Borough of Point Pleasant Beach MINUTES
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach met at 6:31 PM with Mayor Barrella and Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran and Mercun present. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Department head memos and correspondence were discussed with items moved to agenda for action; William Condon and Liz Szuba, New York Avenue, spoke about their curb cuts – Attorney Gertner explained that, in other municipalities, it’s common practice to make curb cut discrepancies conform to code when new sidewalks and curbs are being done; O’Donnell Stanton will provide scope and budget for Phase II of sanitary sewer infrastructure improvements; one-way designation on Niblick Street (Baltimore to Chicago) will be addressed upon County response; in regard to High School student, Mackenzie Neumaier’s, request to paint directional arrows on one-way streets, Administrator Riehl will contact DOT for approval.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, to enter closed session to discuss 1 contractual and 3 personnel matters, was seconded by Councilman Mercun and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Closed session started at 7:26 P.M. and ended at 7:39 P.M.
Mayor Barrella called the regular meeting to order at 7:41 P.M. Present were Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran and Mercun. The Municipal Clerk again read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Motion by Councilman Loughran, to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2008 Council meeting, was seconded by Councilman Mercun and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun ….YEA
Councilman DiCorcia….ABSTAIN
Ordinance 2008-41 (Eliminate Handicap Space) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened and held with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Mercun to close public hearing and adopt Ordinance 2008-41 was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun ….YEA
Councilman DiCorcia….ABSTAIN
Ordinance 2008-44 (Time Limit – Commercial Standing Zone) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened and held with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Mercun to close public hearing and adopt Ordinance 2008-44 was seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun ….YEA
Councilman DiCorcia….ABSTAIN
Ordinance 2008-45 (1000-1002 Ocean Avenue Land Acquisition) was considered on second reading. Mayor Barrella opened hearing to the public.
Ben Dispoto, Parkway: support ordinance, but should make it clear that purchase does not include beach – public perception is that beach is included.
Jim Wisniewski, St. Louis Avenue: asked how $3M purchase price, for 46-space lot, would affect tax rate, and if money would be made [would come off tax roles – taxes of just under $42K include County and School – contingent upon ability to use Open Space monies – will have revenue stream from parking ($65-70K), bath house ($20K) and lease of food concession] – taxes went up a lot this year (parking and concession revenue would cover annual bond costs – Open Space monies cannot be used to defray taxes, and any revenue made on that property must go back to Open Space – would still be money left in Open Space to bear cost of Lake of Lillies, even assuming town bears the brunt).
Councilman Dixon: asked if town would be allowed to lease out snack bar (ordinance contingent on DEP allowing Borough to operate all 3 concessions).
Councilman Mercun: will approve only with stipulation that DEP will allow.
Craig Jones, St. Louis Avenue: asked about age of structure, if structurally sound and if ADA-compliant – would be prudent to have Construction Official inspect (ordinance is structured so that, once passed, Borough can perform due diligence – before bond is on for second reading, would have an idea what we’re dealing with) – opposed to spending $3M on something not maintained for 35 years, especially when Lake of the Lillies needs addressing.
Joe Lemma, St. Louis Avenue: Open Space is good – will be there for 1,000 years – will also keep condos out of there so it won’t be like Miami Beach.
Councilman Dixon: people under impression that beach is included – doesn’t even get your foot in door (have right of first refusal) – $41K in taxes will go away – can’t picnic or play ball there, can only park a car – bond is for 40 years at $105K per year – over next 40 years, half of that Open Space money is being sucked dry – $2-3M for Lake of the Lillies is another $110-120K coming out of Open Space – $240-250K that Open Space tax generates will be dry for the next 40 years – building is older than dirt and may have to be worked on – no money coming from it can go towards taxes – probably needs new electric and ADA work – asked if anyone looked at their books to see what they’re making – need to check these things out before we buy; received complaints, last year, about adding $1M to our $3M bond debt with only an $8K tax loss, now it’s okay to add another $3M debt with loss of $40K in taxes – asked if Open Space was going to pay salaries; could agree if revenue was going to taxes, but it’s going to Open Space Fund.
Councilman Loughran: they’re charging $25 per day, on weekends, to park and are parking people in lanes – will make enough money to pay off bond – been reported in newspaper and was very clear that purchase is for parking lot only – that’s what was going to be developed; Open Space was voted in by a 2 to 1 margin – there are very few properties on ROSI acquisition that will bring in money – people are in favor of preserving the historical value of this property; paying $260K into Open Space Trust Fund every year, should at least use that money.
