Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
June 20, 2023
Held in–person at Borough Hall Council Chambers, 416 New Jersey Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach.
Live streamed via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflODKbSFakXUEKiyxSYdUA/live
The Governing Body reserves its right to amend and supplement the purposes of executive session by motion at the public meeting.
Mayor Kanitra called caucus to order at 6:36PM. 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.” Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes and Crowley. Councilmen Ramos and Migut were absent.
CAUCUS: Progress Briefing – NJDOT Transportation Alternative Set-aside Grant for Channel Drive Revitalization
Kenneth Burkhardt, Design Consultant (PE, PTOE, Project Manager, STV, Inc.): gave a slide presentation on the Channel Dr. Corridor (attached; (Mayor Kanitra: look and feel is most important to him – public and businesses will be attracted to aesthetics – drainage and safety are important, but not at the expense of redoing the overall look and feel of Channel Dr.) most of those elements are in the grant – have good ideas on how to incorporate them (Mayor Kanitra: the dynamics of properties in the redevelopment area will change – will have an idea in the next couple months – got complaints about flashing beacons – asked him to cut out the component asking Spike’s to do away with their parking spots – they would be in opposition and it would invite negative opinion) will take that off.
Alexis Williams, Urban Planner (ACIP, NJPP, Community Involvement, STV, Inc.): addressed public outreach – are about 100 parcels in the study area – have a database of property owners and tenants – plan to contact everyone in the study area by mailing and will reach out to some by phone or in person about driveway use, parking, deliveries – both owners and tenants – everyone is going to be on board, to understand what is going on – will create a project website and email address for people to submit questions or comments – asking Borough to link to that through the Borough page – QOL Dir. O’Rourke will provide updates on the Borough Facebook page – will keep Council in the loop – QOL Dir. O’Rourke is helping to create a stakeholder list – there will be an advertised public meeting (Mayor Kanitra: a developer is signing letters of intent with property owners – should be finalized in the next month – will be some shifting properties) one-on-one outreach will begin immediately (Mayor Kanitra: when announced to the public and launch the web site, it would be ideal to have a rendering to show and be on the web site).
Mr. Burkhardt: there are a total of 84 parking stalls – only 18 are paid – asked about opening that up to more curb extensions and bump outs (Mayor Kanitra: asked about creating additional paid parking within the footprint of the current paid parking – doesn’t know if we want to charge residents to park in front of their houses and anger 20-30 households) mentioned opportunity to remove some to use for bump outs (Mayor Kanitra: asked BA/CFO Riehl how much revenue is made from those spots; BA/CFO Riehl: majority are not paid – not a big detriment; Mayor Kanitra: will take 1 or 2 spots out downtown to make parklets – if removing 3 or 4 paid spots in the corridor would make it pretty or give more room for trees, it doesn’t really matter – wouldn’t want to take away free parking in front of the residents – if you close some spots on the extreme east portion of Channel and could gain a spot by re-lining them or closing driveways, can use the extra ones to make more space – less incentive to make it more aesthetically-pleasing in front of people’s houses anyway, as that is not where we are expecting the commercial and recreational components to be – asked how long for renderings) looking to have plans and renderings by August.
Ms. Williams: can launch the website sooner (Mayor Kanitra: hold off until we have the renderings, so they can see a vision; BA/CFO Riehl: might want to change something too; Mayor Kanitra: asked how many hours is anticipated for outreach; QOL Dir. O’Rourke: all reimbursed through the Design Assistance Program; Mayor Kanitra: confirmed that Kenneth Burkhardt and Alexis Williams are from one of the State’s certified groups – asked them to leave their business cards).
Motion by Councilwoman Crowley to close the caucus was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Crowley….YEA
Councilman Ramos, Migut….ABSENT
CAUCUS ENDED AT 7PM
Mayor Kanitra called the regular meeting to order at 7:33PM. 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.” Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley and Migut.
