The meeting opened with Mayor William Portman’s proclamation of January 15, 2024, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Red Bank, followed by the presentation of awards for the annual holiday home decorating contest. Public comments then turned to the subject of property tax assessments, with Mr. Poku presenting a detailed case for reexamining the ADP and the discrepancies in property values. He identified examples where property assessments did not align with property values and suggested the program could disproportionately affect certain demographics. Mr. Poku also raised the issue of a lease of public property, showing photos of trailers on public land and questioning the interpretation of ordinances.

Mr. Poku’s address prompted a discussion among council members who acknowledged the concerns and showed a willingness to further investigate the raised issues. They agreed to examine the ADP’s impact on the community and reassess the application of related ordinances.

The council’s discussion on ordinances and resolutions revealed several topics of public interest. A resident’s inquiry about the bond ordinance for pedestrian improvements at Red Bank station highlighted the need for clarity in the project’s planning stages and community consultation. The Historical Preservation Commission (HPC) ordinance also prompted debate, with the council assuring that multiple public hearings would be held to garner input. Questions regarding the noise and disturbance from the Pedestrian Mall were raised but remained unanswered at the time.

Further, the council addressed the intent to reinstate the human resources manager position, emphasizing the role in managing employment liability claims and providing employee assistance programs. The need for investigation work at the incinerator site was discussed, noting the neglected state of the project and the indeterminate cost of the required work.

Councilman Michael Ballard’s reaction to not being reappointed to the Housing Authority sparked a notable exchange. Ballard accused Mayor Portman and Councilmember Kate Triggiano of political retribution, a claim that was echoed by the new chair of the Housing Authority, Alpha Reynolds Lewis. Councilmember David Cassidy defended the decision, citing support for the newly appointed commissioner.

Public comments included Mimi Picon’s advocacy for marginalized communities and concerns about the Housing Authority’s governance. Chris Pascarell, the president of the Cedar Crossing Condo Association, also addressed challenges faced by the association and called for collaborative efforts.

Mayor Portman discussed the historic preservation commission ordinance, and Councilmember Kristina Bonatakis expressed support for Kate Triggiano, praising her integrity and contribution to the community. Tax refunds for overpayment of taxes were another concern, with a call for further investigation into the tax status of major theaters in the area.

The meeting also covered various other initiatives, including Earth Day sustainability events, the success of the borough’s YouTube channel, and the importance of the Broadwalk as a community enhancer. Additionally, the Animal Welfare Committee’s pet food drive and the Downtown Coco Crawl event were highlighted as examples of community engagement and support for local businesses.