A major item on the agenda was the approval of resolution 2025-304, which authorized the settlement of ongoing litigation in the Superior Court of New Jersey. The council underscored the importance of settling the case to protect taxpayer interests, noting that prolonged litigation could adversely affect the borough’s insurance coverage and financial stability. The resolution passed with four votes in favor, one dissent, and the mayor abstaining. The discussion revealed the complexities involved in legal settlements, with council members emphasizing the need to weigh litigation costs against potential outcomes to manage taxpayer funds responsibly.

The council also introduced and unanimously approved the “Skip the Stuff” ordinance, which aims to reduce waste by mandating that businesses only provide cutlery and condiments upon request. A representative from Clean Water Action praised the ordinance and cited a case study from Red Bank, which demonstrated a 94% reduction in unnecessary items. This initiative places Bradley Beach among 26 municipalities in New Jersey to adopt similar measures.

In addition to sustainability efforts, the council discussed several ordinances related to local zoning regulations. Notably, the council examined the requirement for property owners to remove cement slabs from planting strips upon property ownership changes. This measure aims to reduce impervious surfaces and mitigate stormwater runoff, crucial for the coastal borough. Discussions also addressed updates to zoning fees, which had not been revised in over a decade, with the zoning permit application fee increased from $45 to $75.

Another ordinance introduced concerned the prohibition of front yard fences, particularly affecting corner lots and existing structures. The council clarified that existing fences would not require immediate removal unless a property changed ownership, at which point compliance would be reassessed. This sparked a nuanced debate about property rights and the challenges of enforcing zoning regulations.

The meeting also covered financial matters, including the approval of several resolutions for professional engineering services. These resolutions support ongoing improvements to the borough’s recreation center and sanitary sewer infrastructure, funded partly by a $2 million grant from New Jersey. The council’s strategic use of grants and collaborative efforts highlight their focus on infrastructure development without overburdening residents financially.

Additionally, the council reported on the auction of properties from the old church, generating approximately $2.77 million in profit after expenses. This financial outcome was deemed a reasonable return on investment, with all closing dates set by mid-November.

Public comments during the meeting brought attention to the borough’s fair share housing plan, with residents expressing concerns over inadequate measures to address affordable housing needs. Critics of the plan highlighted its failure to meet the demands of moderate and low-income families, urging the council to adopt more aggressive strategies to fulfill state-mandated housing obligations.