[0:19] Yes, sir. Waiting on you.
[laughter]
[0:39] » [clears throat]
[1:04] » That's important. our feet. Yes.
[1:51] I'd like to welcome everybody to our
September 2nd frigine City Council
[1:55] meeting. Please rise for the flag
[snorts]
[2:02] to the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for it
[2:07] stands one nation under God indivisible
with liberty and justice for all. Please
[2:14] remain standing while you need a prayer.
>> Heavenly Father, we thank you for our
[2:20] police department and their dedication
to serving and protecting our community.
[2:26] » As these officers step into their new
roles, grant them wisdom, courage,
[2:31] fairness, and strength. Guide their
decisions and keep them and their fellow
[2:36] fellow officers safe. May they lead with
integrity, compassion, and honor. and
[2:42] may their service make a positive
difference in the lives of those they
[2:46] protect. We also ask that you bless our
students and teachers as they begin a
[2:52] new school year. Give our students
curiosity, confidence, and kindness, and
[2:58] give our teachers patience, wisdom, and
strength. Keep everyone safe, guide
[3:04] their days, and help our schools be
places of learning, friendship, and
[3:09] respect. In your name we pray. Amen.
>> Please be seated.
[3:21] » Can you read the public meeting tax
announcement
[3:26] as required by law?
>> Thank you.
[3:51] First class.
[4:08] Uh it's my honor tonight to swear in our
chief and a number of our officers here
[4:13] tonight. I just want to tell you Steve
Ward is a outstanding chief. I'm very
[4:19] very proud of the work that he's doing
here with the city. You can tell his 24
[4:22] years of experience. He's worked almost
every area of the in the department. I
[4:27] can tell you the relationship that we
have is amazing.
[4:31] For me, uh, being a mayor, I can tell
you how important it is to have good
[4:36] leadership. I can tell you how important
it is to develop a team. As we start to
[4:40] look at our promotions,
Steve has been intricral in those
[4:44] promotions. He knows everyone in the
department really, really well, and he's
[4:50] able to educate myself, our city
manager, and council on the directions
[4:54] of the department. And I think that's
important. A lot of times, city council
[4:58] needs to make decisions over the police,
but we don't always fully understand
[5:03] what those decisions mean. Steve takes
the time to work with us, to educate us,
[5:08] to advocate on behalf of the department
to make sure that what we do is right
[5:13] and proper. And I can tell you from day
one, like the police department was
[5:18] always in good hands, always did well. I
noticed an immediate difference with his
[5:24] leadership. Um, he's fast-paced. He
wants to work hard. He wants to get
[5:29] things done. And you see that modeling
and I believe in that. If you want to do
[5:35] something and you want other people to
do it, you need to be able to do it
[5:38] yourself. And I see that from Steve.
He's the first one to step in. He's the
[5:41] first one to work. He's the first first
one to make things get done. And I see
[5:45] that kind of trickle down throughout the
department. I look at some of the
[5:48] initiatives that we've wanted to work on
here in the city. I see those getting
[5:52] done. I see those getting started. small
things, something that was really
[5:56] important to our community. Speeding's
been a big issue here. I see a huge
[6:00] presence of all of our officers. We look
at the little flashing speed signs.
[6:07] People requested that. I know this
started under Chief Caseo, but uh Chief
[6:11] Bour gets the credit for getting it
done. And you see that transition. I
[6:14] think the same thing happened at a fire
department. I wish Tiger was here. He
[6:18] fought fought fought for a firet truck.
Paulie shows up first day, delivers the
[6:21] truck, right? He gets to be the hero.
But that's really what it's about. It's
[6:25] about that transition about making sure
that things get done and what you hear
[6:29] in the community being communicated back
and then seeing it put into action. I've
[6:34] heard so many compliments about the job
that our officers are doing. And a lot
[6:39] of that comes from the leadership of our
chief and making sure that our officers
[6:43] have the resources they need to get the
job done. So Steve, I want you to know
[6:49] as we went through this whole process
looking at chiefs, our city manager,
[6:53] Tiger Platt, was like, I know Steve's
the guy. He's the guy who's going to
[6:57] take this department in a new direction.
He's the guy who's going to be the
[7:00] difference maker and he's the guy who's
going to make sure that this city is the
[7:04] safest it's ever been. So Steve, I will
tell you now, since you've started, you
[7:08] have lived up to every expectation that
we've had. So Chief, I'm very proud of
[7:12] you tonight.
[7:22] Come up.
[7:32] Place your left hand on the left. Raise
your right hand. Repeat after me. I,
[7:36] Steve Gordon,
>> I, Steve Gordon,
[7:38] » do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear
[7:40] » that I will support the Constitution
>> that I will support the Constitution
[7:43] » of the State of New Jersey
>> of the state of New Jersey
[7:45] » and that I will bear true faith
>> and I will bear true faith
[7:48] » and allegiance to the same
>> and allegiance to the same
[7:50] » and to the governments established
>> in the government established
[7:52] » in the United States
>> in the United States
[7:54] » and in this state
>> and in this state
[7:56] » under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people
[7:58] » and that I will faithfully
>> that I will faithfully
[8:00] » impartially
>> impartially
[8:01] » and justly
>> and justly
[8:03] » perform all the duties
>> perform all the duties required for the
[8:06] position
>> required for the position
[8:07] » of police chief
>> of police chief.
[8:09] » According to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability.
[8:12] » So help me God.
>> So help me God.
[8:13] » Congratulations.
