The council’s discussion on Resolution 173, which endorsed the housing element and fair share plan adopted by the Beach Haven Land Use Board, was marked by discontent with state-imposed affordable housing mandates. Council members voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that these mandates place undue burdens on municipalities, lacking financial support from the state for homeowners. Mayor Colleen Lambert remarked on the state’s lack of responsiveness to municipal concerns, highlighting ongoing issues with a building providing fair share housing. Another council member criticized the state’s program for failing to consider the specific needs of different municipalities. Despite these grievances, the council voted in favor of the resolution, recognizing the challenges imposed by state requirements but also acknowledging the necessity of compliance.

Traffic management was another focal point of the meeting. The council considered a proposal to make 8th Street a one-way street to alleviate congestion and enhance safety in a busy area. The Chief of Police advocated for this change, citing the current chaos at intersections due to two-way traffic and the merging of lanes. He suggested that a one-way designation would streamline traffic and improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers. The council also discussed the need for synchronized traffic lights to improve flow, with a member noting the inadequacies of current light timings. It was confirmed that new traffic lights, set for installation next year, would address these synchronization issues. Additionally, a proposal to synchronize traffic lights at intersections like Angleside and Center Street was discussed.

The council moved through several ordinances and resolutions without public input. Ordinance 202516C, amending water provisions, and Ordinance 202517C, amending sewage and sewer utility regulations, were both approved unanimously after no public comments were received. The consent agenda included notable items such as establishing fees for sewer parts, authorizing the sale of surplus property, and permitting the police department to participate in a Department of Defense equipment program. The council also reappointed Sherry Mason as local registrar of vital statistics and borough clerk, authorized a shared service agreement with Long Beach Township for healthcare referral services, approved a grant application for road reconstruction, and acknowledged the hiring of Jen Cella as part-time recreation coordinator.

Security concerns for private businesses were discussed, with support initially shown for a security initiative later reconsidered after discussions with local businesses like 7-Eleven and Skooners Wharf. The council encouraged businesses to employ staff for oversight during peak times, rather than hiring off-duty police officers. The idea of loss prevention officers, similar to those in larger retail establishments, was mentioned as a potential solution to theft issues, particularly involving children. The council emphasized the importance of not imposing burdens on businesses, preferring to motivate them to take proactive measures.

The visibility of police presence in business areas was raised as a concern by some business owners, despite efforts to coordinate around busy holidays. The need for more visible security measures, though not mandated, was highlighted. The Chief of Police reiterated the limitations of police resources, emphasizing that the department’s duty is to serve the community broadly rather than focus solely on specific businesses. Previous practices where businesses hired their own security were referenced, along with current security measures some establishments had taken.

During the public comment segment, no attendees expressed concerns, either in person or via Zoom. Council members shared remarks, with one expressing gratitude for the maintenance of beaches and acknowledging mixed results from recent beach replenishment efforts. The beaches were noted to look good despite not expanding as much as hoped. A reminder was issued about the Fourth of July holiday, urging community members to respect curfews and emphasizing the police department’s preparedness for increased activity during the holiday period.