Belmar council advances 16th Avenue bathroom pavilion after state grant and higher bids

Belmar’s council introduced an ordinance to appropriate beach capital funds for construction of a permanent bathroom pavilion at 16th Avenue, after officials said a $1.5 million state grant fell short of the lowest construction bid.

The council president told members the borough was awarded “$1.5 million from the state specifically for this project” but that the lowest bid from Catel came in at $1.8 million. The council president said the borough’s chief financial officer proposed using beach capital and other capital funds so taxpayers would not face an operating-tax increase.

Why costs rose: borough staff and the borough engineer, Jim Morris, attributed much of the increase to changes in state permitting requirements (referred to in the transcript as “D” requirements) and to additional utility work. Morris said the permit process required raising the building and extending pilings and that sewer, water and electric services needed larger installations than assumed in the 2023 estimate. The transcript records an original design reference of “one plus five” now described as “one plus four” in the permit conversation.

Design changes and scope: Morris described a modest southward relocation of a nearby playground and slight fence adjustments to meet clearance rules. To reduce footprint and cost, the design eliminated one of two planned ramps so a single south-side ramp will serve the building; the transcript notes this ramp will extend past the back of the building to improve sightlines. The transcript also lists facility fixtures as given by staff: the women’s side “has 12 stalls” and the men’s side is recorded as “six stalls and eight urinals”; the pavilion will include a family bathroom and changing tables.

Contingency and timeline: staff said contractors’ bid forms included a $100,000 allowance for unforeseen circumstances. The council president warned that grant terms include a reimbursement deadline referenced in the transcript as “203126” (text unclear); officials said delaying a redesign-and-rebid could jeopardize the borough’s ability to use the $1.5 million grant. Council members discussed lobbying state legislators for additional funds if available.

Council action: at the workshop the council voted to introduce Ordinance No. 202522 for first reading and introduction; the motion to offer the ordinance passed with recorded yes votes by Councilman Donovan, Council McKenna, Councilman Romero and Councilman Lemus. The ordinance carries forward for formal public hearings and further action in a subsequent meeting.

What happens next: the council has placed the project on the next steps for formal proceedings after introduction. Borough staff said they will bring a fuller presentation for residents on permitting and design details at a later date and will pursue any appropriate state funding possibilities the borough can request.