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Residents press Belmar council on newsprint public-notice resolution, geese management, boardwalk safety and veterans' beach badges
Summary
During public comment, residents opposed a resolution that would support ending newspaper public notices, raised concerns about goose populations and bird flu, asked about the status of a $676,000 HUD housing grant and praised harbor fender work; the council approved the consent agenda and later moved into executive session on contract negotiations.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the Belmar Borough Council meeting to press the council on diverse community concerns.
Neil Sha spoke during the public session to oppose a resolution on the agenda that supports a law to end required public notices in newspapers. "I'm opposed to this ... I find that this is a bad time to do anything that will attack the newspapers," he said, warning of broader effects on the local press. The council closed public comment and the consent agenda, which included resolutions, was approved by roll call.
In extended comment, multiple residents raised concerns about an uptick in geese around Silver Lake, recent dead birds, and potential bird-flu risks. Residents described prior control efforts (egg oiling, trained dogs, lights) and urged repeated egg control and continued contractor engagement. Councilors said the borough’s contracted company (identified in comment as "Birds Beware") remains engaged and that DPW is monitoring playgrounds for health concerns.
Tom Buer and other residents asked about a HUD grant intended for the Belmar Housing Authority, reported in public comment as $676,000. Council members said the borough is serving as a pass-through recipient and that required paperwork was submitted to HUD; the project and bidding will proceed through the Housing Authority once funding is finalized.
Other public commenters asked about boardwalk and bike rules, stickers on public fixtures, and praised recent harbor fender work by contractor Simpson & Brown. Mayor Buco also announced a change to provide free seasonal beach badges for veterans (proof of service required) to simplify access; badges will be available beginning March 3.
What happens next: the council approved the consent agenda and later recessed into executive session to discuss contract negotiations; residents and staff said they will continue coordination on geese-control measures, HUD paperwork and boardwalk safety.
