The meeting began with public comments, where residents Cor Yosi and Dennis raised issues regarding a long-term lease for 20 parking spots across from CVS, signed in 2005 and set to last until 2056. Yosi questioned the rationale behind committing the property for such an extended period without periodic reviews, particularly given the city’s ongoing parking issues. The annual revenue from the lease was notably low at $6,200, which Dennis highlighted as inadequate, given that the city had collected $22,000 in parking ticket fines in a single month. Dennis suggested reevaluating the lease, expressing frustration over the lack of transparency regarding who currently maintains the parking lot, as the lease agreement had changed hands multiple times.

The discussion then shifted to the police department, specifically addressing the claim made by the police chief that the department received 12,000 calls in the previous year. Dennis expressed skepticism about this figure. The chief’s figure was defended by others, who argued that the number included various types of responses, including non-emergency situations. However, Dennis maintained that the figures were misleading, implying that the actual volume of incidents felt lower. Another resident, Steve Wman, asked whether police officers accompany fire department calls and whether those responses are counted in the police’s incident tally. It was confirmed that police presence during fire department calls would indeed count as incidents.

A debate arose regarding a proposed resolution to oppose more building codes aimed at increasing building height by two feet to improve flood resilience. This discussion was particularly relevant in light of recent flooding issues at local sites such as Marvin Gardens and Margate Gardens. One participant questioned why the city would oppose higher building standards when it was previously acceptable to construct at 11 feet 6 inches. The participant emphasized the need for regulations that could prevent future flooding. In response, another voice suggested that the current regulations were sufficient for local conditions. The conversation also touched on solar energy considerations, with frustrations expressed over the suggestion that residents should build higher to maximize solar energy efficiency, which was seen as an unreasonable solution to the shadowing effect caused by taller neighboring structures.

The council also introduced several ordinances, including ordinance number 18-2024, which appropriated $1,900,000 for various capital improvements, and ordinance number 19-2024, which allocated $950,000 for water and sewer utility capital improvements. Both ordinances received unanimous support from the council members present. Additionally, ordinance number 17-2024 aimed at amending the vehicle and traffic code was passed without opposition. Resolutions authorizing bill payments and specific payments to vendors like Colar Home Center were introduced, although one commissioner abstained from voting on the payment to Colar Home Center without providing an explanation.

The meeting included significant news about the awarding of a $750,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for the painting of the remaining bike lanes along Atlantic Avenue. This funding will allow the city to complete previously discussed bike lane projects. Updates on various infrastructure projects were provided, including the closure of the Atlantic Avenue bike lane painting project and the bulkhead project at Avenue and Vinson Avenue. The Winchester Avenue project and municipal building office renovations are also progressing towards completion.

The engineering report provided updates on several ongoing projects, including the dredging project awaiting review from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Shelter Island salt marsh restoration project. Various street projects were discussed, including traffic counts to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles and the potential relocation of a storm pump station. Updates on the reconstruction of the basketball court at Sigm and the restroom building at the same site were also provided.

Public Works reported progress on the installation of digital water meters, with 73% completion achieved for phases one through three. The upcoming Dean Renazzo Surf for a Cause event at Decar Avenue beach was also highlighted, with stage setup and other preparations in progress.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of Fred Verna’s retirement after 25 years of service, updates on the fire department’s call volume, and plans for Fire Prevention Week and Fall FunFest. The public comment section included questions about the water meter installations and associated fee structure, which were clarified to remain unchanged despite the new digital meters.