December 18 2025 Ventnor City Commission Meeting

Call the meeting to order. Thank you.
>> Flag salute
>> allegiance to the flag
>> of the United States of America
>> and to the republic for which it stands.
One nation under God, indivisible,
liberty and justice for all.
I think everyone knows us, but just in
case, this is Commissioner Landra. I'm
Commissioner Mento and Mayor Creel is on
the Zoom. He's traveling tonight um to
pick up his daughter.
Okay. The open public meeting
announcement.
>> Roll call.
>> Oh, we had to do roll call. I'm sorry.
Roll call. Lisa,
>> Mr. Langra,
>> here.
>> Commissioner Mento
>> here.
>> Mayor Creel
>> here. Can you hear me?
>> Yes.
>> Good.
>> You read the open public. Okay. Open
public meeting announcement. Lisa,
>> pursuant to the open public meetings
act, adequate notice of this meeting has
been provided. The agenda for this
meeting is posted in city hall and on
the city's website
>> and the live streaming announcement.
Lisa,
>> the city of Vetner offers live streaming
and the option of public comment via
remote access as a convenience to the
public. In the event remote access is
unavailable for any reason beyond the
city's control, the city will not pause
or stop the live meeting. The city
reserves the right to discontinue remote
access at the discretion of the city for
any future meetings. Thank you. This is
our workshop portion, but tonight we're
going to pass the resolutions for uh our
promotions and then swear in um the
gentleman being promoted. So, we're
going to do that first before the
workshop. So, um our first resolution
is 25-376
appointing Vince Grenice to fire
Lieutenant in the Betner City Fire
Department. May I have a motion?
>> I'll make that motion.
>> Second.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langrath.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento.
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Creable.
>> Yes.
The second resolution 25377, a
resolution of the city of Vetner, county
of Atlantic, state of New Jersey,
appointing Homie Quinoni Quinones to
police lieutenant.
>> I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langra,
>> yes.
>> Commissioner Mento,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Creable,
>> yes. and resolution 25378
of the city of Ventner County of
Atlantic, state of New Jersey,
appointing Gabriel Henel
>> as police sergeant. May I have a motion?
>> I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second the motion.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langra.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Mento.
>> Yes.
>> Creable.
>> Okay. And and now we will swear them in.
>> So up first is Mr. Grenice
turn.
Yeah.
We got the mic here. This is good.
>> Are we ready?
>> Yep.
>> Okay. I, Vincent Gice, do solemnly swear
that
>> I, Vincent Gise, do solemnly swear that
>> I will support the Constitution of the
United States
>> I will support the Constitution of the
United States
>> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey
>> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey
>> that I will bear true faith and
allegiance
>> that I will bear true faith faith and
allegiance
>> to the same
>> and to the governments established in
the
>> and to the governments established in
the
>> United States and in this state
>> the United States and in this state
>> under the authority of the people.
>> That I will faithfully
>> impartially
>> and justly perform
>> all the duties of the office of
>> fire lieutenant
>> effective December 18th, 2025. Y say
that according to the best of my skill
>> according to the best of my skill
>> and ability
.
>> So help me God.
>> Congratulations.
>> Congratulations, Lieutenant
Uh, let me see.
All right.
>> Come on. Just sign a paper.
Hey, buddy.
grab it.
>> That's one for you.
>> Yes. Thank you. Congratulations. Thanks.
Okay, next we have Homie.
>> Homie.
So you have Somebody
moved by the flag.
Okay.
>> Any kids that are going to rais?
>> Okay. Um,
>> we're gonna repeat after minutes.
I, Omi Kinones, do solemnly swear that
>> I, Omi Kones, do solemnly swear that
>> I will support the Constitution of the
United States.
>> I will support the Constitution of the
United States.
>> And the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey.
>> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey. that I will bear true faith and
allegiance
>> that I will bear true faith and
allegiance
>> to the same and to the governments
established in the United States
>> to the same and to the governments
established in the United States
>> and in this state
>> under the authority of the people
>> and that I will faithfully
>> impartially
>> and justly perform
>> all the duties of the office
>> of police lieutenant
>> according to the best of my skill and
ability
>> according to the best of my skills and
ability So help me God.
>> So help me God.
>> Congratulations.
>> Okay. So
um we need signatures.
Get a picture.
Gotcha.