FLAG SALUTE, INVOCATION
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES:
Motion by Councilman Vitale to approve the May 16, 2023 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilwoman Byrnes and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley, Migut….YEA
DISCUSSION: Boat Shared Services Agreement
Mayor Kanitra: Brielle was looking to do a 4 or 5 town boat shared services agreement, which was too unwieldy – Pt. Boro has a contact at the State and feel strongly they would support a Shared Service Agreement with PPB for a boat to patrol our canal, river and waterfront properties between towns – would be paid through shared services agreement with the State that’s been giving away up to $500K for any shared services – good to have shared services on the books – special officers (SLEO’s) would split the time equally on the boat – Chiefs would work out whose officers would be on – considering the alcohol consumption on the Manasquan River, water taxis, and people hanging at the sandbar near the Patio Bar at low tide, etc. – we are a community on the water and beach – for emergency circumstances, makes sense to have the ability to respond and patrol between Memorial Day and Labor Day – would have to split the cost of gas and SLEO’s – asked BA/CFO Riehl about numbers (BA/CFO Riehl: will have to pay $17K – the Chief relayed that he would have no use for the boat – cited logistics, location – would not be necessary – suggested the Boro get the boat and PPB enter a shared service with the Boro at a per diem rate, for when we actually use it – doesn’t want to pay $17K and not use it; Councilwoman Crowley: they would probably count on our funds to buy it, if we are going to plan on using it at one point – wonders if they’ll enter into it if they don’t have the funding to help them) or we could just purchase the boat and tell the Police Dept. that’s what we’d like them to do anyway (Councilman Vitale: doesn’t make sense to have the boat – there is no wake outside the Patio Bar – that and the Lake Louise areas are the only ones we would be patrolling) it also wraps to the Boro border (Councilman Vitale: as a boater, if there is an emergency or if he sees someone acting egregious on their boat, he has his radio to call the Coast Guard, who are always out patrolling, as are the State Police – tying up officers off the Boardwalk and community policing doesn’t make sense) the Chief said it wasn’t his top priority when they spoke, but he didn’t say no (Chief Kowalewski: logistically, doesn’t know any details – need manpower and training) thought our 60+ specials would be manpower we are paying for (Chief Kowalewski: can’t put an SLEO I on a $200K Police boat – would need a regular officer; Councilwoman Crowley: thought it was a win-win because we are only paying $17K for a $200K boat; BA/CFO Riehl: her understanding is that we would also be responsible for the cost of gas, maintenance, supplies; Councilwoman Crowley: thought it was a great bargain – would have to look more into the details) Pt. Boro sees a lot of value (Councilman Vitale: questioned the practicality – if there was a man overboard, would have to drive to the State Police barracks to pick up the boat) not accurate – boat would be on the waterway patrolling 9AM-5PM, Memorial Day to Labor Day – would just call the boat to respond – can do alcohol checks, public safety checks, check to see if people are following the maritime laws – there is one State Police boat, from here to Barnegat – suggested that Councilman Vitale and Chief Kowalewski met to try to disrupt this – would have been nice if someone had given him a heads-up – our waterways are unprotected (Councilman Vitale: he found out about it from the Ocean Star – no information was given out – the front page said Council was in agreement – while it was mentioned in the Mayor’s report, never really had a discussion about it) hasn’t been voted on – no one said it was a done deal (Councilman Vitale: it was in the paper as a done deal – that’s the way it was written – reiterated that it’s not practical – have the Coast Guard and State Police patrolling the water – would have to pull manpower and put through training, and maritime rules are different than road rules; Councilman Ramos: asked when we would have access to the boat) 50% of the time (Councilman Ramos: thought it was Bay Head – that’s what he read in the paper) obviously the paper got details wrong because it has nothing to do with Bay Head – it would be 50% us and 50% Boro (Councilman Vitale: Pannucci’s letter in the packet says Bay Head, Boro, and Beach) Frank Pannucci told him directly it was Point Boro and Beach (Councilman Vitale: he wrote that it’s Boro, Bay Head and Beach; Councilwoman Crowley: we would also share with them for manpower; Councilman Vitale: they don’t have jurisdiction – Bay Head officers can’t do anything on the Point Beach side – doesn’t know where the jurisdiction lies in the river (Chief Kowalewski: doesn’t know if they’re using SLEO 1’s, but he can’t) have an opportunity to have a couple hundred grand from the State (Councilman Vitale: it’s not like we can split the manpower) don’t have to do it if you don’t want to (Councilwoman Crowley: thinks it’s great) asked what Council wants (Councilwoman Testa: should be more discussion – should do it on another day – is not going to make a decision now – everyone brought up valid points and she does not feel comfortable making a decision in 5 minutes; Councilman Vitale: would have to table it; Councilman Ramos: would like to know the costs and clarification on the number of towns involved) understands it’s all contingent upon getting the funds anyway – like any project, once we secure funds, we have to authorize the purchase – authorizing going after a grant does not behold us to purchasing a boat or allocating resources – can still say no and not purchase the boat (BA/CVO Riehl: the email said the total cost is $200K – 25% local share comes out to $16,602.00 for each town – Boro, Beach and Bay Head – if we get the award, then we enter into an actual shared service agreement – to move forward with the application package, have to say you want to be part of the grant – and that is the resolution) the resolution is to apply for the grant and see if we get it – doesn’t understand why we wouldn’t apply and see if we get it – can put a contingency on it saying we still have to decide on the purchase and the particulars (Councilman Vitale: suggested tabling until finished discussing logistics and have a plan to move forward; Councilwoman Crowley: asked if there is a deadline) believes the grant deadline is the end of this month (Councilwoman Crowley: if we miss the deadline, we can’t even apply for it; Councilman Vitale: doesn’t want to be beholden to the project/money/responsibility, if we enter into the grant and it’s awarded – doesn’t make sense and we should have a Council discussion and vote) asked the attorney if we can go after the grant and not be beholden to anything (Atty. Buzak, of the firm Surenian, Edwards & Nolan LLC/filling in for Borough Atty. Riordan: concern is that 3 municipalities are going after the grant simultaneously and it’s the same grant – thinks the commitment to apply for the grant carries a good faith implication that you’re going to go forward if you get the grant, because you are also affecting the other 2 municipalities – if you decide not to move forward, there is no boat) since the deadline is at the end of this month, choosing to do nothing is a de-facto no vote (Atty. Buzak: if the deadline is the end of the month and you don’t have another meeting before the end of the month, would think the answer is yes – if you want to conditionally do something, to direct that the Mayor or Administrator deal with the Boro and Bay Head, in terms of working out some of these details, it could be done in that way) suggested conditionally approve applying, figuring out the details of the shared services agreement, and contingent upon that not hamstringing us to have to follow through applying (Atty. Buzak: may have to have an emergency meeting at the end of the month to get some authorization to formally apply for the grant, but if everything is worked out in a manner that is satisfactory – talked over each other; BA/CFO Riehl: if they are successful in getting the grant, they get the boat, and we want to enter into a shared services with Boro and say if and when we’re scheduled to use it, we would reimburse the Boro x number of dollars per diem or per hour; Atty Buzak: asked if the grant is to acquire the boat, so we’d have an ownership interest in the boat – would assume it would have been titled in 3 names, the 3 municipalities; BA/CFO Riehl: says the Boro would be the lead agency on the grant application) said he wanted to look at this weeks ago – can’t comprehend that we don’t have the particulars (Councilman Vitale: got an email from Frank Pannucci) should take a vote (Councilman Vitale: he has enough details to make a decision; Councilwoman Crowley: have no rights to get it if we want it if it’s not our boat; Councilman Vitale: asked about cost) cost would be $16.50 for a SLEO II – split the 40 hours plus $4/gallon gas for 40 hours (Councilman Vitale: asked about maintenance; Chief Kowalewski: Point Boro doesn’t have SLEO’s; Councilman Vitale: spoke to the Chief this morning – asked, if he doesn’t want it, why we are pushing it) he is the 3rd member of the Police Committee – didn’t get noticed (Councilwoman Byrnes: asked if we have any marine trained officers) asked if it’s legal not to inform all members of standing committee of a meeting (Atty. Buzak: unless bylaws say otherwise) can look into (Councilman Vitale: wasn’t malicious) underhanded – should have a vote to carve out item 4g and vote on separately.
