Manasquan Beach Improvement Association
MBIA Trustees
MBIA Trustees Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2025
TRUSTEES PRESENT: John Casey, Julie Cocozza, Janice Gaswind, Lisa Haas, Carol Kirkman, Bennie O’Grady, John O’Grady, Mary Ryan, Al Sauer, Linda Sims, Jane Swiggett, Cindy Weaver, Helen Young and Bob Young. Guest: Bruce Bresnahan and Michael Mangan.
Mary Ryan opened the meeting at 8:30 am.
The minutes of the 3/8/25 meeting were approved via the internet.
Old Business:
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July 13 River Queen Brunch Cruise – Lisa. We had 48 people express interest and we now have 42 paid. Mary will send out a reminder that the 5/31 deadline is approaching.
July 13 River Queen Brunch Cruise – Lisa. We had 48 people express interest and we now have 42 paid. Mary will send out a reminder that the 5/31 deadline is approaching. •MBIA Dues 6/1 – Happy Hour Renewal Party on May 14.
MBIA Dues 6/1 – Happy Hour Renewal Party on May 14. •Borough Newsletter (MBIA Public Service Announcement). It was written in a collaboration from Sheila, Carol and Mary.
Borough Newsletter (MBIA Public Service Announcement). It was written in a collaboration from Sheila, Carol and Mary.•Volunteer Day picture in the Coast Star. Mary arranged for picture to be published in Thursday’s edition. This included a brief summary provided by Bob.
Volunteer Day picture in the Coast Star. Mary arranged for picture to be published in Thursday’s edition. This included a brief summary provided by Bob.•Beach Clean-up 4/12. The refreshments were well received. Some members participated although the weather was awful.
Beach Clean-up 4/12. The refreshments were well received. Some members participated although the weather was awful.•CPR for MBIA Members. We had to change the date and training has been rescheduled for 5/17. John mentioned a person administered CPR to keep a surfer alive who had suffered a heart attack near the Inlet the previous week.
CPR for MBIA Members. We had to change the date and training has been rescheduled for 5/17. John mentioned a person administered CPR to keep a surfer alive who had suffered a heart attack near the Inlet the previous week. •Invite members to Board Meetings. Mary will mention at the Annual Meeting. Cindy suggested an open forum for attendees. Bob will time for a two minute limit for questions or comments from audience members.
Invite members to Board Meetings. Mary will mention at the Annual Meeting. Cindy suggested an open forum for attendees. Bob will time for a two minute limit for questions or comments from audience members.•Collect soft plastic for MHS. Lisa said the MHS collection area is overwhelmed because many organizations are helping to collect, so we will not join the HS effort by bringing plastics to the Superintendent's building. However, the Borough can create a location to collect the plastic. They will credit the Borough or MHS for a bin. Lisa is pursuing with the town.
Collect soft plastic for MHS. Lisa said the MHS collection area is overwhelmed because many organizations are helping to collect, so we will not join the HS effort by bringing plastics to the Superintendent's building. However, the Borough can create a location to collect the plastic. They will credit the Borough or MHS for a bin. Lisa is pursuing with the town.Reports:
•Beach Badge Donation – Julie. In January, Julie contacted MES and was given a contact who said they would need 13 adults and 11 junior badges. We spent $1665 and collected $2265. We will retain the excess $600 for next year. A bucket will be available at the annual meeting and Happy Hours for contributions. Linda suggested that we include the high school next year, however, the concern is that the HS includes many students who do not reside in Manasquan.
Beach Badge Donation – Julie. In January, Julie contacted MES and was given a contact who said they would need 13 adults and 11 junior badges. We spent $1665 and collected $2265. We will retain the excess $600 for next year. A bucket will be available at the annual meeting and Happy Hours for contributions. Linda suggested that we include the high school next year, however, the concern is that the HS includes many students who do not reside in Manasquan.•Insurance – Al. The general liability premium went up about $400 to $940.81. Other insurance is Fidelity Bond which is $200 and has never changed. Directors' and officers' insurance costs $1143.69.
