Manasquan Beach Improvement Association
MBIA Trustees
MBIA Trustees Meeting Minutes
May 9, 2026
TRUSTEES PRESENT: John Casey, Julie Cocozza, Janice Gaswind, Lisa Haas, Carol Kirkman, Steve Leischner, Mary Lovely, Bennie O’Grady, John O’Grady, Mary Ryan, Al Sauer, Linda Sims, Tom Sims, Jane Swiggett, Cindy Weaver, Helen Young and Bob Young. Guests: Councilmembers Sheila Vidreiro & Jay Bryant, Mayor Mike Mangan, as well as, Lou Matino MBIA member.
Mary Ryan opened the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
We began with Jay Bryant who said there was a 250 USA Anniversary Celebration meeting and they discussed events from 7/3-10. Mary Ware suggested the SBLSS hold an open house and we might want to assist with the event. Helen will contact Ron Jacobson and offer assistance. VFW wants to do a party on July 5, the Historical Society is working on a red, white and blue motif for July 9. We have requested the County’s 250 vehicle as well. There may be limited tours of the old Masonic Building former Weir’s Pharmacy building. A scavenger hunt is being explored as well. The DAR has also asked the town to assist with a plaque to celebrate the 1st militia and Squan Beach.
The minutes of the 03/14/26 meeting were approved via the internet.
Old Business:
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2026 Volunteer Day success; thank you Tom Sims, John Gassner, volunteers. A recap from Tom is below.
2026 Volunteer Day success; thank you Tom Sims, John Gassner, volunteers. A recap from Tom is below. •Town-wide Clean-up success on May 3rd. Sheila said it was an extremely successful event.
Town-wide Clean-up success on May 3rd. Sheila said it was an extremely successful event. •Spring Beach Sweep; thank you Carol and Lisa for filling in. Lisa didn’t think it did anything for the MBIA. They got people who were buying beach badges and participating in the run rather than the beach sweep folks. John said the membership committee thought this was a good way to get publicity. He thinks it is one of the few ways to help us with engagement and visibility. Helen said perhaps we should move the table further away from the sign in table. We ultimately agreed to continue to participate and have a sign that states coffee and donuts compliments of the MBIA will be present along with media about the MBIA.
Spring Beach Sweep; thank you Carol and Lisa for filling in. Lisa didn’t think it did anything for the MBIA. They got people who were buying beach badges and participating in the run rather than the beach sweep folks. John said the membership committee thought this was a good way to get publicity. He thinks it is one of the few ways to help us with engagement and visibility. Helen said perhaps we should move the table further away from the sign in table. We ultimately agreed to continue to participate and have a sign that states coffee and donuts compliments of the MBIA will be present along with media about the MBIA. •There was agreement to participate in the July 9 event in town with a giveaway overseen by Jane, Linda and Cindy. The public will have an opportunity to sign up for a raffle for Manasquan merchandise. A budget was approved up to $250.
There was agreement to participate in the July 9 event in town with a giveaway overseen by Jane, Linda and Cindy. The public will have an opportunity to sign up for a raffle for Manasquan merchandise. A budget was approved up to $250. •First Aid Building for Annual Meeting on June 13, 2026, thank you John O’Grady for arranging for the venue.
First Aid Building for Annual Meeting on June 13, 2026, thank you John O’Grady for arranging for the venue.•Guests for Annual Meeting confirmed. Mike Mangan, Greg Restivo, Doug Anderson and Bruce Bresnahan. Chris Tucker is the only speaker not yet confirmed.
Guests for Annual Meeting confirmed. Mike Mangan, Greg Restivo, Doug Anderson and Bruce Bresnahan. Chris Tucker is the only speaker not yet confirmed.•Helen – Borough web app paperwork. We are on the app. The MBIA is listed on the app under Town Contacts.
Helen – Borough web app paperwork. We are on the app. The MBIA is listed on the app under Town Contacts. Reports:
•Al – Finances- The account ledger was distributed. We have $13.8K in our account
Al – Finances- The account ledger was distributed. We have $13.8K in our account •Julie and Jane – Numbers for beach badges. We will purchase 28 adult and 12 junior badges for $3060 and we have $3423.72 available. Mary and Art will purchase the badges this week. Al will accompany them and write a check to avoid credit card charges. Al suggested when we put out a notice about the Annual Meeting Mary should include our $3060 badge donation and that we are now accepting cash contributions for 2027 badges. We will have donation buckets at the annual meeting and happy hours. A sign will be made to indicate the purpose of the donation.