[8:56] Wow. Truly uh truly an honor to be
standing here in front of you guys
[8:59] today. I look at all the people in here
and they've all had a direct impact on
[9:04] the police department that we work for
today, the people that we are and the
[9:08] outstanding service that we can provide
to the community of B. Uh I am truly
[9:12] blessed and thankful that the city
council and the mayor have confidence in
[9:16] me and the trust to lead this department
to the future. I think we are built to
[9:21] be successful in every way and to put
out the message that these guys do every
[9:26] day. to be the voice of the department
is so wonderful because these group of
[9:31] people in the back and the ones who
aren't here today are the real heart and
[9:34] soul of the island to keep everybody
safe. And it's important that you know
[9:37] me as a leader, a person who can
represent the guys who actually put the
[9:41] work in every day and it's a great
movement. It's a great department and
[9:45] we're moving in the right direction. I'd
like to thank everyone again for coming
[9:48] here. Uh the responsibilities division
is heavy and I truly understand what it
[9:53] means to be a leader in the city of
Brigante and I hope that I can show you
[9:56] and the people on the street for our
department can show you how important it
[9:59] is and how much we believe in the safety
and the kindness of the officers in the
[10:04] city of Brian. the members of the
department are really the ones who are
[10:07] out there every day. And I am just lucky
enough to be one of them. And I'm truly
[10:11] blessed that I started 23 years ago
walking the beach, walking through the
[10:16] central business district wearing two
shirts because it was so hot. But that
[10:20] taught me and brought me to the kind of
officer that I am today. And I can look
[10:23] around and see that the the leaders and
the officers that we have are following
[10:26] in my footsteps.
My family, thank you for everything.
[10:31] It's been
I wouldn't be here without you. and uh I
[10:36] appreciate everything you've done to uh
put me in this position. So, thank you
[10:41] guys. It's a great opportunity and I
think we're in a great position to lead.
[10:45] So, for the next five years, you're all
stuck with me, but I think it's going to
[10:48] be a I think it's going to be a great
time and I think that uh most
[10:51] importantly, the safety of Brigantine is
going to be in good hands with all the
[10:54] officers that we have.
Appreciate it all. Thank you guys.
[11:08] More importantly, tonight isn't just
about me. As I've mentioned, the great
[11:11] officers that we have in this town. Um,
we're going to honor some more people
[11:15] tonight. And I think some of the people
here
[11:17] » Yeah.
[11:21] [laughter]
[11:23] » All right. You guys want to come up?
>> That's true. Sorry.
[12:30] Good to go.
>> All right. Sorry for the uh nice picture
[12:34] time. Um and just some more of my role
models. That was my father who was a
[12:38] retired police officer and my
father-in-law who was a retired chief of
[12:40] brigade team police. So I've had some
had some good guides along the way to
[12:44] get me to this point. So it's been a
it's been a wonderful ride and I'm so
[12:47] happy to be like I uh like I started to
say it's it's a great department that I
[12:51] work for. And tonight I get to honor two
very great officers who have really been
[12:56] impactful in my career and have made me
the officer that I am today and help
[13:00] every day with bringing the officers up
and keeping the keeping us doing the
[13:04] right thing every day. So Jack, do you
want to step up here?
[13:11] So Captain Gler and I go way back.
Literally got hired really close
[13:16] together. We're pounding the pavement
together getting bad guys off the
[13:20] street. He was my partner, detective
juror, and we got pretty much all these
[13:23] awards together because we were just
working so hard together and doing all
[13:25] all kinds of important police work in
there. So, it's a real honor to get to
[13:28] stand next to Jack tonight. He's one of
my most trusted confidants who I respect
[13:32] more than anybody in the world. So, to
have him next to me and have him part of
[13:35] my admin team, it's it's a really great
honor. So, a little bit about Jack. He
[13:39] started here in 2008 and prior to his
current assignment, he was detective
[13:44] lieutenant where he led the department's
operations and supervised the detective
[13:47] bureau. Throughout his career, he held a
wide range of specialized assignments,
[13:50] including service as a state and federal
narcotics forces, evidence custodian,
[13:55] CART team coordinator, public
information officer, and defensive
[13:59] tactics instructor.
Jack's an FBI National Academy session
[14:03] 298 graduate. He holds a PhD in criminal
justice leadership, a master's degree in
[14:09] human resources, and graduated with
credentials in forensic genetic geology.
[14:14] If you hadn't heard, Jack has solved
some really important cases in the state
[14:18] of New Jersey and has actually been
honored by the state's office for the
[14:21] incredible work that he's done for our
department. So, Jack Jack really puts in
[14:24] the work. He's one of the people that
you can really count on at all times to
[14:27] come in and be there for you. So,
standing up here today, like I said, I
[14:30] am a very, very lucky guy. Again, I
mentioned our numerous awards. He got
[14:33] most of them together, so that's pretty
cool. Um, he's also got the Chiefs
[14:37] award, exceptional duty award, and two
life-saving awards. Happy Glasser is
[14:42] here tonight with his wife Jennifer and
the proud parents of their two young
[14:45] sons, Jack I 4th and Joey and they are
expecting their third son in 2027. So
[14:50] congratulations Jack. Um I'm going to
ask your family to come up so we can do
[14:55] swearing in tonight. Holding the Bible
for Jack is retired Northfield captain
[14:59] Jack Glasser. So if you guys want to
step up
[15:18] just
[15:22] » I John Glasser
>> I John Glasser
[15:25] » do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear
[15:27] » that I will support the Constitution
>> that I will support the Constitution
[15:30] ution of the state of New Jersey.