Insurance – Al. The general liability premium went up about $400 to $940.81. Other insurance is Fidelity Bond which is $200 and has never changed. Directors' and officers' insurance costs $1143.69.•Volunteer Day – Bob. Tasks included scraping and painting the Riddle Way walkway and gazebo, painting 2 sheds at the beach garage, 30 bases for the trash/recycling containers on the beach as well as 5 lifeguard lockers. We also mulched the plot behind the 2nd Ave garage and cleaned up around the Historical Society. With several no shows we had 45 people. It was a very productive day. Mary Ryan got the picture of the volunteers in the Coast Star on Thursday. Bob mentioned that some of the Trustees are aware he has opted to step away from overseeing the Volunteer Day after 8 years as chair. He indicated he has received a response from 8 volunteers who are interesting in serving on a committee for the 2026 event. He was happy to announce that Tom Sims and John Gassner have agreed to chair the event next year. Bob made a motion to purchase a $100 gift card for Brian Moran for supplies he donated. Motion unanimously passed.
Volunteer Day – Bob. Tasks included scraping and painting the Riddle Way walkway and gazebo, painting 2 sheds at the beach garage, 30 bases for the trash/recycling containers on the beach as well as 5 lifeguard lockers. We also mulched the plot behind the 2nd Ave garage and cleaned up around the Historical Society. With several no shows we had 45 people. It was a very productive day. Mary Ryan got the picture of the volunteers in the Coast Star on Thursday. Bob mentioned that some of the Trustees are aware he has opted to step away from overseeing the Volunteer Day after 8 years as chair. He indicated he has received a response from 8 volunteers who are interesting in serving on a committee for the 2026 event. He was happy to announce that Tom Sims and John Gassner have agreed to chair the event next year. Bob made a motion to purchase a $100 gift card for Brian Moran for supplies he donated. Motion unanimously passed.•Membership – As of 5/9 we have 125 members which is 15 less than in 2024. It was agreed that we want new members so we can expand our offerings. Mary asked Bennie to write something up in an effort to entice new members.
Membership – As of 5/9 we have 125 members which is 15 less than in 2024. It was agreed that we want new members so we can expand our offerings. Mary asked Bennie to write something up in an effort to entice new members.•Dedication at the Inlet Gazebo on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m. for Wally Wall. A plaque will be placed in his honor. Wally was the beach manager for many years.
Dedication at the Inlet Gazebo on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m. for Wally Wall. A plaque will be placed in his honor. Wally was the beach manager for many years.New Business:
•Hospice Donation. Donation for Sue Sauer made by Mary on behalf of the trustees.
Hospice Donation. Donation for Sue Sauer made by Mary on behalf of the trustees.•Pat Merz resignation. Bob mentioned we need a minimum of 15 and maximum of 25. We have 2 prospective members attending the July meeting.
Pat Merz resignation. Bob mentioned we need a minimum of 15 and maximum of 25. We have 2 prospective members attending the July meeting.•2025 Annual Meeting – Guests & Committees. Chris Tucker, Greg Restivo and Bruce Bresnahan are confirmed. Tom Flarity and Doug Anderson have not confirmed but are expected to participate. Our regular refreshment and set-up committees are in place.
2025 Annual Meeting – Guests & Committees. Chris Tucker, Greg Restivo and Bruce Bresnahan are confirmed. Tom Flarity and Doug Anderson have not confirmed but are expected to participate. Our regular refreshment and set-up committees are in place.•Decorated Bicycle Contest donation. Mary contacted Pip Ertle to see if they want a donation. Since Rec is now coordinating they may no longer need our donation. The parade and concert will be on 7/3. The MBI would still want to participate.
