Manasquan Beach Improvement Association
MBIA Trustees
MBIA Trustees Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2024
TRUSTEES PRESENT: John Casey, Julie Cocozza, Janice Gaswind, Carol Kirkman, Mary Lovely, Pat Merz, Bennie O’Grady, John O’Grady, Mary Ryan, Al Sauer, Jane Swiggett, Cindy Weaver, Helen Young and Bob Young. Guest: Sheila Vidreiro.
Mary Ryan opened the meeting at 8:30 am.
The minutes of the 05/11/24 meeting were approved via the internet.
Old Business:
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Volunteer Day – Bocce Court repair “Thank You” from Senior Citizens
Volunteer Day – Bocce Court repair “Thank You” from Senior Citizens •MBIA Annual Meeting – June 15,2024. Thanks to John O’Grady, Bob, Al, Linda, Helen, Julie and all others who helped with set-up and take-down. Thanks and a Main Scoop gift certificate to Will Mangan who worked the Zoom link. Bennie suggested in the future all speakers should stand when asking a question. It is difficult to hear especially in the back.
MBIA Annual Meeting – June 15,2024. Thanks to John O’Grady, Bob, Al, Linda, Helen, Julie and all others who helped with set-up and take-down. Thanks and a Main Scoop gift certificate to Will Mangan who worked the Zoom link. Bennie suggested in the future all speakers should stand when asking a question. It is difficult to hear especially in the back.•July 4th Bicycle Contest – Pip Ertle updated Manasquan money for the prizes since the donation we had made previously had expired. Thanks to Cindy, Mary L., Mary R. and Sheila Vidreiro who worked as judges. It was recommended that teams of 2 judges participate in future years since there are four categories and it is difficult to judge solo.
July 4th Bicycle Contest – Pip Ertle updated Manasquan money for the prizes since the donation we had made previously had expired. Thanks to Cindy, Mary L., Mary R. and Sheila Vidreiro who worked as judges. It was recommended that teams of 2 judges participate in future years since there are four categories and it is difficult to judge solo.•MBIA parade participation – Great turnout. We had our 100th Anniversary banner carried by Bob and Tom DeLorenzo, then by Carol and Al. Two cars were in our section plus a golf cart.
MBIA parade participation – Great turnout. We had our 100th Anniversary banner carried by Bob and Tom DeLorenzo, then by Carol and Al. Two cars were in our section plus a golf cart. Reports:
•Al – Financials/Bridge news/Generator at Pumping Station. A copy of the financials was distributed. Our Director’s liability insurance is over $1100. Al received a notice that the company handling our general liability is leaving NJ. Al is going to investigate a new vendor. Our total insurance expenses are approximately $2000. As of 7/12, our bank balance is $8,616.94. Al referenced the traffic issues when the Glimmerglass Bridge was closed in June. The county is hoping to have a hearing in connection with replacing the bridge in October. We would like to have everyone support a new bridge at the meeting. We first started discussions on replacing the bridge in 2011. The cost is up to $30M. On another subject, the generator behind the pumping station should not be located in that location. Sheila stated there is a disagreement over who owns the land. Al stated the Borough owns the land. Al has a copy of the agreement and had previously passed a copy to Borough officials. The Borough received one bid for the use of the Sea Watch restaurant facility but it has not yet been accepted. It is hoped that there will be an opportunity to reopen the bidding process. The Sea Watch building will not be completed until September because the Borough is waiting for the elevator to be installed.
Al – Financials/Bridge news/Generator at Pumping Station. A copy of the financials was distributed. Our Director’s liability insurance is over $1100. Al received a notice that the company handling our general liability is leaving NJ. Al is going to investigate a new vendor. Our total insurance expenses are approximately $2000. As of 7/12, our bank balance is $8,616.94. Al referenced the traffic issues when the Glimmerglass Bridge was closed in June. The county is hoping to have a hearing in connection with replacing the bridge in October. We would like to have everyone support a new bridge at the meeting. We first started discussions on replacing the bridge in 2011. The cost is up to $30M. On another subject, the generator behind the pumping station should not be located in that location. Sheila stated there is a disagreement over who owns the land. Al stated the Borough owns the land. Al has a copy of the agreement and had previously passed a copy to Borough officials. The Borough received one bid for the use of the Sea Watch restaurant facility but it has not yet been accepted. It is hoped that there will be an opportunity to reopen the bidding process. The Sea Watch building will not be completed until September because the Borough is waiting for the elevator to be installed.•Cindy – May 17 meeting with Chris Tucker, Tom Flarity and Mike Mangan along with select MBIA members. A flood protection master plan revision is taking place along with drainage maps. Discussion followed with tidal and rainwater flooding impacts. Cindy and Cate McClave toured northern towns from Bradley to Sea Girt to see how the towns use dams for flood control. Cindy is waiting to see if a study has been done in connection with Stockton Lake. Manasquan is ahead on the written OEM plans but may be behind a bit on flood mitigation. Cindy does not feel road crowning is the right band-aid. The MBIA group will be meeting on July 19 and will likely be meeting with town officials in October.
