West Long Branch, New Jersey

Mayor and Borough Council

The council is holding a public hearing and considering a resolution to apply for a $250,000 Monmouth County Open Space Trust Fund grant for Sorrentino Park pickleball and soccer field improvements, with a total project cost of $500,000. They are also introducing an ordinance to add gun permit fees to the list of fee exemptions for active emergency services volunteers. Other actions include appointing a Class II special police officer, hiring a seasonal public works laborer, and approving various grant applications and contracts.

• Public hearing and resolution (R-26-92) for $250K Open Space Grant for Sorrentino Park pickleball and soccer field improvements (total project $500K)
• Ordinance O-26-17: adding gun permit fee exemptions for active fire and EMS volunteers
• Resolution R-26-86: appointing Thomas Varricchio Jr. as Class II Special Police Officer at $25/hour
• Resolution R-26-89: hiring Gage Gonter as part-time seasonal public works laborer at $16/hour (July 6 – Sept 2)
• Resolution R-26-91: authorizing CDBG grant application for Library ADA entrance, crosswalk, and improvements to the Janet Tucci ADA Accessible Reading Garden

Mayor and Borough Council

The West Long Branch Mayor and Borough Council will hold a caucus meeting to discuss three items: an ordinance amendment, litigation status, and a property at 22 Girard Ave. No further details are provided in the agenda. The meeting includes a public comment period.

• Ordinance Amendment (unspecified)
• Litigation Status (ES)
• 22 Girard Ave property discussion

Mayor and Borough Council

The West Long Branch Borough Council will consider adoption of the 2026 municipal budget (R-26-84) and give second and final reading to an ordinance setting 2025 salaries for municipal officers and employees (O-26-16). The council will also vote on resolutions including a shared service agreement for emergency dispatch services with Monmouth County (2026–2030), dedication of a Poplar Avenue open space as Mayor Janet Tucci Park & Reading Garden, and renewal of several liquor licenses.

• Adoption of 2026 municipal budget (R-26-84)
• Second reading of Ordinance O-26-16 setting 2025 salaries; Borough Administrator range $45,000–$185,000
• Resolution R-26-77 dedicating Poplar Ave open space as Mayor Janet Tucci Park & Reading Garden
• Resolution R-26-85 authorizing a 5-year shared service agreement with Monmouth County Sheriff's Office for PSAP dispatch services
• Resolution R-26-76 refunding $325 in duplicate inspection fees to Joseph Nesser for 41 Brookwillow Avenue

The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 0-26-16 setting 2025 salaries for municipal employees and officers. It also dedicated the Poplar Avenue open space as the Mayor Janet Tucci Park & Reading Garden, renewed multiple liquor licenses, and reappointed the Borough Clerk. All motions passed 5-0 with one member absent.

• Approved minutes of June 3 executive session (with pages 2,5,6 withheld), council meeting, and caucus meeting (all 5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 0-26-16 on third reading, setting 2025 salaries for municipal employees and officers (5-0)
• Approved $325 refund to Joseph Nesser for duplicate certificate of occupancy/inspection fees (5-0)
• Dedicated open space on Poplar Avenue as Mayor Janet Tucci Park & Reading Garden (5-0)
• Approved FY2027-FY2029 cooperation agreement with Monmouth County for Community Development Block Grant program (5-0)
• Renewed inactive liquor license (Ravi Randal Corp.) for 2026-2027 after showing active use steps (5-0)
• Renewed six other liquor licenses for 2026-2027 (Rodeio Grill, Neamoni Inc., Myway B&G, Branches Catering, Ravi Randal distribution, Monmouth University club, La Quinta Inn) (5-0)
• Reappointed Carolina Kelly as Borough Clerk effective July 5, 2026 (5-0)

Mayor and Borough Council

The West Long Branch Mayor and Borough Council will hold a caucus meeting to discuss three listed matters: litigation (ES), summer recreation for children, and the Owen fence (ES). No detailed agenda items or votes are specified, as this is a discussion-only session. The public will have an opportunity to be heard.

