Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2021
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: 958 1747 8013. 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.
The Governing Body reserves its right to amend and supplement the purposes of executive session by motion at the public meeting.
Mayor Kanitra called the meeting to order at 7:30PM. Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes and Santanello. Councilman Migut 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.”
FLAG SALUTE, INVOCATION
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to approve the February 16, 2021 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello….YEA
Councilman Migut….ABSENT
DISCUSSION:
Draft Ordinance 2021-12 (Authorizing Acquisition of Lots 1, 2, 3 & 4 in Block 86, and Lots 11, 12 & 13 in Block 86.01 together with any interests in adjacent roadways not already owned by a public entity) was discussed. Mayor Kanitra: this matter was discussed in closed session prior to this – Council was unanimous in wanting to move forward – are coming to the more technical parts of the conversation – need to make it formal and look at bond ordinances – this is for acquisition of the Amethyst Motel and lands surrounding it, which are contiguous to the Little Silver Lake parking lot – this is a result of a drastic need of increased parking, coupled with a recent town survey, where respondents are almost 2-1 in favor of expanded paid parking, even into neighborhoods where it currently doesn’t exist – need public access to beach and water for residents and guests – intent of acquisition would be to tear down the property and create more parking (Attorney Riordan: ordinance authorizes the Borough, Borough professionals and Appraiser to take any and all steps necessary to acquire the property, either by reaching an agreement with the property owner or by any other lawful means – the expectation is that, at the next meeting, this ordinance would be up for 1st reading and, at the subsequent meeting, for 2nd reading) the land owner has said he will not be available until April – this shows a commitment by the Borough to address parking on all levels – BA/CFO Riehl was talking about replacing some old meters that don’t have credit card readers and are capped at a limit – will take some steps on that as well – this fits in strongly with that discussion (Councilman Santanello: when this was presented in closed session, there were specific 2 reasons the Mayor wanted to acquire this property – one was parking – concerned that the second reason is not being discussed) as was stated clearly, the purpose for acquiring this is for parking – that’s the common good – any other components and side effects associated with this property are well-known by police and residents – invited OPRA requests – if, as an unintended side effect, officers have more time to tackle other issues around town, that’s a positive – will be on next meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Vitale: gave Chief’s report – training since last meeting includes Canine, SWAT and basic PO – read a snippet of the Chief’s Facebook message: on February 22nd, Murphy’s laws decriminalized marijuana – what was not expected is for parents to be denied access to information regarding their child’s marijuana or alcohol use – explained the legislation – the new law prevents officers from contacting parents or guardians for a first offense – the Police Dept. and School Resource Officer see laws as counterproductive and detrimental to children’s safety – goes against steps taken by the school district and community – urged all to read the full message, which was shared more than 1,600 times and included 800 comments – he is meeting with the Chief next week to see how this plays out further, especially during summer – the Hometown Security seminar is scheduled virtually for May 5th – an invite will be on Facebook and normal town channels; Recreation Committee released details of a new event on March 13th, 12PM-2PM – a collaborative effort coordinated by Recreation, Arts, Environmental, Beautification and downtown businesses to revitalize downtown and increase foot traffic – $2/person to register on Facebook – participants will go to the registration table on the day of the event to learn about each of the committees, then go downtown to search for a clover and be eligible for a raffle – can get extra clovers through purchases at stores or restaurants – Last Wave will host a socially-distanced get together at the end, complete with a bagpipe battle; he and Councilman Cortes met with a playground equipment supplier at Pleasure Park to get a second quote for equipment – Recreation Committee coordinated a subcommittee to fundraise for extra amenities –and created a Recreation plan for the year – more information to come; WiFi and camera vendor was in Borough Hall – will work with them on getting a live stream up on the web page.
Councilwoman Testa: Beautification Committee met this week and assignments were given for barrels and gardens – new members are jumping in – will plant flowers at Borough Hall – chose new modern planters for downtown that go with the color scheme; Arts Committee has a lot going on – check out their Facebook and Instagram pages – invited all to follow Melissa Hood on Instagram – she will do 100 paintings in 100 days, Apr.-Jul. – looking for photographs to paint from – can use iPhone Unique Experience feature to bring the Art Show gallery into your living room and covert the artwork to be placed in a 3-D frame to see how it would look in your house before purchasing – the Homegrown Fair is coming back, bigger and better, on May 22nd – working on downtown murals – looking for buildings to paint – check out Facebook; Municipal Alliance Committee is meeting on Monday – will promote Facebook page soon – first event is a family dinner – will be guest speakers – more will be reported at the next meeting.