Julie and Jane – Numbers for beach badges. We will purchase 28 adult and 12 junior badges for $3060 and we have $3423.72 available. Mary and Art will purchase the badges this week. Al will accompany them and write a check to avoid credit card charges. Al suggested when we put out a notice about the Annual Meeting Mary should include our $3060 badge donation and that we are now accepting cash contributions for 2027 badges. We will have donation buckets at the annual meeting and happy hours. A sign will be made to indicate the purpose of the donation.•Mary – Membership renewal letters, numbers. As of May 8, we have 116 active members with 10 new members. We had 256 members in 2025, however, at this time last year we still had not received many renewals. The due date for renewals is June 1.
Mary – Membership renewal letters, numbers. As of May 8, we have 116 active members with 10 new members. We had 256 members in 2025, however, at this time last year we still had not received many renewals. The due date for renewals is June 1.•Tom – Volunteer Day recap. We had roughly 60 volunteers and a dozen projects. It went very well with John Gassner given their construction background. He thanked Bob and Al for their assistance. A letter was sent out to volunteers thanking them for their support and requesting suggestions on improvements and future projects.
Tom – Volunteer Day recap. We had roughly 60 volunteers and a dozen projects. It went very well with John Gassner given their construction background. He thanked Bob and Al for their assistance. A letter was sent out to volunteers thanking them for their support and requesting suggestions on improvements and future projects.•Cindy – SOS presentation at Council meeting. Save Our Shores was unveiled at the May 4 Council Meeting costing about $30M over a 5-year period for the areas that flood. We will be looking for Federal, State and County grants and are proceeding with bonding. Cindy indicated that 1400 residences will be protected, 9 miles of roadway elevated and the evacuation routes secured. It is expected when completed road closures will be reduced by 99 percent. Roads will be raised to an elevation of 5 feet and the infrastructure beneath the road replaced where needed. The sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water lines are being replaced and raised. Al asked if the gas lines will be replaced and per Mike Mangan, they will not.
Cindy – SOS presentation at Council meeting. Save Our Shores was unveiled at the May 4 Council Meeting costing about $30M over a 5-year period for the areas that flood. We will be looking for Federal, State and County grants and are proceeding with bonding. Cindy indicated that 1400 residences will be protected, 9 miles of roadway elevated and the evacuation routes secured. It is expected when completed road closures will be reduced by 99 percent. Roads will be raised to an elevation of 5 feet and the infrastructure beneath the road replaced where needed. The sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water lines are being replaced and raised. Al asked if the gas lines will be replaced and per Mike Mangan, they will not. •Linda – Last Happy Hour at Reef and Barrel will be in June; renewal party. The April Happy Hour had 56 people and everyone had a good time. Cindy thinks The Reef and Barrel staff is disappointed we did not purchase more food, plus they are very busy during the summer. Cindy said the Coastal Canteen no longer seems interest in our business. We will return to the Committed Pig in July. We will include a membership renewal party on Wednesday at the Reef and Barrel.
Linda – Last Happy Hour at Reef and Barrel will be in June; renewal party. The April Happy Hour had 56 people and everyone had a good time. Cindy thinks The Reef and Barrel staff is disappointed we did not purchase more food, plus they are very busy during the summer. Cindy said the Coastal Canteen no longer seems interest in our business. We will return to the Committed Pig in July. We will include a membership renewal party on Wednesday at the Reef and Barrel.New Business:
•Members to be invited to Trustee meetings in the Council Chamber. Lou Matino attended.
Members to be invited to Trustee meetings in the Council Chamber. Lou Matino attended.•Refreshments and set-up for Annual Meeting at 8 a.m. Linda, Helen, Janice, will assist with refreshments. Al will bring a card table. John and Bob will set-up chairs on Friday night or Saturday morning as usual. Julie will man the entry table.
Refreshments and set-up for Annual Meeting at 8 a.m. Linda, Helen, Janice, will assist with refreshments. Al will bring a card table. John and Bob will set-up chairs on Friday night or Saturday morning as usual. Julie will man the entry table.•July 4th Decorated Bicycle Contest and Parade. The Recreation Committee will purchase the trophies but judges are needed. It was suggested a more structured criteria for judging winners is warranted. Eliminate late entries. Volunteers are Steve, Linda, Cindy, Jane and Mary. Bob asked if we want to walk in the parade again this year. We decided we would move forward to walk. Mary to contact Rich Reed.
July 4th Decorated Bicycle Contest and Parade. The Recreation Committee will purchase the trophies but judges are needed. It was suggested a more structured criteria for judging winners is warranted. Eliminate late entries. Volunteers are Steve, Linda, Cindy, Jane and Mary. Bob asked if we want to walk in the parade again this year. We decided we would move forward to walk. Mary to contact Rich Reed.•Summer Party. Helen said we want to do a party and hold it on August 15 or 22. We are moving the party from September due to the number of events taking place in the Borough in September. Likely an Americana theme. Helen, Linda and Jane will again co-chair. They are thinking of eliminating passed appetizers this year and have food set up at tables instead. Al said his has used Woody’s in Farmingdale in the past. He will ask his daughter to provide a contact. Bennie suggested we look at Lenny’s. Jane said any suggestions are welcome. Helen will contact Ron Jacobson at the SBLSS to ensure the dates are available and then proceed with the borough paperwork to get approval to use the space.