Mayor Barrella: Councilman Loughran makes a fair point – if town has this tax, should use the money – if not going to use it, should get a motion for a referendum to reject Open Space and go from there; $145K in lost taxes and debt amortization – cost of inlet is $43K with no money coming in – Risden’s lot will bring in $85K.
Councilman Merucn: Lake of Lillies people make valid argument – Open Space funds should be going to maintain Open Spaces – can’t be in a land grab mentality – going along with this because this piece of property can pay for itself.
Councilman Cervino: wished these issues were discussed when Inlet property was being bonded.
Marilyn Burke, Central Avenue: agree that $3M is a big price tag – also agree with Councilman Loughran – have right of first refusal if beach comes up for sale – when looking at value of dollars and extending it out 40 years, it makes economic sense to buy – land value will also increase – when looking at all points, agree town should proceed.
Councilman Mercun: asked if right of first refusal was for only 3 years (yes, but once right of first refusal expires, can exercise Eminent Domain).
Mayor Barrella: asked CFO Riehl if she thought town would get clobbered with interest (if ordinance adopted on 2nd reading, would authorize the issuance of notes, which would go out to bid with the lowest interest rate being accepted – while in note stage, re-bid every year – ordinance has a useful life of 40 years, but never have a bond for 40 years, typically it’s in the 16-20 year range – at the point of permanent bonding, get a fixed interest rate, which could fluctuate given the market).
Dave Cavagnaro, Parkway: Open Space went to referendum, along with a list of potential properties for acquisition, and was overwhelmingly voted in – Open Space property normally does not make money – however, this is a chance to buy Open Space and replenish the fund, so that more things can be purchased without increasing the tax – it’s a win-win – if and when town gets the beach, will have a parking lot in place to lock into it – somewhere down the line, there will be many people who look back at this Council and thank them for this.
Craig Jones: asked for assessed value of beach (should check with Tax Assessor Carpenter, who’s currently in his office – property in question assessed at $4.5M, buying for $3M – other lot assessed at about $6M and beaches at about $1.5M and $1M) – asked where that money is going to come from.
Councilman Cervino: beach not something town would want to buy with Open Space money, as town would want that revenue stream for tax purposes.
Mayor Barrella: have asked Engineer Savacool to put together cost estimates – Councilman Mercun and he will be going to Trenton to “torture” DEP.
Joe Lemma, St. Louis Avenue: Open Space was put up for vote and got 1,000 votes – asked Councilman Dixon if he got 1,000 complaints.
James Caulfield, New York Avenue: asked if the worst scenario was flipping it in a couple of years if it doesn’t work out (not that simple, once you put it on the ROSI, it stays Open Space)
Anne Lightburn, New Jersey Avenue: can address Boardwalk and parks with that revenue – technically, provides property tax relief – parking lot is important component to beach access.
Motion by Councilman Mercun to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 2008-45 was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino*, Tooker**, Loughran***, Mercun****…YEA
Councilman Dixon….NAY
*Councilman Cervino: received complaints about opposing growth and development, but furthest thing from the truth – love growth and development – the town’s going to have a 33% savings as far as the purchase of this historical property – many issues to consider: beach access; loss of tax ratable – there would be 4 new ratables; loss of parking might promote people moving over to the Silver Lake lot; concern over Lake of the Lillies; these things go under Open Space fund – a delicate issue to resolve.
**Councilwoman Tooker: this will leave Open Space Fund with plenty of money – good purchase and, hopefully, we will get the beach someday.
***Councilman Loughran: would hate to see parking spaces lost to development – will make money there – next Governing Body will have to decide about bathhouses – don’t understand why Risdens’s didn’t operate the luncheonette – prime spot to make money.
****Councilman Mercun: appreciate need for acquiring Open Spaces – only voting “yes” as ordinance is contingent upon getting DEP approval for conditions.
Ordinance 2008-46 (15 minute parking zone near Bagel Bitez on Ocean Avenue) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-46 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on October 21, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-47 (Recycling Regulations) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilwoman Tooker, seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-47 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on October 21, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker*, Loughran, Mercun.YEA
*Councilwoman Tooker: thanked Clerk Ellsworth, Administrator Riehl, DPW Superintendent Trout, and Code Enforcement Officer Petrillo for rewriting ordinance – was outdated and needed changes so town can enforce recycling.