Cindy – May 17 meeting with Chris Tucker, Tom Flarity and Mike Mangan along with select MBIA members. A flood protection master plan revision is taking place along with drainage maps. Discussion followed with tidal and rainwater flooding impacts. Cindy and Cate McClave toured northern towns from Bradley to Sea Girt to see how the towns use dams for flood control. Cindy is waiting to see if a study has been done in connection with Stockton Lake. Manasquan is ahead on the written OEM plans but may be behind a bit on flood mitigation. Cindy does not feel road crowning is the right band-aid. The MBIA group will be meeting on July 19 and will likely be meeting with town officials in October.•Helen/Linda/Jane – Annual Party at SBLSS on 8/24. Helen said we have 45 people signed up. This is the most people we have had at this point. She thinks we may sell out before the cutoff day. Planning is progressing on schedule. Volunteers are needed for set-up and clean-up. A signup sheet was circulated. We need more people to help with set-up.
Helen/Linda/Jane – Annual Party at SBLSS on 8/24. Helen said we have 45 people signed up. This is the most people we have had at this point. She thinks we may sell out before the cutoff day. Planning is progressing on schedule. Volunteers are needed for set-up and clean-up. A signup sheet was circulated. We need more people to help with set-up.•Holiday Decoration for Sea Watch – wreaths. We approved at the last meeting purchasing 2 wreaths for the new Sea Watch building. The Borough is reviving the beatification committee and they may possibly be looking for us to contribute cash. It was expensive to have a private firm take down the decorations in town. There appears to be reluctance from the DPW to take on this task. The group has not yet met so we do not have any information yet on their needs. Carol will continue in the role as the MBIA representative.
Holiday Decoration for Sea Watch – wreaths. We approved at the last meeting purchasing 2 wreaths for the new Sea Watch building. The Borough is reviving the beatification committee and they may possibly be looking for us to contribute cash. It was expensive to have a private firm take down the decorations in town. There appears to be reluctance from the DPW to take on this task. The group has not yet met so we do not have any information yet on their needs. Carol will continue in the role as the MBIA representative.•Lisa – Backyard Crawl results. Lisa was not able to attend the meeting, so the readout will be at the next meeting.
Lisa – Backyard Crawl results. Lisa was not able to attend the meeting, so the readout will be at the next meeting.•Mary Lovely – Salty Whale Happy Hours, June - 35 attendees with 4 new memberships and 1 renewal. July - 44 attendees with 1 new member. Trustees agreed this was an excellent idea in order to recruit new members and have members involved in the organization.
Mary Lovely – Salty Whale Happy Hours, June - 35 attendees with 4 new memberships and 1 renewal. July - 44 attendees with 1 new member. Trustees agreed this was an excellent idea in order to recruit new members and have members involved in the organization.•Julie Cocozza – Trustee shirts/Big Sea Day tattoos. In order to obtain new trustee shirts Julie ordered 12 shirts at $26 each. She has 11 on hand. For Big Sea Day tattoos, Julie distributed a sign-up sheet at the meeting for Trustees. Mary will send out an email to the general membership for additional volunteers. We typically get several general members to participate. She is getting tents and chairs from Pip Ertle. Al will bring 2 tables unless Pip is able to supply one of them. Julie will shop for additional tattoos.
