The Asbury Park City Council held its final meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 23, at 6 p.m., just one day before Christmas Eve, in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. In attendance were Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, and Council members Angela Ahbez-Anderson, Yvonne Clayton, and Eileen Chapman, along with other city officials.
The meeting moved quickly, likely due to the limited public attendance, which consisted of three individuals, including a proposed sewer applica
A few notable agenda items included:
- Approval of temporary budget for 2026, marking one of the final administrative actions of the year.
- Authorization of payment for emergency sinkhole repairs within the city.
- Adoption of a resolution establishing a new sewer connection fee schedule following testimony from the city’s auditor.
- Public hearing and adoption of an ordinance authorizing funding and bond issuance for roadway improvements to Third Avenue.
- Public hearing and adoption of an ordinance amending the city’s building and construction code related to security requirements.
- Public hearing and adoption of an ordinance amending sections of the city code related to police and fire alarm systems and fire protection and prevention.
During the announcements portion of the meeting, each council member shared brief remarks. Ahbez-Anderson wished residents a happy holiday season, followed by Chapman, who thanked community members who have helped those in need during the holidays. Clayton announced that Movies by the Sea will take place on December 29. Mayor Moor highlighted the holiday decorations at the local post office, praising the postmaster for the display. He noted that he had not seen decorations like that in nearly 50 years and said the effort brought him joy.
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Shortly thereafter, the City Attorney Kevin Starkey introduced the city’s auditor, David Gannon, who provided testimony regarding proposed sewer connection fee increases. Gannon was sworn in and questioned by Starkey. During his testimony, he explained that the purpose of the increase is to ensure new users of the sewer system contribute equitably alongside existing users. He outlined three classes of users: Class 1 (residential), Class 2 (hotel/motel), and Class 3 (non-residential). Fees are structured not to exceed the actual cost of physical connection, along with a fair contribution toward system costs.
The proposed fee increases include a rise for Class 1 residential connections from $7,171 per unit to $7,598 per unit. Class 2 hotel and motel connections would increase from $3,550 per guest room to $3,799 per guest room. Class 3 non-residential connections would increase from $35 to $38 per gallon per day, with the minimum fee rising from $7,171 to $7,598.
Following the testimony, Starkey opened the floor to council members for questions, though none were raised. City Clerk Anthony Cucci then opened the public hearing; no public comments were made.
The council proceeded with the remainder of the regular agenda, including three ordinances, each of which was opened to public comment. No questions or comments were presented. The meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter.
The next Asbury Park City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers.
