Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Council Meeting Minutes
September 7, 2021
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
Mayor Kanitra called the regular meeting to order at 7:30PM. Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello and Migut. 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 Vitale to approve the August 17, 2021 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilwoman Byrnes and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut….YEA
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITION:
Point Pleasant Beach Little League Team: Mayor Kanitra presented the proclamation to the team in recognition of their 2021 District 11 Little League Championship for the first time ever. Councilman Santanello also congratulated them.
Point Pleasant Beach High School Varsity Baseball Team: Mayor Kanitra presented the proclamation to the team in recognition of their B-Central Public Championship for the fourth consecutive season. Councilman Cortes also congratulated them.
Hunger Action Month: Mayor Kanitra presented the proclamation to Jim Kroeze, COO of Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean for shining a spotlight on poverty and hunger. Mr. Kroeze spoke about the Fulfill’s organization.
Recognition of New Jersey Coastal Coalition & Manasquan Bank: Mayor Kanitra presented Certificates of Recognition to Tom Quirk, Exec. Dir., NJ Coastal Coalition and Charlene Archer, Manasquan Bank for their generous donation for emergency generators for flood mitigation. He also recognized Floodplain Management Committee Member George Loder.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium 30th Anniversary: Mayor Kanitra presented the proclamation to Cindy Claus, Aquarium Director and staff members, along with African Penguins Checkers (who hatched in 1995 at the Aquarium) and Dassen (Checkers’ daughter, who hatched in 1998).
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Vitale: commended Chief Michigan and staff for keeping residents and visitors safe this summer and shared the Chief’s observations: Officers were tasked with being pro-active and sending a message that PPB would not condone or allow disruptive behavior, even with Gov. Murphy’s new marijuana law that severely restricts Police Officers from interacting with people for smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol in public – they did what was asked of them – mostly saw families visiting town – is proud of his Officers’ efforts – thanked Sgt. Gary Siculietano, PFC Joe Gippetti and PO’s David Marchetti Thomas Hayes and Antonio Garcia for their outstanding performance as Boardwalk Supervisors; are in final stages of Seafood and Elksfest planning – will again partner with local, State and Federal agencies on safety and security – Capt. Kowalewski and Lt. Grace will take over the operational planning; public schools open on Thursday – will have extra Officers to assist in providing safety and security in the area in and around the schools; Councilman Vitale tapped into his social media expertise every weekend and discovering pop-up parties throughout the Jersey Shore – the information was passed on to him and forwarded to the affected Chiefs of those agencies – thanked him on behalf of all the Chiefs of Police he assisted. The Recreation Committee held the past First Friday event in conjunction with the Chamber – it included red, white and blue decorations, games, a great band and perfect weather – thanked the Chamber; the Locals Only Bonfire is this Friday on Maryland Ave. Beach – postcards for entry were sent to residents and taxpayers – will be incorporating tributes to 9/11; the Recreation Committee’s first ever Corn Hole Tournament, called Bags on the Beach will be at Jenkinson’s Inlet on Sept. 25th – more information to come; are finalizing plans for the Tug of War on October 29th and Winter Wonderland on December 11th in Pleasure Park, Military Banners were hung last week – thanked CEF Secretary Mills and DPW Super. Trout for their help – is not too late to get one (Mayor Kanitra: Recreation Committee is killing it and the banners look phenomenal).
Councilwoman Testa: echoed thanks to the Chief and Police – residents were happy – great summer; sadly, her good friend’s wife committed suicide this summer, after trying to get help, leaving 2 high school children (Mayor Kanitra: can make a motion for a resolution to recognize Suicide Prevention Month).
Motion by Councilwoman Testa for a recognition of Suicide Prevention Month was seconded by Councilman Santanello and carried by consent of Council.
(Mayor Kanitra: can send the proclamation to a Suicide Prevention Association) to raise awareness and education, look out for others and not stigmatize people – you never know what people are going through – walk in love; there has been some Beautification flower pot tampering (Mary Steiner: have been a few instances by the Poached Pear end of town – people trying to pull out the plants) if you see it, call the cops (Mayor Kanitra: may have camera coverage in the area) Beautification continues to water and maintain pots and gardens – appreciates the volunteers who giver their time and love what they do – Councilman Cortes is out there with them – are planning for Christmas decorations; the Arts Committee mural is happening at the White Sands – on October 1st, the Arts Committee will sponsor a Sweater Weather event – the Homegrown Festival is on October 24th on Bay Ave. with more information to come – the next meeting is September 13th at Bam Bam Burger; received the needed endorsements for Safe Routes and are in good shape for application – will be meeting about it soon – are close to the finish line.
