At the forefront of the meeting was the discussion on the promenade preservation grant, with the city manager outlining an plan that aims to rehabilitate and enhance the iconic structure. The grant mandates that all encumbrances be completed by year’s end. The first phase is to focus on repairing and rehabilitating existing features, followed by a second phase that proposes widening the promenade and adding a resiliency wall to safeguard against natural wear and potential damage.

They also acknowledged the necessity of a careful and well-prioritized spending plan to ensure the grant’s effective utilization.

In tandem with the promenade development, the council tackled the issue of the city’s parking infrastructure. The decision to remove parking meters was driven by the unsustainable cost of maintenance and the lack of a willing maintenance provider. As a solution, the council discussed the adoption of Park Mobile, a mobile parking payment system. However, concerns were raised about the system’s accessibility, particularly for elderly residents accustomed to using coins. In an effort to address these concerns, a suggestion was put forward to offer daily or weekly hang tags as an alternative, with the possibility of purchasing them at the Welcome Center.

The transition to Park Mobile is part of a larger conversation about modernizing the city’s parking infrastructure while ensuring it remains user-friendly for all residents and visitors. The council acknowledged the challenges faced by elderly residents in adapting to new technology and the need to provide adequate support at locations such as the Welcome Center.

Further elaborating on the city’s fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer presented an ordinance introducing a budget that maintains tax levels and adheres to financial caps. The budget reflects an increase in property values and was praised by members present for its soundness. The council passed two budget resolutions, illustrating a commitment to fiscal responsibility without compromising on community services and projects.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents expressed their interest in various municipal projects. Queries arose concerning the specifics of the USDA water and waste grant funding and the potential impact of the promenade preservation project, such as the proposed widening and the budgeting for permits. The council provided detailed responses, shedding light on the USDA process and the rationale behind the promenade project’s planning and spending.

Another resident raised concerns regarding the hiring of a surf school instructor concessionaire, emphasizing the importance of safety and the need for a well-thought-out bid process. The council reassured the public that the process was still in the preliminary stages and that citizen input would be considered to ensure operational and safety standards are met.

The meeting concluded with no public comments on the resolution for shared services with the Bureau of Cape May Point for court services, which was subsequently passed. The council then entered into a closed session before adjourning.