Manasquan Beach Improvement Association
MBIA Trustees
MBIA Trustees Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2025
TRUSTEES PRESENT: John Casey, Janice Gaswind, Steve Leischner, Bennie O’Grady, John O’Grady, Mary Ryan, Paul Schofield, Linda Sims, Tom Sims, Jane Swiggett, Cindy Weaver, Helen Young and Bob Young. Borough rep: Sheila Vidreiro.
Mary Ryan opened the meeting at 8:30 am.
The minutes of the 7/12/25 meeting were approved via the internet.
Members invited to the 9/13/25 Trustee meeting.
Old Business:
•
MBIA members invited to the Trustee meeting. Pam Martin attended.
MBIA members invited to the Trustee meeting. Pam Martin attended. •Vote on Steve and Tom joining the Board of Trustees. They were approved unanimously.
Vote on Steve and Tom joining the Board of Trustees. They were approved unanimously. •White shirts for Trustees? Mary offered the shirts which are $22.
White shirts for Trustees? Mary offered the shirts which are $22. •“Endangered” invasive species which is increasing dramatically along the beach walk. The concern is that the plants are taking up a large part of the beach. As per the mayor the DEP performed an inspection yesterday but don’t have the results yet.
“Endangered” invasive species which is increasing dramatically along the beach walk. The concern is that the plants are taking up a large part of the beach. As per the mayor the DEP performed an inspection yesterday but don’t have the results yet.•July 4 recognition of MBIA by the Coast Star. Initially they failed to mention that Tourism recognized the MBIA on July 3 during the ceremony at Main Beach. Mary contacted the Coast Star and they subsequently included a picture of the ceremony
July 4 recognition of MBIA by the Coast Star. Initially they failed to mention that Tourism recognized the MBIA on July 3 during the ceremony at Main Beach. Mary contacted the Coast Star and they subsequently included a picture of the ceremony•Collection spot for soft plastic collection? Sheila indicated the Borough would have had to place a bin for plastic and clothes at the DPW garage per the requirements by Helpsie. The DPW does not want to include clothes. There are other organizations in town who collect the plastics and deliver them to the Manasquan Superintendent’s Office once a month. It was suggested that Mary send an email to our members indicating that if they wish to individually participate, they should bring their plastics there at the appropriate day and time. Helen mentioned the plastic can have no food residue and must be soft crinkly plastic.
Collection spot for soft plastic collection? Sheila indicated the Borough would have had to place a bin for plastic and clothes at the DPW garage per the requirements by Helpsie. The DPW does not want to include clothes. There are other organizations in town who collect the plastics and deliver them to the Manasquan Superintendent’s Office once a month. It was suggested that Mary send an email to our members indicating that if they wish to individually participate, they should bring their plastics there at the appropriate day and time. Helen mentioned the plastic can have no food residue and must be soft crinkly plastic.Reports:
•Cindy – Flood Group meeting on September 10 which included Trustees Cindy and Tom. There was a meeting to discuss flooding and community mapping which is a 5-year plan. There was a concern about the 15 quadrants where there would be road crowning, tidal valves, storm & sanitary sewer lines as well as Stockton Lake bulkhead to give us about 50 years in order to come up with a better plan. Initial funding is hoped to come from grants and the Borough treasury. The feeling is we need Federal funding for most of the initiatives. Tom said Chris Tucker and Mike Mangan mentioned the Borough has made purchases in order to inspect all of the storm water drains and a new truck to clean out the clogged drains. Mike thought it would be a good idea if we partnered with other towns with similar flooding issues. He welcomes the MBIA involvement in this venture.
