The meeting also featured an in-depth financial workshop, led by the borough’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who presented the finalized 2023 audit and introduced the 2024 budget. The audit revealed a fund balance of $1.3 million for the current fund, $726,000 for the beach utility, and $1.88 million for the sewer utility. However, it identified 11 comments, nine of which were repeat issues. The CFO outlined a corrective action plan to address these issues, focusing on future improvements rather than past errors. The proposed 2024 budget for the current fund was set to rise from $11.4 million to $11.9 million, with an estimated tax levy increase of $229,000. A public hearing was scheduled for June 5 to allow residents to voice their opinions.

Another topic of concern was the approval of individual resolution 2025-150, pertaining to the demolition of the Methodist Church on Lorraine Avenue. The council discussed disparities in the bids submitted for the demolition, with costs for site preparation and cleaning varying significantly. Oversight from CME engineers was planned to ensure environmental controls during the demolition process, and a public auction for artifacts from the church was announced.

The council also focused on outdoor dining arrangements for local restaurants, approving resolutions for Marendola’s and Pagano’s UVA to serve food and beverages in designated parking areas. However, the resolution for Darcy’s Cavern was more contentious due to zoning law violations and community feedback.

In the public comments section, residents raised concerns about parking issues, particularly related to a restaurant known as Darcy’s. Business owners emphasized the negative impact of inadequate parking on the area’s vibrancy, urging the council to address these challenges. Discussions included the need for fairness in decision-making and the potential removal of outdoor structures to increase parking availability.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure improvements, particularly the sewer line on Ocean Park Avenue, described as requiring immediate attention. The Department of Public Works was involved in maintenance work, with a planned camera inspection to identify issues within the sewer system. Additionally, the council approved a resolution to engage Suburban Consulting Engineers for a grant application related to the borough’s sanitary sewer infrastructure replacement project, with potential funding of up to $6 million.

Community initiatives were also on the agenda, with plans for a birthday celebration for a local resident and a ceremony honoring former mayor Julie Shrek. The Shade Tree Commission and Tourism Commission provided updates, including plans for Arbor Day activities and the fifth anniversary of the green fair. The council emphasized collaboration and transparency in addressing local issues, with a focus on improving services and engaging residents in community events.