A major point of contention was the removal and sale of historical artifacts from a building on Lin, which many residents felt lacked transparency and adequate public involvement. Concerns were raised about the management of these artifacts, with some residents describing the exclusion of the Historical Society from the decision-making process as “unconscionable.” The discussion revealed that several residents believed the artifacts should have been auctioned publicly to maximize their value. They criticized the council for not consulting with the community or ensuring a transparent process. A resident emphasized the importance of public participation, stating, “I think it should have been open to the public to view,” suggesting that the process should have involved more community engagement.

Further compounding the issue, the removal of artifacts from 319 Lin without council approval raised legal and procedural concerns. They questioned the legality of the removals. The member stressed the importance of preserving historical artifacts and maintaining transparency with the Historical Society.

Amidst these discussions, Mayor Fox defended the actions taken, explaining that a professional had been hired to inventory and appraise the items. He pointed to opportunities to place some artifacts in a museum, expressing disappointment at being perceived as withholding information. The mayor’s defense did not fully alleviate residents’ concerns, as they continued to call for a more inclusive approach to managing the borough’s cultural heritage.

Financial management was another significant topic, with several residents and council members questioning the borough’s fiscal practices. One resident, Beth Kepler, delivered a notice of tort claim against the borough and Mayor Fox, alleging gross mismanagement of taxpayer funds. Kepler cited violations of New Jersey statutes regarding annual audits and corrective action plans, criticizing the absence of the 2023 audit, which was overdue. Mayor Fox acknowledged the ongoing nature of the audit but faced criticism for the delays.

Concerns about financial transparency extended to the handling of various borough projects. One resident likened the omission to renovating a house without repairing its foundation, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach.

The meeting also featured the swearing-in of Daniel Crow as a new police officer, filling the last position on the force and bringing the department to full staffing. Chief Arnold introduced Crow, celebrating his journey from Tom’s River and his background as a student-athlete at Delaware Valley University. Attendees applauded Crow as he recited the oath of office.

Proclamations honored the service of Councilwoman Kristen Mahoney and Mayor Larry Fox. Mahoney was recognized for her community involvement and volunteer work, with the mayor commending her dedication. Mayor Fox received a proclamation highlighting his four years of leadership, with a representative from the New Jersey state legislature presenting a joint resolution acknowledging his contributions to Bradley Beach.

The public comment segment also addressed infrastructure and environmental concerns. Residents voiced dissatisfaction with the borough’s handling of sewer repairs and the proposed paving of Fifth Avenue, urging for better planning to minimize disruptions. A discussion on stormwater runoff led to the announcement of a follow-up meeting, emphasizing the borough’s ongoing efforts to address pressing environmental issues.