The Mantoloking Fire company is looking for a rescue craft to reach people and properties in the event of severe flooding. We currently have no suitable equipment for this purpose. An inflatable 12'-14' Zodiac-type boat powered by a 15 hp outboard motor is needed. Past experience has shown if we use our fire fighting apparatus for this purpose we expose the vehicles to severe damage. If anyone has such a boat to donate to the fire company, or would like more information, please call Stan Witkowski at 732-899-4883.

Residents should be aware that a great deal of Borough information can be found on the web site, www.mantoloking.org. The Reporter asks again and always for residents‚ e-mail addresses. If you would like to receive The Reporter via e-mail, send your address to ccwilder@comcast.net. And your e-mail address can be published in the Directory if you so desire. Also, the Borough has expressed interest in having e-mail addresses for all property owners.

Dune grass distribution will be Friday, November 8th. Beachfront property owners must call the Borough, 732 899-6600 to reserve their allotment. If a landscaper is to pick up your share, please provide the Borough with his name.

It is flu shot time again. Ocean County‚s health department flu schedule web site is www.ochd.org. The shots will be given locally at the following places:

Wed, Oct. 30, 9- 11, St. Martha‚s, Herbertsville Rd, PP; Thurs, Oct. 31, 9 to 11, VFW, Adamston Road, Brick; Thurs, Oct. 31, 2-3:30, St. Bonaventure, Lavallette; and Wed, Nov. 6, 9:30-11:30, Fire Company #2, PPB

Dr. Stewart Farrell, Dune Consultant, gave a special slide presentation about the dunes preceding this Council meeting. Dune grass planting and properly placed fencing are recommended to save the dunes and increase the sand. Councilman Jones later reported the dune walk was held on October 4th, that not much changed from last year except the extended drought took its toll on the dune grass, with new grass suffering a 50% loss rate. Last week‚s quick northeaster took out what little berm was left and lowered the dune to about two feet. Sand-fencing at the base of the dunes was taken out.

Mayor Dunbar opened the meeting at 8:07 pm. All Council members were present.

Flash!!! The Police Department would like residents to know that outgoing checks have been stolen from mail boxes in Mantoloking. DO NOT place mail with checks in your own box. Take them to the post office or put them in a postal box.

The Police had 194 incidents in September, twenty of which were alarms of one sort or another at residences, and three animal complaints. The Boat Patrol for the summer issued twenty summonses, 18 warnings, and an endless amount of verbal warnings. Gas for the season cost just under $478.

The Fire Company responded to 15 incidents, had three company drills and one scheduled business meeting in September. There were twelve fire alarms, one wires burning, one structure fire in Brick and one odor of smoke. Nine of the incidents were in Bay Head, four in Mantoloking and two in Brick.

Construction Official Wardell issued eleven building permits and three updates, for roofing, siding, an inground pool, alterations, etc.

CFO Pribush mailed the added and omitted tax bills on October 10th and expects to collect $62,000, of which $42,000 is the county’s portion and the Borough gets a little over $20,000. Is this fair? . . .If necessary, a tax sale will be held December 5th for two delinquent properties.

By resolution of the Mayor and Council, the oath of office was given to William L. Shewan as a member of the Police Department of the Borough of Mantoloking. He has been a special officer in the Borough for seven years, and his full time position will commence November 1st.

The Borough received no bids for the 1983 Bayliner so the boat will remain in storage.

A resolution of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Mantoloking directing the Tax Collector to enforce liens by selling real property was passed. The sale will take place December 5th for delinquent taxes and utility charges.

A resolution to consider the approval of the changes to the bylaws as adopted by the New Jersey Intergovernmental Insurance Fund was passed.

A resolution to consider the approval of a 63-month lease agreement with Pitney Bowes Inc. for a digital metered marking (mailing) system was passed.

A resolution of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Mantoloking rescinding the resolution adopted May 20, 2002 authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding with the US Environmental Protection Agency and the NJ DEP and authorizing the execution of the revised memorandum of understanding with the US EPA was passed. This is to consider approval of a revised voluntary partnership agreement between the borough and the USDEP to respond to the consequences of rising sea level.

A resolution of the Mayor and Council to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was passed.

Councilman Husted said the whole beach renourishment discussions in Congress are at a standstill and maybe after the election recess, they will get back to work on it. Continue to write your representatives and senators. He also said there are two ocean communities in Ocean County still resisting allocating funds for the renourishment project.

Councilman Popaca said the new borough garage is coming along and is almost finished. It will be completed in time for the winter cold and snow.

Councilman Laymon has been having meetings with Waste Management to correct the problems some residents have been having with their garbage collection. Continue to call the borough if you still are having collection problems.

Mayor Dunbar said the Fitzgerald vs. Mantoloking court case is in session now, October 21-23 in Toms River.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 pm.

The next Council meeting: November 18th at 8 pm