One of the standout moments of the meeting was the presentation by representatives from the New Jersey Intergovernmental Insurance Fund. The city was awarded a safety plaque and a check for its adherence to safety practices in 2022, which acknowledges the collective efforts of the city’s officials and staff.

Community involvement featured prominently in the meeting, with several residents voicing their concerns about the redevelopment plan for the property on Memorial Drive. Key issues raised included the potential impact on traffic patterns, a perceived lack of engagement in the decision-making process, and calls for greater transparency from the city. The public hearing and vote on the redevelopment plan were tabled until the May 8th meeting, allowing more time for discussion and consideration of the community’s input.

The West Side Community Center was brought into focus by a resident who highlighted the need for financial support from the city. The resident emphasized the importance of assistance with building maintenance and program funding. In response to this and similar concerns, the council suggested exploring alternative funding sources and organizing fundraising efforts due to financial constraints faced by the city.

Road maintenance was another issue that residents were dissatisfied with. A resident questioned the decision-making process for road repairs, to which the council explained the challenges, especially the additional costs associated with sewer line replacement.

Accountability for property development and the use of funds for the boardwalk area also came under scrutiny. Concerns were raised about the lack of consequences for defaulting on development agreements and the need for oversight to ensure the proper use of funds and materials. The council acknowledged these concerns and expressed a commitment to exploring all available options to address the situation.

Apart from these issues, the allocation of funds for the Paramount Theater and other properties was discussed, with concerns about oversight and the city’s say in how the funds are utilized. The risk manager’s report showed substantial taxpayer savings since 2016, credited to positive claims trends and collaborative efforts.

Transparency of meetings and notifications for the 121 Memorial development project sparked a debate among council members. They reviewed past notifications and expressed differing opinions on the level of transparency that had been provided.

The council approved various resolutions, such as the appointment of muralists for the wastewater treatment plant, the purchase of equipment for the Fire Department headquarters, and the acquisition and installation of playground equipment. Moreover, an amended complete streets policy was adopted for the city, and a new member was appointed to the planning board.

The meeting also saw the introduction of ordinances related to the city’s environmental and urban planning initiatives. An ordinance requiring lead-based paint inspections for residential rental dwellings and another regarding short-term rentals were discussed. A special assessment for infrastructure improvements in the Asbury Park Waterfront Redevelopment area and a financial agreement with a specific property were also covered.

The council gave considerable attention to an ordinance prohibiting single-use plastic bags. This ordinance is part of the city’s efforts to tighten environmental regulations, in line with the Green Team’s recommendation.

Another environmental initiative discussed was an ordinance related to the rules and regulations of the Shade Tree Commission. The ordinance, aimed at mitigating stormwater management through tree preservation and replacement measures, was adopted after considerations of effective communication to residents and ensuring proper funding for tree planting.

Lastly, a capital ordinance for roof replacement was introduced and adopted, and a discussion took place regarding the installation of a split rail fence around a rain garden, with the council requesting more information on the feasibility of this addition.