On the agenda: Somers Point  Agenda — automated license plate (Jul 23)

REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Gerety with a salute to the flag and a moment of
silence for Officer Ryan Wogansky who recently lost his father in a motor vehicle accident. Roll call
was recorded as follows:
Present:

DePamphilis, Dill, Johnston, McGuigan, Shields, Slaughter, Gerety

Also Present:

Mayor Tapp, Administrator Frost, City Clerk Heath, City Solicitor Smith, and City
Engineer Schneider
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Open Public Meetings Act:
Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided to two
local newspapers. The agenda has been posted at City Hall and on the City’s website, somerspointgov.org.
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Communications:
None.
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Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Tapp announced this year’s National Night Out will be held on August 4th at the Kennedy Park
from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00p.m. hosted by the Somers Point Police Department and Somers Point Police
Athletic League. Mayor Tapp thanked and congratulated the newest Volunteer Fire Fighters who
graduated from the Fire Academy, Steve Morrow, Dan McNickel, Noah Love, Owen Ogden, and Cory
Deomore. He thanked Public Works Director Steve Horning, City Clerk Shelby Heath, and Council
Members Gerety, Johnston, and McGuigan for participating in the Somers Point Employee Appreciation
Day. Lastly Mayor Tapp reminded everyone that the month of August is Military Veterans Appreciation
Month and he encouraged everyone to pay respect to our Military Veterans.
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Administrator’s Report:
None
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Solicitor’s Report:
None
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REGULAR MEETING
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July 23, 2026
Engineer’s Report:
City Engineer Schneider reported the striping for the Road Program was completed, and additional
striping was done near Kern Field to help with parking.
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Committee Reports:
Council Member Johnston gave an update on several different things the Economic Development
Advisory Committee has been focusing on, including becoming qualified to be a Film Ready Community.
The City Solicitor is currently working on an ordinance pertaining to this project in hopes to have all
requirements complete soon. The committee hopes to promote the boating industry and have met with
professionals for different suggestions and ideas. They also are obtaining estimates to install binoculars at
different areas throughout Somers Point. The temporary sign ordinance was reviewed by EDAC and they
recommend the business association and code enforcement review it.
Council Member Johnston and the library committee met and are planning the fall events such as the
board game, and genealogy club and hope to add a new book club. They are also researching an orchid
seminar which is a popular interest.
Council Member McGuigan mentioned the Police Athletic League conducted a summer camp called
Heros in Training, which has been wildly successful. He invited Council Members to attend the
graduation ceremony being held in the Chambers on 7/24/2026.
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Approval of Minutes:
On the motion of Council Member Dill, seconded of Council Member Johnston, and carried to approve
the Regular Meeting Minutes and Executive Session Minutes of 7/9/2026, approved as to content only.
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Ordinances:
Ordinance No. 17 of 2026
(Second Reading/Public Hearing/Adoption)
This ordinance was defeated by a roll call vote.
Council President Gerety explained this ordinance is pertaining to the proposed parking on Bay Avenue for
commercial properties.

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MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
Council Member McGuigan explained his view on the proposed ordinance and why he thinks it would be
beneficial to pass this ordinance.
Council President Gerety duly opened the meeting to the public.
Chuck Moore of Somers Point spoke against this ordinance.
Somers Point Resident Bob Wallace shared his displeasure of this ordinance.
Patricia Pierson of Somers Point voiced her disapproval of this ordinance.
Louis Greggory of Somers Point expressed her dissatisfaction of this ordinance stating she believes
one business should not receive special privilege.
Gary Gray of Somers Point stated he is opposed to this ordinance.
Somers Point Resident Terry Doebley expressed she does not support this ordinance.
Ms. Lawler shared her opinion stating she thinks Somers Point is being overdeveloped and she does
not support this ordinance.
Walt Gregory Somers Point Resident voiced his disapproval of this ordinance.
Brooke Guckin of Somers Point expressed her appreciation toward city council for encouraging
redevelopment, but she disapproves of this ordinance.
Catherine Carver addressed her concerns about the parking situation but does not believe this
ordinance will benefit the residents and does not support this ordinance being adopted.
Bill Collins of Somers Point shared his thoughts and ideas pertaining to the parking situation.
Kim O’Brien a 20-year resident of Somers Point, spoke against this ordinance.
Hearing nothing from the public, the public portion was duly closed.
Solicitor Smith explained this proposed ordinance was sent to the Planning Board on July 25th,2026 for
review to see if it was consistent with the City’s Master Plan. The Planning Board found this ordinance is
not consistent with the Master Plan of the City therefore he explained when the vote is called if a Council
Member votes yes, they are going against the consensus of the Planning Board and need to state why.
Council Member Dill asked Solicitor Smith for clarification on voting, and explained he does not agree
with the Planning Boards determination but is voting no.

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July 23, 2026
Council Member McGuigan stated he believes the professional leaders originally found the proposed
ordinance to be consistent with the Master Plan. He feels the Planning Board went against their
recommendation. Council Member McGuigan then voiced his view on the proposed ordinance.
This ordinance was defeated by a roll call vote that was recorded as follows:
McGuigan -Yes- he believes the Planning Boards decision was contrary with the professional’s
recommendation.
Slaughter- No
Dill-No- He stated he does not agree with the Planning Boards findings and is voting no because he doesn’t
believe the residents want to see this move forward.
Johnston-No- She respects the Planning Board and the Professionals’ decision, but she believes the
proposed redevelopment is too big for that area.
Shields -No
DePamphilis-No- Agrees with the Planning Boards findings.
Gerety-No
Council Member Gerety commended Council Member McGuigan for his ideas. He also expressed he
supports all business ideas being put on the agenda for transparency.
Council Member Dill voiced his opinion that there is no such thing as a bad idea.
Council Member Johnston suggested listing all new business ideas on the agenda under new business
before it becomes a resolution or ordinance.
Council Member DePamphilis suggested they have a city-wide town hall meeting to discuss Bay Ave
proposed redevelopment ideas.
Council Member Johnston agreed with Council Member DePamphilis’s suggestion and would like to invite
the Environmental Advisory Development Committee.
On the motion of Council Member DePamphilis, seconded of Council Member Dill, and carried to approve
a Special Meeting to discuss the redevelopment on Bay Avenue.

