchio, 722 McLean Avenue: regarding Consent Resolution 4/Item ‘f’, commonly known as flag lot and was part of deal struck years ago when area was rezoned – tried to get handicap access there but prices were ridiculous – asked that Governing Body check on ADA ramp and funding grants – regarding Consent Resolution 1/Item ’g’, builders made deal with DEP to grant ADA access at Inlet – does that mean fence goes at Inlet? (no) – CRAB has two handicap-access sand chairs available free to public – can give Council information on where to purchase them.
Motion by Councilman Liotta, seconded by Councilman Dyer, resolutions covering the items listed below, were approved by the following roll call vote:
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
a) Banner Permit application for St Peter School PTA
b) Raffles License Applications (2) for Strand Ventures, Inc. on 7/13/06
c) Authorize CME Associates to prepare bid specs and advertise bid for improvements to recycling center
d) Authorize Borough Attorney to draft ordinance creating positions of Recycling Coordinator and Community Rating System Coordinator for FEMA compliance
e) Authorize Borough Attorney to draft ordinance excluding real estate offices as a permitted use on the first floor in the GC zone
f) Authorization for Ocean County Sheriff’s Department to develop an All Hazards Mitigation Plan for Point Pleasant Beach
g) Authorization for Borough Attorney to draft ordinance making it illegal to cut down trees, plants and other vegetation or use herbicides on vegetation that are located on Borough property without the express permission of the Borough
h) Raffles License Application for PPB HS PTO on 12/06/06
i) Correction to February 21, 2006 minutes
j) Liquor License renewals (2)
k) Accept $35,000 from Curtis Ave LLC for Manasquan Inlet Public Access project
l) Approval of April & May hand checks ($1,522,902.30)
m) Raffles License Applications (2) for St Marys on 11/3/06
n) Schedule annual tax sale for July 7, 2006
o) Approval of ABC Social Affairs Permit for Elks Lodge #1698 on 7/21/06 & 7/22/06
p) Raffles License Applications (2) Antrim School PTO on 12/2/06
q) Approval of Payrolls #11 ($219,258.74) and #12 ($230,630)
r) Raffles License Application for Ocean County 200 Club on 8/24/06
s) Raffles License Application for Elks Lodge #1698 for various dates
t) Salary adjustment for Tracey McCrystal for passage of certification course
u) Transfer escrow funds from Bank of America to Manasquan Savings Bank
v) Payment to Metric Parking for pay & display ticket paper ($5500)
w) Award of Contract to Rainbow Irrigation, Inc for sprinkler installation at 3 sites ($6750)
x) P O to Cummins-Allison for Jet Scan currency scanner ($2495)
y) Progress Payment to Certified Valuations for work completed on reval ($16,773.34)
z) Payment to Duffy Partners LLC for fire dept air packs & misc equipment ($92,053.80)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
a) Change Order #2 to Earle Asphalt for roadway improvements to McLean and Laurel Avenues (-$2401.94)
b) Approval of 2006 Recreation Park Program Salary Guide
c) Award bid for sale of surplus pubic works vehicle
d) Appointment of seasonal comfort station attendants (6)
e) Permission for NJ PIRG to conduct membership drive (June 21st thru June 30th)
f) Payments to the Galvin Law Firm from Board of Adjustment accts ($2307.50)
g) Payments (2) to Bollinger for employee prescription benefits ($68,272.45)
h) Authorization for Mayor to execute treatment works approval and NJPDES application for Curtis Avenue sub-division
i) Payment to JESCO for front-end loader/backhoe ($52,072)
j) P O to Continental Fire & Safety for equip for fire dept ladder truck ($3453)
k) P O to Eventide for police communications equipment ($18,718)
l) P O to Winner Ford for 2 police cars ($40,140.26)
m) P O to R T Davies for tree service on Boro properties ($5800)
n) Payment to Atlantic Club for Project Graduation ($3000 Grant Funds)
o) Payment to Riggins for diesel fuel ($6,199.91)
p) Award of Contract to Earle Asphalt for CDBG curb/sidewalk improvements ($26,013.13)
q) Payment to Miami Systems for PATS paper rolls ($3256.43)
r) Appointment of Muskrat Jack as Animal Cruelty Investigation Officer
s) Payment to Pedroni Fuel for no lead gasoline ($18,279.20)
t) Payments to Brick Utilities for April & May water usage ($127,333.50)
u) Payment to JCP&L for installation of police/fire communications cable ($30,059)
v) Payment to Selective Ins for police substation flood insurance ($3002)
w) Payment to Major Police Supply for light bars for 2 vehicles ($2995.09)
x) Payment to Dell for Power Edge 830 server ($4767.84)
y) Payment to Bio-Key for Mobile Cop software and server upgrades ($5292.30)
z) Payment to Soden Electric for replacement of decorative light & receptacle covers ($8400)
aa) Payment to Pitney Bowes for prepaid postage ($5921.80)
bb) Payment to Alarm Distributors for video receivers ($2750)
