Borough of Point Pleasant Beach August 6, 2022
NON RESIDENT TAXPAYER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Held in person at Point Pleasant Beach High School, 700 Trenton Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach.
The Meeting at Point Pleasant Beach High School was called to order at 10:04 am.
The following NRTAC Members were in attendance: Seth Sloan, Vic DeLuca, Keith Sluka, Dominic Barone, Rose Fabiano, John Moschella, Mary McAndrew, Lynne Mortimer, Vince Tomasso, Christy Gonzalez, Jim Schaeffer
The Guest Speakers were Mayor Paul Kanitra, Council Member Mike Ramos, Police Chief Robert Kowalewski, Fire Chief Mike Brodeur, Captain Sabrina Floretti (First Aid Squad), Kristen O’Rourke (Quality of Life Director), John Mele (Borough Engineer), Joanne Platz (Real Estate Broker-Coldwell Banker), Kim Surowicz Allen (Owner/Real Estate Broker for Barefoot Real Estate and Representative for the Chamber of Commerce), Alex Taylor (Marketing Strategist-Jenkinsons), Greg Gradel (Treasurer of the Senior Committee-Golden Gulls)
Vic DeLuca welcomed everyone to the meeting and then introduced the committee chairperson, Seth Sloan.
Seth Sloan welcomed everyone and then explained that the Antrim School was under construction therefore, the meeting was being held at the High School. He then said that the Committee was started 11 years ago under Mayor Barella’s tenure. He gave a special thank you to the Mayor, the speakers, the committee and numerous other people. Seth asked everyone to fill out a survey. And, there was a moment of silence for two members of the Committee that passed Arlene Wrightand Ed Zioty.
Vic then introduced the NRTAC Board members and Mayor Kanitra.
Mayor Kanitra said that he grew up in the Beach, played basketball at the High School and graduated in 1997. His early tenure was during the pandemic but is moving the community in the right direction. He discussed the pop-up parties and said it is important to set the right tone in the early season. We are not going to allow the parties and we are “light years” away from where we were 3-5 years ago. He said he will put resources where they are needed. There are 100 total government employees and he encourages everyone to join committees.
Downtown- The Mayor wants to make PPB a more year-round community. He wants to make it a great experience and a vibrant town. The population is going up as more students are enrolling in the schools. He said we need to add more in the off season and improve the downtown area with more businesses.
Business-The Council started the first Business Improvement District and the Mayor is working with the Chamber of Commerce to improve the downtown area. His vision for the future is that the look and aesthetics match what we want for our clients and customers.
Channel Drive-The town received a $1 million-dollar grant for Channel Drive and he is working with developers on the Fisherman Wharf Project. His vision is to have a high-end working wharf area year round. The Coast Guard purchase is moving along and was delayed due to an archeological survey. He hopes to be in financial negotiations in the next month or two. The plan is to have event space, a historical museum and a meeting place for committees.
New Business-There are some new businesses coming into the community. The town received a $400,000 grant which is being used for pedestrian & bike safety and the intersection of 35 and Arnold along with other locations. Pleasure Park is getting some renovations. They will be getting rid of the old fence and stumps. The town will be replacing pipes and there is now a new rule that when they pave a street, curbs and sidewalks need to be fixed and if a utility comes in and does repair work then they need to repave from curb to curb.
Beach-The Mayor met with Congressman Smith and received money for beach replenishment. Maryland Beach lost 30-40 feet of beach. The Mayor hopes to do the beach replenishment in December.
The Mayor also gave his phone number. He said that you can call or text anytime if you see anyone doing anything illegal or something needs to be fixed.
Council Member Mike Ramos introduced himself. He said this is his first term. He has worked on the Recreation, Open Space and Tourism Committees and he is the former Board of Education President. He said his focus is on the schools and he is the liaison to the Board of Education. Ramos said the Point Pleasant Beach is the number one school district in Ocean County and Antrim and the High School received a distinguished school award that was given to only 500 schools in the world. The technology in the schools are state of the art offerings. The High School also allows students to receive Associate Degrees upon graduation from the High School. PPB schools have a challenging curriculum and small class sizes from 15-22 students in a class with a maximum of 22. It is a Kindergarten thru 8th grade structure. Both schools (Antrim and the High School) have tremendous STEM programs for all students with designated areas for the STEM programs. The schools have comprehensive security monitoring systems and there are limited entrance areas in each building. Every classroom can be locked down within a minute and every classroom has a direct connection to the police station with 1 School Resource Officer and each school has full time fully armed officers the entire day to ensure student safety.