Councilwoman Byrnes: the Ocean Star article on the electric car event, produced by the Environmental Commission, was very informative and well-written, the Green Team and Environmental Commission met with Robert Duerr, founder of the anti-litter advocacy group, Leave Only Your Footprints, who would like to come and make a presentation; the Shade Tree’s (STC’s)Nominate Your Block program has received applications – 12-15 trees to be awarded this season – DOT has begun work on the pollinator gardens on Rte. 35 and the STC has made recommendations for added trees to improve entrances to PPB – 2 volunteers have picked up water duties, as summer help as left – can only cover about 1/3 of the trees, so they expect some casualties – STC prepared a landscape for JCP&L to dress up their facility on New Jersey and Atlantic Aves. (Mayor Kanitra: suggested that DPW can backfill some of the tree watering; BA/CFO Riehl: will check); Golden Gulls enjoyed had a wonderful fundraiser on the Queen Mary last night – will be meeting with Spa Bella to go over logistics for the Senior Spa Day on October 11th with more details to follow – the Mingle & Jingle event has been planned for December 9th – working on a calendar events for the new year; 2 weeks ago, the fire alarms in here home started screeching – Fire, Police and First Aid arrived in minutes – thankfully, it turned out to be nothing – it was wonderful – is grateful for dedicated volunteers, especially at 7PM on a Saturday (Mayor Kanitra: was on the cruise last night – a great evening).
Councilman Cortes: recognized September employee anniversaries – Christine Riehl 36 years; Joe Michigan 26 years, Tom Hayes 4, Brianna Kingsley 2, Chris Macomber 12, Robert Balzano 1, Kevin Thompson 4, Brian Martin 3; was in the audience at the NRTAC meeting – a great meeting – no one was there for DPW – they are taken for granted – they didn’t quarantine – they are out there in any weather – they are down due to injuries – recognized them as unsung heroes of the town; (Mayor Kanitra: recognized that QOL Dir. O’Rourke, as she left the meeting – great to have her back); the old AWC trailer had to be demolished by DPW; Ocean Ave. Water Project pipe is in being stored in the train lot; contractors are in town digging holes and putting metal splints on the utility poles (Mayor Kanitra: some are leaning pretty bad); in Pleasure Park, one of the tennis court nets is broken and the 2 hoops on the Mickle court are missing chains (BA/CFO Riehl: just replaced them) they are gone – resident sent a picture; there is a social media concern about the height of the swings at the Inlet – DPW Super. Trout will take care of it (Mayor Kanitra: bodes well that the biggest firestorm in town is the height of the swings).
Councilman Santanello: concerned about engineering and attorney bills not yet submitted; are missing the boat on recreational marijuana – Red Bank, the gold standard of revitalization in downtowns, just passed an ordinance to allow it to be sold – 70% of residents voted in favor of it – should be looking at it (Mayor Kanitra: 70% of NJ towns opted out of selling marijuana – thinks that’s an important note; also noted that the Borough Attorney was out sick and on vacation last month).
