The establishment of a dog park in Ocean Town emerged as a focal point during the council meeting. Members evaluated various potential locations for the park, ultimately agreeing that the industrial-zoned property on R Avenue Valley Road, despite being vacant and having a significant slope, was not ideal due to accessibility concerns. The Council recognized the need to find a more suitable and accessible location for the community.

Another prime issue discussed was the state’s requirements for tree ordinances. The Ocean Town Council acknowledged that their existing tree standards exceeded those proposed by the state. With a deadline for each town to adopt its tree ordinance, the council expressed a desire to amend the fee schedule, particularly for commercial properties, to ensure fairness and compliance with state mandates. They planned to consult with experts to revise the ordinance and align the town’s regulations with legal and environmental considerations.

Financial transparency and accurate reporting were also debated at length, with a particular focus on the allocation of funds from the golf utility to cover building expenses. Councilman Fisher advocated for precise figures to be provided to the public. Mayor Napolitani and Councilman Fisher pushed for the posting of the debt statement on the town’s website to enhance transparency.

The council’s agenda further included the approval of flying the Greek flag at Town Hall to commemorate Greek Independence Day on March 25th and 26th. After discussing the procedural requirements for such requests, the council opted to pass a resolution during the meeting, which was unanimously approved.

A unique request from residents of North W. Mastera Drive was also discussed. The residents sought to extend the permit for keeping a storage pod on their property, which the council found surprising as it was an infrequent occurrence. After some deliberation, the motion was approved, extending the permit until the end of March.

The council members also touched upon the implications of flying flags on public property, scrutinizing the request for the Greek flag and the potential for similar future requests. They debated the role of the requestor’s affiliation with a legislative office in the approval process, emphasizing the need to establish clear guidelines for such matters.

Updates and discussions about the PBA and SOA contracts, the Human Services committee, tax department inquiries, and environmental commission queries were addressed. The council members took the opportunity to respond to public inquiries and concerns, including complaints about taxes and information regarding property purchases.

During the public comment segment, attendees expressed well-wishes for a council member’s new position and raised questions about salaries, property purchases, and the utilization of funds. The council provided clarifications, particularly on the cost and funding source for a recent property purchase, detailing the decision-making process and its relevance to the town’s ongoing projects.

As the meeting progressed, the council approved individual action vouchers and several ordinances, which included parking restrictions and regulations for cannabis establishments. They also discussed upcoming community events, such as the 175th anniversary celebration, the Easter egg hunt, and the annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance, extending gratitude to sponsors and contributors.