Manasquan Beach Improvement Association
MBIA Trustees
MBIA Trustees Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2025
TRUSTEES PRESENT: Julie Cocozza, Janice Gaswind, Lisa Haas, Carol Kirkman, Mary Lovely, Bennie O’Grady, John O’Grady, Mary Ryan, Al Sauer, Paul Schofield, Linda Sims, Jane Swiggett, Cindy Weaver, Helen Young and Bob Young Borough Guests: Mike Mangan & Sheila Vidreiro.
Mary Ryan opened the meeting at 8:30 am.
The minutes of the 11/09/24 meeting were approved via the internet.
Old Business:
•
Duplicate notices from the Borough and MBIA were eliminated in December. There have not been any negative responses.
Duplicate notices from the Borough and MBIA were eliminated in December. There have not been any negative responses.•Zelle and Venmo – both require personal accounts. As a result, we cannot accept payments via these platforms. There was discussion on how we could do this using personal information. Ultimately it was decided not to pursue at this point. There is a possibility the requirement for other than personal accounts may change in the future.
Zelle and Venmo – both require personal accounts. As a result, we cannot accept payments via these platforms. There was discussion on how we could do this using personal information. Ultimately it was decided not to pursue at this point. There is a possibility the requirement for other than personal accounts may change in the future.•Christmas Beach Decorations – Installation and removal schedule; new wreaths at Sea Watch; thank you. Mary received a number of compliments. The wreaths were put up by Al and Sue Sauer as well as Helen and Bob Young. The wreaths will be taken down Monday by Al, Paul, and Linda. Al stores them in his basement.
Christmas Beach Decorations – Installation and removal schedule; new wreaths at Sea Watch; thank you. Mary received a number of compliments. The wreaths were put up by Al and Sue Sauer as well as Helen and Bob Young. The wreaths will be taken down Monday by Al, Paul, and Linda. Al stores them in his basement. •Candy Cane Hunt - $300 donation; Al & Sue Sauer and Craig Weir gave out MBIA gifts. There were a number of unclaimed gifts. It is thought the brutal cold weather suppressed participation. In the past the Chamber of Commerce has kept unclaimed gifts until the following year.
Candy Cane Hunt - $300 donation; Al & Sue Sauer and Craig Weir gave out MBIA gifts. There were a number of unclaimed gifts. It is thought the brutal cold weather suppressed participation. In the past the Chamber of Commerce has kept unclaimed gifts until the following year.Reports:
•Helen – Christmas decor costs. The total cost was $269.44. Mary suggested we consider further decorations for future years
Helen – Christmas decor costs. The total cost was $269.44. Mary suggested we consider further decorations for future years•Al – Bridge meeting on 12/19/24. The Historic Council voted 3 to 1 to recommend the replacement of the bridge to the DEP commissioner. The County Engineer’s office is going to ask on Tuesday why the resolution has not been finalized. After the resolution is published, there is an opportunity to make revisions. Federal approval is also required. There are still many steps required to make the replacement happen.
Al – Bridge meeting on 12/19/24. The Historic Council voted 3 to 1 to recommend the replacement of the bridge to the DEP commissioner. The County Engineer’s office is going to ask on Tuesday why the resolution has not been finalized. After the resolution is published, there is an opportunity to make revisions. Federal approval is also required. There are still many steps required to make the replacement happen.•John O’Grady – First Aid service change; CPR for MBIA members. The County took over on January 1 and they are technically the first responder with the Manasquan First Aid Squad as the back-up. The Squad is donating an ambulance to North Carolina next week. The end goal is for the County to have 15 ambulances. The Squad offered to let the County station one of their ambulances at the Squad building. There is no charge to the town or individuals. John said we can do CPR classes for our members at any time. It is offered on select Saturdays from 9 11 for 10 people at a time. John will get back to Mary with available dates.
