Bradley Beach Council Grapples with Financial Oversight Amid Community Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
The Bradley Beach Borough Council meeting was largely dominated by discussions of financial oversight and management, sparked by the recent discovery of a $700,000 account that had gone unnoticed amidst the borough’s finances. Residents expressed concerns over the borough’s financial control practices, emphasizing the need for more checks and transparency to prevent future oversights. Alongside financial discussions, the council addressed the municipal budget, community events, and several ordinances.
During the meeting, financial matters took center stage as residents and council members delved into the implications of discovering a significant sum of money that had been overlooked. The funds, which originated from beach badge sales, had been deposited into an old account that was not properly closed when transitioning between banks. This oversight led to mounting concerns over the borough’s financial practices, with residents questioning the number of active bank accounts and the processes governing their management.
A resident voiced frustration and disbelief over the situation, urging the council to adopt stricter financial controls and questioning the necessity of having multiple signatories on the accounts. The council acknowledged these concerns, explaining that the funds had been moved to the current fund at a new bank, and emphasized an ongoing effort to rectify these issues and improve accountability.
In response to the public’s concerns, the council assured residents that they were taking steps to address the situation, including reviewing past transactions and ensuring proper reconciliation of accounts.
Beyond financial matters, the council meeting addressed the upcoming municipal budget, which faced delays due to state reviews. The budget discussion included plans for public hearings, allowing residents to engage with the budget before its adoption. The council also emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy surplus to ensure fiscal stability and operational flexibility, a point underscored by the budget’s adherence to state-imposed levy and appropriation caps.
Several ordinances were introduced and discussed during the meeting. Ordinance 2025-17 proposed changes to parking regulations to prevent individuals from living in their vehicles, while Ordinance 2025-18 aimed to refine the borough’s military leave policy for employees. Both ordinances received unanimous support from the council members present.
Community events and initiatives were also highlighted, with announcements regarding upcoming recreational activities, environmental cleanups, and arts events. The recreation department announced a bowling night and other events. The Fletcher Lake Commission plans for a cleanup event.
In terms of cultural and historical initiatives, the council discussed the recent auction of items from a local church, allowing community members to acquire pieces of local history. This auction was seen as a success, with many residents participating and benefiting from the opportunity to own historical artifacts.
Additionally, the council addressed the logistics of an upcoming church demolition. Concerns regarding potential environmental hazards, like asbestos and the presence of bats, were discussed, with plans to handle these issues through professional services.
The meeting concluded with reports from various departments, including police and fire services. The police department’s report noted a significant arrest related to burglary and theft, emphasizing ongoing efforts to maintain public safety. The first aid squad and fire department provided updates on their activities and calls.
Al Gubitosi
City Council Officials:
Shana Greenblatt, John Weber, Paul Nowicki, Jane DeNoble
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/20/2025
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Recording Published:
05/21/2025
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Duration:
165 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Bradley Beach
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