Cindy – Flood Group meeting on September 10 which included Trustees Cindy and Tom. There was a meeting to discuss flooding and community mapping which is a 5-year plan. There was a concern about the 15 quadrants where there would be road crowning, tidal valves, storm & sanitary sewer lines as well as Stockton Lake bulkhead to give us about 50 years in order to come up with a better plan. Initial funding is hoped to come from grants and the Borough treasury. The feeling is we need Federal funding for most of the initiatives. Tom said Chris Tucker and Mike Mangan mentioned the Borough has made purchases in order to inspect all of the storm water drains and a new truck to clean out the clogged drains. Mike thought it would be a good idea if we partnered with other towns with similar flooding issues. He welcomes the MBIA involvement in this venture.•Lisa – July 13th Brunch Cruise on the River Queen. We ended up with 67 attendees and everyone had a wonderful time. We paid $3618 for the tickets and collected $3568. The difference is PayPal fees
Lisa – July 13th Brunch Cruise on the River Queen. We ended up with 67 attendees and everyone had a wonderful time. We paid $3618 for the tickets and collected $3568. The difference is PayPal fees•Julie – Big Sea Day on August 2. Bob mentioned there were almost 20 volunteers.
Julie – Big Sea Day on August 2. Bob mentioned there were almost 20 volunteers.•Helen/Jane/Linda – Summer party on August 23. We had 77 people paid, 3 people showed up but didn’t pay and 11 who did not attend. The prices from Blend where much higher than prior years with Max Devros. This year we hit the Treasury for $368 whereas in the past several years we have been revenue neutral. They are considering moving the date to earlier in the season. We will donate to the Squan Beach Life Saving Station the same amount as last year.
Helen/Jane/Linda – Summer party on August 23. We had 77 people paid, 3 people showed up but didn’t pay and 11 who did not attend. The prices from Blend where much higher than prior years with Max Devros. This year we hit the Treasury for $368 whereas in the past several years we have been revenue neutral. They are considering moving the date to earlier in the season. We will donate to the Squan Beach Life Saving Station the same amount as last year.•Mary R. – Shirt Sales/donation. We had 33 shirts remaining and sold all except 12 that are all small shirts primarily at Big Sea Day. Net profit with the shirt sales was $3377. The remaining shirts were donated.
Mary R. – Shirt Sales/donation. We had 33 shirts remaining and sold all except 12 that are all small shirts primarily at Big Sea Day. Net profit with the shirt sales was $3377. The remaining shirts were donated.•Al – Finances. The check register was distributed. We currently have $10,249 in the bank. Steve asked about the membership fee and it was explained that we raised the fee by $5 a couple of years ago due to higher insurance prices.
Al – Finances. The check register was distributed. We currently have $10,249 in the bank. Steve asked about the membership fee and it was explained that we raised the fee by $5 a couple of years ago due to higher insurance prices.•Bob – Membership. Currently we have 235 members vs. 240 at this time last year. Art sent Bob a list of the 2024 members who have not renewed There are a number of familiar names on the list. Bob will distribute the list to the Trustees and it would be worthwhile if we see these folks to ask if there was a reason they did not renew. Art will send out one last message to those who have not renewed. Bob obtained a list of the participants in Volunteer Day, Big Sea Day, the boat cruise and party. We had 101 members who participated in at least 2 of the activities.
Bob – Membership. Currently we have 235 members vs. 240 at this time last year. Art sent Bob a list of the 2024 members who have not renewed There are a number of familiar names on the list. Bob will distribute the list to the Trustees and it would be worthwhile if we see these folks to ask if there was a reason they did not renew. Art will send out one last message to those who have not renewed. Bob obtained a list of the participants in Volunteer Day, Big Sea Day, the boat cruise and party. We had 101 members who participated in at least 2 of the activities.New Business:
•Thank you from Inlet resident for enforcement who was very happy with the police presence.
Thank you from Inlet resident for enforcement who was very happy with the police presence. •Rec’s Local Summer BBQ – 9/13/25, Main Beach, 4-9 pm with fireworks to follow at Sea Watch beach.
Rec’s Local Summer BBQ – 9/13/25, Main Beach, 4-9 pm with fireworks to follow at Sea Watch beach.•First Ave/Inlet reconfiguration. Sheila believes the plan is on the website. Parking to the east of Carlson’s Corner will be eliminated. The remaining parking will be straight in parking. There will ultimately be no decrease in parking spaces. To the east it will be a pedestrian destination with benches etc.
