The 4th of July Parade and Picnic is approaching fast. Although it seems as if summer has just begun, we are just over three weeks away. We'll have the usual fun and games, food and parade which will again have the Navisink Brass Band playing patriotic tunes. All veterans are encouraged to march in the parade. Last year many veterans marched; let's swell the ranks for 2003. Call Jim Clarke at 732 899-1762 for information

We are also soliciting small contributions ($10, $25 to $75) to help fund some of the extras (like bagpiper last year and the band). The town will likely kick in $350. Please make out any checks to 'Town of Mantoloking, 4th of July Parade". Mail checks to Dick Goldman, 942 Barnegat Lane; Mantoloking, NJ 08738. Any remaining funds will be used toward next year. We look forward to seeing all of you at the parade (2:00 pm) and at the festivities, face painting, games, food, etc. afterwards at the Mantoloking Yacht Club. Flag raising is at 12:30. Please, NO RAIN.

Mayor Dunbar announced to the throngs of residents in attendance at this meeting that no additional land will be taken for the widening of Route 35. He praised the efforts of Peter Strohm and Harry McEnroe who conferred with various Trenton officials to reach this decision. However, Route 35 will be improved. In a few weeks, the Department of Transportation will submit new plans for the Borough to review, and if they are acceptable, the DOT will present them at a public hearing.

The meeting was opened at 8:04 pm. Councilman Laymon had been excused.

Police Chief Ortley reported a very busy month with 205 total incidents, including four summons for disrobing at Lyman Street and Princeton Avenue beaches (surfers). Fire alarms, animal complaints, alarms in general, some thefts, a broken window kept the police busy.

During May, the Fire Company responded to 23 fire calls, had three training drills and one business meeting. Of these, there were 16 fire alarms, a dune fire, a possible structure fire, an elevator rescue and a gas leak. The Fire Company is very appreciative of the response to its fund drive. As of this date, donations have been received from over half of our residents.

Construction Official Wardell reported ten new permits and seven updates were issued during May, for three new single-family houses, heating and air conditioning units, plumbing alterations, general repairs, siding and window replacement, etc.

CFO Pribush enclosed a Tax Account Status Report as of the above date which shows the 2003 Tax Balance outstanding is bigger than normal, from about nine large accounts. These accounts will be getting delinquent notices soon.

Ocean County has not certified the Borough‚s tax rate thus new tax bills are not available yet. Roger Pribush will be out of the office for a while as he is recovering from a quadruple heart operation. Council sends him best wishes for a prompt return to health. The Mayor and Council passed a resolution appointing Patricia A. Wojcik as temporary CFO.

In new business, the comprehensive Zoning and Land Use Ordinance was introduced. The public is invited to a public hearing on this ordinance to be held July 14th at 4:00 pm. Copies of the ordinance will be available; a summary will be published and available on the Mantoloking.org web site, as will the ordinance in its entirety upon publication.

A resolution to consider the return of a surety bond as submitted for a demolition permit was passed.

A resolution to consider amending the 2003 Salary Resolution for hiring personnel and designation of salaries for 2003 Beach Badge Sales Personnel was passed.

The Council requested the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the 2003 budget for $258.64, as revenue from the Department of Law and Public Safety Municipal Court Alcohol Education, Rehabilitation and Enforcement fund, pursuant to NJS 40A:-87.

A resolution was passed to apply to the NJDOT (2004 Municipal Aid Grant) for repaving a portion of Barnegat Lane, from Lyman Street south for 2000 linear feet.

Councilman Gillingham reported that crosswalks have been painted and warning signs posted on Borough streets; the speed control device for Barnegat Lane is in progress; and the beach staff will be in place for this weekend.

Councilman Husted said enough sand is in place to bulldoze aggressively. Beach renourishment will probably be delayed as the bill has not been signed, and most likely will not be signed until the fall, if then.

Councilman Popaca reported the curbs and sidewalks on Downer Avenue should be in place this week, with the topping installed on the street next week, weather permitting. The new Borough garage should be completed very soon and the area landscaped at that time.

Council went into closed session. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm. The next regular meeting will be July 21st at 8:00 pm.