Decorated Bicycle Contest donation. Mary contacted Pip Ertle to see if they want a donation. Since Rec is now coordinating they may no longer need our donation. The parade and concert will be on 7/3. The MBI would still want to participate.•July 4 recognition of MBIA by Tourism – parade. Tourism would like to recognize us. Mike suggested we have as many members as possible to attend the ceremony. We will walk in the parade. Trustees should wear white shirts. Others should wear whatever MBIA shirt they have. We still have some tee shirts available for purchase if anyone wants them.
July 4 recognition of MBIA by Tourism – parade. Tourism would like to recognize us. Mike suggested we have as many members as possible to attend the ceremony. We will walk in the parade. Trustees should wear white shirts. Others should wear whatever MBIA shirt they have. We still have some tee shirts available for purchase if anyone wants them.•Summer Party. August 23 at the Squan Beach Lifesaving Station. Helen, Linda and Jane will chair again this year. The Mayor’s Ball will be on Friday Sep 5.
Summer Party. August 23 at the Squan Beach Lifesaving Station. Helen, Linda and Jane will chair again this year. The Mayor’s Ball will be on Friday Sep 5. •Work with Sea Lavendar Club on mosaic for the Inlet. Mary met with several Sea Lavendar Club members about placing a mosaic along the south facing wall of the restroom building. The Sea Lavender Club will procure the materials and an artist. Mary discouraged using the MHS art students since our prior inlet project was challenging due to student availability. Al suggested we tell them we are interested but need more details. This could be a very costly endeavor, although Trustees agreed it could be worthwhile. It was noted that we covered our mural to protect it from the weather and vandalism.
Work with Sea Lavendar Club on mosaic for the Inlet. Mary met with several Sea Lavendar Club members about placing a mosaic along the south facing wall of the restroom building. The Sea Lavender Club will procure the materials and an artist. Mary discouraged using the MHS art students since our prior inlet project was challenging due to student availability. Al suggested we tell them we are interested but need more details. This could be a very costly endeavor, although Trustees agreed it could be worthwhile. It was noted that we covered our mural to protect it from the weather and vandalism. •Parking & Curfew Ordinances in effect May 1. A resident at the Inlet was very excited over the new signs. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 10 p.m. It is tool but not aimed against someone who is not causing a disturbance.
Parking & Curfew Ordinances in effect May 1. A resident at the Inlet was very excited over the new signs. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 10 p.m. It is tool but not aimed against someone who is not causing a disturbance.Items from the Floor:
•Mayor’s Ball Sponsorships – We agreed to be a $250 sponsor. All of the benefits accrue to Manasquan Cares. The ticket pre-sale will occur from June1-15 for those involved in volunteering within Manasquan, then become available to all others after the 15th. The tent will be bigger than last year's and accommodate over 300 people.
Mayor’s Ball Sponsorships – We agreed to be a $250 sponsor. All of the benefits accrue to Manasquan Cares. The ticket pre-sale will occur from June1-15 for those involved in volunteering within Manasquan, then become available to all others after the 15th. The tent will be bigger than last year's and accommodate over 300 people.•John C. asked if the Trustees follow the MBIA of Manasquan NJ on FaceBook. John suggested it is an important form of communication.
John C. asked if the Trustees follow the MBIA of Manasquan NJ on FaceBook. John suggested it is an important form of communication.•Cindy asked about the fence around the Ocean Ave generator. The Borough has opted not to pursue a legal option to remove the generator.
Cindy asked about the fence around the Ocean Ave generator. The Borough has opted not to pursue a legal option to remove the generator. •Sea Watch. Mike said they are working on obtaining a CO for changes requested by Mr. Valdentti that should not have been made. He is currently restricted to operating the concession from April to December.
Sea Watch. Mike said they are working on obtaining a CO for changes requested by Mr. Valdentti that should not have been made. He is currently restricted to operating the concession from April to December.The meeting was adjourned.
The next Trustee’s Meeting will be on July 12 at 8:30 in Borough Hall
Happy Hour at the Salty Whale – May 14, June 11 & July 9
MBIA Annual Meeting - June 14 2025 - 9 a.m.
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)