>> of the state of New Jersey. and that I
[15:32] will bear true faith
>> that I will bear true faith
[15:35] » and allegiance to the same
>> and allegiance to the same
[15:37] » and to the governments established
>> and to the governments established
[15:40] » in the United States
>> in the United States
[15:41] » and in this state
>> and in this state
[15:43] » under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people
[15:46] » and that I will faithfully
>> and that I will faithfully
[15:49] » impartially
>> partially
[15:50] » and justly
>> and justly
[15:51] » perform all the duties
>> perform all the duties
[15:54] » required for the position of
>> required for the position of
[15:57] » police captain
>> police captain
[15:59] » according to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability So
[16:02] help me God. So help me God.
>> Congratulations.
[16:34] Jack
[16:38] sir.
[16:54] Is
[16:56] that it first?
[17:00] So, Bill's story is a little different.
It's uh really cool to hear with Bill
[17:04] because it's a totally different reason
that I'm a police officer today. Without
[17:07] Bill, I probably wouldn't be standing
here today. Bill was a brand new officer
[17:11] when I got hired as a class two or
excuse me, a class one in 2004. He was
[17:15] the guy out there riding the quad while
I was out there walking beach. But it
[17:19] was great because I built a relationship
with Bill and he showed me how fun
[17:22] policing could be. That it wasn't, you
know, just writing tickets or being, you
[17:28] know, the guy in charge. It was about
being a human and also having fun
[17:31] outside of work. And I think that's the
most important part of policing is
[17:34] having a balance of life and work. And I
think if you could do that successfully,
[17:39] you know, you're really doing something.
So, Bill, thank you because again,
[17:41] without you, I probably would have done
one summer and then moved on to
[17:45] something else. So, unfortunately,
you're all stuck with me now. But uh a
[17:48] little bit about Bill Brriantine
resident uh when he was younger grew up
[17:52] here in St. Phillips Holy Spirit and
then Stockton direct for a bachelor's
[17:56] degree in criminal justice. It's his
24th year of policing and he starts his
[18:00] 25th uh coming this this winter. Um he
served in patrol and detective division
[18:06] and done a lot of great stuff for our
department. He's helped out with a lot
[18:08] of our training as well and was our
first Hilo officer. Um he was also
[18:13] authorized as deputized by DEA when he
was working with Haida to do a lot of
[18:16] our high narcotics uh enforcement which
is a really great opportunity and really
[18:20] brought a lot of uh good knowledge back
to our department. He's a recipient of
[18:24] the state PVA's valor award and he has
had multiple life-saving awards. I think
[18:28] he probably has the most in the
department. I unfortunately in the
[18:31] beginning of my career was not so lucky
but Phil Bill always uh seem to pull
[18:34] through and really does a great job. And
I think that's what's most important is
[18:37] when you see Bill you know that he's
going to do a great job for you. He's
[18:39] always looking out for you. Uh he's also
had several drug rusters award,
[18:43] honorable service awards, and unit
citation. He's also won best smelling
[18:46] guy in the department the last 12 years
running. So he's got that going for him.
[18:51] Uh again, Bill is one of the the best
officers, and I'm so glad that I could
[18:55] stand in front of you guys tonight and
and honor Bill for all of his hard work
[18:57] through his whole 24 year career. Just
want to bring
[19:03] if you guys
[19:08] Raise
[19:16] your right hand. Repeat after me.
>> I, William Ferris,
[19:19] » I, William Ferris,
>> do solemnly swear
[19:21] » domly swear
>> that I will support the Constitution
[19:23] » I will support the Constitution
>> of the State of New Jersey
[19:25] » the state of New Jersey. And I will bear
true faith
[19:28] » I will bear true faith
>> and allegiance to the same
[19:30] » and allegiance to the same
>> and to the governments established
[19:33] » and to the government established
>> in the United States
[19:35] » in the United States
>> and of this state
[19:36] » and of this state
>> under the authority of the people
[19:38] » under the authority of the people
>> that I will faithfully
[19:40] » I will faithfully
>> and partially
[19:42] » partially
>> and justly perform all the duties
[19:45] » perform all the duties
>> required for the position
[19:47] » required for the position
>> of police lieutenant
[19:49] » police
>> according to the best of my ability to
[19:51] best my ability.
>> So help me God.
[19:53] » Congratulations. [applause]
[20:17] Stop fish.
[21:26] One second.
[21:34] » [snorts]
[21:40] » a couple minutes.
[21:44] So, we'll go to session couple minutes
and you guys take pictures.
[21:56] » Okay.
[22:01] We do. Yes.
>> Yes. Thank you very much.
[22:04] » That's it.
[22:10] [laughter]
[22:16] the governing body exot.
[22:30] » There we go.
[22:38] » It's just
[22:42] Let's
[23:06] go.
[24:17] How are you?
[24:30] What's up, BUDDY? WHAT'S GOING ON, MAN?
[25:02] Get a picture with a picture with that.
[25:18] Crystal
[25:37] threw his
today.
[25:42] » I bet the state house
[26:29] So everybody, oh my gosh, Stevie,
Stevie, Stevie.
[26:41] Ready?
[27:14] » [clears throat]
[27:56] » Wait.
[28:12] [laughter]
[28:25] Here
[28:40] we
[28:50] go.
[29:01] Let's see.
[29:08] » Okay.
[29:37] You want to take pictures?
[29:49] Hey,
[30:07] [laughter]
[30:10] it's a lot.
