One of the meeting’s central discussions revolved around the operational issues of the Lake Koma outfall pipe. Kevin Kaine, the business administrator, reported ongoing complications with the pipe’s check valve, which required a custom-manufactured part due to its unique specifications. Billy Mustow from the Department of Public Works (DPW) explained that his team manually operated the valve to manage water levels during a recent nor’easter, successfully preventing ocean water ingress while allowing rainwater to drain. The part was reportedly completed over the weekend, with the contractor awaiting a shipping date. The council assured that the installation, once the part arrives, would take less than a day.

Martha Melco, a resident, emphasized the community’s anxiety concerning the pipe’s malfunctioning, citing previous flooding incidents during Superstorm Sandy. She requested the council provide regular updates on the installation progress.

The council also discussed resolutions related to grant funding, including a contract with Delisa Waste Services for three additional years and an agreement with Rehabco for administrative services in the borough’s affordable housing plan. The funding for the latter would come from the Belmar affordable housing trust fund.

In the public session, resident Eugene Kramer raised questions about financial transparency, particularly concerning a payment to zoning board attorney Kevin Kennedy for “Belmar in litigation.” He sought clarification on whether the payment was covered by an escrow account or fell under borough expenses. The council clarified that the escrow account typically handles application-related legal fees, while the borough covers appeal expenses.

Kramer expressed concerns over a previously approved development of 24 luxury condominiums and questioned the developer’s compliance with recent affordable housing requirements. The council explained that the developer’s obligations were bound by the initial approval, limiting the borough’s ability to enforce new requirements retrospectively. Despite acknowledging recent developments in the related litigation, the council could not confirm the case’s current status.

Moving on to the topic of community events, Councilwoman Donovan reported on the environmental commission’s activities, including a sustainable landscaping workshop and the development of a community energy plan. She also announced the upcoming Fall Fest, featuring a car show and vendors. Councilman Kenny expressed gratitude for the success of the “Run for the Fallen” event and highlighted the planting of new redbud trees to enhance the town’s aesthetics. He also noted the Belmar Elementary Education Association’s participation in a breast cancer awareness walkathon.

Local businesses were commended for their support.

Councilman Levis acknowledged the success of recent events like the Pat McGovern 5K, which raised funds for the skatepark, and praised volunteers in local recreational programs. The council discussed a small business workshop attended by Mayor Buccafusco, aimed at providing local businesses with information on New Jersey Economic Development Authority grants. The workshop’s resources would be made available online to support local commerce, especially in light of an ongoing bridge closure.

Mayor Buccafusco shared positive feedback from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority regarding the workshop’s turnout and praised the Taylor Pavilion as an ideal venue. He announced the addition of four veteran banners for Veterans Day, part of the Hometown Heroes program, and encouraged participation in an upcoming Diwali event at the pavilion.

In the public session, Kramer suggested converting D Street to a one-way street to alleviate traffic flow issues caused by the bridge closure. He argued that the Belmar First Aid Squad’s relocation negated the need for D Street’s two-way designation, proposing that the change could improve parking and reduce tree canopy damage during municipal operations.