The work session began with Mayor John A. Peterson Jr. presenting a proclamation to retiring Council Member Ray Almobile, recognizing his nine years of service, military background, and community dedication. Almobile expressed his gratitude to the council and the people of Seaside Park, emphasizing the honor and fulfillment he derived from his service.

Following this tribute, the council turned its focus to beach buggy permits, a topic that has surfaced frequently in recent meetings. The conversation was driven by reports of increased permit issuance to out-of-state residents at nearby Allen Beach State Park, prompting the council to assess the adequacy of Seaside Park’s current permit cap. The existing cap of 250 permits was met with scrutiny, with some members questioning its basis and suggesting a more flexible approach to accommodate rising demand. A proposal to increase the limit to 350 was discussed, with members acknowledging the need for effective enforcement to prevent unauthorized beach access by non-permit holders.

The discussion also touched upon the fee structure, with a consensus to maintain the current $50 fee while exploring the possibility of increasing the number of permits available. The importance of enforcement was emphasized, as council members noted that without adequate oversight, residents might be discouraged from obtaining permits, potentially leading to unauthorized use of the beach.

During the public comment segment, resident Mike Spaterino inquired about the criteria and inspection process for beach buggy permits, expressing surprise at their existence. The council clarified that vehicle specifications are detailed in the permit application, though inspections are not conducted prior to permit issuance. Spaterino also suggested that Almobile’s recognition might have been more fitting at a regular meeting rather than a work session, to which the council responded by confirming that work sessions are indeed recorded for public access.

The session then transitioned into an executive session to discuss contract negotiations, shared service agreements, property acquisition, and personnel matters.

In the regular council meeting that followed, a series of resolutions were reviewed, including the termination of a shared services agreement with the Borough of Lavallette and amendments to agreements with Surf City. The council also addressed adjustments to water and sewer utility accounts and the appointment of an account clerk. A point of discussion arose during the public comment period when Tom Joseph raised concerns about a $135,000 water and sewer bill for a residential property. The council assured him that the resident would only be billed for normal usage.

Another resident, Mike, sought clarification on the roles and responsibilities of fire police, highlighting a related resolution. The council explained that fire police assist in traffic control and safety during fire incidents, operating under the fire department’s jurisdiction. The session also saw Mike Spatino acknowledging the efforts of Diane Ilgrand, co-chair of the environmental committee, and discussing the allocation of residual funds for a water filling station project.