Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves concert series fireworks permits; critics flag costs on bill list
Summary
Council approved authorization for fireworks at the Shelter Cove concert series and the consent items that funded the series; some council members and residents challenged the spending and several bill line items (fireworks per‑show costs, a marketing vendor and a messaging vendor).
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Township Council approved permits and funding steps related to this summer’s concert series and associated fireworks, but several council members and residents criticized the spending and questioned specific invoices on the municipal bill list.
Council approved Resolution Y, which authorizes permits for GuardSafe Fireworks tied to the concert series, after discussion. Supporters noted the series’ attendance and told the council that the administration had budgeted for multiple shows; administration figures cited at the meeting estimated each fireworks show runs about $5,000 and said budgeted funds remain. One council member said the series was overfunded and would be a poor use of limited taxpayer dollars.
During bill approvals councilmembers called out invoices including a fireworks line item (bill no. referenced at meeting), payments to a vendor described as “Trumpia” that reimbursed the business administrator for messaging services, and Shore Media Marketing line items. Council agreed to pull an invoice for Direct Development (PO 23‑02331) they believed appeared in error. Motions to approve the bills passed with noted abstentions and the pulled item removed for follow‑up.
Residents and council members also questioned whether prior fireworks had occurred without formal permits. The administration said permits were in place for the events and that the current resolution authorizes follow‑up permitting and execution.
What happens next: Finance will follow up on pulled invoices and provide documentation; the administration will finalize permits and vendor contracts for the remaining shows.
