Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
March 7, 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 the meeting to order at 6:38PM. 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, Byrnes, Ramos and Crowley. Councilmembers Testa and Migut were absent.
The Municipal Clerk read the Resolution for Executive Session: “Whereas, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and whereas, this Governing Body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist, now, therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach, County of Ocean and State of NJ, as follows: the public shall be excluded from discussions concerning the hereinafter specified subject matter; the general nature of the subject matter discussed is as follows: (1) Personnel matter. It is anticipated that the subject matter discussed may be made public upon its conclusion or final disposition.”
Motion by Councilman Vitale to enter Executive Session was seconded by Councilman Ramos and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley….YEA
Councilmembers Testa, Migut….ABSENT
EXECUTIVE SESSION BEGAN AT 6:40PM AND ENDED AT 7:00PM
BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mayor Kanitra called the Budget Workshop to order at 7:01PM. 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, Byrnes, Ramos and Crowley. Councilmembers Testa and Migut were absent.
BA/CFO Riehl: have a completed Budget – hope to introduce and adopt – had several Budget meetings – first draft was at a $1.4M-$1.5M increase – went through each line item by department and made a lot of fair cuts – considered last year’s Budget expenditures through year-end, revenue expenditures – came up with this draft as presented – came up with a 1.1 cent increase over last year, a total $306K increase to be raised by taxation – 1 penny on the tax rate is @$20K – on a $500K house, will equate to a $57 increase – Capital Budget request was a bit lighter than in the past – put aside $279K in Capital Improvement last year, which doesn’t expire and can roll year after year – for this year’s Capital, added only $5K – are typically at $50K-$75K – will still be able to do what we want in this Capital Budget and any additional, should we look to maybe acquire properties (Mayor Kanitra: want to accomplish a lot this year, in terms of hard building costs and fixing up – traditionally, since coming into office, we’ve kept it a little under a penny – asked what would need to be done to get down to .9) would have to start cutting programs – don’t know that you would want to – other ways to affect a decrease would be to raise the anticipation in tax collections (Mayor Kanitra: have overperformed in collections in the last 3-4 years) last year’s collection rate was 99.8% – anticipated 98.7% – could bump it to 98.75% or 98.8% – can take an average of the last 3 years – last year, we did 98.6% – are a little higher this year – at 98.7, won’t recoup as much surplus (Mayor Kanitra: asked what was brought in the last 2 years) 98% and 99% – been very aggressive – the other areas you could look at would be surplus and anticipation – went in the same as last year at $1.425M – could bump that maybe $50K – that would have an impact – the rest of the revenue is parking – did $2.2M – had anticipated $1.950M – in at $1.975 this year – want to be careful, as the higher you anticipate, the less surplus you will generate (Mayor Kanitra: had excellent weather last summer – doesn’t think we can anticipate anything better) hotel/motel was the highest ever at $642K – Airbnb tax has a lot to do with that – were around $350K annually for many years (Councilman Ramos: a big reason for that is hotel rates are jumping 10-15%, year over year) right, we have that plus the Airbnb occupancy tax we put in place (Councilwoman Crowley: asked if those 2 changes could make the difference to be under a penny) it would (Mayor Kanitra: asked the significance of a .01 increase) could probably drop the $57/house to something in the line of $38-$40 – that’s just local, not School or County (Mayor Kanitra: asked if that is only if we go to 98.8%) can play with RUT and tweak anticipations on some revenues before we introduce (Councilwoman Crowley: spending will stay the same on the actual line items) Sheet 4 is all discretionary revenues, however you can’t anticipate higher than you realized in cash the year before – Sheet 10 is discretionary (Mayor Kanitra: asked Councilmembers Crowley and Vitale, who sat in on the meetings, if there is anything to know from their perspective; Councilwoman Crowley: trimmed it as best we could without removing programs – if we can tweak those 2 areas a little and get under the dollar, that would be great; Mayor Kanitra: thinks .9 is good – inflation is going through the roof – doesn’t