No. 17 of 2026

DEFEATED
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 250-61.2
WHEREAS, the economic development of commercial businesses benefits the City of
Somers Point and its taxpayers; and
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July 23, 2026
WHEREAS, the development of certain commercial properties, particularly along Bay
Avenue and between Bay Avenue and Shore Road where commercial development is permitted
or a conditional use, is constrained due to the size of the parcels; and
WHEREAS, there are several City owned and controlled parking lots situated along Bay
Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that a limited number of parking spaces
within such lots, if made available for use by new commercial businesses which otherwise may
not be able to satisfy the minimum number of parking spaces required for such development, is
inherently beneficial, will promote efficient utilization of available parking spaces, assist traffic
circulation and access, and will inure to the benefit of the new commercial developer, the
taxpayers, and the general public which will then be able to patronize such new development.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Somers Point, in the County of Atlantic. State of New Jersey that
Section 1. The Somers Point Municipal Code Chapter 250-61.2 “No City-owned space excluded
from minimum-parking-space requirement” - is amended and supplemented as follows.
Section 1.
Article 250-61.2
250-61.2a. Exception # 1
Notwithstanding the above language, the City Council of the City of Somers Point may, by
ordinance, grant a deed of easement to the owner of a new commercial business situated within
one hundred (100) yards of a City owned parking lot (to be measured from nearest property line
to nearest property line along abutting sidewalks) giving the commercial property owner (the
“owner/ applicant”) a right to the exclusive use of certain parking spaces within such lot which
shall, at the sole expense of the business owner, be designated by signing described in Article 25061.3; and the use of which spaces the business owner / applicant shall be solely responsible to
enforce through arrangements with a private towing company.
The aggregate number of such spaces which may be made available by easement to all such new
business owner(s) / applicant(s) in each such City owned parking lot shall not exceed twenty (20)
percent of the total spaces within each such parking lot.
The City Council shall fix a fee for the annual use of such parking space(s) which may, from time
to time, be amended through a Council resolution.
The grant of any such easement for use by such owner / applicant shall remain subject to all
necessary approval from the Somers Point Planning or Somers Point Zoning Board, as the case
may be, including any conditions which may be imposed by said board as a condition of approval.
If such approval is not granted no easement shall be granted by the City.
250-61.2b. Exception 2.
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July 23, 2026
In the alternative, the City Council of the City of Somers Point may, subject to receipt of necessary
approvals by the Somers Point Planning Board or Somers Point Zoning Board, as the case may be,
enter into a Reciprocal Non- Exclusive Parking Space Agreement which shall permit the owner /
applicant's customers, employees, and patrons of a new commercial establishment situated with
the area described in Article 250-62.1a by which such persons may have the non-exclusive use of
parking spaces within a specific municipal parking lot, and the City shall have the non-exclusive
right to utilize parking spaces within the owner's lot for overflow parking when needed, and as
available. Any such agreement used to satisfy a portion of the owner / applicant's parking
requirements shall be further subject to conditions which may be imposed by the City and / or the
Somers Point Planning or Zoning Board which approves such development.
SECTION 2. All ordinances of the City of Somers Point that are inconsistent with the provisions
of this Ordinance are hereby repealed as to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 3. If any subsection, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be
unconstitutional or invalid in any Court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect
the remaining portion of this Ordinance.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect following final passage and publication in
accordance with law.
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Ordinance No. 18 of 2026
(Second Reading/Public Hearing/Adoption)
M/S- Dill/Shields
This ordinance was defeated by a roll call vote.
Council President Gerety duly opened the meeting to the public.
A member of the public asked for clarification on the setbacks of this proposal.
Engineer Schnieder clarified the setbacks on this ordinance will not change.
Hearing nothing from the public, the public portion was duly closed.
Solicitor Smith explained this proposed ordinance was sent to the Planning Board on July 25th,2026 for
review to see if it was consistent with the City’s Master Plan. The Planning Board found this ordinance is
not consistent with the Master Plan of the City therefore he explained when the vote is called if a Council
Member votes yes, they are going against the consensus of the Planning Board and need to state why.

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July 23, 2026
Council Member McGuigan stated he disagreed with the Planning Boards Decision because he believes
they removed this requirement from the Master Plan and it was originally in the Master Plan which was
conflicting.

On the Motion of Johnston, seconded of Council Member Slaughter a roll call vote was recorded as follows
to table Ordinance No 18 of 2026.
Johnston-Yes
Dill-No
McGuigan-No
Slaughter-Yes
Shields-No
DePamphilis-Yes
Gerety-No
This motion did not carry.
This ordinance was defeated by a roll call vote recorded as follows:
Johnston-No
Dill-Yes- He agrees with the planning board.
McGuigan-Yes – disagrees with the planning board because the Planning Board was contrary with this
matter in the previous six months.
Slaughter-No
Shields-No
DePamphilis-No
Gerety – Yes – believes the Planning Board was indecisive with its findings.

