21:33The employee contract negotiations were a central focus of the meeting. Council members detailed the finalized agreement with Local 152, which includes a 28% increase in entry-level salaries for the Department of Public Works, raising them from approximately $32,000 to about $41,000. This adjustment aligns with New Jersey’s minimum wage increases. The council also emphasized the contract’s fairness and affordability, noting that salary increases for higher steps were more modest, with a 2.1% rise for the highest salary steps.

A significant change involved the removal of the cap on sick leave accrual, previously limited to 29 days. By allowing employees to bank more sick days, particularly for catastrophic illnesses, the contract aims to reduce unscheduled absences and enhance productivity. The contract also included revisions to holiday entitlements, adding a 14th holiday, and adjustments to overtime calculations and vacation notice requirements.

45:15Another major topic was the comprehensive plan for improvements at Silven Lake Park. The council discussed three conceptual designs for enhancing the retaining wall and bulkhead, with the third option being favored. This design retains a portion of the natural shoreline approach while allowing for a shared roadway, reducing the width of Bradley Boulevard to accommodate vehicles and bicycles. The hybrid model also includes a living shoreline with plantings, aimed at mitigating erosion and improving the lake’s health. Soil testing for contamination and collaboration with nearby projects were also addressed, emphasizing the ecological importance of the lake and the need for bio-remediation measures to improve water quality and prevent silt accumulation.

34:57The meeting also covered the anticipated upgrades to recreational facilities, with plans for the Bradley Beach recreation center and the introduction of Park Mobile for parking services. Improvements at the recreation center include resurfacing basketball and tennis courts, playground expansion, and drainage enhancements. A cost-saving measure was noted, with public works employees handling the installation of new pavers, potentially saving the borough significant funds. The conversation also touched on the dual-use of tennis courts for pickleball, with concerns raised about the impact on tennis players and suggestions for separate courts to accommodate both sports.

02:22:15In response to public comments, the council acknowledged issues regarding transparency and the handling of Open Public Records Act requests. One resident voiced concerns about the borough’s response to a request for communication logs, alleging a lack of accountability and urging the council to address these transparency issues.

02:00:25Additionally, the meeting included reports from various departments and committees, highlighting ongoing initiatives such as the Fletcher Lake Commission’s community cleanup and the Arts Council’s volunteer outreach efforts. Concerns about bulk trash disposal costs and pedestrian safety improvements were discussed, alongside updates on shared services agreements and infrastructure projects. The council also noted the appointment of Courtney Papus as the new Recreation Director under a shared services agreement with Neptune City.