One item at the meeting was the enthusiastic discussion surrounding the success of Lake Como Day, an event that drew significant appreciation from both council members and attendees. The event, which has evolved from a small gathering to a major community celebration, featured various activities, including fireworks, and was praised for fostering a strong sense of community. Council members expressed gratitude for the contributions of the Department of Public Works, the Belmar Police Department, and local businesses. The collaborative efforts ensured the event ran smoothly and was well-received by the community. A council member acknowledged the hard work of the DPW staff, stating, “they do the work of 20,” highlighting the dedication required to make the day a success. The positive feedback extended to the event’s execution, with the council acknowledging the logistics involved, from street closures for a new race route to organizing entertainment and activities.

The meeting also addressed future community events, such as the trunk or treat event scheduled for October 24th at Deb Park, designed for children and families. The council provided details about registration and inclement weather plans.

In legislative matters, the council’s workshop focused on the Shade Tree Ordinance. Members reviewed a redlined version and a draft, with attention given to section 2-44.8, which involves ownership approval for curbside tree work. A point of contention arose when one member recalled that this section should not be removed, emphasizing, “I do not remember talking about taking it out.” Another member supported retaining the section, highlighting the necessity of property owners’ consent for tree-related actions. The council agreed that there should be a process for owners to request tree plantings and that the commission should adhere to council guidelines, making recommendations rather than decisions.

The council reached a consensus to keep section 2-44.8 intact and proposed amending other sections to align with the commission’s roles. It was suggested that the first reading of the ordinance could take place during the current meeting, or deferred for clarity at the next meeting. Members showed support for involving the commission in tree planting decisions, provided they adhere to the master plan.

Financial resolutions were also on the agenda, with the council authorizing payments totaling $199,473.49 and $178.57 to various accounts, including New Jersey Natural Gas. These resolutions were passed unanimously.

Public comment periods opened and closed without participation, possibly indicating community agreement with the topics discussed.