John O’Grady – First Aid service change; CPR for MBIA members. The County took over on January 1 and they are technically the first responder with the Manasquan First Aid Squad as the back-up. The Squad is donating an ambulance to North Carolina next week. The end goal is for the County to have 15 ambulances. The Squad offered to let the County station one of their ambulances at the Squad building. There is no charge to the town or individuals. John said we can do CPR classes for our members at any time. It is offered on select Saturdays from 9 11 for 10 people at a time. John will get back to Mary with available dates.•Mary Lovely – Happy Hours at the Salty Whale; beach badge collection. Mary said we had 19 attendees and 1 new member (Julie’s neighbor) at the most recent happy hour. In November we had 31 attendees and in December 27 attendees with 1 new member. We collected $500 at the December happy hour for the beach badge collection. Since then, we have collected an additional $430 yielding us a total of $930. We will discuss another collection at the March meeting. Al stated we need to decide on families that might be in need. Mary said we might want to check with the food pantries. Julie suggested we work through the Elementary School. Linda said the school nurses know who is in need and we probably need to go through the principal. Jane suggested we contact the principals and try to get a handle on how many badges would be needed. Bennie said the school will know who is eligible for free school meals and we could use that as a basis. Julie will contact the school and find out what the need is. Cindy questioned if this was for individuals or for a family. It was decided that we will wait for the school to tell us the need to decide how to move forward. We would like to have the badges distributed to Manasquan residents.
Mary Lovely – Happy Hours at the Salty Whale; beach badge collection. Mary said we had 19 attendees and 1 new member (Julie’s neighbor) at the most recent happy hour. In November we had 31 attendees and in December 27 attendees with 1 new member. We collected $500 at the December happy hour for the beach badge collection. Since then, we have collected an additional $430 yielding us a total of $930. We will discuss another collection at the March meeting. Al stated we need to decide on families that might be in need. Mary said we might want to check with the food pantries. Julie suggested we work through the Elementary School. Linda said the school nurses know who is in need and we probably need to go through the principal. Jane suggested we contact the principals and try to get a handle on how many badges would be needed. Bennie said the school will know who is eligible for free school meals and we could use that as a basis. Julie will contact the school and find out what the need is. Cindy questioned if this was for individuals or for a family. It was decided that we will wait for the school to tell us the need to decide how to move forward. We would like to have the badges distributed to Manasquan residents. •Bob – 2025 Volunteer Day; Before we send out a volunteer request, we need tasks to perform. Mike mentioned the Environmental Commission is looking at a town clean-up. Bob will touch base with Greg Love. The date of our Volunteer Day will be May 3.
Bob – 2025 Volunteer Day; Before we send out a volunteer request, we need tasks to perform. Mike mentioned the Environmental Commission is looking at a town clean-up. Bob will touch base with Greg Love. The date of our Volunteer Day will be May 3.•Bob - MBIA Budget. Bob mentioned after comments at the September meeting from Bennie O’Grady that we might need to consider raising our dues and Al about our insurance costs, Bob decided to compile a 2024 vs. 2025 budget view. Al and Art have reviewed the initial view and Bob will ask Helen to distribute it with the minutes. The Trustees are asked to review and let Bob know if he is missing or incorrectly estimated a 2025 expense. Al indicated our General Liability policy is being cancelled effective 3/7. He is working through our agent to obtain new insurance.
Bob - MBIA Budget. Bob mentioned after comments at the September meeting from Bennie O’Grady that we might need to consider raising our dues and Al about our insurance costs, Bob decided to compile a 2024 vs. 2025 budget view. Al and Art have reviewed the initial view and Bob will ask Helen to distribute it with the minutes. The Trustees are asked to review and let Bob know if he is missing or incorrectly estimated a 2025 expense. Al indicated our General Liability policy is being cancelled effective 3/7. He is working through our agent to obtain new insurance. •Mary Ryan – Membership – A file was distributed before the meeting with the details. We are at 244 members. The Salty Whale happy hours have been very successful due in large part to Mary Lovely’s efforts.
Mary Ryan – Membership – A file was distributed before the meeting with the details. We are at 244 members. The Salty Whale happy hours have been very successful due in large part to Mary Lovely’s efforts. New Business:
•Borough Council Reorganization – Mike Mangan – Mayor, Lori Triggiano – Council President, Lori and Brian Holly re-elected to 2025 Council.
Borough Council Reorganization – Mike Mangan – Mayor, Lori Triggiano – Council President, Lori and Brian Holly re-elected to 2025 Council. Administration – Bryant, Bresnahan, Holly
Shared Service & Grants (including beach) – Bresnahan, Triggiano, Olivera
Land Use – Triggiano, Vidreiro, Bryant
Public Safety – Olivera, Holly, Triggiano
Public Property – Holly, Olivera, Vidreiro
Community Services – Vidreiro, Bryant, Bresnahan
•Dates for 2025 Trustee Meetings. March 8, May 10, July 12, September 13, November 8. Helen will send in a request to the town to use the Council Chamber for the May-November meetings. The March meeting will be held via Zoom.
