03:22The meeting commenced with the appointment of Lewis CBO and David Gekckl as police captains via Resolutions 2025-149 and 2025-150. Both appointments were unanimously approved, and the newly appointed captains took their oaths of office, committing to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the State of New Jersey while performing their duties faithfully. This development in the police department was marked by a ceremonial swearing-in and photographs to capture the moment.

21:59In a move to address ongoing city operations, the council approved a series of resolutions under a consent agenda. Notably, Resolution 2025-151 authorized a payout for former Chief Joseph Fussner, and Resolution 2025-152 approved a payout for Philip Bole upon his retirement from the fire department. Another resolution, 2025-153, temporarily restricted bicycles on the boardwalk to accommodate the upcoming Monopoly Series run.

24:00The council also reappointed James Quinnland and Lori Abbott to the Ventnor City School Board via Resolution 2025-154. Furthermore, the council authorized a submission for a municipal aid grant application for Atlantic Avenue signalization under Resolution 2025-155, highlighting that no local match was required for the grant. Resolutions 2025-157 through 2025-162 addressed various tax abatements for properties on different avenues within the city.

In anticipation of the summer season, Resolution 2025-163 approved part-time employment for beach tag checkers, while Resolution 2025-164 sanctioned a payout for Thomas Grimley, who retired from the fire department. The council also authorized the replacement of an existing chiller at the library through a cooperative pricing agreement under Resolution 2025-165.

Attention then turned to staffing changes, as Resolution 2025-166 accepted the resignation of Patrick Spina, who left for a higher-paying job, a challenge acknowledged by the council as common in public works. Resolution 2025-167 authorized the hiring of James Hoff, transitioning him from seasonal to full-time employment, while Resolution 2025-168 called for additional seasonal part-time hires for summer special events.

32:37During the meeting, Commissioner Mento provided a positive update on the city audit, reporting that the auditors had made no recommendations, which he described as “fantastic.” He anticipated that the audit results would soon be presented for a vote. Mento also highlighted the city’s upcoming events, including a block party with a record 90 vendors, scheduled to run from 10 AM to 5 PM on New Haven between Portland and Troy. He noted an increase in concert sponsorships to over $78,000, humorously dubbing this increase “the Mento effect.”

38:09Further announcements included the success of a recent shredding event, preventing over 5,000 pounds of paper from ending up in landfills. Looking ahead, the city’s farmers market is set to reopen on May 23, the beach will officially open on May 24, and summer concerts will begin the same day. The Kenny Whaling Run is scheduled for May 25, followed by a Memorial Day ceremony on May 26 at City Hall. Mento also mentioned the construction of a new stage, funded by a $100,000 donation from the beautification committee.

Commissioner Langrath provided updates on infrastructure improvements, reporting ongoing construction at Ventnor Gardens Plaza, including stormwater reconstruction and traffic signal installations, which are expected to be completed by Memorial Day. Maintenance activities in preparation for summer, such as beach and boardwalk cleaning, were also discussed.

Langrath addressed plans for the city’s sports facilities, including the reconstruction of pickleball and tennis courts slated for the following year. The basketball court is set for surface painting, weather permitting. Additionally, a new lifeguard boat installation at the plaza will serve as a display.