During the meeting, William Resido, representing the Foren River Rotary, announced a donation of $30,000 intended for the renovation or replacement of the digital sign on Manchester Avenue. Additionally, a forthcoming $20,000 donation to the next Board of Education meeting was earmarked to bolster mental health programs in local schools. The council members expressed their appreciation for the Rotary’s contributions, recognizing the organization’s sustained service and impact on the community.

Following the Rotary’s announcement, the meeting shifted focus to the issue of mental health, with a presentation from Preferred Behavioral Health. The organization, led by CEO Dr. Tara Chalak and VP of Strategic Development Val Ortense, outlined their commitment to providing funding and support for mental health services across Ocean County. In light of recent community tragedies, they emphasized the critical nature of mental health challenges, particularly those related to suicide, and spotlighted the availability of 24/7 services for the community. The council members responded favorably to the presentation, reinforcing the importance of addressing mental health needs, especially among the youth.

The council then reviewed and approved several resolutions, among them the convening of an executive session, the appointment of special law enforcement officers, and the Township’s participation in the T-Mobile Hometown Grant. Bids were authorized for various equipment and services, and routine financial matters, such as refunds of deposit monies and the payment of Township bills, were resolved. Moreover, the first reading of an ordinance amending flood hazard area regulations was presented, and monthly reports for March were examined. During committee member comments, discussions touched on traumatic loss coalition presentations, school budget constraints, and state mandates affecting local businesses.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on a issue regarding the re-auction of a strategically located property at the corner of Route 9 and Lacey Road. The property, previously sold at auction, was slated for re-auction, much to the frustration of the initial purchaser. This individual voiced concerns over the time and financial investment made in the property and the potential legal implications of the re-auction. The matter raised broader questions about the township’s financial interests, the role of complaints and violations in the re-auction decision, and the legality of the process.

Another heated topic involved a discussion with the Ocean County Health commissioner and a resident, Mr. de George, who felt he was being unfairly treated due to a clerical error in a property sale deal. Mr. de George’s frustration stemmed from what he perceived as a rushed resolution that adversely affected his contractual rights. The town’s legal counsel emphasized the necessity of adhering to legal protocols, including proper publication requirements for the sale of municipal property, which had not been met. The counsel advised that the contract was effectively void. Additional public comments underscored the historical importance of the property and urged the council to reconsider its auction.

In addition to these concerns, the council addressed a matter involving housing setbacks, where homes supposed to maintain a 20-foot distance were only 12 feet apart, causing stormwater management issues. The discussion also touched on pilot funds for the Cornerstone project and the Heritage apartment complex, clarifying that no new projects were anticipated to receive such funds. It was noted that the budget for the year had been finalized, limiting the ability to allocate pilot funds to the school district.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, during which a resident inquired about a repair and rights issue previously discussed at a planning board meeting.