A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the unresolved deer management issues within Ocean Township. For over 22 months, council members have been deliberating potential solutions without reaching a resolution. One council member emphasized the need for a clear statement to be prepared and reviewed at the next meeting to inform the public.

The township engineer provided extensive updates on various ongoing and completed infrastructure projects. The 2022 Road Program was reported as complete, and the 2023 Road Program has commenced on the west side of town, with work scheduled on Hill Faith and Abby Lane, including bike lane improvements. The engineer also communicated a request from the police for expedited painting at the intersection of Bound and Deal Road before the school year starts.

Further updates were shared on the sidewalk projects at Whale Pond. The first crossing is complete, and a second larger crossing is planned for next year, pending funding. The engineer expressed frustration over regulatory hurdles, particularly the requirement for a flood hazard area permit for a four-foot-wide sidewalk, which was described as excessively costly.

Attention turned to prioritizing pond projects, starting with Fireman’s Pond, followed by Lollipop Pond and Terrace Pond. The engineer explained that state funding is awaited for Lollipop Pond, and Terrace Pond dredging is contingent upon a project by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at a nearby mall. The engineer emphasized the need for proactive maintenance to avoid flooding issues and outlined the disposal of dredged materials from Fireman’s Pond, noting that they would be taken to a leaf compost facility due to regulatory requirements concerning the material’s composition.

The topic of roadways and traffic management also took center stage. Concerns were raised about the condition of roadways affected by construction traffic, with emphasis on the need for builders to adhere to established rules to prevent damage. The timeline for repaving Deal Road was discussed, with nighttime paving operations scheduled for late September. The council also addressed the need for correct road striping and signage at specific intersections to alleviate traffic confusion.

The council discussed the Kramer Court Bridge project, where complications arose due to a miscommunication with the Sewer Authority about the type of sewer pipe present. The contractor will need to adapt the bridge design, resulting in delays. Approval for a change order to utilize different materials has been granted, allowing the project to move forward.

Stream cleaning initiatives are also progressing, focusing on sections of the Poplar Brook prone to flooding. Plans include contacting residents for permission to clean private sections of the stream and obtaining quotes for the next phase of the cleaning process. The council emphasized the importance of addressing flooding comprehensively, especially in areas surrounding the railroad tracks.

Significant discussions emerged regarding the regulation of electric bikes (e-bikes) within POA Park. The council had previously met with local law enforcement and parks officials and announced that e-bikes would be banned from the park. A helmet requirement for all users, including children, was also discussed, with officer discretion for those who are disabled or require assistance. A specific incident where a child rode an e-bike on miles per hour on Deal Road without a helmet raised serious safety concerns, leading to the conclusion that such speeds classify e-bikes as motorized vehicles similar to mopeds or motorcycles.

The council reiterated the importance of safety and emphasized the need to protect all park users. The dialogue included the general rules extending beyond the park, explaining that while e-bikes would be banned in the park, they would still be subject to usual traffic regulations on public streets.

Public comments highlighted various concerns, including transparency in governance and the need for thorough cost assessments. Residents called for better communication and clearer processes regarding council decisions. One resident suggested combining earlier meetings with regular council meetings to enhance public engagement, noting that many residents felt disconnected from the decision-making process.

The discussion about the Cindy Lane property, which has been under investigation for potential development, included a financial proposal to complete the necessary permitting processes. The council also discussed revitalizing Route 35, with a planning firm contracted to assess the area’s condition and propose improvements.

In closing remarks, a council member proposed establishing a public information officer to manage media inquiries and improve communication with the public. The council concluded by noting the need for a public statement regarding deer management status, recognizing the complexity and potential costs associated with different management strategies, including sterilization.