Dates for 2025 Trustee Meetings. March 8, May 10, July 12, September 13, November 8. Helen will send in a request to the town to use the Council Chamber for the May-November meetings. The March meeting will be held via Zoom.•Discussion of Membership Committee suggestions:
Discussion of Membership Committee suggestions: o Have the dues renewal on 6/1 with a party at the Salty Whale at the May Happy Hour. John O’Grady suggested an article in the Coast Star to educate new homeowners about the MBIA. Mike said new residents receive a packet from the Borough and we can include the flier with our information. We can also include something in the Mayor’s newsletter. Cindy said we are really the town improvement association. Mike said we are the only civic group in the Borough. Lisa is going to send our promo card to the mayor who will include it in the newsletter. Al will continue t0 send out a welcome letter to new homeowners. Mary and Carol will work on putting an article together for the Coast Star. Sheila agreed to assist.
Have the dues renewal on 6/1 with a party at the Salty Whale at the May Happy Hour. John O’Grady suggested an article in the Coast Star to educate new homeowners about the MBIA. Mike said new residents receive a packet from the Borough and we can include the flier with our information. We can also include something in the Mayor’s newsletter. Cindy said we are really the town improvement association. Mike said we are the only civic group in the Borough. Lisa is going to send our promo card to the mayor who will include it in the newsletter. Al will continue t0 send out a welcome letter to new homeowners. Mary and Carol will work on putting an article together for the Coast Star. Sheila agreed to assist. oLinda said we should have our own MBIA beach clean-up group. Cindy suggested we could become more of a lobbying group. Lisa said we could have someone come to a meeting to explain the proposed new Base Flood Elevation proposal. Mary mentioned we did a letter campaign to stop the plan to place lockers on the beach. Lisa suggested we come up with our top 5 activities for potential member involvement. Lisa will provide information on a river boat for an evening or weekend. The Woman’s Club did whale watching out of Belmar. Linda will get information on this. Bob made a motion we will offer members an opportunity to be included in a members’ directory. A motion was made that the dues should be $25 in 2025. Both motions were passed.
Linda said we should have our own MBIA beach clean-up group. Cindy suggested we could become more of a lobbying group. Lisa said we could have someone come to a meeting to explain the proposed new Base Flood Elevation proposal. Mary mentioned we did a letter campaign to stop the plan to place lockers on the beach. Lisa suggested we come up with our top 5 activities for potential member involvement. Lisa will provide information on a river boat for an evening or weekend. The Woman’s Club did whale watching out of Belmar. Linda will get information on this. Bob made a motion we will offer members an opportunity to be included in a members’ directory. A motion was made that the dues should be $25 in 2025. Both motions were passed. oIt was suggested we invite the general MBIA members to attend Trustee and other meetings. Mary will send out a message on this in May prior to our next Trustee meeting on May 10.
It was suggested we invite the general MBIA members to attend Trustee and other meetings. Mary will send out a message on this in May prior to our next Trustee meeting on May 10.•Bob mentioned the Borough is currently going through a Master Plan review and redevelopment study along the Route 71 corridor. The area north of Main Street to Sea Girt Avenue needs some help. We are getting ahead of the 3rd round for affordable housing. The mayor added that there is a public Zoning Meeting held monthly or bi-monthly and everyone is welcome to attend. If interested contact him or Bob for the meeting date.
Bob mentioned the Borough is currently going through a Master Plan review and redevelopment study along the Route 71 corridor. The area north of Main Street to Sea Girt Avenue needs some help. We are getting ahead of the 3rd round for affordable housing. The mayor added that there is a public Zoning Meeting held monthly or bi-monthly and everyone is welcome to attend. If interested contact him or Bob for the meeting date.•Lisa mentioned we sponsored the Backyard Crawl last year and might want to consider again this year.
Lisa mentioned we sponsored the Backyard Crawl last year and might want to consider again this year.The meeting was adjourned.
The next Trustee’s Meeting will be on March 12 at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom.
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, Paul 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)
