Council held the regularly scheduled sessions on Wednesday, May 23, 2023. The following issues of interest were addressed:
Business Administrator Scott Wahl told Council that the mayor had intended to be present at the meeting but apologized for his absence due to unforeseen circumstances.
The contractor delivered the new trash cans in early May during a period when few Avalon property owners were present. The delivery was curbside which created an unforeseen issue. Members of the Avalon Beach Patrol voluntarily stepped up and moved the cans to the side of the house. The volunteers were presented by with Certificates of Appreciation. Christine from the Public Works office was also presented with a certificate recognizing her efforts in implementing the transition to a new trash collection system.
Mott McDonald, representative Tom Thornton, and Wetlands Institute president Lenore Tedesco addressed on-going back bay dredging issues. The main focus was on the west- end of Pennsylvania Harbor which was dredged in 2019 and 2021. Erosion from an adjacent island has again created safety issues for boaters. The Borough has applied to NJ DEP for emergency authority to dredge, and expects approval. It is anticipated that the dredging will take place in early July.
Property Owner Diane Cedar addressed Council about her concern with the lack of access to food for beach users during the summer. At one time there were several places on the Boardwalk offering a variety of food during the day, but this is not longer true (outside ice cream and coffee only). She asked that Council examine ways to allow food trucks to serve food during the day in order to enhance recreational experiences.
At this week's beach fill meeting, the contractor explained the planned beach fill in front of hotels in the 78th to 80th Street area. They wanted to do it this weekend but objections were raised due to the holiday weekend. The fill will commence next Tuesday.
