01:53The meeting opened with an urgent presentation concerning the condition of the township’s beaches. A council member outlined the concerns about beach erosion, which have become more pronounced as Memorial Day approaches. The member highlighted the financial investments already made, including nearly $930,000 for a rock wall revetment and $1.2 million on beach replenishment.

05:56The presentation offered a detailed timeline of events related to the erosion, beginning with the swearing-in of new committee members in January, and included several meetings and assessments with federal representatives to seek assistance. The erosion has notably impacted beach pathways, necessitating their closure for public safety. Visual aids, including photographs, illustrated the severity of the erosion, with specific areas showing significant drops in sand levels, posing dangers particularly to children. The council member emphasized the importance of modifying access points for emergency vehicles and pedestrian pathways to enhance safety.

14:33In addition to the beach erosion concerns, the meeting addressed a zoning ordinance issue raised by a local business owner. The owner expressed concern over a code violation regarding flag displays, which are currently limited to two 30-day periods per year. The council discussed the possibility of amending this ordinance to better accommodate small businesses while maintaining community aesthetics. A motion to refer the matter back to the planning board for further consideration was unanimously supported.

31:23Another agenda item was the appointment of Mr. Vanlike as the Upper Township Business Administrator. This appointment is supported by a fellowship from the International City County Management Association, which aids retired military personnel in transitioning into local government roles. His hiring aligns with the budget allocated for the position, and his appointments as the fund commissioner and municipal housing liaison were met with unanimous approval. The council and residents expressed their support and welcomed Mr. Vanlike to the township.

17:02The meeting also touched on preparations for the upcoming summer season, with public works engaged in installing signage and coordinating with the beach patrol for seasonal operations. The council noted ongoing recruitment efforts for beach EMTs and discussed funding for EMS training, approving a $4,200 request for EMT refresher courses. This ensures that emergency personnel are adequately trained and ready for the busy summer months.

33:39During public comment, residents raised various concerns, including fire safety issues at the Great Cedar Swamp. A resident highlighted the risk of wildfires due to drought conditions and advocated for prescribed burns to manage underbrush. The committee acknowledged the concern and committed to consulting with local fire officials to gather more information.

40:07Another resident brought up the significant increase in land lease costs at Osprey Cove, prompting discussions about the potential implementation of a rent control ordinance. While no formal decisions were made, the council acknowledged the issue and mentioned ongoing reviews, with state legislation potentially influencing future actions.