Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
May 4, 2021
Location: G. Harold Antrim Elementary School Auditorium, 401 Niblick Street, PPB, NJ 08742
Meeting was held in-person only, with no Zoom access.
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 regular meeting to order at 7:30PM. Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes and Migut. Councilman Santanello 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
Mayor Kanitra: welcomed all back to in-person meeting – wanted to be sure we didn’t encroach upon the 25% capacity we had at Borough Hall – Governor is raising capacity to 30% – next meeting will be back at Borough Hall; made a statement about the last Council meeting – it was wild – tonight, everyone is entitled to say what they want, as long as there is no cursing or personal insults – will try to keep the meeting moving – asked all to cooperate.
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to approve the April 20, 2021 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
PROCLAMATION: ARBOR DAY
Mayor Kanitra: PPB is becoming home to shade canopy and trees – Shade Tree Commission helped plant more than 100 trees last year, so this is very fitting – read the proclamation.
DISCUSSION: Sister City Exploration with Bonifacio, France
Mayor Kanitra: been a member of Sister Cities International for the last year and a half – goal has been to find a partner city that shares a lot of PPB’s attributes – not just an exercise in ceremony, but a lot of back and forth and learning – started with a list of about 20 municipalities – Bonifacio is an oceanfront town with a beach, maritime industry, marinas, a focus on history, roughly the same population as PPB, very interested in tourism with a thriving art scene – perfect fit – will learn from each other – hopes for student exchanges and committee growth – very excited – maybe will send representatives, not at taxpayers’ expense – would like the signing ceremony to be in-person when the pandemic is over – looking for an OK from Council to move forward and have staffs and committees talk to each other
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to authorize BA/CFO Riehl to start working with the Bonifacio Administrator to get everything (communication with Bonifacio) in motion was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Vitale: thanked Clerk Farrell, BA/CFO Riehl, Chief Michigan and Atty. Riordan for in-person meeting; today is International Firefighters Day – thanked the members of the volunteer Fire Department, who put their lives on the line and keep us safe day-in and day-out; gave the Chief’s report – due to restricted guidance, Police Dept. summer youth camp is cancelled this year, but will be brought back next year – on May 8th , about 80 seasonal personnel will be welcomed to the force – thanked Capt. Kowalewski and Lt. Grace who worked extremely hard preparing them for their new roles – residents should have received letter regarding marijuana law restrictions which will limit Police Officers and place legal liability on them – concerned about quality of life – urged all to make voices heard to Trenton – shares concerns and invited all to reach out to him – next week is National Police Week, honoring Officers killed in the line of duty – tomorrow at 7PM is the Hometown Security Seminar – can sign up via the link on social media – urged all to attend; Recreation Committee events include Memorial Day Bike Parade on May 29th and Tug of War on October 9th – playground equipment to be installed – Summer Camp registration will be available in the next week – are recruiting for camp positions – on May 17th, are holding Skate Board Lessons for 7 weeks – Pickleball Clinic on May 23rd is a precursor to Pickleball League – still working on other events;–Wifi camera was installed – will have live stream training on Monday – hopefully, next meeting will be a live event, streamed on YouTube; introduced his new initiative, Veterans banners on Arnold and Bay Aves. from Veterans Day to Labor Day – great tribute to active-duty military and Veterans – web site is set up – checks go through the Borough – when banners come down, can keep as a keepsake (Mayor Kanitra: incredible effort – thanked Fisher Family – great way to honor and respect those who served).
Councilwoman Testa: Veterans program is exciting; thanked everyone who arranged this in-person Council meeting – welcomed all here tonight; gave Arts Committee report – Axiomatic building has artwork on the windows – thanked local artists – reach out for art on other empty buildings – April is poetry month – a lot of great submissions on Facebook – so much talent – shout out to our 2nd grade class who participated – 2nd annual Homegrown Fair is May 22nd behind Borden’s – close to 30 vendors and Borough committees will be there and maybe food trucks – Mary Ellen Savage, part owner of Coastal Co-op, is having 2 more art classes for children on May 19th and May 22nd – $30 to participate – more to come; Beautification – new planters to be showcased May 15th – have a lot of volunteers for that day – will get gardens going; thanked volunteers; Street Smart – had audit of things to be improved for children’s safety – will submit application for grant; got feedback on scooters – not having trolley this year – pilot program – let’s give it a go; regarding the marijuana ordinance, spoke to a lot of families and mothers who are not fans of having a store in town; regarding the 5G ordinance, poles are supposed to be 300 feet apart – they still have 200 feet in there (Mayor Kanitra: he, Declan O’Scanlon and Councilwomen Byrnes and Testa spoke about that).
