The most pressing discussion revolved around the boulevard construction affecting both Beach Haven and Long Beach Township. Council members and residents expressed significant frustration with the slow progression of the project, particularly as it impacts road safety and local businesses during the busy summer season. A council member articulated, “my poor car has seen many alignment issues in the past five years,” echoing the sentiments of residents experiencing similar difficulties. The council’s recent meeting with the county revealed that the installation of new lights would not be completed before Memorial Day, with a pause in work until the fall. This raised questions about pedestrian safety measures and the overall impact on local commerce during peak tourist months.

County engineer Mark Jenkee assured the council that all trenches would be restored. However, specifics about the completion of safety bumpouts remained unclear, with a shift from brick to concrete construction raising further queries. Concerns over the lack of visible progress were voiced by both council members and residents, highlighting a disconnect between the county engineer and the contractor. A resident, Scott Cunningham, pointed out, “12 days ago they ripped up the corners at 9th Street and Taylor Avenue,” and noted no workers had been seen, illustrating his point about potential pedestrian hazards. His comments, “we need to light a fire under the county engineers,” underscored the urgency felt by the community to address delays and safety concerns.

Public comments reinforced this discontent, with residents indicating a feeling of helplessness in expediting the project. One resident remarked, “our hands are tied,” expressing frustration with the limited influence they have over county-level decisions. The council acknowledged these concerns, encouraging citizens to contact the county directly to amplify their voices, agreeing that such actions “can’t hurt at this point.”

In fiscal matters, the council introduced the 2026 municipal budget, reflecting a 7.28% increase from the previous year, totaling $17,387,797.25. The budget set the amount to be raised by taxation at $9,535,712.33, with a proposed 1.5 cent increase in the tax rate. Key factors contributing to the budget increase included a significant rise in insurance costs, notably a 14% increase in liability and a 25% increase in group health insurance. Council members expressed concern over these financial pressures, acknowledging the challenge of balancing the budget while relying more heavily on surplus, which funded 29.5% of the budget this year.

A notable ordinance discussed was Ordinance 2026-6C, which amends the borough code to prohibit pickleball play at municipal tennis courts. Despite the lack of public comments during its final reading, the ordinance had been a topic of prior discussion among council members. It was unanimously passed.

The meeting also included a review of the borough’s financial reports for March, with cash receipts and disbursements presented for both the current fund and utility accounts. The council unanimously approved a bill list totaling $4,438,344.60, attributing the amount in part to high insurance costs. Additionally, the council addressed the borough’s bond anticipation notes, noting a high S&P rating for its temporary financing, seen as a positive step towards attracting more competitive bids.