Mayor Dunbar opened the meeting promptly at 8. All Council members were present except for Mr. Nebel who had been excused.

Runyon Colie requested Council allow this publication to list residential variances granted by the Planning Board. He observes additions and new construction and questions, in some cases, if and why variances have been granted.

Police activity was routine during October. They continue to watch for vehicles on the beach and to use radar at various locations throughout Mantoloking.

Fire Chief Popaca said the Fire Company responded to eight fire calls (six alarms, one gas leak and a traffic light out at Route 35 and Bergen Avenue), held three training drills, participated in the Point High Homecoming Parade and had one regularly scheduled business meeting.

Superintendent Heckman reported the repaving of Bay and Princeton Avenues has been completed, and the curbing and repaving of Mathis, Carrigan, Chafey, Williams, Newman and Stephens Place(s)? are completed also. The bulkhead on the south side of Bergen Avenue has been installed, the adjacent ground filled with topsoil, seeded and it is sprouting little tufts of green.

Construction Official John Wardell listed 18 new permits and three permit updates were issued in October. Two of these are for new buildings, three are additions and the rest are alterations, all for private ownership.

CFO Crelin wrote that the tax sale was not held. All residents paid their taxes, sewer bills and miscellaneous charges before the deadline, so 100% of the delinquent taxes have been collected.

Fourth quarter County taxes of $574,000 were the major portion of Bills Paid‚ in October. Other large amounts included $49,000 to the Board of Education for school taxes, $29,400 to Marpal for September and October trash, and for November recycling, and $34,000 for bulkhead replacement. The rest of the total, $805,700, was routine.

Tax Assessor James Anderson spoke to Council about the requirement of Assessment Maintenance. Annually, the tax assessor is required by statute to maintain assessment at market value as of October 1st of the pre tax year. To do this, he monitors usable sales and develops an overall sales ratio for the taxing district, i.e. the Borough of Mantoloking. Assessments must reflect equality between areas within a taxing district and between taxing districts in the County. The Ocean County Board of Taxation has established the average relationship of assessed value to market value to be 100%. "It is essential the level of assessment to market value (sales ratio) and the equality of assessments (various coefficients) be continually monitored to identify the areas within the taxing districts that need adjustments, either up or down. Any inequities in the process directly impact the individual taxpayer, the county, schools, and other important fiscal matters."

Mr. Anderson said the Lagoon areas are assessed right up there; he‚ll be monitoring the ocean properties again.

In old business, Ordinance #410 was passed. This is to increase the appropriation for the bulkhead replacements.

The following resolutions were passed:

a. Consider approval of Change Order #1 for Bergen Avenue and Old Bridge Street bulkhead replacements. This was for the addition of three pilings for the police boat and the removal of the existing bulkhead;

b. Consider approval of Change Order #1 for resurfacing of Princeton and Bay Avenues to re- place sewer pipe material from polyethylene to ductile iron for groundwater and load capacity;

c. Consider approval of application for payment #2 for the accessibility ramp project, ramps at Downer and Bay, and Downer and Route 35;

d. Consider approval of employing a temporary clerical worker;

e. Consider approval of application for payment #2 for the Bergen Avenue and Old Bridge Street bulkhead replacements; and

f. Consider termination of contract for the electrical upgrade project at Borough Hall because the contractor has failed to perform in accordance with the contract.

Councilman Husted is negotiating with the Police Department for their new contracts. He also said that FEMA has agreed to the appeal submitted by Mantoloking and is working on the revision.

Councilman Gillingham reporting on the beaches: The beaches are unstaffed at this time. He also said that Lagoon Lane will be resurfaced next year.

Councilman Jones said the beach grass has been distributed.

Councilman Popaca is looking into the possibility of getting a wheelchair to go onto the beach, through the Block Grant Program.

Council went into closed session to discuss contractual matters, possible and/or pending litigation and to receive advice of counsel.

Next Council Meeting: December 20th at 8 pm.

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The Reporter made a colossal error in last month's issue: The Mantoloking flag's background color is RED, not white as stated. Sorry!

The public meeting‚ to learn about a new Mantoloking Bridge was held at Borough Hall on Monday, November 8th. It will be just north of the current bridge, 29 feet high (now 16 feet) and will not impact on any buildings in Mantoloking. As for the time frame: don't hold your breath.

            Happy Thanksgiving

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The Reporter is compiled and edited by Christine Wilder.

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