want to set us up in case some people lose jobs or have problems – talking about maybe a .1 change – gets us where we want to be for the homeowners) so, if it comes in at a penny or a touch under.. (Mayor Kanitra: yeah; Councilwoman Crowley: that would be great) our bigger increases were pension, health insurance (Councilwoman Crowley: we can’t control those) gasoline prices were a hit (Atty. Riordan: that’s why he often talks about comparing PPB’s tax rate with that of other towns, because you can’t control many of those costs you are talking about, and you can’t control the County or State – when you compare the tax rate of PPB to other towns in Ocean County, you get a fair comparison – it’s been true for a significant amount of time thanks to BA/CFO Riehl; Councilwoman Crowley: are very blessed to have an Administrator like we do; Atty. Riordan: PPB’s tax rate has been the lowest of any town in Ocean County that has its own schools and its own Police force) increases were so significant this year that they took the increases in health insurance, pension, garbage, recycling and gasoline, gave a calculation to figure and moved those expenses from inside the appropriation Cap to outside (Councilman Vitale: asked if she got figures from State) yes, and they are reflected – referred to Sheet 20 [Mayor Kanitra: asked if there are other options, including a Health Insurance Fund (HIF) – we looked at the private sector to offset this insanity with the State and how big the health insurance increase is; Atty. Riordan: there is a Municipal HIF – his old firm and he used to represent them – there weren’t many municipalities in it – there were a lot of sewerage authorities in it; Mayor Kanitra: asked if we can look at the HIF to see if there is a better rate) we can – it won’t be reflected in this Budget, with the work that would go into making that happen – we looked into having a self-insured fund when former Councilman Mayer was on Council – it wasn’t something that would have benefited us at that time (Atty. Riordan: a HIF is a large group of municipal entities – believes Councilman Mayer’s studies showed the premium was going to be inaccessible –that’s not unusual, because you would be in a smaller pool than you are in State Health Benefits; Mayor Kanitra: asked if our biggest problem is our tiny buying power – asked if, compared to Toms River, we are facing a bigger increase because of how small we are) it’s based on claims experience – for whatever reason, it’s all HIPPA-related, in 2020 and 2021, we had over $1M in health insurance claims, in a short time – when we shopped around the market, they did a claims experience for the prior 2 years – were at a 129% claim ratio – it hurt us and we ended up staying with State Health (Councilman Ramos: asked insurance cost increase in this Budget) almost 26% – also have higher employee contributions – last Budget year, we were at $265K – this year it’s about $320K (Atty. Riordan: his law firm shops its own private health insurance and there was a significant increase; Councilman Ramos: Bd. of Ed. has a 29.5% increase – it can’t continue; Atty. Riordan: thinks his was about 20%; Mayor Kanitra: asked how the increased Building Dept. fees are working) can anticipate a lot higher revenue – referred to Sheet 4 – other licenses came in lower, but she anticipated $155K for fees and permits and took in $404K – that’s all surplus – Court was a little light, but we are just getting back into in-person Court, where you can hold people accountable (Mayor Kanitra: asked how the Budget is set up for road repairs, road repaving and curing in place) would be under the line item for streets and roads on Sheet 15B – kept the operating expenses in those departments the same – had money left at year-end – were able to mix Covid money in with snow removal reserve – have @$150 in reserve there, so we won’t need to add to that for a number of years – the Police Dept. increase was fairly significant, but they’ve put in programs that they want to institute this year, like bike patrol and safety initiative – we funded that in-full (Mayor Kanitra: and we are and anticipating more Special Officers this year than last, which is important) we are – had issues getting Parking Enforcement and Specials, but are full track this year – Water/Sewer is not part of the tax increase, but is part of this Budget – we put the Digital Metering Project in place – anticipated brining in 3.2 – brought in almost 3.7, so we had a healthy surplus in Utility – can keep the rates the same for a number of years – not required to have Capital Utility Fund money for utility projects if you are self-liquidating and we are very self-liquidating, saving future Budgetary expenditures (all thanked BA/CO Riehl and all who worked on the Budget).