Motion by Councilwoman Crowley to carve out item 4g was seconded by Councilwoman Testa and carried by consent of Council.
Ellen Veprek, Point Pleasant/Member of PPB Elks: chairs the annual NJ State Peer Leadership High School Conference, which focuses on drug awareness, leadership skills, suicide prevention, and bullying – the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) this year sponsored 6 high school students and 2 chaperones – Beth McGuire, the PPHS Guidance Counselor, and her – read a statement from Beth McGuire, in which she stated they are grateful for the support and dedication of the MAC, and look forward to strengthening connections between the town, Elks and PPHS – invited anyone on the Governing Body to join her to see what’s going on one day – if anyone knows someone who needs to come to something like this or needs some help, contact her at ellenveprek@gmail.com – left information showing the power of the speakers being put in front of our students (Mayor Kanitra: thanked Councilwoman Testa for helping to spearhead brining this to the Governing Body’s attention).
DEPARTMENT HEAD MEMO: AZO Savacool RE: Curb Cut Requests
Councilwoman Crowley addressed the requests, which were all recommended by the Engineer.
12 Washington Ave.: proposed curb cut relocation from Baltimore to Washington – Engineer confirmed that letters went out and the neighbors have no issue – no overall loss – losing a spot on Washington, but gaining one on Baltimore – recommends approval. ADDED AS ITEM 1H.
408 Newark Ave.: curb cut is already completed – was the reviewed by Engineer – variance has been approved – paperwork was delayed – no loss of parking – driveway was moved from one side to another – recommends approval. ADDED AS ITEM 1I.
302 Chicago Ave.: new home being built on one of 2 empty lots – are 2 new homes, each with 2-car garages but only one curb cut – will be a loss of one parking spot – recommends approval up to 13′ as requested (Mayor Kanitra: when a double lot is purchased and broken into 2 different homes – expectation is that one home will get a parking spot – the developer, contractor and landowner are monetizing a property by changing the use and expecting the Borough to subsidize that cost – asked if one metered spot is worth couple grand (BA/CFO Riehl: absolutely: Mayor Kanitra: if people are going to choose to subdivide lots to make more money and it will cost the community a parking space, should consider having them pay a fee for the loss of the space – should look at it) could also minimize in those areas to 10’, instead of 13’, which is generous – thinks that’s smart (BA/CFO Riehl: could be similar to a tree – if you post a bond and then don’t replant, we keep that bond). ADDED AS ITEM 1J.
