Absecon Council introduces alarm ordinance, approves consent agenda and $2.68 million in bills

The Absecon City Council on Sept. 5 introduced Ordinance 17-2024 to amend the city code on alarm systems and approved its consent agenda and a $2,679,241.07 bill list.

The ordinance was introduced and laid over for a second and final public hearing on Sept. 19, 2024. The police chief told the council the update removes antiquated language and adjusts fines and enforcement for false alarms, saying the changes bring the code “more modern” and help the department address repeat false alarms at local businesses.

The consent agenda included permits for charitable solicitation by the Absecon Galloway Rotary Club; authorizations for tax-refund overpayments; appointment of part-time crossing guard Cynthia Mason; and authorization to execute an agreement with AtlantiCare Medical Center to participate in the “Arrive Together” pilot pairing health professionals with police on mental‑health responses. The council also approved inserting $4,200 in state traffic safety revenue into the 2024 municipal budget.

Council moved and approved the consent agenda by roll call. The ordinance introduction likewise passed its procedural motion; the public second and final reading is scheduled for Sept. 19.

The meeting also approved the bill list, which the clerk presented as $2,679,241.07. A motion to accept the bill list was made and approved by roll call.

Council business continued with committee reports and departmental updates. The meeting closed routine business and moved to committee updates and public-safety and development discussions.