MantolokingOctober 18, 2010 No. 434

CENTENNIAL NEWS: To celebrate the Centennial, The Mantoloking Reporter is planning to issue a special edition entitled MANTOLOKING MEMORIES. In January, you will receive an email inviting you to contribute a brief recollection of a person, experience or image that you remember from your past as evoking the essence of Mantoloking. At that time, you will be given specific information as to length and where to send your submission. Meanwhile, START REMEMBERING!

A Centennial Note: Anne Benedict’s “Mantoloking Through the Lens” is selling fast. There are, as of this writing, only 26 copies left. They sell for $50 and can be purchased at Applegate’s, The Jolly Tar and The Central Market.

Mayor Nebel called this meeting to order promptly at 4:30 p.m. All council members were present. The minutes of the September meeting were approved.

Finance Committee chairman Councilman Witkowski moved three resolutions; accept the report of Finance Officer Swisher as of August 31st; bill payment of $344,943 for October; and approve current year appropriations #1-2010 totalling $34,000. All resolutions were passed.

Public Safety Committee chairman Gillingham called upon Police Chief Wright who reported 198 incidents during September. There were 66 ‘building checks,’ to see if the Post Office and Borough Hall are locked up and secure, and 40 ‘time cards’ for officers who need time off, three animal complaints, 25 ‘alarms’ which include robbery, fire, general and burglary, and ten traffic enforcement and traffic related services. Councilman Gillingham said the Fire Company this year has had an all-time record of fire responses.

Fire Chief Popaca wrote the fire company responded to 17 fire calls, held three training drills and one regular meeting during September. There were eleven alarms, fire and CO, a brush fire, a water problem,and two structure fires in Bay Head, a structure fire in Brick Twp. and a ‘standby for Station 21.

robert McIntyre, OEM coordinator, reported his office conducted a drill simulating a flooding situation brought on by a tropical storm to improve the preparedness and response to disastrous events that may hit Mantoloking. “Personnel and agency roles were clarified and recommendations developed to further improve the OEM’s effectiveness and proficiency.”

Two resolutions, to consider the sale of a police vehicle to Grace Quality Used Cars and a fire company vehicle to Michael Poole were passed.

Public Works chair Nelson presented the following reports: Construction Official Wardell issued 13 new and one updated permits during September for shingles, plumbing updates, alarm systems, two house demolitions, two single family houses. During September, Land Use Officer Marinaccio received 29 applications, 25 were approved. two were denied and one was a violation letter. They were mostly for dumpsters, garage sales, alterations and additions, porta potties, fencing, landscaping, etc.

Resolutions to award a contract to Toms River Heating to replace a 7.5 ton air conditioning condenser for the courtroom of Borough Hall; to reject all proposals to replace the Firehouse apron because they vastly exceed the project budget and the engineer’s estimate; and, approve the release of a surety bond to homeowners for the demolition of a single family home on East Avenue. All were passed.

Councilman Strohm sent letters to beach property owners requiring them to care for their dunes and follow recommendations set forth by the borough. This coming Friday he and Stewart Farrell will walk the length of Mantoloking’s beach to check the condition of the dunes, the grasses, decks, walkways, fences, etc. and report to each owner what they find, tailored to each individual property. The walk will start at 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

A resolution to approve participation in the Ocean County Community Development Block Grant Program was passed. By participating in the CDBG Program, the borough may obtain a grant which would enable completion of the Barnegat Lane walkway project.

Municipal Services Chair Councilman Brown, talked about the County hazardous waste program and where residents can take their paints, solvents, pool chemicals, pesticides, etc. The date for this program in Brick is Friday, October 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and pre- registration is required, 732 367-0802. There is only one date to do this which is hardly enough to get rid of this waste. Mayor Nebel said he will bring this up at the freeholders meeting.

The Christmas party, sing fest will be December 5th. Santa will be there. He promised.......In answer to a question, Are taxes going down? No, assessments are, Mayor Nebel siad.

Walter Bray asked about the gas pipe line. Chief Wright said they’d be back around Thanksgiving time.

This Council meeting was adjourned at 4:43 p.m. The next Council meeting will be November 22, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

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The Reporter is written and edited by Christine Wilder.