A major point of contention was the closure of the Toms River Animal Shelter, which has been shut since June 7, per a directive from the mayor. Residents like Julie Adamac expressed their dissatisfaction with the council’s decision to repeal a prior ordinance allowing the mayor to execute a lease agreement for the property with the Ocean County Board of Health. Adamac criticized the council for the shelter’s closure, emphasizing the strain it placed on public safety due to the reduced number of animal control officers. She highlighted the public risk posed by the lack of a functioning shelter and the inefficiencies of using pest control services with long response times.

The mayor responded by claiming there was an agreement in place with the county for shared services concerning the shelter, asserting that the council’s actions were a proactive response to community concerns. However, public comments revealed a significant divide among residents regarding the management of the shelter.

Brian B2 raised procedural issues related to the ordinance and referenced a pending lawsuit against the township. He argued that the council had not adhered to state laws regarding the timeline for addressing the petition and suggested that the council might need to consider tabling the ordinance until the litigation was resolved. Phil Brilliant reiterated his lawsuit against the township for not following proper procedures regarding the petition, asserting that residents’ rights had been violated.

During the council meeting, discussions also focused on the financial implications of the county’s takeover of the shelter. One resident questioned the costs involved and was informed that the arrangement would save Toms River approximately one million dollars annually, with the county not charging for the shelter’s management. Despite this, some council members expressed hesitations about the county’s management capabilities, referencing past issues with the shelter, including poor conditions and inadequate veterinary care.

The debate over the shelter’s closure and management highlighted a division among council members and the public. While some viewed the county’s intervention as a necessary step towards improving the shelter’s operations, others believed that the town should retain control to ensure better outcomes for the animals. The discussion also included calls for transparency regarding the county’s plans, with multiple council members expressing a desire to have a county representative present at future meetings to outline their strategies and timelines for the shelter’s operation.

Another topic of debate was the handling of homelessness in Toms River. Representatives from the organization Just Believe addressed the council regarding their operations and the recent changes concerning their use of a municipal building. Kevin McKenna, representing Just Believe, argued that their operations were part of a yearly agreement meant to be retroactive, and implored the council to allow them to continue utilizing the Riverwood facility for their activities aimed at aiding the homeless. In response, a council member clarified that a cease and desist letter had been issued to address the fact that Just Believe’s use of the building exceeded what was initially agreed upon. The council member emphasized that the facility was intended only for temporary warming shelter during cold weather events, known as “code blue,” not for year-round use.

John Ryan, another representative of Just Believe, reinforced the organization’s adherence to the agreement and expressed frustration over the council’s actions and the lack of communication. The council member reiterated that the facility was not intended for year-round shelter use and suggested that the organization pursue proper zoning procedures and negotiations.

Residents like John Wilson, a homeless individual, emphasized the critical nature of the warming center for those experiencing homelessness, asserting that the shelter’s availability last winter was life-saving. Donna Roberts from Just Believe highlighted the increasing prevalence of homelessness in Ocean County and urged the council to consider forming a committee dedicated to addressing homelessness. She emphasized the need for community support and the urgency of establishing a permanent shelter in Toms River.

The meeting also touched on broader governance issues, with residents expressing dissatisfaction with the council’s engagement and transparency. One speaker criticized the council for pushing a political agenda and demanded the reopening of the Toms River Animal Shelter. Another resident, Crystal, defended the condition of the shelter and the efforts of staff and volunteers, arguing that the financial burden of maintaining the shelter was minimal.