No. 18 of 2026

DEFEATED
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 114, “LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT,”
ARTICLE XVI, “SOMERS POINT HISTORIC DISTRICT,” SECTION 114-101,
“HISTORIC VILLAGE WATERFRONT ZONE,” TO REMOVE THE
REQUIREMENT FOR A LANDSCAPED HARBORWALK
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July 23, 2026
WHEREAS, the City of Somers Point has adopted a Master Plan and Land Use
Ordinance to guide the orderly development and redevelopment of property within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has recently undertaken a review of its Master Plan, including
policies related to waterfront access and development; and
WHEREAS, as a result of that review, the requirement for a mandatory landscaped
harborwalk within the Historic Village Waterfront Zone is no longer deemed necessary nor
appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is in the best interest of the City to amend the
Land Use Ordinance to remove said requirement and ensure consistency with the Master Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Somers
Point, County of Atlantic, State of New Jersey, as follows:

SECTION 1.
Chapter 114, Land Use and Development, Article XVI, Somers Point Historic District,” Section
114-101, Historic Village Waterfront Zone,” Paragraph (E), “Relationship of structure to Great
Egg Harbor Bay,” Subparagraph (1), is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following language:
All uses located on property abutting the Great Egg Harbor Bay shall provide, in a
manner acceptable to the municipal agency, reasonable public access to the harbor as
may be required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Buildings shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from the water as measured from
he mean high-water line.

SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to
be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect
the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 3. REPEALER
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of
such inconsistency.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication in accordance with law.
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Ordinance No. 19 of 2026
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July 23, 2026
(First Reading/Introduction)
M/S- Dill/Johnston
This ordinance was introduced by a unanimous vote of those present.
No. 19 of 2026
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SYSTEM MANHOLE
REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN AND BY THE CITY OF SOMERS POINT,
IN THE COUNTY OF ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $250,000
THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $250,000 BONDS OR
NOTES OF THE CITY TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOMERS POINT, IN
THE COUNTY OF ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all members thereof
affirmatively concurring), AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.

The improvement described in Section 3(a) of this bond ordinance is hereby

authorized to be undertaken by the City of Somers Point, in the County of Atlantic, New Jersey
(the "City").

For the improvement or purpose described in Section 3(a), there is hereby

appropriated the sum of $250,000. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-11(c), no down payment is
provided for the cost of the improvement or purpose since the improvement or purpose described
in Section 3(a) hereof is being funded through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and because the
improvement or purpose authorized herein is deemed self-liquidating and the bonds and bond
anticipation notes authorized herein are deductible form the gross debt of the City, as more fully
described in Section 6(e) of this bond ordinance.
Section 2.

In order to finance the cost of the improvement or purpose, negotiable bonds

are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $250,000 pursuant to the Local Bond
Law. In anticipation of the issuance of the bonds, negotiable bond anticipation notes are hereby
authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law.
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Section 3.

(a) The improvement hereby authorized and the purpose for the financing

of which the bonds are to be issued is the System Manhole Rehabilitation Program, including all
work and materials necessary therefor and incidental thereto.
(b)

The estimated maximum amount of bonds or bond anticipation notes to be issued

for the improvement or purpose is as stated in Section 2 hereof.
(c)

The estimated cost of the improvement or purpose is equal to the amount of the

appropriation herein made therefor.
Section 4.

All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as

may be determined by the chief financial officer; provided that no bond anticipation note shall
mature later than one year from its date, unless such bond anticipation notes are permitted to
mature at such later date in accordance with applicable law. The bond anticipation notes shall bear
interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the chief financial officer.
The chief financial officer shall determine all matters in connection with bond anticipation notes
issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and the chief financial officer's signature upon the bond
anticipation notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All bond anticipation
notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of the Local
Bond Law or other applicable law. The chief financial officer is hereby authorized to sell part or
all of the bond anticipation notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to
the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from
their dates to the date of delivery thereof. The chief financial officer is directed to report in writing
to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the
bond anticipation notes pursuant to this bond ordinance is made. Such report must include the
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July 23, 2026
amount, the description, the interest rate and the maturity schedule of the bond anticipation notes
sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.
Section 5.

The City hereby certifies that it has adopted a capital budget or a temporary

capital budget, as applicable. The capital or temporary capital budget of the City is hereby
amended to conform with the provisions of this bond ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency
herewith. To the extent that the purposes authorized herein are inconsistent with the adopted
capital or temporary capital budget, a revised capital or temporary capital budget has been filed
with the Division of Local Government Services.
Section 6.

The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited

and stated:
(a)

The improvement or purpose described in Section 3(a) of this bond ordinance is not

a current expense. It is an improvement or purpose that the City may lawfully undertake as a selfliquidating purpose of a municipal public utility. No part of the cost thereof has been or shall be
specially assessed on property specially benefitted thereby.
(b)

The period of usefulness of the improvement or purpose within the limitations of

the Local Bond Law, according to the reasonable life thereof computed from the date of the bonds
authorized by this bond ordinance, is 40 years.
(c)

The Supplemental Debt Statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly

prepared and filed in the office of the Clerk, and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been
filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department
of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey. Such statement shows that the gross debt of the
City as defined in the Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes
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July 23, 2026
provided in this bond ordinance by $250,000, but that the net debt of the City determined as
provided in the Local Bond Law is not increased by this bond ordinance. The obligations
authorized herein will be within all debt limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law.
(d)

An aggregate amount not exceeding $50,000 for items of expense listed in and

permitted under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-20 is included in the estimated cost indicated herein for the
purpose or improvement.
(e)

This bond ordinance authorizes obligations of the City solely for purposes

described in N.J.S.A. 40A:2-7(h). The obligations authorized herein are to be issued for a purpose
that is deemed to be self-liquidating pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-47(a) and are deductible from the
gross debt of the City pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-44(c).
Section 7.