Ordinance 2008-48 (1000-1002 Ocean Avenue Land Acquisition Bond) was introduced on first reading. Attorney Gertner: contacted Bond Counsel and added language to make certain DEP understands that it will continue to be used for present use and that any revenue or loss generated there from will remain within the Open Space Fund – DEP should be quick to respond because property is on their radar.
Motion by Councilman Loughran, seconded by Councilman Mercun and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-48 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on October 21, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia*, Cervino**, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun***….YEA
Councilman Dixon….NAY
*Councilman DiCorcia: thanked Councilman Dixon for opinion and for being the maverick – did a lot of research on this, spoke to Councilman Loughran and others – history will prove it’s the right move – don’t want to throw this away for future generations.
**Councilman Cervino: should proceed with conditions outlined by Mayor and Councilman Mercun.
***Councilman Mercun: what democracy is all about – to feel free to speak your mind, have dialogue and not just criticize those with different opinions – listen to all and make a decision.
Ordinance 2008-49 (Amend Ordinance 2008-37) was introduced on first reading. Amends and affirms Ordinance 2008-37, which was recently passed.
Motion by Councilman Mercun, seconded by Councilman Dixon and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-49 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on October 21, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-50 (Extend prohibition on first floor professional offices in GC Zone to Bay and Trenton Avenues) was introduced on first reading. Councilman Loughran: asked for amendment to include Bay Avenue, from Arnold to Trenton Avenues, a major part of downtown area – last year, Council adopted an ordinance which ensured first floors of downtown businesses were retail stores – downtown should be retail – real estate and doctor’s offices belong in the rear and/or the upstairs of these buildings.
Motion by Councilman Loughran, seconded by Councilwoman Tooker and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-50 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on November 18, 2008.
Councilman DiCorcia: believer in free enterprise – asked counsel for advice; Attorney Gertner: Councilman Loughran covered that point – there are numerous locations within the municipality for this use – moreover, public has two opportunities for further comment, at Planning Board hearing and at second reading, assuming ordinance is approved tonight; Mayor Barrella: this is simply an extension of an existing ordinance that sets forth the same criteria as in the Arnold Avenue section of this zone.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Councilman Cervino….NAY
Ordinance 2008-51 (Parking of Bicycles) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Mercun, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-51 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on October 21, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Mayor Barrella: 2008-51 replaces ordinance 2008-39, which was not introduced; Councilman Mercun: had an opportunity to review this ordinance – is pleased with both results and debate at last meeting – addresses matter very directly, clearly and simply – doesn’t raise issues that 2008-39 did; Mayor Barrella: 30-day delay, before it takes effect after adoption, will allow Bicycle Coordinator to get bi-lingual flyers out – will also allow time for signage – NJ Transit has agreed to install additional bike racks.
Clerk Ellsworth corrected and added items to Consent Resolutions; Councilman DiCorcia asked that Consent Resolution 2, item “m” be considered separately; Councilman Cervino asked about Parking Authority payment; Mayor Barrella spoke about Lake Louise dredging – former Councilwoman Walsh was instrumental in getting this started – after 10 years, town has finally gotten a settlement from DEP and Lake Louise will be dredged – will not be done this year, as can only dredge from September 1 to January 1 – County has pledged money as well – because Lake Louise in not on the ROSI, can’t use Open Space money to dredge it.