First Ave/Inlet reconfiguration. Sheila believes the plan is on the website. Parking to the east of Carlson’s Corner will be eliminated. The remaining parking will be straight in parking. There will ultimately be no decrease in parking spaces. To the east it will be a pedestrian destination with benches etc.•Final MBIA Happy Hour at the Salty Whale on 9/17. It will be joint with the Woman’s Club.
Final MBIA Happy Hour at the Salty Whale on 9/17. It will be joint with the Woman’s Club.•MBIA Happy Hour – New location? Cindy and Linda looked at a lot of locations. Leggett’s is not interested in providing us with us with specials and discounts, and the Cantina’s opening date is still unknown. The Rail is currently closed on Wednesday. The Committed Pig has provided some special pricing information.
MBIA Happy Hour – New location? Cindy and Linda looked at a lot of locations. Leggett’s is not interested in providing us with us with specials and discounts, and the Cantina’s opening date is still unknown. The Rail is currently closed on Wednesday. The Committed Pig has provided some special pricing information. •Breakfast with the Candidates – Will not take place since the November election is uncontested. Mary will send an email to the candidates letting them know of our decision.
Breakfast with the Candidates – Will not take place since the November election is uncontested. Mary will send an email to the candidates letting them know of our decision.Items from the Floor:
•Helen mentioned Linda will take minutes for her at the November meeting.
Helen mentioned Linda will take minutes for her at the November meeting.•Sheila mentioned that the 2025 Volunteer shirt which was a slight modification of the anniversary was a huge success. She feels if would be an excellent fundraiser. Bob will contact Rich Leonard for permission to use the design.
Sheila mentioned that the 2025 Volunteer shirt which was a slight modification of the anniversary was a huge success. She feels if would be an excellent fundraiser. Bob will contact Rich Leonard for permission to use the design. •Helen will provide potential dates for 2026 for review by Trustees.
Helen will provide potential dates for 2026 for review by Trustees.The meeting was adjourned.
Final MBIA Happy Hour at the Salty Whale -9/17/25
The next Trustee’s Meeting will be on November 8 at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber
MBIA Bridge Committee Presentation to Manasquan Borough Council - 10/01/12
GLIMMER GLASS BRIDGE REPORT
BY MANASQUAN BEACH IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Council Presentation October 1, 2012
- Studies show bridge falling apart and MUST be replaced; Childs independent? study; Cycle 14 draft report.
- HISTORIC REGISTRY DOES NOT MEAN BRIDGE CAN'T BE REPLACED.
- Originally built as a wooden trestle bridge (without a draw) over 100 years ago before cars; 16 feet wide, 585 feet long.
- Draw span (20 feet wide) built over 100 years ago for spanning Pt. Pleasant Canal (before cars).
- Draw span installed in wooden trestle in 1938; originally hand operated.
- Completely rebuilt in 1950; entire bridge raised 5 feet; shortened to 279 feet; motorized; more counterweights added.
- Numerous repairs and replacements to date; only original parts are two sheaves (wheels at to
- Placed on State and Federal Historic Registers in 2008.
- Historic significance is technology (rolling counterweight design) and aesthetics being preserved by County compromise.
- Bridge is in such bad condition, none of the structure can be salvaged; all piles, supports, bridge deck will be thrown away.
- Estimated life of a new wooden bridge is 35-50 years; estimated life of the proposed bridge is 75 years.
- County traffic count July 9-15, 2007: 6,480 average daily vehicles; 5,905 average weekday vehicles; 7,726 average weekend vehicles.
- MBIA traffic count May 26, 2012 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.: 4,138 vehicles; 688 bicycles; 21 skateboards; 372 pedestrians; traffic stopped 4:24 hours; open 5:36 hours; 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m., traffic stopped 3:30 hours; open 2:30 hours.