The City hereby makes the following covenants and declarations with

respect to obligations determined to be issued by the chief financial officer on a tax-exempt basis.
The City hereby covenants that it will comply with any conditions subsequent imposed by the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in order to preserve the exemption from
taxation of interest on the obligations, including, if necessary, the requirement to rebate all net
investment earnings on the gross proceeds above the yield on the obligations. The chief financial
officer is hereby authorized to act on behalf of the City to deem the obligations authorized herein
as bank-qualified for the purposes of Section 265 of the Code, when appropriate. The City hereby
declares the intent of the City to issue bonds or bond anticipation notes in the amount authorized
in Section 2 of this bond ordinance and to use the proceeds to pay or reimburse expenditures for
the cost of the purpose described in Section 3(a) of this bond ordinance. This Section 7 is a

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declaration of intent within the meaning and for purposes of Treasury Regulations §1.150-2 or any
successor provisions of federal income tax law.
Section 8.

Any grant moneys received for the purpose described in Section 3 hereof

shall be applied either to direct payment of the cost of the improvement or to payment of the
obligations issued pursuant to this bond ordinance. The amount of obligations authorized but not
issued hereunder shall be reduced to the extent that such funds are so used.
Section 9.

The chief financial officer of the City is hereby authorized to prepare and to

update from time to time as necessary a financial disclosure document to be distributed in
connection with the sale of obligations of the City and to execute such disclosure document on
behalf of the City. The chief financial officer is further authorized to enter into the appropriate
undertaking to provide secondary market disclosure on behalf of the City pursuant to Rule 15c212 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Rule") for the benefit of holders and
beneficial owners of obligations of the City and to amend such undertaking from time to time in
connection with any change in law, or interpretation thereof, provided such undertaking is and
continues to be, in the opinion of a nationally recognized bond counsel, consistent with the
requirements of the Rule. In the event that the City fails to comply with its undertaking, the City
shall not be liable for any monetary damages, and the remedy shall be limited to specific
performance of the undertaking.
Section 10.

The full faith and credit of the City are hereby pledged to the punctual

payment of the principal of and the interest on the obligations authorized by this bond ordinance.
The obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the City, and the City shall be obligated

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to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the City for the payment of the
obligations and the interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.
Section 11.

This bond ordinance shall take effect 20 days after the first publication

thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law.

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Ordinance No. 20 of 2026
(First Reading/Introduction)
M/S- Dill/Johnston
This ordinance was introduced by a unanimous vote of those present.
No. 20 of 2026
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO
THE SEWER UTILITY IN AND BY THE CITY OF SOMERS POINT, IN THE
COUNTY OF ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $975,000
THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $975,000 BONDS OR
NOTES OF THE CITY TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOMERS POINT, IN
THE COUNTY OF ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all members thereof
affirmatively concurring) AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.

The several improvements described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are

hereby authorized to be undertaken by the City of Somers Point, in the County of Atlantic, New
Jersey (the "City"). For the several improvements or purposes described in Section 3, there are
hereby appropriated the respective sums of money therein stated as the appropriation made for
each improvement or purpose, such sums amounting in the aggregate to $975,000. No down
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payment is required as the purposes authorized herein are deemed self-liquidating and the bonds
and bond anticipation notes authorized herein are deductible from the gross debt of the City, as
more fully explained in Section 6(e) of this bond ordinance.
Section 2.

In order to finance the cost of the several improvements or purposes,

negotiable bonds are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $975,000 pursuant
to the Local Bond Law. In anticipation of the issuance of the bonds, negotiable bond anticipation
notes are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by the
Local Bond Law.
Section 3.

The several improvements hereby authorized and the several purposes for

which the bonds are to be issued, the estimated cost of each improvement and the appropriation
therefor, the estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for each improvement and
the period of usefulness of each improvement are as follows:

Purpose
a) Improvements to buildings
and facilities, including, but
not limited to, station aeration
upgrades and rehabilitation,
lining/coating of wet wells, the
replacement of pipes and
renovations to Station 7
Broadway and Station 11
Atkinson and further including
all work and materials
necessary
therefor
and
incidental thereto.

Appropriation &
Estimated Cost

Estimated
Maximum
Amount of Bonds
& Notes

Period of
Usefulness

$200,000

$200,000

15 years

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b) The acquisition of vehicles,
including, but not limited to, a
service truck and a pickup
truck with plow and further
including all related costs and
expenditures
incidental
thereto.

$210,000

$210,000

5 years

c)
The
acquisition
of
equipment, including, but not
limited to, a muffin monster
and a forklift and further
including all related costs and
expenditures
incidental
thereto.

$65,000

$65,000

15 years

d) System Main Lining
Program, including all work
and
materials
necessary
therefor and incidental thereto.

$500,000

$500,000

40 years

Total:

$975,000

$975,000

Section 4.

All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as

may be determined by the chief financial officer; provided that no bond anticipation note shall
mature later than one year from its date, unless such bond anticipation notes are permitted to
mature at such later date in accordance with applicable law. The bond anticipation notes shall bear
interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the chief financial officer.
The chief financial officer shall determine all matters in connection with bond anticipation notes
issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and the chief financial officer's signature upon the bond
anticipation notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All bond anticipation
notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of the Local
Bond Law or other applicable law. The chief financial officer is hereby authorized to sell part or
all of the bond anticipation notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to
the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from
their dates to the date of delivery thereof. The chief financial officer is directed to report in writing
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to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the
bond anticipation notes pursuant to this bond ordinance is made. Such report must include the
amount, the description, the interest rate and the maturity schedule of the bond anticipation notes
sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.
Section 5.

The City hereby certifies that it has adopted a capital budget or a temporary

capital budget, as applicable. The capital or temporary capital budget of the City is hereby
amended to conform with the provisions of this bond ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency
herewith. To the extent that the purposes authorized herein are inconsistent with the adopted
capital or temporary capital budget, a revised capital or temporary capital budget has been filed
with the Division of Local Government Services.
Section 6.

