The meeting commenced with a solemn reminder from the mayor about the significance of the September 11 attacks anniversary, honoring the 147 residents from the county who perished. A moment of silence was observed following this acknowledgment.

One of the primary topics discussed was the introduction of a new flag system at the beach aimed at enhancing safety, particularly concerning rip currents. Mike Rosenberg, a representative for beach operations, provided a detailed report on the summer’s activities and operations. Rosenberg, whose family has a longstanding connection to the beach, explained the shift from a rope system to a flag system to avoid risks of entanglement for beachgoers, especially children and the elderly.

Rosenberg also highlighted the need for equipment upgrades and better storage facilities. He mentioned that current storage sheds were cramped, and larger sheds could improve operational safety. Paddle boards, essential during emergencies, were utilized for rescues, particularly involving young children drifting into the ocean.

Further enhancing the lifeguard team’s skills and morale was another focus. Rosenberg reported on the lifeguard tournament team’s performance, which fostered pride and competitiveness. Training opportunities outside standard hours were considered to enhance physical fitness and readiness. Collaboration with the Monmouth County Lifeguard Academy provided comprehensive training, including CPR and emergency response drills. A notable incident on July 14 was recounted, where lifeguards successfully rescued a man who had gone into cardiac arrest, thanks to their training.

A new reporting platform called The Watchtower was introduced, allowing for detailed documentation of beach incidents, which would assist local authorities in managing beach safety. The $2,500 cost of the platform was justified as beneficial for tracking incidents and ensuring accountability.

Another topic was the council’s attempts to sell a property, which faced challenges related to affordable housing obligations and the auction process. Despite efforts, an auction held on July 25 attracted no bids. A developer cited the starting price and associated building costs as deterrents. Consequently, the council considered reissuing a demolition request for proposals (RFP).

One council member emphasized the risks associated with managing such a project, citing past cost overruns in borough projects. There was a strong suggestion to outsource the demolition work to minimize risk and manage costs effectively. The council debated whether to proceed with an engineering firm or a demolition company, considering the $50,000 expense for hiring an engineering firm.

Public comments revealed frustration over the prolonged process and lack of transparency. A local realtor and residents expressed concerns about the delays and the financial implications of the potential sale of the church property. The mayor responded that while the community had approximately $2 million invested in the site, proceeds from a sale would be subject to demolition costs and would not immediately replenish the borough’s surplus.

The enforcement of borough codes and ordinances also came under scrutiny. A resident questioned the inconsistent application of regulations, particularly regarding sandwich board signs. Another resident expressed frustration towards the mayor’s remarks about prior issues, criticizing the lack of accountability.

Financial matters were another critical area of discussion. A resident addressed the borough’s surplus funds, expressing alarm over the decrease from over $2 million to a projected balance of $614,000 after proposed withdrawals. They sought clarity from the mayor regarding the financial documents provided to the public, highlighting discrepancies between what was presented on the website and the mayor’s explanations.

The ongoing negotiations with Local 152 were a concern. A council member criticized the administration’s handling of negotiations, emphasizing the importance of involving elected officials in the bargaining process. The mayor responded that a negotiating team was in place, but the council member insisted on greater transparency and direct involvement.

The meeting also included operational reports from emergency services, updates on community initiatives, and announcements regarding upcoming events. The police report detailed several arrests related to motor vehicle burglaries and thefts, and there was positive news about a grant application to address the spotted lanternfly issue.