207 St. Louis Ave.: the curb cut is being moved during the new construction and will be placed to conform with the town’s easement that runs near the proposed curb cut – no loss of parking – recommends approval. ADDED AS ITEM 1K.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Vitale: recognized employee anniversaries for June – Christie Glass 8 years, Brian Spader 23, Bryan Benites 6, Antonio Garcia 5, David Marchetti 5, William Cavanaugh 2, John Trout 37, Jack Johnston 18, Michael Grimme 2, Kenneth Seals 2, Jonathan Valencia 2, Eric Sudia 15; gave the Chief’s report since last meeting – there were 38 arrests, resulting in 43 criminal charges – there were 892 Borough ordinance violations – on June 3rd, a DWI checkpoint on Rte. 35N resulted in in 3 DWI arrests – thanked the OC Prosecutor’s Office, Pt. Pleasant PD, Bay Head PD, and Mantoloking PD for their assistance – on June 8th, 13 SLEO II’s graduated from the OC Police Academy – will now have a crossing guard at Maryland Ave. and all community policing walking and bike posts are in effect; the Open Space Committee met last week – they recommended sending a letter of interest to the owners of 419 Trenton Ave. to purchase the property – they recommend that the town get the first right of refusal for that house (BA/CFO Riehl: confirmed that Open Space wants the Borough to reach out to the owner to see if they’re interested in selling; Mayor Kanitra: that would require a Council vote and Open Space funds are already committed to a parking project and the Coast Guard Building – asked if vote is necessary; BA/CFO Riehl: the Open Space is not for the Coast Guard Building, just the other project – has $500K in Green Acres in the que for a parking project; Mayor Kanitra: BA/CFO Riehl said we don’t have the money for the boat – need to be careful with our Open Space money too; BA/CFO Riehl: if you want Council to take action on an expenditure of money, you have to take it to a Council vote – saw an Open Space memo, which mentioned 3 properties that they were interested in pursuing – 2 on Channel and 1 by Pleasure Park – if working with Green Acres, need an appraisal – 2 if the value is over $500K – appraisals cost money and would need a Council vote to authorize the appraisals to start; Mayor Kanitra: the timing of this, coming after an election, seem suspicious) don’t have to vote on it now – it’s not tied to any election – can put it on the next agenda – the other 2 properties are the one between Channel and Broadway, where the boats are stored, and 113-115 Channel Dr., which has 100’ of waterfront (Councilwoman Testa: it was discussed at the Open Space meeting to see if it was something that was even a possibility – they look for opportunities to purchase open space – it’s very involved and costs money – said they’d mention it for discussion, not necessarily a vote; BA/CFO Riehl: thinks Council would have to decide if there was any interest in pursuing the properties; Mayor Kanitra: is not in favor of spending money we don’t have or that was allocated to other properties – there are also developers looking to put together a package for Channel Dr. – might be able to get some public land out of the project without having to spend money – will know where we are at with Channel Dr. and what money is available next year); Recreation Committee’s Battle of the Bands was held 2 weeks ago – 12 bands played for 4 hours – huge success – thanked the Recreation and Arts Committees and Chamber – Summer Camp is July 10-August 18, with registration still open – Ukelele/Guitar on the Beach starts July 10th, with registration ongoing – gave the Summer Concert Series schedule – Summer Skateboarding is June 26-30, with registration open and Football Camp, June 26-28 at Antrim, with openings; talked about speed limits on Ocean & Arnold Aves. – current speed limit on Ocean and on Arnold, from Ocean to the tracks, is 30mph – suggested lowering to 25mph so low speed vehicles (LSVs) can access those areas – County has already done a speed study – BA/CFO Riehl will try to get the results – asked if Council has an appetite – Chief is ok with it (BA/CFO Riehl: spoke with the Borough Engineer, who had received a phone call from a resident in reference to this someone said a study was done – she is not aware of it; Mayor Kanitra: would need strict enforcement; BA/CFO Riehl: County Engineer said we need to discuss it – Council could say what they want and County would entertain it – asked a year ago in August – they said they would not allow LSVs on any road over 25mph – we could request a study – she did not; Mayor Kanitra: motion would be to request a study; Councilman Ramos: asked if we are asking the County to lower the speed limit to 25mph and that would trigger the study; Mayor Kanitra: no – requesting a study to show the viability and, pending results, are supportive of it; BA/CFO Riehl: asked if she can relay that the Borough is in favor of lowering it; Mayor Kanitra: if they have a study or they don’t need a study, and they are fine with it, we are in support).
Councilwoman Testa: the Beautification Committee is bringing back the Garden Tour for next year – invited residents to reach out to the Committee or her to participate – invited all to see the Monarch Way Station – certification is completed – thanked the volunteers – planters are looking beautiful; mentioned item 2o/Arts Program – nice complement to Summer Camp – other things are in the works – Beautification started a Facebook page – asked all to like it; gave a Building Dept. update – issued 308 new permits year-to-date and 103 updates for a total 411 permits – been a very busy inspection season – 62 permits ahead of last year – have 66 grease traps – doubled since last year – year-to-date, have 289 seasonal rental units approved – these are rough numbers – they are working very hard to get processes approved – kudos; asked Engineer Mele to review Ocean Ave. sharrows and bikeways – been working on this for a year – have municipal aid – will be happening in September (Engineer Mele: have had a variety of studies to provide bikeways, sharrows, and signage throughout town – over last 15 years, it has been determined by engineers and traffic engineers that sharrows and are the way to go, not lanes – applied for municipal aid and were awarded funding – in design – once they get the ok from County, will go out to bid this fall –Safe Routes to School Grant is handled by the DOT and backed by the Feds – longer lead time, but is also in the works – consultant that was here earlier, who is working on Channel Dr. will be doing the Safe Routes to School plans as well – funded by the Design Assistance Program, at no cost to the Borough – will probably happen in about 3 years – the 2015 study came up with the map – 90% of the areas included are being done this year – the entire lengths of Ocean, Arnold, Bay, Washington, Atlantic, St. Louis, a piece of Niblick, Chicago) had to wait for the road to be paved before doing this (Engineer Mele: the road project completed this year was part of the 2020 road program the County did – we only applied for funding in the last year and a half and are doing it now; Mayor Kanitra: acknowledged the time Councilwoman Testa spent on this) 3 years.
