The key resolution, R 2023-3, directly confronts the pre-COVID bylaw that limited virtual attendance to two consecutive meetings. In light of changing times and recognizing that community members often travel during winter months, the board has removed this restriction. The amendment to the bylaws was introduced to better align with the practice of remote participation, which has become more commonplace since the pandemic.

The attorney also clarified that the board operates as a separate legal entity from the town council, with the power to set its own rules regarding virtual participation.

The resolution was met with some resistance from a member of the borough council, who expressed concerns during the public comment segment about the potential issues stemming from virtual attendance of board meetings. The council member emphasized the importance of having at least the person running the meeting present onsite, citing past technical difficulties and the value of in-person oversight in legal proceedings.

Despite this feedback, the board approved the resolution, emphasizing the need for flexibility in meeting attendance, especially given the board’s status as an independent entity.

In another significant action, the board approved Resolution 2024-3 concerning the Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club’s request to increase impervious lot coverage from the maximum permitted 60% to 92.6%. The yacht club also sought a waiver for the submission of a normal site plan given that the site is already fully developed. The application was scrutinized and eventually passed by the board.

Additionally, the board acknowledged the approval granted by the Three Person Review Committee for the change of use at a former gift shop location, which will become North Bay Gelato LLC. The committee’s decision waived the requirement for a formal site plan review.