Public Safety-Police Chief Robert Kowalewskiintroduced himself. He was sworn in January 1, 2022 and is a graduate of Point Pleasant Beach High School. He said this year was more challenging as they were not fully staffed. The plan is to fill all of the positions for next year. There will be pedestrian decoys set up to ensure traffic stops for pedestrians. There will be zero tolerance for smoking on the Beach and Boardwalk. If someone is smoking, urinating in public, misbehaving, littering, making noise or walking dogs on the Boardwalk,they will get a summons. He is committed to keeping the Town family friendly. The police will also be looking for people riding bikes the wrong way and riding on sidewalks. Marijuana as all all smoking is illegal on the beach, boardwalk and several other areas.
If you see see any problems, please contact the police immediately, so they can address the issue as soon as possible. He wants to thank everyone for their support.
There are also programs in place so the police can do security checks. Go to the website or speak to officersabout have security checks done at your home. There are two car seat certified safety officers that can assist in putting car seats in your car. Call headquarters and they can make an appointment.
You can register with the police department to allow first responders to enter your house in an emergency. There is a drop box for expired and unneeded medicine in the lobby of the police station. There is also a tip line which can be used for non-emergencies. This is not monitored 24/7.
There is also a Special Needs Program for people with mental or physical needs. You can register at the police station giving vital information to aid first responders when needed. They will ask for contact information, a photograph and registrant’s disability. Contact Lieutenant Daniel or sign up for the program at OCSNRNJ.com.
Fire Department-Fire Chief Mike Brodeur spoke on behalf of the fire department. He said this is a fully volunteer department. They respond to 250-300 calls a year. This is his 39th year with the department. There are two fire stations and they depend of donations for all supplies and equipment. They appreciate all support from the community. His big request is home security. He wants everyone to leave a key to their house with a neighbor or police. There are knox boxes which are secure ways to leave keys. He highly recommends the boxes as they try not to cause damage when there is an emergency. Ring and Nest camerasdon’t see entire properties.
First Aid-Captain Sabrina Floretti spoke on behalf of the First Aid Squad.
She said that this is an all-volunteer squad that relies on donations. Town gave them an ambulance, however, all equipment is paid through donations. The Squad received 1501 calls last year and 1085 were from Point Pleasant Beach. They also service Mantoloking and Bay Head. They put in 23,569 manhours and there are 45 members including drivers, divers, instructors and associate members. There are many types of memberships and they are looking for volunteers.
If you are on medications or have allergies, you should take a picture of your meds and write a list for your wallet and put it in the note section of your phone. There is also the ICE Program.
At his point, Vic asked for a hand raise count of Residents vs Non-Residents and it was estimated that 60% of the attendees were Non Residents and 40% were Residents.
Quality of Life Director-Kristen O’Rourke stated that she started in 2020 in a diverse role. She helps the community with COVID assistance, pothole repairs, problems with insurance, FEMA issues. She is the point person for concerns throughout the community and tries to resolve issues. It is a diverse role where where she works with committees. She works to make the town better with revitalization, economic development and beautification to encourage businesses. Mayor Kanitra stated that Kristen has helped bring in millions of dollars in grants to the community.
Engineer-John Mele the Town and Engineer and Flood Plain Manager helps with day to day issues, grants and works with different county, state and federal agencies. He also works with applicants with planning, zoning and FEMA issues. Two thirds of the Boro is in a Flood Hazard Area and the Town was able to retain our rating of 6 which gives us a 20% discount of flood insurance. FEMA now uses us as an example of how towns can do it right. When doing work on your property, contact John to help you through the process and give you options. It is easier to do it right the first time and he will help you through the process. It can be a daunting process. Call, email or drop by and John will tell you what needs to be done when you are doing repairs and renovations.