BUDGET WORKSHOP ENDED AT 7:19PM
Mayor Kanitra called the regular meeting to order at 7:30PM. 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, Byrnes, Ramos and Crowley. Councilmembers Testa and Migut were absent.
FLAG SALUTE, INVOCATION
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES:
Motion by Councilman Vitale to approve the February 21, 2023 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilwoman Byrnes and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley….YEA
Councilmembers Testa, Migut….ABSENT
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Vitale: recognized employee anniversaries for March – Paschal Drew 19 years, Scott Nase 17, Ryan Carne 5, Korey McCormack 3, Ita Brown 11, Kevin Napalo 23, John Flynn 23, Bill Popp 13, Anthony Kondas 1, George Loder 1; gave the Chief’s report since last meeting – training included Mandated Canine, Supervision & Leadership – paid parking in effect as of March 1st, except the Train Station lot, which goes into effect on March 15th – on March 1st, officers responded to the Green Planet for theft of the tip jar – 2 suspects left on foot, running west on Arnold Ave. – tipsters assisted in identifying the suspects, who were charged with theft – thanked the public and the Officer who investigated the incident – the PD is aware of the increase in e-bikes and issues associated with them – after speaking with him, the PD has come up with a plan to get information to the public – goal is to educate e-bicyclists to safely navigate our roadways – School Resource Officer Marchetti has begun discussing bicycle safety with 5th-8th graders in Antrim School – will conduct bicycle stops when violations are observed and hand out hang tags with bicycle laws on them – 2 Spanish-speaking officers will reach out to the Hispanic community, who rely heavily on bicycles and e-bikes – after the educational campaign, the PD will begin issuing summonses for violations; Recreation Committee is finalizing plans for a Sham Rock event on April 1st – will be no parade on Channel Dr., as the Little League Parade is that same morning – will be leprechauns, activities and kids games all day – Boatyard 401 will hold a party with the Irish band, “The Snakes” playing 1:30PM-4:30PM – all 40 Pickleball spots have been taken, with 25 people on the wait list – are looking at ways to expand – the Egg Hunt on April 8th at Pleasure Park registration fee is being reduced from $5 to $2 – Committee is working on planning Battle of Bands event on June 10th.
Councilwoman Byrnes: First Aid & Emergency Squad has a fundraiser planned wherein, for a small fee, they will come and hide eggs filled with goodies on properties; Fire Co. is concerned about bike battery chargers as well – will be more discussion – please operate these chargers per the owners’ manual – Fire Chief thanks the PD, who were instrumental in fire call – thank you to all the first responders; accompanied Shade Tree Commission (STC) Chair Lightburn and tree expert Bill Brash on tour of the town – they took inventory of what needs pruning or removal – made suggestions for planting on Chicago – very informative – still time to Nominate your Block for street trees and to participate in the Big Beautiful Tree Program – thanked STC and BA/CFO Riehl for support; the Golden Gulls are still panning events and activities to enhance older residents’ quality of life – St. Patrick’s Day festivities at the firehouse, March 16th, 12:30PM-3PM – participation in Tuesday Zumba and Yoga is growing regularly; per the Fire Co., some trees are encumbering apparatus – they will log them and work with STC.
Councilman Ramos: with regard to the Board of Education (BOE) – congratulated Girls and Boys Basketball, Hockey and Swimming, who all won their divisions this season – Baseball and Softball are starting practices – “Into the Woods” musical is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday – asked all to support the students – next Monday, he will be attending a BOE focus group on possible referendum plans to get feedback from community stakeholders – BOE saw a .05% decrease from the State – will not affect the Board; the Environmental Commission and Green Team met in February, joined by the PPBHS Environmental Club, which has been maintaining a community garden and composting area on Cooks Ln. – the PPBHS green house is up and running as well – Commission is looking at paring with the Environmental Club for beach clean-ups, water sampling of the lake and beach, etc. – the Fisher Family fund has agreed to fund a new water bottle filling station on the Boardwalk – will be installed and maintained by DPW – thanked the Fischer Family fund for their generosity – QOL Dir. O’Rourke is applying for a PSE&G Institute of Sustainable Studies grant to assist with green business programs, energy studies, assistance outreach and municipal communications strategies – welcomed new Commission member Bixby; gave the Streets, Water & Sewer Committee report – curbing and sidewalk work has started on Arnold. Ave. – Council appreciates everyone’s patience on the Ocean Ave. project – close to completion – reminded all Ocean Ave. homeowners to check their Water and Sewer connections before paving begins, to ensure there are no issues that would require digging up Ocean Ave. – now is the time to make repairs; with regard to the Inspection, Licensing, Building Code Committee, he and Councilwomen Testa and Byrnes meet monthly with the Building Dept., Fire Inspector, Engineering and CEO to ensure processes are in place, the Dept. is utilizing resources effectively, and there is open communication – things are going well.
