Council held the regularly scheduled sessions on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. The following issues of interest were addressed:
Purchasing Agent Joe Clark addressed Council and explained the new State of New Jersey provisions which allow certain expenditures to be made without going out for bid. Briefly, a qualified Purchasing Agent can now sign off on expenditures up to $44,000.00. This will increase to $75,000.00 in another year or two.
Council discussed a resolution to waive certain deed restrictions on the property at 1559 First Avenue.
Borough Administrator Scott Wahl briefed Council on the renewal of a shared services agreement with North Wildwood to provide building inspectors as needed. This is one of more than 20 shared services agreements that Avalon has with other municipalities in the County.
A Resolution was approved to confirm recent Mayoral appointments to the Planning and Zoning Board. These appointments include, Michele Petruzzi, Dr. Brain Reynolds and Sue Montenaro. Eric Decker has been appointed as an alternate member of the Board.
Scott Wahl provided a clarification of remarks made by Mayor John McCorristin at the August Meeting of the Avalon Home and Landowners Association. He explained that three pickleball courts will be constructed at the 8th Street sports complex and should be available by spring 2024. Three addition]al tennis courts will also be added to this location. Plans for the additions are anticipated to be presented at the next Council meeting. Some temporary changes are also underway in order to prepare for the pickleball tournament scheduled for September 6th through the 10th.
LT. Shane McGrath of the Avalon Beach Patrol requested that Council provide an opinion on ongoing union negotiations regarding pension plans. It was explained that these negotiations are confidential and are currently being addressed by arbitration.
Several members of the public addressed Council regarding recent controversy and misunderstandings surrounding pickleball versus tennis issues. Council was thanked for the Borough's transparency in this process, and satisfaction with the final results were expressed.