Real Estate-Joanne Platz from Coldwell Bank gave a review of real estate statistics for Point Pleasant Beach:
The Sale to List Price 2021-98% 2022-99%
The Sale is closer to the asking price.
Closed Sales 2021-165 2022-116
Due to low level of homes available for sale
It is now taking longer to sell. 2021-38 days 2022- 98 days
The Absorption Rate 2021-2.73 2022-2.15
Less than 3 months of inventory supports a strong sellers market.
Average Home Sale price 2021-$774,098 2022-$899,746
That is a 16% appreciate rate
Kim Surowicz Allen from Barefoot Realty said the market is extremely strong. Prices are leveling off and there are many cash buyers. There are lots of bookings for rentals next year. There were less last-minute renters last summer. There is more movement in year-round people. There is a strong market for winter rentals too. Many are looking for temporary rentals. There is a premium price on annual rentals because people want their children in the schools.
Jenkinsons-Alex Taylor said this upcoming year will be Jenkinson’s 95th anniversary as it opened in 1928. Jenkinsons wants to thank the Police Department, Fire Department, First Aid Squad for keeping everyone safe. This year, Jenkinson’s had their Memorial Day kickoff, Fireworks every Thursday Night, Princess Palooza and Movies Tuesday night. They are always looking for new and creative events.
Chamber of Commerce-Kim Surowicz Allen statedthey have more new and active Board members who want to be involved. The Chamber wants to work together with the Town and the Committees. New to the Chamber is monthly networking meetings that are held alternating breakfasts and happy hours. Everyone is welcome. Some of the Chamber activities are the BBQ Jamfest, Beer event in May, the annual Seafood Festival, Restaurant Tour, Tug of War and Beer on the Boards.
Senior Committee Golden Gulls-Greg Graedel, the Treasurer of the Golden Gulls said this committee was formed a year and a half ago and is funded by Town Council. One third of the full-time residents are seniors. The goal is to help Seniors to age in place. They do activities and received grants from the Fisher Fund and other businesses in the area. The Golden Gulls want to get to know neighbors. It was formed during the pandemic and helped facilitate immunizations. Some of the activities the Committee sponsors are a Luncheon, Easter Fashion Show, Fireworks Boat Cruises, Street Fair, last year they rented a trolley and caroled in the neighborhoods, they went to the Casino, An Ice Cream Social, Bingo at the Elks club, masquarade party, Giving Thanks bingo and holiday party.
The Senior Gulls are also handing out ICE (In case of emergency) packets that will assist the Fire Department, EMTs and Police. It is a magnetic pouch that is put on the refrigerator and a sticker that goes on the window to help first responders know to look for the packet. The packet contains a card for your wallet to write down medications and allergies. There is also a packet for the refrigerator for contact information of doctors, medications and allergies. Packets were distributed after the meeting. They are also collecting names and phones numbers for police to have on file.
Questions-
One Attendee had these comments
1) Concerning Flooding on Ocean Avenue and Water Street near Lake Louise-Will see John Mele after the meeting.
2) Jenkinsons Badges are “outrageously priced”
3) The North End needs Garbage Cans
4) Thank you To the Mayor and Chief there has been tremendous change.
5) North of Arnold Avenue, the streetlights are dim or out.
6) Garbage Cans are needed on Ocean Avenue
7) Weeds on Ocean
8) Kudos on stopping the Pop-Up Parties.
Mayor Kanitra responded to some of the questions:
Reduced flooding has been a priority. Point Pleasant Beach is like a bowl. Certain areas are going to flood. He looked into an additional pumping station, but costs are astronomical. Our infrastructure is really old. It costs $20,000-40,000 for water pipe or other emergency repairs to fix. As the Town repaves, they are putting in clean drains and sewers.
JCP&L asked to change all lights to LEDs. Let the Mayor know where it is dark, and he can ask to increase lumens.
Garbage cans can be added in certain areas.
We will send summons to areas with weeds and if it is not corrected by the homeowner, the town has hired Pfeifer Landscaping and will fine the people to have Pfeiffer fix it if not fixed in a certain amount of time.