Councilwoman Crowley: DPW is working on wrapping up the winter – were blessed to not have much snow – gearing up for spring events; the Finance Committee met several times and had the Budget Workshop tonight – hope to make some minor changes and introduce at the next meeting – great job by BA/CFO Riehl on the Budget (Mayor Kanitra: there is a lot to keep up on and, year after year, she steers the ship the right way).
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Kanitra: echoed what Councilman Vitale said about the theft – kudos to the PD – hopes others will realize that PPB is not the place to commit crime; he and BA/CFO Riehl had a walkthrough through the Coast Guard Building about a week ago – getting close to happening – needs some TLC including new floor and paint, but it is a sturdy structure – layout is perfect for Committee space, museum and events – Historic Society, possible surf and boating museums – a lot of options – beautiful facility – moving forward in negotiating – needs a lot of TLC so will be offering less than the Federal Government probably thinks; QOL Dir. O’Rourke, BA/CFO Riehl, Engineer Mele and he met with Ocean County Engineering Dept. on our roads – expressed how quickly need to get moving on Ocean Ave – curbing and paving will start soon – they committed to addressing pooling water at handicap ramps on Broadway – Arnold Ave. is also getting done – discussed Chicago and other areas as well – very productive – new County Administrator Fiure continues to prioritize PPB accordingly; reported that the UCC backup in the Building and Code Dept. is fully resolved, which should help to get permits through and everybody moving in a quicker manner; went to the Mayor’s Cup last night – 8th grade boys and girls basketball – split with Pt. Pleasant Boro – Mayor Sabosik was there – great time; Chamber did another round of ribbon cuttings last week – is always happy to be a part – welcoming 4-6 new businesses every month – great to see the direction the downtown is going.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
BA/CFO Riehl: have thanked the Fisher Family Fund for the water fountain – they also granted Recreation $10K for the Summer Park Program this year; thanked DPW for removing vegetation along the fence at the Water Treatment Plant, removing dead trees at Little Silver Lake, and hanging new “Free Parking” signs downtown; the original Fisherman Statue sculptor will come in Friday to try to determine how to replace the lantern (via hardwire electric or solar) that was vandalized and then stolen; at last meeting, spoke about temporary COW at the foot of Broadway – looked into an alternate location at the bathroom at the foot of Inlet – they said it would be an appropriate location – have authorization on this meeting to go out to bid – have to work quickly – seasonal, May-Oct. and then removed – an 80-ft pole – our cell tower representative thinks we can see $30K/annually from that location (Mayor Kanitra: confirmed that there would be no noise and the bottom of the structure would be covered by a fence and the building) there’s no fence – just on the east side – the other fence was the motel’s and they took it down – perhaps they can fence it off or make it look nice (Mayor Kanitra: ask Verizon to put one up) can ask them to put one around their equipment (Mayor Kanitra: the same, high-quality white vinyl) can be part of the bid spec (Mayor Kanitra: need to decide if want to move forward; Atty. Riordan: you might want to ask the folks who live around it) could authorize to go out to bid – not required to accept any of the bids – can reject, do nothing or re-bid (Mayor Kanitra: authorize going out to bid and noticing the properties adjacent and we’ll decide then) if voted tonight, she’ll make that happen; had issued an RFP for web site upgrades – met with Civic Plus – high quality – geared toward cell phone usage, which is great – easier to find minutes and agendas – talked about integration with Gov Pilot, Edmunds Swift 9-1-1 – can integrate – can use Municipay or theirs – same with the reverse notification – they have one in-house – can take care of the transition to .GOV immediately – what’s great is that they only deal with municipalities – are very in tune with our needs – thinks project can be completed within a 6-month timeframe.
