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Residents press Harvey Cedars on OPRA redactions, streetscape payments and park signage
Summary
During the public-comment period residents asked whether boulevard windmill signs would need removal under the new sign ordinance, requested details on which phase a Mathis Construction payment covered, presented redacted OPRA documents and questioned whether employee counsel would be shared in a tort claim; officials said attorney review guides redactions and staff will follow up on financial questions.
Harvey Cedars, N.J. — Multiple residents used the board’s privilege-of-the-floor period on Aug. 5 to raise questions about sign rules, streetscape finances and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) document redactions.
Fred Schragger asked whether decorative windmill signs along the boulevard would have to be removed once the new sign ordinance takes effect; Mayor John M. Imperiale confirmed they would. Schragger also sought information about the phase to which a Mathis Construction payment applied, requested more financial details on the streetscape project and asked about the status of the Phase 3 grant application. Commissioner Paul G. Rice said he would follow up with Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Wessler on those questions.
Schragger presented documents he had obtained via OPRA, including a fully redacted memo from Borough Attorney Tennant Magee and attorney billing with redactions. "He does not believe that is proper form," the record states. Mayor Imperiale replied that when OPRA requests are unclear borough attorneys assist employees in completing the request and that attorneys determine what is attorney–client privileged; he added that such OPRA requests take employee time and taxpayer dollars to complete.
Saul Ellman asked about the cost of fulfilling OPRA requests. The mayor used an example of one request costing $500; Commissioner Rice said he would investigate actual costs with the CFO.
Other public comments included a request to acknowledge former Lifeguard Captain Michael “Zeke” Hill for his service and a question about a possible state discussion to disallow construction on barrier islands; Mayor Imperiale said the issue is on the Ocean County Mayors Association agenda and he will attend.
What the board said: officials confirmed removal of certain boulevard signs under the incoming sign ordinance, said attorney review determines redactions for OPRA responses, and pledged follow-up on streetscape billing and grant status.
No formal board action directly resulted from these comments; the board adjourned at 5:03 p.m.
