The meeting prominently featured updates on the German BP stormwater management grant. The project, aimed at improving water quality before it enters Deal Lake, involves installing stormwater structures with vortex units to manage sediment and floatables. The contractor, Precise Construction, is finalizing plans to start work after the Christmas season to minimize disruption to mall traffic. Although the project has encountered some delays, such as the pending contractor signature and the need for additional documentation for a freehold soil permit, progress continues with shop drawings for the structures already submitted. The project remains crucial for enhancing water quality and stormwater management in the area.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the recent nor’easter storm, which presented challenges reminiscent of Hurricane Sandy. Despite being less violent, the storm brought significant rainfall, prompting the deployment of a “nuclear option”—the use of a guillotine gate to manage water levels. The gate, previously unused, effectively controlled water drainage, maintaining levels below state-required limits. This effort was noted as a team accomplishment, with members expressing gratitude for the collaboration. The experience provided valuable insights into managing high tides and wind conditions. Suggestions were made to share these successful strategies with local emergency management organizations and on the commission’s website.

In addition to storm management, the meeting addressed a recent cleanup event organized in collaboration with Boy Scouts and New Jersey Natural Gas. The cleanup focused on Deal Lake as the primary site, with participants collecting over 500 pounds of debris. The effort was praised for its community involvement, with over 60 participants, including a handicapped troop, feeling accomplished by their contributions. The use of magnets to fish out debris added a novel element to the event. Future cleanup plans were also discussed, with a scheduled event on October 25, reminding boat owners to remove their vessels from the lake due to upcoming water level reductions.

The commission also navigated administrative challenges, particularly concerning contracts related to Asbury Park. Delays in returning agreements and necessary assessments for 2025 were highlighted, with one member attributing the hold-up to the mayor pending addendums. This situation has persisted since August, leading to frustration among members over the slow communication process. The commission plans to address these delays by sending a follow-up letter to inquire about the status of agreements and payments owed, recognizing the potential impact on their operations.

Further discussions touched on stormwater management practices in Neptune and Ocean, with suggestions for Ocean to adopt stricter requirements for developments below state mandates. The importance of public involvement in watershed reports and environmental management was emphasized, reiterating the need for transparency and community participation. A proposal to merge the planning and zoning boards in Ocean was mentioned, set to appear on an upcoming election ballot, prompting consideration of its implications.

Members also expressed concerns about infrastructure maintenance, specifically regarding storm drains and sump pump violations. The township plans to conduct smoke tests to identify sources of illegal sump pump connections to sewer systems, addressing increased sewer water surges during rainfall.