Clerk announced additions and revisions to the agenda.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 7:54PM
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway, PPB: asked about item 1h (BA/CFO Riehl: closing out Central Ave. Road Improvements); asked about 1o (BA/CFO Riehl: drafting an RFP – will go out to bid, per ordinance passed last year – for vehicles akin to golf carts); asked about the cell tower (BA/CFO Riehl: temporary, seasonal); asked about 1v (BA/CFO Riehl: energy aggregation – went back out to auction on Thursday – bids were significantly lower – only for municipal accounts – saving a bunch of money); asked about 1aa (BA/CFO Riehl: insurance claim – damages by Lafayette in water main replacement – deducted amount in payment to Lafayette); commented on 1x – happy it’s been reduced – used to be free – asked that it be reconsidered (Councilman Vitale: will take it back to the Committee; Atty. Riordan: his offer still stands; Councilwoman Crowley: agrees with him).
Rob Sorensen, 89 Chicago Ave., PPB/Point to Point Shuttle: asked about Low Speed Vehicle RFP (BA/CFO Riehl: one advertisement, with specified return date); asked if the 3 licenses are owners, not specific to vehicle – also his licenses from last year expired – asked that they be extended a full 12-months (Atty. Riordan: will have to review the ordinance; Mayor Kanitra: asked that he look at it).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 7:59PM
Motion by Councilman Vitale to close public participation and approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilman Ramos and carried by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
1a Approval of payment of Payroll #4 ($306,027.94) & #5 ($304,159.13)
1b Auth for QOL Dir to apply for NJ Div of Travel & Tourism FY24 Coop Mktg Grant for Gen’l Mktg Plan
1c Approval of Amended Banner Permit App-Jersey Shore Calvary Chapel Easter Service banner-Arnold Ave (new dates: 3/27-4/10)
1d Approval of payment to BTMUA for February bulk water usage ($51,255.36)
1e Approval of pymt to NJDPB for PERS & PFRS annual appropriation ($$1,484,539)
1f Approval of PPB Arts Cmte S/E app for Meet the Artist in Council chambers on 3/22
1g Approval of pymt to Van Cleef Engineering for water tank repair/repaint ($2,987.25)
1h Approval of Change Order #1 (-$24,056.50), Change Order #2 ($35,943.50) & Pay Cert #2 ($73,618.59) to Shore Top Const for Central Ave Improvements
1i Approval of PO to Keyport Army & Navy for PW uniforms ($8,984.46)
1j Approval of pymt to the State of NJ for employee & retiree health benefits for March ($158,836.88)
1k Approval of pymt to Point Property for 2021 & 2022 tax appeal judgement ($7,271.74)
1l Amendment to professional service agreement for public defender
1m Approval of pymt to Premier Electronic Solutions for CDVI doors ($10,634)
1n Approval of pymt to OCUA for 1st Quarter sewerage payments ($16,668.95)
1o Authorization for Administrator to draft and advertise RFP for low-speed vehicles
1p Authorization to bid for temporary cell tower
1q Approval of rates for H. Mancini Assoc consulting & appraiser services
1r Approval of PO to Hathazi Garage Doors for aluminum door for salt shed ($13,940)
1s Approval of pymt to Detcon for 40 yd red roll off containers & 3 rear load containers for DPW ($5,583)
1t Purchase order to H. Kees & Sons for Pleasure Park fencing ($29,945)
1u Appointment of C. Linton to the Recreation Committee
1v Auth to contract w/Shell Energy Solutions for 24-mth term, per analysis for gen’l electric/street lighting
1w Appointment of N. Brodeur as Summer Camp Director and S. Longo as Summer Camp Asst. Director
