Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
October 3, 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 regular meeting to order at 7:31PM. 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 Testa, Byrnes, Ramos and Crowley. Councilmembers Vitale and Migut were absent.
FLAG SALUTE, INVOCATION
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES:
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to approve the September 19, 2023 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilwoman Crowley and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley….YEA
Councilmembers Vitale, Migut….ABSENT
PROCLAMATION – Boat Rescue
Mayor Kanitra: spoke about the first responders – it takes difficult circumstances, sometimes tragedy, to shine a spotlight and recognize those who work for us all year round – our first responders work tirelessly for us, taking time away from their families and jobs to protect this town – recognized their bravery, heroics and contributions – important to do this every day when we see them – is so proud of our Police, Fire, First Aid and EMS – had a very tragic day in PPB on Sept. 14th – all showed incredible bravery, notably Sabrina Fioretti, Capt. of the Pt. Pleasant First Aid & Emergency Squad, who saved 2 people’s lives – extended sincere, heartfelt thanks, on behalf of the Borough and presented a proclamation to the Point Pleasant First Aid & Emergency Squad, Sabrina Fioretti, Ocean Fire Company No. 1, Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company No. 2 and the Police Dept.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilwoman Testa: had the honor to meet with Stacy & Jennifer from the American Cancer Society at Jenkinson’s today to do their Kick-off for Breast Awareness – she represented the town along with Councilmembers Byrnes and Ramos – as a mammography technologist for 25 years, she shared some stories about the importance of early detection and baseline mammogram – the survivors are the true heroes – they show strength and courage and inspire her; regarding the beautiful proclamation, everything thing the Mayor said was right to the point – prayers and thoughts go to the Narby family; the Arts Committee’s Homegrown Fair is on Oct. 22nd, the Scarecrow Contest starts Oct. 13th – invited all who are interested to apply online – has a couple of submissions for the Pie Contest – can submit application online; the Beautification Committee ordered greens and will start decorating the pots after Thanksgiving; thanked all volunteers (Mayor Kanitra: Congressman Smith took the time to tell him what an excellent job Councilwoman Testa did at the Breast Awareness Kick-off – thanked her for representing the Governing Body so strongly).
Councilwoman Byrnes: Councilwoman Testa’s words were touching, warm and engaging – she understands it firsthand and had everyone’s attention; the Shade Tree Commission is adding 13 new trees to the landscape in town and put the finishing touches on Commemorative Tree initiative, which will be rolled out in the spring; the Fire Co is grateful for the new Chief’s truck and town’s support; was awed by Sabrina Fioretti’s bravery – is looking into how to secure additional water safety kits for the team – perhaps a water safety grant, fundraising activities, or support from the Borough – Dep. Chief Pasola is looking into the cost to better prepare our company in the event of flood water rescues, when they will encounter raw sewerage and other contaminants – has her full support – couldn’t be more grateful (Fire Chief Waldman: stated that the fire companies support Sabrina, but half the membership is in class tonight and Ocean Fire Company No. 1 has their monthly business meeting – otherwise, 20 of them would be here); Chair Yoga and Zumba Gold did not meet this morning because too many were under the weather; it’s Corn Stalk time – will be sending out an email looking for volunteers to help on Arnold Ave. – is also looking for talented bow makers (Mayor Kanitra: will ask QOL Dir. O’Rourke to see if there are grants available for water safety kits – regardless, is sure Council can find a way to look at the cost/value proposition and start with an appropriate amount – we owe our first responders that – asked BA/CFO Riehl to work with them on that and maybe purchase one or two kits in the interim, if necessary; BA/CFO Riehl: can also be capital item for next year).
