Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Reid called the meeting to order at 7:31PM. Present were Councilmen Vogel, Cortes, Kanitra, Migut and Santanello. Councilman Toohey arrived at 8:02PM. 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 Councilman Migut to approve the September 18, 2018 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilman Santanello and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmen Vogel, Cortes, Kanitra, Migut, Santanello ….YEA
Councilman Toohey….ABSENT
PRESENTATION: WW1 SERVICE FLAG
Mary Jane Bavais, Asst. Dir., Ocean County Dept. of Parks & Recreation, on behalf of the Ocean County Board of Freeholders, presented a flag commemorating the 100th year anniversary of WW1 and the 377 servicemen who registered from PPB, 7 of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice – Ocean County commissioned the Seaport Stitchers to make the flags (Councilman Vogel: his grandfather was a WW1 Veteran – their draft registration cards are available online – thanked her for recognizing them; Councilman Santanello: recognized photographer Tom Spader).
PROCLAMATION: UNITED NATIONS DAY
Mayor Reid presented a proclamation recognizing United Nations Day to Patricia Sullivan of the Womans Club of Point Pleasant (Patricia Sullivan: described the Club's mission and activities).
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Vogel: Chamber Food Truck Festival is in Bordon's Lot, October 27-28 – Ladies Night is November 15th; Shade Tree Commission is concerned with dead trees on Rte. 35S – they also noted that a tree was knocked down at Lake Louis during drainpipe work; asked about any correspondence from DOT about the impact on PPB from the Brielle bridge work – one lane open – there is a lack of concern for PPB from the DOT and from NJ Transit, with trains blocking the Arnold Ave. intersection (BA/CFO Riehl: asked if this will be an issue with the breast cancer walk; Chief Michigan: brought it to the attention of the walk organizers and reached out to DOT to see if 2 lanes could be open that day – was told that it is impossible) will be a mess.
Councilman Cortes: recognized October employee anniversaries – Karen Mills 14 years, Nancy Ruiz 5, Paul Brundage 19; thanked DPW, on behalf of the Beautification Committee, for removing tattered flags – will look to replace them next year – Committee will discuss a bench program for gardens and parks with Karen Mills – voting for Antrim Scarecrow Contest at the Gazebo will be held on October 23rd – 7 wooden town benches are in bad shape – there are big weeds on Rte. 35 (Mayor Reid: businesses were sent a letter about fines for not cleaning in front – no one listened – weeds at Borden's are horrendous – wants ZO Petrillo to go out and fine them; BA/CFO Riehl: there was direct contact with that owner, who had a different opinion on the state of the weeds; Mayor Reid: wants the town looking good and it’s a mess in some areas) – Committee would like 2 new members appointed at the next meeting – butterfly garden on Parkway, off of Ocean, was awarded the Garden of Distinction Award 2018 from the Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Gardening and Greening Contest, which received more than 300 entries – will be honored with 2 tickets to a reception on November 7th and to the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 2nd – JCPL must come up with an alternative to digging through that garden; Broadway Bridge underwater repair is complete; Albert Marine is preparing to install tidal valves at Lake Louis – Engineer Savacool will contact the valve supplier in CA, as it has not yet been delivered; Central Ave. cigarette urn is broken again (Mayor Reid: should put money into the ones most used) – left a message for the County about a pothole on St. Louis and Washington – also asked that the one on St. Louis & Arnold be patched; he and Councilman Kanitra will work on the sanitation trucks next Monday; T-Mobile wants to put cell towers on top of Corner Bagelry (Attorney Riordan: let the Planning Board do their job); asked who owns the chain link fence at Harborhead (BA/CFO Riehl: Harborhead) and who maintains triangle park at Baltimore & Harvard – planter boxes are overgrown (BA/CFO Riehl: PPB maintains grass, put in new electric service and fixed their water issue; Mayor Reid: neighbors take care of flowers); machine has been fixed and 99% of sand is off the Boardwalk, but should talk to Jenkinson’s (BA/CFO Riehl: Jenkinson’s agreed to lower the level of sand so PPB can put up a fence; Mayor Reid: not spending any more tax dollars cleaning Jenkinson’s sand); be aware of drops in water pressure during hydrant flushing.
Councilman Toohey arrived at 8:02PM.
