15:16A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a resident’s concerns over the turtle-shaped sand pit, which was intended to aid in the protection of diamond terrapin turtles. The resident expressed frustration with the unintended consequences of this environmental initiative. They described a “chaotic environment” on Bay View Drive, exacerbated by an influx of visitors to the area, including individuals who do not reside locally. One person from Lower Township was noted as a frequent visitor, allegedly trespassing on private property to monitor and transport turtles, a situation described as disruptive by the resident.

The resident also highlighted the negative impact of increased human activity on the turtles’ nesting behaviors, noting instances where children and pets had interfered with turtles during egg-laying. They emphasized the distress caused to the turtles, evidenced by a recent incident where a turtle was killed by a vehicle. In their appeal to the council, the resident stressed the importance of educating the public on proper turtle interaction, advocating for the message, “don’t touch them. Help them cross the street, but don’t pick them up.” They suggested a reevaluation of the sand pit’s status after the current hatching season, proposing alternative conservation methods that could mitigate the chaos observed.

21:30Another resident raised concerns about traffic safety at the Cresy Avenue beach entrance. They recounted an incident involving a child who nearly had an accident while biking, attributing the near-miss to the high-traffic nature of the area. The malfunctioning of a flashing light at Atlantic and Cressy was also cited as contributing to unsafe conditions. In response, officials acknowledged these issues and mentioned ongoing discussions with the chief of public safety to better manage traffic at the entrance. Efforts to improve safety have been initiated, including ordering signs to remind drivers to stop for pedestrians and cyclists.

01:39Beyond public comment, the council addressed several ordinances and resolutions. Ordinance 1457, concerning construction permit fees, was approved after its second reading without public comment. Similarly, Ordinance 1458, regarding street opening days and dates, and Ordinance 1459, the salary ordinance, were passed following the same procedure. Ordinance 1460, related to wireless communication facility regulations, was introduced with a public hearing scheduled for June 2025.

08:27In the realm of resolutions, the council endorsed a fourth-round housing element and fair share plan and authorized a proprietary purchase for exhaust extraction systems for public works. A resolution on the issuance of general bonds and notes was also unanimously adopted. Additionally, the council approved resolutions for urban enterprise funds for planning services related to the New Jersey Avenue streetscape project, the appointment of Kathy Strob to the wellness committee, and the rescinding of a prior resolution. The establishment of a Wildwood Crest EMS ride-along volunteer program was another key resolution approved.

10:52Further resolutions included authorizing an agreement with Time Clock Plus LLC for public safety policy management software and increasing a contract with Acuity Consulting Services for affordable housing planning. Two resolutions were passed to submit grant applications to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for Denver Avenue reconstruction. The council also authorized appointing a class one police officer.

12:51The meeting transitioned to discussions on old business, with updates on various projects. The 250th birthday committee’s call for community interest was noted, and updates on the municipal app, historical museum, and beach shares were deferred due to the dune project. Traffic calming measures showed positive signage updates, and the completion of emergency excavation work was acknowledged. The Jersey Avenue infrastructure project awaited bidding, and minimal progress on the Army Corps and dune project was discussed, with potential cooperation with island-wide communities and a meeting tentatively scheduled for the end of July. Borough Hall renovations were mentioned as pending paperwork from the architect.