Councilman Ramos: are keeping the Narby family in our thoughts and prayers, along with our first responders, to stay safe – thanked them for doing what they do; acknowledged Councilwoman Testa’s talk at the Breast Cancer event – was spot on and heartfelt – he was touched – her patients are lucky to have her; gave Council President Vitale’s comments – thanked Sabrina Fioretti and all the first responders for their actions on the night of the boat crash – keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers – recognized Oct. employee anniversaries – Paul Brundage 24 years, Alexander Zubikowski 5, Karen Mills 19, Nancy Ruiz 10, Kellie Parody 6, Arthur Gant 5 – gave the Chief’s report since last the meeting – training included Mandatory Canine In Service for Patrol and Scent Work, Physical Training Instructor School which has officers certified to instruct in-house and at the Ocean County Police Academy and is vital to getting seasonal new employees ready for the Academy – community policing includes assistance with car safety seat/booster seat installation by appointment – will also be available at Station 42 later this month to install car seats – continue to interact with youth promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety – recently passed out 7-Eleven gift certificates to cyclists who demonstrated bicycle safety – will continue throughout the school year – are also conducting bicycle stops to enforce the rules of the road; the Recreation Committee’s Tug of War is Sunday, 11AM-4PM, with an after-party at Boatyard 401 – due to the weather and rough seas, the Hey Rube, Still Got Your Tube? race is being pushed to Oct. 15th at 2PM at Martell’s, with no parade, but an after party at Martell’s – in the event of another cancellation, the party will still go on at Martell’s; the Recreation Committee will be holding a Pet Parade during the Homegrown Festival on Oct. 22nd – look for registration information on their Facebook page – planning continues for the Winter Wonderland and Holiday Lights events; the Golden Gulls will host an Italian Luncheon on Oct. 10th at 11AM at the Laurel Ave. firehouse to celebrate Columbus Day – see the Facebook post on how to RSVP – the Golden Gulls will also be hosting a Pizza and Painting Party on Oct. 27th at 12PM at the Laurel Ave. firehouse – RSVP information is on their Facebook page; gave the Bd. of Education report – they are meeting on Oct. 17th with a presentation on the referendum, updated architecturals and information – Dr. Smith and Dr. Savage will be on the road with presentations about what the referendum entails – stops will include Antrim and PPGHS PTOs, Seniors, Recreation and other upcoming public events – Homecoming is on Friday, Oct. 13th – please cheer on the Garnet Gulls – the PPB Education Fdn.’s annual Sips, Dips, Dinner and Gifts event is on Oct. 27th – please plan to attend – PPHS was recognized as a 2023 AP Honor Roll School and designated a Gold School for the first time – criteria for being chosen includes college culture, college credit and college optimization – “US News & World Report” named PPBHS one of the best high schools in the US again – great job to our school district and superintendent.
Councilwoman Crowley: echoed the Mayor’s words on the proclamation – are blessed to have our Police, First Aid & Emergency Squad and Dive Team and our Fire Companies – together, we are a village and make moments like that shine – the good people in town have shown their colors – they work hard for us and keep us safe – realizes how lucky she is to be here – proud to tell her kids that Sabrina Fioretti, a petite woman, jumped in and saved these 2 men and gave them their lives back – sadly, one life was lost because no one could reach him – her prayers to the Narby family – God bless them – asked all to take a minute to think about the loss and how blessed we are to have what we have; acknowledged the amazing ceremony that was held for Mayor Hennessy – thanked BA/CFO Riehl for her help – the Mayor’s words were amazing – everyone in the history of PPB, who was politically-involved at one point and made a difference, showed up to praise him and his family – such a nice event – thanked all who attended, on behalf of the Hennessy family, who were very happy; as DPW liaison, reported that they continue to keep our community clean, wrapping up from summer season and transitioning to fall and winter preparations, along with their day-to-day responsibilities – thanked DPW for doing a good job.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Kanitra: are incredibly lucky to have our first responders; thanked BA/CFO Riehl for ensuring every detail of the Hennessy dedication was perfect, as it should have been – thinks we delivered exactly what Kristin and her family were looking for – was so nice to see so many people who have given their time to this town, going back to the 70’s – a heartening experience and well-deserved – no one comes close to his years of service to the town as Mayor; reminded all about the Wind Rally on Oct. 7th at 11AM at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – expecting a big crowd, including Congressman Smith who will be talking about his efforts with national defense and the radar and financial implications of windmills in a vital corridor – he will be talking as well – he drove to Island Beach State Park today, where they’re starting to do some of the cabling in an area where it shouldn’t be – momentum is growing – the more the public is educated about this issue that’s been jammed down our throats, the more they universally reject it.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
BA/CFO Riehl: no report; advised Councilwoman Byrnes that downtown trees on Arnold will be addressed on Oct. 16th.
Clerk announced additions and revision to the agenda.
Atty. Riordan: items 1K & 1L are both contracts – knows that the lease agreement has not yet been approved by the special counsel who was assigned – can’t remember whether he was able to look at the EV contract or not (Mayor Kanitra: can do it contingent upon his review).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:01PM
Dave Cavagnaro, PPB: asked about the cost of item 1K (Mayor Kanitra: will be determined – maintenance – don’t anticipate a cost to acquire the lot); asked how many EV chargers there will be and where (Mayor Kanitra: NJ Transit lot – two to start – believes they are funded with grant dollars – this is to authorize that – we spend and get reimbursed; BA/CRO Riehl: yes – $75K – we’ll put money out and get a reimbursement – Silver Lake Lot; Mayor Kanitra: will be specially marked – will look into ensuring towing capabilities); and if there is an ordinance coming for item 1R, or if that is an automatic approval (BA/CFO Riehl: there will be an ordinance; Atty. Riordan: there are some questions that probably need to be researched – will probably assign special counsel to do the research) is concerned about private property (Atty. Riordan: has some concerns there and has some concerns about the Local Public Contracts Law; Mayor Kanitra: will only be for catering purposes on private property, not retail).
