By PETE WALTON
The Bradley Beach Borough Council has approved a $1.1 million bond issue for a new public works garage, new vehicles and other equipment.
Chief Financial Officer Sandra Rice said no capital expenditures were proposed in 2020 because of the coronavirus response.
Most of the funds raised by the bond ordinance would be used for the borough’s public works department. In addition to a new garage facility, an existing diesel fuel tank will be relocated. Two utility pickup trucks and a front end loader would also be purchased.
The borough police department will get two new sport utility vehicles, an all terrain vehicle and computer equipment.
A generator will be bought and installed at Borough Hall.
When resident Thomas J. Coan asked why the all terrain vehicle was not being purchased by the beach utility, Rice said that the police department requested two ATVs and one would be bought using beach funds.
Rice also reported that the borough is still awaiting its 2019 audit. Rice said she spoke with 2019 auditor Gerard Stankiewicz of Samuel Klein and Company on Jan. 21. Rice said Stankiewicz was continuing to ask for information from department heads.
The financial officer also reported that the borough’s debt load is less than one-half of 1 percent, well below the state’s limit of 3.5 percent. Rice said that the borough’s new auditor Steven A. Wielkotz agreed that the debt statement should be filed even though the 2019 audit is more than four months overdue.
“We don’t want the lack of an audit to have an impact on the borough’s future financial health,” she said.
Rice added that much of the borough’s short-term debt is being refinanced to take advantage of “historically low” interest rates.
Also at this week’s meeting, Council President Al Gubitosi said two architects have volunteered to assist a task force in analyzing whether or not it is feasible for the borough to repair the former Methodist church on LaReine Avenue for use as a community center.
The council voted to name the maritime forest on the oceanfront after former mayor Julie Schreck. Gubitosi said a ceremony will be held once coronavirus procedures permit.
The council president also announced that more than 250 surveys were received from residents and visitors by the borough’s Main Street Task Force.
Ten respondents were selected at random to receive gift certificates from Main Street businesses Bamboo Leaf, Bradley Cafe, Buttered Biscuit, D’Arcy’s, Fins, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Rare, Sojourn, Tuscany by the Sea, and Vic’s.
The winners are Michelle Nadler, Rose Bertini, Summer Deaver, Helen Joy Walk, Debbie Carlough, Amanda Weiner, Alex Stucy, Michael Cloud, Sylvia Laughlin and Vicki Foran.
Residents interested in joining the task force can fill out a volunteer request form at the borough’s web site, bradleybeachnj.gov.
