The Long Branch Fire Museum was a significant topic of conversation, highlighting both its achievements and challenges in its first year of operation. Art Green, who manages the museum, presented an overview of its performance, noting that approximately 218 to 230 visitors have signed the guest register since its opening. The museum is open on a limited schedule, which Green believes could be adjusted to attract more visitors. He suggested opening earlier in the day to leverage its location near a popular eatery.

Despite its limited size, the museum houses 84 artifacts, with 69 currently on display, spanning items from small pieces to larger artifacts awaiting display cases. The artifacts include unique historical pieces like an 1880 self-acting Babcock chemical fire engine and an 1890 hose wagon, both of which are rare globally. Green emphasized that the museum distinguishes itself from larger municipal fire museums by housing items dating back to before 1900.

However, the museum faces challenges in attracting young visitors. Discussions revealed that the exhibits lack interactive elements that might engage children, who often accompany adults to the museum. Suggestions to improve this included organizing school groups and possibly introducing a traditional firehouse mascot, like a Dalmatian, to draw in younger audiences. The museum’s single-room layout limits the ability to create separate interactive areas, a factor that attendees acknowledged when discussing potential solutions.

The council also discussed ways to enhance public outreach and participation, particularly during events like Fire Prevention Week. Members considered potential collaborations with local educational institutions, such as Ocean County Community College and Monmouth College, to attract students interested in fire service education.

In addition to the museum’s issues, the council addressed concerns about beach erosion. The public hearing for Ordinance 05-25 was a key agenda item, aimed at amending and restating a storm damage reduction easement for specific properties. This ordinance is part of an ongoing collaboration with the state of New Jersey and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to tackle beach erosion. Despite the importance of the topic, no members of the public came forward during the hearing to comment, and the ordinance was adopted on its second reading.

Public participation in the meeting brought forward several community concerns. Phil Falconee from the Green Team expressed gratitude for the council’s efforts to reduce single-use plastics and install refillable water bottle stations. He also questioned the presence of six Israeli flags at Pier Village, citing potential risks to community harmony and referencing state statutes on flag display sizes. Additionally, he suggested updated promotional images for beach sweeps to reflect the current state of beach cleanliness.

Susan Mckitis of Food and Water Watch inquired about the council’s stance on the Super Fund Act, which seeks to hold polluters accountable for environmental damage. The city attorney responded that a resolution supporting the act would be prepared for the next meeting.

Vincent Leapour raised issues regarding transparency and accountability, particularly concerning the fire museum’s property and personnel. He criticized the council’s handling of a former fire chief’s involvement in the fire department, despite a criminal record that should bar him from government positions. In response, a council member clarified that the individual had been separated from the fire department for over a year and defended the city’s limited role concerning the volunteer fire company.

The meeting concluded with the council approving the consent agenda, which included no changes to the list of resolutions. Council members took the opportunity to express holiday greetings and encourage community participation in upcoming events, such as a youth internship program and a disability resource fair. Mayor Pallone highlighted various community initiatives, including an art exhibit and a classical music evening, to engage residents further.