• Litigation (ES) discussion
• Summer Recreation Children program
• Owen Fence (ES) matter

The council held a procedural caucus with no formal votes or public comment. The only substantive discussion was on a contractor's request to delay paving at 22 Girard Avenue until after summer; the council agreed to wait for more details at the next meeting. An executive session was planned for later. No ordinances or resolutions were adopted.

• Tabled discussion on 22 Girard Avenue paving delay until next meeting
• No ordinances or resolutions approved
• Executive session scheduled for litigation, Owen Fence, and Condo Services

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will not decide any applications at this meeting. All three new applications—JCP&L generator upgrades, Krysta Parker's second-floor addition, and Abraham Perets's coverage legalization—are being rescheduled due to incomplete noticing or applicant request. The board will also hold an informational training session and adopt prior meeting minutes.

• JCP&L Generator and Switchboard Upgrades (ZB 2025-05) at 291 Monmouth Rd requests to be carried to a future meeting.
• Krysta Parker (ZB 2025-15) bulk variance for second floor at 110 Wall Street requests rescheduling due to incomplete noticing.
• Abraham Perets (ZB 2024-19) bulk variance to legalize coverage at 7 Elmwood Ave requests rescheduling due to incomplete noticing.
• Board Attorney and Planner to conduct an informational training session not tied to any pending application.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a resolution (PB-2026-01) for a change of use application for Monmouth Bagel on a 1.63-acre property in the NC Zone on Monmouth Road. The board will also adopt minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting.

• Resolution PB-2026-01: Monmouth Bagel Change of Use Application for Block 60, Lot 71 & 74, NC Zone, 1.63-acre site on Monmouth Road

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission is reviewing recent events, including the June 4 dedication of Mayor Janet Tucci Park & Reading Garden, and reporting on ongoing programs (yoga, chair exercise, mahjong, bocce). They are also planning upcoming events: a June 26 movie night (The Sandlot), a June 28 Kite Festival merging with the 250th Family Picnic Day, and a summer concert series with contracted bands totaling $7,250. Summer Recreation camp starts June 29 with 52 registered campers and newly CPR-certified counselors.

• Dedication of Mayor Janet Tucci Park & Reading Garden on June 4
• Summer concert series: July 10 Whiskey and Roses ($2,000), July 17 Nu Rhythm ($1,000), Aug 14 The Wag ($2,000), Aug 21 Generation Gap ($750), Aug 28 The Clamdiggers ($1,500)
• June 28 Kite Festival & Family Picnic Day (noon-4pm at FAS & WLB Community Center) with bounce houses, food trucks, DJ, contests
• Summer Recreation camp June 29 – Aug 7; 52 campers registered; counselors CPR certified June 3
• Yoga program brought in $2,075, chair exercise $85 to date

Mayor and Borough Council

The council will hold public hearings and final votes on two ordinances: one amending zoning rules for maximum floor area ratio and square footage in single-family zones, and another setting 2026 salaries for municipal employees. It will also consider several resolutions, including a contract for Oakwood Avenue improvements and an emergency appropriation.

• Ordinance O-26-14 (second reading) – amends definitions and dimensional requirements for floor area, FAR, and building bulk in R-22, R-15, and R-10 zones
• Ordinance O-26-16 (introduction) – sets 2026 salaries for municipal officers and employees, including Borough Administrator at $45,000
• Resolution R-26-75 – awarding contract for Oakwood Avenue Improvements
• Resolution R-26-70 – authorizing service agreement with Employee Network, Inc. for Bree Health Employee Assistance Program
• Resolution R-26-71 – approving Borough Administrator contract

The council approved the minutes of the May 20, 2026 meeting with a 5‑0 vote and one abstention. It then passed Ordinance No. 0-26-14, amending zoning subsections to increase the floor‑area‑ratio, by a unanimous 6‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approved May 20, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Passed Ordinance No. 0-26-14 amending zoning FAR (6-0)

Mayor and Borough Council

The Mayor and Borough Council will hold a caucus meeting to discuss three listed items: Oakwood Avenue, administrative personnel, and litigation. No formal votes are scheduled; the meeting includes a public comment period.

