0:00A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to environmental issues. A council member reported on their participation in a summit focused on the beneficial use of dredge material for marsh restoration. The summit, attended by 60 to 70 participants, explored innovative approaches to environmental protection, including thin layer deposition, which involves spreading dredged materials over marsh areas to foster growth. This council member emphasized Tuckerton’s role as the only municipality represented by an elected official at the summit. The council member pledged to keep Tuckerton engaged in these conversations, especially concerning local projects like Thompson’s Creek and Kingfisher Lagoon.

Financial matters also featured prominently in the meeting. Among the items discussed was a resolution authorizing transfers between the 2024 budget appropriations, which was unanimously approved. Additionally, the council approved a resolution for the payment of claims totaling approximately $332,000 for the month. The approval of a maintenance bond release for site improvements and a 100% disabled veteran tax exemption were also part of the financial agenda, both receiving unanimous support.

Another focal point of the meeting was the sale of a Pierce fire truck at public auction. A resolution facilitating the sale was approved without opposition. This topic sparked a heated exchange during the public comment period. Residents raised concerns about the transaction, questioning the borough’s handling of the sale and the decision to transfer a rescue truck to Parker Town. A council member responded by clarifying that the fire truck sale was conducted through a transparent bidding process, as mandated by law, and that higher bids were indeed received from other municipalities. The council member further emphasized that there was no pre-existing deal with Lacy officials regarding the truck’s value.

20:54The meeting also addressed operational issues within the borough’s fire department. A resident corrected misinformation regarding the firehouse’s status, asserting that the decision to shut it down was a borough decision based on compliance issues, not a state mandate. This clarification led to a debate about the qualifications and certifications of fire department personnel, with council members and residents exchanging accusations of spreading false information. One council member affirmed that the fire department’s shutdown was due to non-compliance with state regulations, emphasizing the borough’s role in the decision.

In addition to financial and operational matters, the council discussed upcoming community events. Announcements included a bonfire scheduled for New Year’s Day behind the Methodist Church, an event originally planned for Halloween. A fireworks display organized by the Fourth of July Fireworks Committee is also set for the same day over the lake, with the council urging residents to attend and enjoy the festivities, despite potential cold weather.

The public comment period allowed residents to voice various concerns, including traffic delays at a local intersection. A resident expressed frustration over the inability to make a right turn on red, requesting the council’s intervention with Ocean County to address the issue. A council member acknowledged prior discussions with the county engineer about potential adjustments to the traffic signal timing.