Maryann Buck praised the Mantoloking Fire and Police Departments for their professionalism and caring during a smoke situation in her kitchen. . Richard Kight had questions about building permits, their costs, how long they last, why not have permits time-limited as an incentive to build quicker.

Mayor Dunbar opened the meeting a little after 8 pm. Councilman Nebel had been excused. The Mayor announced the NJ Transportation Dept is undertaking “environmental, geotechnical, utility, right of way, and topographic surveys” of Route 35 in order to restore pavement and drainage from Delaware Avenue in Pt Pleasant Beach to the south end of Mantoloking. . .Mayor Dunbar also said to be aware of the drought, that water restrictions are in force; no car washing, odd and even lawn watering, no refilling of pools, etc.

Seven new and five updated building permits were issued in March, for roofing and plumbing, alterations and decking, one house demolition and one new house. . .Bill Heckman is making progress on the new Borough Garage. . .The Police reported 173 incidents in March and that included stolen property valued at $8060. Lock your doors!

March bills totaled $194,419, all routine except the one-time cost of the public works track loader for $40,000. . . CFO Crelin said sewer bills will be sent the end of this week. And the Borough still has a long list of tax delinquents.

And to Old Business, Ordinance #44, amendment to the Zoning and Land Use Ordinance, public hearing: The following are remarks made by some of the 50 plus residents at the hearing, not direct quotes because I can’t write that fast, and have trouble reading the Gregg shorthand I once knew so well. So please bear with me.

Dick Sameth suggested the Zoning Board hire a professional land use planner which was seconded by Mark Hawkings (who rarely agrees with Sameth‚) and by many others who spoke at this hearing. Most residents were concerned with the restrictions proposed by the ordinance, particularly the use or non-use of a third floor. Marianne Wagner is concerned about the esthetics of the roof angle and an architect’s design, set backs and that restrictions become excessive. . .

Andrew and Ellen Fiore had applied and received permission to build docks and boat lifts and asked if their application to build would be grandfathered‚. . .Peter Chance has a one-storied house now but is worried that restrictions will undermine his future plans to rebuild if and when he would like to build. . . Walter Bray applauded the Board‚s effort to preserve the character of the town. He also pointed out the preponderance of decks‚ on houses, flat decks on top. Are these addressed in the ordinance?. . . Peter Iovanella who lives on the bay thinks the decision for boat lifts and docks should be up to the resident. . .George Ring is pleased the Board has focused on the zoning. The old beach houses are not on pilings, thus the first‚ floor is really a basement and these houses have three floors, at least, some four. Can we change anything to avoid future problems? . .Bruce Raiffe said that some ocean lots exceed the minimum lot size. Does the ordinance preclude specific and proportional restrictions? . .Jean Kight moved to a nice seaside town 18 years ago and now she sees it becoming an asphalt jungle. She agrees with the idea of hiring a professional planner. . .

Stan Witkowski thinks we have talented architects in the area. Why not consult them to review and comment on the ordinance? He also asked if boat lifts and davits are restricted on the open bay. No, just the lagoons. . .Maryann Buck said that most of the old houses had third floors. . . .David Loughran had received a letter from Jennifer Buck and asked if she would comment on it. Something must be done. What is Mantoloking? What does it mean? A long-term look must be taken again. It is more than a third story on a house. There are proximity issues affecting other people. Look at separate zones for the different areas of Mantoloking, footprints, height etc. . . .Don Lasher agrees with Jennifer Buck. The proximity to the street in the center strip, large houses together on small lots. Zone so what is built is appropriate for the lot. . .Mark Hawkings who is on the Planning Board said he had spent 20 to 30 hours this month on this. He agrees we should have a professional planner. . . Peter Flihan likes the different architecture in the Borough. . .

Bill Wolf said Mantoloking is not just ocean and bay. There are distinct neighborhoods, distinct and different, and agrees to hiring professional help. Impervious coverage is causing the loss of the seashore feeling. Covering with white and yellow stones is being abandoned for pavers.The houses are so large there is no open space between structures. One size does not fit all. Encouraging large footprints elimates open space. . Bob Post said if the town would persuade the state to demand a 5 mph speed limit along the bay, wake would be eliminated, thus no need for boat lifts. . .Joe DiAmicis, head of the Planning Board is really concerned about developers knocking down houses and building two where one was. This ordinance will protect the town for the time until the permanent ordinance will be in effect.

Ordinance #444, amending Ordinance #371(The Land Use Ordinance) of the Borough of Mantoloking was adopted. And Ordinance #446, an ordinance amending Ordinance #444 of the Borough of Mantoloking, amending The Land Use Ordinance of the Borough and providing for the expiration of Ordinance #444 on December 31, 2002 was passed by title only.

Everybody left. No one stayed for the public hearing on the budget! The budget was passed. Our municipal tax rate will be $.193; multiply that by your assessed value to get your municipal tax. Four riders authorizing a dedicated trust for the Mantoloking Historical Trust, for accumulated absences at retirement (Police), for snow removal and for Public Defender fees were passed.

The following resolutions were passed: Award of Contract for Janitorial Services; for Fire Suppression Services; Support Bay Head‚s resolution to ask NJ Transit to find alternative fueling sites or electrify train service; observe National Volunteer Week; approve a one year extension for construction of Downer Avenue from the NJDOT; accept the notice of retirement of John Wardell, Construction Official, effective August 1, 2002 and authorize mosquitoe spraying. Ordinance #445 to authorize the pump house upgrade expenditure was passed by title only.

Summer police and crossing guards have been hired. Two beach vehicles will be replaced with a new one. . .Legislative action is still going on in Washington and our representatives and senators are supportive. The Corps of Engineers wants it completed. Pressure is being put on our governor not to rescind $$$ for this project. (Flash!!He didn't. The $25 million has been approved). . Refueling with PPB is up and running, and the Borough received an award for regionalization‚ with PPB. . Meridian met with many Mayors to discuss the managed care project facility to be built east of the canal and staffed 24/7 with licensed emergency personnel. (The rehab center is going to Brick Hospital). . .The Lyman Street bulkhead is finished. . .Saturday, April 27th at 9am at the Downer Street beach is the Annual Spring Beach Sweeps to clean the beaches of litter and trash. All are invited. Wear gloves and plenty of sun screen. . .GPU is again Jersey Central Power and Light. . .The Water Company probably will not flush the hydrants this year-the drought.. .Last chance to change any info for the Directory. It goes to press May 6th. . . . Next meeting: May 20, 2002 at 8 pm