Hello and
hi. Um,
>> that's it. You got it. Wait,
you're right.
>> What channel?
>> I got it.
>> We're all done.
>> Okay.
>> So, you're going to repeat after me.
Okay. I, Gabriel Hanal,
>> I, Gabriel Hanal,
>> do solemnly swear that
>> I will support the Constitution of the
United States
>> I will support the Constitution of the
United States
>> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey
>> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey
>> that I will bear true faith
>> and allegiance to the same
>> and to the governments established
>> in the United States
>> and in this state
>> under the authority of the people
>> and that I will faithfully
>> impartially
>> and justly perform
>> all the duties of the office
>> of sergeant of police
>> according to the best of my skill
>> and ability
.
>> So help me God.
>> You got it.
Congratulations.
The family wants to take a picture.
>> Just a quick story how I met.
We were just elected into office. We
weren't even sworn in yet a fire on
Newport Avenue that he was the first
officer on scene. Got the people out of
the house and notified the fire
department to get there. He saved seven,
eight guys who ran a band up in the back
of the building. So that's that's a
general we just
take a picture with them. And
>> do you want to take a picture with the
three of them?
>> They're still here. I don't know.
They're here.
Okay,
>> we'll get the police then.
>> Hey, Lee, will you get it?
>> Okay,
>> on the flagger.
You want me?
>> Which one?
>> Wait a minute.
>> Look at Lisa. That's the one that's
getting very sick.
>> Where's Lisa?
>> Hey, Lisa. Lisa
profile.
All
>> right. Everything signed.
>> Yes, sir.
right there.
>> All officers.
out of your hand.
You go.
You know,
you guys
That's right.
Got to move the flag.
>> Am I good?
>> We're done with that.
All right.
Want to tap the gavl and
Okay, we are going to resume with our
meeting now.
You are welcome to stay but you have to
be quiet.
Doesn't matter.
Okay, we are going back to the workshop
portion of our meeting and we're going
to go through every item on the agenda.
First item will be a resolution
setting the 2026 city commissioner
meeting schedule.
This is something we do every year and
uh like this year there will be one
meeting in June and one meeting in July
and August and one meeting due to the
holidays in November and December.
The next resolution is authorizing an um
enforcement for no parking within the
city of Ventner from January 1 to March
31st. This is something we do quarterly
uh for areas that uh will be deemed no
parking. The next resolution is uh a tax
abatement for block 150 lot 4, also
known as 5804 Edgewater Avenue.
The next resolution is a tax abatement
for block 77 lot 7, also known as 11A
South Newark Avenue.
The next resolution is a refund of
deposit for the use of the community
building to Annette Valeri and she made
that deposit on behalf of the Ventner
City Republican Club. The next
resolution is a refund of deposit for
the comm use of the community building
to the Vetner City Democratic Club.
The next resolution 364 is authorizing
change order number three. This is a
final change order for the Vetner
Gardens Plaza stormwater rehabilitation
and I would ask Commissioner Langraph if
he would like to add anything to that.
>> Sure. Um this is the final change order
on the project. It does increase it by
$67,139.
We are still under the total original
amount of the project. It was $716,20.
We are just over $716,000 with the total
contract. the final uh paving work,
manholes, some gutter replacement,
sidewalk work, just to finish out the
project. Um the last thing we had to buy
was I think was a bar screen for the the
pump um there on Vener Gardens Plaza
pump station. So it's under a project
that came in under budget, which is
always nice to see.
>> Yeah, that's excellent.
>> Can I add one comment?
>> Sure.
>> This is a project that Margate
participates in.
>> So Ed Stinson is working on doing a
closeout. There were some things that
were added, probably these change orders
that are being addressed here that
weren't technically part of the pump
station and the the agreement. So, we
need to kind of separate it out so we
can send them a an appropriate bill for
their share.
>> Correct. Yeah. This stuff wouldn't be
tied to that
>> more the finished work.
>> So, the number um Lance is mentioning is
part of our responsibility.
>> Mostly ours.
>> Yeah. Mo most of they're going to pay
35% of the actual rehab and
reconstruction of the pump station.
Anything that was ancillary to that is
ours.
>> Okay.
>> Yep.
>> Okay. Resolution 365 is authorizing a
contract to Marathon Engineering and
Environmental Services for preliminary
assessment for Vetner West parcels not
to exceed 4,000.