[30:22] line up. Okay,
>> but you can't walk up there. Or watch
[30:28] your dad. Look standing there and
Oh my goodness.
[30:35] Isn't that nice?
Look at that. Isn't that nice? Awesome.
[30:41] Oh my goodness.
[30:49] » Ready for a picture of that.
[30:56] [laughter]
[31:01] [laughter]
[31:14] Is that good?
[31:20] [screaming]
[31:34] There you go, Joey.
>> Perfect.
[32:22] » [snorts]
[32:42] [laughter]
[33:02] » Yeah, I'll grab it.
[33:26] Show up. What you did?
[33:46] There
[33:59] [laughter]
[34:02] it
[34:26] All right, I'm dead.
[34:35] That's
[34:49] [snorts]
[35:10] Sometimes
[35:13] here I think that's
[35:29] » [clears throat]
[35:46] » I hate you.
[35:58] » [snorts]
[37:36] » Sir,
[37:52] [clears throat]
[38:28] » [laughter]
[38:58] » I know
it.
[39:03] [clears throat]
[39:05] Thank you.
[39:20] [snorts]
[39:29] » [clears throat]
[39:51] [clears throat]
[39:53] » I was looking for
[40:03] [snorts]
close.
[40:05] » [cough]
[clears throat]
[40:16] » All in favor
motion passing
[40:21] George summariz
discussion regarding contract
[40:25] negotiations the results of that will be
on agendro
[40:35] August 19th, 2026 council meeting
minutes. We have a motion
[40:38] » second.
[40:44] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[40:49] [clears throat]
>> Yes.
[40:50] » Mayor Sarah.
>> Yes.
[40:53] » Need the approval of our bill
requisition list. We have a motion.
[40:56] Second.
>> Second.
[40:58] » Questions or comments?
>> Seeing none, can we have roll call?
[41:03] » Yes. Yes.
>> Yes.
[41:05] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[41:08] » Sarah,
>> yes.
[41:10] » At this time, we'll open it up for
public comment. This is on agenda items
[41:13] only. Anybody wishing to be heard,
please come up. State your name and
[41:16] address for the record. Seeing no public
participation. We'll close the public
[41:20] portion. Uh first up, we have resolution
2026-27.
[41:26] This is a resolution authorizing the
ratification of a contract with PBA
[41:30] Local 204. Motion second. I'll make that
motion.
[41:34] » Second.
>> Questions or comments?
[41:36] » Seeing none, we have roll call.
>> Yes.
[41:39] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[41:41] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[41:42] » Yes. Mayor
>> Sarah.
[41:43] » Yes.
>> Car.
[41:45] » Resolution 2026-218.
[41:48] » Uh, this is a resolution amending the
city of Brigintine 2026 municipal budget
[41:53] by the insertion of a special item of
revenue and appropriation for the state
[41:58] of New Jersey flood mitigation
assistance grant. This is the amount of
[42:02] $218,580.
[42:05] We have a motion second.
>> I'll make that motion.
[42:07] » Second.
>> Questions or comments?
[42:10] » Seeing none, we have roll call.
>> Yes.
[42:12] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[42:14] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[42:16] » Yes.
>> Mayor Sarah,
[42:17] » yes.
>> Motion carried. Resolution 2026-219,
[42:22] a resolution authorizing the increase in
the contract with Palestina Associates
[42:26] for planning, permitting, and design for
proposed replacement well and wellhouse
[42:30] for well number five. This is an
increase of 30,000. Motion second.
[42:35] » So move second.
>> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
[42:39] have roll call.
>> Yes.
[42:41] » Yes.
>> Yes. Yes. Yes. Mayor
[42:45] » Sarah.
>> Yes.
[42:48] » Resolution 2026-220.
This is a resolution authorizing a
[42:53] contract with policy and associates for
planning, permitting, and design for
[42:57] bulkhead replacement at various
locations. This is the amount of 49,000.
[43:01] Have a motion and second.
>> Questions or comments? Seeing none, can
[43:06] we have roll call?
>> Yes.
[43:08] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[43:10] » Yes.
>> Kane, yes.
[43:11] » Yes. Mayor Sarah,
>> yes. Resolution
[43:14] 2026-221.
This is a resolution authorizing a
[43:19] contract with Arth Consulting for
planning, permitting, and design for
[43:23] drainage improvements at various
locations in the amount of 47,300.
[43:28] A motion second.
>> I'll make that second.
[43:31] » Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
have roll call.
[43:35] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[43:37] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[43:40] » Sarah,
>> yes. Resolution 2026-222.
[43:45] This is a resolution authorizing a
contract with Bandine Surf Hotel LLC for
[43:49] the purchase of a new lifeguard surf
boat. This is the amount of 16,100.
[43:54] Motion second.
>> Second.
[43:56] » Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
have roll call.
[43:59] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[44:01] » Yes.
>> Julia, yes.
[44:03] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[44:04] » Sarah,
>> yes. Resolution
[44:08] 2026-223.
This is a resolution authorizing the
[44:13] contract with CM3 Builders uh Solutions
Inc. for a replacement air conditioning
[44:18] unit servicing the municipal library
meeting heating room. This is the amount
[44:22] of $68,45.
[44:26] We have a motion and second.
>> Second.
[44:29] » Questions or comments? Seeing none, can
we have roll call?
[44:33] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[44:35] » Yes.
Yes.
[44:36] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[44:38] » Sarah,
>> yes.
[44:40] » Resolution 2026-224.