Councilwoman Byrnes: Fire Company welcomed 2 new certified members, both graduated from the Monmouth County Fire Academy – thanked and congratulated them both – call volume has been heavy – they suggest charging electric vehicles outside as batteries are starting fires – thanked all first responders; spring was very busy for the Shade Tree Commission (STC), with 50 new trees planted – generous grant was given by the Fisher Family Fund that provided 9 new trees on the shoreline of Little Silver Lake – 20 were planted along the curb at Antrim field – others were planted through the Big Beautiful Tree and Nominate Your Block Programs – thanked the STC volunteers, who do so much behind the scenes; Golden Gulls’ Zumba Gold was today and enjoyed by many – will be an Ice Cream Social on July 11th at 12:30 – no cost to attend – on July 13th, were invited back to the Cousin Brucie Show at the PNC Arts Center, sponsored by the Garden State Arts Foundation – had 2 full buses ready to go on June 8th, but it was postponed due to the poor air quality – invited all – hopes to still get the school buses – if not, will seek transportation from the County or other means (Mayor Kanitra: appreciates what she is doing for the seniors – is happy her election win was certified – has never seen a handful of such evil, nasty people, saying things about her – her victory speaks volumes about what our community believes – the way she carried herself in the election was inspiring).
Councilman Ramos: gave the Bd. of Ed. report – Antrim graduation was tonight and was very nice – PPBHS graduation is tomorrow at 6:30 – over $1M in tuition has been saved by students taking courses through the Gull Flight School and the dual-enrollment partnership with Ocean County College (OCC) – congratulated Morgan Highland, the 2nd graduate who actually received her Associates Degree from OCC before tomorrow’s ceremony – PPBHS Baseball earned another Central Jersey Group 1 State Championship – Melody Pearsall won a Central Jersey State 1 Championship in the Triple Jump – the Bd. of Ed. is celebrating retired staff members Karen Serwin, Holly Harris, and School Resource Officer Det. O’Neill – will begin planning the new school year and information sessions regarding the December referendum for the District.
Councilwoman Crowley: gave the DPW report – everything is in full swing including garbage collection, litter patrol, street sweeping 7 days/week – very busy – also maintaining municipal property –doing a great job – town looks beautiful – they also work with the committees, helping with landscaping and watering to make the town look better and keep us safe; asked if the Summertime Surf Camp is being done through the Recreation Committee this year – is happy to help – great program – didn’t hear anything about it this year – would like to bring it back if we don’t have it.
Councilman Migut: Parking Authority (PA) received a reduced appropriation in the Budget because we anticipated them renting space in the Borden’s lot for the bank kiosk – the bank that initiated that project is no longer interested – still going out to bid, but not optimistic – they fear running short of money – are awarding their snow plow contract in August – hopes in won’t snow in December – asked BA/CFO Riehl to keep eye on their line item (BA/CFO Riehl: will talk to PA Secretary Mills); got a call from a Brick resident – wanted to fish at the OC Park, next to the railroad branch – the parking lot was full – no one was in the park, fishing or kayaking, but Spike’s was full of customers – sign there says Parking for Park Use Only – asked Chief about enforcement (Chief Kowalewski: believes there is time limit – will take a look and keep an eye on that).
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Kanitra: thinks Councilman Migut does great job with the PA, but it’s a waste of taxpayer money – entire budget goes towards professionals – don’t keep lots up – should dissolve – will be working on this – DPW can plow it and do a better job – he has pointed out hanging, exposed wires, overgrowth in the lots by PPBHS and the Valentine House, broken sign behind Borden’s – they just sit up here and hang out and talk about whatever they want – bureaucratic waste of money – can fold into DPW and save tens of thousands of dollars – is asking the Borough Atty. to figure out some way to do that; thanked QOL Dir. O’Rourke for helping with a grant for the Inlet project – rocks and concrete barricade blow into the Inlet – spending time and money to fix it all the time – allocated money for conceptualization on a drainage project – got an extra $200K and can now repave the parking lot – will integrate the curbs into one big curb, so we don’t have the blocks blowing all over – Inlet will look fantastic; sent an email for approval of NJ Transit west side lot to be on agenda – it is not – had entered into negotiations with NJ Transit – they were going to give it to the Borough, with the Borough having to pay for paving, maintenance, etc. – with the revitalization of downtown, moving the Rte. 35 corridor, the biggest component is creating a shift in how people think about parking – getting people to park in the NJ Transit lot is important – right now, the agreement with NJ Transit was going to be $1 or free – may need to pay to restripe it and get whatever parking spots we can – asked that it be added to agenda. Authorization to sign agreement with NJ Transit for lease of west side NJ Transit parking lot pending completion of Brian Nelson’s contract negotiation with them was ADDED AS ITEM 3L.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
BA/CFO Riehl: continuing to work through inspections for lead lines – Water Dept. is taking on the bulk of that responsibility; scheduled July 14th and 15th, the most traveled time in PPB, for the parking study; the Central Ave. Project is substantially complete; making progress on Water Valve Exercising & Repairs; Ocean Ave. Water Main Replacement is substantially complete; Earle will be back on June 26th & 27th to work on punch list items for the Arnold & Ocean Ave. Resurfacing Project (Mayor Kanitra: there are clumps of excess black top on the road on Arnold and Ocean – asked Engineer Mele to have them cleared; Engineer Mele: were some areas where the tack was filled – punch list items); DOT had a sinkhole on NJ – was back-filled and paved; Cooks Ln. well property has been fixed up by Davies and DPW; have Boston Ave. Drainage Improvements this week; Water Tank Rehabilitation is ongoing; Rte. 35 Water Main Project is in design and permitting; have the Coast Guard station on for second reading tonight – authorization for the acquisition, to be read by title only tonight, will be ready for July (Mayor Kanitra: asked Engineer Mele for a draft number of parking spaces that can be put on Inlet Dr. where the yellow curbing is) it’s 7-10 spaces (Councilwoman Byrnes: asked if kids from the Environmental Committee can put 2 new flower boxes on the Cooks Ln. property and if they can have space in the shed – they seem ambitious) it’s in a state of disrepair – needs some TLC – the shed is Beautification’s – if someone wants to take care of it and bring it back to life, that would be nice.
