The most notable discussion centered on Ordinance 2025-38, which proposed limiting beach locker access to Bradley Beach residents and property owners. With over 500 lockers currently leased and a waiting list of 333 residents, the council sought to prioritize local access to this amenity. The ordinance would permit non-residents to renew their leases for one more season but would then restrict renewals to residents and property owners only. The council aimed to address resident frustrations over long wait times. This decision stirred debate over fairness, particularly concerning non-resident property owners who pay taxes but may not reside full-time in Bradley Beach. The proposed ordinance would also allocate only one locker per family unit, regardless of the number of properties owned, allowing tenants who are year-round residents to apply for their own lockers.

The council considered the implications of excluding non-residents from future renewals, acknowledging that while some individuals might be dissatisfied, the priority should be residents who have long awaited locker access. Concerns about the system’s intent—whether as a revenue source or a means to cover maintenance costs—were also raised. Despite these challenges, the council emphasized its primary obligation to serve Bradley Beach residents.

Another topic was the proposed adjustment of council meeting times, which sparked varied opinions among council members. The suggestion to move the start time from 6:30 PM to an earlier slot between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM aimed to reduce operational burdens on borough staff and potentially improve attendance. However, concerns were raised about accessibility for working residents, who might find it challenging to attend meetings during traditional business hours. Some council members advocated for a 5:30 PM start as a compromise, balancing administrative convenience with public accessibility. The council agreed to gather public input on the matter, recognizing the importance of conducting business in a way that prioritizes community access. The possibility of reassessing the meeting time if it proved ineffective was also noted, offering flexibility to address community needs.

The meeting also featured a recognition of Councilman John Weber’s contributions as he retired after nine years of service. Former Mayor Gary Anglestead commended Weber’s leadership in environmental initiatives, including recycling efforts, beach dune preservation, and community engagement. The council expressed gratitude for Weber’s dedication, which was deemed significant for the borough’s progress.

Public comments during the meeting included a proposal to revive the “turkey chop,” a Thanksgiving morning event aimed at raising funds for the Mercy Center to provide food for those in need. The council showed support for this initiative, highlighting its community spirit and charitable purpose.

The council also addressed Ordinance 2025-37, which aimed to amend parking regulations for special permit parking for handicapped individuals. The ordinance proposed stricter criteria for obtaining these permits to address abuses of the current system, while still ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Changes included increasing the application fee from $50 to $200 and restricting permit availability to Bradley Beach residents as their primary residence.

Additional topics included an amendment to beach locker management, transitioning it from part of the beach utility to direct town management, allowing the council to limit access to residents. The council also discussed extending eligibility to borough employees and volunteers in first aid and fire services, emphasizing community presence at the beach.