Councilwoman Byrnes: thanked the Governing Body; on February 11th, the Bureau of Fire Safety and Fire Dept. conducted a walkthrough of the new Point Beach Lofts, which is essential for tactical planning and safety – the walkthrough allowed the command staff to be involved with certain decisions, such as the placement of the alarm panel, knock box and sprinkler system connectors – thanked FO Martin for facilitating – will continue walkthroughs as construction progresses – will do this for other construction projects as well – the Dept. is interested in any property to be demolished to be used for drills and exercises – FO Martin and the FD will provide content for the web site – thanked BA/CFO Riehl for her guidance; Senior Committee is identifying seniors to help them maintain the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed – seniors are @1/3 of the population – priorities are facilitating vaccine appointments and providing help with computer use and skills – will be working with the committee and schools to achieve this – been difficult for senior grandparents to help their grandchildren work from home – discovered, during outreach, that many homes don’t have numerical addresses on them – asked for help identifying them – committee will be sending a mailer soon – hope to promote wellness calls and chair yoga via Zoom in the near future – will plan a senior meet and greet when restrictions open – announced that Chemed in Lakewood is hosting a walk-in clinic for COVID vaccines today and tomorrow – she and the Senior Committee can help facilitate appointments and transportation; Shade Tree is readying for spring planting season – Big Beautiful Tree and Nominate Your Block initiatives have been received with much interest – Commission and Fisher Family Fund will co-sponsor 12 trees this season – a very special Arbor Day celebration is in the works for April 30th – committed to new plantings at the Newark Ave. Park and Boston Ave. Bulkhead – there is a new program to receive free saplings – invited those interested in one to reach out; PPBHS started an Environmental Club – Commission reached out to them – interested in a community garden possibly at Cooks Ln. near the train – asked BA/CFO Riehl for guidance – Councilman Vitale had suggested a parcel in the park – all will be considered – more to come.
Councilman Cortes: recognized March employee anniversaries – Kevin Napalo 21 years, John Flynn 21, Bill Popp 11, Paschal Drew 17, Scott Nase 15, Ita Brown 9; Boston Ave. bulkhead is done, with fence, bench and planter installed; met about Pleasure Park this morning – will be able to compare the 2 companies – spoke to BA/CFO Riehl about extra benches once the new playground equipment is in; Maryland Ave. Beach shed is on the agenda – should say NTE $7,500.00 – will have more control over it now; Farmer’s Market, same as last year, is on the agenda; after testing positive for COVID in Oct., he is now positive for antibodies and will be donating his plasma to help others.
Councilman Santanello: thanked Councilman Cortes – urged all to wear a mask, socially distance and get vaccinated; wished his wife, Joan, a happy birthday; were going to the start water main replacement project along Ocean Ave. this spring – he, BA/CFO Riehl, Attorney Mayer and Engineer Mele are looking into a low interest rate infrastructure loan that will make a huge financial difference for taxpayers – will take a while to go through that process – also, the County is not ready to do the paving, so the project is being pushed back until next year; looked at potholes with DPW Super. Trout – some are in horrendous condition – more on that in the future; asked if non-resident taxpayers are counted in the survey (Mayor Kanitra: yes, resident or taxpayer – must give address – will be able to delineate and break questions down for that); asked why an ordinance is needed to change parking fees (BA/CFO Riehl: required to have fee set by ordinance for enforcement through the courts); read the professional services contracts on the agenda – are 29 contracts with attorneys for a 1 sq. mile/5,000 resident town – makes him sick – pillaging the taxpayer – voting no (Attorney Riordan: 29 professionals – not all attorneys) he counted them.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Kanitra: probably an increase of 5 attorneys from previous administration – want to be sure not to waste taxpayer dollars – not contracts – many on list won’t be needed and won’t see a dollar – using different engineers’ expertise for different projects – same for legal services – Attorney Riordan is not an expert in all things – need experts – just a list of people to draw from in case specialization is needed (Attorney Riordan: there are 14 firms; Councilman Santanello: was only objecting to the attorney contracts – is sure the Borough Attorney is charging for review of them); Attorney Riordan is personally responsible for saving PPB $880K in the last couple of weeks – that’s $226/household – our professionals don’t get enough limelight and don’t seek it out – an employee was caught stealing and had