Summer Party. Helen said we want to do a party and hold it on August 15 or 22. We are moving the party from September due to the number of events taking place in the Borough in September. Likely an Americana theme. Helen, Linda and Jane will again co-chair. They are thinking of eliminating passed appetizers this year and have food set up at tables instead. Al said his has used Woody’s in Farmingdale in the past. He will ask his daughter to provide a contact. Bennie suggested we look at Lenny’s. Jane said any suggestions are welcome. Helen will contact Ron Jacobson at the SBLSS to ensure the dates are available and then proceed with the borough paperwork to get approval to use the space.Items from the Floor:
•Tom mentioned the 250th anniversary and the fact he is on the Historical Society. Tom said he was walking on Main St on Veteran’s Day a number of years ago and a boy handed him a veteran’s medallion in appreciation of his service. He was thinking about having a coin made for the Historical Society and later thought a broader appeal might make sense. Tom discussed this with Rich Leonard. The cost is $5 per coin but the price decreases based upon volume. Mary questioned the purpose. Helen said the Life Saving Station distributes wood coins to children who make it up to the top of the tower and ring the bell. Tom is wondering if different organizations pool money to purchase the coins would it be a good idea to proceed. There was discussion on whether this could be a fundraiser. Tom was asked to put together a more detailed plan for discussion. Al said we discussed a sweatshirt fundraiser around the holidays to help defer the cost of the beach badges for the deserving families.
Tom mentioned the 250th anniversary and the fact he is on the Historical Society. Tom said he was walking on Main St on Veteran’s Day a number of years ago and a boy handed him a veteran’s medallion in appreciation of his service. He was thinking about having a coin made for the Historical Society and later thought a broader appeal might make sense. Tom discussed this with Rich Leonard. The cost is $5 per coin but the price decreases based upon volume. Mary questioned the purpose. Helen said the Life Saving Station distributes wood coins to children who make it up to the top of the tower and ring the bell. Tom is wondering if different organizations pool money to purchase the coins would it be a good idea to proceed. There was discussion on whether this could be a fundraiser. Tom was asked to put together a more detailed plan for discussion. Al said we discussed a sweatshirt fundraiser around the holidays to help defer the cost of the beach badges for the deserving families. •Al – Glimmer Glass Bridge replacement. When he last reported, all that was needed was historical approval before going into design. Now an existing environmental assessment is needed. He feels the gentleman running with the project does not understand all of the steps.
Al – Glimmer Glass Bridge replacement. When he last reported, all that was needed was historical approval before going into design. Now an existing environmental assessment is needed. He feels the gentleman running with the project does not understand all of the steps. •Lisa – next Saturday is the backyard crawl. Some streets are being shut down. She asked for everyone to be patient with all the activity.
Lisa – next Saturday is the backyard crawl. Some streets are being shut down. She asked for everyone to be patient with all the activity.•The Manasquan Food Pantry is relocating into the basement of St Denis and merging with the St. Denis Food Pantry. The Presbyterian Church which previously was the location for the Manasquan Food Pantry is going to start their own. The pantries will not be connected.
The Manasquan Food Pantry is relocating into the basement of St Denis and merging with the St. Denis Food Pantry. The Presbyterian Church which previously was the location for the Manasquan Food Pantry is going to start their own. The pantries will not be connected. The meeting was adjourned.
The next Trustee’s Meeting will be on July 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber.
Happy Hour’s at The Reef and Barrel on May13, June 10
Future Trustee meetings: Sep 12, Nov 14
MBIA Bridge Committee Presentation to Manasquan Borough Council - 10/01/12
GLIMMER GLASS BRIDGE REPORT
BY MANASQUAN BEACH IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Council Presentation October 1, 2012
- Studies show bridge falling apart and MUST be replaced; Childs independent? study; Cycle 14 draft report.
- HISTORIC REGISTRY DOES NOT MEAN BRIDGE CAN'T BE REPLACED.
- Originally built as a wooden trestle bridge (without a draw) over 100 years ago before cars; 16 feet wide, 585 feet long.
- Draw span (20 feet wide) built over 100 years ago for spanning Pt. Pleasant Canal (before cars).
- Draw span installed in wooden trestle in 1938; originally hand operated.
- Completely rebuilt in 1950; entire bridge raised 5 feet; shortened to 279 feet; motorized; more counterweights added.