And I believe this is for um the the
area we've been speaking about. Yeah,
this is all related to the greenacres
diversion. There's new resolutions
coming up to award contracts for
appraisal services also related to the
same issue.
>> Okay. Resolution 366
is authorizing the waiver of fees for
the application for special events for
city sponsored events for 2026. This is
something we do every year.
Resolution 367
is authorizing the city of Ventner
Police Department to participate in
Defense Logistics Agency law enforcement
support office 1033 program to enable
the police department to request and
acquire excess department of defense
equipment. And this allows our captain
to apply for surplus equipment from the
military. For example,
>> you were looking to get a tank.
>> Yeah, I was going to say when when does
the tank show up?
We want to thank
>> Hey, resolution 368 awarding Remington
and Vernick engineers for planning and
design services for Winchester Avenue
water main replacement. It is phase one
of the New Jersey water bank FY26
drinking water program for the city of
Vetner and it's not to exceed $65,000.
And
>> yeah, briefly the resolution kind of
says what it is. We're getting money
from the I bank to help design this
project. Um, it's also that same street
is getting a sewer line as well. So,
we're going to try and double double dip
when we take dig that road up. We want
to make sure we do what we can while
it's unearthed.
>> Okay. Resolution 369 authorizing an
award of an emergency contract under the
New Jersey local public contracts law
resulting from an emergency condition
involving the water man valves on the 14
foot water man. It should be 14 in
>> 14-inch water mane that crosses under
the bay from Edgewater Avenue to Sulf
Avenue in Ventner Heights.
>> This line provides water from to the to
the heights from the island or vice
versa I should say. Um and we were
trying to work that valve and it is not
operable and we have to be able to
control that valve one because there's a
a construction project there, a bulkhead
project that our water line goes
underneath. We have to be able to shut
that off in case that water line is
damaged. So, we have to do this rather
quickly. It's um significant project uh
that'll happen hopefully in the next
couple of months and it's not a cheap
project either. So, put in an insertion
valve.
>> And I have an add-on to that as well if
you don't mind. Uh we've actually
proceeded with awarding the contract for
this as an emergency. It was certified
by city engineer Ed Stinson and this
resolution is confirming the findings of
an emerging condition and authorizing us
to wave the bidding requirements. Uh so
this is already being taken care of.
>> There's a there's a lead time on the
valve.
>> They're not on the shelf somewhere. So
>> okay, thankfully we don't get many of
these that we have to do like this.
>> Agreed.
>> Um resolution 370.
um authorizing cancellation of tax. This
is a veteran exemption and located at I
can say location 214 North Derby.
The next is resolution um a ventner for
a state of New Jersey LEAP grant and I
believe this is a shared service uh
through the county for thermoplastic
traffic line striping handcart.
>> Correct.
That's a mouthful. the the thicker lines
you see the stop bars and things like
that that are thicker and aren't just
painted on. It's a thermoplastic. Uh
this is a shared service agreement. It's
a lot of municipalities that are on this
shared service agreement,
>> but the county will purchase it and then
we can request to use it. There'll be
training involved for it. It can it can
save us hiring, you know, Delta Line and
and the zone striping guys to do smaller
jobs. Um but it works out much better.
Those those lines last longer
>> and they're more reflective at night.
>> Great. Okay. question. Commissioner
Langraph, does this um can this be used
for crosswalks?
>> It can.
>> Okay.
Resolution 372 accepting the
resignation of Cing Harvey
and this was a uh employee of the
finance department.
Resolution 373
authorizing a cancellation of tax. This
is also a veteran exemption of 114 North
Troy Avenue.
Resolution 374 is authorizing the
transfer of appropriations. This is
something normally done every year and I
believe it can only be done November,
December, and January under the state
regs. Correct. Or did that change?
>> November through December. You can do uh
current year appropriations in the first
quarter of the year. You can also
transfer appropriation reserves if
there's a reason to do so.
>> Okay, great. Uh, resolution 375
supporting an amendment to the Atlanta
County solid waste management plan
endorsing the expansion of the ACA
landfill at the Howard Fritz Honaman
Environmental Park. I think uh what I
just read says it all. And the ACA is
looking to expand that landfill to give
it uh several more years of life and
which results in savings to the
municipalities when we are working with
government versus um having to take
waste out of state or out of county.