This is a resolution authorizing a
[44:45] contract with CM3 building solution of
this, Inc. for a 4tonon air conditioning
[44:50] unit servicing the municipal library in
the amount of $22,870.
[44:56] Motion second.
>> Second.
[44:58] » Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
have roll call.
[45:02] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[45:04] » Yes. Yes.
>> Yes.
[45:07] » Yes.
>> Mayor Sarah.
[45:08] » Yes.
>> Resolution 2026-225.
[45:13] This is a resolution authorizing the
contract with Emergency Accessories and
[45:16] Installations, Inc. to outfit EMS truck
in the amount of $17,933.70.
[45:25] Motion second.
>> So move.
[45:27] » Second.
>> Questions or comments?
[45:30] Seeing Done. We have roll call.
>> Yes.
[45:34] Yes.
>> Yes.
[45:36] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[45:40] » Resolution 2026-226.
This is a resolution appointing Timothy
[45:46] P. Magguire as municipal court judge and
authorizing a professional service
[45:50] contract. Motion second.
>> I'll make that motion.
[45:53] » Second.
>> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
[45:56] have roll call.
>> Yes.
[45:58] » Yes.
>> Yes.
[46:00] » Yes.
>> Yes. Sarah.
[46:03] » Yes.
>> Resolution 2026-227.
[46:08] This is a resolution authorizing the
board of contract Watg for a
[46:13] professional architectural services
related to environmental permitting for
[46:18] the Brigantine Lifeguard headquarters
project. This is the amount of 47,500.
[46:23] Have a motion and second.
>> Make that motion.
[46:26] » Second.
>> Questions or comments? Seeing none, we
[46:29] have roll call.
>> Yes.
[46:32] Yes.
>> Yes.
[46:35] » Yes.
>> Sarah,
[46:36] » yes.
>> Next up, we have our consent agenda. We
[46:39] have the Rift Tide Fall Derby Fall Water
Waterman's Tournament.
[46:44] » We have a motion. Second.
>> I'll make that motion.
[46:47] » Second.
>> Questions or comments?
[46:50] Seeing none, we have roll call.
>> Yes.
[46:53] » Yes.
[46:56] » Yes. Mayor Sarah,
>> yes.
[46:59] » All right. Next up, we have our council
manager committee discussions. Brian,
[47:02] you
>> Yes, mayor. I just have one quick thing
[47:08] to say. Um, very important though, our
city departments, as we're approaching
[47:13] Labor Day, our city departments have
performed extremely well this year. And
[47:19] with each year, we have more and more
challenges. and we've risen to meet
[47:25] those challenges far beyond the
expectations of our visitors and
[47:28] residents. So, I just wanted to say
wonderful job to all of our public
[47:34] safety departments, um our city hall,
our CER, and this year we have our golf
[47:39] links as part of our city department
team. Um, everyone did an outstanding
[47:44] job. So, thank you very much.
>> Thank you,
[47:49] » John.
[48:02] Perfect. I think the shredding is
probably one of the most popular.
[48:08] Thank you.
[48:15] Next.
[48:41] No problem.
[49:09] What time does it
[49:30] Okay. And I have I was just cleaning out
some old file drawers and I have my bags
[49:35] ready to go for the the shredding event.
Looking forward to it. I I'd like to
[49:40] congratulate our newly promoted
officers. They're just awesome assets to
[49:45] the island. Such nice men.
Just gentlemen. They're just an awesome
[49:52] group. Uh this Saturday is the last
farmers market of the 2026 season. This
[49:59] has been a fantastic year. Bless you.
Thank you.
[50:03] » With over 70 vendors and tons of
shoppers. I'd like to thank Fran Fullen
[50:08] and Donna Picarski and all of their team
of volunteers for their countless hours
[50:14] of work to ensure that we have the best
farmers market around. Last Saturday,
[50:21] they honored all the uh the volunteers
and the uh volunteers at the community
[50:26] garden at a very nice lunchon at the
Cove just to say thank you to everybody.
[50:32] Lots of lots of hours. Uh on Tuesday,
September 22nd, I will be host hosting a
[50:38] senior scam prevention session at the
CER starting at 12:00 noon. The [snorts]
[50:46] program will be presented by our county
clerk Joe Geralo. He'll be talking about
[50:51] ways that seniors get scammed on the
phone, on the internet, as well as our
[50:57] county sheriff, Tokyo Joe O'Donn
[51:02] of our seniors, and he really talks to
them and tells them exactly what they
[51:08] should do if they get these phone calls
or even as the mayor. Also, um my
[51:14] sister, Commissioner June Burns, and
several other county officials will be
[51:19] there speaking to our seniors. Um watch
the times for more information on how to
[51:26] sign up to attend and um we'll be
serving pizza and cookies for lunch to
[51:31] all our seniors. And we'll we'll do some
kind of a sign up. So, I'll let you
[51:37] know. Um, and just good luck to Vince
and all of our teachers and students as
[51:42] they start a new school year. Oh, and
Neil Works in ACIG.
[51:48] Um, I hope you all have the best year
ever.
[51:51] And thank you very much.
>> So, happy Labor Day.
[51:55] » Yes.
[51:58] Also, congratulate our [snorts] officers
from this evening. All welld deserving.
[52:06] Um,
Happy Labor Day.
[52:12] Possibly the
[52:16] working pretty strong on its
[52:35] » Thank you, Mayor. I'd also like to
second those congratulations
[52:41] uh promotions wonderful people wishing
the best of luck and safety
[52:46] and u along is just piggy backing off of
uh Ryan's comments with our uh
[52:54] particularly relates to like Labor Day
just the uh fine work that we get from
[52:58] our public service departments police
fire public works beach patrol
[53:04] superintendent Doran chief caller. Thank
you.
