The most engaging segment of the meeting was undoubtedly the presentation by ACIT students, who had been challenged to design conceptual plans for an Eco Park on a large tract of land in Ventnor. This land, previously slated for residential development, remains largely undeveloped, offering an opportunity for community enhancement. A representative from the city introduced the project, emphasizing the collaborative effort with AIT and the involvement of Drew Holmes and his staff. The students’ work was presented through a series of detailed slides, illustrating the history, current state, and proposed future of the land.

The students’ designs incorporated various features to enhance accessibility and functionality while respecting the local ecosystem. Kendrick, a student, explained the creation of a booklet summarizing the park’s history, ecosystem, and wildlife, intended as a resource for future visitors. Another student, Oav Martinez, described a proposed entrance adorned with murals and statues representing local wildlife, drawing inspiration from “Glass Beach” to highlight the area’s unique history.

More student presentations followed, each offering a unique vision for the park. Hayden and Joey proposed an outdoor classroom with a clover-shaped design, integrating recycled glass into the trellis structure to promote environmental consciousness. Their design aimed to blend educational elements with the park’s natural setting, fostering a space for learning and community engagement.

The creativity continued with Robert McCra’s sculpture of a “surfer dude” and Sharon Garika Ramirez’s sea bass sculpture, both crafted from recycled materials found locally. Each piece was designed to reflect the cultural and environmental aspects of Ventnor, adding artistic and educational value to the proposed park.

The council showed genuine interest and commendation for the students’ efforts, acknowledging their creativity and the educational partnership’s value. The students received praise for their public presentation skills, with a council member remarking on the high quality of their designs and the effective teaching methods at ACIT.

Following the student presentations, the council proceeded with routine agenda items, including the appointment of two new firefighters, Nicholas LaCava and William Tillis. The mayor expressed gratitude to the fire chief and staff for their support of the new recruits, and a swearing-in ceremony was held to officially welcome them to the department.

Attention then shifted to infrastructure and city services. The council discussed various resolutions, including road closures for community events, a tax refund, and management services for water tower repairs projected to cost $143,000. Additionally, they reviewed the final design and specifications for a lead service line replacement project, highlighting the city’s stance on water safety.

The meeting also covered the renewal of a contract for short-term rental compliance monitoring, emphasizing continuity and potential cost savings with the transition from Host Compliance to Granicus LLC. Furthermore, a change order for the Winchester Avenue bulkhead project was noted.

Public works updates included praise for the Department of Public Works (DPW) following a snowstorm. A council member commended the DPW’s efficient snow removal efforts, highlighting a 24-hour operation to clear streets and ensure public safety. Rick from the DPW detailed the preparation and execution of the storm response, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and coordination, which resulted in no accidents or equipment damage.

The council also discussed a shared service agreement for aerial photography with Eagle View, formerly known as Pictometry, which aids in tax assessments without additional costs to the city. This program was described as beneficial for maintaining updated tax maps, crucial for both re-evaluations and daily assessments.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, though no attendees offered input, leading to the adjournment of the session. As the council prepares for future meetings, the introduction of the city’s budget in March was noted, with ongoing discussions about managing rising expenses.