The council approved an initiative to transition the borough’s recycling efforts from gray to blue cans, funded by a recycling grant. This initiative aims to standardize trash and recycling receptacles across parks and street ends, aligning with statewide and national standards. The new blue recycling cans are part of a broader strategy to improve waste management compliance. The council also highlighted the Go Blue campaign, presented by a public works department representative, which encourages residents to exchange red recycling cans for new blue ones. This initiative includes a community engagement element, with residents invited to contribute beach toys and rigid plastics for creating a recycled plastic statue. The council plans to promote this campaign further through social media and press releases.

In addition to the recycling efforts, the council discussed potential changes to the borough’s infrastructure. A key topic was the status of two defunct houses at the end of New Jersey and Crocus. A representative from Maurice Flower Shop raised concerns about parking issues in this area, inquiring if there was a plan to convert the site into a parking lot. The governing body clarified that while the lot is not currently for sale, there are considerations for its maintenance. They are evaluating future possibilities, including potentially purchasing an adjacent property to facilitate the development of a parking lot.

The council also touched on various other projects and initiatives. Updates on the Crest Municipal App were noted, with the project currently on hold pending next year’s budget. The council is also seeking volunteers for a committee focused on planning the borough’s 250th birthday celebration, with a meeting planned for late November to discuss this initiative further. Additionally, the borough awaits information from a grant related to traffic calming measures, and plans for back beach excavation are on hold until spring. Public works intends to use snow fences and posts to aid in sand buildup, which will be more cost-effective than using heavy equipment.

Further discussions included updates on the New Jersey Avenue infrastructure dredging activities, set to begin in the next two weeks, and pending FEMA grants related to the Washington CU Beachfall project. The Army Corps project is currently at a standstill, while Borough Hall renovations await feedback from the architect. The fishing pier project has no new developments, but a recommendation from the county’s open space program proposed awarding $2.5 million to another project. The borough has yet to receive formal notification of this award.

During the meeting, the mayor acknowledged an award received by the borough from the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers for the Crest Arts Pavilion renovation and landscaping. The borough is invited to accept this award and take a photograph at the League of Municipalities event in November.

The meeting concluded with public comments. Michelle Schaefer inquired about the ice cream contract, questioning its duration and whether water would be included. She also raised concerns about the bidding process and potential conflicts of interest. Joe Vcomi discussed the possibility of the borough coordinating efforts to assist homeowners interested in planting curbside trees along Atlantic Avenue. He suggested the borough help remove concrete and plant trees, potentially collaborating with contractors to provide this service at a group rate.