Councilman Kanitra: ZO Petrillo contacted owners of the old Southern House property about weeding and removing vehicles from the lot; the guy who runs the web site owns the domain name, which has kept PPB beholden to him – money is put away for PPB branding – spoke with BA/CFO Riehl about maybe redoing the site at the end of this year or the beginning of next – the Code Enforcement/Building Department asked him for a new one – guy in town who does the web site for the NBA will be willing to do it for about $2,500, providing more functionality and user/resident-friendly interaction (Attorney Riordan: not sure vendor who owns the domain name could keep it – can discuss); had great evening with Michael Pearsall at Last Wave – other planned vents include the Bike-in Movie in the train station lot with a Halloween-themed movie – getting a 20' inflatable screen, which can be used for future events; moving ahead on murals downtown – will match artists with building owners; Dan Mercuro, owner of Axiomatic, downtown, is scheduling a project whereby the Arts Committee could help bring concrete benches back to the band shell area; recycling compliance rates went from 32% to 45% – already working to move those numbers up for next year – BA/CFO Riehl will e-mail business owners, asking who has private carters, to be sure they are reporting their numbers and PPB is not losing money; Kelly Romanowski, on the agenda to join the Environmental Commission, worked on the Green Team and will be an enthusiastic addition; all voted for the energy audit – realizing 50% savings – if PPB allows the State to do a further energy audit, at no cost, the State will give PPB even more money – might be an additional $35K savings; basement has been having water intrusion – dripping down walls and pooling – per DPW Super. Trout and BA/CFO Riehl, the solution must fix the problem once and for all – could cost $60K – imperative to do something – Engineer Savacool and Greg Cox will provide options – may also be able to create a paver stone patio over the cap, at little or no cost, for outdoor committee meetings, employee lunches, etc. (Mayor Reid: wants basement and water experts involved); JCPL identified a contractor to fix Parkway for $100K – JCPL will go after Earle for the cost – appreciates the butterfly garden, but the scope submitted includes going through medians and sections of pavement from St. Louis to Ocean Ave. – asked if the award-winning plants could be moved (Councilman Toohey stepped out briefly; Councilman Cortes: will talk to John Meehan at JCPL, who said there are multiple feeds – can avoid the garden) per JCPL, they have been fixing lights from the list provided and Little Silver Lake area is fully functioning (resident, Dave Cavagnaro: they lied).
Councilman Migut: Floodplain Management Committee met yesterday – recertified the Floodplain Management Plan, so residents will continue to receive flood insurance premium reduction; no Planning Board applications for tomorrow – subdivision scheduled for November – 3-4 applications are being prepared; Governor signed law allowing municipal Air B&B rental tax (Councilman Toohey: returned; Attorney Riordan: State imposes taxes – will allow municipality to pass an ordinance and collect an additional 3%) requested authorization for Attorney to look into – ADDED AS ITEM 3G.
Councilman Santanello: Recreation Committee met on Monday – summer camp went well – need to advertise for counselors earlier (Councilman Migut stepped out) spoke to Chief about cameras in park; Rec Basketball sign ups in Oct. for program Nov.-Mar., Tug-of-War is coming up along with Rec Wrestling Nov.-Mar. (Councilman Toohey: more to come) – Committee voted against request to remove a basketball court at Pleasure Park to provide for another pickle ball court – member Pat Cavanaugh is looking to set up a summer Rec Basketball camp/league, using existing courts (Mayor Reid: hoping to raise enough money from the Tug-of-War for new backboards and nets (Councilman Migut returned); gave Police report since last meeting – training included Canine In-Service, Use of Force, Vehicle Pursuit, Domestic Violence, Defensive Tactics, SWAT, Academy Waiver Class, Legalization of Marijuana, etc. – there is still a contingent of seasonal officers, actively addressing quality of life issues – Chief Michigan and Capt. Duffy attended a meeting to discuss safety and security for the breast cancer walk – reminded all that no dogs are allowed on the boardwalk at any time – PD will conduct daily house checks for those on extended vacation – observed Rail Safety Week, Sept. 23-29 and will participate in Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day to promote bike and pedestrian safety – Chief Michigan and Officers will be at Green Planet for national Coffee with a Cop Day on October 3rd.
Councilman Toohey: year-to-date revenue is down approximately $379K – rough summer – there are ways to work around it – asked BA/CFO Riehl for a punch list – must prioritize – doesn't anticipate a massive hit to tax rate – will figure it out (BA/CFO Riehl: this is only anticipated revenue).
Mayor Reid: Inlet is looking great – playground is coming next week (BA/CFO Riehl: the gazebo as well – on schedule – finalized elevation, moved bait station more inland, added electric and LED lighting in gazebo) asked about a camera (Attorney Riordan: advised him to speak with Chief Michigan in private; BA/CFO Riehl: new plaques are being manufactured, finalized prototype on the railing; Councilman Toohey: asked if the whole bulkhead and pipe are coming out; BA/CFO Riehl: yes – will send him the plans; Councilman Toohey: asked Chief Michigan about item 2i) asked Chief Michigan to talk to Carol Vaccaro about the Tug-of -War events on October 20th (Councilman Toohey: asked if the PTO could get space there to sell Cooks Tour tickets) yes – talk to Carol Vaccaro.
BA/CFO Riehl: one of the Tug-of-War links connects to the Point Pleasant web site; went out for quotes on concrete removal and infrastructure across the street – submitted for DOT funding for next year’s road project – chose St. Louis, Atlantic to Washington, which should take care of the issue there – first phase of award, on agenda, will include alterations to the triangle at Forman; bath house rent and utilities were paid in full and on time – winterization is required on or before October 31st.
The Municipal Clerk announced additions to the agenda.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:38PM.
Marilyn Burke, PPB: inquired about the Borough’s RFP process.
Dave Cavagnaro, PPB: asked about items 1i and 1q and Ordinance 2018-19.
Vincent Castin, PPB: asked about tide gate delivery, if lack of parking in the lot contributed to decreased revenue and who owns the chain link fence along the Boardwalk.
