A significant portion of the meeting focused on the potential withdrawal from a crucial beach maintenance project involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Concerns were raised during the public comment period about the borough’s intention to leave the five-mile dune project, which could have severe implications for flood protection and federal and state support. Joyce Gould, a member of the public, highlighted potential issues, such as increased flooding risks and the loss of insurance if a sound flood management plan is not in place. She emphasized the importance of continued participation in the project to ensure beach protection and community safety, warning of possible legal repercussions from private property owners if protections lapse.

In response to these concerns, the governing body clarified that no formal decision had been made to withdraw from the project. A representative noted that the project entails significant investment, with $53 million allocated for constructing new dunes. Discussions and legal considerations are ongoing, but there has been no official action to step away from the initiative.

Public discourse continued with Chris Hughes, who opposed the idea of reducing the length of some beaches to extend others, advocating instead for the expansion of existing beaches. He expressed concerns about the current approach to beach management, particularly the replacement of beach walkways.

Alongside the beach discussions, the meeting also tackled the 2025 municipal budget. Municipal auditor Mike Garcia delivered an overview, detailing that the budget remains under both the 3% and 12% spending caps, maintaining essential services while effectively managing surplus and debt. The budget, set at $17,441,245.72, is designed to accommodate rising expenses such as increased salaries due to contractual obligations, minimum wage requirements, and health insurance costs. Despite these increases, the borough’s bond rating remains strong at AA2, enabling favorable bond issuance rates. The budget also includes a minimal increase in local purpose tax, translating to an additional average cost of $43 for properties assessed at $450,000.

Chris Hughes inquired about the allocation of funds for beach maintenance, specifically beyond lifeguard salaries, which account for approximately $800,000. He stressed the importance of transparency in these figures and the need for adequate personnel to manage the expansive beach area. The council collectively expressed gratitude towards the budget team, particularly acknowledging Garcia and Francine for their financial management efforts.

The council meeting also included recognition of the Crest Memorial basketball team’s exceptional season, with a flawless record of 25-0 and multiple championships. The team, along with coaches and school officials, was celebrated for their achievements, receiving plaques as tokens of recognition.

In other council actions, administrative resolutions were addressed, including the cancellation of erroneous sewer rents and the authorization to bid for the 2025 road resurfacing program. A professional services contract with the Lomax Group for environmental consulting related to community forestry efforts was approved, and a fiscal year 2026 community project funding grant application for a fishing pier on Heather Road was submitted.

Police Chief Bob Wood presented the public safety report, noting department activities for February 2025, including 18 investigations, 37 traffic summonses, and seven arrests. The department announced a distracted driving enforcement campaign in partnership with the New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety division, set to run throughout April.

Concluding the meeting, the council accepted various borough officials’ reports, approved previous meeting minutes, and received updates on ongoing capital projects like the Bayside bulkhead replacement and Toledo Avenue reconstruction, both of which are on schedule for completion. Additionally, the council discussed plans to apply for a $3 million principal forgiveness loan from the New Jersey Ibank for infrastructure improvements.