Regarding Consent Resolution 2, item “J:” Mr. Condon, New York Avenue, spoke on behalf of Ms. Szuba and asked Council to consider her request – sited home that has curb cut for whole width of the property; Dave Cavagnaro, Parkway: grand-fathering should be done with curb cuts as well as other things like lot coverage – one house has curb cut on entire width of property (Councilwoman Tooker: asked if it takes away parking spaces; it can when taking into account state regulations on parking spaces); Councilman Mercun: bewildered, been paving streets and nobody’s enforced the driveway restrictions – then all of sudden, while repaving Niblick and this street, they’re being enforced – asked how the ball was dropped; Martin Vaccaro, Lake Terrace: used to be able to park two cars in front of his house – was told the width of driveway cut needed to be shortened to 13’ from 15’ (proposal made tonight would keep it at 15’); Councilman Loughran: asked if Council could give relief to residents coming before them with hardship (Attorney Gertner: not same as Board because it sits in a quasi judicial manner – Governing Body is purely legislative; best legal advise is standard rules are best – if you open the door, than exceptions starts to swallow up the rule and enforcement becomes difficult for Police and Code Enforcement); Councilman DiCorcia: Code Enforcement is moving backwards, so will vote “no” on this item; Mayor Barrella: assuming we have a 21’apron and making it 16’, in theory, gives us the opportunity to put an extra parking space in when there wouldn’t have been one – in turn, that makes the size of the driveway, the area to pull a car out, smaller because the cars would be parked closer to the driveway – we have the ability to grant relief, take spot out of there and provide for a larger area , on an individual basis (that’s an approach, you’re correct); decision made to vote on Consent Resolution 2, item “j” separately.
Ben Dispoto, Parkway: item 2/b was brought up 20 months ago – this was a danger and shouldn’t have taken 20 months – why people get frustrated with government.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino, resolutions covering the items listed below were carried by the following roll call vote:
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
a) Opposition to State imposition of water consumption tax
b) Release Performance Bond – Home Mark Homes
c) Accept Green Acres Grant for acquisition of 29 Inlet Drive
d) Quarterly payment to United Computer for computer symantic service ($4687.50)
e) Payment of 2nd quarter 2008 allocation to Open Space Trust Fund ($63,888.30)
f) Approval of Payroll #20 ($291,985.32)
g) Payments to CMX from escrow accounts ($8925.30)
h) Refund unexpended Board of Adjustment escrow accounts ($3626.64)
i) Certification of John Flynn as Sr Public Works Repairer
j) Payment to PPB from developer escrow (194.72)
k) Payment to Galvin Law Firm from Planning Board & Bd of Adj accts ($2430.30)
l) Payment to Detcon for roll-off container ($5497)
m) Payment to Winner Ford for 2009 police interceptor ($21,657)
n) Salary adjustment as per agreement with Teamsters Union
o) Payment to Pitney Bowes for postage ($4,018.99)
p) Payment of 2nd installment to PPB Parking Authority for 2008 ($36,666.67)
q) Payment to Metric Group of annual maintenance fee ($33,660)
r) Approval of September hand checks ($325, 479.60)
s) Payment to O C Landfill for tipping fees ($50,000)
t) Payments to Pedroni Fuel for diesel fuel thru O C Coop Pricing System ($10,583.36)
u) Approval of computer generated vouchers ($193,917.55)
v) Appoint Peter Renner to Environmental Commission
w) Authorization to accept charge card payments for Vital Statistics and OPRA fees
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
a) Authorize settlement agreement with DEP re Lake Louise dredging
b) Award of contract to Roof Diagnostics for DPW roof restoration ($51,890)
c) Appt of Scarlett Johnson as alternate deputy registrar with no add’l compensation
d) Progress Pay’t #2 to Lucas Const for work completed on Borden’s Parking Lot improvements ($65,129.77)
e) Approval of Payroll #21 ($243,615.35)
f) P Os to Ray’s Sport Shop for police equipment ($12,666.94)
g) Payment to O C Soil District for DPW yard project ($270)
h) Payment to Barco Products for bike racks ($980)
i) Denial of W/S bill relief request with offer of payment schedule
j) Removed for separate consideration (Grant Engineer and Contractor discretion to allow up to 16’ curb cuts, on repaving projects, where curb cuts are larger than current code allows)
k) Approval of curb cut request for 101 New York Ave
l) Authorization to draft ordinance to clean-up discrepancies in parking ordinance for Bay Avenue and allow for use of section for school on parking, while school is in session from 8AM to 3PM
m) Removed for separate consideration (Authorization to draft ordinance to allow dogs on Maryland Ave beach with restrictions)
n) Approval of salary increase for tax assessor in line with other non-union employees – Closed Session Item
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Motion by Councilman Loughran, to reject Consent Resolution 2, item “j” (Grant Engineer and Contractor discretion to allow up to 16’ curb cuts, on repaving projects, where curb cuts are larger than current code allows), was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia.
Mayor Barrella cautioned that voting “yes” would leave Council with no resolution – either construction stops or a 16′ driveway, or 21′ driveway with one car garage goes to 13′.
