Brielle public meetings in 2025

Mayor & Council

The Brielle Mayor and Council will hold hearings on three ordinances: an amendment to Chapter Fifteen of the borough code concerning sewer and water, an amendment to Ordinance No. 1143 that updates salaries and compensation for borough officers and employees, and a bond ordinance that appropriates $15,000,000 for capital improvements and authorizes $14,250,000 in bonds and notes. The council will also adopt a consent agenda that includes routine resolutions such as a cleaning contract with Kleen‑Rite for $13,260 per year and endorsement of NJDOT’s replacement of the Route 35 bridge over Route 71. Finally, the council will approve payment of bills for December 15, 2025 (amount to be announced).

• Ordinance to amend Chapter Fifteen of the Code of the Borough of Brielle (sewer and water)
• Ordinance to amend and supplement Ordinance No. 1143 fixing salaries and compensation of borough officers and employees
• Bond ordinance appropriating $15,000,000 for capital improvements and authorizing $14,250,000 in bonds and notes
• Contract award to Kleen‑Rite for cleaning the municipal building at $13,260.00 per annum
• Endorsement of NJDOT’s replacement of the Route 35 bridge over Route 71

The council approved Resolution 25‑143 to pay $3,306,259.50 in bills. It also passed Resolutions 25‑144, 25‑145 and the consent agenda (Resolution 25‑146) covering several contracts and appointments. Two ordinances – the sewer and water fee amendment and a $15 M bond for capital improvements – were tabled for 2026. All votes were unanimous with all five members voting aye and no nays.

• Approved Resolution 25‑143 to pay $3,306,259.50 in bills (all ayes)
• Approved final reading of Resolution 25‑144 (all ayes)
• Approved publication of Resolution 25‑145 in the Coast Star (all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda (Resolution 25‑146) including contracts, appointments and a $13,260 cleaning contract (all ayes)
• Tabled ordinance to amend Chapter Fifteen (Sewer and Water) for equity review (all ayes)
• Tabled $15,000,000 bond ordinance for capital improvements (all ayes)
• Appointed Jeffrey Ely as Acting Superintendent of Public Works (part of consent agenda, all ayes)
• Appointed John R. Swisher as Borough Auditor (part of consent agenda, all ayes)

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board will review a variance request for Block 4.01, Lot 2, 101 Lenape Trail to allow construction of a new home. It will also consider a variance application for a front porch addition at 603 Woodview Road and a zoning officer appeal concerning a pool house at 613 Valley Road. Additional items include a report on new equipment at 301 Union Avenue and a filing extension for a minor subdivision at 826 Squan Brook Way and 821 Scott Road.

• Variance relief for Block 4.01, Lot 2, 101 Lenape Trail (new home) – owners Brian and Michelle Gillespie
• Variance application for Block 127, Lot 2, 603 Woodview Road (front porch addition) – minimum lot depth 125 ft required, existing 88.9 ft
• Zoning Officer Appeal for 613 Valley Road, John Williston & Nancy Kriedler Living Trust (pool house)
• Report on new equipment cabinet at 301 Union Avenue, site of Jimmy’s Cucina
• Extension request for filing a Minor Subdivision for 826 Squan Brook Way and 821 Scott Road

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council will consider a consent agenda, payment of bills, and three first‑reading ordinances covering water rates, employee salaries, and a $15,000,000 capital‑improvement bond package. A presentation by H2M will review the borough's water rates. Separate resolutions will authorize public‑hearing notices in the Coast Star for December 15, 2025.

• Resolution 25-136 – authorize payment of bills (amount to be announced)
• Presentation – H2M water rate review and recommendation
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 15 of the Borough Code (Sewer and Water) – first reading
• Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 1143 fixing salaries and compensations – first reading
• Bond ordinance appropriating $15,000,000 and authorizing $14,250,000 in bonds and notes – first reading

The Brielle Council adopted a $15,000,000 bond ordinance to fund capital projects, authorizing $14,250,000 in bonds and notes. It also approved payment of $4,617,810.64 in bills and passed the consent agenda items, including a leaf‑disposal agreement and a Complete Streets technical assistance application. First‑reading ordinances to amend the sewer and water code and to update salaries were also approved.

