In the December, 2004 issue of The Reporter was written: "In 2001, 145 residents donated $35 to $50 to fund The Reporter. The fund drive in 2003 was answered by 152 residents, and now, unfortunately, it is necessary for another drive. Printing, postage, labels, envelopes and printing for The Directory, bulk mail fee and post office box, all add up." This is a volunteer job solely for your edification, and labor is gratis. So far, in 2005, we have heard from 86 residents. It's not very much, just $35-$50 per household. Please send your contributions to The Mantoloking Reporter, PO Box 707, Mantoloking, NJ 08738. We'd like to get enough now to avoid a fund drive for a couple of years. The Reporter is sent whether or not you donate, but without funds, it will cease.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mayor Dunbar opened this meeting promptly at 8 pm. All council members were present except Councilman Nebel who had been excused. The Mayor congratulated Zoning and Land Use Officer Tom Guldin for his efforts in lowering Mantoloking's sanitary sewer flow to the lowest in years, thus producing credits for the Borough at the sewer utility.

Police Chief Ortley reported a quiet January with 144 incidents. These included an animal complaint on Lagoon Lane, a DWI, a lost and found something and several traffic enforcement and traffic-related services throughout town. Residents who have signed up with the Police to disallow solicitors can now get DO NOT KNOCK stickers from the Police Department to place on their door.

And the best news of all, Detective John Barcus has safely returned from Iraq and will report again for Police duty on March 18th. We are all glad you are back.

The Mantoloking Fire Company responded to 17 fire calls, had two drills and one meeting. Many calls were water-related, five were because of frozen pipes. If you are away, TURN OFF YOUR WATER.

Construction Official John Wardell issued seven new building permits and five updates. These were plumbing related, ductwork, siding, kitchen replacement, air conditioning and one second floor reconstruction. Land Use Officer Guldin's January-summary report stated of six applications, five were approved and one was returned for more information. Many contractors and landscapers place signs at their work sites and these must be removed.

Councilman Jones moved the following resolution: To accept the Municipal Finance Officer's report as of December 31, 2004. The following ordinances were passed:

Ordinance #486: Bond ordinance providing for road improvements on Barnegat Lane from Bergen Avenue to Herbert Street at a cost of $280,000, issuing bonds and notes for $266,000 and appropriating $14,000 from the capital improvement fund.

Ordinance #487: Bond ordinance providing for sanitary sewer pump station generator replacement at a cost of $80,000, issuing bonds and notes of $76,000 and appropriating $4,000 from the capital improvement fund.

Ordinance #488: Bond ordinance providing for acquisition and installation of archives shelving at a cost of $25,000, issuing bonds and notes of $23,000 and appropriating $2,000 from the capital improvement fund.

Ordinance #489: Bond ordinance providing for police equipment issuing bonds and notes of $31,000 and appropriating $2,000 from the capital improvement fund.

Ordinance #490: To exceed the 2005 municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank.

Ordinance #491: To amend Ordinance #179 entitled: "An ordinance to regulate the direction of traffic on Princeton Avenue, Bay Avenue, Arnold Street and East Avenue, providing for certain related turn prohibitions and for the location of stop intersections in the borough," and providing for additional stop intersections. (Councilman Laymon opposed a four-way stop sign at Barnegat and Lyman.)

Resolutions were passed for payment of bills, $136,773.32, for February, 2005; for the introduction of the 2005 Municipal Budget; for professional service contracts for 2005; to approve the release of a surety bond to Jeff Van Schoick Builders, Inc.; to provide for grant of additional sick leave-Sandra Maidling; to provide for grant of additional sick leave-Susan Dolan; release of 2004 unused vacation and comp time for Borough Superintendent; and to oppose the restoration of certain benefits available to public employees under workers compensation statutes.

Councilman Gillingham announced the speed limit on Herbert Street between Route 35 and the Mantoloking Bridge has been reduced from 40 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour! A resolution to accept the application of John Mathey for membership in the Mantoloking Fire Company was passed.

A resolution to accept the appointment of seasonal part time personnel was passed, effective March 1, 2005. Christopher Fager, Michael Bennett, Kimberly Balk, Joseph Riavaz III, Michael Treadway, Jon Meyer and Kevin Nagle were appointed Class 1 police officers. A resolution to award the bid for a new police vehicle to the lowest bidder, Route 23 Ford Automall, Butler, NJ in the amount of $19,711.

Councilman Laymon said there were no major problems with garbage and recycling. Please let the Borough know if you are in residence for holidays and weekends so your stuff can be picked up. Councilman Popaca said that the cupola has been installed on the Public Works Building, which was built in its entirety by Superintendent Heckman.

A resolution was passed to request approval from the NJDOT of a six month extension of the time for the award of contract for roadway and storm drainage improvements for Barnegat Lane from Lyman Street to Herbert Street.

Councilman Popaca said Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Borough, Bay Head and Mantoloking are meeting together to plan a joint recreation center for school students. He also said he was trying to contact the water company about the low water pressure encountered here. It has been almost impossible to contact anyone at NJ-American Water.

Councilman Husted wrote "The President's Budget is Bad for the Beaches." The administration has proposed too little money to restore and maintain public beaches. Letters were sent to property owners asking you to contact your representatives. Please do it; it is imperative to make your concern known to those who might be able to do something about it. Without a new WRDA bill, the renourishment program of Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet will die.

Councilman Jones reported the recent storms have put sand back on the toe of the dunes but not much on the beaches themselves.

The 2005 Municipal Budget for Mantoloking as anticipated; Total General Revenues of $3,026,572 vs. $2,910,714 in 2004. And Total General Appropriations of $3,026,572 vs. $2,910,714 in 2004

Jim Anderson, our tax assessor, said "it can be expected that an Order for Revaluation may be required" if the real estate market continues to reach ever-higher prices. Mantoloking was reassessed for the 2002 tax year and it has been alerted to consider doing it again in the near future. The prices received on all properties sold in 2004 have far exceeded assessed value. Council went into closed session.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 pm. Next meeting: Monday March 21,2005 at 8 pm.

The Reporter is compiled and edited by Christine Wilder.