The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited

and stated:
(a)

The improvements or purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are

not current expenses. They are all improvements or purposes that the City may lawfully undertake
as self-liquidating purposes of a municipal public utility. No part of the cost thereof has been or
shall be specially assessed on property specially benefitted thereby.
(b)

The average period of usefulness, computed on the basis of the respective amounts

of obligations authorized for each purpose and the reasonable life thereof within the limitations of
the Local Bond Law, is 25.66 years.
(c)

The Supplemental Debt Statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly

prepared and filed in the office of the Clerk, and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been
filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department
of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey. Such statement shows that the gross debt of the
City as defined in the Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes
provided in this bond ordinance by $975,000, but that the net debt of the City determined as
provided in the Local Bond Law is not increased by this bond ordinance. The obligations
authorized herein will be within all debt limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law.

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July 23, 2026
(d)

An aggregate amount not exceeding $195,000 for items of expense listed in and

permitted under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-20 is included in the estimated cost indicated herein for the
purposes or improvements.
(e)

This bond ordinance authorizes obligations of the City solely for purposes

described in N.J.S.A. 40A:2-7(h). The obligations authorized herein are to be issued for purposes
that are deemed to be self-liquidating pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-47(a) and are deductible from
the gross debt of the City pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-44(c).
Section 7.

The City hereby declares the intent of the City to issue bonds or bond

anticipation notes in the amount authorized in Section 2 of this bond ordinance and to use the
proceeds to pay or reimburse expenditures for the costs of the purposes described in Section 3 of
this bond ordinance. This Section 7 is a declaration of intent within the meaning and for purposes
of the Treasury Regulations.
Section 8.

Any grant moneys received for the purposes or improvements described in

Section 3 hereof shall be applied either to direct payment of the cost of the improvements or to
payment of the obligations issued pursuant to this bond ordinance. The amount of obligations
authorized but not issued hereunder shall be reduced to the extent that such funds are so used.
Section 9.

The chief financial officer of the City is hereby authorized to prepare and to

update from time to time as necessary a financial disclosure document to be distributed in
connection with the sale of obligations of the City and to execute such disclosure document on
behalf of the City. The chief financial officer is further authorized to enter into the appropriate
undertaking to provide secondary market disclosure on behalf of the City pursuant to Rule 15c212 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Rule") for the benefit of holders and
beneficial owners of obligations of the City and to amend such undertaking from time to time in
connection with any change in law, or interpretation thereof, provided such undertaking is and
continues to be, in the opinion of a nationally recognized bond counsel, consistent with the
requirements of the Rule. In the event that the City fails to comply with its undertaking, the City
shall not be liable for any monetary damages, and the remedy shall be limited to specific
performance of the undertaking.

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REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
Section 10.

The full faith and credit of the City are hereby pledged to the punctual

payment of the principal of and the interest on the obligations authorized by this bond ordinance.
The obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the City, and the City shall be obligated
to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the City for the payment of the
obligations and the interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.
Section 11.

This bond ordinance shall take effect 20 days after the first publication

thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law.
***************
Ordinance No. 21 of 2026
(First Reading/Public Introduction)
M/S- Dill/Johnston
This ordinance was introduced by a unanimous vote of those present.
No. 21 of 2026
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE CITY OF SOMERS POINT, IN THE
COUNTY OF ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $2,774,823
THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,636,080 BONDS OR
NOTES OF THE CITY TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOMERS POINT, IN
THE COUNTY OF ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all members thereof
affirmatively concurring), AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.

The several improvements described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are

hereby respectively authorized to be undertaken by the City of Somers Point, in the County of
Atlantic, New Jersey (the "City"), as general improvements. For the several improvements or
purposes described in Section 3, there are hereby appropriated the respective sums of money
therein stated as the appropriation made for each improvement or purpose, such sums amounting
in the aggregate to $2,774,823, and further including the aggregate sum of $138,743 as the several
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REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
down payments for the improvements or purposes required by the Local Bond Law. The down
payments have been made available by virtue of provision for down payment or for capital
improvement purposes in one or more previously adopted budgets.
Section 2.

In order to finance the cost of the several improvements or purposes not

covered by application of the several down payments, negotiable bonds are hereby authorized to
be issued in the principal amount of $2,636,080 pursuant to the Local Bond Law. In anticipation
of the issuance of the bonds, negotiable bond anticipation notes are hereby authorized to be issued
pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law.
Section 3.

The several improvements hereby authorized and the several purposes for

which the bonds are to be issued, the estimated cost of each improvement and the appropriation
therefor, the estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for each improvement and
the period of usefulness of each improvement are as follows:

Purpose
a) Fire Department
1) The acquisition of turnout gear
and water rescue gear, including
all related costs and expenditures
incidental thereto.
2) The acquisition of equipment,
including, but not limited to,
rescue harnesses, attack/supply
hoses, air bags, jaws of life and
gas detection meters and further
including all related costs and
expenditures incidental thereto.

Appropriation &
Estimated Cost

Estimated
Maximum Amount
of Bonds & Notes

Period of
Usefulness

$74,000

$70,300

5 years

$91,500

$86,925

15 years

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REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
3) The acquisition of a thermal
imager, including all related costs
and expenditures incidental
thereto.

$5,000

$4,750

10 years

4) The refurbishment of a rescue
pumper, including all work and
materials necessary therefor and
incidental thereto.

$52,000

$49,400

5 years

$150,000

$142,500

5 years

2) The acquisition of equipment,
including, but not limited to,
automated license plate readers,
digital cameras, ballistic vests,
pistols,
firearms
training
equipment and a sniper riffle with
scope and further including all
related costs and expenditures
incidental thereto.

$228,800

$217,360

5 years

3) The acquisition of information
technology firewall, including all
related costs and expenditures
incidental thereto.

