42:59The public hearing on the cable franchise renewal brought forth a wave of resident grievances. Jo Penn, a local resident, criticized Optimum’s customer service, noting the excessive wait times to speak with a representative and the inconvenience caused by the closure of the local office in Seaside Heights. This closure has compelled residents to travel to Wall Township for equipment-related concerns, posing challenges particularly for seniors and those with disabilities. Mike Spino, another resident, acknowledged a positive interaction with a technician but echoed frustrations regarding the general service quality. The technical shortcomings of Optimum were further highlighted by Tom Joseph, an electrical engineer, who cited the company’s failure to maintain its cable infrastructure and advised residents to consider alternative options like FiOS and streaming services.

00:45The council’s deliberations on the municipal budget were another key focus of the meeting. With Mayor John A. Peterson Jr. excused, the finance committee introduced the annual budget workshop, emphasizing the preliminary nature of the figures due to pending school and county tax data. The council discussed the projected 2% increase in school taxes and a 6% rise in county taxes, highlighting the challenges posed by escalating costs in insurance, healthcare, and pensions. The switch to the Central Jersey Health Insurance Fund was a notable point, resulting in a 7% increase in health insurance costs, which, although significant, was a strategic decision to avoid a potential 177% hike from the previous state plan. The police and fire retirement system costs and liability and workers’ compensation expenses were also discussed, with increases of $44,700 and over $58,000, respectively.

07:01Attention was drawn to the municipal tax rate, which is set to increase by 4.4%, maintaining a total municipal tax levy of approximately $20 million. The council explored ways to manage these financial pressures without overburdening taxpayers. The surplus balance saw a positive shift, with $739,000 reported this year compared to $500,000 previously, bolstered by improved revenue collection from beach sales, alcohol licensing, and municipal court fines.

01:02:00The council also considered potential adjustments to the boat ramp fees, which have remained unchanged since 2010. The proposed increase from $80 to $150 for pre-season passes and $200 after June 14 reflects efforts to align fees with current economic conditions while maintaining the facility’s reputation as a premier location. This discussion was part of a broader evaluation of fee structures conducted in collaboration with the beach operations committee, as the council seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with community accessibility.

25:22Further, the council discussed a long-term capital improvement plan, detailing allocations for water and marina projects. The marina, described as self-liquidating, requires upgrades to its electrical system and bulkhead repairs to address erosion and flooding. The borough aims to secure low-interest loans through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for these projects, capitalizing on principal forgiveness options where available.

01:02In addition to financial deliberations, the council addressed upcoming community events and administrative matters. The “Seaside Stride” event, scheduled for May 17, 2025, was authorized, contingent on county approval. The introduction of the 2025 municipal budget received unanimous support, and the council noted the hiring of a new Chief Financial Officer, Jamie, whose extensive experience was praised amid a challenging hiring environment. The council also planned to apply for a Central Jersey Health Insurance Fund grant to promote employee wellness through a fitness app.

18:14Public comments included various suggestions and concerns, from competitive banking options to addressing environmental issues like the disposal of dead birds. A non-resident attendee proposed enhancements to a memorial bench, and another resident, Ed Clank, commended a senior program presentation on the Hindenburg.