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After heavy flooding, Ocean Township praises first responders, seeks stormwater funds and advances several ordinances
Summary
Council thanked emergency personnel for storm response following severe flooding, opened a public hearing on a $250,000 CDBG request for ADA restrooms at Kepwell Park, approved multiple ordinances including two zoning-related measures, and passed consent items that included a $10.17 million voucher batch.
Council members opened the meeting by thanking first responders and emergency-management staff for their response to recent severe storms and local flooding that left some properties damaged and prompted a roof collapse at a retail store.
Deputy Mayor Dave Fisher and other council members described rapid multiagency response and recovery activity, saying boats and mutual aid were brought in to rescue residents and crews worked to restore power. The mayor said he had spoken to state officials and urged pursuit of mitigation funding; he told the DEP commissioner and other state contacts that the township needs stormwater mitigation money.
The council opened a required public hearing for a Monmouth County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application seeking $250,000 to build ADA-compliant restroom facilities at Kepwell Park. Staff said the hearing would collect public comment to be included in the grant application; no speakers offered substantive objections and the hearing was closed for council consideration.
On the consent agenda the council approved routine resolutions and a voucher batch. The clerk reported a voucher amount of $10,166,400.08; the consent agenda and vouchers were approved by roll call.
Council also opened and adopted Ordinance 25-48 (establishing a stop intersection on Cedar Street) and Ordinance 25-49 (comprehensive zoning amendments) on roll call; several other ordinances were introduced for public hearing on August 13, including redevelopment-related items and bond ordinances. During public comment residents urged stricter impervious-coverage standards and asked for coordinated flood information and clearer communication about emergency resources.
Council members said engineers are examining damaged storm pipes on affected streets and that the township will pursue repairs and remediation; the clerk and staff were asked to follow up with residents who reported property damage and pipe concerns.
