Manasquan Beach Improvement Association
MBIA Trustees
MBIA Trustees Meeting Minutes
March 14, 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, Paul Schofield, Linda Sims, Tom Sims, Jane Swiggett, Helen Young and Bob Young.
Guest: Sheila Vidreiro
Visitor: Brian Burgess to present suggestion for Volunteer Day
Mary Ryan opened the meeting at 8:30 am
Since Brian joined the meeting Mary asked him to present first. Sheila introduced Brian Burgess and stated she thought we might consider help running the town wide clean-up day as part of our volunteer effort. We could divide the Borough in 10 sections and have different groups coordinate. There would be different checkpoints (parks, parking lots, etc.) where residents would deposit items and DPW would pick-up bags an hour or so later. Tom said he was the new kid on the block and didn’t think he would want to take this on as well as our May 2 Volunteer Day. If we looked at a later date he would reconsider. Lisa asked what projects we are looking to work on this year. Tom said he received 10 suggestions in 3 general categories: minor repairs, general clean-up and painting. Mary wasn’t sure we can take on the town cleanup project since we aren’t equipped to oversee the effort especially on short notice. Lisa said we might be participants and Helen agreed, Bob mentioned one of our members, Paul Zimmerman, cleans up the beach area from Brielle Rd north at least once a week so we have at least one MBIA member who does this on a regular basis. Julie believed we should maintain the traditional focus of our Volunteer Day. Helen said this wasn’t something to add on Tom and John Gassner. If a trustee wants to volunteer, it would be something we could consider. Bennie said this is something she thinks the town should coordinate overall. There are 7 or 8 organizations Brian hoped to involve per Sheila.
The minutes of the 1/10/26 meeting were approved via the internet.
Old Business:
•
MBIA membership job – Lisa. Art and Lisa have been working together. Lisa has access to the database and all of the information. Lisa and Art are working on the steps to move forward.
MBIA membership job – Lisa. Art and Lisa have been working together. Lisa has access to the database and all of the information. Lisa and Art are working on the steps to move forward.•John O’Grady – First Aid building for Annual Meeting? It is available for our use. More on follows.
John O’Grady – First Aid building for Annual Meeting? It is available for our use. More on follows.•Sheila – Information on endangered plants. Number of seats at the Senior Center. Sheila stated there are 100 seats at the Senior Center. The plants can’t be touched from April 1 – November 1. This is under the control of DEP and that organization ensures compliance.
Sheila – Information on endangered plants. Number of seats at the Senior Center. Sheila stated there are 100 seats at the Senior Center. The plants can’t be touched from April 1 – November 1. This is under the control of DEP and that organization ensures compliance. •Lisa – Information on artistic beach signs. Sheila said there is a hesitation about too much signage. People tend to miss the signs about dogs. Lisa thought the signs designed by children would be more effective than a Borough issued sign. Sheila and Mike had discussed. Mike would discuss it further if he was able to attend the meeting.
Lisa – Information on artistic beach signs. Sheila said there is a hesitation about too much signage. People tend to miss the signs about dogs. Lisa thought the signs designed by children would be more effective than a Borough issued sign. Sheila and Mike had discussed. Mike would discuss it further if he was able to attend the meeting.Reports:
•Julie and Jane – Number of beach badges needed for students and parents. Julie said the elementary school would need 20 adult and 12 junior badges. Jane said 8 high school kids need adult badges. The total cost would be $3,060 and we currently have donations of $3,447. Jane mentioned we received the $2,000 donation that is included in the total and we can’t count on this every year. Linda said we received $1 at this month’s Happy Hour. In addition to the Happy Hours, we will solicit at the Annual Meeting and August party. Helen mentioned we might want to consider selling MBIA sweatshirts to raise funds. John asked if we are committed long term would we be willing to subsidize badges if we have a short fall. Al stated we might want to include this collection on the annual renewal form. Carmen told Al said he would possibly be willing to fund from the Turkey Trot if we have a shortfall. The badges will be purchased after the May 9 Trustee Meeting to ensure there is not a change in the requirements.
