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Bradley Beach council approves settlement and advances bond, budget and zoning matters
Summary
Council approved Resolution 2025-236 authorizing a $123,000 settlement payment related to pending litigation, introduced a bond ordinance for sewer improvements (2025-19), amended the 2025 capital budget (Resolution 2025-237), introduced increases to construction permit fees (Ordinance 2025-21), and handled several consent agenda items and appointments.
The Bradley Beach Borough Council approved a set of financial and regulatory items at its meeting, including a settlement authorization and several budget and ordinance actions.
By roll call, the council approved Resolution 2025-236 authorizing settlement of litigation captioned Houston v. Borough of Bradley Beach (Monmouth County Superior Court). A public commenter earlier referenced a $123,000 settlement and urged vigilance; council confirmed the settlement amount is recorded in the 2025 budget. Chair emphasized that approving a settlement is not an admission of liability but a resolution to end pending litigation.
Council introduced Bond Ordinance 2025-19 to provide sewer improvements on Park Place Avenue and 5th Avenue, increasing appropriation and bond authorization to complete replacement (instead of lining) to address laterals and reduce future liabilities. The ordinance was introduced for later adoption.
The council also voted to amend the 2025 capital budget via Resolution 2025-237 (approved earlier on the agenda), introduced Ordinance 2025-21 to increase Uniform Construction Code (UCC) permit fees (citing long‑unadjusted fees and cumulative CPI increases), and approved several consent agenda resolutions covering outdoor café licenses, a concession bid award (Resolution 2025-214), lien redemption refund for 509 Jade Avenue ($3,056.77), and retention of a retired judge to serve as hearing officer for an outdoor premises expansion appeal (Resolution 2025-235).
Council members asked that settlement and other litigation-related costs be tracked clearly in future budgets. A council member requested a line-item to show the settlement’s budgetary impact so taxpayers could see the effect on tax rates and municipal finances.