cc) Payments to Schoor DePalma from escrow accounts ($8738.51)
dd) Payments to Schulman, Wiegmann for attendance at BOA meetings ($500)
9 – CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
a) Payments to Horizon BCBS for employee health benefits ($164,339.19)
b) Approval of computer generated vouchers ($788,174.01)
c) Authorization for Mayor and Clerk to execute NJDOT FY2006 Municipal Aid Application for roadway improvements to Sanborn Avenue
d) P O to DEPTCOR for shed ($2945)
e) Scheduled payment to PPB Board of Education ($693,603)
f) Removed
g) Appointment of Chief DePolo as Emergency Management Coordinator
h) Authorize use of PPB police officers as traffic directors for NJ DOT Route 35 Manasquan River Bridge Deck Replacement
CONSENT RESOLUTION 4:
a) Payment to Alan Radio for radio/scanner ($1439)
b) Water/Sewer Bill adjustments (18)
c) Approval of Raffle License Application for St. Mary’s on various dates
d) Approval of Filming Permit Application
e) Authorization to go out to re-bid on placement of cell antennas on water tower
f) Authorization for Lot 3, Block 10 to be classified as Open Space
g) Removed
h) Payment to Point Pleasant Beach Parking Authority for 1st installment ($36,666.00)
i) P O to Action Target, Inc. for steel reactive targets ($1,745.00)
j) P O to Ray’s Sport Shop for ear protection ($287.04)
k) P O to Lawmen’s Supply Co. for protective gear, ammunition and training equipment ($3,484.33)
l) Authorization for Mayor and Municipal Clerk to execute NJDEP Coastal General Permit application
m) Approval of 3 year water payment plan for 18 New Jersey Avenue
n) Approval of NJ Offshore Racing Assoc: 1) Special Event Application for boat parade on 6/23/06; 2) Ocean County road use app; and use of 8 spots in Silver Lake lot for advertising trailer ($1280)
o) Approval for Lion Television/Learning Channel to film on Boardwalk on 7/2/06
p) Deny Blossom Internat’l Special Event Application for lemonade stand on Boardwalk
q) Approval of Ocean Fire Co #1 Special Event Application for ‘Christmas in July’ on 7/23/06
r) Approval of First Baptist Church Special Event Application for Boardwalk ministry on Friday nights, 6/30/06 thru 8/18/06
s) Deny St. Joseph’s Grade School Special Event Application to sell raffle tickets on Boardwalk
t) Appointment of Amanda Mercuro to serve on PPB Historic Preservation Commission
u) Permission for County of Ocean to post 600 series route signs on county roads in PPB
v) Award of copier contract to Duplitron
w) Approval of “Dottie’s House” Special Event Application for 5K run/walk on 9/23/06 – approval of OC road use permit application – waiver of parking meters fees in section of Silver Lake lot
x) Approval of water/sewer bill adjustment for 101 Trenton Avenue, due to tax and water departments having different numbers for condo units
y) Approval of water/sewer bill adjustment for 303 Route 35 due to plumber reversing meters
z) Deny retroactive adjustment for properties going from two units to one unit
aa) Approval of request for Clean Ocean Action to place info table on Boardwalk on 8/5/06 and 8/6/06
bb) Approval of request from Daisy Girl Scout Troup 384 to use town gazebo on 06/24/06
cc) Approval for Administrator’s Secretary to increase work hours
dd) Award sale of used fire apparatus ($45,000) to Sullivan – NH, subject to attorney review
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia*….YEA
* Councilman DiCorcia (Consent Resolution 3/Item ‘g’)….NAY
Mayor Vogel: congratulated High School graduates – received more than $1.6 million in scholarships/awards; thanked Sharon McCartney and Tracey Jackson for work on Memorial Day Bike Parade – great way to come together and honor Veterans; praised Public Works for work on Sergeant Sherman memorial; purchased copier which scans documents, will allow Board of Adjustment applications to be posted online, making Government more accessible to residents; he and Councilman Liotta attended NJ Mayor’s Institute on Community Design Program – Point Pleasant Beach has opportunity to participate next year; spoke with Dr. Jane Wells, who’s involved with Rutgers transportation projects, and laid groundwork for possible projects; met with County Engineer Lotrecchio about Bay Avenue and bikes passing through bump-out on River Avenue, which they fixed – followed up on traffic surveys and problem with Broadway Bridge – asked that signal be placed by Bridge, warning traffic to slow down – followed up on Washington Avenue traffic calming – spoke about water ponding on St. Louis and Washington Avenues – was assured that County will work on Baltimore Avenue in fall – concerned about outfall pipe and effluent – thanked Kathy Foley for literature on product used elsewhere – County met with vendor; looking for funding for Sea Coast site before taking title; spoke with DEP Commissioner Jackson about help with lake dredging and waterway management; expect DEP reply by end of July on managing lake vegetation; filed street-scaping paperwork – due to