The theater’s proposal sparked debate over the practicality of serving alcohol within the limited space of the venue and adherence to fire safety regulations. The theater is now permitted to serve alcohol in a controlled manner, which could enhance the cultural experience for attendees and provide additional revenue for the establishment.

The budget was a central theme throughout the meeting, with the council dissecting financial strategies and the implications of spending on taxpayers. The passing of the cola ordinance, which sets the Appropriations cap, was a notable topic. This ordinance allows the budget to increase by 3.5 percent and banks any unused portion for two years. The council aims to maintain a 0% increase in other expenses, barring justified requests.

The council also reviewed cost-saving strategies, including adjustments to the budget to reflect a decrease in certain education expenses, an increase in auditing fees, and changes in legal expenses based on prior year trends. They faced the difficulty of balancing the need to fund essential services and infrastructure, like the police station’s HVAC system, with the desire to limit tax increases and manage the town’s debt service responsibly.

During the meeting, the council addressed the upcoming Chowderfest event, a cornerstone of Beach Haven’s community and economic activities. The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce announced their decision to step aside, allowing for a new event that would focus on Beach Haven businesses. Discussions about the event’s logistics covered a range of topics, from financial aspects, such as sponsorships and allocation of funds, to operational concerns, including staffing and obtaining an alcohol permit. There was also mention of the potential inclusion of non-Beach Haven businesses and strategies to ensure that the event is beneficial for the local community.

Moreover, the council tackled several proposed ordinances. These included adjustments to fees for pickleball and tennis, parking regulations on Delaware Avenue, and alcoholic beverage licenses. The discussions were informed by public comments, which supported the changes and raised issues such as emergency vehicle access. In light of these comments, the council voted on the ordinances, considering modifications to address community concerns.

Other resolutions considered by the council included budget appropriations, local recreation improvement grants, national service recognition, and ice cream vending licenses. Of particular interest was the amendment to the scope of work for a skate park improvement grant.

Residents took the opportunity to voice their concerns on various issues. Noise complaints from a local establishment, water accumulation and potential zoning violations due to nearby construction, and inquiries about the lease of boat slips were brought to the council’s attention. The council members acknowledged these concerns.