The session began with an important discussion surrounding the future of the old pump station on Ocean Avenue. The council has been awarded a $50,000 grant to explore the transformation of this underutilized building into a community facility featuring permanent restrooms and a concession area. The council considered several design proposals emphasizing the need for accessibility and conformity with local aesthetics. The proposed layout includes restrooms equipped with baby changing stations and a concession stand for snacks and beverages.

Public feedback was a componet of this discussion. Several residents requested the inclusion of a family bathroom to better accommodate parents with young children, especially those visiting the nearby playground. This suggestion was met with agreement from several council members who acknowledged the importance of catering to families. Additionally, there were concerns about the potential impact of a concession stand on existing local businesses, particularly Lily Ice Cream, which currently holds a lease in the area. This raised questions about the fairness and logistics of introducing a new concession stand, with some residents citing past community opposition to similar projects.

The topic of restroom heating was also debated, with some council members advocating for year-round access to restrooms, potentially requiring heating solutions to be factored into the design. A broader timeline for the project was discussed, with the need to finalize designs and secure necessary permits, especially concerning unexplored underground storage tanks.

In addition to the restroom project, the meeting also addressed branding and marketing strategies for Bradley Beach. The council is working to unify the town’s visual identity, focusing on a new logo featuring the town’s iconic gazebo. This initiative aims to distinguish Bradley Beach from other coastal towns that commonly use seashells and waves in their branding. The logo design process involved several iterations to ensure clarity and effectiveness across various applications, including its potential use on municipal vehicles and promotional materials.

Public input on the branding effort was varied, with some residents expressing dissatisfaction with certain design choices, such as the exclusion of local school branding and the emphasis on the gazebo. Others praised the collaborative effort and the simplicity of the new design. The council remains committed to refining the logo to ensure it meets community expectations and effectively represents the town.

Financial management was another key topic. A recent resignation of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Barrett, due to disagreements over payroll calculations, was discussed. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of financial data and the professionalism of handling these matters. The new CFO, Janette Larrison, is tasked with reviewing past financial practices and ensuring the integrity of the borough’s financial management. The mayor reassured attendees that while a full audit is not planned, steps are being taken to verify the accuracy of previous expenditures.

In response to public comments, the council addressed various community concerns, including parking regulations and zoning violations related to local businesses. Residents expressed frustration over ongoing issues with parking facilities, exacerbated by changes in state regulations affecting outdoor dining and business operations. The council acknowledged these challenges and emphasized their commitment to finding solutions within the constraints of state laws.

The meeting also saw the introduction of several ordinances and resolutions, including changes to pet waste definitions and parking regulations. A new Park Mobile system was discussed as a replacement for traditional pay stations.

Finally, the council highlighted community events and initiatives. These included the celebration of a resident’s 100th birthday with a fire truck procession and plans for a business town hall to support local enterprises.