The property acquisition on J Street, intended to support the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad and preserve emergency medical services, became the focal point of the meeting. Residents questioned the council’s communication and decision-making process, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency. One resident, Andy Clank, expressed frustration at the sudden ordinance introduction, stating, “We’ve gone from knowing nothing to all of a sudden, boom, now the town is going to acquire this property.” He criticized the omission of the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad from the ordinance title, which contributed to public confusion.

Another resident, Tom Joseph, reiterated concerns about insufficient information, stressing that the lack of data impeded informed public opinion. Joseph urged the council to release more details about the property’s condition and any inspections conducted before the acquisition. The discussions revealed public dissatisfaction with the council’s engagement with residents on notable decisions, particularly those involving substantial public expenditures.

Further complicating the situation, resident Shirley Prele raised questions about the financial implications of the acquisition and the involvement of neighboring municipalities. She highlighted issues such as heating problems in the building and called for a review of financial records.

The council confirmed Berkeley Township’s involvement in the negotiations, addressing concerns raised by another resident, Nancy Corey, about the absence of the township’s name in ordinance documents. An explanation was provided that Berkeley’s name was omitted from a placeholder title due to time constraints, temporarily alleviating Corey’s concerns.

Despite public opposition, the council proceeded with a second reading of the ordinance. The property acquisition underscores a broader discussion on transparency and communication within local governance, as residents continue to call for greater involvement in decisions impacting their community.

In addition to the property acquisition, the council tackled potential changes to the beach buggy permit ordinance. The proposed revisions would transition from a calendar year permit to a seasonal permit valid from October 1 to May 14. The change aims to align permit dates with state-mandated beach management plans, addressing complexities related to endangered species protection and access restrictions. The current cap of 250 permits, set against high demand and reports of sell-outs, prompted debate over whether the limit should be increased. Suggestions to raise the permit fee from $50 to between $75 and $100 were also discussed, reflecting inflation and the need for a flexible fee structure.

The meeting also addressed several capital ordinances, including the appropriation of $50,000 for a police vehicle and $300,000 for marina reconstruction. The marina project is part of a larger $6 million endeavor covering permitting and survey plans. Both ordinances passed without opposition, signaling council support for infrastructure improvements.

Updates on community projects highlighted the progress of boardwalk construction, with pilings 82% complete and the project slightly ahead of schedule for a completion date in early 2026. Additionally, announcements were made for upcoming community events, including a craft show and tree lighting ceremony, aimed at fostering community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a series of public comments on various topics, including concerns about tax bill increases, safety conditions for garbage collection workers, and the need for comprehensive communication on municipal decisions. Residents emphasized the importance of understanding ordinance implications and called for improved transparency and engagement from the council.