Motion by Councilwoman Testa amend the distance between 5G poles from 200 feet to 300 feet was seconded by Councilwoman Byrnes and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
This is not to bring in 5G – worked in x-ray field for more than 25 years and listens to concerns – knows what 5G can do – must protect residents – had representative here to ask questions at the last meeting – can reach out with concerns or questions – completely transparent – will start speaking more and saying why she is voting the way she is.
Councilwoman Byrnes: nice to see everyone’s faces; acknowledged National Firefighters Appreciation day – grateful, as a community – Firemen Ira Goldman and John Pasola administered CPR during the recent fire – Fire Dept. is always looking for new members and training opportunities – Bureau of Fire Safety continues to inspect and register occupancies, ensuring minimum safety requirements; Shade Tree Commission is a passionate bunch – memorial tree initiative is in early stages of discussion – identifying properties in town for new trees – Commission will be at Hometown Fair with free trees provided by a utility company in town – Green Team and Environmental Commission will be there as well – identifying trees on Arnold Ave. to be removed/replaced – good meeting with CO Thulen – completed landscape renovation project on Arnold Ave. – last year, it was an eyesore – Green Team wants to create a Green Grounds and Maintenance Policy – hopes it will help them lead by example; new Senior Committee learned of a great initiative by the County – a mobile office that will travel to seniors to offer services – new Senior Committee Facebook page is called Golden Gulls – receiving surveys back in the mail – compiling date to identify senior needs – have reached out to businesses, introducing the Committee and soliciting donations – continuing with vaccination effort – could do at firehouse and have First Aid available, per BA/CFO Riehl’s suggestion – new First Aid vehicle is back in service.
Councilman Cortes: nice to be in person – misses he personal Zoom backgrounds; recognized May employee anniversaries – Janet Mutter 9 years, Kathy Beno 24, Clint Daniel 20, Frank Finn 20, Kyle Boturla 17, Gary Siculietano 13, Catherine Bradley 7, Josie McCrystal 18, Jarred Popp 14, Jason Headley 13, Katie Patterson 5 and Lynda Hapstak 3 – nice to recognize employees; will be dropping Beautification barrels downtown at about 6:30 on the 15th; there is a new fence and block wall at Maryland Ave. Beach – shed will be delivered – nice touch; Delaware and Maryland Aves. have been paved, west of Ocean Ave.; saw new street-end signs at DPW, clearly spelling out what is prohibited – will be paving the gravel part of the DPW lot; Little Silver Lake is low (Mayor Kanitra: asked about curb painting, as they are in desperate need) it’s part of the scope of work – he will check on it.
Councilman Migut: Planning Board is meeting on May 19th – assumes it will be live in the Council Chambers – the development ordinance introduced at the last meeting will be the only item on the agenda; spoke with Engineer Mele regarding the Floodplain Management Committee – Engineer Mele will work on revisions to the Floodplain Management Plan – look for meeting in September.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Kanitra: recognized Atty. Riordan – Borough was more than successful in the lawsuit brought forward by Jenkinson’s – Judge dismissed with prejudice, which is quite strong – won on every aspect – a lot of people doubted taking a stand because they didn’t think PPB could win – a victory for taxpayers – despite this ruling, it left a small opening for appeal – believes Jenkinson’s should stand down on this issue – Judge has made it clear that the Borough is in proper position – has asked Attorney to reach out to Jenkinson’s – want to work together under the laws and ordinances during a wild summer – would like to put this to bed and move forward; thanked Congressman Smith, who he reached out to a month ago, about plans for Channel Dr. – put in for a Transportation Alternatives Grant to fix up Channel Dr. and increase property values – Congressman Smith loved proposal that Engineer Mele put together – earmarked $1.7M request to go through the Committee process – huge that PPB is even in the game – will help taxpayers and Borough; saved the town lifeguard boat – it is being restored and coming along fantastically – Fisher Family offered to tackle restoration costs – he put out the money to get the boat – will find a great location for it, so everyone can see the history; Governor’s decision to remove outdoor capacity limits is a huge boon for the town, getting ready for the summer season – can have Bike Parade, Off-Shore Grand Prix race – great for residents and guests – Seafood Festival will also be a go – will get us moving in the right direction; have 2 bike racks left – asked for location suggestions (suggestions include Borden’s lot and Antrim School); BA/CFO Riehl is doing a bang-up job with the Budget, considering parking revenue was down about $100K last year and costs were up – top 10 increasing expenses are out of Borough’s control and rising annually, including pensions, health, liability and worker’s comp insurance – $30K for landfill – was brought forward at the end of the last administration – people are abusing it – should go back to the old system – equals a penny on the tax base – asked BA/CFO Riehl to comment (BA/CFO Riehl; eliminated payment for drop-off – mostly building materials – problem is that contractors will say they