the gall to try to maintain benefits in perpetuity – Council voted to choose accountability, set a precedent and make an example of the situation – Attorney Riordan single-handedly fought off this attempt – BA/CFO Riehl calculated the lifetime benefit amount saved – commended him (Attorney Riordan: a difficult case to win – commended the Governing Body for having the courage to press the point against great odds – credit belongs to the Governing Body and they set a good example for the employees going forward); this marijuana stuff is ridiculous – insanity run amuck – would seem that, unless a child is 18 or emancipated, if the child is your dependent, you have parental rights to know what is going on – it’s an infringement upon parental rights to keep that from you – PPB is against this lunacy – is worried about what it means for summer – if it will embolden kids to act differently – won’t be silent – will be a nuisance in Trenton, if necessary – will keep an eye on it – asked Attorney Riordan to also – doesn’t pass the sniff test (Attorney Riordan: will have a memo for the Governing Body with their options and recommendations); Ocean Ave. people have been notified about egregious violations of the curb and sidewalk ordinance – curbs and sidewalks are the homeowner’s responsibility – hasn’t been enforced, to the detriment of looks and safety – trying to couple with the repaving of streets, so people can realize some value and get their curbs done while the street’s already open – the new Building Dept. and Engineer are looking out for lawsuits, aesthetics, etc. – if someone can show true economic hardship due to COVID, might be able to figure something out regarding leniency; thanked resident George Loder, Zoning Board and Flood Committee member, who has been active with the NJ Coastal Coalition, working with Exec. Dir. Tom Quirk to get funding from Manasquan Bank’s Foundation for resiliency during a storm – they wrote up a grant and brought in $1,250 for emergency electric generators for town facilities – commended all involved; put out a public spaces RFP this week for landscapers – QOL Dir. O’Rourke spearheaded an initiative delineating which lands are maintained by the Beautification Committee, which are Adopt-A-Spots (sent reminders) and which had no one caring for them – need a good eye for detail and ability to cut weeds before they are overgrown on residential and corporate properties – wants nice borders, plants, shrubs, flowers and every corner of town looking good; have 2 P/T jobs posted – one is Code Enforcement to take up slack from an employee departure and help in Clerk’s department because of the deluge of OPRA requests that NJ towns are seeing for litigious reasons and otherwise – invited applicants; the town newsletter is going to print next week; committees are coming together for the Sham-Rock event – all committees and the Chamber are producing events on a regular basis – need to ensure all are helping each other and aware of dates – committee heads and the Chamber will meet monthly or semi-monthly to discuss initiatives; working on the NJ Historic Trust Grant to help pay for planning initiatives like Historic Preservation, Business Improvement District, etc.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
BA/CFO Riehl: is working through the H2O Loan program – submitting now for the Ocean Ave. Water Main Replacement Project, having gone through the USDA unsuccessfully – is in the loan closing round on the Water Meter Project and Little Silver Lake Dredging – hope to get advantageous rates and close on debt service within the next couple of months; met with the parking meter vendor to discuss implementation of sell by phone – had it ready to go last year, but with COVID and parking restrictions, it was not implemented – it is now – will be getting out literature, posting information and getting signage on the machines – in conjunction with that, there were discussions about having everything east of the railroad tracks in Districts 3 & 4 introduced as paid on-street parking – vendor can accomplish in 24 hours – will need a lot of signage, hardware and installation – that will take a couple of weeks – would like to meet with the Streets and/or Grounds Committee to discuss – would have to be pay-by-plate parking for that application – otherwise, would have to stripe and number every single parking spot east of the tracks, create and number a lot of single spaces and assign software – pay-by-plate would work in conjunction with pay-by-space – could have 2 different components throughout town – south of Washington, single head meters are coin-only – was not cost-effective to swap them out, given the cost of the new meters – could remove them and implement pay-by-plate as a trial – if beneficial, can move to full implementation next year (Mayor Kanitra: asked if the only cost would be DPW man hours to remove meters and signage – could realize money from the trial fairly quickly; BA/CFO Riehl: yes, no cost other than removal of existing meters, some ordinance changes to denote the different kind of parking in that area and