The most significant part of the meeting was the recognition of the Brick Township High School Marching Dragons for their achievements during the 2023 competition season. Mayor Lisa Crate honored the band with a proclamation, praising the band members, band directors, and parents for their dedication. The mayor, who shared her connection to marching bands as a former color guard member, celebrated the band’s success. Each band member received a certificate and participated in a group photo.

In addition to celebrating local talent, the council recognized Patrolman Chris DeMarco as the Officer of the Year and Detective Tara Schindler for receiving the Lieutenant Thomas McNelis award. These recognitions highlighted the dedication and outstanding contributions of the town’s law enforcement.

The council’s agenda also included strategic operational decisions for the township. A shared services agreement was discussed in detail, involving the operation and maintenance of three pump-out boats – the Bay Saver, Bay Defender, and a third to be introduced in the spring. These boats play a role in managing the affluent discharge from boaters in Brick Township’s waters. Under the agreement, Brick will be responsible for the boats’ operation and maintenance, with Ocean County reimbursing the township for costs up to $50,000.

Another key item was the authorization for Mayor Crate to enter a contract with iMac Insurance Agency Beville to provide various insurance services for town employees and retirees. In addition, the council approved a motor vehicle sales license for a dealership on Route 88 after confirming the site’s appropriateness through a zoning officer and fire bureau visit.

The meeting also saw the approval of the transfer of a plenary retail consumption liquor license to Med Marianus to Bees and authorized special event permits for the River Rock and Run and the Relay for Life. The council addressed inspection fund releases and overpayments, including a performance bond release.

During the public comment section, residents voiced concerns and suggestions, including a request for specific addresses in meeting documents and raising awareness about air pollution’s health impacts. Another resident shared personal experiences and expressed dissatisfaction with the council, prompting responses from the council members.

Mayor Lisa Crate announced her retirement from teaching, dedicating herself further to the community, and shared information on town events, such as the Special Olympics support event and a new business opening. Council members, including Perry Albanese, Marianna Pontoriero, Steve Feinman, and Melissa Travers, congratulated the mayor on her retirement, the high school marching band, and law enforcement officers on their recognitions. Vice President Derrick Ambrosino extended his congratulations and shared personal updates.