A significant portion of the council meeting was dedicated to discussing the grant application for park development, aiming to enhance the softball field, tennis court, basketball court, and playground at the 13th Avenue ballpark. The project, with an estimated cost of just under $700,000, includes raising the field to improve drainage, replacing the infield and outfield, installing new bases, batter boxes, and drainage improvements in the outfield, as well as replacing the fencing. The environmental impact assessment found no environmental constraints at the park, and the project is exempt from certain regulations due to the nature of the proposed improvements. The Green Acres Program, which provides loans for park development, is being pursued, and a public survey garnered over 300 responses.

During the public comment section, concerns were raised about the necessity of the softball field, the impact on taxes, and the need for such improvements given flooding issues in the area. Some residents questioned the project’s necessity, expressing concerns about the financial implications and the potential underutilization of the field. Additionally, there was confusion about whether the funding would come in the form of a grant or a loan. Borough officials clarified that they are pursuing a loan but are exploring other funding sources, including the Green Acres Grant program. Questions about the project’s timeline and the potential for additional funding sources were also raised.

Residents debated the allocation of funds for the softball field renovation, with some arguing that the project was not a priority compared to other pressing needs in the town. A resident expressed frustration over the delay in completing the Boardwalk project and questioned the decision to allocate funds to the softball field. The debate also touched on the demographics of the town and the usage of the field, with some residents arguing that the field served a variety of purposes beyond just softball and baseball. A resident raised concerns about the amount of water accumulating on the field, questioning the potential impact on surrounding properties.

The council also discussed the sale of a 1993 used pumper of the fire department. The pumper had been put out for municipal bid with no bids received, and subsequent attempts at sale were discussed. The council was approached by another fire department interested in purchasing the pumper, but concerns were raised about the damage the pumper had incurred from sitting outside, potentially affecting its value. The minimum bid for the pumper was set at $10,000, but the buyer was interested in purchasing it as is. The council debated the fair value of the pumper and the potential sale, considering the market value and the condition of the vehicle.

In addition, the council addressed the possibility of authorizing a private sale of a truck for $10,000, as it was deemed not up to current standards and code. The discussion revolved around the potential buyer’s responsibility for the necessary upgrades and the practicality of pursuing a private sale. The proposal to use a mailing service for water bills was also a point of interest, with the council considering the potential cost savings and efficiency gains. The council revisited the issue of returning Second Avenue to a one-way street, with concerns raised about the street being especially narrow and potentially hazardous during the summer months.

The council discussed shared service agreements with Manchester Township for the use of the shooting range and with Ocean County for the prosecutors program. Both agreements aimed at ensuring that officers continued to be qualified and compliant with regulations. Additionally, the council considered the renewal of a shared service agreement with Ocean County for the pumpout boat, stipulating the operation of three full-time boats and one part-time boat.

A proposal submitted by Remington Vernick Engineers for a change of scope concerning the Bayfront wave energy dissipation project was discussed. This proposal, listed as resolution 22481, outlined a phase-in approach for the project, with a focus on the mitigation component required by the Army Corps of Engineers. There were concerns raised about the potential impact of the proposed changes on the effectiveness of the wave energy dissipation, as it could affect the funding from FEMA.

The council also expressed frustration with the delay in the 14th Avenue project due to a holdup with the capital response review. The public voiced confusion and frustration about the progress of the bay project, with one resident requesting a public meeting to provide clarity to the community. Another resident highlighted the increasing impact of water encroachment on their property, urging the council to take action.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various resolutions, including the green acr’s application, the appointment of a municipal Alliance coordinator, and the authorization for the borough to seek out a public sale for a used pump truck of the fire company. Public comments were solicited and addressed, with Dr. Phil Newfield inquiring about the green acr’s application. The council confirmed they had voted to apply for the loan, with the decision to proceed with the project based on the application’s success.