The allocation of the Community Development Block Grant, aimed at ADA accessibility enhancements, sparked a debate among council members. The grant is federally funded through Ocean County and must be utilized for retrofitting existing structures or facilities to be ADA compliant. The council deliberated on various potential projects, such as retrofitting ADA corners along Bay Avenue, installing handrails, acquiring a gator (all-terrain vehicle), and procuring ADA-compliant playground equipment. Opinions differed on fund allocation, with some members advocating for a focus on curb cuts, while others favored a more comprehensive approach that included multiple initiatives. Concerns were also raised about the repercussions of these projects on the historic district, prompting a request to delay a related ordinance until additional advice was obtained from the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission attorney.

The council engaged in a meticulous review of financial updates provided by Treasurer Sherie Bowler, covering cash receipts and disbursements across municipal accounts. Subsequently, the council pondered over an ordinance to amend chapter 212 zoning, which deals with permitted modifications and exemptions within the borough code. Again, the impact on the historic district was at the forefront of the conversation. The Borough Engineer and Phil Reed concurred that certain exemptions should not be granted, emphasizing the necessity for uniformity throughout the town. The council agreed to seek further insight before arriving at a resolution on these issues.

Another topic was the exemption of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) from particular building restrictions. Councilwoman Colleen Lambert flagged the potential financial strain due to the higher cost of building materials in the historic district and proposed that a legal opinion be sought. Although there was debate over the procedure of moving ordinances to agenda meetings, the council decided to proceed with a first reading at the next meeting.

The consent agenda brought up Resolution 27, which involved a shared service agreement with Ocean County for Schedule C. This item was removed after project costs exceeded expectations. Other consent agenda items, including the authorization for the borough to solicit bids for water and sewer department parts, passed without further discussion.

The approval of a bill list totaling $55,977.29 gave way to discussions on draft ordinances concerning construction and landscaping noise on major holidays and the requirement for site plan approval for certain structures. Councilwoman Jaime Baumiller highlighted the importance of family time during the holidays, while other members called for a stronger role for the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC).

A debate on the riparian mooring exemption ensued, focusing on boats moored at West and Pearl Streets. Councilwoman Lambert opposed permanent pilings, expressing her apprehension about increasing the area’s popularity and potential overcrowding. Councilwoman Catherine Snyder suggested maintaining the current mooring arrangements, whereas Councilwoman Baumiller backed the idea of removing the two-hour mooring limit. Mayor Nancy Taggart Davis and Councilwoman Lambert discussed the fairness of the exemption.

The council grappled with establishing rules for boat tie-ups along the waterfront property, noting the absence of regulations and the safety and liability risks involved. The enforcement of the two-hour mooring limit was contested, with some members proposing an exemption for specific areas as a temporary measure. The suggestion of selling the waterfront property to adjacent residents was mentioned but noted as unappealing to the residents themselves.

Regulating boat activity emerged as a concern, particularly in response to complaints about indecent behavior off the sides of boats. The council considered adopting a temporary plan to regulate mooring until a permanent solution was found. One public participant cautioned the council to seek advice from an attorney with expertise in admiralty law to avoid legal repercussions for the borough.

Emergency services, including the Beach Haven Fire Chief and the First Aid Squad, presented reports. The Fire Chief announced a new Junior Fire Program to recruit and educate young volunteers in fire science and public safety. The First Aid Squad reported an increase in call volume and the need for sustained support.

Public comments touched on various issues, such as the regulation of boat mooring, holiday construction activities, and the establishment of clear rules to secure the borough’s safety and limit liability. One resident suggested municipal slips for clamming and oystering boats as a solution to the mooring dilemma.