The most contentious matter involved the pricing of bulkhead construction projects in Brick Township. Resident Mr. Finelli voiced his dissatisfaction with the costs associated with recent bulkhead work, which he deemed excessive compared to his own experience. He reported paying $51,700 for his bulkhead installation, equating to roughly $646 per linear foot. In contrast, the town’s current projects were quoted at $35,150 for about $1,171 per linear foot of work, nearly double what he had paid. Finelli found it difficult to justify this increase. He also highlighted discrepancies at the project sites, questioning the necessity of the expenses.

In response, a council member clarified that the project in question was a change order under an existing contract that had been awarded through a competitive bidding process. The lowest bidder, Kmer Cremer Marine, had been selected, and the town reportedly benefited from cost efficiencies that allowed additional work. Despite these assurances, the council appeared receptive to Mr. Finelli’s concerns. They unanimously voted to table the bulkhead contract item, allowing time for a review.

Another notable moment in the meeting was Mayor Lisa Crate’s presentation honoring the Brick Township High School Marching Dragons. In recognition of the band’s recent triumphs in regional and state championships, the mayor declared November 26, 2025, as “Brick Township High School Marching Dragons Day.” The band’s director, Christian Negri, was commended for his leadership, and he attributed the band’s success to the hard work of students and the support of the community.

The council’s agenda also included various financial resolutions. Among these was a computer bill resolution totaling $10,384,571.52, which passed without opposition. Additionally, a manual bill resolution amounting to $2,17,340.14 received approval.

Further discussions focused on ordinances aimed at supporting local businesses. One ordinance proposed extending a storefront revitalization program, waiving construction fees to encourage the renovation of vacant commercial properties. Since its inception in 2015, this initiative has reportedly facilitated the opening of nearly 40 new businesses in the area. Another ordinance involved leasing a unit in the Civic Plaza to a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clothing to families in need.

Public comments provided additional insights into community concerns. A representative from the National Organization for Women expressed support for the council’s initiatives. Meanwhile, resident Bob Mle raised issues about rental property conditions, urging the council to enforce regulations more strictly to ensure adequate living conditions. He suggested the town organize community events, such as a “Battle of the Bands,” to engage local youth.

Another resident, Mr. Finale, discussed the financial challenges facing the community. He focused on tax programs designed to aid seniors, emphasizing the significant portion of Brick’s population that could benefit from these initiatives. Mr. Finale encouraged greater community involvement in local governance, particularly from the majority of residents not directly benefiting from tax relief programs.