0:00The meeting commenced with the mayor celebrating the accomplishments of the Brick Little League teams. Members of the Brick Little League miners team were recognized for winning the Mason Invitational Tournament by defeating the Freehold Township Blue Team with a score of five to four. This marked the first championship of its kind in the league’s history. Consequently, August 28, 2024, was declared Brick Little League Mason Invitational Tournament Miners Division Team Day. The mayor also honored the seven-year-old All-Stars for their victory in the coach pitch tournament hosted by Hull Brook Little League, which was only the second championship win in the history of the Brick Little League for this division. August 29, 2024, was proclaimed as Brick Little League Farm Division All-Star Team Day.

Following these acknowledgments, the meeting transitioned to the consent agenda, which included several notable resolutions. The council authorized the insertion of a $200,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the Brick Township Senior Center. This funding was designated for renovations and programs to enhance services for senior citizens, including transportation and a community cafe. Additionally, a contract for office supplies was awarded to WB Mason Company for $35,000 per year, and a contract for automotive parts and repairs totaling $335,000 per year was granted to various local vendors. The council also adopted a Township Community Energy Plan to align with New Jersey’s energy goals, emphasizing emission reduction and clean energy strategies.

Public comment brought several community concerns to light. John Sluka, a resident, expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the Garden State Parkway expansion. He highlighted the health risks posed by air pollution and noise, citing studies linking traffic pollution to respiratory diseases and premature deaths, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like seniors. Sluka urged the council to take action by implementing pollution barriers and planting trees along the Parkway. He noted that he had previously raised these issues and was awaiting a meeting between the mayor and representatives from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to address ongoing pollution and noise concerns.

22:54Paul Hol, the CEO of Just Believe Inc., addressed the council regarding the potential establishment of a warming center in the community. Hol shared his experience running a similar center in Toms River for seven years, stating, “I’ve helped a lot of people out of homelessness.” He reported that his organization had assisted 171 individuals and 13 animals in transitioning out of homelessness this year alone. Hol emphasized collaboration with local police forces in addressing homelessness and offered brochures about his organization to the council.

Lauren Caputo Sheridan, a local softball coach, voiced her concerns about proposed changes to field permit fees that could threaten the viability of her organization. She explained that the current fee structure of $100 per field use would impose a financial burden, totaling approximately $3,100 for the season. “We are hoping and praying that we don’t get priced out of being able to play,” she stated, urging the council to consider a blanket permit for the season instead of a per-use fee.

Another resident, identified as B. Manano, raised safety concerns about electric bikes in Brick. He recounted a near-miss incident on Route 70, describing how bikes were operating on the wrong side of the road and exceeding safe speeds. “Those bikes go faster than the cars,” he noted, suggesting that the council explore potential regulations, including a helmet law, to mitigate risks. Mayor Bergen acknowledged that the council had been discussing the issue of electric bikes and was working with the police department for enhanced enforcement, despite limitations due to state law.

The meeting concluded with council members sharing various announcements, including a ribbon-cutting event at Lovebird Coffee, and reminders about upcoming community events such as the Traders Cove Concert series, an ice cream social hosted by the Historical Society, and a townwide yard sale. A commemorative ceremony for September 11 was also highlighted, emphasizing community participation.