The FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program was a central topic of discussion. The program aims to help homeowners elevate their homes, thereby improving Seaside Park’s Community Rating System (CRS) rating. A better CRS rating can lead to reduced flood insurance premiums for all residents. The cost for services related to this initiative is estimated at $18,500, with a 75% reimbursement from FEMA, leaving the borough to contribute approximately $4,625. A council member highlighted, “The more homes in Seaside Park become compliant, the better our CRS rating is,” emphasizing the broader community benefits.

The discussion covered the competitive nature of the grant application process. Homeowners must submit proposals and have plans in place before receiving approval to elevate their homes. Initially, they must cover the costs, with the promise of reimbursement upon meeting specific requirements. The engineering firm RVE will assist homeowners with documentation and inspections to ensure compliance with grant standards. An audience member raised a question about the grant’s duration, asking if it was open-ended or set to expire in 2025, highlighting public interest in the program’s timeline.

The council also discussed a proposed ordinance to reintroduce the police captain position, which had previously been phased out. An audience member questioned the rationale for reinstating this role. In response, it was explained that the captain would manage administrative duties, freeing lieutenants to focus on patrol responsibilities. This restructuring aims to address growing administrative demands and regulatory requirements within the department. A council member pointed out that many other towns have a captain.

Concerns were voiced about the criteria for reintroducing the captain position. It was clarified that public safety committee meetings had included interviews with the two lieutenants, and the decision aimed to enhance organizational structure within the department. This change is seen as a shift in responsibilities rather than an additional salary burden, as the captain role would be filled by one of the current lieutenants.

In addition to these major topics, the council touched on several other ordinances and authorizations. A proposed ordinance intends to modify the marina boat slip waiting list procedure to address a growing backlog. The new system would alternate selections between new applicants and current slip holders seeking to change their slip size. The marina manager participated in refining this proposal, which is set to be presented at the next council meeting on April 17, 2025.

The first readings of three ordinances were conducted during the regular meeting. Ordinance 22506 addresses permits for beach rides, Ordinance 20257 allows a one-year extension of variances, and Ordinance 2258 adds the title of police captain to the borough’s police structure. Each ordinance was introduced and unanimously approved.

The council also approved several event authorizations, including a police and fire 5K event, a sunrise service by New Life Church, and a candle memorial. These approvals were contingent upon the submission of appropriate insurance certificates.

During the public comments portion, resident Tom Joseph praised the installation of cigarette butt recycling stations, while Kathy Spanapino questioned the necessity of both a chief and a captain in the police department. The clarification offered highlighted that the captain role would not entail an extra salary but a reassignment of duties.

The meeting concluded with updates from the public works committee, which is engaged in ongoing projects such as Stockton Avenue improvements and field drainage initiatives. Discussions with JCP&L regarding light pole ownership and the 14th Avenue shoreline stabilization project were noted, along with progress on internal projects like parking kiosk installations.