[53:08] Few of couple of guys up here right now,
but uh uh just get the word out. We've
[53:13] got a wonderful group and just it's a
very nice day when we uh close out uh
[53:19] the tour summer, if you will. There's
still about another month left, but the
[53:23] great determination, dedication of all
workers, past and present in our country
[53:29] to make it what it is. And uh and also
uh of course what camera was saying uh
[53:35] best of luck to all the uh children and
the teachers that they started this
[53:39] week.
[53:43] She was some of the girls my wife was
there but they started this week with
[53:47] the setup but best of luck to the to the
[clears throat] students and wish them
[53:51] the best in their education. Thank you.
>> That's uh Mark.
[53:56] It's been a great summer of uh
promotions for fire, police, and for the
[54:02] lifeguards.
Seems like each meeting we have we have
[54:06] something going on. So, it's been a a
fun summer of of council meetings. Don't
[54:11] forget, uh, Thursday evenings, tomorrow
night, the chamber has been hosting, I
[54:15] don't know if you know, but, uh, local
businesses stay open a little bit later,
[54:21] try to welcome the visitors and and
locals alike into their business. Just
[54:27] more awareness of our businesses on the
island. So many new things have opened
[54:33] up. It's a good opportunity for you to
get out. Um, I've been trying to hit a
[54:37] new one each Thursday night and then
Saturdays after the market trying to go
[54:41] in try a new coffee shop or something.
So, it's been uh it's been really fun
[54:46] this summer of u
the the things that the chamber is doing
[54:51] to to bring the awareness I think has
been uh really well done. And then
[54:56] finally, of course, the three charities
on the island, the Elks, the American
[55:01] Legion, BFW are thriving. They're doing
better than ever. Please uh continue to
[55:05] support those. Thank you.
[55:16] » Another successful summer
[55:23] packed
shire.
[55:53] Fantastic, outstanding guys from John.
[56:03] Thank you.
>> Thanks, Mayor. First, I want to start
[56:06] off by thanking everybody for hanging
out here tonight with us, coming and
[56:10] always letting us know how you uh feel
about things. And uh we really
[56:14] appreciate you coming out. Um next,
after that, we got the uh cultural arts
[56:20] festival. Arts festival is coming up on
uh September 16th down at the community
[56:26] center. It's always a great night.
That's the night of meet the artist and
[56:31] then the artwork is on display till the
end of the month. And I want to thank
[56:34] John Dor public works for helping out
with the setup and and always being
[56:39] there for for the cultural arts
commission. They asked me to play that.
[56:43] Thanks and they really appreciate
everything you do. Also, congratulations
[56:48] to all the new chief lieutenant captain.
After that, we have the uh Chamber of
[56:55] Commerce has a big event on Saturday, se
or Sunday, September 20th at 1 PM, the
[57:01] first tailgate uh party on the on the
beach with the Eagles versus the Titans.
[57:07] It's going to be a good game September
20th. So, uh they have ask for
[57:12] donations, take your time online. So, if
you want to get get your seats up there,
[57:16] well, that's Sunday, September 20th. Uh
the economic development committee is
[57:22] working awful hard to get the last final
details together for our huge lighthouse
[57:28] festival, the 100th anniversary. And of
course that's October 10th. So uh put
[57:34] that in your date book. Other than that,
uh I'd like to thank Ryan for filling in
[57:39] here tonight. They job. And uh you know,
if you need any help or anything, my
[57:44] number on the front page times and I'm
here for you. Thanks. Thanks.
[57:50] » A couple quick updates. I know Paul
talked about this from the second board.
[57:54] The prominade working with the county. I
think the ramp if it's not done is very
[57:59] close to being done.
Our city engineer will be meeting with
[58:03] the county engineer to do another walk
through the project to make sure that
[58:08] some of the outstanding issues there
been addressed. I think one of the
[58:12] things they're looking at too is in the
Java specs there's jett that's supposed
[58:20] to be added that jett is used to protect
that ramp on that north end that does
[58:25] get the brunt of storms so we use jetty
stone there to make sure that's
[58:30] protected there is jetty stone in place
now
[58:34] project
[58:39] that
is going to stay on it.
[58:52] » The other thing, we talked a bit about
this at the last council meeting,
[58:55] parking. You see a lot of the short
communities are having parking issues. A
[59:00] big part of this is the state changed
what's called the residential site
[59:04] improvement standards. When the state
put this in place, it probably made
[59:08] sense at the time because I don't think
they really thought about how life would
[59:13] evolve at the shore between short-term
rentals, between larger homes. And when
[59:19] they said this, they set it at pretty
much a maximum of we can only require
[59:24] three parking spaces per home. So you
can build a 12, 15, 20 bedroom home, you
[59:28] have three parking spaces.
What we see is a lot of people are
[59:32] building to the maximum footprint of a
property, putting three parking spots in
[59:37] as required, and then can't figure out
where to park, which is then taking all
[59:42] those cars and pushing that out onto the
streets. So, we're working with our
[59:46] planning board now to start to address
that with the state to get either some
[59:50] kind of waiver, some kind of relief on
this. There's been other municipalities
[59:54] that have been successful with that. So,
we've looked at what they've done. We're
[59:57] starting that process now. uh we believe
that we would qualify for a waiver from
[1:00:02] that so we could change and that will
help with the parking on the island. So
[1:00:06] that's one of our goals. We'll keep
people posted as through this process.