Clerk announced additions/deletions to the agenda.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:54PM
David Betten, 400 New Jersey Ave., PPB: it’s a waste of money and resources to train SLEO’s to work on a Police boat – they’re not here for the long haul – this is a stepping stone for them – there is a lot more to be discussed – need full-time trained officers (Councilwoman Crowley: they are seasonal and the job is seasonal); the parking lot by the train tracks is great idea – it will help with the new hotel and employees; Mayor Kanitra acts like a child – made comments about the campaign and people falling flat on their faces – he lost by only 11 votes (Mayor Kanitra: wasn’t talking about him – apologized if he took it that way – was talking about some who may have been acting on his behalf and saying abhorrent things – some would qualify as liable and slander – encouraged Councilwoman Byrnes to look into it).
Bob Lightburn, 307 New Jersey Ave., PPB: spoke about the proposed acquisition of the Coast Guard Station, as a taxpayer and retired engineer – read from a prepared statement for the record – it is important that a plan in place before acquisition is finalized – such plan should include the renovations required to bring the facility up to code and to meet ADA requirements and at what cost, how the facility will be used, what hours it will be open, how it will be staffed, how it will be maintained and by whom, how parking requirements will be met, and what the annual cost to maintain the facility, including utilities and insurance will be – he emailed a letter to Mayor & Council on June 5th regarding the need for such a plan, asking if such plan existed and, if not, when it would be written and by whom – so far, it has not been answered – thinks the purchase of the Coast Guard Station has merit, but the taxpayers need to know how it will be used and what it will cost to buy, renovate and maintain it.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway, PPB: congratulated Mayor Kanitra, Councilman Vitale and Councilwoman Byrnes on their Primary wins; asked about 1v (Mayor Kanitra: off-site scanning of records) and 2q (BA/CFO Riehl: 2PM-9PM, Sat. & Sun. – focus on Borough properties – have staff who work 7 days/week in the mornings in residential neighborhoods), 2u (BA/CFO Riehl: NJ Historic Preservation Grant; Mayor Kanitra: Tower Cottage is on the list of Hist Properties; BA/CFO Riehl: already have the funds – have to accept formally; QOL Dir. O’Rourke: had to use a nationally-listed property – the grant area is around that property – nothing is happening at Tower Cottage – it’s an anchor property – for qualification for the grant); asked for the revenue stream in the Building Dept. report, going forward; thanked DPW for putting up the flags, with all of the other things they are doing.
Rob Sorensen, 89 Chicago Ave., PPB (Point-to-Point Shuttle): they had contacted the Traffic Engineer to get more information on the process and found out they actually did the speed test – study was done June 8th-12th on Ocean Ave. – they’re working to finalize results – glad the recommendation is to support that – somebody requested it (QOL Dir. O’Rourke: it wasn’t a speed test – it was counting the cars at that intersection for the boat race) they were talking about putting it on their agenda; Summertime Surf is going on – he booked and paid for it – on Maryland Ave. (Councilwoman Crowley: asked how he booked it – they have camp year-round – Recreation usually donates 2 spots to people in town and they give us half-rate – they’re great – there all summer).
Councilwoman Byrnes: asked for clarification on 2p – asked for preference be added to the resolution, but not a requirement going forward – grandfather provisionals (Clerk Farrell: new Customer Service Rep at Civil Service has been questioning our residency requirement for new hires, based on a resolution passed in 1981; BA/CFO Riehl: saying that everyone hired since 1981 that didn’t live in town should not have been hired – worked closely with Special Counsel recommendations; Mayor Kanitra: asked for a preference for PPB residents; BA/CFO Riehl: can pass a resolution for that; Clerk Farrell: will add that to the resolution; Mayor Kanitra: amend 2p to say residency preference, not requirement; BA/CFO Riehl: reminded all that a residency can be hired, but we go by the Civil Service eligibility list; Mayor Kanitra: can grandfather anyone in).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:10PM
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to close public participation and approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilwoman Crowley and carried by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
1a Approval of payment of Payrolls #10 ($310,654.81), #11 ($346,192.71) & #12 ($371,103.37)
1b Resolution proclaiming June as Pride Month in PPB
1c Approval of 2023/2024 ABC License renewals (22)
1d Approval of payment to Glenco Supply for DPW sign materials ($3,373)
1e Approval of payment to Riggins for no-lead fuel/diesel fuel for DPW ($19,467.58)
1f Approval of payment to Cliffside Body Corp. for DPW water truck parts ($3,815.58)
1g Approval of PO to Turbo Electric for electric repairs at DPW (NTE $4,440)
1h Approval of payment to Core & Main LP for DPW plant supplies ($3,915.45)
1i Approval of payment to F&C Auto Supply for DPW auto parts for Apr. & May ($4,227.19)
1j Approval of payment to Rio Supply for DPW water meter parts ($5,972)
