The meeting began with a notable tribute to Captain Fran Msino, a legendary figure within the Brigantine Beach Patrol. The council and community members gathered to celebrate his nearly half-century of service, during which he became known as an unofficial historian and a key figure in preserving the traditions of the Beach Patrol. The mayor recounted fond memories of Captain Msino. Captain Msino was described as a “cheerleader” for the patrol, always ensuring the well-being of those under his charge. In a touching moment, the mayor shared an anecdote about Captain Msino’s unique approach to discipline, balancing rigorous training with the importance of equipment care, which won him admiration and respect.

A proclamation was read, detailing Captain Msino’s achievements and his profound impact on the community. In response, Captain Msino expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the support he received from his family, friends, and colleagues over the years. He vividly recalled his upbringing in South Philly and summers spent in Brigantine, crediting his grandparents for bringing the family to the area. Captain Msino’s reflections highlighted the camaraderie within the beach patrol, affirming, “We’re not going anywhere,” and underscoring the deep bonds formed over decades of service.

Following the tribute, the council addressed several significant infrastructure projects. One key project discussed was the lead line replacement in phases 9 and 10, with a contract awarded to Route 24 Plumbing for $997,947. The project involves contractors digging test pits on properties to assess compliance and potentially exclude certain properties from needing line replacements. This step reflects a systematic and ongoing effort by the council to address lead line issues, a project that has been evolving over several years.

Another topic of discussion was the Eastore playground project, with the council authorizing an application to the hazardous discharge site remediation fund to ensure the area is free from contaminants. The council swiftly approved this resolution.

The meeting also covered the outdated irrigation system at Brigantine Golf Links, particularly for holes 10 through 18. The council approved a contract with Middletown Sprinklers Company for $1,839,450 to replace the aging system. This project is deemed necessary due to frequent system breaks and the rising costs of maintenance. The council emphasized the importance of a reliable irrigation system for the golf course’s upkeep and noted that the project’s funding would be distributed over two tax years to manage expenses.

In addition to these infrastructure projects, the council addressed the creation of an informative website in collaboration with H2M, aimed at providing residents with access to accurate and updated information on ongoing projects. The website will feature educational materials, interactive maps, and property-specific data to ensure transparency and keep the public well-informed.

The meeting concluded with public comments, where residents expressed gratitude for resolved community issues and raised concerns about the public comment procedure. One resident, John Johnson from Coil Beach Drive, thanked John Doring for resolving a long-standing issue with fire access and lighting, while another resident suggested changes to the public comment process to encourage more community participation.