are residents and bring in material from other projects) with this real estate climate and building, will have a couple more years of this (Councilman Cortes: championed this years ago – at that time, it was $3K-$6K – had to get a ticket from Borough Hall via the honor system – made it free – it was abused – system needs to be revised) were probably losing money on the old system as well (Councilman Cortes: was suggested years ago about a card for $50-$100 that the attendant can punch – don’t want attendant to handle money; BA/CFO Riehl: credit card system is up and running – can pay online – will work on a plan); starting to compile statistics from town survey – 601 responses received out of 3,500; will be moving forward with Business Improvement District – only 6.5% of residents are not in favor; Councilwoman Testa is working with QOL Dir. O’Rourke on Municipal, County and State signage throughout town – about 70 Town signs will be brand new or replaced – DPW will check poles – BA/CFO Riehl met with the County about theirs and they will work on it – the State told us to bug off – he will call them; is working with Save Barnegat Bay on a lake management plan for Lake of the Lillies – got permits for algae work/permits; BA/CFO Riehl continues to move forward with electric vehicle charging stations.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
BA/CFO Riehl: State was less than receptive to sign issues – said they are overwhelmed and overworked in pandemic – County jumped right on and sent a list to their sign shop for revamping – County is also painting crosswalks, working on speed radar signs and addressing the Washington Ave. light and standing water on Broadway; installing signs on Boardwalk railings and street-ends – should be up by early next week; work on Maryland Ave. Beach fence, shed, bench, shower, trash enclosure and electric is in progress (Mayor Kanitra: asked if there is any way to get electric out to the beach; Councilman Cortes: probably at the end of the ramp); discussed downtown overhead lights with the County; working on an RFP for scooters, subject to attorney review – should have award at June 1st meeting; Pothole Killers cancelled twice in the last 2 weeks – one more try and will sever ties (Mayor Kanitra: asked Atty. Riordan to send an email saying they have 30 days to fix the problem to our satisfaction, or they won’t be paid).
Clerk announced revisions and additions to the agenda. Mayor asked all to use the microphone, speak loudly and wipe the microphone when finished, so all feel safe.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:36PM
Mary Steiner, 423 Yale Ave., PPB: asked if Veteran banners will replace those that are there now and what kind of tree saplings will be given out; clarified that Beautification is meeting at 7AM, not 6:30AM.
Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: heard pot would be legalized with each town deciding; asked what is happening on Memorial Day – he worked with Sharon McCartney on it in the past and she said she can’t do it (Mayor Kanitra: Tracey Jackson usually files the permit – has a conflict – Sharon had conflict as well – Councilman Vitale will have the Recreation Committee pick it up this year, so it isn’t dropped; Councilman Vitale: working on a ceremony for that day as well); complained that Congressman Smith does not call him back about the Coast Guard Station (Mayor Kanitra: they have to go through official channels – he talks to him every day) asked if it’s still happening (Mayor Kanitra: wants it for boat and surf museums, committee space and full-time space and office space for the AJ Meerwald).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:41PM
Motion by Councilman Cortes to close public participation and approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilwoman Testa and carried by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
1a Approval of payment of Payroll #8 ($259,267.35)
1b Approval of payment to Forerunner for floodplain management software ($8K)
1c Approval of payment to the OCJIF for 2nd installment ($286,319)
1d Approval of PO to Shore Tech for wireless upgrades and camera ($2,649.89)
1e Approval of Chamber S/E App for Grand Prix Parade, 6/12 on Cooks Ln, Arnold & Ocean
1f Approval of Chamber S/E App for Grand Prix Block Party, 6/11 on Arnold & Bay
1g Approval of PPB Rec S/E App for Summer Camp, M-F, 7/5-8/20 in Pleasure Park
1h Approval of PPB Rec S/E App for Introduction to Pickleball, 5/23 at Pleasure Park
1i REMOVED
1j Denial of CT Kids Clubs S/E Ap for Summer Night Soccer, 6/8/-7/20, MD Ave Bch
1k Approval of PPB Library Branch S/E App for Pickin at Point, 6/28, 7/26, 8/30 at Bandsell
1l Approval of payment to Sprague Resources for DPW diesel fuel ($2,777.32)
1m Approval of payment to All Points for taxpayer survey and ordinance mailing ($4,856.44)
1n Approval of PO to Mathis Brothers Sewer & Drain for 2021 sewer cleaning ($2,500)
1o Approval of payment to Connelly-Campion-Wright for Fire & Recreation insurance ($5,831)
1p Approval to proceed with Military Banner program
1q Approval of payment to NJ DCA for 1st quarter State Training Fees ($3,536)
1r Approval of payment to H. Kees & Sons for Maryland Ave fence enclosure ($4K)
1s Approval of PO to Crown Paving for paving work at DPW ($15K0
1t Appointment of J. Corino to the position of DPW Laborer
1u Appointments to PPB committees
1v Approval of PPB Rec S/E app for Skate Board Lessons at skate park, Weds, 5/19-6/30 (rain: 7/7)
1w Approval of PPB Rec S/E app for Family Fit Fest at Pleasure Park 5/15
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($785,263.23)
