A substantial portion of the council meeting was devoted to a presentation by the Resilient LBI group, led by Anna Hok Alter, a senior landscape architect with Ramble. The presentation aimed to update the council on the progress and future direction of the Resilient Long Beach Island project, an initiative that began in 2018 and is part of the broader Resilient NJ program. Anna explained the project’s goals, which include developing a resilience action plan that was finalized in October 2022. The focus now shifts to the second phase, which runs from October 2023 and involves identifying priority projects aligned with the action plan’s objectives.

Anna highlighted various ongoing projects such as a flood early warning system, a community resource hub organized through St. Francis, and climate change-related vulnerability assessments for Beach Haven. Jim Hutzman, another key presenter, detailed the climate change-related hazard and vulnerability assessment required by New Jersey law. This assessment, crucial for municipal master planning, evaluates vulnerabilities stemming from threats like sea level rise and coastal storms. The recommendations from this assessment are intended to guide future zoning and planning decisions in Beach Haven and other municipalities.

The presentation further touched on the Taylor Avenue study, which explores the feasibility of creating a living shoreline and restoring tidal marshes at a site historically used as a tidal marsh. The study emphasized the community’s engagement, particularly among adolescents, and considered the impact of potential shoreline modifications on existing facilities like a dog park and kayak launch. Six examples of living shoreline projects from other locations were presented to offer insights into adaptive strategies.

In another significant agenda item, the council approved a resolution to purchase drones for the police department, funded by a generous donation of $36,241.20 from the Friends of Beach Haven and an additional $225,000 from a local business. The drones, equipped with thermal cameras, speakers, and a drop system, are intended to enhance public safety through improved emergency response and search and rescue operations. The Chief of Police outlined the utility of these drones in monitoring events and responding to emergencies, with training already underway for personnel from the police, fire department, and potentially the lifeguard service.

The meeting also addressed the potential reinstatement of groins as part of the coastal resilience strategy. A council member raised the public’s interest in reinstating groins in Beach Haven over continuing beach nourishment programs. The discussion revealed a focus on the Holgate groin, with clarification sought on whether the initiative encompassed broader groin reinstatement efforts or was limited to the existing beach replenishment.

Concerns about outdated FEMA flood maps, last updated in 2009, were voiced, with council members discussing the burden this places on municipalities and homeowners. The outdated maps complicate coordination with state and federal entities in flood resilience planning. This concern was part of a broader conversation about drainage improvements and stormwater infrastructure across the island, in collaboration with Ocean County.

A lighter debate emerged concerning the color of beach mats, with differing opinions on aesthetic versus practical considerations. Some council members advocated for natural sand-colored mats to maintain the beach’s appearance, while others supported bright blue mats for their visibility and maintenance benefits. This debate remained unresolved, highlighting the diverse perspectives within the council.

In routine matters, the council approved several resolutions, including updates to the Emergency Management Council and tax refunds. Public comments were invited but none were made, either in person or virtually. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss contract negotiations and personnel matters, followed by the approval of a non-fair and open contract for professional services.