$11,000

$10,450

5 years

$168,000

$159,600

15 years

b) Police Department
1) The acquisition of vehicles,
including all related costs and
expenditures incidental thereto.

d) Municipal Facilities
1) The acquisition of equipment,
including, but not limited to, a
chiller for City Hall, bleachers
and a heating, ventilation and airconditioning unit for the Youth
Center, including all related costs
and expenditures incidental
thereto.

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REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
2)
Various
improvements,
including, but not limited to, the
installation of a safety partition,
garage and office roof coating for
the Department of Public Works,
garage door replacement for the
Department of Public Works,
security upgrades for the
Department of Public Works and
flagpole and lighting replacement
at Veterans Park and further
including all work and materials
necessary thereof and incidental
thereto.

$164,000

$155,800

10 years

3) The installation of a new roof
at the Gateway Theatre and
general renovations to municipal
facilities, including all work and
materials necessary therefor and
incidental thereto.

$63,000

$59,850

15 years

4) The acquisition of a sign,
including all related costs and
expenditures incidental thereto.

$13,000

$12,350

5 years

5) The acquisition of information
technology firewall, including all
related costs and expenditures
incidental thereto.

$11,000

$10,450

5 years

$6,500

$6,175

5 years

$8,232

$7,819

5 years

e) Computers
The acquisition of computers for
the Court, including all related
costs and expenditures incidental
thereto.
f) City Clerk
The acquisition of archival
sleeves and binders, including all
related costs and expenditures
incidental thereto.

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REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
g) Department of Public Works
1) The acquisition of a dump
trucks with plows, including all
related costs and expenditures
incidental thereto.
2) The acquisition of a lawn
mower, including all related costs
and expenditures incidental
thereto.
h) Recreation
Various
recreation
improvements, including, but not
limited to, renovation of Kern
Field snack stand and restroom
building, repairs/upgrades of
baseball/softball
dugouts,
renovation of little league
building
restrooms,
improvements to key fobs/locks
various recreation buildings,
flooring at the Youth Center,
upgrades to hockey rinks and
upgrades to various recreation
facilities and further including all
work and materials necessary
therefor and incidental thereto.
i) Roadways and Drainage
1) Various road improvements,
including, but not limited to,
Amber Road, from Bala Drive to
Massachusetts Avenue, Bay
Avenue from Goll Avenue to
Jersey Avenue, and Broadway
Avenue, from Somers PointMays Landing Road to Dead
End, and further including all
work and materials necessary
therefor and incidental thereto.
2) Stormwater repairs and
maintenance, including all work
and materials necessary therefor
and incidental thereto.

$193,000

$183,350

10 years

$12,000

$11,400

15 years

$240,000

$228,000

10 years

$467,291

$443,926

10 years

$120,000

$114,000

20 years

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REGULAR MEETING
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July 23, 2026
3) Dredging improvements,
including all work and materials
necessary therefor and incidental
thereto.

$60,000

$57,000

10 years

4) Bike path improvements,
including all work and materials
necessary therefor and incidental
thereto.

$296,500

$281,675

10 years

5) Improvements to Kern Field,
including, but not limited to,
track resurfacing, field drainage,
facility renovations to the softball
building and little league
building, renovation of ball field
bathrooms, renovation of snack
stands and bathrooms, security
door
replacements
and
miscellaneous repairs and further
including all work and materials
necessary therefor and incidental
thereto.

$340,000

$323,000

10 years

Total

$2,774,823

$2,636,080

The excess of the appropriation made for each of the improvements or purposes aforesaid over the
estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued therefor, as above stated, is the amount
of the down payment for each purpose.
Section 4.

All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as

may be determined by the chief financial officer; provided that no bond anticipation note shall
mature later than one year from its date, unless such bond anticipation notes are permitted to
mature at such later date in accordance with applicable law. The bond anticipation notes shall bear
interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the chief financial officer.
The chief financial officer shall determine all matters in connection with bond anticipation notes
issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and the chief financial officer's signature upon the bond
anticipation notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All bond anticipation
notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of the Local
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REGULAR MEETING
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July 23, 2026
Bond Law or other applicable law. The chief financial officer is hereby authorized to sell part or
all of the bond anticipation notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to
the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from
their dates to the date of delivery thereof. The chief financial officer is directed to report in writing
to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the
bond anticipation notes pursuant to this bond ordinance is made. Such report must include the
amount, the description, the interest rate and the maturity schedule of the bond anticipation notes
sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.
Section 5.

The City hereby certifies that it has adopted a capital budget or a temporary

capital budget, as applicable. The capital or temporary capital budget of the City is hereby
amended to conform with the provisions of this bond ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency
herewith. To the extent that the purposes authorized herein are inconsistent with the adopted
capital or temporary capital budget, a revised capital or temporary capital budget has been filed
with the Division of Local Government Services.
Section 6.

The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited

and stated:
(a)

The improvements or purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are

not current expenses. They are all improvements or purposes that the City may lawfully undertake
as general improvements, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on
property specially benefitted thereby.
(b)

The average period of usefulness, computed on the basis of the respective amounts

of obligations authorized for each purpose and the reasonable life thereof within the limitations of
the Local Bond Law, is 10.03 years.
(c)

The Supplemental Debt Statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly

prepared and filed in the office of the Clerk, and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been
filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department
of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey. Such statement shows that the gross debt of the
City as defined in the Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes

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REGULAR MEETING
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July 23, 2026
provided in this bond ordinance by $2,636,080, and the obligations authorized herein will be within
all debt limitations prescribed by that Law.
(d)

An aggregate amount not exceeding $501,000 for items of expense listed in and

permitted under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-20 is included in the estimated cost indicated herein for the
purposes or improvements.
Section 7.

