The Mantoloking Directory will go to press the first week in May. If your information published therein has changed, please phone 732 899-2386 or e-mail (ccwilder@comcast.net) with changes, additions and/or corrections.

Borough Hall Offices will be extending their operating hours starting May 1, 2005 and ending September 30, 2005. Office hours will be 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. Beach badge sales will start on Friday, May 27, 2005 during the same weekday hours. Weekend beach badge sales will be 10 am to 2 pm.

Mayor Dunbar opened the Council meeting at 8 pm. Councilman Jones had been excused.

Council recognized the life of Chester "Chet" J. Ortley, Jr. who served the Borough as a member of the Police Department and as Superintendent from December, 1971 until March, 1989. He died March 12, 2005. A resolution was passed to express condolences to his family and to remember his outstanding contributions to the Borough.

Police Chief Ortley said February was quiet with 147 total incidents reported.

The Fire Company responded to ten calls, had two drills and one meeting. In 2004 the First Aid Squad had 68 calls in Mantoloking.

Construction Official Wardell issued ten new and six updated building permits.

The following Resolutions were passed: To recognize National Volunteer Week, April 17-23 and all the local volunteers for their service to the commuity; To oppose the Fast Track Permitting Act, P.L.2004, C.89 (this "jeopardizes local control of land use and infrastructure planning and places it in the hands of State agencies, a Smart Growth Ombudsman and developers' consultants"); Urges the State to NOT eliminate the Homestead Rebate and New Jersey Saver Rebate programs.

A resolution to accept the Municipal Finance officer's report was passed. There was no public comment on the 2005 Municipal Budget and it was passed. The tax rate for the Borough will increase by about one third of one percent, and the County's will be flat-to-down.

Councilman Nebel introduced the following ordinances:

# 492: To provide for the acquisition and installation of a surge-supression system for the Municipal Building/Fire House, and to appropriate $19,500 from the capital fund;

# 493: To provide for Grant Application preparation in conjunction with Green Acres funding for land acquisition, appropriating $20,000 from the general capital fund under reserve for Green Acres Land Acquisition;

# 494: A bond ordiance to relocate the storm drainage facilities on Runyon Lane issuing bonds and notes for $78,660 and appropriating $4,140 from the capital improvement fund, and to repeal Ordinance #475;

# 495: To convert the Sanitary Sewerage Pump Station to use a bioxide solution instead of chlorine, and appropriating $20,000 from the general capital fund under reserve; and,

# 496: To construct crosswalks at the inter- section of Downer and Bay Avenues, and appropriate $20,000 from the general capital fund under reserve.

Finance Committee Chairman Nebel advanced the following resolutions which were passed:

Pay bills of $233,916.83, mostly for payroll and school; adopt appropriation reserve transfer #2; to award contracts for Professional Services; to approve the release of a surety bond to MLZ Corp.,LLC; to provide for grant of additional sick leave; to appoint Stuart McIntyre as a seasonal part-time laborer/beach badge checker; and, to authorize the Borough Attorney to proceed to defend and file necessary tax-appeal forms with the New Jersey Tax Court.

A resolution was passed to reject all bids submitted for "The Mass Notification of a High Power Voice and Siren System." A resolution to approve the employee dental health insurance plan was passed.

Councilman Laymon announced he would not stand for re-election in the fall. He said all is well in the garbage and recycling department. The Beautification Committee will meet to discuss the South Lagoon project.

Councilman Popaca is on top of the low-water pressure issue with the New Jersey-American Water Company. They have concluded there is a problem and they are addressing it. He also noted that Comcast has paid the Borough for the use of a right of way.

A resolution for payment #1 to F & P Contractors, Inc. for the curb, sidewalk and storm drainage improvements for Barnegat Lane from Lyman to Bergen has been approved. A resolution for miscellaneous services and maintenance contracts for 2005 for Borough facilities has been approved.

A resolution to award a contract to Diversified Storage Solutions, Inc. for an archive storage system was passed.

A resolution for the adoption of the Municipal Stormwater Management Plan was passed. This is required by the State (N.J.A.C. 7:14A-25). Councilman Popaca will meet with the Boroughs of Bay Head, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach for a feasibility study to address building a joint recreation center. Other towns may be interested as well.

Councilman Husted reported on the status of the beach renourishment project. "Unfortunately it is impossible to provide a clear picture of the future of the project. Because of the chaotic situation in Washington. John Jones and I attended the meeting of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association coastal watch in Washington on March 9th and 10th. . . . It was more chaotic than usual because of the conflict between the changed policy of the President to no longer support continued beach renourishment, and the continued support of funds for a WRDA bill for renourishment by much of the Senate and Congress," said Husted.

Senator Corzine, though hardly functioning as a senator because of his chase for Governor of NJ, is in support of the funding, as is Senator Lautenberg who is a member of the committee sponsoring WRDA. Senator Lautenberg had signed a letter to the Corps requesting assurance that the necessary funding to complete the funding of the Preliminary Engineering Design was in place. Congressman Chris Smith is fully aware of the status for funding of the PED, and is hoping funding will be available in a WRDA bill, if passed, or will be attached to some other bill. It is good to note trade groups have joined forces to push for higher funding levels.

The Reporter is pleased to thank 140 residents who have donated to the 'cause' to keep it up and running. The United States Postal Service is planning to raise rates next year. Maybe more of you will opt to receive The Reporter via e-mail.

Council adjourned this meeting at 8:35 pm to go into closed session in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

The next meeting will be April 18, 2005 at 8 pm.

The Reporter is compiled and edited by Christine Wilder.