Bob Maloney: tax is on all online rentals, not just Air B&B – will hurt tourism.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:55PM.
Motion by Councilman Cortes to close public participation and approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilman Toohey and approved by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
1a Approval of payment to NJ Treasurer for refund of payment received in error ($33,138.23)
1b Approval of pymt to Gruskin Architecture for MyDowntown Mobile App support ($3,900)
1c Approval of S/E app & fee waiver for Intercoastal Tug of War/Festival, Inlet Dr. Lot, 10/20
1d Approval of release of dewatering bond for 700 St. Louis Ave
1e Amendment to Resolution 2018-0918/1S – Violations Clerk start date
1f Approval of ABC S/A Permit App for Chamber’s Tug of War event on Inlet & Ocean, 10/20
1g Approval of payment to the Community Endowment Fund for bandshell concerts ($2K)
1h Authorization to cancel taxes for Disabled Veteran & refund taxes overpaid ($1,805.84)
1i Approval of S/E App/fee waiver for PPHS STAND Club walk for Dress for Success, Bdwlk, 11/4
1j Approval of S/E App/fee waiver for St. Peter PTA Fisherman’s 5K through town, 3/30/19
1k Approval of payment to Riggins for 2018 DPW fuel ($5,955.50)
1l Approval of Jenks South request to store rides in trailers on their property
1m Approval of St. Peter PTA Banner Permit App for Craft Fair banner on Arnold Ave, 10/26-11/11
1n Appointment of PPB Recreation basketball director & referees and establishment of pay rates
1o Authorization to conduct hydrant flushing 10/15-11/9 & to advertise in Ocean Star 10/12-11/2
1p Approval of payment of Payroll #20 ($321,581.12)
1q Approval of S/E App for Kuhlwein’s Stroll the Shore for a Cure walk on the Bdwlk, 4/14/19
1r Approval of payment to BTMUA for August bulk water usage ($166,662)
1s Approval of payment to D. Sweet from BOA escrow accounts
1t Approval of payment to DEML&P from BOA escrow accounts
1u Approval of 2 W/S relief requests
1v Award of contract to Shore Top Construction for St. Louis Ave Imp. project ($438,940)
1w Approval of payment of Pay Cert 3 to Bird Construction for Loughran’s Point Imp. ($30,081.10)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($1,447,336.79)
2b Approval of membership in Ocean Fire Co. No. 1 for A. Fox, Point Pleasant, NJ
2c Approval of junior membership in PPB Fire Co. No. 2 for V. Canady, Point Pleasant, NJ
2d Approval of PO to Blue Line Emerg Lighting for rifle mounts/installation for 6 PD vehicles ($2,916)
2e Approval of payment of annual contribution to PPB Fire Co. No. 2 ($18K)
2f Approval of payment of annual contribution to Ocean Fire Co. No 1 ($18K)
2g Approval of payment of annual contribution to PP First Aid & Emerg Squad ($38,500)
2h Approval of resolution proclaiming 10/10/18 as “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”
2i Approval of payment to Elite Coaches for Temporary PD bathrooms ($16,700)
2j Approval of PO to Motorola for First Aid radios ($54,319.11)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
3a Appointment of K. Romanowski to the Environmental Commission
3b Approval of payment to Iseler Demolition for demo of 2 water storage tanks ($22,600)
3c Approval of Arts Committee Bike-In Movie Theater in the train station lot, 10/27
3d Approval of payment to Turbo Electric for movement & replacement of electric panel ($3,300)
3e Approval of PO to C&M Door Controls for replacement of DPW garage doors ($14,350)
3f Approval of payment to Int’l Code Council for UST Operator exams ($255)
3g Auth for Borough Attorney to look into an Air B&B tax ordinance – ADDED PER DH MEMOS
VOTE: Councilmen Vogel (except 2), Cortes, Kanitra, Toohey, Migut (except 2),
Santanello (except 3g)….YEA
Councilmen Vogel (2), Migut (2), Santanello (3g)….ABSTAIN
Per Borough Attorney, assume usual abstentions on item 2a with which Council has conflicts.
ORDINANCES:
Ordinance 2018-18 (Add Handicap Spaces) was considered on second reading. Mayor Reid opened the public hearing. Motion by Councilman Migut to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 2018-18 was seconded by Councilman Santanello and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmen Vogel, Cortes, Kanitra, Toohey, Migut, Santanello….YEA
Ordinance 2018-19 (Amend Invasive Plant Ordinance) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Migut to approve Ordinance 2018-19 on first reading was seconded by Councilman Cortes and carried by roll call vote. The public hearing will be held on October 16, 2018.
VOTE: Councilmen Vogel, Cortes, Kanitra, Toohey, Migut, Santanello….YEA
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:58PM
Dave Cavagnaro, PPB: asked about the fee for the Alzheimer's event, about the dehumidifier in the basement, the date for completion of street lights and removal of hay bales at Little Silver Lake lot.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:01PM
Motion to adjourn by Councilman Santanello was seconded by Councilman Migut and carried by consent of Council. Meeting was adjourned at 9:01PM.
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