Motion by Councilman Loughran to withdraw motion to reject, was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia.
Motion by Councilman Mercun to grant Engineer and Contractor discretion to allow up to 16’ curb cuts, on repaving projects where curb cuts are larger than current code allows, was seconded by Councilman Dixon and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Motion by Councilman Loughran to grant relief from curb cut requirements at 208 New York Avenue was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Councilman Dixon*….NAY
*Councilman Dixon: resident says it’s only going to change the look of the driveway – it’s not going to change her access to the driveway, she has plenty of ways to get in and out – not appropriate to grant relief just for a look.
Consent Resolution 2, item “m” (Authorization to draft ordinance to allow dogs on Maryland Ave beach with restrictions) was considered.
Kristen Hennessy, New Jersey Avenue: dogs are allowed on beaches in off-season in Manasquan, Bay Head and Mantoloking – suggested installing receptacles that hold "mutt mitts" to encourage those on beach and Chicago Avenue to pick-up after dogs – if town can offer dog walkers an opportunity to pick-up, more will – suggested more Police presence to encourage people to pick-up; if problem is really bad, maybe a surveillance camera can be used to deter and keep people on the honor system; appealed to Council to at least try on a trial basis.
Councilman Mercun: proposed allowing on a trial basis – dogs must be leashed – opposed to mutt mitts due to cost and if receptacles aren’t filled, town will be blamed for owners not being able to pick up – dog owners should be responsible and bring their bags with them – don’t feel surveillance is an option either – give folks access to the beach and if people don’t live up to trust, then rescind it – this will allow residents of other towns to bring their dogs to that beach.
Dave Cavagnaro, Parkway: think people should be given the opportunity; geese droppings average 1 pound per day – we send our children out to play on the fields, parks and playgrounds these geese pollute; should give adults a chance to pick up after dogs.
Mayor Barrella asked about time frame – October 1st through April 30th.
Motion by Councilwoman Tooker, to authorize Borough Attorney to draft ordinance allowing dogs on Maryland Avenue Beach from October 1st – April 30th, providing they are leashed, licensed and picked-up after, with violations issued to those in non-compliance, was seconded by Councilman Mercun and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members Tooker, Loughran***, Mercun**** and Mayor Barrella….YEA
Council Members DiCorcia*, Dixon**, Cervino….NAY
*Councilman DiCorcia: onus on Police Department – pretty sure no violations have been issued on Chicago Avenue – Police have more important things to do than watch dogs, will also have to check to see if dogs are licensed – time to focus on taxpayers.
**Councilman Dixon: unless Police actually witness, can’t do anything about it – don’t want to add to the fallout drain on Maryland Avenue – signs around town “Just leave us your footprints,” don’t need to leave anything else – can’t enforce kids wearing helmets, but want to worry about dogs being unleashed or not being picked up after.
***Councilman Loughran: give it a chance and see if it’s doable – would like Police to check periodically (checking periodically already) – must trust people to do the right thing.
****Councilman Mercun: don’t think Police should have to enforce it, but check from time to time if it’s being done – those who want this will police it.
Councilman Cervino: Point Pleasant passed an ordinance that Council needs to address – loss of potential revenue in town due to parsonages – want to prevent homes from becoming tax exempt – would like Attorney Gertner to review to see if it’s something to address in Point Pleasant Beach – asked that Houses of Worship be allowed in all zoning districts, but situated on main arteries with at least one acre, and with the parsonage situated on the same property; suggested that, given what’s going on in economy, Council revisit hotel/motel tax, even 1%, going forward.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman DiCorcia: Brady Foundation, which helps kids with catastrophic illnesses, is marching in Breast Cancer Walk and asking for two designated parking spaces, north of Baltimore on Arnold Avenue, near parking lot.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia to waive parking fees and set aside two spots for Brady Foundation during Breast Cancer walk, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Asked if everyone was aware that Recycling Center was shut down during Seafood Festival (Fire Department was using parking lot); contractors are starting street work at 6AM (8AM is proper start time); at 3:30AM, our crew was cleaning street after the Seafood Festival – addressed need for more porta-potties (Carol Vaccaro, Chamber of Commerce: Chamber had outfit clean the street between 1AM and 2AM); St. Mary’s by the Sea wants signs placed on Route 35 – believe they need a letter from the state – asked Administrator Riehl to check if Borough garage has the signs.