2b Approval of PO to The Rodgers Group for subscription-online training for PD ($9,992)
2c Approval of membership in Fire Company No 2 Fire Police for S. Cooper, Pt. Pleasant
2d Approval of payment to All Covered for Police workstation deployment ($5,050)
2e Approval of pymt to McNamara Screenprint & Embroidery for SLEO shirts/pants/badges ($5,338)
2f Approval of payment to Atlantic Tactical for police equipment ($28,777.76)
2g Approval of PO to Earthspiritsnet for waterproof jackets and pants for the PD ($4,874.95)
2h Approval of PO to CDWG for computer equipment for the PD ($4,596.88)
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut (except 2a & 2c)…YEA
Councilman Migut (2a & 2c)….ABSTAIN
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
ORDINANCES:
BOND ORDINANCE 2021-18 (Amend Bond Ords 2020-06 & 2020-20) 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 Bond Ordinance 2021-18 was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
ORDINANCE 2021-19 (Cap Bank) was considered on second reading. Mayor Kanitra opened the public hearing with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Vitale to close the public hearing and adopt Bond Ordinance 2021-19 was seconded by Councilman Migut and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
ORDINANCE 2021-20 (Amend Ch 3 Prohibit Cannabis Business) was considered on second reading. Mayor Kanitra: forced upon us by the State – a ticking timebomb for municipalities to act or never have ability to prohibit in town – taking a wait and see approach – don’t want to be guinea pig, nor do the surrounding towns – had Atty. Riordan look at this closely to ensure any resident who can legally partake in cannabis can get it delivered – makes sense for PPB – not looking to add anything but experiential and retail shops and things of that nature – family-friendly downtown. Mayor Kanitra opened the public hearing with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Vitale to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 2021-20 was seconded by Councilwoman Testa and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
ORDINANCE 2021-22 (5G Ordinance) was considered on second reading. Mayor Kanitra: because the FCC and Federal Government has dictated that wireless carriers can come in, once an application is submitted to the Borough by a wireless carrier, are locked in to what is on the books – in our current situation, are completely exposed – they can dictate the location, number and look of the poles – this ordinance gives PPB the ability to control our own destiny – companies are consolidating, so number of poles in town will be reduced to 1/3 or 1/4 of what they would be without this ordinance – this ordinance requires all companies to work together to install on unified sites and gives ability to dictate how they will look and how far apart they are – 300 feet was the legal limit – no other town has that – a huge win for PPB – if we take another step and use one of these consultants to run the poles, if we put out an RFP, the company would provide the pole, pay for it and PPB would not incur those costs – would not realize revenue from them, but could control our own property. Mayor Kanitra opened the public hearing.
Vince Castin: asked if each company would pay a fee (Mayor Kanitra wouldn’t get the revenue under this in most locations – if in public ROW, will not get money).
Motion by Councilman Migut to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 2021-22 was seconded by Councilwoman Testa and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
ORDINANCE 2021-23 (Amend Ch III Revise Definition of Smoking) was introduced on first reading. Atty. Riordan: this was requested by Chief – purpose is to make it clear that definition of smoking covers any and all cannabis products and extends the No Smoking prohibition to the parking lot and include Inlet lot – will provide Clerk with amended version to publish (Mayor Kanitra: State doesn’t care about tourist or family-friendly destinations – will tie Police hands – we will cut down on smoking in general – nobody needs to inhale smoke or littering – will tackle appropriately; Councilwoman Testa: works in a hospital – not allowed to smoke in the hospital, parking lot or street – have to be 1/2 mile away – is totally for it).
Motion by Councilman Migut to approve Ordinance 2021-23 on first reading was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote. Public hearing will be held on May 18, 2021 (in-person OR virtual – check web site before coming to Borough Hall).
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSENT
The Municipal Clerk announced Refunding Bond Ordinances 2021-14, 15 & 16 to be readopted with public hearings scheduled for May 18, 2021.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:57PM
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: asked if County is aware of problem on Water St.
E.J. Geiger, 115 Arnold Ave., PPB: requested that June be recognized as Pride Month; noted that the top of the sign across from Frankie’s, that acknowledges the Borden’s lot, is gone.
Mary Steiner, 423 Yale Ave., PPB: complained about cars going the wrong way on Broadway.
Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: read a poem about Mother’s Day.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:05PM
Motion by Councilman Cortes to close public participation and adjourn was seconded by Councilman Migut and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:05PM.
ATTEST: _______________________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
