Manasquan Beach Improvement Association
MBIA Trustees
MBIA Trustees Meeting Minutes
September 14, 2024
TRUSTEES PRESENT: John Casey, Julie Cocozza, Janice Gaswind, Lisa Haas, Carol Kirkman, Mary Lovely, Pat Merz, Bennie O’Grady, John O’Grady, Mary Ryan, Al Sauer, Jane Swiggett, Cindy Weaver, Helen Young and Bob Young.
Guests: Mayor Mike Mangan, Councilwoman Sheila Vidreiro and Paul Schofield
The meeting opened at 8:30 am.
The minutes of the 7/13/24 meeting were approved via the internet.
Old Business:
•
Holiday Decorations (wreaths) at Sea Watch. Helen is going to reach out to her contact since we will be purchasing 2 wreaths for the building.
Holiday Decorations (wreaths) at Sea Watch. Helen is going to reach out to her contact since we will be purchasing 2 wreaths for the building.•Speaker System problem. We have been having problems with our current system. John Casey said the Woman’s Club needed a new system that he purchased at Costco. John offered to investigate options. Al suggested John may want to check out what we have.
Speaker System problem. We have been having problems with our current system. John Casey said the Woman’s Club needed a new system that he purchased at Costco. John offered to investigate options. Al suggested John may want to check out what we have. Reports:
•Bob - Heather resignation/New Trustee. Heather Schofield has resigned because she is unable to participate in most of our activities. Bob explained that the Nominating Committee which is the E- Board met and discussed a number of candidates. Paul Schofield was the unanimous selection. Paul agreed he was interested and attended this meeting. The Trustees introduced ourselves.
Bob - Heather resignation/New Trustee. Heather Schofield has resigned because she is unable to participate in most of our activities. Bob explained that the Nominating Committee which is the E- Board met and discussed a number of candidates. Paul Schofield was the unanimous selection. Paul agreed he was interested and attended this meeting. The Trustees introduced ourselves. •Al – Insurance, Bridge news/Generator at pumping station. Our insurance expires in March at which time Al will investigate a new company since the current company will no longer do business in New Jersey. Al has not been able to confirm the County is meeting in front of the State Historical Society in October to get approval to move forward. This group only meets quarterly. Bob mentioned approval from the Secretary of Interior is ultimately required. Al has not heard back from Brian Holly on removing the generator near the Sea Watch building, however, Al has documentation which indicates the generator should not be in its current location.
Al – Insurance, Bridge news/Generator at pumping station. Our insurance expires in March at which time Al will investigate a new company since the current company will no longer do business in New Jersey. Al has not been able to confirm the County is meeting in front of the State Historical Society in October to get approval to move forward. This group only meets quarterly. Bob mentioned approval from the Secretary of Interior is ultimately required. Al has not heard back from Brian Holly on removing the generator near the Sea Watch building, however, Al has documentation which indicates the generator should not be in its current location.•Helen/Linda/Jane -Annual Party at SBLSS on 8/24. Mary thanked the co-chairs for an excellent party. 69 people attended, many in costume. 12 people paid and did not attend. According to Helen’s records we made $38. This does not include any PayPal fees. We will put a motion on the 1/25 Agenda for our annual $250 donation to the Squan Life Saving Station for their use of the building.
Helen/Linda/Jane -Annual Party at SBLSS on 8/24. Mary thanked the co-chairs for an excellent party. 69 people attended, many in costume. 12 people paid and did not attend. According to Helen’s records we made $38. This does not include any PayPal fees. We will put a motion on the 1/25 Agenda for our annual $250 donation to the Squan Life Saving Station for their use of the building.•Lisa -Backyard Crawl results. Lisa said it earned over $60k. $49k went to Aaron for Project Walk, $6k to the Ray of Light Foundation and $4k scholarship. Tickets sold out in 15 minutes and the event was a huge success.
Lisa -Backyard Crawl results. Lisa said it earned over $60k. $49k went to Aaron for Project Walk, $6k to the Ray of Light Foundation and $4k scholarship. Tickets sold out in 15 minutes and the event was a huge success.•Mary Lovely – Happy Hours at the Salty Whale. Mary Ryan said what a great job Mary L. has been doing inviting people to the Happy Hours. In August, we had 46 attendees with 4 new members and 2 renewals. In September, we had 31 attendees, 1 new member and 1 renewal. Mary R. thanked John and his committee for this fantastic idea.
