The council’s primary focus was on Resolution 24176, which proposed an emergency appropriation of $125,000 to cover additional legal expenses. The funds are needed mainly due to litigation involving affordable housing. The Mayor explained the necessity of the appropriation, noting that initial budget forecasts had been exceeded, requiring adjustments to ensure the borough could continue to pay its legal fees. The Chief Financial Officer will manage the reallocation of funds from unused line items.

Questions arose about the source of the reallocated funds and the sufficiency of the current appropriation for the rest of the year. The Mayor reassured that the funds would cover anticipated expenses and emphasized the importance of the appropriation, warning that without it, the borough could be left unrepresented in legal matters. Looking ahead, the Mayor expressed optimism that legal expenses would decrease after third-round approvals, reducing the need for similar appropriations in the future.

Another discussion involved recent changes in state law regarding tree removal on private property. The Mayor informed the council of the new requirement for permits to remove any tree on private property, which will increase permit applications and necessitate amendments to local ordinances to comply with state mandates.

Council members shared updates on various community events. Councilwoman Donovan announced a townwide garage sale, with registration already closed, and mentioned that lists of participating homes were available on social media. She also highlighted an upcoming meeting for the tourism commission and expressed excitement about new ideas from the New Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Donovan reported on the Environmental Commission’s engagement with residents around Silver Lake, noting improvements in the lake’s condition and a reduction in the geese population. She invited residents to the Belmar Cornhole Tournament, a fundraiser for the softball field, and promoted the Run for the Fallen event, which honors fallen heroes.

Councilwoman Kenny announced a free concert hosted by Delmar Cares in support of breast cancer initiatives and mentioned ongoing youth program sign-ups. She also provided details for the annual trunk-or-treat event, which will take place at Dempsey Park. Updates from local schools included workshops at Belmar Elementary focused on digital dependency and mental health, as well as various events at St. Rose grammar and high schools.

The meeting also included a strong emphasis on community events and public programs. Residents were encouraged to enroll in the property tax relief program known as Anchor, which provides financial assistance to New Jersey residents who own or rent property. The deadline for enrolling is November 30th, with benefits ranging from $1,000 to $1,750 depending on income levels and age. Information regarding this program is available online at anchor.nj.gov.

The Belmar Public Library celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with several events, including a Latin dance party featuring The Rafa Boys and a Hispanic heritage field day. Additionally, the library is hosting a discussion about the Off-Broadway musical “Coyote,” led by Belmar native Tim McCor. Further details are available on the library’s website.

The Belmar Housing Authority highlighted the anticipated community funding grant from Congressman Smith’s office, expected within four weeks, which will support facade work for local buildings. The borough has also initiated a Military and Veteran Banner program to honor local veterans, inviting residents to submit applications and seeking sponsors for those who may not afford them.

The Belmar Historical Society announced a free event on the impact of railroads on tourism at the Jersey Shore, featuring a presentation by an adjunct history professor. This event is part of a broader effort to engage the community in local history.

During the public session, a resident raised concerns about the increased costs of beach badges for the next season, stating, “we didn’t make more money; we just charged people more.” The discussion shifted to police conduct, with a resident expressing discontent regarding an incident involving excessive force by a police officer, drawing parallels to broader issues of police conduct in the community. In contrast, another resident expressed gratitude to the Belmar police and Emergency Medical Services for their prompt assistance following a personal injury incident, illustrating complex community sentiments regarding local law enforcement.

Concerns about affordable housing issues were also discussed. A resident urged the council to ensure regulatory compliance for intervenor properties located in the coastal area. They emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations surrounding residential development and cautioned against signing agreements incorporating plans that could conflict with state-approved plans.