Walter Bray is concerned about the hedge and tree overgrowth at corners blocking the view of oncoming cars. It is particularly burdensome at Bay and Herbert Street, and almost all corners leading into Ocean Avenue. Runnie Colie agreed and hopes the Borough will do something about it. . . .Peter Flihan notices the large amount of stones from properties along Barnegat Lane, and would like residents to sweep them back onto their property. They are a safety concern as car tires are apt to throw them.

Mayor Dunbar opened the meeting at 8:05 pm. Councilmen Nebel, Popaca and Jones had been excused.

The Police Department reported 182 incidents during January which included one animal complaint and one larceny. Councilman Gillingham reported the Police are involved 76% of their time doing what amounts to public service, assisting other agencies and performing services for residents and visitors.

Fire Chief Richard Laird stated the Fire Company responded to ten incidents, had five training exercises, one apparatus cleanup detail and the regularly scheduled business meeting. One of the incidents was a structure fire on Main Street in Bay Head.

Construction Official Wardell issued four new building permits and eight updates. The permits are for alterations, additions, plumbing, house raising and an inground pool.

CFO Crelin still has tax delinquents, 46 in January for over $52,000. The bill list totaled more than $984,094, which included third quarter school taxes of $41,293 and $764,640 first quarter taxes to Ocean County.

In old business, Ordinance #439, fixing salary and compensation of certain officers, positions and employees, was passed on second reading.

Ordinance #440, providing for $50,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to acquire a Public Works tractor, was passed on second reading.

Ordinance #441, providing for $30,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to purchase Borough Hall furnishings, was passed on second reading.

And, Ordinance #442, providing for $100,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to upgrade the main sewer pump in the Borough of Mantoloking, was re-introduced and approved for first reading.

In new business, Ordinance #443, was introduced. This is a capital ordinance to provide for improvements to Barnegat Lane.

The following Resolutions were passed:

a. To award Garden State Bobcat, Inc. to supply the Borough with a 2000 lb. Compact Track Loader for the sum of $40,682;

b. To award to Albert Marine, of Waretown the contract for the replacement of the Lyman Street bulkhead for the bid price of $31,420;

c. To approve the final payment of $10,752 to Lucas Brothers for the Lagoon Lane resurfacing project;

d. To refund $592 to 127 Curtis Point Drive for excess sewer charges incorrectly assessed to that property;

e. To accept the resignation of Bruce C. Garon as Chief of Police, effective February 1, 2003. Chief Garon has been a member of the Police Department for 30 years, 12 years as a patrolman before becoming Chief 18 years ago. “He is commended for his long and professional service to the Borough, its residents and the public at large.” At his retirement, Lt. Rick Ortley will become Chief. Rick has been a Mantoloking Police Officer for 25 years, and a lieutenant for the past seven.

f. To provide for a refund, not to exceed $200, of the unused portion of supplemental medical expense withholding from the salary of Irene Ryan;

g. To oppose the deletion of $25 million of funding for beach replenishment from the 2003 State Budget;

h. To consider setting a Special Council Meeting for Monday, February 25th to introduce the 2002 Municipal Budget.

Councilman Husted is sending a letter to all Mantoloking property owners to ask them to write Governor McGreevey and request strongly he not delete from the State Budget the $25 million set aside for beach replenishment.

Mayor Dunbar announced that he, Councilmen Jones and Laymon will be running for re-election. Joyce Popaca and Bob McIntyre will be seeking re-election to the Republican Committee.

Pete Lyden of Comcast appeared before Council to be considered for reappointment to supply services to the Borough. The town cannot do anything about changing rates or programming, but he did ask residents for questions he might answer. Bob Post again asked why he had so many fuzzy channels; Mr. Lyden said he’d send a truck to check it out. Peter Flihan wanted to know why he had a white background‚ and why his reception was so inconsistent; Comcast will check that also. MaryAnne Buck wanted to know why her computer had to be adjacent to the main cable, and not where she’d rather have it; computers are more sensitive than television. Runnie Colie would like to have C-span 2 and 3 back again; it probably won’t happen. Chris Wilder asked why Comcast did not support Netscape (Comcast had to choose one browser) but Outlook Express and Netscape can both be used though not simultaneously; Peter Chance said Comcast advertises speeds of 1.5 meg, yet we get considerly less than that. Should we get a reduction in fees for false advertising? He’d look into it. Rusty Husted asked if Comcast could cover Beach Renourishment programs on cable TV. Comcast has a news bureau in Toms River which can be contacted about this. And Mary Anne Buck asked about wire maintenance in this salt encrusted Borough. Comcast runs regular cable maintenance trucks with monitors inside to ascertain any problems with the wires.

Next meetings: February 25, 2002, a hearing on the Municipal Budget and March 18, 2002 for the Regular Council Meeting, both at 8:00 pm.