Councilman Migut: read his thoughts about the AWC – been instructed to cease feeding a 2 cat colony at the trailer, due to DPW complaints, so as not to attract potentially rabid racoons – is cruel and inhuman to discontinue feeding after 11 years – it’s the ton of garbage that would attract racoons to DPW – the AWC has solved the feral cat problem in town – former Committee Chair Arrison, who works professionally for the Monmouth County SPCA, used his special knowledge and resources to save PPB thousands, but resigned last week in frustration over this issue – asked Council to authorized the Borough Attorney to draft an amendment to the ordinance creating the AWC, which allows them to feed and maintain the 2 cat colony at the cat trailer, until the natural termination of that colony – hopes it will cause Mr. Arrison to rejoin the AWC and bring back his expertise and cost savings – will have to hire someone to do what he did for free (Mayor Kanitra: BA/CFO Riehl was going to have a meeting; BA/CFO Riehl: it wasn’t the complaints from DPW – she had a call from Animal Control Officer Muskrat Jack – the Boro had a problem with rabid racoons, their PD put out a press release, as did PPB’s – the cats were being fed in a public yard, where she has a lot of staff – staff were concerned – it’s in a residential neighborhood, a commuter train lot that borders an elementary school – the concerns were brought to her by the professional to cease feeding the cats because it attracts other animals and was exacerbating the problem – she made the decision, thoughtfully, and she brought it to Council and Council was in agreement – are in a pandemic and a rabid racoon situation – was prudent to make it stop – what was insulting to her is, when broached, she was told the AWC was going to do it anyway – is standing by her decision – certainly leaves it up to the Council (Mayor Kanitra: BA/CFO Riehl rarely voices strong opinion in Council meetings – should take that into consideration – he met with Dee and Deb from the AWC and alerted both sides that a solution/compromise is needed – that meeting needs to take place before the Governing Body would consider anything – the Borough Attorney has been involved; Councilman Santanello: is torn – loves animals, but has the utmost respect for BA/CFO Riehl and her decisions – she has a right to make those decisions – doesn’t like that she has felt harassed and bullied – has compassion for the 11–year-old cats – would like a meeting and for BA/CFO Riehl to be treated with the respect she deserves (Councilwoman Testa: feels the same; Attorney Riordan: his concern is that a professional has indicated it is a safety hazard – that’s a problem, should there be an incident, from his point of view – kind of cuts his legs out from under him – doesn’t mean to be critical of Jack – thinks he’s trying to help the Borough, but thinks it leaves the Governing Body in a bad spot) Mr. Arrison is also an Animal Control Specialist who is more contemporary than Muskrat Jack (Councilman Santanello: have 2 people with similar jobs, but different views – suggested Muskrat Jack be in the meeting as well; Mayor Kanitra: yes – he is the town’s representative; Councilman Cortes: Jack said there were 8 confirmed rabies contacts in the Borough and 2 in the Beach, so there is a problem; Mayor Kanitra: the last time there was rabies a kid got bit; Attorney Riordan: and we got sued; Mayor Kanitra: have to take this seriously; Councilman Santanello: Councilman Migut should be in the meeting too – just wants to see the heat turned down and everyone come up with a solution together; Attorney Riordan: doesn’t know how you overrule the professional you hired, by a volunteer; Mayor Kanitra: doesn’t have an appetite to overrule BA/CFO Riehl nor to tell the AWC that the cat needs to starve; Attorney Riordan: are talking about Muskrat Jack – doesn’t see how you overrule him based on the opinion of a volunteer; Councilman Santanello: he is an equal professional, in his opinion; Attorney Riordan: agrees, but Mr. Arrison is not paid to offer opinions for the Borough – his butt’s not on the line like Jack’s is: Mayor Kanitra: suggested a meeting with professionals, then Attorney Riordan should assess what comes out of it and the Governing Body will take that into consideration; Attorney Riordan: for those who don’t know, he has always had, cats).
Debra Harris, 204 Seymour Ave., PPB/AWC Member: had a rabies outbreak 3-4 years ago – been feeding the cats for 13 years c nothing was ever said back then – doesn’t know why all of a sudden now – is not fair to the cats that aren’t being fed – there has to be a solution (Councilman Santanello: everyone comes in with an open mind; Mayor Kanitra: asked about donating money to have the cats re-homed) no – they are old and near the end (Mayor Kanitra: asked that people be open to alternatives and compromise – Council would have a hard time going against the Borough Administrator and Attorney – have to take into strong consideration what they are saying).
