[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.

City of Brigantine's Personal Meeting Room

Transcript