• Discussion of Oakwood Avenue
• Discussion of administrative personnel
• Discussion of litigation

The Mayor and Council held a caucus meeting where no substantive decisions were made. The session adjourned at 6:34 PM. Items were listed for a subsequent executive session.

• Caucus meeting held at 6:30 PM
• Adjourned at 6:34 PM
• Listed items for executive session: Oakwood Avenue Contract, Administrative Personnel, Litigation
• Borough Attorney reported on fire department ordinance status
• Borough Attorney suggested ordinance committee meet to discuss old K-Mart property

Mayor and Borough Council

The West Long Branch Borough Council approved Ordinance No. O-26-14, amending subsections §18-3 and §18-5 of Chapter 18 – Zoning. The council also gave a second and final reading to Ordinance No. O-26-15, which updates compensation provisions for the Shade Tree and Environmental Commission secretaries. Three resolutions were adopted to refund overpaid property taxes on specific parcels and to authorize a service agreement for the Bree Health Employee Assistance Program.

• Ordinance No. O-26-14 amending Zoning Chapter 18 (subsections §18-3 and §18-5) – adopted
• Ordinance No. O-26-15 amending Ordinances 2-11 and 2-12 on commission secretary compensation – second & final reading
• Resolution R-26-68 authorizing refund of overpaid taxes on 50 De Forrest Place (Block 19, Lot 17)
• Resolution R-26-69 authorizing refund of overpaid taxes on 147 West Palmer Ave (Block 51, Lot 79)
• Resolution R-26-70 authorizing service agreement with Employee Network, Inc. for Bree Health Employee Assistance Program services

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 0-26-15 regarding compensation for the Shade Tree and Environmental Commission secretaries. The body also approved two tax refunds totaling $12,886.16 and an EMS membership application.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 0-26-15 regarding compensation for Shade Tree and Environmental Commission secretaries (5-0)
• Approved $2,886.16 tax refund for 50 De Forrest Place (5-0)
• Approved $10,000.00 tax refund for 147 West Palmer Avenue (5-0)
• Approved EMS membership application for Margaret Lawson (5-0)
• Tabled second reading of Zoning Ordinance No. 0-26-14 to June 3, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved May 6 executive session, May 6 council, and May 20 caucus meeting minutes (4-0-1)

Mayor and Borough Council

The Mayor and Borough Council are meeting in caucus to discuss several items, including an administrative contract, litigation, volunteer incentives, and summer concert contracts. The agenda is subject to change and no formal action is expected at this discussion meeting.

• Admin Contract (discussion under Councilman Bray)
• Volunteer Incentives (discussion under Councilman Gomez)
• Litigation matter (discussion under Borough Attorney Baxter)
• Turtle Mews Invoices (discussion under Borough Attorney Baxter)
• Summer Concert Contracts (discussion under Borough Attorney Baxter)

The Mayor and Council held a caucus meeting with no formal votes or decisions. Discussion focused on a proposed concealed carry permit fee waiver for active volunteers and public comments on the floor area ratio (FAR) ordinance, traffic light improvements, and other concerns. The meeting adjourned unanimously without taking any binding action.

• No formal votes or decisions taken; meeting was procedural and discussion-only.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The board will hear a new application (ZB 2025-08) for a bulk variance to add a first-floor addition and second story to a non-conforming single-family dwelling at 3 Beechwood Avenue. Several prior applications are being resolved: one denial for 310 NJ State Hwy 36 and one withdrawal for 50 North Linden Avenue. The board will also adopt minutes from March and April 2026.

