The meeting’s most urgent concern revolved around the significant beach erosion at the northern end of the island. Council members and township officials had recently met to assess the situation, utilizing drone footage to document the visible damage, particularly during high tide. The erosion poses threats to safety and property integrity. The council discussed plans for a dredging project to mitigate coastal erosion, with potential collaboration with New Jersey Transit and the option of sand pumping from the bay. The mayor and other officials expressed optimism about engaging local stakeholders for support. A partnership with engineering firms to apply for a grant aimed at stabilizing the shoreline was also highlighted, with hopes of securing funding to address the erosion comprehensively before the summer season.

Closely following the beach erosion issue, the council engaged in a discussion about the layoff of Personnel Officer Gary DeMarzo. A resolution had authorized labor counsel to submit a layoff plan to the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The resolution to implement the layoff plan was motivated by the decision to redistribute DeMarzo’s duties among other employees or contracted agents, rendering his position unnecessary. The council confirmed that DeMarzo would continue to receive his salary until the layoff became effective, with provisions for serving remotely on an as-needed basis. The resolution also relieved him of other roles, including Municipal Housing Liaison and Seasonal Parking Code Enforcement Officer. The decision received approval with four votes in favor and one abstention.

The council also grappled with financial difficulties following a loss of $645,000 in state funding, which has led to a proposed increase in the tax levy. A discussion on the 2025 budget highlighted the introduction of Ordinance Number 1. The ordinance was unanimously introduced, with a public hearing set for April 14. The council considered potential cuts to capital projects to manage the necessary spending increases resulting from the funding shortfall. Additionally, there was a consensus to explore new revenue streams, including a proposal to impose fees on short-term rentals. This suggestion was made with the belief that tapping into the transient tourist market might compensate for the funding gap. However, no definitive actions on these proposals were taken during the meeting.

Public comments further illuminated procedural concerns, as resident Natalie N raised questions about the council’s voting process on a bills list from a previous meeting. She sought clarification regarding a “script” mentioned after the vote, which the council explained resulted from a conflict of interest related to invoices from former Township Counsel Norman Briggs. The situation underscored the importance of transparency and adherence to ethical governance.