• Approved $15,000,000 bond ordinance for capital improvements (all ayes)
• Approved payment of $4,617,810.64 in bills (all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items: leaf‑disposal agreement, Complete Streets grant application, transportation agreement with Monmouth County (all ayes)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to amend the sewer and water code (all ayes)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to amend officer and employee salary schedule (all ayes)
• Authorized publication notice for hearing on sewer and water ordinance amendment (all ayes)
• Authorized publication notice for hearing on bond ordinance (all ayes)

Planning Board

The Brielle Planning/Zoning Board will discuss a new variance relief application for 101 Lenape Trail, proposing a new home on a lot smaller than required dimensions. The board will also review an existing variance approval for 315 Leslie Avenue. Additional items include a postponed hearing for 613 Valley Road and a notice from Verizon Wireless about replacing an equipment cabinet at 301 Union Avenue.

• Postponed hearing for 613 Valley Road to Dec. 9 meeting
• Verizon Wireless notice to replace equipment cabinet on roof of 301 Union Avenue (Site of Jimmy’s)
• Old business: variance relief approval for 315 Leslie Avenue (Block 51, Lot 13-13.01)
• New business: variance relief application for 101 Lenape Trail (Block 4.01, Lot 2)
• Approval of minutes from Oct. 14, 2025 meeting

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council will accept the minutes from the October 13 meeting and consider a consent agenda that includes payment of pending bills. A hearing will be held on a capital ordinance to purchase a 2026 Ford F‑350 with equipment, appropriating $110,000 for the borough's water department. The meeting will also adopt an updated employee handbook and consider authorizing an executive session if needed.

• Motion to accept and file minutes of the October 13, 2025 meeting
• Resolution 25-132 to pay bills (amount to be announced)
• Capital ordinance hearing to purchase a 2026 Ford F‑350 with $110,000 appropriation
• Resolution 25-131 to adopt the Employee Handbook and Supervisor’s manual
• Resolution 25-135 to authorize an executive session (if necessary)

The council accepted the minutes from the October 13 meeting, approved the revised Employee Handbook and Model Personnel Policies Manual, and authorized payment of bills totaling $576,187.51. It also passed Resolutions 25-133 and 25-134 on final reading and for publication in the Coast Star. All actions were approved by unanimous votes of the attending councilmembers.

• Accepted and filed October 13 minutes (3 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain)
• Approved revised Employee Handbook and Model Personnel Policies Manual (4-0)
• Authorized payment of bills totaling $576,187.51 (4-0)
• Passed Resolution 25-133 on final reading (4-0)
• Passed Resolution 25-134 to publish passage in the Coast Star (4-0)

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board will review an application for a use variance at Block 51, Lot 13-13.01, 315 Leslie Avenue, proposing a 3.5‑story dwelling with reduced setbacks and increased building coverage. The board will also hold an informal hearing on a zoning change request for the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Route 71 to permit townhouses. Additional items include a resolution to approve a roofed front porch at 649 Holly Hill Drive and the postponement of the 613 Valley Road hearing to November 11.

• Use variance application for 315 Leslie Avenue (3.5‑story dwelling, reduced setbacks, 28.8% building coverage, .70 FAR)
• Informal hearing request for zoning change at Magnolia Avenue & Route 71 to allow townhouses
• Resolution approval for a roofed front porch at 649 Holly Hill Drive (Block 120, Lot 8)
• Postponement of the continued hearing for 613 Valley Road to the November 11 meeting
• Approval of minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting

The Planning/Zoning Board approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. It also approved a variance allowing Robert and Kelly Ann Fahey to construct a roofed front porch at 649 Holly Hill Drive. The approval requires the applicants to install a dry‑well system and to revise the plans to show a two‑foot separation from the seasonal high water table.

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (voice vote, all aye)
• Approved front‑yard setback variance for 649 Holly Hill Drive
• Conditioned approval on installation of a dry‑well system
• Conditioned approval on revised plans showing two‑foot separation from seasonal high water table

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council will hold a hearing on a capital ordinance that appropriates $40,000 to convert permanent municipal records to a digital format. They will also introduce and vote on a capital ordinance that appropriates $110,000 to purchase a 2026 Ford F-350 with equipment for the water department. The meeting includes a consent agenda to adopt the revised Emergency Operations Plan dated 03/10/25 and to renew the animal control agreement with Associated Humane Societies for calendar 2026. Additional items are the payment of bills for October 13, 2025 (amount to be announced) and a possible executive session.

• Capital ordinance to digitize municipal records, appropriating $40,000
• Capital ordinance to purchase a 2026 Ford F-350 with equipment for the water department, appropriating $110,000
• Adoption of the revised Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) dated 03/10/25 (consent agenda)
• Renewal of the Animal Control Agreement with Associated Humane Societies for calendar 2026 (consent agenda)
• Authorization to pay bills for October 13, 2025 (amount to be announced)

The council accepted the September 22, 2025 minutes and renewed the Animal Control Agreement. It approved payment of $250,696.71 in bills and authorized a $40,000 digital records conversion ordinance. The council also approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F‑350 for $110,000 and enabled an executive session on litigation, then accepted a settlement agreement for 636‑638 Borrie Avenue.