The Engineer responded that he is working with the County on the area between Water Street and Lake Street. They went out last year and it is still on the to do list. It will be resolved when they do the road.
Laura on New York Avenue said the Council is doing an extraordinary job. Her question is can people go up to the beach after the beach closes. The Mayor responded that there are certain misconceptions. The Council believes that people were coming after hours having their parties and leaving trash on the beach. It was very disrespectful, and the trash would blow out into the ocean overnight. There was also public drinking. The Mayor said that the beach ordinance will remain in effect as long as he is in office. Jenkinsons is not keeping open all access points. Maryland Avenue, a ramp by the inlet and an area by the Pavilion is open 24/7, for walking and surfing. You can’t sit but you can walk the lateral shoreline and tell the police you are a taxpayer if you are questioned. Fishing surfing, walking and metal detecting are permitted.
The Mayor talked about the Flood Plain Permit and said it is unclear what needs permits for home improvements. If we didn’t adopt this permit ordinance, we would have lost out on a $200-300 each year discount per home. Mayor asked FEMA to give us another chance. They gave us a model flood plain program and we are working thru it. We needed to hire a pertain Flood Plain Ordinance Person. The Building Department is inundated with permits. Mike from the Building Department said there is a Flood Plain Ordinance 80 page pamphlet with all of the information however, around page 40 lists all of the projects that need permits. Mayor Kanitra will make sure the list from page 40 is added to the website.
One attendee said parking is getting more difficult in the bungalow area and people are getting more tickets each year. She was told to talk to restaurants about renting spaces however, the restaurants said they are not allowed to have overnight parking. The Mayor said he will talk to the Council about letting people park in private lots. There is also town wide parking for paid spots on Ocean and inlet. Go to town hall and pay $10 for a permit to park in paid spots on the Inlet and Ocean Avenue. There will also be 6 or 7 new parking spots on Ocean when it is repaved.
Point to Point Shuttle-The Mayor wants it to run and is trying to get approval.
His goal is to get it back.
Crosswalks-The Mayor said we are adding a few more crosswalks but not in the middle of blocks.
Elaine on Griffiths said it is dangerous to cross over to Boardwalk. Pedestrian signs have improved crossings now. She also said sidewalks on Broadway are uneven and difficult to walk on.
Trolley-The Mayor said the Trolley Company went out of business and was run by the Chamber of Commerce.
An attendee asked if open wood burning fire pits are allowed and the Mayor said, yes they are allowed.
An attendee said the Bocci Court is unusable.
Another comment was that Jenks prices are “unreachable”.
Mayor Kanitra said that Fox News was at the Boardwalk yesterday doing a story about inflation and labor costs. He said the prices are good considering how everything is going up. Chicken wings have gone up 3 times, Jenks is covering the increased prices by 50% and labor costs have gone up. We need to pay $20 an hour to get someone to pick up litter. Costs are astronomical. Will ask the engineer to look at the sidewalks on Broadway.
Someone asked, what does an ambulance do if there is an emergency and the bridge is up. Sabrina said sometimes they will hold the bridge however, if the bridge is already in process, they can’t do anything to reverse it. If it is serious, the police will call ahead but can’t always do it for boat safety.
John on Arnold Avenue commended the Mayor and Police Chief for quelling the Pop Up Party. He also wanted to know if we could get a temporary stay to allow the Point to Point shuttle to run. Mayor Kanitrasaid he is trying but needs to be done the right way.
Erica asked John Mele is there is a new policy for minor changes. John said if you are looking to make changes, you may still need a flood plain permit so call the town.
Aquarium-An attendee asked if Jenkinsons has thought about a membership program so you can go more frequently. Alex said he will bring it up to Aquarium management.
If an owner owns a commercial truck, are they allowed to park it on the street overnight? There are ordinances on that come see the code enforcement officer after the meeting.
Radio noise was brought up and the Mayor said if there is a noise issue call the police.
Susan on Ocean Avenue asked about bringing cruise night back. Kim said she tried to bring it back, but the car people did not show up.
The meeting adjourned at 12:01 pm.
