Long Branch Council adopts handicapped parking spot at 6 Van Pelt; introduces three other ordinances

The Long Branch City Council on Nov. 26 adopted Ordinance 22-24, designating a handicapped parking space at 6 Van Pelt, and moved to introduce three additional ordinances to be considered at public hearings on Dec. 11.

Council President Viera opened a public hearing on Ordinance 22-24 and, after hearing no public comment, the council closed the hearing and adopted the ordinance on its second and final reading. The clerk called the roll; Mister Dangler was recorded absent and the present members answered affirmatively. The council did not record a named mover or seconder in the transcript; the motion carried on roll call.

The council also introduced Ordinance 23-24, which would amend Chapter 181 (food establishments, retail) to set sidewalk café operations from March 1 through Nov. 30; the first reading was approved and a public hearing was set for Dec. 11, 2024.

Ordinance 24-24 was introduced to amend Chapter 78 (police department) to adjust the number of sergeants and lieutenants so a professional services-division sergeant who is slated for promotion can be retained in that unit as a lieutenant rather than being transferred to patrol. Council members explained the change is intended to keep trained investigators in the professional services division while creating a lieutenant slot to fill patrol needs. The council voted to introduce the ordinance and set the Dec. 11 hearing.

Ordinance 25-24 was introduced to authorize conveyance of a permanent drainage easement for 316 Fairfield Avenue (Block 65, Lot 3); the ordinance was introduced on first reading and scheduled for a Dec. 11 public hearing.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 22-24 (handicapped parking at 6 Van Pelt): adopted on second/final reading (roll call recorded Mister Dangler absent; present members voted yes). - Ordinance 23-24 (sidewalk café seasonal dates): introduced on first reading; public hearing set for Dec. 11, 2024. - Ordinance 24-24 (police staffing adjustments): introduced on first reading; public hearing set for Dec. 11, 2024. - Ordinance 25-24 (drainage easement, 316 Fairfield Ave.): introduced on first reading; public hearing set for Dec. 11, 2024.

The council’s consent agenda, including a separate list of resolutions, was approved later in the meeting by roll call. The meeting closed with routine announcements and holiday-event information from the mayor.

What happens next: public hearings for the three introduced ordinances are scheduled for Dec. 11, 2024. The adopted ordinance for 6 Van Pelt becomes city law according to the city’s publishing requirements and any effective-date language in the ordinance.