1k Approval of payment to Cherry Valley Tractor Sales for DPW Kubota refuse scooter ($19,323.40)
1l Approval of payment to Premier Electronic Solutions for CDVI doors ($6,852)
1m Approval of payment of hand checks from Pl. Bd, BOA & Developer escrow accounts
1n Approval of pymt to Lasting Line Painting for repainting of yellow curbing ($2,614)
1o Approval of payment to Forerunner Industries for floodplain management software ($9K)
1p Approval of PO & Pymt to Custom Environmental Tech for 2200 pounds of chemicals for W/S ($13,003)
1q Approval of payment to Brick Township MUA for May bulk water usage ($83,963.36)
1r Approval of pymt to M. Woszczak Mech Cont. for emerg water leak repair at 219 Arnold ($5,755.52)
1s Approval of pymt to Lasting Line Painting for repainting of parking stalls ($4,340)
1t Appointment of J. Popp to the permanent position of Asst Super Public Works
1u Approval of payment to the State of NJ for employee & retiree health benefits ($150,040.37)
1v Approval of payment to Foveonics for Bldg Dept offsite scanning ($5,913)
1w Approval of payment to Van Cleef Engineering for water tank repair/repaint ($18,297.75)
1x Approval of PO to Glenco Supply for traffic cones ($2,600)
1y Appointment of J. Valencia to the position of seasonal DPW Laborer
1z Memorialization of approval for St. Peter PTA to bring car on & off Bdwlk during raffle sales
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of $120 fee/child for Rec Summer Skateboarding 2023
2b Appointment of K. Lovgren as Head Coach of Rec Spring 2023 & Summer 2023 Wrestling
2c Appointment of T. Chamberlain as 2023 Rec Summer Camp Director
2d Appointment of K. Nagel, C. Matuschat & Taylor Struncius as 2023 Rec Summer Camp Lead Counselors
2e Appointment of A. Longo, E. Crowley, L. Aikens, R. Clark, S. Gada, E. Sommers, A. Johnson,
- Highland, A. Capozzi, R. Neibling, R. Artz, D. Finley, H. Estell-Hughes, C. DeLorenzo &
- Lovgren as 2023 Rec Summer Camp Counselors
2f Approval of payment to Wendel Landscaping for water plant screening ($28,750)
2g Approval of PO to Turbo Electric for DPW lights (NTE $7,600)
2h Approval of PO ($5K) & Payment ($3,411.79) to S&S Arts & Crafts for Recreation supplies
2i Approval of 2 taxi vehicle licenses and 1 taxi driver license for Squan Taxi
2j Approval of S/E app for OC Library-PPB Branch’s musical performance at the bandshell, 7/24
2k Approval of pymt to M. Woszczak Mech Contractor for emergency reinstall to main ($17,850)
2l Approval of 1 Low Speed Vehicle driver license for Point 2 Point Shuttle
2m Approval of payment to Fernbrook Nursery for Shade Tree Site 1 ($4,260)
2n Approval of PO to Rio Supply for water meter parts ($7,194)
2o Approval of S/E app for PPB Arts Summer Art Prog, Pleasure Pk, July 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 (rain: 7/31-8/3)
2p Resolution for CSC that PPB does not/did not/will not have a residency requirement for civilian hires
2q Appointment of L. Bennette, Pt. Pleasant, to the position of Litter Patrol Worker
2r Authorization for tax collector to process 3rd Q estimated tax bills, due 8/1/23
2s Appointment R. Balzano and J. Woszczak to the position of Public Works Repairer
2t Auth for Arnold & Richmond Rehabilitation Area Determination of Need Study to be sent to Planning Bd
for review and comment (no formal public hearing) to its consistency with the Master Plan
2u Auth to execute Preserve NJ Hist Pres Fund grant agmt for Tower Cottage in the amount of $72,750
2v Approval of PO to Pantano Nursery for landscape equipment wtp ($10,940)
2w Approval of payment of pay cert 1 to M. Woszcak Mech. Cont. for valve exercising ($73,931.20)
2x Approval of payment to M. Woszczak Mech. Cont. for emergency repair at Arnold/Chicago ($3,369)
2y Approval of PO to Detcon for Loadmaster cylinder & gasket ($4,459.65)
2z Approval of payment to Community Endowment Fund for 15 satin brass plaques ($3K)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
3a Approval of payment to Pt. Pleasant Beach BOE for July allocation & debt service ($1,501,872.50)
3b Authorization to apply for DOT municipal aid for Channel Drive
3c DENIAL of S/E app for Bring Em Out Productions’ Jeep Splash-Jeep Show, 10/7, Silver Lk Lot
3d Memorialization of Recognition of National EMS Week, May 21-27, 2023
3e Award of contract to Precision Fencing for replacement of fencing at Pleasure Park (NTE $43,500)
3f Approval of PO to Glenco Supply for 75 galvanized sign posts ($4,387.50)
3g Authorize payment to All Time Auto Body for vehicle repair ($11,500)–ADDED PER BA/CFO
3h Approval of curb cut request at 112 Washington Ave per ZO recommendation–ADDED PER DH MEMOS
3i Approval of curb cut request at 408 Newark Ave per ZO recommendation–ADDED PER DH MEMOS
3j Approval of curb cut request at 302 Chicago Ave per ZO recommendation–ADDED PER DH MEMOS
3k Approval of curb cut request at 207 St. Louis Ave per ZO recommendation–ADDED PER DH MEMOS
3l Auth to sign agmt with NJ Transit for lease of west side NJ Transit parking lot pending completion of B. Nelson’s contract negotiation with them–ADDED PER MAYOR’S RPT
CONSENT RESOLUTION 4:
4a Approval of computer-generated vouchers ($2,148,588.38)
4b Approval of PO & payment to Lexipol for annual training modules for the PD ($10,716.12)
4c Approval of payment to Open Systems Integrators for sound mixer system for the PD ($2,835)
4d Approval of payment to Northstar Vets for surgery for Bolt ($2,943.64)
4e Appointment of D. Newcomb, Brick, NJ, to the position of Parking Enforcement Officer
