The meeting also delved into discussions about various ongoing projects, such as the $1.4 million bond for road improvements, the storm water pump project, and the living shoreline project designed by ACT Engineers. The Public Works Department was recognized for their successful collaboration with residents on a schematic for the pump installation. Additionally, the council covered the necessity of securing additional signatures from property owners for the living shoreline project and the complexities this process entails, including regulatory constraints in the wetland area and the importance of protecting the shoreline.

Another topic was the ordinance to memorialize all traffic and parking signage and make corrections within the court system. The council also touched upon the acquisition of a communications tower behind the rescue squad and set a return date in April for the ordinance for adoption and bidding package. Furthermore, the council discussed the resubmission to the County open space for improvements to the skate park and Beesley Point Park Phase 2.

The council’s financial acumen was on display as they highlighted their public-private partnerships, especially with the Fishing Environmental Club, which secured an amount of funding for construction projects. The council boasted about a $1.3 million paving program, praising the efficient management of engineering costs and the increase in surplus, and expressed pride in the township’s financial management strategies.

Several ordinances were also considered, including the final adoption of ordinance number 3, 2024, vacating Valley Avenue, and ordinance number 4, 2024, adding a lead-based paint inspection requirement in residential dwellings. Ordinance number 5, 2024, was discussed, authorizing the township to acquire a communications tower. The introduction of ordinance number 6, 2024, sought to amend the zoning code related to hotels and motels.

The council acknowledged the absence of bids for towing, storage, and lockout services and agreed on the need to re-advertise the opportunity. They approved the donation of a beach wheelchair from the Desatnik Foundation.

During the public portion, the council addressed comments on the budget, shared services agreements, grants, and their impact on the township’s financial stability. The Mayor thanked the professionals and staff involved in the budget preparation and highlighted the shared service agreements that have helped save money for the township. The council also debated the process of obtaining signatures for the storm water pump project and the living shoreline project, and discussed the need for a form letter to facilitate this process.

In addition to these discussions, the council entered into a closed session to discuss personnel matters, contract negotiations, and litigation. The Environmental Club’s request to plant seedlings on the secondary dunes was also brought to attention, seeking recommendations for suitable locations.