The council meeting opened with a demonstration of local philanthropy, featuring a presentation of checks from the Asbury Park Fishing Club to various charity organizations, funds raised from their 31st Annual fishing show. The meeting then progressed to a series of special events applications such as the Asbury beer, wine, and spirits Festival slated for June 29th, before transitioning into the more contentious public participation section.

During the public comments, several residents voiced their concerns and opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with many urging the council to adopt a resolution supporting a ceasefire. Community members highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need for peace and justice, and the complexities of the historical and political context of the conflict. The speakers included a college graduate detailing personal experiences with anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, a representative from the Jewish Federation discussing Israel’s standpoint, and various residents from neighboring towns drawing parallels with other global struggles for independence and condemning the violence in Palestine.

One resident from Howell spoke about politicians not representing the people’s interests and called for the council to demand a ceasefire. Another from Middletown criticized the U.S. financial support for Israel, claiming it funded what they termed as “genocide.” A Kenyan resident of Howell drew parallels between Kenya’s and Palestine’s struggles for independence, while a resident of Neptune denounced the actions against Palestinians as “cartoonishly obvious examples of evil.”

In contrast, some speakers, including a representative of the Jewish Federation, offered a different perspective, noting that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire proposal that Hamas had not accepted. They emphasized Israel’s efforts to prevent civilian casualties and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. Another speaker from Lambertville condemned the violence, drawing similarities to Nazi behavior and calling for an end to hostilities.

Apart from the international issue, local matters also garnered attention. The council clarified details about the short-term rental ordinance, which aimed to protect housing stock and address gentrification by ensuring that individuals renting out properties were primarily residents. The public raised questions about the ordinance’s specific provisions and potential financial impacts.

Furthermore, the council introduced the 2024 cap rate ordinance, an annual requirement by the state that allows the city to increase its operating budget by up to three and a half percent. The council emphasized that this does not necessarily mean the city would reach this maximum increase. Other ordinances discussed included those related to land development regulation, property improvement, and neighborhood preservation.

The council also proceeded with regular business, approving appointments to the Code Enforcement Quality of Life Committee and the Housing Authority, authorizing inspections and purchases for various city departments, and addressing resolutions related to the payment of bills and the improvement of city facilities.