Mary Lovely – Happy Hours at the Salty Whale. Mary Ryan said what a great job Mary L. has been doing inviting people to the Happy Hours. In August, we had 46 attendees with 4 new members and 2 renewals. In September, we had 31 attendees, 1 new member and 1 renewal. Mary R. thanked John and his committee for this fantastic idea.•Mary Ryan – Membership. We sent a letter out after the last meeting. Trustees also reminded unpaid members and neighbors about membership. We currently have 239 active members. We still have 40 members from last year who have not paid. We asked if Art could send us the list of unpaid members. John said the membership committee probably should meet again to brainstorm. We should have an MBIA group participate in the beach sweep on October 19. Mary will send out an email and ask members to meet where we are distributing coffee and donuts in front of the beach office and wear their MBIA shirts. Cindy and Sheila suggested we have recurring activities to stimulate participation. The mayor suggested we add a blurb to the new town quarterly newsletter and the upcoming Manasquan app. He suggested we target some family events. Lisa suggested a theme for the happy hours. Potential suggestions for additional events are Food for Thanksgiving, Toys for Tots in December. These could be held at the MBIA Happy Hours.
Mary Ryan – Membership. We sent a letter out after the last meeting. Trustees also reminded unpaid members and neighbors about membership. We currently have 239 active members. We still have 40 members from last year who have not paid. We asked if Art could send us the list of unpaid members. John said the membership committee probably should meet again to brainstorm. We should have an MBIA group participate in the beach sweep on October 19. Mary will send out an email and ask members to meet where we are distributing coffee and donuts in front of the beach office and wear their MBIA shirts. Cindy and Sheila suggested we have recurring activities to stimulate participation. The mayor suggested we add a blurb to the new town quarterly newsletter and the upcoming Manasquan app. He suggested we target some family events. Lisa suggested a theme for the happy hours. Potential suggestions for additional events are Food for Thanksgiving, Toys for Tots in December. These could be held at the MBIA Happy Hours. •Big Sea Day – Julie. We gave out 390 tattoos. Some of the children got 2. We need to ensure the tents are anchored next year. There was a miscommunication of where our set-up needed to be which was rectified. Benny suggested a second tattoo tent. John O’Grady said he thinks we have been giving out a consistent number of tattoos. Mike mentioned the town expects to have better signage next year to indicate where events are being held.
Big Sea Day – Julie. We gave out 390 tattoos. Some of the children got 2. We need to ensure the tents are anchored next year. There was a miscommunication of where our set-up needed to be which was rectified. Benny suggested a second tattoo tent. John O’Grady said he thinks we have been giving out a consistent number of tattoos. Mike mentioned the town expects to have better signage next year to indicate where events are being held.New Business:
•First Mayors’ Ball success. Mayor Mike Mangan had a vision and Sheila with her committee did a fantastic job. It was an enjoyable evening in every way and many MBIA members attended. John Casey put pictures on the MBIA FaceBook page.
First Mayors’ Ball success. Mayor Mike Mangan had a vision and Sheila with her committee did a fantastic job. It was an enjoyable evening in every way and many MBIA members attended. John Casey put pictures on the MBIA FaceBook page. •No “Breakfast with the Candidates”
No “Breakfast with the Candidates”•Shirt Sales at the Tug of War on 10/13/24 (11am – 4 pm?). We have 32 shirts to sell of which 16 are small shirts. Because our inventory is so low we will not sell at the Tug of War. Cindy said we could raffle them off. We could also sell our remaining stock at Happy Hours. Al suggested we promote selling the small shirts for children around the holidays We decided not to order any additional shirts.
Shirt Sales at the Tug of War on 10/13/24 (11am – 4 pm?). We have 32 shirts to sell of which 16 are small shirts. Because our inventory is so low we will not sell at the Tug of War. Cindy said we could raffle them off. We could also sell our remaining stock at Happy Hours. Al suggested we promote selling the small shirts for children around the holidays We decided not to order any additional shirts.•Wind Turbines/transmission lines meeting. We have disseminated the information from the group from Sea Girt as they requested. The mayor said the most difficult part is that the group advocating is not a formal, official organization. Manasquan has been pushing for a meeting with the BPU that may take place prior to the 10/6 National Guard review in order to get more information from the state.