• Accepted and filed September 22, 2025 minutes (all ayes)
• Renewed Animal Control Agreement with Associated Humane Societies (all ayes)
• Authorized payment of $250,696.71 in bills (all ayes)
• Approved $40,000 capital ordinance to convert permanent municipal records to digital format (all ayes)
• Approved $110,000 purchase of a 2026 Ford F‑350 with equipment (all ayes)
• Enabled executive session to discuss litigation (all ayes)
• Accepted settlement agreement and mutual release for 636‑638 Borrie Avenue (all ayes)
• Approved revised Emergency Operations Plan (all ayes)

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council will accept the September 8th minutes and approve a consent agenda covering civil‑rights, a RunAPalooza permit, a Rathjen Road block party, and a mutual‑aid agreement. They will hear a proposed amendment to Chapter Fifteen of the borough code that raises the minimum water charge to $220. The council will introduce a capital ordinance that appropriates $40,000 to convert permanent municipal records to digital format. A bill‑payment resolution will be approved for an amount to be announced.

• Resolution 25-114 – authorize payment of September bills (amount to be announced)
• Ordinance hearing to amend Chapter Fifteen (sewer and water) – minimum water fee raised to $220
• Resolution 25-117 – capital ordinance appropriating $40,000 for digital record conversion
• Resolution 25-118 and 120 – authorize Coast Star publication of hearing notices for October 13
• Consent agenda items: civil‑rights resolution, RunAPalooza permit, Rathjen Road block party, intra‑county mutual‑aid agreement

The council passed Resolution 25‑117 on first reading, authorizing $40,000 to convert permanent municipal records to a digital format. It also approved payment of $389,352.77 in bills and adopted the consent agenda authorizing the RunAPalooza event and a block‑party permit. The proposed sewer and water ordinance was tabled for further review by the Public Resource Committee.

• Accepted and filed September 8, 2025 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items including RunAPalooza permit and Rathjen Road block‑party permit (all ayes)
• Authorized payment of bills totaling $389,352.77 (all ayes)
• Tabled the sewer/water ordinance for further analysis by the Public Resource Committee (motion adopted, all ayes)
• Passed Resolution 25‑115 on final reading (all ayes)
• Passed Resolution 25‑116 to authorize publication in the Coast Star (all ayes)
• Passed Resolution 25‑117 first reading, funding $40,000 for digital records conversion (all ayes)
• Passed Resolution 25‑118 to authorize publication of an Oct 27 hearing (all ayes)

Planning Board

The Brielle Planning/Zoning Board will review two variance requests: one for 649 Holly Hill Drive to add a roofed front porch, and another for 315 Leslie Avenue to build a 3.5‑story dwelling with multiple setbacks and height changes. The board will also note correspondence about a bulkhead, dock and moorings project at 920 Cole Drive and a public notice of a fairness hearing in the Mt. Laurel litigation. Minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting will be approved.

• Variance relief for 649 Holly Hill Drive (roofed front porch, setback changes)
• Use variance for 315 Leslie Avenue (3.5‑story dwelling, setbacks, height, coverage, FAR)
• Notice to DEP for reconstruction of bulkhead, dock and moorings at 920 Cole Drive
• Public notice of fairness hearing of Mt. Laurel litigation
• Approval of minutes from August 12, 2025 meeting

The Planning/Zoning Board approved a C‑1/C‑2 variance allowing a front porch at 649 Holly Hill Drive with an 8‑0 vote. The application for 315 Leslie Avenue was postponed to the October 14 meeting. The minutes from the August 12 meeting were approved with a 6‑0 vote, and the board then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved variance for 649 Holly Hill Drive front porch (8-0)
• Postponed 315 Leslie Avenue application to Oct 14 meeting
• Approved minutes of Aug 12, 2025 meeting (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimously)

Mayor & Council

The Brielle Borough Council approved the insertion of a $66,000 State Recreation Improvement Grant and a $150,000 Monmouth County Open Space Grant into the 2025 budget. It also authorized payment of $566,908.31 in bills and approved two special event permits for the Big Tuna Challenge and the Brielle Elementary School Fall Festival. Additional actions included amending Chapter 15 of the borough code, authorizing a public hearing notice, and passing the consent agenda items.