The City hereby makes the following covenants and declarations with

respect to obligations determined to be issued by the chief financial officer on a tax-exempt basis.
The City hereby covenants that it will comply with any conditions subsequent imposed by the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in order to preserve the exemption from
taxation of interest on the obligations, including, if necessary, the requirement to rebate all net
investment earnings on the gross proceeds above the yield on the obligations. The chief financial
officer is hereby authorized to act on behalf of the City to deem the obligations authorized herein
as bank-qualified for the purposes of Section 265 of the Code, when appropriate. The City hereby
declares the intent of the City to issue bonds or bond anticipation notes in the amount authorized
in Section 2 of this bond ordinance and to use the proceeds to pay or reimburse expenditures for
the costs of the purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance. This Section 7 is a
declaration of intent within the meaning and for purposes of Treasury Regulations §1.150-2 or any
successor provisions of federal income tax law.
Section 8.

Any grant moneys received for the purposes or improvements described in

Section 3 hereof shall be applied either to direct payment of the cost of the improvements or to
payment of the obligations issued pursuant to this bond ordinance. The amount of obligations
authorized but not issued hereunder shall be reduced to the extent that such funds are so used.
Section 9.

The chief financial officer of the City is hereby authorized to prepare and to

update from time to time as necessary a financial disclosure document to be distributed in
connection with the sale of obligations of the City and to execute such disclosure document on
behalf of the City. The chief financial officer is further authorized to enter into the appropriate
undertaking to provide secondary market disclosure on behalf of the City pursuant to Rule 15c212 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Rule") for the benefit of holders and
beneficial owners of obligations of the City and to amend such undertaking from time to time in
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REGULAR MEETING
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July 23, 2026
connection with any change in law, or interpretation thereof, provided such undertaking is and
continues to be, in the opinion of a nationally recognized bond counsel, consistent with the
requirements of the Rule. In the event that the City fails to comply with its undertaking, the City
shall not be liable for any monetary damages, and the remedy shall be limited to specific
performance of the undertaking.
Section 10.

The full faith and credit of the City are hereby pledged to the punctual

payment of the principal of and the interest on the obligations authorized by this bond ordinance.
The obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the City, and the City shall be obligated
to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the City for the payment of the
obligations and the interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.
Section 11.

This bond ordinance shall take effect 20 days after the first publication

thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law.
***************
Resolutions:
Public Portion Resolutions:
Council President Gerety duly opened the meeting to the public.
Hearing nothing from the public, the public portion was duly closed.
**************

Resolution No. 191 of 2026
M/S- Dill/Slaughter
This resolution was adopted by a unanimous vote of those present.
Council Members Johnston, Dill, and McGuigan congratulated Rosemary Howell on her well-deserved
advancement.
No. 191 of 2026
Subject:

Employee Advancement of Rosemary Howell

Introduced By:

Council President Gerety
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July 23, 2026
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of Somers Point to advance employees according
to their individual merits and in accordance with the New Jersey Civil Service
Commission Policies and Procedures; and
WHEREAS, Rosemary Howell has been employed by the City of Somers Point since August
1st, 2022, and has performed the duties of Technical Assistant to the Construction Official
in the Construction Office; and
WHEREAS, the Construction Official, City Administrator, and City Council Personnel
Committee have recommended that Rosemary Howell be promoted; and
WHEREAS, adequate funds are available within the Construction Department operations in the
2026 Budget for this promotion.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Somers Point as
follows:

1.) The promotion of Rosemary Howell to the position of Administrative
Secretary, New Jersey Civil Service Local Government Job Specification
00112, within the Construction Department, is hereby approved effective
January 1st, 2026 on a provisional basis, pending the results of a Departmental
Promotional Examination to be issued by the New Jersey Civil Service
Commission, if necessary.
2.) Effective January 1st, 2026, the salary of Rosemary Howell will be $55,000
reflective of the promotion to Administrative Secretary in conjunction with
her duties as Technical Assistant to the Construction Official.
***************
Consent Agenda Resolutions:
On the motion of Council Member Dill, seconded of Council Member DePamphilis and carried to approve
the Consent Agenda Resolutions.
***************
No. 192 of 2026

Subject:

Chapter 159 Resolution – FY 2023 Recycling Tonnage

Introduced By:

Council President Gerety

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local
Government may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any
municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was
not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and
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REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for
equal amount; and
WHEREAS, the City of Somers Point has received a grant in the amount of $23,247.66
and wishes to amend its 2026 budget to include this amount as a revenue.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Somers
Point hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the
insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2026 in the sum of $23,247.66 which
item is now available as a revenue from:
Miscellaneous Revenue
Special Items of General Revenue Anticipated with Prior Written Consent of the
Director of Local Government Services:
Public and Private Revenue Offset with Appropriations:
FY 2023 Recycling Tonnage Grant
$23,247.66
pursuant to the provision of Statute; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of $23,247.66 be and the same is
hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
(A) Operations - Excluded from “CAPS”

Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
FY 2023 Recycling Tonnage Grant
$23,247.66
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be certified and submitted to the
Director of Local Government Services for approval.
***************
No. 193 of 2026
Subject:

Authorizing Advertisement of RFP for Multi-Sport Surface for
the Somers Point Hockey Courts

Introduced By:

Council President Gerety

WHEREAS, the City of Somers Point is in possession of property known as
595 Marks Rd. Somers Point NJ 08244; Block 1016 Lot 12 on the tax maps of the City of
Somers Point and
WHEREAS, this property includes the location of the Somers Point Hockey Courts and
Recreational Facilities; and
WHEREAS, there exists a need for the City to explore the application of a Multi-Sport
Surface for use on one or two Street Hockey Courts; and
WHEREAS, the governing body recognizing this need, seeks to solicit bids from
qualified bidders for the supply and potential install of the Multi-Sport Surface on one or both
Street Hockey Court Surfaces.