Julie and Jane – Number of beach badges needed for students and parents. Julie said the elementary school would need 20 adult and 12 junior badges. Jane said 8 high school kids need adult badges. The total cost would be $3,060 and we currently have donations of $3,447. Jane mentioned we received the $2,000 donation that is included in the total and we can’t count on this every year. Linda said we received $1 at this month’s Happy Hour. In addition to the Happy Hours, we will solicit at the Annual Meeting and August party. Helen mentioned we might want to consider selling MBIA sweatshirts to raise funds. John asked if we are committed long term would we be willing to subsidize badges if we have a short fall. Al stated we might want to include this collection on the annual renewal form. Carmen told Al said he would possibly be willing to fund from the Turkey Trot if we have a shortfall. The badges will be purchased after the May 9 Trustee Meeting to ensure there is not a change in the requirements.•Mary – Beach badge monetary donations. See above.
Mary – Beach badge monetary donations. See above.•Tom – Progress for Volunteer Day, May 2, 2026. February was a month for project suggestions. March will be deciding on the projects. Tom sent a letter to Mary to distribute to the membership soliciting volunteers. The list of potential projects is broken down by repair, clean-up and painting. Repair: Sea Lavender would like a planter at the Senior Center, 3rd Ave parking lot attendant shed. Clean-up: Route 71 near Jersey Mike’s, Fisherman’s Cove along 3rd Ave., individual yards. Painting: Roller Rink Shed (Tom doesn’t think painting is needed), Hydrants (town has a contract to repaint hydrants so this is removed from the list), benches along the beach walk (some in bad shape and could a preservative be applied? Carmen is not keen on it but Tom and Al thought it was a good idea, wall surrounding the tower at by the Life Saving Station. Tom questioned how the MBIA promotes itself through this effort. Perhaps on May 2 we could set-up a table by Lenny to inform the people about the effort. Bob suggested we include the bases for the trash & recycling bins as well as the Riddle Way gazebo as tasks. He mentioned the wall is owned by the Coast Guard and overseen by Philadelphia not Point Pleasant. Tom mentioned Rich Leonard will again supply tee shirts. Al said Carmen doesn’t want anything done to the benches and decided not to push it. Tom mentioned the base of the flag pole at the Life Saving Station needs attention. John O’Grady suggested we price out the cost of the wall since the supplies would be significant. Al said Carmen might fund with Turkey Trot money. Sheila said the bathrooms at Sea Watch will be redone. Lisa mentioned we normally clean out the plot on the west side of the beach garage. Al believes publicizing what we do on the Volunteer Day is a good idea. Jane said we should include Volunteer Day in the Borough newsletter. Tom will follow-up on the newsletter and the Coast Star.
Tom – Progress for Volunteer Day, May 2, 2026. February was a month for project suggestions. March will be deciding on the projects. Tom sent a letter to Mary to distribute to the membership soliciting volunteers. The list of potential projects is broken down by repair, clean-up and painting. Repair: Sea Lavender would like a planter at the Senior Center, 3rd Ave parking lot attendant shed. Clean-up: Route 71 near Jersey Mike’s, Fisherman’s Cove along 3rd Ave., individual yards. Painting: Roller Rink Shed (Tom doesn’t think painting is needed), Hydrants (town has a contract to repaint hydrants so this is removed from the list), benches along the beach walk (some in bad shape and could a preservative be applied? Carmen is not keen on it but Tom and Al thought it was a good idea, wall surrounding the tower at by the Life Saving Station. Tom questioned how the MBIA promotes itself through this effort. Perhaps on May 2 we could set-up a table by Lenny to inform the people about the effort. Bob suggested we include the bases for the trash & recycling bins as well as the Riddle Way gazebo as tasks. He mentioned the wall is owned by the Coast Guard and overseen by Philadelphia not Point Pleasant. Tom mentioned Rich Leonard will again supply tee shirts. Al said Carmen doesn’t want anything done to the benches and decided not to push it. Tom mentioned the base of the flag pole at the Life Saving Station needs attention. John O’Grady suggested we price out the cost of the wall since the supplies would be significant. Al said Carmen might fund with Turkey Trot money. Sheila said the bathrooms at Sea Watch will be redone. Lisa mentioned we normally clean out the plot on the west side of the beach garage. Al believes publicizing what we do on the Volunteer Day is a good idea. Jane said we should include Volunteer Day in the Borough newsletter. Tom will follow-up on the newsletter and the Coast Star.•Cindy – Flood Committee activity. 6 MBIA members have been working on nuisance flooding. Trustees on the committee are Cindy, Tom and Mary Ryan. Mary referenced the NJ DEP’s proposed 4’ increase in the BFE. She mentioned the Borough is looking at the infrastructure to address our nuisance flooding. The state proposal is addressing the height of towns but not roads. Mike Mangan has said you will have dry houses residents are unable to dive to. There will be a meeting to review the plan on 3/21 at 1 p.m. with Mike Mangan, Rich Read, Chris Tucker, Joe Raftery and 2 MBIA members from each of the identified flood areas in the Senior Center. Trustees are welcome to attend.