• Approved insertion of $66,000 State Recreation Improvement Grant (all ayes)
• Approved insertion of $150,000 Monmouth County Open Space Grant (all ayes)
• Authorized payment of $566,908.31 bills (all ayes)
• Approved Special Event Permit for Big Tuna Challenge at Brielle Yacht Club Marina (9/18‑9/30) (all ayes)
• Approved Special Event Permit for Brielle Elementary School Fall Festival (Oct 17) (all ayes)
• Passed Ordinance to amend Chapter 15 of the Borough Code (Sewer and Water) (all ayes)
• Authorized publication notice for hearing on Sep 22, 2025 (all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items A‑I (all ayes)

Mayor & Council

Council accepted and filed the July 21, 2025 meeting minutes by a motion from Councilmember Shaak, seconded by Councilmember Nolan, with all votes in favor. The council then resumed the hearing on amending Chapter 21 (Zoning) to create the Rathjen Road Inclusionary Housing Zone, on a motion from Councilmember Shaak seconded by Councilmember Nolan. No final action on the ordinance or related traffic, safety, or environmental matters was taken.

• Approved acceptance and filing of July 21, 2025 minutes (all ayes)
• Resumed hearing on zoning amendment for Rathjen Road Inclusionary Housing Zone (motion passed)

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board approved the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting by voice vote (all aye, Mayor Garruzzo abstaining). The board heard extensive testimony on a 2025 minor subdivision and variance application for 619 Rankin Road, but the minutes do not record a final vote or approval of that application.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (voice vote, all aye, Mayor Garruzzo abstaining)

Mayor & Council

The council accepted and filed the minutes from the June 23, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. After a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment for an inclusionary housing district, no vote was taken on the ordinance. The council then moved to an executive session and unanimously passed Resolution 25-102 to discuss litigation in closed session.

• Accepted and filed June 23, 2025 minutes (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Opened public hearing on zoning amendment for Rathjen Road Inclusionary Housing District (motion passed)
• Approved Resolution 25-102 to enter executive session on litigation (5 ayes, 0 nays)

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting by voice vote. The Board also approved the site‑plan application for 628 Higgins Avenue, which proposes four three‑story rental buildings with 20 units, including three deed‑restricted affordable units. No vote tally was recorded for the site‑plan approval.

• Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved site‑plan for 628 Higgins Avenue redevelopment (20 units, 3 affordable)

Mayor & Council

The Borough Council approved a zoning amendment that creates a new residential inclusionary housing district (Rathjen Road). It also endorsed the Environmental Commission’s $210,000 eco‑path grant application and pledged a $105,000 borough matching contribution. Additional actions included payment of $961,522.90 in bills, a block‑party permit for July 20, 2025, and renewal of an inactive liquor license; all votes were unanimous.

• Approved Resolution 25-98 to endorse $210,000 eco‑path grant and pledge $105,000 borough match (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 25-99 to pay June 23 bills totaling $961,522.90 (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 25-100 adopting zoning amendment creating new residential inclusionary housing district (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 25-101 authorizing publication of the zoning amendment in the Coast Star (all ayes)
• Approved special event permit for a block party on Summit Place, July 20, 2025 (all ayes)
• Approved renewal of liquor license #1308‑44‑007‑004 for JR’s Bevco, designated inactive (all ayes)

Planning Board

The Board held a regular meeting and continued the hearing on the site‑plan approval for 628 Higgins Avenue, owned by M&D Two, LLC. Revised plans were presented and discussed, and numerous public comments were heard. No motion, vote, or final decision on the project was recorded.

Mayor & Council

The Borough Council adopted Resolution 25-96 on first reading, establishing the Rathjen Road Inclusionary Housing District. It also passed Resolution 25-89 endorsing the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. The consent agenda items were approved, including renewal of the street‑sweeping agreement, two special‑event permits, a $18,535.00 check to Nicole Leso, $73,613.33 in change orders for Fisk Avenue improvements, and payment of $290,286.13 in bills. All votes were unanimous with all ayes and no nays.