And then we go to resolution 379
awarding a contract to integra realy
resources resources for appraisal
services not to exceed 24,000. And the
next one I believe is the same um
purpose. So I'll read it. Resolution 380
awarding a contract to Henry J. Mancini
and Associates for appraisal services
not to exceed 27,000.
This is also related to the diversion
uh that we're looking at with the NJP
and Green Acres. We're required to get
three appraisals. We already have one
appraiser on board and these are the
other two to equal three. Is that
correct?
>> No.
>> No, that's not correct. Okay.
>> We No, we we have to get two appraisals
on each both on the uh piece that was
diverted and on the two parcels that
were offering as the compensation. So,
just two appraisals. They had to be
Greenacres certified. They have to
follow Greenacres rules on how they
conduct the the appraisals. So, that's
>> So, two, not three.
>> But it's three parcels. It's the library
site. Got it. the two light uh the two
parcels that are Ventner West.
>> Okay. And then resolution 381 awarding a
contract to Shore Top Construction for
reconstruction of pickle ball and tennis
courts not to exceed $1,13,495.
>> Yes. So just a quick note on that. Our
estimates came in right around that
number. So we had really good bids. They
were all within $50,000 of each other.
Um that shows that we had good plans,
good specs and and a good estimate on
it. So we knew where we were coming in.
Uh this will hopefully start in the
coming 30 to 45 days. We hope uh to get
this work done through the through the
springtime and be ready for next season.
Uh it'll be resurfacing, reconstructing,
not even just resurfacing all of the
tennis courts and the pickleball courts
with new fencing um pavilion there and
and renovation of that area um quite a
bit. So,
>> so you expect it to be complete at the
end of spring?
>> Yes.
>> Okay.
>> We have to be ready for the season.
>> Okay. There are no discussion items that
I'm aware of and uh we come to the
public portion. So, if there was
anything that anyone wants to talk about
now um in regards to anything that's on
the agenda that I just went through, it
has to be on any item that's on the
agenda.
So Jim, can you ask the um anybody on
Zoom? There's nobody here.
>> Is there anybody on Zoom who wishes to
speak on any of the items that have been
discussed so far? Please make yourself
known within the chat feature by raising
your hand and you will be recognized.
>> Okay, we have no ones. And and Jim, the
TVs went black just
>> Yeah, I I turned them off because they
were warm to the time.
>> Okay, so this closes the workshop
portion of the meeting and uh in the
regular meeting we will also have
approval. No, we do not have approval of
minutes. We do not have any ordinance
introductions. We do not have any public
hearing or ordinance adoptions. I think
we will have an executive session at the
end of the meeting. Okay.
Um,
so now I'm looking to uh introduce uh
close the workshop.
>> Motion to close.
>> Roll.
>> Need a second.
>> Okay.
>> You're muted, Tim.
>> Tim.
>> Mayor.
>> He's muted.
>> I can second.
>> Okay.
>> Sec.
>> I'll second.
>> Okay. Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langra.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento.
>> Yes. Fair Creable.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. I need a motion to open the
meeting.
>> I'll make a motion to open the meeting.
>> I'll second the motion.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Lang Grant.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento?
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Creable?
>> Yes.
>> So now um we'll need a motion to adopt
resolutions 358 to 375 and 379 to 381.
I'll make the motion to adopt the
resolutions as stated.
>> Second the motion.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Lang Grant.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento.
>> Yes.
>> Creable.
>> Yes.
>> Okay.
Approval of bills and payroll. Amy
>> payables for this period 13,847,59710.
Payable or payrolls for this period
$1,443,3776.
Okay. Do we have a motion?
>> We'll make that motion to approve bills
and payroll as stated.
>> Second the motion.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langra.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento.
>> Yes.
>> Creable.
>> Yes.
>> We have no announcements and safety
report.
And now I'm looking for if anybody has
any comments they'd like to um bring
forth having to do with anything. It
doesn't have to be an item on the
agenda. You can come here and speak
about anything.
>> Commissioner reports. Yeah, I I was
going to do that next.
>> Okay.
There's no Is there anyone? Jim,
>> you want public first or do you want the
commissioner reports first?
>> Usually, it's the commission reports
then the then the public comment.
>> Public comments, please.
