39:27A focal point of the meeting was the environmental concerns surrounding the former site of Casiffs on North Bay Avenue, where buried tanks were discovered. A resident, Kathy, raised alarms about potential health risks after confirming the presence of benzene on the property, following the removal of four tanks. She highlighted the shallow water table in the area, which could allow for lateral contamination spread, urging vigilance and transparency in monitoring the ongoing removal process. The resident emphasized the necessity for community oversight, citing a lack of clarity regarding the contents of the tanks and the procedures for their removal. In response, a council member had visited the site and engaged with construction representatives, noting the lengthy nature of the remediation efforts, exemplified by a similar situation with a local auto shop.

05:49In legislative action, the council unanimously approved several ordinances that addressed zoning, environmental protection, and community engagement. Ordinance 2025-7C, which amends beach protection measures, was a highlight. It requires the removal of private dune walkovers during the off-season and mandates the planting of native vegetation to continue their use. The ordinance had been long-discussed, with one council member expressing enthusiasm about rewarding property owners maintaining their dunes properly. The council amended the language to require consecutive years of application for permits, addressing concerns about non-consecutive permits potentially disadvantaging property owners unable to apply annually due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or storm damage.

13:30Another ordinance, 2025-9C, proposed an exemption for bulkhead height in marinas within the MC zone, acknowledging the challenges faced by marinas and the need for regulatory relief. This ordinance was met with support from council members, highlighting a commitment to assist local businesses in overcoming regulatory hurdles.

14:50The council also introduced Ordinance 2025-10C, which limits the sale of daily passes for pickleball courts to specific hours. This decision stemmed from community feedback and aims to balance the needs of players with the concerns of neighboring residents. The ordinance was well-received and passed unanimously.

16:14The ordinance allows the borough to exceed the budget appropriation cap and establish a cap bank. The move was regarded as standard practice, with unanimous approval from the council.

21:46Despite a 5% increase in the total municipal budget to $16,280,149.62, the council announced there would be no tax increase this year, keeping the tax rate at 4.13%. This was achieved by utilizing $691,000 more in surplus funds than the previous year, with 27% of the budget funded by surplus in the water utility. Notable budgetary increases included a 22.22% rise in liability insurance and a 17.36% increase in group health insurance.

26:54The council also addressed the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC) ordinance, which aims to streamline approval processes for homeowners undertaking general maintenance work. The ordinance proposes a simplified two-page application, seeking to alleviate concerns about burdensome documentation and ensure compliance with design guidelines. This clarification is intended to make the process more understandable for homeowners, emphasizing that extensive documentation or legal representation would not be necessary.

01:35Concluding the meeting, the council acknowledged the efforts of the police department and congratulated Lieutenant Lisa Fay on her promotion to captain. The promotion was formalized through the approval of Resolution 113-2025, with Captain Fay taking an oath of office during the session. Council members expressed goodwill and congratulations.