Cindy – Flood Committee activity. 6 MBIA members have been working on nuisance flooding. Trustees on the committee are Cindy, Tom and Mary Ryan. Mary referenced the NJ DEP’s proposed 4’ increase in the BFE. She mentioned the Borough is looking at the infrastructure to address our nuisance flooding. The state proposal is addressing the height of towns but not roads. Mike Mangan has said you will have dry houses residents are unable to dive to. There will be a meeting to review the plan on 3/21 at 1 p.m. with Mike Mangan, Rich Read, Chris Tucker, Joe Raftery and 2 MBIA members from each of the identified flood areas in the Senior Center. Trustees are welcome to attend.•Linda – Happy Hour at Reef and Barrel. It was our first Happy Hour and everyone had a good time. We will do it there for the next 3 months and then decide on a strategy moving forward. Jane felt there was more room to socialize vs. The Committed Pig.
Linda – Happy Hour at Reef and Barrel. It was our first Happy Hour and everyone had a good time. We will do it there for the next 3 months and then decide on a strategy moving forward. Jane felt there was more room to socialize vs. The Committed Pig.New Business:
•Reminder: Next Trustee meeting in person at Borough Hall
Reminder: Next Trustee meeting in person at Borough Hall•Members will be invited to Trustee meeting on 5-9-26
Members will be invited to Trustee meeting on 5-9-26•Date for Annual Meeting; guests? June 13 is the first choice and the 20th is the back-up. Invitees will be Mayor Mike Mangan, OEM Director Chris Tucker, Councilman Bruce Bresnahan, Beach Manager Doug Anderson and Chief of Police Greg Restivo.
Date for Annual Meeting; guests? June 13 is the first choice and the 20th is the back-up. Invitees will be Mayor Mike Mangan, OEM Director Chris Tucker, Councilman Bruce Bresnahan, Beach Manager Doug Anderson and Chief of Police Greg Restivo.•Membership Renewal Letters. E-mail renewal notices to be sent in April with the paper notices mailed by May 1.
Membership Renewal Letters. E-mail renewal notices to be sent in April with the paper notices mailed by May 1. •Borough website app. Helen said the Borough is creating a new app. They wanted to know if we wished to be included. She thinks we should move forward. The Trustees approved unanimously. Helen will complete the paperwork required.
Borough website app. Helen said the Borough is creating a new app. They wanted to know if we wished to be included. She thinks we should move forward. The Trustees approved unanimously. Helen will complete the paperwork required.•Semi-annual Beach Sweep- 4/11. John Casey is unable to attend but will get Julie the table and chairs beforehand. Lisa, Jane or Carol can assist Julie.
Semi-annual Beach Sweep- 4/11. John Casey is unable to attend but will get Julie the table and chairs beforehand. Lisa, Jane or Carol can assist Julie.Items from the Floor:
•Lisa mentioned the Manasquan Food Pantry is looking for a new location by August 1. They have refrigerators that need to be moved. Linda said they serve over 300 families.
Lisa mentioned the Manasquan Food Pantry is looking for a new location by August 1. They have refrigerators that need to be moved. Linda said they serve over 300 families.The meeting was adjourned.
The next Trustee’s Meeting will be on May 9 at 8:30 a.m. in Borough Hall.
Future Trustee Meetings: July 11, September 12, November 14
Happy Hour at Reef and Barrel on April 8.
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)
