Harvey Cedars commissioners approve infrastructure spending, beach-badge fee change and multiple resolutions

Harvey Cedars, N.J. — The Borough of Harvey Cedars Board of Commissioners met on Nov. 18 and unanimously approved a package of ordinances and resolutions that included borrowing authorization for capital improvements, changes to beach badge fees, a contract change order for a water-well project and two police appointments.

The board adopted Ordinance #2024-26, appropriating $250,000 for borough improvements and authorizing the issuance of $237,500 in bonds or notes, and Ordinance #2024-27, an amendment to Chapter 4 (General Licensing) concerning beach badge fees. During the public discussion on the badge ordinance, local resident James Fritz asked whether seniors would see an increase; Mayor John M. Imperiale confirmed senior prices will remain unchanged.

The board approved Resolution #2024-137, awarding Change Order #1 to Quad Construction for the SFY2017 Test/Production Well Project in the amount of $99,191.33, a 4.45% increase over the original contract. The change order covers design changes including a relocated building requiring additional electrical/conduit and piping, siding and railing substitutions, added observation tubes and an alternative pump plan that allows pump removal for repair. Funds are certified from the appropriation made by Ordinance #2017-05 as amended by Ordinance #2022-18 (Account C-08-55-215-000-174).

The board also authorized an intergovernmental agreement with Ocean County (Resolution #2024-166) for purchase of materials and supplies for 2024 road and traffic-light maintenance (Schedule “C”) in an amount not to exceed $11,000 ($10,000 allocated to the Ocean County Road Department and $1,000 to the Ocean County Engineering Department). The agreement will remain in force through Dec. 31, 2025 and, according to the resolution text, sufficient funds have been appropriated in the 2025 municipal budget.

Appointments approved included Joseph J. DeAngelo as a full-time police officer effective Nov. 1, 2024 (probationary through Oct. 31, 2025) and Caitlin Kisielius as a Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer effective Nov. 1, 2024.

The board adopted its bills resolution; the meeting record includes a detailed Bill List showing total purchase orders of $851,593.48 across funds (Current Fund, Utility Operating, General Capital, Utility Capital and Trust Fund).

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance #2024-26 (appropriation/bonds): Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance #2024-27 (beach badge fees): Adopted unanimously; Mayor stated senior pricing unchanged. - Resolution #2024-137 (Quad Construction change order $99,191.33): Adopted unanimously. - Resolution #2024-166 (Intergovernmental Agreement with Ocean County, not to exceed $11,000): Adopted unanimously. - Resolution #2024-167 (retiree insurance coverage, see separate resolution): Adopted unanimously. - Resolution #2024-168 (Bills): Adopted unanimously. - Resolutions #2024-138 through #2024-165 (consent agenda, largely honoring veterans and routine items): Adopted unanimously. - Resolutions #2024-169 and #2024-170 (police appointments): Adopted unanimously.

Why it matters

The change order for the well project increases the utility capital contract by about $99,000 and documents design changes with implications for future maintenance (notably an alternative pump plan). The intergovernmental agreement with Ocean County formalizes a procurement channel for road and signal materials next year. The bill list provides a snapshot of recent borough spending across operating and capital funds. Personnel appointments fill two law-enforcement positions.

The board adjourned at 4:51 p.m.; Mayor Imperiale noted the next meeting on Dec. 16 at 4:30 p.m. will include recognition of borough volunteers.