18:28One of the primary topics of discussion was the appointment of the board’s attorney and engineer. The board unanimously approved the Weer Law Group LLC as its legal counsel. The attorney emphasized his role in serving the board’s best interests, stating, “I am the attorney for the board so my representation will always be what is best for the board.” The board also approved the appointment of an engineer.

Attention then turned to the designation of official newspapers for legal notices. The board, following the attorney’s recommendation, designated the Asbury Park Press as the official paper, with the Coaster and CoStar as secondary sources. Discussions acknowledged the high cost of the Asbury Park Press but underscored the necessity of clear and consistent legal notifications. Members considered the implications of legislative changes that might allow for online publication of notices, potentially reducing costs and modernizing the process.

The procedural discussions continued with a focus on the board’s meeting schedule. The board agreed to maintain its regular meeting pattern, holding sessions on the third Thursday of each month, while reserving secondary dates for special meetings. However, the necessity and frequency of special meetings sparked debate. To simplify processes and ensure compliance, the board decided to publish only regular meeting dates, excluding special sessions, to prevent potential public confusion and legal issues.

34:33The board acknowledged the logistical challenges of canceling meetings, agreeing on a rolling assessment process to determine the necessity of meetings based on the agenda. The consensus was to continue publishing regular meetings only, a motion that was widely supported and approved.

49:48The meeting also covered the withdrawal of application number 24-13, which involved variances for demolishing three single-family dwellings and constructing a two-and-a-half-story dwelling. The board noted that the withdrawal was within the applicant’s rights and acknowledged that cosmetic improvements could continue under current zoning.

Mandatory education for board members was addressed, with reminders that new appointees must complete educational classes within 18 months. The board has arranged for members to attend these courses at reduced rates.

Financial disclosure requirements were also clarified, with members reminded to submit their disclosures by April 30. These disclosures are critical for maintaining transparency and identifying potential conflicts of interest. The board’s attorney underscored the importance of accuracy in these submissions to prevent legal complications.

Finally, the board tackled the issue of communication, advising members to use separate email accounts for board-related communications. This recommendation aims to avoid complications under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and protect members’ personal information. While the idea of providing official email accounts was supported, concerns about the administrative burden were noted, given the frequent changes in board membership.