1x Amend Res 2023-0117/2D (PPB Rec Easter Egg Hunt) to change reg fee from $5/child to $2/child
1y Amend to Res. 2023-0207/3A (PPB Rec Skate Board Lessons) to clarify that $100 of $120 fee goes to ABF Skate & $20 goes to PPB Rec Cmte
1z Amend Res 2023-0207/1H (PPB Rec Ukulele/Guitar Lessons) to add fee of $120 without ukulele
purchase ($90 to MMDA/$30 to Rec Cmte) or $155 w/purchase ($35 to MMDA for ukulele)
1aa Approval of pymt to Jenkinson’s South for 808 Ocean Ave Reimbursement ($14,548.77)
1bb Approval of contract, subject to attorney review & PO to Civic Plus for municipal website ($33,462)
1cc Approval of Banner Permit App for ACS Breast Cancer Walk – 4’x30 banner – Rte. 35S (north of Cedar) 10/2-10/16
1dd Approval of PPB Rec S/E app for Sham Rock event on Channel & St. Louis, 4/1 (rain 4/2)
1ee Approval of ABC Extension of Premises App for 401 Boatyard on 4/1
1ff Approval of S/E app & S/E fee waiver for PPBLL Parade on Arnold Ave on 4/1 (rain: 4/22)
1gg Approval of personnel resolutions – CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($1,333,815.18)
2b Approval of pymt to Witmer Assoc for Levr Escape System ($2,520)
2c Approval of pymt to Boyle Bros Painting for repair and paint of PD walls ($6,200)
2d Approval of pymt to Fire & Safety Svcs for repair work on Fire Co 2 vehicles 4301 & 4305 ($11,175.22)
2e Approval of waiver of municipal portion raffle fees for Fire Co No. 2’s annual 50/50 raffle
2f Auth for Police Dept. to auction 72 scrap bicycles on Municibid
2g Approval of PO to Safe Fleet Mobile Vision for 18 additional body cameras for the PD ($40,980.00)
2h Approval of S/E app and fee waivers for Fire Co No 1 raffle sales/trailer on Bdwlk, 5/12-9/17
2i Appt. of K. Boturla, P. Drew, J. Gippetti, T. Hayes & G. Siculietano as permanent Police Sgt/auth for clerk to dispose of CSC list
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Byrnes, Ramos (except 2d & 2e), Crowley….YEA
Councilman Ramos (2d &2e)….ABSTAIN
Councilmembers Testa, Migut….ABSENT
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:00PM
Mayor Kanitra: advised all to state their names and legal addresses – have 5 minutes.
Briana Sarapochillo Duffy, Colts Neck, NJ: read from prepared statement (Attachment A).
Adriana Sarapochillo, Colts Neck, NJ: read from prepared statement (Attachment B).
Michael Obertlik, 129 Griffiths St., PPB: local realtor in Monmouth and Ocean Counties – always recommends PPB for proximity to beach and small town feel – gives Atlantic Offshore Fishery (AOF) gift cards at closing – after 1 visit, it’s everyone’s favorite restaurant – is also an employee behind the scenes at AOF – sells fish to local restaurants – brings people to our town everyday – if they lose their tent, they lose their customers and the profit they bring in – would be disheartened to see the business suffer.
Christina Obertlik, Toms River: Hazlet school teacher who works at AOF in summer, along with 10 other educators to supplement their income – if we lose tent, will be fewer shifts to share – will have to look elsewhere for a job – relationships have been built – without a tent, their bond will be broken, which to her is a bigger loss than the money.
Pete Stilianessis, Wayne, NJ: Marine Corps. Combat Veteran, 30-Year State Police Veteran, and President of the State Troopers Non-commissioned Officers Assoc. – spoke on behalf of owner, Michael, and his contributions to the community – he always steps up to the plate – most recently, he asked him if people helping out with the whale situation needed anything – Council is elected to do the right thing – asked Council to take a good look and do the right thing for the community.