• New application ZB 2025-08: bulk variance for a first-floor addition and second floor at 3 Beechwood Avenue (Block 29 Lot 4, R-22 zone)
• Denial of ZB 2025-06 (Consumer Center Paramount 1, LLC) for property at 310 New Jersey State Hwy 36
• Denial of ZB 2024-12 (Zafarani) for minor hardscaping at 10 East Walnut Place
• Withdrawal of ZB 2025-14 (Jessica Catelli) for 50 North Linden Avenue
• Adoption of meeting minutes from March 17, 2026 and April 21, 2026

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on application PB-2026-01 for a change of use at Block 60, Lot 71 on Monmouth Road, converting a former bank into a Monmouth Bagel Shop with interior modifications only. The board will also discuss Ordinance No. O-26-14, which amends zoning subsections §18-3 and §18-5. Minutes from the January 13, 2026 reorganization meeting are scheduled for adoption.

• PB-2026-01: Change of use for Monmouth Bagel Shop at 1.63-acre property on Monmouth Road (Block 60, Lot 71), NC Zone, no site improvements
• Ordinance No. O-26-14: Amending zoning subsections §18-3 and §18-5 of Chapter 18
• Adoption of January 13, 2026 reorganization meeting minutes
• New and carried applications include only the bagel shop proposal

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission is reviewing recent events and planning upcoming activities. Items include a Fishing Derby recap, summer concert lineup with costs, summer camp staffing, and the Kite Festival merged with the 250th Family Picnic Day. No formal votes are scheduled; the agenda is informational and procedural.

• Fishing Derby: 53 anglers attended, $66 in donations, trophy winners listed; discussion on keeping derby in May instead of June
• Summer concert series: Whiskey and Roses ($2,000), Nu Rhythm ($1,000), Generation Gap ($750), The Wag ($2,000), The Clamdiggers ($1,500)
• Summer Rec: 35 registered campers as of May, four new counselors hired, CPR training June 3
• Kite Festival set for June 28, merging with 250th Family Picnic Day at FAS softball outfield
• Memorial Day service and parade on May 30, followed by post-parade activities at Franklin Lake

Mayor and Borough Council

The council will hold a public hearing for the 2026 municipal budget. An ordinance is introduced to amend compensation rules for the secretaries of the Shade Tree and Environmental Commissions, allowing commission members to serve and be paid. Resolutions include final payment for Girard Avenue road improvements, a contract award for Sorrentino Park inclusive improvements, and certification of EMS and Fire Department length-of-service award lists.

• Public hearing for 2026 Municipal Budget
• Ordinance O-26-15: allows commission members to serve as secretary for Shade Tree/Environmental Commissions with compensation
• Resolution R-26-64: approves $23,474.27 final payment to Discover Construction for Girard Avenue and 2024 Road Improvements Phase II (net decrease $1,128)
• Resolution R-26-65: awarding contract for Sorrentino Park Inclusive Park Improvements
• Resolutions R-26-66/67: approving certified lists for EMS and Fire Department Length of Service Awards Program for 2025

The Council awarded a $144,450 contract to Shore Top Construction Corp. for Sorrentino Park Inclusive Park Improvements. They also approved a $23,474.27 final payment and net decrease change order for road improvements on Girard Avenue. Emergency services volunteer LOSAP awards of $1,150 each were approved for both EMS and Fire Department members. An ordinance allowing commission members to serve as compensated secretaries was introduced and set for a public hearing on May 20.

• Awarded $144,450 contract to Shore Top Construction for Sorrentino Park Inclusive Park Improvements (5-0)
• Approved final payment of $23,474.27 and change order net decrease of $1,128 for Discover Construction road work (5-0)
• Approved 2025 LOSAP awards of $1,150 each for 11 EMS members (5-0)
• Approved 2025 LOSAP awards for Fire Department members (list not read; motion carried 5-0)
• Approved EMS auxiliary membership application for Jordan Braha (5-0)
• Approved minutes of April 22 executive session (with page 2 withheld), council meeting, and caucus meeting (4-0-1 abstention each)
• Introduced Ordinance 0-26-15 allowing commission members to serve as compensated secretary; public hearing set for May 20, 2026 (5-0)

Mayor and Borough Council

This is a caucus meeting of the West Long Branch Mayor and Borough Council. The agenda lists only two items for discussion: a zoning workshop and the Environmental and Shade Tree Commission Secretary. No votes or formal actions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily procedural and discussion-based.

