MantolokingMay 17, 2010 No. 429

Mayor Nebel opened this meeting promptly at 4:30 p.m. All council members were present except Mr. Witkowski who had been excused. After the Pledge of Allegiance the minutes of the April meeting were accepted.

Councilman Gillingham, for Finance Chairman Witkowski, introduced Municipal Finance Officer Swisher who presented the status of the 2010 budget as of March 31st. It was accepted as presented. Three other resolutions were announced: the April bill list amounting to $392,373; requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriation, (NJS 40A: 4-87-2010) Clean Communities Grant; and requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriation (NJS 40A-87-2010) Body Armor Grant. All resolutions were passed.

As Safety Committee Chairman, Councilman Gillingham called upon Police Chief Wright who reported the police responded to 231 incidents during April which included 60 building checks, six thefts, 74 time cards, three first aid calls, two criminal investigations, five disabled vehicles and two crashes.

Fire Chief Doug Popaca reported the Fire Company responded to fifteen fire calls, held two training drills and one regularly scheduled business meeting. There were nine fire alarm calls, two CO alarms, a car fire in Bay Head, a car accident on Ocean Avenue in Mantoloking, a structure fire in Brick, a wind surfer in distress and a stand-by for Station 21.

Robert McIntyre, Emergency Management Coordinator, among other things, wrote that Lt. John Barcus has completed the list of special- needs residents who responded to the “WE CARE” survey. These residents will be contacted on a priority basis during emergencies in Mantoloking. . . . . Denise Boughton urges residents to contact her or the police to arrange for temporary shelter for pets during emergencies if help is required. . . . . . Some forecasters predict more hurricanes this season. Residents will be notified by the ”reverse 911” system, door-to-door by emergency services and the Audible Alert System if there is any danger.

A resolution to approve thirty seasonal and part-time help as beach badge checkers and Special Class 1 Officers, effective May 22, 2010, was passed. Resolutions to suspend enforcement of two hour parking on Bay Avenue for eight Mantoloking Yacht Club events; to approve the award of contract to purchase a new 2010 or 2011 police car for $28,317.10; to consider the sale of a surplus Fire Company vehicle for $12,850; approval of the interlocal services agreement between Mantoloking and Ocean County concerning the driving while intoxicated enforcement program in 2010; and, approval of the agreement with Point Pleasant Beach-Mantoloking School District and certifying 2010-2011 school levy tax. Mantoloking’s amount is $93,466.93.

A resolution to introduce Ordinance #587, to amend the Land Use Ordinance for dumpster and storage unit containers was passed on first reading. This pertains to adoption of revised regulations for temporary facilities. A public hearing on this ordinance will be held at the June 21st council meeting.

Councilwoman Nelson moved a resolution to appoint John Popaca as Public Works Laborer, effective May 7, 2010. The resolution was passed.

Construction official Wardell issued ten new and six updated permits in April. These are for electric and plumbing improvements, bathrooms, new roofing, kitchen and laundry replacement, new A/C units, new flooring and new steps.

Land Use Officer Marinaccio reported seventeen new applications were received, twenty-one applications were approved. There was one denial. Three violation letters were sent. The applications were for fences, a tent, a pool and dumpsters.

Councilman Strohm said the beach walkways will be in place by the end of the week, that phase two bulldozing will be continued and then phase three so the beaches will be ready by Memorial Day. He is also working with Assemblyman David W. Wolfe to be sure the northern section of Barnegat Bay is adequately patrolled to ensure safety for boating and to maintain legal speed limits.

Councilman Ness (drum roll please) announced that today, May 17th, begins the 410 days until July 1, 2011, the start of Mantoloking’s Centennial celebration. Bill Tubbs, who is the son of former mayor Don Tubbs, is chairman of the Centennial Committee. He and Mr. Ness unveiled the Centennial flag (another drum roll) which is majestic blue to depict Mantoloking’s bodies of water with a brilliant yellow circle, to show sunshine beaches and friends. On the circle is written ‘Borough of Mantoloking’ with ‘Centennial 1911-2011’ underneath.The motto of the Centennial is “May You Always Enjoy Mantoloking,” a phrase Anne Benedict has written in her book, “Mantoloking Through the Lens.” The large flag is $75.00, the burgee size is $30.00, the book, $50.00 and the magnets, $5.00. Monies go toward the Centennial. All items will be sold at Borough Hall, Applegate’s on Lake Avenue in Bay Head and at the Ness home, 1057 Barnegat Lane, 732 899-4275. Nancy may even deliver to your door!

Councilman Brown said that recycling will be changed to single-stream recycling, but not for several weeks. Residents will be advised by letter.

He moved the following resolution to send to the freeholders of Ocean County and other municipalities in the county, opposing the elimination of the Ocean County hazardous waste disposal program. The freeholders have determined it is too expensive. We are concerned hazardous wastes like solvents, paint, oils, gas, etc. will contaminate the bay and endanger us all.

Mayor Nebel said that house sales in the community have been below levels of the last assessment by 10%, He is advocating a reassessment in the fall to be effective by January, 2011. . . . . The gas company will be digging thru June, Mondays through Thursdays, on the west side shoulder of Route 35 from Downer Street to Johnson Street in Bay Head. There will be no work in the summer.

Walter Bray warned that the beaches and dunes are facing a serious risk. Waves broke through and over some dunes during the winter storms and plantings and dune grass were not effective. The borough needs to do something. Councilman Strohm said we are always working on solutions, that plantings on the eastern side of the dunes are being considered, that we are looking at the problem from all angles. . . . . Sandy McIntyre would very much like to see “Stop for Pedestrians” signs on East Avenue at the Williams Place entrance to South Beach. Chief Wright said he’d have signs placed and a crosswalk painted.

This meeting was adjourned at 4:50. The next Council meeting will meet the first day of summer, Monday, June 21, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

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The Reporter is written and edited by Christine Wilder.