budgetary concerns, state is not releasing funding; both lights downtown have been fixed (and outlet covers); next “Meet the Mayor” is June 27, 8:00 p.m., in Administrative office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Liotta: meter revenues for 2006 are $265,266, about $42,000 over last year; Court and Police are doing outstanding job – revenues are $322,452 – $49,000 over last year; down $2,000 on hotel/motel tax revenue; attended seminar, with Mayor Vogel, by world-famous planner at Princeton University – interesting to see what goes on in other places; awarded sprinkler contract tonight; Inlet Opening Anniversary celebration boat parade sign-ups will be Thursday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Fire Company #1 – $40 fee and insurance certificate required – 50 applications available on first come/first served, basis.
Councilman Loughran: received letters from Dave Cavagnaro, on Beautification Committee’s behalf, thanking Terry O’Connor for fixing vandalized planters and replanting flowers, George Daly and Mike Ormsby for hanging banners on Ocean Avenue, and Dennis Russell and John Trout for putting mulch in gardens; Public Works is getting town ready for summer – large job for small department – replaced 80 signs – put out garbage cans – replaced 215 street signs in May; have sold 122 resident parking passes; congratulated Claire Beno on retirement and thanked her for years of service; thanked Police Officer Sue Saccone, who’s leaving, for her efforts; asked when Manasquan River Bridge rehabilitation would start (fall).
Councilman Corbally: echoed the great job Public Works is doing; already have an ordinance prohibiting grass clippings in street – Public Works was manually digging out grass from underneath grate on Parkway – major problem because they can’t use jet-vac – years ago, Bob Meany suggested everyone bag leaves in biodegradable bags (60 cents/piece) – could offer residents 5 free – could buy additional – would eliminate street mess and backed-up drains.
Motion by Councilman Corbally, to authorize Borough Attorney to draft ordinance, requiring residents to bag leaves in biodegradable bags, was seconded by Councilman DiCicco and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta*, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco**, Dyer, DiCorcia***…YEA
*Councilman Liotta: significant change for people, but anything that gets in storm-water system exacerbates problem – people will adjust.
**Councilman DiCicco: faced with incredible storm-water management regulations – must clean out twice a year – ran into a lot of difficulty with leaf pick-up schedule, last year.
***Councilman DiCorcia: when was the last summons written for blowing grass into the streets?
Mayor Vogel asked Administrator Riehl to include the ‘placing grass in streets’ prohibition in information packet being included in tax bill mailing.
Councilman Corbally asked about headway with geese problem (Councilman DiCorcia: no more geese on Antrim field) have moved to Lake Louise; first full-blown Farmers Market will be held on July 9th and every Sunday afterwards – are actually having to turn people away now.
Councilman DiCicco: Memorial Day weekend saw banner crowds – kudos to Police, First Aid, Fire and Public Works; Borough Ordinance arrests went from 115, in 2005, to 136 this year, criminal arrests from 15 to 32 – Police are enforcing laws and ensuring town is safe for everyone; ‘jay walking’ signs were ordered and should be installed on Ocean Avenue, from Niblick Street past Trenton Avenue; Public Works has done significant work on signage for new parking boxes – clear in all lots; Master Plan Review Committee issued amended report – single family houses in Inlet Drive area are now permitted uses; in accordance with restructuring of Borough’s finances, approved new contract with Parking Authority, clarifying functions and revamping rate structure (from $150,000 to $110,000); along with Councilman Liotta, met with Michael Gardner and Elaine Petrillo about comprehensive revamp of Sign Ordinance – will prepare report for Governing Body; Recycling Coordinator will be responsible for improving town’s recycling program – received $6,922.50, from County – number can be improved – approved specifications to create more user-friendly center; was suggested that Lake Restoration Committee be formed under auspices of Environmental Commission – will have an ad-hoc Committee meeting about Lake Study Report on 3rd Monday of month at 7pm for anyone interested – asked that Mayor Vogel and Councilman Dyer join him on Committee; thanked Mayor Vogel for inviting him to meet with Freeholder Kelly and County Engineer Lotrecchio – primary focus was outfall pipe and pump station – County met with company about smart sponge used at Norwalk, CT and RI – had privilege of meeting with Senator Menendez and Congressman Pallone on Boardwalk and asked about funding for this in Point Pleasant Beach.