4f Approval of payment to All Covered for IT/maintenance for May, including for the PD ($6,565.89)
4g CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AS RESOLUTION 5
4h Approval of membership for O. Gmitter, Manasquan, in Fire Co No. 1 & NJ State Firemen’s Assoc.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley, Migut (except 4h)….YEA
Councilman Migut (4h)….ABSTAIN
Mayor Kanitra: recommends authorization to figure out the parameters and apply for a grant, so long as it doesn’t tie us legally to any kind of commitment (Atty. Buzak: if you want to leave your options open, you can make it subject to the negotiation of a shared services agreement – if you are unable to come to a satisfactory shared services agreement, then you’re out) that would involve the Chiefs talking, a more detailed cost estimate, hours and a purchase order for the boat (Atty. Buzak: doesn’t know how that will affect the application for the grant – when you attach that resolution to the grant, inaudible, whether that will get some push back) if it does, then it does – the stipulation is that would all have to be worked out (Councilwoman Crowley: worse case, it gets pushed back, but we don’t miss a deadline – it’s a tight window; Clerk Farrell: there was a very specific resolution that came with the paperwork – asked if it’s being discarded or changed – basically says that the Borough is joining Point Pleasant in applying for the grant) can still use this resolution and just say “pending the determination that applying for the grant doesn’t beholden us to the purchase of the boat and the enactment of everything” this isn’t a shared services agreement – this is simply a resolution to apply for a grant – we do this all the time (Councilwoman Crowley: we have to pass the shared services agreement if we agree to it after the fact, if we get it) without a shared services agreement, there is no shared service (Atty. Buzak: the 4th Whereas clause basically says that – the resolution says, at the end, you’re just joining with Point Pleasant Boro).
Motion by Councilwoman Crowley to approve RESOLUTION 5. Auth to joint with Pt. Pleasant & Bay Head in applying for LEAP Implementation Grant for Police Boat, to entertain a grant (Clerk Farrell: clarified that the resolution is to be worded as is), was seconded by Councilwoman Testa and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley, Migut….YEA
Councilman Vitale….NAY
ORDINANCES:
Ordinance 2023-05 (Single Use Bond Ordinance for Acquisition of Coast Guard Station $1,070,000.00) was considered on second reading. Mayor Kanitra opened the public hearing with no member of the public wishing to be heard. Motion by Councilman Migut to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 2023-05 on second reading was seconded by Councilwoman Crowley and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley, Migut….YEA
Mayor Kanitra: the Borough Administrator did look into the cost of ADA requirements, new panels, new floors, new paint, etc., and that’s what we’ve already put aside.
Ordinance 2023-06 (Auth to Acquire, by Purchase, Public Property at 24 Inlet Dr.) was introduced by title on first reading. Motion by Councilman Migut to approve Ordinance 2023-06 on first reading by title only was seconded by Councilwoman Crowley and carried by roll call vote. The public hearing will be held on July 18, 2023.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley, Migut….YEA
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 9:19PM
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway, PPB: asked if street openings by contractors require a permit (BA/CFO Riehl yes – starts with Karen Mills) asked for a condition to notify residents if street is to be closed (Councilman Ramos: Police would be involved if a street is closed; Councilman Vitale: suggested a robocall; Engineer Mele: typically, if shutting down a road, they will coordinate with the Police Dept. and will be accommodating to the neighbors, where they will continue to get deliveries, mail, garbage pick-up – if shutting down for a half day or more, they should be more accommodating, unless it’s a major project – suggested that conditions be incorporated into the permit; Mayor Kanitra: can just be procedural – figure out a line in the permit); sees the town watering trees on private property (Mayor Kanitra: could be part of the Big Beautiful Tree Program or something; BA/CFO Riehl: between curb and sidewalk is right-of-way).
David Betten, 400 New Jersey Ave., PPB: always found road closures troublesome – Nixle puts out alerts – you subscribe to it – every morning, he gets whatever closures are going on in the Boro and Brick – it’s awesome (Councilwoman Crowley: thinks that’s the County) suggesting looking into (Chief Kowalewski: Sherriff’s Dept rolling out a program to take over Nixle – talking over each other).
Erika Susko, 701 Richmond Ave. PPB: lives on Trenton & Richmond – signs for the One-Way Street face the wrong way and are faded – at least one person/day goes the wrong way – asked if the signs can be relocated (Mayor Kanitra: asked QOL Dir. O’Rourke to coordinate with the State) the school is there too, so a lot of kids cross there.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:28PM
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to close public participation and adjourn was seconded by Councilwoman Crowley and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:28PM.
ATTEST: ______________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
ATTACHMENT to June 20, 2023 Council Minutes
