By MELISSA BEVERIDGE
The Bradley Beach Borough Council introduced the Recreation Department’s new Recreation Director, Shawn Heeter, of the West Allenhurst section of Ocean Township at its meeting this week.
He replaces Cynthia Brady who died unexpectedly after retiring two weeks ago.
Heeter is a teacher at the Academy Charter High School in Lake Como and the Recreation Coordinator in Spring Lake Heights.
Jennifer Young, chairman of the Bradley Beach Recreation Committee, asked the Council to look into the open recreation hours for the gym, which in the past was held from 3 to 6 pm.
“It hasn’t been open for five months. We’re feeling neglected and want to see the changes happen,” Young said.
In other busines, the council discussed the new budget. Business Administrator Joyce Wilkins said the borough had received additional revenue including grants and a reduction in pensions that results in a $37,000 reduction in the proposed budget.
“This results in an increase of little less then 1.3 percent person,” said Mayor Gary Engelstad. “We’re in strong shape compared to other shore towns who have 3,4, and even 6 percent increases.”
“I want to publicly acknowledge Joyce Wilkins for her incredible work (on the 2014 Municipal Budget). She knows where every penny is,” Engelstad said.
During public comments, John Weber of Surfrider, announced that the Environmental Commission recently nominated Captain Modjeski for the EPA’s Environmental Quality Awards. Weber said Modjeski won for Region II and will be accepting the award later this month.
Weber also brought attention to the fact that there are large rocks on the water line at the beachfront. He believes the rocks were left behind by the Army Corps of Engineers during the replenishment. Council said it will ask the Army Corps of Engineers about the rocks during the final walk through of the beachfront later this week.
