The meeting had an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude as Brian McKay was sworn in as the new Chief of Police. McKay’s appointment was a focal point of the meeting. With various law enforcement officials and community members in attendance, McKay expressed deep gratitude for the support from his family, colleagues, and community. He acknowledged the significant role his mentors played throughout his 30-year law enforcement career and emphasized the importance of family and faith in his journey. McKay highlighted collaboration among law enforcement agencies and pledged to uphold the safety and security of the community.

Confederac expressed his appreciation for the teamwork inherent in law enforcement, acknowledging the support of his peers and the community. Prosecutor Brad Boheimr also addressed the assembly, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and expressing confidence in the new leadership.

Beyond police appointments, the council addressed legislative actions. Ordinance 202506, amending beach rate permits, was adopted after noting that fees had not changed since 2010. The council unanimously approved the ordinance following a public hearing devoid of comments.

Ordinance 202507 sought to extend the duration of variances under the development regulations section of the code. This change aimed to align with the municipal land use act, as recommended by the planning board. Like the previous ordinance, it passed unanimously after a public hearing.

In another notable move, Ordinance 202508 authorized amendments to the police department’s structure, specifically allowing for the appointment of a captain if deemed necessary. This ordinance passed without public input, highlighting the council’s proactive measures to ensure the effective functioning of its police force.

The council also addressed staffing and budget concerns. Ordinance 202509 dealt with the salaries and wages of borough officials. The council member stressed the importance of competitive pay to attract and retain quality employees, acknowledging the financial strain caused by high staff turnover. This ordinance also passed unanimously after a public hearing with no comments.

The meeting then shifted to financial matters, with the adoption of the 2025 municipal budget. Mayor John A. Peterson Jr. emphasized the extensive efforts invested in the budget preparation, highlighting necessary expenditures such as a new fire truck and improvements to the boardwalk and parking lot. A council member acknowledged the unease surrounding any tax increase, but justified the modest 4.4-cent rise per $100 of valuation as essential. During the public hearing, a resident inquired about potential budget cuts, receiving confirmation that none were made to offset the tax increase. Ultimately, the budget was adopted unanimously.

Infrastructure and community projects also featured prominently. Resolution 170 authorized the advertisement and receipt of bids for marina breakwater improvements. Additionally, the council discussed the need for clear signage at beach entrances and addressed concerns about the condition of Ocean Avenue, noting forthcoming measures to adjust manhole elevations.

The meeting concluded with public comments, where resident Chuck Applebee raised concerns about cell tower lease negotiations and the importance of environmental assessments. He also suggested prioritizing local residents for marina trailer storage, without seeking personal discounts. The council assured compliance with regulatory requirements and confirmed plans to address infrastructure concerns.