The council welcomed Brett Morgan from Asbury Fresh Market, who presented plans to bring a pop-up farmers’ market back to Bradley Beach. Having hosted approximately 200 events annually with a network of 8,000 vendors, the organization aims to enrich the community and boost local engagement. Council members showed enthusiasm for the market’s return, highlighting its potential benefits for local businesses and community vibrancy.

Discussions ensued regarding logistics, including vendor parking and market frequency. A council member raised concerns about whether a monthly market would suffice for community engagement, to which Morgan proposed a bi-monthly schedule to better integrate into the community’s rhythm. The possibility of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) arrangements was also explored, with Morgan clarifying that while their organization doesn’t directly offer CSAs, some vendors might. The council expressed interest in strengthening partnerships with local businesses, recalling past collaborations that fostered community support.

The meeting also focused on infrastructure projects aimed at improving beach accessibility. A bond ordinance was introduced, allocating $450,000 for repairs to eroded stairs and ramps, as well as the purchase of new 10-foot wide Moby mats designed to enhance beach access, particularly for individuals with disabilities. These mats are intended to be wider and more porous than current models, allowing for easier maintenance and reduced displacement by wind. The council discussed the possibility of repurposing old mats for events, despite their limited resale value.

In the realm of public safety, the council addressed the implications of recent state regulations on electric bicycles. New requirements include mandatory insurance liability coverage, age restrictions, and a ban on online sales of e-bikes for one year. The police department plans to focus on public education over the next six months to ease the transition and avoid potential fines for non-compliance. These measures aim to enhance safety while accommodating the growing popularity of e-bikes in the community.

Snow removal and parking enforcement during a recent snowstorm were also topics. Approximately 200 parking tickets and 100 summonses for sidewalk violations were issued, with enforcement efforts led by the police department. There was mixed feedback from residents, some of whom noted the lack of prior warnings before ticketing. The council discussed the challenges posed by narrow streets and emphasized the importance of adhering to parking regulations to facilitate snow removal.

Residents raised concerns about the effectiveness of snow removal, particularly on Newark Avenue, where compliance with parking regulations did not result in adequate plowing. The council acknowledged these challenges and encouraged residents to provide suggestions for improvement. The importance of clear communication regarding snow and ice removal responsibilities was highlighted, with the council exercising leniency due to hazardous conditions during the storm.

The meeting also touched on rising healthcare costs for borough employees, with premiums increasing by 37% this year. The council discussed participating in a “difference card” program to potentially mitigate these expenses by allowing self-insurance of certain medical claims. However, the long-term effectiveness of this solution remains uncertain.

Concerns were raised about new EPA legislation affecting coastal zoning laws due to projected sea-level rise, which could impact property values and insurance availability. The council plans to present a resolution opposing the legislation, advocating for further research before any zoning changes are made. They acknowledged the potential adverse effects on over 60% of properties in Bradley Beach and expressed a commitment to working with local legislators on this issue.

The council also discussed updates on the borough’s website redesign to improve communication and accessibility for various committees, including the arts council.