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REGULAR MEETING
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
July 23, 2026
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Somers
Point as follows:
1. The City Clerk is hereby directed to advertise the Requests for Proposals for the
supply and potential install of the Multi-Sport Surface on one or both Street Hockey Courts
located at 595 Marks Rd. Somers Point NJ; at Block 1016, Lot 12 located within the City of
Somers Point.
2. Said advertisement shall be published as soon as possible, but no later than July 24th
2026.
3. All proposals must be received by the City Clerk no later than 10:00 a.m. on August
25th, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened, announced and recorded in the Office of
Administration.
***************
No. 194 of 2026
Subject:

A Resolution of Support Authorizing the Submission of an
Application for the Sustainable Communities Grant Program
Funded by Atlantic City Electric

Introduced By:

Council Member McGuigan

WHEREAS, the City of Somers Point is committed to improving the quality of life for its
residents by promoting environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social responsibility;
and
WHEREAS, the City strives to reduce costs, conserve natural resources, protect clean
land, air, and water, and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the City of Somers Point is an active participant in the Sustainable Jersey
Program; and
WHEREAS, Sustainable Jersey administers the Sustainable Communities Grant Program,
funded by Atlantic City Electric, to assist municipalities in implementing sustainability initiatives
and advancing local environmental and community goals; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City of
Somers Point to submit an application for funding through the Sustainable Communities Grant
Program.

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REGULAR MEETING
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July 23, 2026
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Somers
Point, County of Atlantic, State of New Jersey, that the City hereby authorizes the submission of
an application for the Sustainable Communities Grant Program funded by Atlantic City Electric.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the appropriate City officials are hereby authorized
to execute any documents and take any actions necessary to effectuate the submission of the grant
application.
***************
No. 195 of 2026
Subject:

Accepting Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust Grant

Introduced By:

Council President Gerety

WHEREAS, the Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust is a $15 million independent fund
initially established in 2019. In the first round of funding for coastal resiliency projects, the Trust
awarded grants totaling $3.9 million to seven municipalities. In addition to providing funding for
coastal resiliency projects, the Trust offers small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses
support in reconfiguring or adapting their businesses to participate in the developing offshore
wind industry. To date, the Trust has awarded a total of $4.8 million in grants in support of its
purpose.
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust Fund recently announced
the opening of a new round of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency projects in Ocean,
Atlantic and Cape May counties. This funding aims to help communities prepare for, withstand,
mitigate and recover from severe weather occurrences, flooding, natural disasters and other
climate-related challenges.
WHEREAS, during this round of funding, the Trust will award up to $10 million supporting
coastal resiliency, coastal transportation and grid reliability in Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May
Counties.
WHEREAS, this grant program does not require a local match; and
WHEREAS, the City of Somers Point carefully considers grant programs that assist the City
in achieving projects and programs that are priorities for the community; and
WHEREAS, the City has been awarded an Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust grant for the
Exton Road Resiliency Project for $645,491.17.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the governing body of the City of Somers
Point, State of New Jersey, hereby accepts this Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust grant.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, Administrator, and Clerk are hereby
authorized to sign grant agreements on behalf of the City of Somers Point and that their signature

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July 23, 2026
constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approves the
execution of the grant agreement.
***************
Old Business:
Council President Gerety explained copies of Somers Point Vendor Ordinance was distributed for all
Council Members to review. He plans to work with Solicitor Smith and City Clerk Heath to make
improvements to this ordinance and would like any feedback and suggestions for the next City Council
Meeting.
On the motion of Council Member Dill, seconded by Council Member Johnston, and carried to approve, a
recommendation was made to have the Recreation Board review the fees pertaining to the beach concerts.
***************
New Business:
On the motion of Council Member Johnston, seconded by Council Member Dill and carried to approve a
Social Affair Permit Application for the Somers Point Historical Society for the Good Old Days Festival
on 9/12/2026 from 12PM.-6PM.
Council President Gerety addressed a noise complaint he received about Pablos’s Restaurant and
recommended that the Mayor who is on the Public Safety Committee investigate this complaint. He also
stated the Zoning Board had a resignation, and they hope to find a replacement soon.
***************
Discussion of Bills:
Administrator Frost reported a Bill List dated 7/21/2026 in the amount of $785,408.65, and an emergency
check run dated 7/10/2026 in the amount of $4,087.95.
***************
Public Portion:
Council President Gerety duly opened the meeting to the public.
A Somers Point Resident addressed City Council with her concerns about the traffic light located at
MacArthur Blvd / Mays Landing Road. She also reminded residents that Art in the Park will be held
on September 19th from 10AM-4PM.
Engineer Schnieder mentioned the traffic light will be looked at during the traffic study.

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July 23, 2026
Gregory Ogden of Somers Point mentioned his son was one of the Volunteer Fire Fighters who
graduated the Fire Academy. He stated he was the one who submitted a noise complaint regarding
Pablo and wanted to clarify it’s not the volume but the actual bass that’s disturbing and he hopes
there is a solution for both the business and residents.
Bill Collins of Somers Point researched the fees collected from the boat ramp passes sold by the City
of Somers Point in the year 2025 and 2026 by submitting an Open Public Records Request. He then
shared his opinions and suggestions pertaining to the boat ramp fees.
Hearing nothing further from the public, the public hearing was duly closed.
***************
Payment of Bills:
M/S: Dill/Slaughter
The Bill List was approved by a unanimous vote of those present. A complete list of bills is on file in the
Office of the Municipal Clerk.
****************
Comments from Governing Body:
None
****************
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before City Council, Council Member Slaughter moved, Council
Member Dill seconded and carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
***************
Respectfully submitted,

Shelby Heath, RMC
Municipal Clerk
Approved: 8/27/2026

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