signage; Councilman Santanello: can have a Streets Committee meeting anytime – asked how the system would accommodate residential parking passes in Districts 3 & 4) enforcement would be through either a tablet or android phone affixed to a bike handle or car dashboard or could be hand-held – would bike/drive/walk through the neighborhood and get a list of unpaid spaces – those with placards would not get tickets – others would (Councilman Santanello: asked if residents will be asked how they feel about paid parking in front of their homes – majority were against it in the past – is on the fence about it; Mayor Kanitra: ludicrous to have a resource that residents and guests want, that is used up – competing with ourselves – have parking lots to keep taxes low but are offering up free parking – residents have to compete with guests and tourists – if there is a way to ensure residents and guests will always be taken care of, that is most important – is fine with a number of passes per household and, with technology, would bet residents could go into a portal and input their license plates if they misplace their placards – could put in a data element that says “resident” showing that payment is not required – residents don’t have an appetite for tourists encroaching deeper into town looking for free parking, the litter and noise that goes with that and no monetary value – must be a technological way to ensure residents and guests have ample parking – it’s their town and their resource – should take care of residents’ concerns; Councilman Santanello: would be concerned about encroachment west of the tracks – doesn’t want to hurt downtown business – need to find a way to carve that out; Councilman Cortes: asked BA/CFO Riehl if kiosks would be needed for the trial area) no – all pay-by-cell – the detriment is that, anyone who doesn’t have cell or app, can’t park there) Councilman Santanello: asked about the overnight parking component) there are a lot of moving parts including the resident, commuter and District 3 & 4 passes, the non-ability of some people to use an app, issues with storing credit card information – a lot to look into – would need permission from the County to institute this on County Roads (Attorney Riordan: County’s position has always been “not on our streets” so County roads would continue to be free parking, except where it’s existing; Mayor Kanitra: asked if the method of payment could change; Attorney Riordan: would have to check – policy has been no new paid parking on any County roads; Councilman Cortes: thought paid parking could be put on County Roads if it’s for everyone, not like the parking passes; Attorney Riordan: right – couldn’t exclude residents – that might make a difference to the County – that’s not his recollection of the policy, but he will check; Councilman Cortes: concerned about pushing parking west of the tracks; Mayor Kanitra: could start a couple blocks in or quickly adapt and change – is open to anything – the parking raise was BA/CFO Riehl’s initiative –mobile parking is to make residents happy about what is transpiring in front of their houses; Councilman Cortes: would have to weigh it out with unintended consequences, if they arise) haven’t had a rate increase since 2010 – in conjunction with Ordinance 2021-11, took into consideration free parking in the railroad lot, except May 15th-September 15th, which is something businesses wanted – that is also being implemented in the ordinance (Councilman Cortes: asked if free parking would affect Councilman Migut’s business employee parking pass program) no – that will still be in effect – don’t garner a lot of revenue from the railroad lot, but some of the rate increase will make up for fees lost to accommodate downtown businesses.
Clerk noted additions/deletions/revisions to the agenda. Mayor Kanitra: instructed attendees to press *6 to unmute on phone or use Zoom link, to state full names and addresses and hold to 3 minutes.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:39PM
Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: agrees in theory with parking but has to be simple or it will create confusion; asked about COVID walk-in shots in Lakewood; asked about new marijuana law; complimented Georg Loder; commented on payment of hand checks; suggested The Andy Man construct the Maryland Ave. Beach shed.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway, PPB: asked about item 1d and if Muskrat Jack still adles goose eggs, as he counted 80 geese at Silver Lake and their excrement goes into lakes and oceans – might want to look at other ways of dealing with them; asked if the property in Ordinance 2021-12 is for sale; time limit on agenda is 5 minutes, not 3.
E.J. Geiger, 115 Arnold Ave., PPB: there is a group called WGirls who provide assistance with COVID appointments for people over 65 – agrees about the geese – they’re taking over the bandshell area – maybe contract with the group with the dogs to keep them away; since construction is being pushed back, asked if people will be given an extension on the curb deadline; agrees on paid parking.