Kitty Stillufsen, 54 Channel Dr., PPB: pointed out the AOF staff in attendance – most are afraid to speak – met Mike when her family owned Red’s Lobster Pot – he had no restaurant experience – he opened a restaurant and his family works there – feels like family – they have supported her through hard times – pointed out that Councilwoman Byrnes had a restaurant and knows what it takes – Mike is one of the hardest working people she knows, in the most-dangerous industry, commercial fishing – the Sarapochillo family gives people chances – invested their money in PPB – they chose a blighted property and turned it around – their catches are traceable – they need this tent – they are reconsidering having a business in PPB – this is a pivotal moment for them – knows that Council wants to support small businesses in PPB – they are practically begging – they have a vindictive neighbor since day 1 – begged Council to reconsider and look into the ordinance and change it, if needed – if anything can be taken away from the pandemic, it’s that outdoor dining is a good thing.
Mayor Kanitra: takes a lot to get involved – on behalf of Council, appreciates them all coming out here – grew up 3 doors from AOF – his grandparents built the Harbor Lights Motor Lodge – small restaurant in the back fed his family – grandparents stayed in restaurant for about 6 months because it was one of the hardest businesses out there – they gutted it, built more hotel rooms and operated the Harbor Lights for decades – recognize what all bring to the table – want AOF to succeed – proud of all of them – when decisions are made administratively, seems like that’s how Council feels – there are different layers of government – administrative, code enforcement, building, legal – we are just one of those layers – listened intently – there were comments about favorite businesses – there are no favorites in PPB – there were – we ran on a campaign of there being none – everyone has to be treated the same way – some of us have been affected by in-fighting amongst neighbors as well – being an objective Governing Body and administration, when one entity comes to the Code Dept. looking for violations and putting it in front of the Building and Code Dept., they have to assess it based on the merits of the technical side being considered – needs to be looked at objectively – no different than when the PD gets a call that someone is committing a crime – have to look at it the same way every time – when this was initially brought to us – he and Councilman Vitale were briefed on the situation – we want to help – ultimately, thinks it will work in a reasonable way for everybody – situations occurred as a result of the growth that was not planned for in the Planning meeting – have no bias – we want all to succeed and thrive – he and Councilman Vitale discussed how they could help, as one piece of the equation – the position that they are in as a Council is that, the second that legal proceedings come into play, all communications need to cease – that’s how we are restrained – as they were about to start the process, were told that legal proceedings were filed on behalf of AOF – not allowed to comment anymore or to undertake any more decisions – that was a decision that AOF made – now it’s in the legal process – the Borough Attorney, our legal resources and Borough Administrator all know we feel strongly about AOF and making sure the business survives and stays in PPB, but we must respect the process (Atty. Riordan: the less said, the better – it’s in the courts – like the Mayor, he feels strongly that it will work out so the restaurant and the Borough have what they need) we empathize with you – on behalf of Council, appreciates all coming out tonight – that’s the last statement we can make, but we are happy to listen to anyone else who wants to talk.
Michael Sarapochillo, Colts Neck, NJ: asked what is wanted – what they can do better – has to take Covid into consideration – everything was delayed – understands it upset people, but it’s reality – it’s what the whole world went through – and they made good – always there when the town wants it – 150% supportive of whatever is going to grow the town – never an objection – built up a successful business, had 2 years of hardship, fought through it – asked the justification for them not getting what they deserve and what is supposed to help restaurants through hardship (Mayor Kanitra: the open Change of Use permit is probably a step in the right direction, which is what CO Thulen told them – and future violations) want the best for town and employees – hopes Council wants best for his family.
Jennifer Sarapochillo, Colts Neck: read from prepared statement (Attachment C).
Adriana Sarapochillo: read from prepared statement (Attachment D).
Mayor Kanitra: will make sure Borough Atty expedites.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:44PM
Motion by Councilman Vitale to adjourn was seconded by Councilwoman Crowley and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:44PM.
ATTEST: ______________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
Attachments A-D – March 7, 2023 Council Minutes
