Mantoloking Reporter

The New Jersey-American Water Company has been flushing its water mains. To avoid discoloring your laundry, run the cold water until it runs clear. . . Mantoloking Postmaster Jim Matsutani asks residents to clear obstructions around and to their mailboxes. . .The Census: It is vitally important for all citizens to fill out these forms. If you have not received your form, one will be available at Borough Hall after March 31st, and now, from any Public Library. If you are not counted, governmental assistance is reduced for the state, county and our town: More taxes.

The Police were very quiet during February, as was the Fire Company which responded to four calls, had two training drills and a business meeting. But, on Wednesday, March 15th, the Fire Company had just completed a mock-fire drill in a soon-to-be demolished house when the Police noticed a fully engaged fire on East Avenue. Your Fire Company, along with Bay Head and Pt. Pleasant Beach, were able to arrest the spread of the flames and save the major part of the house.

In February, 18 building permits were issued, three for new houses and the rest for alterations, plumbing, re-siding, renovations, re-roofing, etc.

Mantoloking has a web site, as some of you may know, and much information is posted there such as The Reporter and Flood Insurance information with both text and map. The Borough is purchasing a digital camera for use by the assessor with the County Assessing System, and it will also be used to record conditions in the Borough to be posted on the web page.

CFO Crelin knows there are dogs living in Mantoloking; some have been licensed, but lots have not. Dog licenses expired the end of January, and the ordinance adopted last year provided a $1.00-a-month late fee for those not purchasing a license in February. It‚ll be $2.00 in April. Bill Crelin knows where the dogs live!

Tax delinquent notices were mailed in early March to a total of 68 accounts who have not paid first quarter taxes and/or sewer taxes.

And CFO Crelin is working toward having Global Access Cards used to pay fees, fines and court costs. And in mid-summer, Visa and Mastercharge can be used for all but taxes. He is working on that too.

In old business, Ordinances No 411, the Borough Hall roof replacement, No 413, paving Lagoon Lane, No 414, street closing guidelines, and No 415, flood damage protection guidelines, were passed.

In new business, an amendment to the 2000 Municipal Budget to add $30,000 to the Capital Improvement Fund for interior electrical modifications to Borough Hall was passed. This puts off the final Budget until next month and changes the tax rate increase to .0008, or eight tenths of one cent.

A resolution to appoint a new committee, the Flood Strategy Committee, which will continue to pursue a reduction in our future flood insurance rates and consisting of Chairman John Jones, Elbert Husted, and Gail Smith and Thomas Guldin of Stetler & Guldin, was passed.

Resolutions to advertise for the re-bidding of a contract for emergency sand bulldozing, to award an annual janitorial service contract, to award an annual fire suppression contract, and to authorize the advertising of bids to replace the Borough garage floors, sidewalks and aprons, were passed.

Ordinance No 416, providing for the sum of $18,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to install a security system in Borough Hall, was introduced by title only. The system will include keyless entry, cameras, video retrieval and other safety measures to insure the welfare of all who work in and visit Borough Hall.

Ordinance No 417, the introduction of a capital ordinance for the replacement of the Borough garage floors, sidewalks and aprons, was passed by title only.

Councilman Jones said the dune bulldozing was about 1/3 done, but the north east storm these last few days has halted activity. So far damage is minimal, but its wait and see.

The Flood Insurance Rate Map situation keeps being revised with some more stringent changes, some more lenient, and there‚s still work to be done. Height elevation certificates issued in the past may not have been done right so new ones must be filled in correctly. And the new forms seem to be flawed.

The Beautification Committee will meet in April about the Water Department lot on Bay Avenue.

Mantoloking‚s zoning officer, Richard Ramirez, will be in his office every Tuesday from 3-5 pm to answer resident‚s queries.

Homeowners are asked to verify with the Building Department if permits are needed for work on their property. Permits are required, among other things, for fences, tents, dumpsters, construction trailers and portajohns. And state law says contractors should not receive final payment until all inspections are completed and a CO is issued to the homeowner.

Councilman Popaca announced The Block Grant Program has granted the requested wheelchair for beach access.

Mayor Dunbar opened the meeting at 8, and adjourned it at 8:37 pm. Councilman Husted had an excused absence.

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Please let us know if your listing in the Mantoloking Directory is correct, if you would like to continue to be listed as your are, or as "Harrison, Jasmine and Jaspe", or another manner. Write, call 732 899-2386 or e-mail cwilder@idt.net.