- Numerous repairs and replacements to date; only original parts are two sheaves (wheels at to
- Placed on State and Federal Historic Registers in 2008.
- Historic significance is technology (rolling counterweight design) and aesthetics being preserved by County compromise.
- Bridge is in such bad condition, none of the structure can be salvaged; all piles, supports, bridge deck will be thrown away.
- Estimated life of a new wooden bridge is 35-50 years; estimated life of the proposed bridge is 75 years.
- County traffic count July 9-15, 2007: 6,480 average daily vehicles; 5,905 average weekday vehicles; 7,726 average weekend vehicles.
- MBIA traffic count May 26, 2012 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.: 4,138 vehicles; 688 bicycles; 21 skateboards; 372 pedestrians; traffic stopped 4:24 hours; open 5:36 hours; 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m., traffic stopped 3:30 hours; open 2:30 hours.
- Road is almost becoming impassable in summer due to opening/closing taking so long; long lines of cars.
- Safety is most important issue for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Complete Streets.
- Current standards: two 12 foot width lanes; two 4 foot wide shoulders.
- Main access for residents living south of Brielle Road and for Brielle and Point Pleasant emergency response.
- The County has been working out a plan for the bridge since the early 1990 Asbury Park Press, 8-17-07.
- Project authorized 4-14-94 for $1,000,000.00; studies to date over $700,000.00.
- Wooden bridge would have CCA and AZCA (arsenic).
- Brielle Resolution 8-18-03 (#111-03) and Manasquan Resolution 9-8-03 (#03-70-A) call for complete replacement of bridge.
- Manasquan Resolution 5-19-08 (#69-08) to repair, rehabilitate or replace bridge ASAP; provide for pedestrians and bicycles; preserve character;
- Issues of public safety should be treated as paramount to other considerations.
- No more delays; we must act NOW.
Please see the MBIA Bridge Committee Presentation to Manasquan Borough Counctil on below
Left to Right: Julie Cocozza, Janice Gaswind, Bob Young, Al Sauer, Helen Young, Jane Swiggett, Linda Sims, Lisa Haas, Carol Kirkman, Mary Ryan, John O'Graady, Cindy Weaver. Not pictured: John Casey, Mary Lovely, Bennie O'Grady, Paul Schofield, Steve Leischner, Tom Sims
Report on North Beach Ramp
Mary was previously given surveys by Tom Flarity of the properties on both sides of the North Beach Ramp. Upon review of them, they were not in agreement as to the location of the improvements along and on the 4 foot ramp. However, actual measurements between improvements on each side of the ramp indicated that the useable area was mostly 42 inches but in some places as narrow as 38 inches.Consequently we were asked to set-up a meeting with Tom Flarity and to try to get the Borough to order its own survey to determine who was encroaching on the 4 foot width and by how much. Bob Young and I attended a meeting on September 7, 2018 with Tom Flarity, Councilman Jim Walsh, and Frank DeRomo from the Building Department. We were surprised to see that the Borough had done a survey of the ramp property in 2017. In addition to the 4 foot width of the Borough property for the ramp, in 1968 the Borough was granted an easement by the owner of the property on the north side of the ramp to build an 8 inch wide masonry wall on that owner’s property. Therefore, we had always assumed that the wall was properly located and that would meant that the owner on the south was the one that was encroaching into the easement. However, this survey showed that most of the wall was built within the 4 foot ramp area and not where it was supposed to have been built. Therefore, when the owner on the south fenced in his property, his fence was put mostly on his own property. The survey did show that the fence, at one point, encroaches at most .13 of a foot (which is about an inch and a half) into the ramp area. Consequently, there is no gripe as to the owner on the south. This was pointed out to the Borough in 2017 by the attorney for the owner on the north. The attorney also pointed out that it was the Borough’s obligation to maintain that wall but that the Borough had not done so since it has many cracks and deficiencies in it. The Borough advised that once they were aware of this and of what sort of cost the Borough would have to expend in order to remove and replace the wall in its proper location, they did not feel it was economically feasible for them to take any further action.The Borough’s 2017 survey was too large for them to make a copy for us at the meeting. However, they did agree to send it out for copying and would send us a copy of it.We did point out that the painted crosswalk at the corner of Stockton Lake Boulevard and First Avenue goes directly across the street at right angles to First Avenue and ends up misleading pedestrians that this is the place where the public ramp is located. In fact, the public ramp is several doors to the south. While MBIA has previously requested the Borough on several occasions to relocate the painted crosswalk, the Borough has never done anything about it. However, this time they agreed that they should either angle the crosswalk from the corner to the public ramp or move the crosswalk south so that it goes from the west side of First Avenue directly to the public ramp.Alfred H. Sauer
Ci/MBIA-091218Reprt
MBIA Report - Potter's Beach Access (9/12/18)