Dave Betten, 400 New Jersey Ave., PPB: using tracks as landmark for parking is not the right idea – been here for a year – people will park by him – suggested using the 600 block as a landmark.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:53PM
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to close public participation and approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilwoman Byrnes and carried by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
1a Approval of payment of Payroll #4 ($279,652.04)
1b REMOVED PRIOR TO MTG
1c Approval of 2021 professional services contracts as drafted
1d Approval of PO to Muskrat Jack Animal Svcs for monthly animal control services ($10,800)
1e Approval of PO to General Code for codification/supplement ($3,575)
1f Approval of PO to Handi-Hut for bus shelter replacement ($6,575)
1g Approval of salary adjustment for G. Tumolo for obtaining Zoning Official Certification
1h Approval of pymt to the State of NJ for annual employer PERS & PFRS appropriation ($1,302,252)
1i Approval of payment of hand checks for release of BOA & Developer escrow
1j Approval of PO to Liberty Elevator Corp for 2021 elevator inspection/repair ($3,500)
1k Approval of PO to Atlantic Salt for 2021 de-icing material ($6K)
1l Approval of PO to Bortek Industries for 2021 sweeper parts ($5K)
1m Appointments to advisory and community committees
1n Approval of S/E app for PPB Farmers Market at grassy area by gazebo & PO, Sundays 06/6-10/24
1o Approval of S/E app for Chamber information table on the Bdwlk, Memorial Day-Labor Day
1p Approval of Kiwanis Club S/E app for Easter Bunny Picture & Craft at Pleasure Pk, 3/27 (rain 3/28)
1q Approval of S/E app & fee waiver for Chamber Christmas Tree Lighting on 11/26 (rain: 11/27)
1r Approval of S/E app & fee waiver for Chamber Festival of the Sea, 9/18 (rain: 9/19, 9/25 or 9/26)
1s Approval of Chamber’s S/E app/fee waiver for Downtown Sidewalk Sales, 5/20-22 & 8/19-21
1t Approval of S/E app & fee waiver for Chamber Ladies Night. 7/8 & 10/21
1u REMOVED PRIOR TO MTG
1v Approval of transfer resolution
1w Approval of PO to Kempton Flags for shed for MD Ave Bch (NTE $7,500) – REV. PER CMTE RPTS
1x Approval of payment to Cliffside Body Corp. for DPW dump trunk body ($10,590.85)
1y Approval of payment to Riggins for no lead fuel for DPW ($11,583)
1z Approval of payment to Atlantic Salt for de-icing material for DPW ($4,380.87)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a REMOVED PRIOR TO MTG
2b Approval of pymt of Pay Est. No 1 to Capella Construction for Boston Ave Bulkhead ($38,563)
2c Approval of Beach Warrior Yoga’s S/E app for Winter Healing on the Beach at MD Ave Beach, 3/7 – REV. PRIOR TO MTG
2d Approval of Refund Bond-Community Disaster Loan – ADDED PRIOR TO MTG
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
3a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($149,699.97)
3b Approval of payment of hand checks ($1,889,420.70)
3c Approval of payment to CDWG for 10 Dell Optiplex computers, monitors ($15,663.72)
3d Approval of payment to Airpower Int’l for 2nd year of svc contract for Fire Co’s 1 & 2 ($3,813)
3e Acceptance of Cops in Shops Funding
3f Approval of S/E app and fee waivers for Fire Co No 1 raffle sales/trailer on Bdwlk, 5/6-9/17
3g Approval of PO to All Covered for police workstation deployment ($5,050)
Councilman Cortes: asked why NJTransit isn’t responsible for 1f (BA/CFO Riehl: have a 99 year lease agreement with NJTransit for parking lot and parcel – in terms of the agreements, which was struck in the 80’s, the Borough is responsible for maintenance of bus shelters, using an approved NJTransit vendor – there are significant holes in the roof).
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello (except 1c, 3e, 3g)….YEA
Councilman Santanello (1c)….NAY
Councilman Santanello (3e, 3g)….ABSTAIN
Councilman Migut….ABSENT
ORDINANCE:
Ordinance 2021-11 (Amend Ch. X Parking Meters & Pay Machines) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Santanello to approve Ordinance 2021-11 on first reading was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote. Public hearing will be March 16, 2021.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello….YEA
Councilman Migut….ABSENT
Mayor Kanitra: announced a 5-minute maximum for public participation and those wishing to speak should press *6 to unmute phone.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:56PM
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway, PPB: asked if Pothole Killers has been back to do repairs; once geese lay eggs, they are no longer Canadian, but PPB geese – they just move from one location to another – Federal Government has ways to eliminate them; wished Clerk Farrell a Happy Birthday.
E.J. Geiger, 115 Arnold Ave., PPB: asked about a hotel going up on Channel Dr.
Kristin Orlando, 300 Philadelphia Ave., PPB: asked when beach badges would go on sale and if there will be a limit on the number sold.
Steve Hyduke, Delaware Township & Owner of 204 Randall Ave., PPB: Mayor Kanitra posted on NextDoor that survey results from non-residents would be discarded – asked why short-term rentals are being eliminated – noted that some short-term rentals are for weddings.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:09 PM
Motion by Councilman Santanello to close public participation and adjourn was seconded by Councilman Cortes and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:10PM.
ATTEST: _______________________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