>> There's anybody from the public who wish
to speak on any items, please make
yourself known and you'll be recognized.
Hearing
none, we can move to the commissioner
reports. Commissioner Langrath.
>> Sure. Um boardwalk construction is
moving forward. They have excavated the
area below the boardwalk. What was below
the boardwalk is now gone. Um the
purpose of that is to actually create
area for runoff from our streets from
Atlantic Avenue towards the ocean drains
that way. So they've excavated out about
3 to four feet. So that area had filled
in since the dunes were were
constructed. So that provides a little
bit of stormwater management area, if
you will. Uh the pile driving started
right here on Cambridge and we'll start
moving back towards Siri Avenue over the
next few weeks. Once they get a first
the first few pilings in, they'll start
the construction of the the peers, the
stringers, and then the decking on top
of that. So moving forward,
>> um
>> I'm sorry. You expect that to be
finished? But only because people ask. I
read Facebook. They have they will it
won't be finished,
>> but it'll be the section that is torn
up. We anticipate that being completed
by miday.
>> Yeah, it's usable then.
>> Usable. Yes. Reopened. Um then we'll
pause and come back in September of next
year to hopefully finish the rest of it
going towards Atlantic City. The hope is
that we get to Surrey Avenue sometime
this winter and can then move towards
Jackson Avenue a little further with the
demolition and then following
construction um and then pause for the
summer. Come back in the in September.
We have to have it done by October.
>> Right. For the grant.
>> For the grant.
>> Yeah. Okay.
>> So, um
>> did we have do we have them working the
weekends? I know you talked about it.
>> No. So, what they did was they brought
three crews in um instead of bringing
working
they weren't going to work weekends.
they were going to work four tens and
then a an eight on Fridays, but what
they've done is they brought in three
crews. Um they had some difficulty with
the pilings at first, but I think
they've worked that out. Ed was telling
me how they were going to try and do it
a little differently so it moves
quicker. Um but that's where they are
right now. They brought in three crews.
Once they get the pilings set, they'll
be able to really start moving. That's
the the hard part.
>> Um did you see the drone video that
somebody did?
>> Yes, that was Jordan. Yeah, it
>> was fantastic. It
>> was really neat.
>> It was really neat. Um,
reminder from everyone you saw on our
our social media page and our our our
website, when we get snowstorms, you are
responsible as the property owner to
clear your sidewalks. U, we have not
issued fines. We can. If you don't clear
your sidewalks,
you're it's your responsibility to do
that. So, please, after the storms, you
got 12 hours. You should get them clean
either yourself. You got to hire someone
or have a kid in the neighborhood come
along and do it. Um, you have to clean
your sidewalks,
>> especially along school routes.
>> Yes. Well, everywhere.
>> Everywhere.
>> Um, it was treacherous walking the
neighborhoods this week. Um, wouldn't
believe it was 20 degrees on Monday and
now today it's 55. A little warm. Um,
uh, I'll let Maria talk about my
favorite event, which is tomorrow night.
20 of your events. So, I'll let you talk
about
>> really hand on the fire.
>> Oh, right. Okay.
>> The big the big man on the big truck.
Um, some sad news. Uh, many of us knew
Jimmy Accardi. Um, he was a longtime
lifelong resident of of Ventner City.
Uh, he passed away this week. They had
his services this week. Um, just a super
nice guy. Um, he will be missed in our
community. Um, city decor. I want to
thank Rick and the um, Department of
Public Works team for getting all the
lights up and everything. We haven't had
a meeting since Thanksgiving. So, um,
city's looking good. I did see some
things down in North Wildwood this last
night when I was down there um that I
think we want to look to next year. Some
some additional things to add. Uh some
pretty neat stuff. So, I'll talk to Rick
about that and make sure we have some
funding for it. Um the parade and tree
lighting went off fantastic, better than
ever. I thought we had the most people
we've ever had at the tree lighting. Um
the parade, Shelley, Donna, her team,
their teams, public works, fire
department, police department just did a
fantastic job. Uh weather cooperated. Um
the snow didn't come till the next day,
which was nice.
>> Thank you, Joe Marti.
>> Yes, exactly. Um and and watch that that
uh stream live stream. That was pretty
neat. I watched it.
>> Great. Yeah, it's on it's on our site on
YouTube.
>> Yep.