- Road is almost becoming impassable in summer due to opening/closing taking so long; long lines of cars.
- Safety is most important issue for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Complete Streets.
- Current standards: two 12 foot width lanes; two 4 foot wide shoulders.
- Main access for residents living south of Brielle Road and for Brielle and Point Pleasant emergency response.
- The County has been working out a plan for the bridge since the early 1990 Asbury Park Press, 8-17-07.
- Project authorized 4-14-94 for $1,000,000.00; studies to date over $700,000.00.
- Wooden bridge would have CCA and AZCA (arsenic).
- Brielle Resolution 8-18-03 (#111-03) and Manasquan Resolution 9-8-03 (#03-70-A) call for complete replacement of bridge.
- Manasquan Resolution 5-19-08 (#69-08) to repair, rehabilitate or replace bridge ASAP; provide for pedestrians and bicycles; preserve character;
- Issues of public safety should be treated as paramount to other considerations.
- No more delays; we must act NOW.
Please see the MBIA Bridge Committee Presentation to Manasquan Borough Counctil on below
Left to Right: Julie Cocozza, Janice Gaswind, Bob Young, Al Sauer, Helen Young, Jane Swiggett, Linda Sims, Lisa Haas, Carol Kirkman, Mary Ryan, John O'Graady, Cindy Weaver. Not pictured: John Casey, Mary Lovely, Bennie O'Grady, Paul Schofield
Report on North Beach Ramp
Mary was previously given surveys by Tom Flarity of the properties on both sides of the North Beach Ramp. Upon review of them, they were not in agreement as to the location of the improvements along and on the 4 foot ramp. However, actual measurements between improvements on each side of the ramp indicated that the useable area was mostly 42 inches but in some places as narrow as 38 inches.Consequently we were asked to set-up a meeting with Tom Flarity and to try to get the Borough to order its own survey to determine who was encroaching on the 4 foot width and by how much. Bob Young and I attended a meeting on September 7, 2018 with Tom Flarity, Councilman Jim Walsh, and Frank DeRomo from the Building Department. We were surprised to see that the Borough had done a survey of the ramp property in 2017. In addition to the 4 foot width of the Borough property for the ramp, in 1968 the Borough was granted an easement by the owner of the property on the north side of the ramp to build an 8 inch wide masonry wall on that owner’s property. Therefore, we had always assumed that the wall was properly located and that would meant that the owner on the south was the one that was encroaching into the easement. However, this survey showed that most of the wall was built within the 4 foot ramp area and not where it was supposed to have been built. Therefore, when the owner on the south fenced in his property, his fence was put mostly on his own property. The survey did show that the fence, at one point, encroaches at most .13 of a foot (which is about an inch and a half) into the ramp area. Consequently, there is no gripe as to the owner on the south. This was pointed out to the Borough in 2017 by the attorney for the owner on the north. The attorney also pointed out that it was the Borough’s obligation to maintain that wall but that the Borough had not done so since it has many cracks and deficiencies in it. The Borough advised that once they were aware of this and of what sort of cost the Borough would have to expend in order to remove and replace the wall in its proper location, they did not feel it was economically feasible for them to take any further action.The Borough’s 2017 survey was too large for them to make a copy for us at the meeting. However, they did agree to send it out for copying and would send us a copy of it.We did point out that the painted crosswalk at the corner of Stockton Lake Boulevard and First Avenue goes directly across the street at right angles to First Avenue and ends up misleading pedestrians that this is the place where the public ramp is located. In fact, the public ramp is several doors to the south. While MBIA has previously requested the Borough on several occasions to relocate the painted crosswalk, the Borough has never done anything about it. However, this time they agreed that they should either angle the crosswalk from the corner to the public ramp or move the crosswalk south so that it goes from the west side of First Avenue directly to the public ramp.Alfred H. Sauer
Ci/MBIA-091218Reprt
MBIA Report - Potter's Beach Access (9/12/18)