Larry Schwartz, PPB: asked about item 1K/an explanation of the process of acquiring the lot and cost of maintenance (Mayor Kanitra: it’s a black asphalt lot, so it will probably be the same per sq. ft. as for any street in town) asked who owns the property now (Mayor Kanitra: NJ Transit) asked how we go about acquisition (Mayor Kanitra: we have an agreement with them – will entail us maintaining it and taking over costs – in return, we will have much-needed parking in an area of downtown that is going to be revitalized – we don’t want people walking 5-6 blocks to get anywhere – the brewery and hotel projects are there, Pop’s Corner just opened and is super popular, etc.) asked if NJ Transit is donating it (Mayor Kanitra: we anticipate it being $1 or free and then we will have the upkeep – the benefit for residents and guests to have that parking will be worth it).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:06PM
Motion by Councilwoman Crowley 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 #19 ($362,957.40)
1b Approval of ABC S/A app for Chamber Beers on the Boards at Martell’s Tiki Bar, 11/4
1c Approval of payment to Rio Supply for water meter parts ($5,783)
1d Approval of PPB Cultural Arts Cmte Scarecrows at the Beach Contest on Arnold & Bay, 10/18-11/1
1e Approval of S/E app for PPB Rec Cmte Winter Wonderland–Pleasure Park, Dec 10
1f Approval of PPB Rec S/E app for a Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade on Bay Ave 10/22 (rain 10/29)
1g Approval of S/E app Alzheimer’s NJ’s Memory Walk, Arnold & Baltimore, w/revised date of 11/4
1h Authorization for Mayor to execute FY 2024 Municipal Alliance Agreement
1i Authorization to conduct hydrant flushing 10/16-11/10 & advertise in Ocean Star 10/13-11/3
1j Approval of PPBHS S/E app for Homecoming Parade-Trenton/Bay/Arnold/Chicago/Yale, 10/13
1k Approval of the NJ Transit West Lot agreement contingent upon attorney review
1l Approval of EV Chargers contract contingent upon attorney review
1m Approval of pymt to M. Woszczak Mech Cont for emerg sewer svc at 1621-23 Ocean Ave ($8,222.45)
1n Approval of pymt to Riggins for no-lead and diesel fuel for DPW ($8,224.56)
1o Approval of payment to Detcon for repairs GT#6 for DPW ($10,062.60)
1p Auth for Clerk to prepare a proclamation in recognition of St. Mary’s by the Sea 150th Anniversary
1q Proclamation of October 2023 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
1r Authorization for Borough Attorney to amend Ch. 5-5A to allow food trucks as approved by Mayor & Council through the Special Event process and on private property
1s Auth for Administrator/CFO to proceed with the transfer of municipal banking to Manasquan Savings
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($195,883.73)
2b Authorization to execute OC Prosecutor DWI, DRE & MOVE OVER Shared Svc Agreements
2c Approval of payment to Winner Ford for 2024 Ford expedition for Fire Dept ($76,470.25)
2d Approval of PO to NJ Fire Equipment for fire hose for the Fire Dept ($15,950)
2e Approval of PO to ESI Equipment for service agreement through 10/31/24 for Fire Co 2 ($3,846)
2f Approval of jr. membership for J. Roland, Brick, NJ, in Fire Company No. 1
2g Approval of membership for B. Roland, Brick, NJ, in Fire Company No. 1
2h Approval of payment to Gentilini Ford for 2023 Ford Utility for the PD ($48,794.20)
2i Approval of PO to Elite Vehicle Solutions for Vehicle Labor Police Utility ($17,864,58)
2j Approval of payment to Gentilini Ford for 2023 Chevy Tahoe for the PD ($54,132.52)
2k Approval of pymt to Wilmac Business Equipt for software maintenance renewal for the PD ($4,530)
VOTE: Councilmembers Testa, Byrnes, Ramos, Crowley….YEA
Councilmembers Vitale, Migut….ABSENT
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:06PM
June Cuzzo, PPB: seniors have asked her how to officially join the committee – asked if there is a hard copy form or if the only way to join is online (BA/CFO Riehl will get her a printed version); received correspondence from a Councilperson – wants to know if it’s an individual action or an action from the entire Governing Body – it’s a letter addressed to her from Councilwoman Byrnes’ attorney (Mayor Kanitra: told her to show it to Atty. Riordan because no one knows it exists; Councilwoman Crowley: asked if it has the Governing Body’s names on it) it does not – showed it to Atty. Riordan (Atty: Riordan: no reason why anyone should comment on this – it’s a letter from a lawyer, addressed to Ms. Cuzzo – it’s obvious what it is) it’s a cease and desist letter – asked Atty. Riordan if it is an individual, not a Council/Governing Body kind of correspondence (Atty. Riordan: it’s a letter from a lawyer – it’s speaks for itself – it’s quite clear) since it copied Councilwoman Byrnes, wasn’t sure if it was Councilwoman-related or it was Caryn Byrnes, the individual (Atty. Riordan: the lawyer says she represents Ms. Byrnes) a little confusing to her – asking for clarification (Atty. Riordan: is surprised she’s confused – it’s quite clear – it’s a letter from a lawyer) it’s not clear to her unless he answers her question (Atty. Riordan: it’s unfortunate it’s not clear to her).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:10PM
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to close public participation and adjourn was seconded by Councilwoman Crowley and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:10PM.
ATTEST: ______________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