Julie Cocozza – Trustee shirts/Big Sea Day tattoos. In order to obtain new trustee shirts Julie ordered 12 shirts at $26 each. She has 11 on hand. For Big Sea Day tattoos, Julie distributed a sign-up sheet at the meeting for Trustees. Mary will send out an email to the general membership for additional volunteers. We typically get several general members to participate. She is getting tents and chairs from Pip Ertle. Al will bring 2 tables unless Pip is able to supply one of them. Julie will shop for additional tattoos.•Mary Ryan – Membership. We currently have 175 members vs. 194 last year. Mary said we will send an email to those who have not renewed. Bob stated if the numbers are still down we need to dig down on the root cause. The figures are very disturbing. Given we are paying approximately $2000 on insurance that leaves only $2000 from current dues to cover the bicycle parade, candy cane hunt, volunteer day expenses, tattoos, donations, etc. Mary L. asked if Art can send us a list of current members and those who have not renewed. A discussion ensued in connection with a privacy issue. Jane said the Woman’s Club shares names, addresses and contact information with all members. Mary R. will send us the information.
Mary Ryan – Membership. We currently have 175 members vs. 194 last year. Mary said we will send an email to those who have not renewed. Bob stated if the numbers are still down we need to dig down on the root cause. The figures are very disturbing. Given we are paying approximately $2000 on insurance that leaves only $2000 from current dues to cover the bicycle parade, candy cane hunt, volunteer day expenses, tattoos, donations, etc. Mary L. asked if Art can send us a list of current members and those who have not renewed. A discussion ensued in connection with a privacy issue. Jane said the Woman’s Club shares names, addresses and contact information with all members. Mary R. will send us the information.New Business:
•Big Sea Day – August 3/request for volunteers - see above.
Big Sea Day – August 3/request for volunteers - see above.•Table for MBIA tee shirt sales at Big Sea Day - We will display some shirts on Big Sea Day and have order forms as well.
Table for MBIA tee shirt sales at Big Sea Day - We will display some shirts on Big Sea Day and have order forms as well.•Donation to the First Aid Squad. A motion was made to make a $100 donation which was approved unanimously.
Donation to the First Aid Squad. A motion was made to make a $100 donation which was approved unanimously. •Mayors’ Ball donation? Sponsorship? Sheila suggested the MBIA should deal with membership issues and we do not need to make a donation given our current expenses in other areas.
Mayors’ Ball donation? Sponsorship? Sheila suggested the MBIA should deal with membership issues and we do not need to make a donation given our current expenses in other areas. •Wind Turbine transmission lines. The government has not been particularly transparent on this issue so much of the information Carol has been able to accumulate is from other sources and is as follows. A substation is to be build on the Army Camp by the beach area. Then, 4 large electric transmission lines from all wind turbines in the ocean off NJ (possibly as many as 400) will be funneled through an 8 foot diameter concrete conduit dug underground 1 1/2 to 5 feet running under Sea Girt Avenue to North Main Street, then under the bike path to Howell Township where the substation will accept the electricity. It is being suggested the amount of electricity transmitted is equal to between 8-10 nuclear reactors. This type of project has never been tried in the entire world so there is no data on any potential adverse effects. Apparently, the government has not done studies on the effects on the different types of soil that will be involved. The project is moving quickly. The Army Camp was chosen because it is state property and the bike path is county property.
Wind Turbine transmission lines. The government has not been particularly transparent on this issue so much of the information Carol has been able to accumulate is from other sources and is as follows. A substation is to be build on the Army Camp by the beach area. Then, 4 large electric transmission lines from all wind turbines in the ocean off NJ (possibly as many as 400) will be funneled through an 8 foot diameter concrete conduit dug underground 1 1/2 to 5 feet running under Sea Girt Avenue to North Main Street, then under the bike path to Howell Township where the substation will accept the electricity. It is being suggested the amount of electricity transmitted is equal to between 8-10 nuclear reactors. This type of project has never been tried in the entire world so there is no data on any potential adverse effects. Apparently, the government has not done studies on the effects on the different types of soil that will be involved. The project is moving quickly. The Army Camp was chosen because it is state property and the bike path is county property. The meeting was adjourned.
The next Trustee’s Meeting will be on Sep 14 at 8:30 a.m. in Council Chamber
Big Sea Day is August 3 with a rain date of August 4
Happy Hour at The Salty Whale - 2nd Wednesday of each month
Annual Party will be on August 24 at the SBLSS from 5:30 - 7:30
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
Seated (left to right) : Julie Cocozza, Mary Ryan, Cindy Weaver, Lisa Haas. Standing (left to right) Helen Young, Bennie O'Grady, Bob Young, John O'Grady, Linda Sims, John Casey, Al Sauer, Mary Lovely. Not picured: Janice Gaswind, Carol Kirkman, Pat Merz, Heather Schofield, Jane Swiggett,
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)
