The recent storms postponed the arrival of the DUNE GRASS AND FENCING: The Borough will receive dune grass and rolls of fencing from Ocean County on December 2nd. The Borough hopes to bulldoze sand upon the dunes but it looks like another northeaster is approaching and the bulldozing will have to wait. All beach front property owners may call Borough Hall at 732-899-6600 to reserve their allotment. If you have not received dune fencing in 2005, you may reserve that at the same time. If your landscaper, caretaker or another is picking up your dune grass or fencing, please let the Borough Hall Offices know that when you call. Those who are not using a landscaper or caretaker for their grass planting will have their dune grass delivered by the Public Works Department. Leave a large pail with water to cover the roots of the plants out near your garage. Even though the dunes may not be bulldozed, plant your allotment of grass in the sparse area of the existing dunes. The grass will stabilize the dunes.

The Third Annual Tree Lighting and Carol Sing will take place at 6 pm on December 4th in front of the Borough Hall. Priscilla Hiby will lead everyone in song to usher in the Christmas season. Santa will be there for the little ones.

The Mantoloking Bridge, started just two years ago at this time, is about finished and will be dedicated on or around December 11th. All are invited to attend this momentous event. Can you believe it, on time and on budget? Wow!

Mayor Dunbar opened the meeting at 8 pm. All Councilmen were present.

The Mayor submitted a resolution to oppose the establishment by the Federal Government of a saltwater fishing registration or license fee to be charged to recreational fishermen. The resolution was passed.

Police Chief Ortley reported October was a busy month with 187 incidents. These included 15 traffic enforcement actions, six DWI arrests, two first aid calls, an animal complaint, an identity theft, two suspicious persons and one lost and found item.

Nineteen new construction permits and two updates were issued in October. They were for a single-family house, two inground pools, siding, new furnaces and air conditioning units and several irrigation systems, plus the usual decks, plumbing and paving.

Land Use Officer Guldin reported seventeen new applications were reviewed in October and fourteen were approved.

Councilman Nebel accepted the report of the Municipal Finance Officer, Michelle Swisher, and he said the Borough is on budget for the year. He also moved the following resolutions which were passed:

Payment of the November bills of $138,268; requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriation, NJS 40A:4-87, for the Stormwater Management Grant for $6,041; for 2005 Recycling Tonnage Grant of $294; and approval of the release of the surety bond to Herrington Builders, LLC.

Councilman Popaca introduced Ordinances #502 through #508 which were passed by title only. They provide for Stormwater Control, Disposal of Pet Solid Waste, Control of Llittering, Proper Handling of Yard Waste, Prohibition of Disposal of Materials other than storm water in he Municipal Separate Storm Water System, Prohibition of the Feeding of Unconfined Wildlife in any public park or public lands, and Prohibition of Illicit Connections to the Municipal Separate Storm Water System. All these ordinances also provide penalties for violations thereof.

A resolution to approve the appointment of Donna Heckman as a Temporary Clerial Worker in the Police Department was passed.

Councilman Laymon is requesting residents call the Borough if you plan to be here during weekends and holidays so your garbage and recycling can be picked up. Otherwise, it won't be.

Councilman Popaca said the Barnegat Lane (Lyman Street to Herbert Street) drainage activity is about completed, the Runyon Lane drainage project is continuing and the bioxide tank for the Sanitary Sewer Pump House to replace the chlorine has arrived.

A resolution to award a contract for the Sanitary Sewer Pump House Emergency Wiring Project to Municipal Maintenance Company, the low bidder, was passed.

A resolution to adopt a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan was passed.

Councilman Popaca said the the NJ-American Water Company will allow our Fire Company to mark fire hydrants so they can be located when buried in snow.

Councilman Popaca also talked to New Jersey Natural Gas, who seem to dig up our streets right after being repaved, to arrange another way to repair gas lines, or whatever they have to do. Their new plan is to dig a core, fix what has to be fixed, then replace the core. We will monitor this plan.

Councilman Husted said Washington is still (and always) in a state of total confusion. The WERDA bill may pass in February. Our lobyist, Marlowe and Company, has written a letter to congressmen demanding the funds bill be passed. All are pretty sure it will be funded.

Many residents have contacted the Mayor and Council members about the beach and dunes and how the replenishment project is coming along. Again, write your representatives, again and often.

Councilman Jones said the late-October Dune Walk showed the parts of the dunes that were left were well vegetated for the most part, but two or three areas were discouraging after the storms. Some sand has come in in the last few weeks, and he feels the dunes can handle a reasonable storm. A northeaster is expected tomorrow, November 22nd, so we will watch. When there is sand, we will bulldoze.

Council went into executive session. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.

The next regular Council meeting will be on December 19th at 8:00 pm.

The Reporter is compiled and edited by Christine Wilder.