The DOT consultants stated the design would be subject to a public hearing in July, but a contract was received for the Borough to agree to certain necessary components of the project. “Why is the DOT sending out proposed contracts when the promised public hearing had not been held?”

It seems the DOT has already decided on its proposal without any local input. Mayor Dunbar and Council are outraged by this indifference and are committed to challenge the DOT. Councilmen Jones and Popaca will join with the Mayor to plan an attack on this project. Council adopted a Resolution to engage a special counsel, Mr. William Sullivan, who has experience in dealing with issues such as these.

The Mayor’s full comments are on the Borough’s web site, Mantoloking.org.

Councilman Nebel reported he had phoned Bob Verna of the DOT who said it was considering reducing the Right-of-Way takings, that he was willing to see and hear alternatives to this. Many residents attended this meeting and commented with much authority and emotion.

The regular meeting was called to order at 8:48 pm. All Council members were present.

Police Chief Ortley reported a quiet April, and that the police boat will be operating for the Memorial Day weekend. He also stated the police department is “cracking down on surfers.”

The Fire Company responded to eight emergency incidents, had three training drills and a scheduled monthly meeting.

Twelve new permits and two updates were issued by Construction Official Wardell. These were for roofing, plumbing, siding, a garage demolition and repairs.

In old business, Ordinance #464 was passed after a public hearing. This provides for the sanitary sewer pump upgrade, authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes in the principal sum of $171,000 and appropriating the sum of $9,000 for the capital improvement fund.

A Resolution to approve the return of 2001 and 2002 property tax overpayments was passed.

A Resolution to consider the return of unused escrow funds for a minor subdivision and variance was passed.

A Resolution to return a surety bond for a demolition permit was passed.

A Resolution to provide for the hiring of special class II police officers, beach badge checkers and crossing guards and fixing their compensation was approved.

A Resolution to provide for a refund of unused supplemental medical expense withholding (from salary) for William Crelin was approved.

A Resolution to amend the 2003 salary resolution to correct the police chief‚s salary was passed.

A Resolution to approve the application of Evan S. Gillingham to become a member of Mantoloking Fire Company #1 was passed.

A Resolution to award a contract for speedometer calibration to Base Automotive Supply was passed.

A Resolution to approve payment #2 (final) to JAK Construction, t/a Diamond Construction for accessibility ramps for various roadway intersections was passed. These are the ramps installed on the street corners.

And, lastly, a Resolution was passed to hire a special counsel to provide services in conjunction with opposition to the proposed reconstruction of NJ Route 35. Mr. William C. Sullivan, Jr. a partner in the law firm of Hardin, Kundla, McKeon, Poletto and Polifrani, of Springfield, NJ, with offices in New York, NY and Allentown, PA, is a graduate of Washington University, St Louis, MO, with a BA, Magna Cum Laude, in Environmental Policy and in History, and of Rutgers University School of Law. He most recently and successfully represented Bay Head in its dispute with NJ Transit and the rail yard in that Borough.

Councilman Gillingham reiterated the beach checkers will be at beach entrances. The beach patrol will be at the beach ends, entrances and on call when needed. On June 7th at 9 am, the Beach Associations will have a meeting. BEACH BADGES GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 23RD, AT $10 FOR THE SEASON.

Councilman Husted advised Ocean Front Property Owners that the dune system has suffered a lot of damage. The Coastal Research Center surveyed the beach and enabled Mantoloking to get a permit from the DEP to bull doze to repair the beach. The Borough was granted the permit, but there is not enough sand on the berm to bull doze.

If sand returns, it might be possible to bull doze in June, but it will probably be postponed until the fall. And, "NO BULL DOZING WILL BE PERMITTED UNTIL AUTHORIZED BY THE BOROUGH" “In the most seriously affected areas new stairs will have to be constructed, and such reconstruction can now begin at the discretion of the owner. However, stairs where needed to save damage to dune face, must be constructed.”

The beach replenishment program still has not been signed by the commanding general of the Corps of Engineers. Monies for the preliminary design and engineering program have been authorized but cannot be delivered unless signed.

Councilman Popaca said the catch basin on Runyon Lane has been cleaned. And Downer Avenue will be paved as soon as the Gas Company is finished with its part in the reconstruction.

The Police Department is undergoing major repair of its heating and air conditioning units. And, the street lamps on the southern end of Barnegat Lane are in the process of being added. Next, some lamps will be added to Runyon Lane.

Councilman Laymon reported garbage and recycling is satisfactory at this time, the Borough Garage is nearing completion so the Beautification of that area will commence soon. The Municipal Alliance program for the high school graduation is on target.

Council went into closed session to discuss contractual matters, pending litigation and to receive advice of counsel. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.