>> And you can get it on TV, too. The whole
uh parade and
>> and discussion afterwards.
>> You have a smart TV, I guess.
>> Yeah.
>> I don't know how to do that.
>> I get my daughter to do it. I don't know
how to do that. Um
>> do you have Alexa? I do. It's not tied
to my TV, though.
>> I did that, but I don't know how I did
it.
>> Yeah,
I need the younger folks to to teach us
how to do that, right, Tim?
>> That's That's right. We need We all need
it in our houses.
>> Yeah.
>> But, um, my whole family was able to
watch it in Florida and Pennsylvania. It
was really nice.
>> Very cool.
>> It was a great parade.
>> Yep. Really went off nice. Um, one last
thing, u, and we're going to have to set
up to talk to Nicole and Kat about this
and probably get Ed Stinson and our, um,
planning board attorney as well, Leo Leo
Manos. Uh, New Jersey pack rules are
anticipated to go into effect in
January. They're going to pass those. We
were hopeful that they would not, but,
it'll be last parting shot of Governor
Murphy's administration to put these
rules into play. We're going to have to
look at our building heights, uh,
because right now they are tied to base
flood elevation. that base flood
elevation will probably go up between
four and five feet depending on what
flood zone you're in and that would make
for structures that will be 55 or so
feet above grade. Um that's not
something I think is appropriate on the
island. Um so there's going to be some
limitations there that I think we should
look at. Um building height, lot
coverages, things of that nature that
are going to be affected by these rules.
We're going to have to change our our
local regulations on that.
Can you repeat how high you just said?
>> So what happens now is our our rules are
set that you measure your building
height not from the ground. You measure
it from the base flood elevation. So
right now in most areas it's it's 10
plus two. So it's 12. So you start
measuring from elevation 12. You have 35
ft to build your house in. The box just
moved up. After Sandy you had to move
everything up. So we we elevated. Most
towns did do the same thing. you took
that building envelope and you moved it
up to start at the base flood elevation.
If we allow that to happen now, these
homes are going to be four to five feet
taller. Um, and it's one, the lots here
are not large enough to allow stair
access outside to get in these homes.
Two, they're going to be another 5t in
the air. Um, which is extremely high. Um
I I one of the things you talked to also
is um the fire department. How do we get
access to these higher structures with
our ladders with our truck ladders
tiller I think they call it. Um so those
things are I I met with Brigantine this
week. We talked about some changes
there. I want to bring that to our a
planning committee of of probably the
folks I mentioned our attorneys and our
planner Jim Martella. We'll bring him in
uh and Roger see what we can talk about
and we'll have a committee meeting
probably next week of some sort to get
>> also going to be costly very costly
right
>> for home people to build the homes this
is going to increase home costs
dramatically um not only for folks
building you know single family homes
but and I raised this issue at the
league last year and at um builder's
conference last year as well to the D
and it's going to affordable housing
prices are going to go through the roof.
>> And does this also apply to somebody
that's remodeling and the improvement is
more than 50 or 60%.
>> They would have to elevate.
>> Okay.
>> Yep. Yep.
>> That could be a kitchen.
>> Well, so
>> depending on your house.
>> So what we've done here in Ventner, we
were the first town to do it when we got
in office. We changed that that rule
that it said it was 50% over 10 years
each year here in Ventner. So what that
does if you you watched how I did my
home. Yeah. I did it in phases,
>> right?
>> So, every couple years had nothing to do
with doing it all at once. It hadn't
something to do with the budget, trying
to, you know, make sure I had enough
money to do that phase. But what now you
can do 50% of your home's value each
year. So, what's what's happening is
people are able to do that. And also,
you can get it appraised. It it's based
on the the
appraised value of your home. So, in our
books, the assessed value is kind of
low.
>> Yeah. But you can go get an appraiser
and they that value is a little bit
higher when the appraiser does it. A lot
higher actually. Like my home was worth
$100,000.
>> Yeah. So was mine.
>> The lot is where all the money is, but
if you get an actual appraiser to come
in, the assessed value is based on the
the structure, but an appraised value
would would put more value on the
structure. So
>> well, I said it could be a kitchen.
You're modeling your kitchen and you're
over 50%.
>> Exactly.
>> 60%
>> easily. Um, and just wanted to also
thank Rabbi Rapaport for one inviting us
to his um, manure lighting and then
coming to ours the very next night and
doing the same here. So, um, and just
merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and
happy new year to everyone.