[1:00:10] The other thing we're working on with
the county besides the prominade is also
[1:00:14] the lighthouse circle. Uh we're looking
at a redesign with the county of the
[1:00:18] lighthouse circle in order to improve
the traffic flow to make it safer going
[1:00:23] through there because you see sometimes
people come around somebody's on the
[1:00:25] outside just go straight and then they
swing around all lanes of traffic to go
[1:00:30] through. The issue is that it's not a
real circle. It's actually considered an
[1:00:35] obstructed roadway. So some people treat
it like a circle. Some people treat it
[1:00:39] like an obstructed roadway which is what
I think causes the confusion. So, it is
[1:00:44] a county broke. We partner with the
county. We're looking at a redesign so
[1:00:47] everybody treats it the same way. We'll
keep people posted. We're finalizing the
[1:00:52] design. We're back and forth on that.
Finalizing the design. Once we have that
[1:00:56] design finalized, we will share it with
the public. And then you're probably
[1:01:00] looking, I'd hope construction of the
next 18 months, but sometimes
[1:01:05] construction projects move slow,
especially when you go through
[1:01:07] engineering. So, when the design's done,
it goes to engineering. Both the county
[1:01:12] and the city will be putting money up
towards that. I believe the city's
[1:01:15] responsible for 22% of the construction
and the county is responsible for the
[1:01:20] rest and we're 5050 partners in the
design and make sure that the city has a
[1:01:24] say in the design. So whatever is
created there helps to really make sense
[1:01:29] for bring people posted as we move
through that process.
[1:01:34] At this time we'll move up for public
comment. Anybody wishing to be heard,
[1:01:38] please come up. State your name and
address for the record.
[1:01:48] Mayor. Uh my name is Michael Paparone,
Town Council. It's a pleasure to meet
[1:01:52] you this evening. Uh I am here uh I
reside at 5107 South Ocean Drive uh
[1:01:58] Seoint. Uh you may recognize our last
name. uh our family were the original
[1:02:04] developers to the sepoint section of
town including my father and uh the
[1:02:09] development of King's Cove. Um what I'm
asking is if we can call some attention
[1:02:16] to our current ordinances regarding
dangerous and vicious animals.
[1:02:22] Uh, I don't know if you're aware this
past weekend on Saturday, a woman was
[1:02:27] walking her dog probably about two
blocks from our home and she was her and
[1:02:33] her and her dog were uh, I want to say
viciously attacked by two dogs on a
[1:02:39] leash whose owner was not able to
control them and they had
[1:02:46] never crossed eyes, never set path uh,
amongst one another. Why do I bring this
[1:02:53] up? I I've been a resident since 1978.
I've enjoyed bringing team beach for its
[1:02:59] peacefulness, its tranquility.
I brought my own family here and we
[1:03:05] continue to be here with at least four
or five other families of our own on the
[1:03:10] same street.
I ask if we can please take a look at
[1:03:14] our current ordinances regarding these
vicious animals post attack to see that
[1:03:21] we protect our current citizens and
residents and those that are yet to come
[1:03:27] here from such heinous activity. We want
to make sure that animals that did what
[1:03:33] they did this past weekend by ordinance
never get a chance to visit us again.
[1:03:41] That dog and woman that got attacked
this weekend was my wife and my dog.
[1:03:48] I have approached police were very
helpful. They came out, but
[1:03:52] unfortunately what they witnessed after
the attack
[1:03:56] were very calm, docile dogs.
However, the blood from my dog was all
[1:04:02] over the owner.
My family is traumatized,
[1:04:07] myself, too. I've been a fireman for 37
years for the state of New Jersey as a
[1:04:11] volunteer. I've seen a lot of things,
but now it's close to home. It's a
[1:04:15] little hard. And I'm asking for your
help to please look at today's
[1:04:19] ordinances to help us find a way that
these two dogs that tore my dog limb
[1:04:25] from limb, something you only see on TV,
never return to the city of Brigantine.
[1:04:33] if I could please have your help. I have
filed with animal control. They have
[1:04:39] received pictures that I have also
shared with the patrol woman that was
[1:04:43] here tonight to who asked for update and
had no idea how bad and severe it was.
[1:04:50] Police came out, they responded, they
took their notes. Mr. Papon, please
[1:04:54] proceed down to Abseen right away. Went
there. Thank goodness it was related to
[1:04:59] our hospital from up in Burlington
County. and we proceeded up there. My
[1:05:03] dog has now undergone two major
procedures. Um, the internals of her
[1:05:09] have been torn apart just by the allout
aggression of these two dogs. These two
[1:05:15] dogs are not New Jersey dogs. They're
visiting the city of Bentine. From what
[1:05:20] I've learned, they may be residents, but
they're not New Jersey.
[1:05:25] I'm asking for your help to look at our
ordinance and help us, our future
[1:05:31] residents and our current citizens feel
safe because right now my family does
[1:05:35] not want to return back to bring and
that breaks my heart as a resident from
[1:05:40] 1978. I grew up here. It's the only
beach that I know today.
[1:05:45] Can you please help me look at the
ordinance and see what we could do that
[1:05:50] when attacks get this severe and to this
level of damage and injury that these
[1:05:58] dogs are no longer welcome or animals
are no longer welcome back to our beach.
[1:06:04] And if we all go through media and
everything, I'm sure we'll find other
[1:06:07] things. But now this is close to home.
Uh I wish I knew more of this. I would
[1:06:12] have approached you sooner
as a civil servant on a volunteer level.
