The council deliberated over proposed modifications to the city’s water billing cycle, presented by Tara Mazi. Presently, the annual billing runs from September 1st to August 31st, with payments due by June 1st of the following year. Mazi’s proposal suggested the addition of a second payment coupon for $100, covering four months from September to December 2026. This change aims to streamline computations for final reads and settlements, aligning the water billing cycle with the calendar year for sewer services. While the total annual billing for water and sewer remains at $820, the water component will revert to $831 from the previous year’s $820. The council members emphasized the necessity of clear communication to residents, suggesting the use of the city website, social media, and billing statements to explain that the change is not a rate hike but a reallocation of billing periods. Mazi stressed the importance of clear language to mitigate resident inquiries, and the council agreed to proceed with the changes, pending confirmation from the city’s budget officer that there would be no budgetary implications.

Attention then turned to preparations for an approaching winter storm, with Chief Adams providing an update on the forecast. Initially, snowfall was expected to exceed 20 inches, but this was later adjusted to predictions of 4 to 7 inches, with sleet and rain anticipated to follow. Residents were advised to secure essential supplies and medications, with warnings issued about potential wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour and minor tidal flooding in flood-prone areas. Public safety officials urged residents to stay off the roads to facilitate effective snow removal by public works personnel.

Noise complaints from residents dominated much of the meeting, particularly regarding disturbances from local establishments. The Tequila Bar was a focal point of these grievances, with residents expressing frustration over persistent noise and trash issues. A meeting involving city officials, bar owners, and their legal representatives sought to address these concerns. The bar owners committed to investing $178,000 in new windows to reduce noise and planned to consult with a sound engineer for additional soundproofing. Measures for better trash management were also discussed, including aligning trash pickup with regular city schedules and increasing patrols in the neighborhood to address littering. Despite these efforts, residents remained skeptical, questioning the effectiveness of the proposed solutions and expressing dissatisfaction with the current trash pickup schedule.

In parallel, the council received updates on various construction and development projects. The citywide dredging permit, approved by the Army Corps and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, marked a milestone, facilitating private property dredging under the city’s permit. The Shelter Island project progressed with Green Acres’ approval for alternate pump station sites, moving towards the design phase for bidding. Additionally, the lead service line project continued under active construction, with public outreach efforts underway to inform residents.

The council also discussed traffic and parking concerns, particularly the enforcement of parking violations in loading zones. Residents highlighted inconsistencies in enforcement, with vehicles frequently returning to previously ticketed zones. The city acknowledged issuing over a thousand parking tickets annually during peak season and emphasized ongoing efforts to address these issues.

Financial matters included interviewing candidates for a finance position and exploring shared service options with the county. Contract negotiations with police and fire departments were ongoing, while the city administrator noted upcoming repairs to hazardous outfalls by the Army Corps, expected to commence soon.

Chief Henson highlighted a new e-bike law enacted in New Jersey, which imposes restrictions on users under 16 and mandates insurance, registration, and a motorized bicycle license for those aged 15 to 16. This regulatory change aims to enhance safety following e-bike-related accidents.