Mayor.
>> Yeah, if you can hear me, I I'll I'll uh
I'll just reiterate uh the uh community
appreciation that you did uh with the
parade, the tree lighting, and the um
the Hanukkah celebration. All these were
great opportunities to u talk to people
about their um about their faith and
their year and and to share some of that
joy that uh we have in Ventner. Uh those
are all great events. Um I just have one
item. Um, I just want to keep everybody
up to date on I have been having
discussions with uh Jerry Del Rosa at uh
the county regarding the Dorset Avenue
Bridge. Um, he is hopeful and confident
that they are working on the um on two
uh primary areas. One on the mechanical
side uh and electrical side. So the
contractor is addressing motors uh
variable speed drives uh the locks for
the spans and different components and
evaluating uh replacing some of the
mechanisms. They're also specifying uh
also working on spec developing a uh
specifications
uh to secure a full replacement of some
of these mechanical and electrical
systems over time. So, that's something
that's that's happening and they are
working on that diligently um for the
long-term life of the bridge. And um
what I'm excited about uh to share is
for the physical aesthetics of the
bridge. This is something that will
happen in the next year, year and a
half. Over time, as weather permits,
they're going to start replacing the
roofs on all four of the towers. Um they
will do uh they'll surround the bridge
with uh uh scaffolding uh in order to
complete concrete patchwork and power
washing as weather permits. Uh they'll
be treating the towers with uh uniform
colors to improve the aesthetics and
weather proofing uh and cleaning. Um so
the the colors and the aesthetics of the
building won't change. Um and they're
also going to clean and reuse the
existing lighting. So all these all
these uh various projects I think we uh
one of the one of the icons of our town
that that that that be that bridge that
we've all uh we use every day multiple
times a day. So um looking forward to
that and I'll keep you up to date as I
get more information on.
>> Tim, can you talk to him about allowing
us to light that bridge up next holiday
next year? Making that a destination
Dorset Avenue bridge.
>> I can see it now. People doing their
Christmas card pictures there all lit
up,
>> right?
>> Does the county do any decorations on
their properties? We just have them do
it.
>> Well, just for liability reasons,
honestly. Selfish reasons.
>> No, no, not for selfish reasons. But,
um,
>> no, I need my public works guys hanging
out over the water, you know, hanging
hanging lights.
>> Right. Right.
>> Just saying.
>> It's It would be It would be great to
see like a like outlined like boat house
row with white lights. That would be a
really something
>> for for the for the Christmas season and
the holiday season.
>> I think we pushed Denny for that for
next year. I like that.
>> Yeah, great idea. Those kinds of things
that are unique to Ventner, I think are
a great way to um I will I'll bring it
up.
>> We've got I think I feel like we got a
good relationship with uh the county
now. Um and uh I've had a couple face
tofaces with with Denny over the summer
and I'll continue to do that.
>> Okay. Anything else?
>> Nope, that's it.
>> Okay. And um as you know, I have revenue
and finance and that's pretty much
business as usual. Amy's working really
hard on the budget and you got year end
on the horizon, I guess, right? And I
have the tax office and um it's business
as usual. We talked about some of the uh
past events. We also had our annual New
York City bus trip and that was
fabulous. We took two buses up to see
the Rockett and we had some free time
and um
tickets go on sale in July for next
year's trip. So book early so you don't
miss it. We sell out. Um we are planning
our 26th season and entertainment
bookings are approximately 99% complete
and we have some returning um
entertainers and we have some new ones
coming and um again we'll be um hoping
to get the same sponsors which were um
lovely to have this year for our
concerts.
And we have Lance's favorite event
tomorrow night is Santa on the firet
truck and he will tour ventner
neighborhoods aboard the firetruck
spreading holiday cheer and bringing a
festive experience directly to the
residents throughout our community.
And then the Vetner business association
is uh hosting the Polar Plunge Winter
Festival at 12:00 p.m. It starts at St.
James Memorial Hall at 1:00 p.m. at
Newport Beach and then 400 p.m. at
Ventner Social afterparty.
And I think that is about it.
>> I hear rumors Shelly might plunge.
>> Serious.
>> Um I'm challenging her.