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Kanitra: reiterated thanks to the Chief – was still crazy in the spring and now everybody’s happy – a testament to the Police Force, the diligence, sticking to ordinances – that opinion was shared at the NRTAC meeting; there are filthy boards on the Boardwalk between Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Little Macs – grease stained etc. – had asked BA/CFO Riehl to look into (BA/CFO Riehl: located a machine on GovDeals to clean them – $14K – like a scooter with scrubbers – can also be used at the parking lot and at the Inlet – didn’t have time to get in on it, but if it can be found, has Clean Communities money for it) that’s PPB’s hallmark – sends a bad message (Councilwoman Byrnes: garbage cans are a dirty mess; BA/CFO Riehl: they are Jenkinson’s cans in that area – they empty our cans and help out, but the cans do get very dirty) some of their signage is crooked between the rails and sea wall – asked BA/CFO Riehl to asked them to clean it up – but they’ve done a good job this summer (Councilman Cortes: they were probably short staffed); there was stuff on the Internet about beach access points – spoke to Jenkinson’s – Water Street, Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Jenkinson’s Inlet ramps should be open and will be unguarded – people can go on at their own risk; the 9/11 ceremony is this Saturday – encouraged all to come and bring their kids or grandkids – asked that the Ocean Star put something in – a gentleman he went to school with lost his father in the twin towers and he will be speaking at the event, as will the Chief – BA/CFO Riehl has put together a very appropriate event – 8:30AM until about 9:30AM – will recognize when both strikes on the towers occurred; thanked BA/CFO Riehl, his girlfriend Alora, and Chase from the Meerwald for spearheading the Meerwald event – DPW helped – had a lot of volunteers – Red’s Lobster Pot and Jersey Shore BBQ donated food for 165 people – raised $10K and an anonymous donor offered to match it – gives a great ability to re-start the Summer Concert Series next summer, Municipal Alliance Committee, etc.; Meerwald loves PPB – had 400 people tour, gave educational seminars – had an event at the Bay Head Yacht Club as well – they are attracted to the area for a multitude of reasons and the fact that the community showed up to support them – thinks PPB has a great chance of them being home here in the summer.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
BA/CFO Riehl: had an in-person meeting with Ocean Federal – they are closing and will send letters out – sad – has been around forever (Mayor Kanitra: Ocean First Bank has a beautiful art deco facade hiding beneath the exterior – will push whoever buys it to restore it; issued the notice to proceed with Ocean Ave. Water Main Replacement today – have 120 days to completion – will start at the southern end of town and head north – 2 notices will go out on Ocean Ave. – will also be knocking on doors a week in advance and leave brochures about moving cars, etc. – will start within 7 days (Councilman Santanello: asked about parking spots; Mayor Kanitra: actually gaining spots) County had a different calculations (Councilwoman Testa: asked about an opportunity for water lines for residents) the main will be open and exposed – if they get a plumber, they can tie in while it’s open – have some time because that’s more on the north end (Councilman Santanello: hopefully the residents will talk because they’ve done nothing but whine about it for the past 2 years); are opening bids on Thursday for the Water Main Valve Exercising Program; are manipulating the parking lot near The Beanery, by late October, to move spaces to plant a donated forever in-ground tree for Christmas – wanted to wait until after the Seafood Festival; got several calls about only getting one postcard for the Bonfire – it’s one per household (Mayor Kanitra: can also bring a driver’s license or tax or water bill if they don’t have the postcard) printed blanks for those in apartments who won’t get a postcard; revenue through July and into August is very strong – parking revenue is over $2M – Airbnb/Hotel/Motel Occupancy tax is very strong – court is lagging a bit – everyone is behaving so there are not as many tickets (Councilman Cortes: asked about revenue at the south end where the single-head meters were removed) will do separately – little or no complaints; had a call from the GSA – they are finished with their environmental study – asked for authorization to have an appraisal done for the Coast Guard Station (added as 2g) – GSA appraisal should be complete within 30-60 days – will then negotiate a price and work through financing. (Mayor Kanitra: everything is going fantastic).
The Municipal Clerk announced additions to the agenda.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:59PM
Vincent Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: asked about item 1r (BA/CFO Riehl: a sewer line rapid assessment tool – gives ability, by sonar, to ping as sewer line if there is a blockage or breakage; Mayor Kanitra: that’s one of the biggest problems – maybe they have one for storm water as well); asked about 1w and 1x (BA/CFO Riehl: price came down – ordering at lower price and paying 1/2 upon receipt of the pole; Mayor Kanitra: meant to be a landmark on the Boardwalk at the Police substation – will install next year – will fly American flag only); asked about 2c (Councilman Santanello: a memorial for a well-known contractor in town – good friend of his; Mayor Kanitra: mainly in case it rains and they need tents – just a little over their capacity) asked about paving on Boston Ave. (BA/CFO Riehl: need to look at infrastructure/drainage – will clean, video and go out to bid); tipped his hat to the Chief – huge difference – calmer and nicer – looks good and feels good – PD has done a great job (Mayor Kanitra: the Meerwald Exec. Dir. and Capt. overheard people commenting that PPB is going in a great direction and you can still get a house for under $1M here).
