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Council approves $123,000 settlement while resident raises corruption allegations in public comment
Summary
The council approved Resolution 2025-236 authorizing settlement of Hasten v. Borough of Bradley Beach for about $123,000; resident Beth Kepler used public comment to criticize prior officials and urged voters to oppose a proposed change in government form, while attendees asked CFO clarification about budget accounting.
The Bradley Beach Borough Council voted to approve Resolution 2025-236, authorizing settlement of pending Superior Court litigation (Hasten v. Borough of Bradley Beach) for approximately $123,000.
During the public-comment period, resident Beth Kepler addressed the council about the settlement, describing it as “troubling” and asserting the payout reflected misconduct by prior officials. Kepler said the $123,000 payment “should serve as a historic reminder of the damage inflicted by their leadership” and urged residents to vote against an upcoming ballot measure to change the form of government, arguing such a change could return the borough to what she called a corrupt era.
A caller, identified on the record as Thomas J. Coan, asked whether the settlement expense was in the 2024 budget or the 2025 budget. A borough official (CFO Jennifer, present at the meeting) confirmed the cost is in the 2025 budget and noted it originated with the previous administration. The mayor clarified on the record that approving a settlement is a negotiated compromise and is not an admission of liability by the borough.
Councilmembers voted on Resolution 2025-236 by roll call. The motion carried; the council did not debate the settlement further in open session. Residents raised broader concerns about the fiscal impact and political implications of high-profile settlements during the public comment period.
