02:36A key aspect of the meeting was the public commentary, which revealed deep divisions between the council’s intentions and the residents’ perceptions. A resident, Fralitki, questioned the expedited nature of the ordinance introduction and articulated concerns about the undue burden on homeowners, arguing that the annual removal and reinstallation of dune fencing could harm the dune ecosystem. Fralitki also raised issues with the requirement to water newly planted dune grass during periods of drought. They urged the council to revisit the proposal, emphasizing transparency and better communication with affected property owners.

12:02The debate intensified as another resident, Murray Robertson, opposed the ordinance, arguing that it could negatively impact accessibility, especially for individuals with disabilities, and questioning the need for changes without clear evidence of a crisis. Robertson highlighted the historical context of private walkovers and emphasized their importance for accessibility while suggesting that the removal of dune fencing could exacerbate erosion issues.

32:46The council members faced challenges in addressing these concerns, and some expressed regret over not adequately responding to previous communications from residents like Fralitki. There was acknowledgment of the different ways municipalities handle dune walkovers and the need for Beach Haven to prevent potential destabilization of the dune system by regulating private access points. However, residents remained frustrated, perceiving a lack of justification for the proposed changes and emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental protection with homeowner rights.

31:34Another resident, James Lynch, underscored the significance of maintaining the dunes, referencing past storm damage from Hurricane Sandy. Lynch argued that oceanfront homeowners should bear responsibility for the dunes and criticized the council for increasing fees for walkover permits, which he saw as a property rights issue. He, along with others, pointed out the benefits of dune fencing for sand accumulation and preservation.

The council members grappled with differing opinions, internally and from the community, regarding the best approach for dune management. There was a consensus on the importance of protecting the dunes for community safety, but opinions varied on the role of fencing and walkways. Some members suggested rolling up walkways during storms to prevent damage, while others argued that fencing should only be placed strategically to avoid uneven sand accumulation.

47:00In addition to the dune walkover debate, the meeting addressed other topics. Margie McGlenn from the parks committee reported on a successful pilot program aimed at managing crowding at Nelson courts by implementing a staggered schedule for court access. The council expressed satisfaction with the program’s outcomes and moved to continue the policy.

53:53A proposal from the Friends of Beach Haven to expand the pavilion at Veterans Park also garnered attention. The proposal, backed by a potential donation, aimed to enhance the pavilion’s capacity to host community events. The council expressed unanimous support for the project, recognizing the pavilion’s importance as a community centerpiece and discussing accessibility improvements.

01:09:14The meeting concluded with discussions on various community initiatives, including a grant for an all-inclusive playground and upcoming events like Heritage Day. The council also addressed concerns about state legislation affecting beach tag fees, which could impact municipal budgets. The meeting transitioned into an executive session with the anticipation of further deliberations on unresolved issues.