Councilman Dyer: commended Fire Department for actions at 1:00 a.m. fire on New Jersey Avenue – with fire shooting 30 feet above house, were concerned about proximity of other homes – did tremendous job protecting lives and keeping fire from spreading; bench for Nick Jaworovich, primary mover in CRAB, is ready – would like proclamation next meeting; Police investigated 15 noise complaints and issued 11 warnings; Building Department issued 5 penalties for working without permits and 1 court summons for building with multiple violations; had privilege of attending High School ‘Awards Night’ – Amy Moberg is going to have a great career in politics as she received both Democratic and Republican Club scholarships.
Councilman DiCorcia: Amy has wonderful parents as well; Chief DePolo should concentrate on Police Department and not act in dual role of Emergency Management Coordinator – EMC responsibilities are enormous – had police experience, father was Police Chief – knows how much time job entails; thanked Lynn Aber and Sergeant Otto for work on light outage – JCP&L doesn’t know difference in pole numbers between Point Pleasant and Point Pleasant Beach; parking lot, on corner of Baltimore and Arnold Avenues, is not living up to Board of Adjustment approvals and conditions – gave to Code Enforcement; asked what the hold up is on changing Arnold Avenue speed limit (Administrator Riehl will follow up); Boardwalk in front of ‘Joey Tomatoes’ needs repairs – in front of Risden’s, a board is missing and needs repair – stringers in front of Aquarium were bad and Jenkinson’s fixed, saving town about $10,000; asked to have Public Works check Trenton Avenue, between Chicago and St. Louis Avenues – black top is uneven, after gas company opened to repair; met with Board of Education – cleaned up their act and are taking care of grounds – talked about shared services with Bay Head and honoring students (Councilman Liotta: Bay Head will give us $40,000 – Dr. Ravally’s additional compensation is to be determined; silhouettes of dogs doing an unbelievable job with geese at school fields); checking what Board of Education and Police can do about underage drinking – missing link between 8th grade and High School.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD OPENED AT 9:08 P.M.
Ed Sirchio, 722 McLean Avenue: thanked Fire Department for coming out on Father’s Day; asked about Boylan case; thanked Councilman DiCicco for work on outfall, information on what was used in Rhode Island and meeting with Senator and Congressman on Boardwalk; most trees on lot next to us were cut – will loose 120-year-old oak on our property because builder cut too close; complimented Governing Body for time and effort spent on behalf of residents; Point Pleasant Beach has become a development – builders will stick a house anywhere – house next to us was put in sideways – Planning Board members said they did not approve it as is – had mud all over our driveway that went down storm drains – put crane on my driveway – could have destroyed my water and sewer lateral and foundation – if I hadn’t come home and made them move it, they would have destroyed my property – asked Building Inspector if he had checked it out and he said “no” – could see crane from Route 35 – our fence has been over their property line for over 60 years – removed it and now it’s less than four feet away – have to fill in by hand, because cannot get something small in there – garage is in front and house faces east – nice people, but our privacy is gone – slipped through cracks as plans have our engineer’s approval.
Max Gagnon, 304 Parkway: distributed “Asbury Park Press” article, “Failure to enforce law has makings of a perilous Mega Trend”; granddaughter graduated valedictorian from Beach High School – went to college on scholarship and graduated cum laud as President’s Scholar – went on to University of Texas for doctorate – many Beach graduates go on to be tops in their fields – shows what a good school system it is; asked about folder he gave Governing Body regarding property on oceanfront and Putt-Putt golf course – suggest you buy and make parking lot – house on it burned and is still an eyesore – suggested Parking Authority take it over – if Risden’s became available, would have additional parking area for it – would be an income producer as well; fence by jetty is in dire shape – when is jetty going to be opened to public? – started with DEP, three years ago, and finally threatened them with class-action lawsuit – got back to me in 24 hours to say they have reached a settlement and it will be open shortly.
