One notable topics was the significant rise in municipal cost share for a state aid agreement related to a hurricane and storm reduction project. Originally estimated at approximately $240,000, the cost has surged to $656,000 due to escalating project expenses. Despite this increase, it was noted that Ocean County remains willing to cover the local share, providing some relief to the borough.

The council’s deliberation then shifted to the ongoing delivery and loading issues on Center Street. A proposed ordinance from 2020 was revisited, which suggested designating the first four angled parking spots on the northern side of Second Street as a no-parking area during specific daytime hours to facilitate loading and unloading. Concerns were raised about potential negative reactions from residents and businesses, mirroring previous opposition. One council member emphasized the need to regulate delivery times to prevent continuous parking disruptions throughout the day, pointing out that residents on Second Street had already made considerable sacrifices regarding parking provisions.

The chief of police contributed to the discussion, advocating for the designated area on Second Street as it is less congested than the boulevard, which would face increased traffic challenges. He noted that this location would allow trucks to load and unload more safely, potentially accommodating two trucks side by side, thereby alleviating congestion and improving safety. The chief assured that the proposal would minimally impact parking availability and better serve businesses reliant on deliveries.

Local business owners had mixed reactions, with some recalling previous resistance from businesses to designated loading zones. Concerns were expressed about the perception of favoritism if specific businesses were provided with special accommodations. One resident, John Walker, highlighted the escalating delivery chaos due to increased business activity, particularly from the expansion of the restaurant “The Chicken or the Egg.” Walker noted that deliveries, which used to occur behind another business, now exacerbated the situation on Second Street with the addition of Station 117 and new residential developments intensifying the delivery issues.

Safety concerns were also raised by a resident who described the unsafe conditions created by multiple tractor-trailer deliveries on Third Street, leading to blocked access on Second Street. The resident emphasized the risks posed to pedestrians and the difficulties emergency vehicles would face in navigating the area. The council discussed potential solutions, including restricting delivery times to minimize traffic disruption and improve safety. There was a consensus that scheduling deliveries could help manage the flow of trucks, with some council members advocating for no-parking zones during specific hours to facilitate safer delivery practices.

In another agenda item, the council addressed ongoing efforts to comply with state stormwater management requirements. A recommendation was made to adopt a private storm drain inlet retrofit ordinance, which the council believed would enhance stormwater management practices in the borough. The proposed ordinance received approval, with the council noting it would have ensured compliance during previous infrastructure work by Atlantic City Electric.

The council also reviewed the appeal process for residents regarding land use board decisions. Amendments were proposed to clarify when residents could appeal to the council, focusing on various types of variances. These changes aimed to improve transparency and accessibility for residents unfamiliar with legal terminology involved in land use appeals, with the council expressing support for these clarifications.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the use of Zoom for public participation during council meetings. Participants can display only their face or name, as profile photos and videos have been disabled. The council agreed on the importance of preparing for technical issues to avoid delays.

An additional agenda item involved municipal slips, with the solicitor recommending addressing concerns through correspondence before considering legislative changes. The importance of engaging with property owners before pursuing legislation was emphasized.

The meeting also touched on administrative updates regarding virtual meetings, reflecting on past experiences and potential adjustments to enhance participation and management of remote sessions. The council approved a bill list totaling $22,333.70 and invited public comments, including concerns about a loading zone at Pier 18 and suggestions for aligning delivery schedules with trash collection times to improve traffic and safety.