The meeting opened with a discussion about the challenges facing the Union Fire Company, part of the Belmar Fire Department, which comprises three volunteer companies: Goodwill, Hook and Ladder, and Union. Fire administrator Chip Kavanau provided an update on the department’s operations, highlighting that while the department has over 70 volunteers responding to hundreds of calls annually, the Union Fire Company is struggling. Kavanau reported a decline in active membership and training compliance within Union, noting that only two members currently meet the necessary state certifications. This deficiency has led to Union Fire Company responding to just 30 out of 283 calls prior to its suspension in January.

Kavanau stressed the public safety risks of having untrained firefighters respond to emergencies, stating, “It is unsafe to have someone responding to a fire who is not certified… an untrained firefighter puts us all at risk.” He suggested that consolidating the fire companies might enhance operational efficiency and safety. The council engaged with Kavanau, expressing gratitude for the firefighters’ dedication and seeking clarity on training requirements. Discussions revealed that all volunteer firefighters must meet extensive training criteria, equivalent to those required of paid firefighters, with regular drills to maintain readiness. The council expressed interest in the next steps for potential consolidation, noting that any changes would require drafting a new ordinance.

Another topic was the proposal to create a Deputy Business Administrator position. A council member expressed discomfort with voting on the ordinance without sufficient information, questioning the rationale behind the position. The justification for the proposed role was based on observed administrative deficiencies since the beginning of the year, with increasing demands from projects like Verizon towers and infrastructure planning. The current Business Administrator was reportedly overwhelmed, leading to the call for additional support. Financial concerns were raised about the $150,000 annual cost, but another council member argued that this expenditure was necessary for efficient municipal management.

The council debated the necessity of the new position, with some members questioning the need for additional bureaucracy. The discussion included the suggestion to separate the ordinance from the consent agenda for further discussion, acknowledging the need for more administrative help while exploring how best to achieve that.

The meeting also addressed the borough’s EMS situation, particularly regarding shared services with neighboring municipalities. Discussions with Wall EMS about a potential merger were underway, which could offer logistical benefits. The current EMS contract ends at the year’s close, but services were assured to continue into the next year. Concerns were raised about a county EMS program described as “free,” with skepticism about the true cost. The council expressed caution about transferring responsibility to an untested service, stressing the importance of understanding operational costs.

Public comments highlighted additional community concerns, such as the condition of the town’s water tower and dangerous intersections. Residents voiced frustration about traffic issues at 14th Avenue and K Street. Additionally, the council discussed the allocation of donations between active and inactive fire companies and confirmed that checks could specify departments.

The meeting concluded with motions for resolutions on the consent agenda, including establishing marina rates for 2025. The council acknowledged the work done by the harbor commission in setting these rates, with some members advocating for immediate approval to ensure timely implementation. However, concerns about the clarity of rate structures led to debate on whether to proceed without full council awareness.