[1:06:17] I would have brought this up sooner, but
I wasn't aware how deep it goes.
[1:06:22] But what was done to my dog is
unacceptable for the Beach of Bergen
[1:06:25] team. It can't happen. These dogs should
no longer be invited. I'm not asking
[1:06:31] that they expire. I'm asking that they
are no longer allowed to visit or cross
[1:06:36] the bridge into our city.
I allow I thank you for allowing me to
[1:06:42] approach you tonight and hear me. Um I
do have photographs of where we
[1:06:48] currently are with my pup. Uh but this
can't happen. We have too many young
[1:06:53] children. And more importantly, we're
going into the fall season here and as a
[1:06:59] fireman in the fall, we're always told,
"Watch driving down the street. Turn
[1:07:04] watch the lights and sirens. Kids are
running out." Well, guess what? this
[1:07:07] fall. Kids, dogs, they're going to be at
parades. They're going to be in
[1:07:13] costumes. Some of these costumes may be
dogs, cats.
[1:07:19] Some children
could just be of the right size and
[1:07:23] right look. I can tell you in Sepoint
there are quite a few dogs that look
[1:07:27] just like mine, 40 lbs.
I don't want anybody else's animal or
[1:07:33] family member or spouse or significant
other to be affected the way we just
[1:07:39] were this weekend.
We have a big fall coming up. We have
[1:07:45] Halloween coming up. There are kids
going to looking just like dogs, just
[1:07:49] like cats. and whatever to do to enjoy
the holiday. We want to make sure they
[1:07:54] enjoy this holiday and make sure that
these two that just took advantage of
[1:08:00] one of our citizens this weekend don't
return and possibly subject somebody
[1:08:04] else to the same thing.
>> It sounds like it was very traumatic
[1:08:13] experiences
[1:08:20] take
to make sure
[1:08:25] dogs.
[1:08:29] » I thank you because as of now my family
cannot return. They just
[1:08:34] we've walked our dogs. We have walked
the same neighborhoods that you all
[1:08:39] have. And unfortunately, these two dogs
who were on the beach when they're not
[1:08:44] supposed to be on the beach, down beach
by about 300 feet. The woman who
[1:08:48] stopped, my wife was at the end of
Pepper Tree Cove. Like every other
[1:08:53] person in town enjoys that morning
sunset and sorry, sunrise and walk. She
[1:08:58] took took a moment to stand on the steps
with her dog and check out the beach.
[1:09:02] She wasn't approaching the beach, but
these two other dogs that were on the
[1:09:06] beach on the jetty were about 300t away.
One of them took a beline straight for
[1:09:12] her. She didn't know what an attack was.
So, with that being said, all of a
[1:09:17] sudden, here's one dog latched on my
dog. And fortunately, I was not there to
[1:09:20] witness it. I got the phone call in
tears and come get us. We've been
[1:09:25] attacked.
The owner did not move fast enough. Took
[1:09:29] his time in walking. When finally
screaming for help, screaming for help,
[1:09:33] he finally got over there. When he went
to try and get his first dog off, he
[1:09:37] couldn't undo that dog. He let go of the
second dog. The second dog decided to
[1:09:42] take part in the activity and pull my
dog in two directions.
[1:09:47] Whether it's a dog, cat, or child,
[1:09:54] where does it stop, Mr. Mayor?
It stops here with your help. Mr.
[1:10:00] Paparon, I'm really sorry to hear about
this traumatic experience. I had
[1:10:05] something similar happen to my my
daughter. Um, also I'm looking here at
[1:10:10] the uh the ordinances in for Brigantine
and under section 153-6. I don't know if
[1:10:16] you saw it. I did. So, you had the
police there and so you filed a
[1:10:20] complaint and and so there can be a
court hearing and unfortunately it
[1:10:24] sounds like these attacking dogs were
visiting dogs. Like you said, they're
[1:10:29] not they're not people. their owners are
residents of the city of Brigantine
[1:10:34] » because at the hearing there are fines
that can be given out up to $1,000
[1:10:39] according to our ordinances and it also
says that depending what happens at the
[1:10:44] hearing that no person shall keep or
harbor any vicious dog anywhere within
[1:10:49] the limits of the city of Briant. So we
have some language in there and
[1:10:53] obviously we might need to you know
fine-tune a little bit more but I'm
[1:10:57] really really sorry to hear about your
dog. I experienced something similar
[1:11:01] while my wife was walking our our dogs.
So I I you know and I'll talk to you
[1:11:06] after we're done.
>> Councilman, I thank you. And it is that
[1:11:09] ordinance specifically uh section 153
chapter that I've read through section 7
[1:11:15] section six. So I I am very familiar
which encouraged me to be here tonight
[1:11:20] to make sure this happens and nobody
else because what invited our family
[1:11:24] into the city of Brigantine to help
develop it to become a family-like
[1:11:28] environment and peaceful tranquil a
destination to get away from the norm
[1:11:34] has turned upside down. and I want to
make sure we recover that.
[1:11:37] » And I'd also like to say thank you for
your family contributing so much to work
[1:11:40] at K King's Cove and uh the South End
down there is is fabulous and I love
[1:11:46] selling house.
>> I appreciate that. I am blessed to still
[1:11:49] have my father with me and I will share
the same.
[1:11:53] » Thank you all.
>> Thank you very much.
[1:11:57] » There's no other public comment close
the public portion. Any final council
[1:12:02] comments?
Seeing none, we have a motion and second
[1:12:08] meeting.