0:00The meeting took a heated turn during the public comments section when a resident expressed deep frustration over a permit issue involving his property. The resident, who has lived in his home since 1988, reported that permits for work on his property were being issued under someone else’s name. He stated, “I keep on getting something that says Evan Hastings owns my house now.” He explained his persistent efforts to resolve the issue and was directed to provide a copy of his tax bill to the clerk for correction.

Another resident voiced concerns about a neighboring property on Park Drive, highlighting overgrown grass and wildlife attraction due to neglect by the new owner. He described his interactions with the owner and the lack of action taken to address the issues. The resident also raised safety concerns over improper use of an extension cord and shoddy renovation work, questioning the legality of the ongoing renovations without proper permits. He concluded by noting previous communications with the council about these issues but felt the response had been insufficient.

The public comments continued with an individual addressing the council, expressing frustration over misinformation about the meeting time and raising separate concerns about ongoing threats from local individuals. The Chief of Police, present at the meeting, noted an ongoing case in Municipal Court involving this person. He advised against public discussion of ongoing legal matters.

17:44In a separate matter, another resident, identified as Pat, raised concerns about grass clippings left in the streets by landscapers. Pat mentioned his regular contact with the Highway Department to address the issue and shared that he had distributed printed copies of the relevant codes to local landscapers, following advice from Mayor Chuck Sauter.

The council also recognized local resident Joseph Syer for his community service in collecting litter, presenting him with a certificate of recognition. This acknowledgment was met with applause from attendees, celebrating Syer’s contributions to enhancing the community’s quality of life.

Another resident, James Doyle, brought attention to the health of Joe Conboy, who had recently undergone surgery, and inquired whether the council had reached out to him. Doyle also mentioned the town’s upcoming 100th anniversary and expressed his interest in sharing an original song he had written for Belmar with local schools as part of the celebrations. The council assured Doyle that he would be informed of the meeting dedicated to the anniversary where he could discuss his proposal further.

During the meeting, the council addressed routine business, including the first reading of an ordinance concerning the regulation of residents possessing backyard hens, which was unanimously supported. The council also handled various resolutions on a consent agenda, including the appointment of EMT employees for the borough’s fire department, the renewal of a retail distribution license, and the appointment of a construction official and an electrical inspector. These resolutions were passed with some facing dissent from council members during roll call votes.