The proposed new bandshell aims to replace the existing gazebo, becoming a focal point for concerts and cultural events. The design features a 25 by 30-foot structure with a concrete foundation, solar panels, and hardscaping for memorial bricks. The council’s response to this development was positive, with recognition of the committee’s contribution to the city’s beautification efforts and acknowledgment of the bandshell’s potential as a new landmark for Ventnor.

Another topic that captured the council’s interest was the community solar project on the roof of Ventnor Plaza. Aimed at providing solar energy to low and moderate-income households, the project would utilize the plaza’s roof space for installing solar panels. This initiative is expected to reduce electric bills for participating residents, with the council expressing its support for the benefits it could bring to the community and the environment.

The council discussed an application for a grant to fund these improvements and emphasized the urgency of addressing the pickleball courts’ condition. Mayor Lance B. Landgraf, Jr. and the council members were vocal about the importance of timely action, considering temporary solutions to ensure the courts are ready for use in the upcoming spring and summer seasons, pending the outcome of the grant application.

In line with supporting community involvement, the council heard a presentation from the Green Team about an event with Doug Tallamy, a New York Times bestselling author focusing on indigenous plantings. The council showed support for this initiative, discussing the signing of a contract for the event space. The event is to be funded through donations, with the city providing a certificate of insurance for the rental space.

The council also paid tribute to the long-time service of Jimmy Agustino, who is retiring after 34 years. Mayor Landgraf and council members expressed their gratitude for Agustino’s contributions to the city in roles related to construction, zoning, and code enforcement.

Further discussions revolved around the introduction of ordinances and resolutions. These included an ordinance to amend and supplement vehicle and traffic articles, specifically focusing on loading zones and parking meter zones. A public hearing was held for a budget ordinance, which sets the municipal budget cap, and for amendments to vehicle traffic ordinances related to parking meters. Both were adopted without public comment during the hearings.

A series of resolutions were passed by consent, addressing tax abatements, community center deposit refunds, and authorizations for various projects and emergency repairs. These included utility construction, water and sewer system repairs, and the approval of a coordinator for random alcohol and drug testing.

The council also authorized the bidding process for professionals to develop a conceptual Eco Park and addressed the need for emergency repair waivers for the HVAC system at the community building. The authorization of the second half of the contract with an architecture firm for the bandshell construction was approved.

Public engagement was evident during the meeting’s public comment session. Residents participated both in the chambers and via Zoom, with a particular focus on the grant for recreational improvements and the timeline for the pickleball courts. The council addressed residents’ concerns and acknowledged the assistance offered by the VPAC committee to facilitate the projects.

Administrative matters included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and the approval of bills and payroll, with the payables and payrolls for the period being stated and approved after a roll call.

Safety reports and announcements featured updates on snowstorm preparations and responses, a reminder of the upcoming tax due date and grace period, and information on purchasing beach tags online. Mayor Landgraf extended thanks to the staff for their efforts during recent emergencies.