Councilman Dixon: construction pavers on Arnold Avenue are being pushed up by trees; MAC Coordinator Kurtzke resigned effective January 1st – need someone to take over this important position – co-ordinates all school activities with town and is the major force for raising money for Project Graduation – lot of work – hopefully someone will step forward; tomorrow’s Parking Committee meeting is open to the public.
Councilman Cervino: asked that Parsonage ordinance be considered for first reading on November 18th; thanked NPP Coordinator Cadalzo for efforts with boat parade; will have a PowerPoint Presentation by Beautification Committee on November 18th – scarecrow contest set-up will be at the Gazebo on October 18th – presentation to business award winners at October 21st Council Meeting – suggested Beautification speak to DPW Superintendent Trout about compost pile; Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) recommended Risiden’s lot be manned and that Chamber of Commerce listen to “Shop Spring Lake” presentation – Suzanne Kremp has been appointed as Bob Cooper’s replacement to TAC from Chamber of Commerce – with respect to non-conforming seasonal businesses, asked that Council examine issues which may be unfair to tourists and address businesses that have to apply to the Board of Adjustment for improvements – wondered if it is a good idea to hold the “Triple Crown” parade, festival and tube race on the same weekend – may be stressing out certain businesses, like restaurants – should consider breaking it up – idea of those three events going at the same time demonstrates need for partnership between groups that want to promote tourism – asked if boat race was highlighted on Chamber’s web-site (yes) – asked Council to consider block party with next year’s boat parade – Chamber will spend approximately $3K to clean pavers between Rudy’s and Route 35 South – Halloween Trick or Treat will be October 31st until 7PM – Jazzfest meeting was today at noon.
Councilman DiCorcia: asked why Chamber was cleaning just from Rudy’s when, for another couple hundred yards, you can go from the Polish Deli all the way down (that’s where the food service started).
CouncilwomanTooker: acknowledged the great job MAC Coordinator Kurtze has done – State paperwork has become onerous – need to look for someone to fill that position; kudos to NPP Coordinator Cadalzo for work on boat parade; recycling up 10% in last 6 months – generated $3.5K, not including money saved on taking recyclables out of landfills – recycled at Seafood Festival and Garnet Gull Gathering; County’s Hazardous Waste Material pick -up will be October 24th in Silver Lake lot; Animal Welfare Committee is dedicated and working hard – 18 cats neutered, vaccinated, ears clipped and returned to colonies – 19 kittens trapped, adopted or in foster care – identified 14 colonies and approximately 119 cats, not including kittens; geese presentation is pending – hope to have something at next Council meeting; Senior Advisory sub-committee (of Recreation Committee) computer classes start December 4th – bus trip to Red Bank for dinner and show is November 23rd – Saint Martha’s Bee Hive Calendar will go out in a week or two; working on opening another access point to Maryland Avenue Beach.
Councilman Loughran: pre-registration is required for Hazardous Material drop-off (call 732-367-0802); asked Council to think about ordinance regarding bicycles on Boardwalk – currently 6AM-9AM, 7 days a week, all year – asked to expand during winter months and increase hours – suggested October 15th – April 15th, anytime Monday-Friday; October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – employees have extra time off (4 hours) for cancer screening.
