The council tackled the decision by the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) to discontinue the second commercial business collection in the city due to staffing constraints. This issue captured attention as it poses a challenge for local businesses ahead of the summer 2025 effectivity date. The council discussed various alternatives such as adjusting container capacity and contracting with additional haulers and expressed a willingness to collaborate with businesses to find a viable solution.

In the financial realm, the city’s CFO provided an overview of the new budget. The communication director reported on the ACUA’s trash collection decision, initiating a conversation on how to mitigate the impact on the business community.

The meeting also covered updates on local projects, including the completion of the Ocean Avenue punch list items and the final paving of the C exit and Deon road project. The Economic Development Committee shared a quarterly report detailing the growth of the city’s social media presence and strategies for future engagement, highlighting the positive community outreach via platforms like Facebook and the city’s e-newsletter.

Public engagement continued to be a theme as the council discussed the upcoming Bait Fest, organized by a committee led by Chairman Steve Hornick. The festival, along with other city events, forms part of the larger strategy to increase community involvement and promote local businesses.

The council considered several ordinances, including one regulating handicap parking and another granting the city the authority to establish restricted parking zones. Additionally, the first reading of an ordinance aimed at tree removal and replacement was introduced.

Resolutions were another focal point of the meeting. Resolution number 112 recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, emphasizing the critical nature of preventing child abuse and promoting community involvement in supporting families. Another resolution, number 113, authorized an amendment to the shared services agreement with Galloway Township for tax assessor services.

Legal matters were also on the agenda, with resolutions 113, 114, and 115 authorizing executive sessions to receive legal advice on pending litigations against the city’s planning board and tax court litigations. The council addressed public comments on various community concerns, including parking permits and traffic speed on local avenues, with members expressing support for reviewing and addressing these issues.

The council expressed gratitude to the Environmental Advisory Committee and acknowledged a new lawsuit against the city by Holloway Property. After discussions on old and new business, the meeting concluded with the council entering an executive session.