The most pressing topic of the meeting was the financial oversight and planning for Brick Township. The engineering division presented its 2024 budget request, which included a focus on maintaining the township’s community rating system for flood insurance premiums and expanding the GIS-based stormwater inspection system. The budget request called for $170,000 in salaries and wages, $10,000 for overtime, and $75,600 for operating expenses. This shift reflects the division’s success in streamlining processes and reducing costs, particularly through the use of escrow accounts for inspections.

The division of inspections discussed its own budget request in relation to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and property maintenance codes. With the goal of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community, the division requested $195 for the enforcement of construction regulations and property maintenance codes. The council reviewed the increase in permits issued in 2023, totaling 3,607 — the highest count since 2017 — and the corresponding revenue generated by permit fees, which amounted to $2,859,640. The inspection staff’s makeup and responsibilities were outlined, addressing the use of part-time inspectors to manage the heightened demand and potential manpower shortages. Challenges for 2024 were noted, including new laws for lead inspections and the necessity to control costs, especially in relation to overtime.

Continuing with the financial theme, the council discussed an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank. The purpose of the ordinance was to allow the township to increase budget appropriations by 3.5% over the previous year’s total and to bank any unused capacity for future one-time expenditures or emergency appropriations. During the public comments, questions arose regarding the collection of funds and the potential impact on the tax levy. The council clarified that the cap bank is a theoretical tool and not actual money being collected, aimed at providing flexibility for future budgetary needs.

The council addressed the authorization of a contract for a beer and wine garden concession for the township’s events, awarded to Winward Tav Brick for $7,100. Additionally, the authorization for the demolition of a structure on Adera Drive was discussed. The property maintenance board had recommended demolition due to the structure’s prolonged disrepair, but the new owner requested a delay for renovations. The council agreed to postpone the demolition until after May 31st to allow the owner to submit the necessary permits and applications.

At the meeting, Brick Memorial High School girls bowling team was celebrated for their successful season, which included winning the Shore Conference as South championship and the NJSIAA Central Jersey group three championship. A proclamation was issued declaring April 10th, 2024, as Brick Memorial High School Girls Bowling Team Day. The township’s telecommunicators were also honored with a week dedicated to them from April 14th through April 20th, 2024, acknowledging their commitment to public safety.

Daniel Newman Jr.’s retirement after 30 years of service to the township was recognized, with April 12th, 2024, proclaimed as Daniel Newman Jr. Day. The council and members of the public expressed their gratitude for his contributions.

The public comment period brought forth residents’ concerns about environmental issues, particularly air and noise pollution, and the potential for increased budget due to recent contracts. One resident suggested the adoption of an ordinance to address excessive honking as a form of noise pollution. Another resident inquired about the height limit of buildings and statues within the township, to which the council provided clarification on the regulations.

The council members collectively appreciated the efforts of department heads in managing expenses and securing grants, with particular emphasis on services benefiting seniors and disabled individuals. Councilman Bergen spotlighted the township’s senior services, including the dialysis bus program and the initiative to acquire wheelchair-accessible vans.