• Zoning Workshop to be discussed
• Environmental and Shade Tree Commission Secretary position to be discussed

The Mayor and Borough Council decided to go into executive session after the Council meeting. Councilman Bray moved to adjourn the caucus session, Councilwoman Ruane seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Entered executive session after Council meeting (decision)
• Adjourned caucus session unanimously (motion by Bray, seconded by Ruane)

Mayor and Borough Council

The council will vote on a second reading of an ordinance to exceed state budget caps by 3.5% ($170,251.98) and introduce a zoning ordinance amending floor area, FAR, and bulk requirements in R-22, R-15, and R-10 zones. A resolution to close Delaware Avenue for one day is also on the agenda.

• Ordinance O-26-13: Second and final reading to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits by 3.5% ($170,251.98) and establish a cap bank
• Ordinance O-26-14: Introduction of zoning amendments revising definitions of floor area, basement, and half-story, and adjusting maximum floor area ratio and square footage in R-22, R-15, and R-10 zones
• Resolution R-26-62: Authorizing closure of Delaware Avenue on August 22, 2026

The council adopted a cap bank ordinance (O-26-13) to exceed state budget limits and introduced a zoning ordinance (O-26-14) that revises definitions for floor area, basement, and half-story, also adjusting maximum FAR in R-22, R-15, and R-10 zones. The public hearing for the zoning amendment is set for May 20, 2026. The council also approved a resolution closing Delaware Avenue for a block party on August 22, approved minutes from prior meetings, and approved the bill list. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 6.

• Adopted Ordinance O-26-13 (cap bank) on final reading (unanimous 5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance O-26-14 (zoning amendments) and set public hearing for May 20 (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved resolution closing Delaware Avenue between Virginia Terrace and Maryland Avenue for block party on Aug 22 (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved minutes of April 8 executive session (with release of all pages except 3,5,6) (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved minutes of April 8 council meeting (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved minutes of March 18 caucus meeting (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved bill list (unanimous 5-0)

Mayor and Borough Council

The West Long Branch Mayor and Borough Council will hold a caucus meeting to discuss a zoning ordinance amendment and a fire department update. The agenda includes a public comment period. Only two specific items are listed for discussion.

• Zoning Ordinance Amendment under Councilman Bray
• Fire Department Update (ES) under Councilman Gomez
• Opportunity for public comment
• No other specific business items listed

The Mayor and Council held a caucus meeting to discuss upcoming ordinances and administrative updates. No substantive votes or policy decisions were made during this session.

• Adjourned caucus session at 6:45 PM (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board will carry forward a JCP&L generator upgrade application and hear two new applications: a Starbucks with a drive-up window at 310 NJ 36, and a medical detox facility with sleeping units at 195 State Hwy 36. The board will also vote on three bulk variance resolutions and consider administrative changes and a time extension for prior applications.

• JCP&L generator and switchboard upgrades at 291 Monmouth Rd (ZB 2025-05) carried to June 16
• New application: Starbucks pad with drive-up window at 310 NJ 36 (ZB 2025-06) seeking D and bulk variances and site plan approval
• New application: First Light Recovery Network detox facility with 15 sleeping units at 195 State Hwy 36 (ZB 2025-17) – noted as 'Minor Site Plan' despite no ordinance definition
• Resolutions on bulk variance applications: Matthew Pillari at 346 Norwood Ave, Moses/Yvette Nasar at 304 Wall St, David/Julie Botton at 465 Monmouth Rd
• Administrative changes for exterior hardscaping at 10 E Walnut Pl (Zafarani) and 60-day extension request at 74 Beechwood Ave (Carew)

The Board approved a conditional application for a freestanding Starbucks with a drive-through. Several bulk variance resolutions were adopted, and a request for administrative hardscaping changes was denied.