Wind Turbines/transmission lines meeting. We have disseminated the information from the group from Sea Girt as they requested. The mayor said the most difficult part is that the group advocating is not a formal, official organization. Manasquan has been pushing for a meeting with the BPU that may take place prior to the 10/6 National Guard review in order to get more information from the state. •Notice to the general membership of the power cable rally on 10/6 at the National Guard Training Center? Mary will disseminate to the members indicating we are not taking an official position.
Notice to the general membership of the power cable rally on 10/6 at the National Guard Training Center? Mary will disseminate to the members indicating we are not taking an official position.•Survey – Mary & Art composed a letter to the members requesting an assessment on how the summer went from the Borough’s perspective (Mayor and Council, Police, Beach, Recreation, Code ). It would also include an assessment of the MBIA. Jane said respondents would want to see a summary of the results. John Casey stated he felt the town survey should be separate for the MBIA survey. The Trustees agreed. The feeling is to include the MBIA survey with our annual membership request.
Survey – Mary & Art composed a letter to the members requesting an assessment on how the summer went from the Borough’s perspective (Mayor and Council, Police, Beach, Recreation, Code ). It would also include an assessment of the MBIA. Jane said respondents would want to see a summary of the results. John Casey stated he felt the town survey should be separate for the MBIA survey. The Trustees agreed. The feeling is to include the MBIA survey with our annual membership request. New Business:
•Jane asked the mayor to comment on the proposed flood level changes. The Borough is opposed. He said it is very difficult when we get dictates from the state. There does not seem to be an interest in our feedback. He thinks the goals are being implemented poorly and hopes the proposal is derailed.
Jane asked the mayor to comment on the proposed flood level changes. The Borough is opposed. He said it is very difficult when we get dictates from the state. There does not seem to be an interest in our feedback. He thinks the goals are being implemented poorly and hopes the proposal is derailed.•Bob mentioned the spauling (exposed rebar) on the Main St Bridge. Bob will contact Tom Flarity.
Bob mentioned the spauling (exposed rebar) on the Main St Bridge. Bob will contact Tom Flarity. •Bob questioned why Manasquan doesn’t use hot tar to fill roadway cracks like many other municipalities. He mentioned that the newer section of Perrine Blvd. near Mallard Park is cracking badly.
Bob questioned why Manasquan doesn’t use hot tar to fill roadway cracks like many other municipalities. He mentioned that the newer section of Perrine Blvd. near Mallard Park is cracking badly.•Cindy mentioned the flooding committee, The mayor indicated a meeting on the flooding situation will likely take place soon. Colliers was engaged in performing mapping on drainage and flooding. The town expects to come up with a plan and will get out public information.
Cindy mentioned the flooding committee, The mayor indicated a meeting on the flooding situation will likely take place soon. Colliers was engaged in performing mapping on drainage and flooding. The town expects to come up with a plan and will get out public information.•There will be an 8 week watering restriction in October and November so the town can repaint the water tower. Summons will be given to residents who do not heed the restrictions. However, there are properties which have private wells who will not be included in the restrictions.
There will be an 8 week watering restriction in October and November so the town can repaint the water tower. Summons will be given to residents who do not heed the restrictions. However, there are properties which have private wells who will not be included in the restrictions.•Paul Schofield indicated he would like to join the Trustees. He was unanimously voted in as a member.
Paul Schofield indicated he would like to join the Trustees. He was unanimously voted in as a member.•Carol will take minutes at the November meeting.
Carol will take minutes at the November meeting.•Pat expressed a concern the new sand field at Stockton Lake is not being maintained. Mike Mangan said it is the Little League’s responsibility.
Pat expressed a concern the new sand field at Stockton Lake is not being maintained. Mike Mangan said it is the Little League’s responsibility.•It was suggested that we provide "dog poop" bags at the beach. However, another group had undertaken this previously and the bags were stolen immediately, so they gave up on the project.
It was suggested that we provide "dog poop" bags at the beach. However, another group had undertaken this previously and the bags were stolen immediately, so they gave up on the project.The meeting was adjourned.
The next Trustee’s Meeting will be on November 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the council Chamber
The next MBIA Happy Hour at the Salty Whale will be on October 9 at 5 p.m.
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
Seated (left to right) : Julie Cocozza, Mary Ryan, Cindy Weaver, Lisa Haas. Standing (left to right) Helen Young, Bennie O'Grady, Bob Young, John O'Grady, Linda Sims, John Casey, Al Sauer, Mary Lovely. Not picured: Janice Gaswind, Carol Kirkman, Pat Merz, Heather Schofield, Jane Swiggett,
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)