• Approved Resolution 25-96 creating the Rathjen Road Inclusionary Housing District (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 25-89 endorsing the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (all ayes)
• Authorized renewal of the street‑sweeping agreement with Monmouth County (all ayes)
• Approved Special Event Permit for the Brielle House on June 14 2025 (all ayes)
• Approved Special Event Permit for the Brielle Sports Club "Wellness Day" on July 19 2025 (all ayes)
• Authorized issuance of a $18,535.00 check to Nicole Leso (all ayes)
• Approved change orders for Fisk Avenue Phase I & II totaling $73,613.33 (all ayes)
• Authorized payment of bills totaling $290,286.13 (all ayes)

Mayor & Council

The council accepted the May 12 minutes, approved the consent agenda, and authorized payment of $4,127,992.67 in bills. It also adopted ordinances on water service, natural resource protection, and fire prevention, and approved an executive session to discuss litigation.

• Accepted May 12 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda (all ayes)
• Authorized payment of bills totaling $4,127,992.67 (all ayes)
• Adopted water ordinance amendment (all ayes)
• Adopted natural resources ordinance amendment (all ayes)
• Adopted fire prevention ordinance amendment (all ayes)
• Approved publication of water ordinance in Coast Star (all ayes)
• Approved executive session on litigation (all ayes)

Planning Board

The Brielle Planning/Zoning Board approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting by voice vote. The board adopted a Resolution of Denial for the minor subdivision application submitted by Manasquan Shore Properties, LLC for 323‑325 and 329 Fisk Avenue (Block 47.01, Lots 6 & 7). The application sought variances for lot size and width that were below the R‑3 zone requirements, and the board denied the request. No vote tally was recorded for the denial.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Denied minor subdivision application for 323‑325 & 329 Fisk Avenue

Mayor & Council

The Borough Council adopted a municipal budget of $14,140,698.43 and approved a bond ordinance authorizing $470,250 in bonds for capital improvements. It also passed a consent agenda that included a Boy Scout island cleanup, a fireworks permit, and a $150,000 park‑improvement grant, and authorized payment of May 12 bills totaling $524,155.40. Additional actions included two tax refunds, continuation of an inter‑local service agreement, and authorizing publication of the bond ordinance.

• Adopted $14,140,698.43 municipal budget (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)
• Approved $495,000 bond ordinance authorizing $470,250 bonds (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items: Boy Scout overnight cleanup, fireworks permit, $150,000 park‑improvement grant (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)
• Approved payment of May 12 bills totaling $524,155.40 (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)
• Authorized tax refund of $11,986.62 to 6 Crescent Drive LLC (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)
• Authorized tax refund of $2,529.47 to Therese Williams (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)
• Continued inter‑local agreement for construction office services through Dec 31 2029 (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)
• Authorized publication of bond ordinance in the Coast Star (Gorham, Laufer, Shaak, Visceglia all ayes)

Mayor & Council

The council approved the consent agenda, which included reimbursements, a special events authorization, and the appointment of a police patrolman. It adopted the 2025 municipal budget of $11,476,172 and authorized payment of $325,256.46 in bills. The borough entered shared service agreements with Sea Girt for water utility, code enforcement, and fire‑prevention services, and approved an emergency purchase for a water‑main break costing $16,523.45.

• Approved consent agenda items (special events, reimbursements, police appointment) – all ayes
• Approved payment of bills totaling $325,256.46 – all ayes
• Adopted 2025 municipal budget of $11,476,172 – all ayes
• Authorized shared service agreement with Sea Girt for water utility – all ayes
• Authorized shared service agreement with Sea Girt for code enforcement – all ayes
• Authorized shared service agreement with Sea Girt for fire‑prevention services – all ayes
• Approved emergency purchase for water main break at 306 Brielle Avenue, $16,523.45 – all ayes
• Adjourned meeting – all ayes

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board swore in new alternate member Eric Lubin and approved the minutes from the March 11 meeting. The Board then heard the Whispering Woods application, which seeks amendments to the 2018 approval and related variances for 622 Green Avenue. No vote tally or formal approval was recorded in the minutes for this application.

• Swore in Eric Lubin as Alternate No. 2 (through 12/31/25)
• Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote, all aye, Lubin abstaining)
• Considered Whispering Woods hearing and settlement amendment request (outcome not recorded)

Mayor & Council

The council accepted the March 10 minutes and passed the consent agenda, which included authorizing H2M to start site work for a new municipal building. It approved payment of $325,256.46 in bills and approved the person‑to‑person transfer of License #1308‑33‑004‑008 to The Tides Brielle LLC. The body also adopted a resolution to hold an executive session on pending litigation.

• Accepted and filed March 10 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda authorizing H2M to initiate site work for new municipal building (all ayes)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $325,256.46 (all ayes)
• Approved person‑to‑person transfer of License #1308‑33‑004‑008 to The Tides Brielle LLC (passed)
• Enabled an executive session to discuss pending litigation (all ayes)