John Szafranski, 319 Yale Avenue: saw them tearing up Boardwalk on Monday – no one at Municipal Building knew what they were doing – Elaine Petrillo sent someone to look – was told there was an emergency problem with stringer – they tore up about 40 x 16 foot of our Boardwalk – have ordinance that says reconstruction in flood zone has to be witnessed and repaired to the point of looking at the pilings – put stringer right on old pilings – when we put in new Boardwalk, put in new pilings – what justification does he have to go on town Boardwalk and do repairs without someone there to inspect? – old pilings are dry rotted – should have had engineering approval; regarding bus stop by Aquarium, it’s a 120-foot section with limit of two buses – on June 1st, buses were parked in front, blocking access to Vetrini Lane – should drop handicapped people off in turn-around and not make them wheel chairs through lot – couple of days later, Police moved six buses from there – a few days later, there were eight – suggested putting up barriers at end of the 120-feet because Ordinance hasn’t affected change there; Ordinances not being enforced – where’s code enforcement? – they should be out on weekends – are Police also Code Enforcement Officers?; supposed to be no retail sales by old beach train site; Aquarium lot has marked slots, but cars are being parked differently, creating fire hazard.
Joanne Chiefa, 311 River Avenue: thanked Council for quick response on bollards in respects to bike safety; received time-sensitive legal mail for the other River Avenue; cars speeding on River Avenue – are you pursuing traffic calming?; who cuts island? – there is grass in street; asked for time element to complete new construction – cut down trees at turn around, put in foundation, then stopped – now for sale.
Kathy Foley, 115 Randall Avenue: thanked Mayor and Council for authorizing Recycling Coordinator position – Recycling Center improvements will help people recycle more and generate revenue for town – hoping to see more signs pointing to Recycling Center; asked about noise complaints; best to compost grass and leaves – maybe can educate students about composting – grass costing town a lot of money, since it’s put in trash – maybe can use Chamber billboard to get grass clipping message out; asked how handicap parking spaces are approved.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: thanked Public Works for hanging flags on Ocean Avenue, Councilmen Corbally and Liotta for work on sprinklers, and Administrator Riehl for getting lights replaced and outlet covers on Arnold Avenue poles; seems to be competition between merchants on how much they can put in front of stores – also putting displays at curb, making it difficult to walk on sidewalks; restaurant on Arnold Avenue has scaffolding over street, but no work being done; did discussions on Baltimore Avenue projects include bubble ups?; two red poles are sticking up between islands on Parkway; suggested proactive approach on trees – Environmental Commission and County put together grant proposal on free trees – suggested giving money to Environmental Commission to provide free trees to residents – need to talk to utility companies about cutting trees; thanked Councilman Corbally for suggesting bags for leaves – suggested providing each resident with ten free and selling them additional.
Larry Beresik, 118 St. Louis Avenue: 250 foreign students are working in town – have told me about over-crowded living conditions – poor conditions in motels and rooming houses – wouldn’t want my kids to live in these conditions – asked who’s supposed to check on these motels – refused to give locations as Mr. Gardner should know where they are – town is only 1.5 miles square – if not rectified, town will be embarrassed (Attorney Gertner: putting Governing Body in awkward situation as they don’t know where these problems are; Councilman DiCicco asked Mr. Beresik to provide addresses so town could follow up) claimed that town should know where these students are through visas – expects conditions to be rectified; asked about tourism study; some houses are being built on Newark and Randall Avenues that are over 35-feet.
Ben Dispoto, 311 Parkway: asked how large water bill was at property that requested relief; head of State Department of Education makes $160,000/year – Beach Superintendent makes $137,000 – sharing between school districts is good idea; asked about putting ‘Pedestrian Yield’ signs at Ocean Avenue intersections; asked for clarification on Dave Cavagnaro’s question about parking sticks between islands on Parkway – asked to have them between St. Louis and Chicago Avenues, where two driveways line up with opening between islands; how could someone take liberty to work on town property? – rotating sign says ‘Jenkinson’s Boardwalk’ – seems presumptuous – serious problem that Governing Body is not informed of what’s going on.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD CLOSED AT 10:25 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 p.m.
Transcribed By:
Eileen Farrell and Maryann Ellsworth
Attest: Maryann Ellsworth, Municipal Clerk