>> You know, you can get good information
from our Vetner City uh Facebook page,
our website, as well as our Vetner City
special events Facebook page. A lot of
times people ask, "How do I find out
about this?" There's really no um
advertising in newspapers anymore. You
have you have to go to social media
whether you like it or not.
>> Beach tags. Oh, for the holiday beach
tags. We are selling holiday beach tags.
Come to city hall for those, right? You
can't do that online, right? The holiday
ones. Okay. So, um how much are they,
Lisa?
>> $12.
And they're in a pretty box, right?
Yes.
>> Okay. So, if anybody wants to give a
beach tag for the holidays, come in the
city hall, come see Lisa, and um she'll
sell you one or she'll sell you a
hundred, whatever you want.
And I think that's everything for me.
So, next, I guess I need a motion to go
into executive session.
>> So, moved.
>> I'll second the motion.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langra.
>> Yes. I'm sorry. I was reading Lynette's
comment on
>> Yes, your craval
>> and news source is called downbe.com.
>> Yes, Nette chimed in. News sources
downbe.com.
>> Oh, downbe.com news source. That's
serious. She reports all the time.
>> She does. It's a it's a great way to
>> Okay, we're we're back from close
session. During the close session, we
talked about three different collective
bargaining agreements that the city has
with um different units. All are
represented by Teamsters Local 929. One
um is for the bluecollar um group group
which is typically public works. Um the
other covers clerical employees in the
city and then the third covers um
telecommunications operators or
dispatchers within the city. Um the
discussions were centered around the
negotiations which have been recently
held with those units and potential
terms of a memorandum of agreement. Um
and there's going to be resolutions now
presented to the commissioners as to
whether they want to vote to approve the
memorandums of agreement with these
three units. So, um, I'd ask the first
is for a resolution approving a
memorandum of agreement between the city
of Ventner and Teamsters Local 929 for
the clerical unit effective January 1st,
2026 through December 31st, 2028 and a
resol and authorizing the execution of a
final agreement consistent with SAN. So,
if there's a a motion to adopt that
resolution, somebody can make that now.
Do I have to make a motion to come out
of executive session first?
>> We kind of we didn't make a motion, but
we came out of it
>> to come out of executive session. Okay.
>> I'll make a motion to approve that
resolution. What was the number? 382.
>> 383.
>> Yeah. Thank you.
>> I'll second the motion. 383.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langri.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento.
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Creable.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. Okay. I now have for consideration
resolution 384, which be a resolution
approving a memorandum of agreement
between the city of Ventner and
Teamsters Local 929 for the DPW
uh bluecollar employees with the
effective date January 1st, 2026 through
December 31st, 2028 and authorizing the
execution of a final agreement
consistent with same.
>> That was white color, wasn't it?
>> That was blue.
>> Oh, white.
>> I did white.
>> White was first. Gotcha. I got my
numbers back. So,
>> there's a motion for resolution 384.
>> Motion.
>> I second the motion 384.
>> Roll call.
>> Commissioner Lang Grant.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento.
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Creable.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. And then I have uh resolution 385
for consideration. A resolution
approving an amended agreement between
the city of Ventner and Teamsters Local
929 for the telecommunications
officers which are dispatchers effective
January 1, 2026 through December 31st,
2028 and authorizing the final execution
of an agreement consistent with those
amendments
of a motion for resolution 385.
>> Make that motion.
>> I second resolution 385. Roll call.
>> Commissioner Langra,
>> yes.
>> Commissioner Mento,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Cable,
>> yes.
>> Seeing there's no other no other action.
Correct. Motion to close the meeting.
>> We have to have public portion.
>> We did.
>> We did it before.
>> Yeah.
>> Didn't we?
>> I did it first before.
>> Okay.
>> Remember, I reversed it. Just thought it
would be nice to have the commissioner
comments at the end. Yeah. Yeah.
>> I thought we should end with
commissioner reports. I don't know.
>> You want to have people be able to
comment on
>> Yeah. You want to have people be able to
comment on Commissioner Tom.
>> So,
>> oh well. All right. Next time. There
were no people. So,
>> motion to close the meeting.
>> I'll second the motion.
>> Thank you everybody. Thanks for uh
affording me the opportunity to come in.
>> Roll call.
>> Mr. Langria.
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Mento.
>> Yes.
>> Creable.
>> Yes.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you all.
>> Good night. Good night.