Councilman Mercun: decided to devote remainder of year and beginning of next to three major projects; economic theory that in hard financial times, government needs to spend money to boost economy – Point Pleasant Beach doesn’t have the money – as Budget Committee member, looking at every item to see if we can afford it – zero-based budget is great idea, but has drawbacks – most of budget goes to salaries and benefits that town hasn’t much control over – if expenses go up, revenue sources are taxes and parking – need solutions – will go to Parking Committee meeting tomorrow – have to look to that as a viable alternative for revenue – need to make concessions – our only industry is tourism – may need to talk to Boardwalk businesses about helping to take care of Boardwalk – need to look at next five years and start planning – would hate to affect people’s lives by laying off or firing – will do everything to avoid it, but may be a reality – thus, will devote a lot of time to budget, exploring all types of alternatives, to reduce expenses and increase revenue; in reference to the recent fish kill at Lake of the Lillies, couldn’t believe how many fish were in that lake – through Councilwoman Tooker’s efforts, town was able to get County inmates, at cost savings, to pick up fish – DPW Superintendent Trout went into lake with a boat borrowed from the Fire Company and hand-picked fish out – DPW picked up the dead fish, having to drive around all day with them until going to the landfill – thanked DPW for going above and beyond call of duty – testing being done to determine cause – asked Administrator Riehl to reach out to Dr. Sousa regarding what tests remain and completion time, so Council can advise citizens on what caused the fish kill – not prepared to go along with Lake of the Lillies plan until cause is determined – asked residents to bear with Council, as DOT and County will want to know what caused it before talking about financing lake restoration – need to talk about what Open Space should be doing for Lake of the Lillies – should be part of the dialogue and assist with recommendations – asked Lake of the Lillies folks to come to Open Space Meeting on October 23rd; in reference to parsonages, every time financial times get tough, people come up with unique interpretations of tax codes; want to finish a Professional Standards Code – asked Council to consider making it part of the Personnel Manual – NJ DCA owns the words “Code of Ethics” – any municipality that addresses Code of Ethics has to reprint the State statue exactly into their Code – state statute merely deals with a public official’s financial interest – professional standards and ethics go way beyond financial interest – going to try to put something together, along with Councilwoman Tooker, on Pay-to-Play – asked residents to call him if they want to help.
Mayor Barrella: MAC Coordinator Marie Kurtzke has worked hard and truly cares – unfortunate that part of the problem is what a MAC Coordinator can get paid; thanked former Borough Attorney Starkey, who finished Lake Louise, Engineer Simmena from Birdsall, DEP Deputy Commissioner Craddock, who moved the two pieces together, Shell Fisheries and the rest of DEP; financial circumstance in country is scary, along with impact as it trickles down to local communities; Police and DPW expenditures are $5.8M, out of roughly $11M budget – within that $5.8M, about $360K is operating expenses – the rest is salary, pension and healthcare – when you talk about cutting everything 10% that’s $580K – if we do away with tires, bullets, garbage bags, etc., still $220-250K short in terms of cutting $580K – suggested Budget Committee target things and not just slash everything 10% – essential to come up with additional revenue sources – town businesses have a vested interest in seeing that Point Pleasant Beach is on solid economic footing – residents and taxpayers cannot continue to absorb additional tax increases; asked Councilwoman Tooker about the other major business in town and what progress is being made on recycling (Jenkinsons’ progress has been astounding – the other major business has not made much progress – Board of Health can fine business $4,500 per day if they don’t recycle) – need to send a letter to meet and resolve or will impose fines – unacceptable if business has no desire to cooperate.
Councilwoman Tooker: announced that Mayor Barrella was on “Eye on Ocean County,” talking about tourism, local option taxes, and budget.
Administrator Riehl: thanked Jenkinsons for opening restrooms for Breast Cancer Walk; meeting Thursday with USDA regarding geese.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD OPENED AT 10:37 PM
James Caulfield, New York Avenue: asked about curb cut.
Craig Jones, St. Louis Avenue: spoke about Lake of the Lillies.
Kristen Hennessy, New Jersey Avenue: spoke about dogs on beach and cleaning of pavers.
Joe Lemma, St. Louis Avenue: spoke about five-minute rule and need for warning lights, read from prepared statement about cameras in town, said he continues to be an outspoken citizen and that others would rather he stop or be stopped.
Bill Knapp, Harvard Avenue: spoke about Lake Louise, revenue, and taxes.
Sean Hennessy, New Jersey Avenue: spoke about Parking Committee, taxi parking on Philadelphia Avenue, parking on southwest corner of Central and Boston Avenues, height restrictions for hedges at intersection of New Jersey Avenue and Route 35S, brush at corner of New Jersey Avenue and Route 35N, and bathrooms at park.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: spoke about Boat Parade, Bike Patrol Officers checking on his house while away, the need for organizations, that host events in town, to notify residents of routes, great job done by Police and Clerk’s offices, regulating music played in early morning, and Bike Ordinance.
Jim Wisniewski, St. Louis Avenue: spoke about Lake of the Lillies
Sharon Cadalzo, Atlantic Avenue: spoke about NPP sponsored adult bike class and ordinance on confiscation of bicycles.
Ben Dispoto, Parkway: spoke about progress with recycling on Boardwalk, the economy, and the need to cut expenses.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD ENDED AT 11:20 PM
Meeting was adjourned at 11:21 pm.
ATTEST: Maryann Ellsworth, Municipal Clerk
