During the public comments section, resident Lisa Ripo raised concerns about a borough-owned plot of land located across from a local elementary school. Ripo questioned the necessity of a sign prohibiting dogs in the area, pointing out that the lot is underutilized and suggesting that the removal of the sign could make the space more functional for residents. She argued for a more flexible use of the area, advocating for the space to be available for residents to walk their dogs without a specific dog park designation. Ripo highlighted the inconsistency between the presence of dog waste bags at the elementary school and the prohibition of dogs, questioning why such bags are provided if dogs are not allowed.

The council addressed Ripo’s concerns, explaining that the land was designated as a buildable lot and serves as an emergency management staging area. They acknowledged a previous petition against establishing a dog park in that location, fueled by neighbor opposition. Ripo clarified that she was not advocating for a formal dog park but rather a space where dogs could be walked without a leash, emphasizing informal use without changing the legal designation. The council informed Ripo that any change in the current regulations would require a formal process.

In addition to land-use issues, the council meeting addressed several infrastructure projects and updates. The engineer provided updates on capital improvement projects, including the replacement of the Bay Side Volet and the reconstruction of Too Avenue. These projects are slated to begin soon, with a notable grant allocation of nearly $159,000 secured for the reconstruction of Stockton Road. The engineer also reported progress on FEMA grant applications, indicating that approximately $20 to $30 million is pending for specific projects, positioning the borough favorably for future grant consideration.

The council discussed the Bayside Pump Station flood mitigation project, slated to commence around November 25, pending finalization of property access agreements. The project’s timeline extends over a specified period due to manufacturing lead times on necessary components, with potential Congressional funding contributing to its estimated $24 million value. This project is part of a broader strategy to enhance local infrastructure resilience against flooding.

Moreover, attention was given to ongoing collaborations with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on several projects. The mayor and the engineer reviewed NJDEP comments on projects with imminent deadlines, such as the New Jersey Avenue improvements. A public informational release is expected within the next month to keep residents informed.

The Sunset Lake State Channel dredging Phase 2 project is currently delayed in the real estate acquisition phase. An upcoming meeting with NJDEP’s Office of Maritime aims to address the timeline for this project. Furthermore, the council discussed a proposal from their environmental consultant concerning the restoration of a dune disturbance issue, anticipating a bidding process for the restoration project in the upcoming spring.

The council also emphasized the importance of public communication and engagement in shaping the direction of upcoming projects, particularly those involving environmental restoration and community planning. They proposed a special public meeting to discuss the dune restoration project in detail, stressing the value of public input and feedback.

Another resident, identified as Joi, proposed an ordinance to require approved construction plans before commencing any major demolition projects, in response to delays experienced with ongoing Legacy projects. Joi’s suggestion aimed to mitigate disruptions and ensure thorough planning before demolition, reflecting concerns about prolonged community impacts from stalled projects.

As the meeting progressed, several routine administrative matters were addressed, including the approval of a shared services agreement for Little League field maintenance, the purchase of turnout gear for the fire department, and the reappointment of municipal officials. Additionally, the council recognized the borough’s receipt of the Governor’s We Value Our Veterans award, highlighting initiatives to support veterans in the community.