A focal point of the meeting was the exploration of funding opportunities for dredging projects in Belmar, with a particular emphasis on collaboration with county officials. The council acknowledged the potential to receive up to a million dollars from the county, contingent upon the successful alignment of plans and resources. The dredging initiative, integral to the town’s infrastructure maintenance, requires sediment testing to determine contamination levels. Contaminated sediment would necessitate landfill disposal, whereas clean sediment could be repurposed for enhancing riverbank habitats. This project aims to address historical water management issues, including those exacerbated by Hurricane Sandy.

The council members expressed a keen interest in securing feedback on dredging plans and collaborating with the Army Corps of Engineers, who have previously provided recommendations for such activities. A grant application is in progress with Montclair University and other towns, hinging on securing the Army Corps’ endorsement.

Another topic was the planning of environmental stewardship and community engagement activities. The council discussed the organization of a bay cleanup event, scheduled for April 25th, in collaboration with the Shark River Cleanup Coalition. This event is part of broader efforts to promote sustainability and community involvement. Participants will gather at Memorial Park in Neptune City before dispersing to various cleanup sites, including Belmar. Previous successful cleanups, despite logistical challenges such as difficult terrain, were noted as valuable community-building activities.

The council also highlighted the upcoming workshop focused on native plant integration and environmental awareness, scheduled for April 26th. This initiative aims to foster community interest in sustainability and promote the use of native plants in local projects. The workshop will feature a presentation by Jason Goldman, a naturalist and garden designer, followed by a Q&A session. The event will host various organizations dedicated to sustainability, although participation from food-related groups remains a challenge.

Further discussions centered on the conditions and potential improvements for McClary Park. Concerns were raised about the park’s wooden bulkhead, which is in disrepair, and the potential hazards it poses. The council considered applying for grants to address these issues, with a focus on planting native species to stabilize eroding areas and improve public access. A subcommittee involving residents and local experts was proposed to facilitate planning and funding processes for park improvements. The council emphasized the importance of a collective community effort to generate enthusiasm and drive further initiatives.

The council also delved into preparations for an upcoming energy audit, scheduled to take place over two days. This audit will provide specific recommendations and a cost-benefit analysis for energy-saving measures. Feedback from emergency services, including the fire and police departments, has already informed the energy plan, which will undergo public comment on May 14th. This process is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy conservation across town buildings, with a particular focus on stalled lighting projects and gym upgrades.

Additionally, the council discussed logistical aspects related to the workshop setup at the pavilion, with plans to arrive early for organizing chairs and tables. Safety during the setup was emphasized, along with the need to communicate exact timings to all participants. The importance of promoting local businesses amid rising gas prices was also highlighted. A member urged residents to support local food and activities, noting the availability of local honey as an appealing point of interest.