• Approved Starbucks drive-through site plan with conditions (7-0)
• Approved waiver items for First Light Recovery Network medical facility (7-0)
• Adopted bulk variance resolution for 346 Norwood Avenue (7-0)
• Adopted bulk variance resolution for 304 Wall Street (7-0)
• Adopted bulk variance resolution for 465 Monmouth Road (7-0)
• Denied administrative review for hardscaping at 10 East Walnut Place (7-0)
• Approved 60-day time extension for 74 Beechwood Ave (7-0)
• Approved carrying JCP&L generator application to June 16, 2026 (7-0)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission is discussing event finances, including $966.28 in Amazon prizes and a proposed increase to 60 Sesame Place tickets next year. The Washington DC trip has been canceled, possibly revisited in fall. Summer program registration is open with 16 campers, but complaints about price increases were noted.

• Amazon order for prizes: $966.28
• Summer sports field applications: $2,325.00 in fees so far
• Yoga program revenue: $1,745.00; Chair Exercise: $65.00
• Fishing Derby set for May 9; Kite Festival merging with 250th Family Picnic on June 28
• Summer Rec interviews for counselors scheduled April 21; registration complaints about price increase

Mayor and Borough Council

The Borough Council will introduce an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits by 3.5% ($170,251.98 above the cap) and establish a cap bank for future years. The council also has a final reading on an ordinance updating low-speed electric bicycle rules to comply with new state law. Other actions include appointing a qualified purchasing agent, approving a $10,065.09 tax refund for 9 Palmer Avenue, and setting a public hearing on the 2026 budget for May 6.

• Introduction of Ordinance O-26-13 to increase CY 2026 budget appropriations by 3.5% ($397,254.62 total increase) and create a cap bank
• Final adoption of Ordinance O-26-12 updating low-speed electric bicycle definitions and penalties to align with new state law (effective July 19, 2026)
• Appointment of Sujata Salian as Qualified Purchasing Agent for 2026 under shared services agreement with Long Branch
• Approval of Resolution R-26-58 authorizing $10,065.09 tax refund for overpayment on 9 Palmer Avenue (Block 40, Lot 4)
• Public hearing on the 2026 municipal budget scheduled for May 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM

The council passed Ordinance O-26-12 on third reading, amending regulations for low-speed electric bicycles, with a unanimous 6-0 vote. It also introduced Ordinance O-26-13 to exceed the municipal budget cap by 3.5% (up to $397,254.62) and set a public hearing for April 22. Routine items included appointing Sujata Salian as Qualified Purchasing Agent for 2026 and authorizing a $10,065.09 tax refund for an overpayment on 9 Palmer Avenue.

• Approved March 18 minutes (5-0, Penta abstained) with partial release of executive session pages
• Passed Ordinance O-26-12 regulating low-speed electric bicycles on second and third reading (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance O-26-13 to increase budget appropriation cap by 3.5% ($397,254.62), public hearing set for April 22 (6-0)
• Appointed Sujata Salian as Qualified Purchasing Agent for 2026 (6-0)
• Authorized $10,065.09 tax refund to Christiana Trust for 9 Palmer Avenue overpayment (6-0)
• Certified compliance with EEOC guidance on arrest and conviction records in hiring (6-0)

Mayor and Borough Council

The West Long Branch Mayor and Borough Council will hold a caucus meeting to discuss several items, including a shared services agreement with Oceanport, a zoning committee update, and 2026 tax court appeals. No formal votes are scheduled; items are listed for discussion only. The agenda also includes an opportunity for public comment.

• Shared Services Agreement with Oceanport (ES)
• 2026 Tax Court Appeals
• Zoning Committee Update
• HR Memo (ES)
• Environmental/Shade Tree Secretary (ES)

The Mayor and Borough Council entered executive session and, after discussion, Councilman Bray moved to adjourn the caucus session at 6:43 PM. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ruane and carried unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adjourned caucus session (unanimous)