Penny Davies, 305 Parkway, PPB/AWC Member: spoke about AWC efforts – read from a statement – have saved the town well more than $100K – a successful model for Trap, Neuter and Release – a fundraiser is coming up at Last Wave on October 12th – asked for support – don’t have Mr. Arrison to do trapping anymore – will have to resort back to Muskrat Jack (Mayor Kanitra: maybe there will be a compromise after the meeting with BA/CFO Riehl).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:06PM
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 #17 ($328,376.52)
1b Approval in increase in work hours from 37.5/week to 40/week for L Hapstak, effective 8/30
1c Memorialization of approval of ABC S/A permit for Bayshore Ctr Fundraiser (AJ Meerwald), 9/4
1d Appt of G McGuckin, P Varga, T McNichols, M Buckley (Dasti/Murphy/McGuckin) Alt Prosecutors
1e Appt of K Stillufsen to fill R Lightburn’s unexpired term as Alt Member of the Env Commission
1f Appt of J Pasola as Uniform Fire Protection backup
1g Approval of payment to State of NJ for active & retiree health benefits ($121,386.96)
1h Approval of payment to 501 Broadway for refund of overpayment of taxes ($9,620.86)
1i Approval of payment to Riggins for no lead fuel for DPW, 8/10/21 ($14,934)
1j Approval of PO to Riggins for no lead fuel for DPW for 2021 ($35K)
1k Approval of PO to Service Tire Truck Center for DPW rims/tires/tire repairs for 2021 ($6K)
1l Approval of payment to Sprague Resources for DPW diesel fuel, 8/17/21 ($5,405.07)
1m Approval of PPBHS PTO Town-Wide Garage Sale, 10/02 (rain date: 10/03)
1n Approval of Jersey Shore Animal Center S/E app for raffle sales on Boardwalk, 9/12-10/9
1o Approval of PO to All Points for tax bill inserts ($3,150)
1p Approval of W/S relief request
1q Approval of payment to All Covered for Dell Latitude-Mechanic Laptop ($976)
1r Approval of PO to Infosense for SL-RAT Standard Package ($26,955)
1s Approval of payment to ATS Env Srvs to replace broken fuel pump ($13,242.72)
1t Approval of payment to Solitude Lake Management for Lk of the Lillies spray ($3,050)
1u Approval of payment to BTMUA for August bulk water usage ($125,316)
1v Approval of title change for J. Woszczak to W/S Laborer with salary adjustment
1w Approval of PO to Acme Lingo Flagpoles for 60’ flagpole for the Boardwalk ($13,860)
1x Approval of pymt to Acme Lingo Flagpoles for 60’ flagpole materials received for the Bdwlk ($6,930)
1y Approval of PO to Hudson County Motors for 2022 Autocar Class B ($178,564)
1z Approval of PO to DETCON for Loadmaster Excel 33 Yd Rear Loader ($96,429.59)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Authorization to auction surplus DPW unleaded gasoline pump on Municibid
2b Approval of LOA for employee #000771946
2c Approval of Food Shack request to hold a memorial ceremony, with fee waiver, on the Bdwlk, 9/19
2d Auth for PPB W/S Utility to enter into Utility Engineering & Construction Agmt UECA-3-RT35
Osborne-153890 with State of NJ
2e Approval of PO to Janitor Supply for 36 pails of enzyme sewer degrease ($4,319.64)
2f Approval of PO to United Ford for 2022 Ford F-350 for DPW ($37,907)
2g Authorization to have appraisal done on the Coast Guard Building
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
3a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($296,601.24)
3b Approval of PO to Fire & Safety Services for repairs to 4305 ($3,514)
3c Approval of pymt to White Box Technologies for 7 additional reports to query for PD ($5,790)
3d Approval of pymt to ClorDiSys Solutions for UV disinfecting lantern/bulbs for OEM ($3,930)
3e Approval of pymt to Wilmac Business Equip for svc/1-yr maintenance renewal for PD ($3,885)
3f Approval of PO to Hutchinson Plumbing for replacement air unit in communication room ($11,150)
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello (except 1f, 2c, 3c, 3e),
Migut (except 1f, 3a, 3b)….YEA
Councilmen Santanello (2f)….NAY
Councilmen Santanello (2c, 3c, 3e), Migut (1f, 3a, 3b)….ABSTAIN
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 9:07PM
Vincent Castin, 15 Trenton Ave., PPB: asked about 3f.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 9:08PM
Motion by Councilman Vitale to close public participation and adjourn was seconded by Councilman Cortes and carried by consent of Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:08PM.
ATTEST: _______________________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
