The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Councilwoman Mary Jane Sy, whose recent passing has left a vacancy on the council. The council outlined the statutory process for appointing an interim member within 30 days, to serve until a special election in November 2025. However, the public was critical of the council’s previous decision to excuse Sy’s absences without pursuing a judicial determination of her ability to serve, as permitted by New Jersey law. A participant accused the council of disrespecting the community and betraying public trust, stating, “you people made fools of this city,” which underscored a growing sentiment of discontent among attendees.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on financial matters, particularly the adoption of Ordinance 20-24, a bond ordinance for capital acquisitions and improvements. The ordinance, amounting to $4,946,101, included funds for facade assessments, repairs to City Hall, and upgrades to recreational facilities, supported by a New Jersey Department of Transportation grant. During the public hearing, a resident, Vincent Leor, questioned the specifics of the improvements, particularly the $850,000 allocated for preliminary engineering studies and recreational upgrades. Leor highlighted a perceived lack of transparency, stating, “I waited four weeks for a list to this ordinance,” and urged the council to vote against it due to the absence of a detailed list of planned improvements. Despite these concerns, the council proceeded to adopt the ordinance unanimously.

The issue of transparency extended to debates over city tax increases. A resident cited a 21% rise in city taxes and criticized the lack of publicly available property valuations, particularly in the Pier Village area. They called for accountability in tax assessments and requested that valuations be made accessible to the public. The resident emphasized the financial strain caused by the tax hikes, expressing a potential need to sell their home, stating, “with this rate, I’m inclined to sell and move the hell out.”

The council also addressed the settlement agreement regarding an easement for beach access. The easement had been a contentious issue, with questions about its usage being limited to construction purposes. A council member clarified that it was not a public access easement, despite historical claims of public access over the past 40 years. This discussion highlighted ongoing debates about public rights and access within the community.

In the latter part of the meeting, the council approved several resolutions, including the appointment of Dr. Need as the new Council Vice President. The meeting also recognized community contributions with a resolution proclaiming November 1, 2024, as Extra Mile Day in Long Branch, honoring those who provide exceptional service to the community.

The meeting concluded with personal remarks from council members, who paid tribute to the late Mary Jane Sy. The Mayor and others acknowledged her as a mentor and a dedicated council member, emphasizing her commitment to diversity and fairness. The Mayor reflected on her legacy, stating, “Mary Jane always put the interest of Long Branch first,” highlighting her significant impact on the community.