Trustee Election Scheduled for September

The following Trustees and Trustee Officers have confirmed they will run for another two-year term 2021 – 2023: Trustees Frank Benintendo, Denise Brand, Bill Hutson and Ted Stiles; Officers Bill Cannon (Treasurer) and Yanni Kaloudis (Communications Director). Three additional trustee positions are open.

Any HTA member can be a candidate for Trustee if they have been a property owner or a year-round renter for the last two years. The member must submit a written statement on why they would like to be considered as a candidate, include a brief bio referencing any type of community work, and provide a nominating petition with 10 HTA member signatures (which may include the signature of the nominee).

All documents to become a candidate for Trustee must be received 30 days prior to the election and sent to the current President. The deadline is August 11.

Online voting for the slate of Trustee candidates will be completed by the September 11 General Membership meeting with results announced during the following week.

The top six (6) voted candidates are elected for a two (2) year term. If there are more than six (6) candidates, a maximum of three (3) candidates to receive the next highest vote totals are only elected to a one (1) year term as we look to fill nine (9) Trustee positions. This will allow us to return to more balanced elections in the future.

Members who are interested in becoming a Trustee are also encouraged to join one of the HTA committees to learn more about the organization.
Trustees will vote on the Officers slate at the November 7, Trustee’s meeting.

SAVE THE DATES

• Fall Membership Meeting and BBQ: September 11
• Fall Refuge Cleanup: September 18
• Fall Dune Planting: September 25

JULY UPDATES

Beaches: Some of the beaches are not great but are possibly better than expected. Unfortunately, there is no prospect for the extension of the steel jetty this Winter. While we await the scheduled 2023 LBI replenishment, we are very concerned about an unconfirmed report of a lack of funding for Army Corps replenishment in Delaware. Click here

Dune Abuse: It’s only mid-July and we have already seen vehicles drive up the beach entrances and destroy our dune plantings while endangering beachgoers. And then there are the people who feel they have a right to play or sit on the dunes. The Mayor is as horrified as we are; he suggested taking a photo of the offenders (especially if you can get a license plate) and consider calling the police.

Parking: Similarly, we have people parking illegally and blocking driveways. This also creates a safety situation for cyclists and pedestrians if there are too many cars parked illegally. And it impedes street cleaning and garbage collection. Call the police if this is a problem on your street.

New HTA Safety Program for Members: In partnership with the LBI Chamber of Commerce, the LBT Police Department and other local taxpayer associations, the HTA has obtained some illuminated wristbands for safer biking and walking when it gets dark. These are offered free of charge to our members who have volunteered for our clean-ups and dune planting programs in the last 12 months. If you have been a volunteer and would like a wristband, please contact Dan Macone at dkmacone74@gmail.com. A limited quantity is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Spring Clean-up: Due to date changes, a lower than expected number of volunteers turned out for this year’s clean-up. Special thanks to: Trustees Dan Macone (project organizer), Yanni Kaloudis (area captain), Frank Benintendo (area captain) and Frank Lowry; and volunteers – Kathy Macone (area captain), Pam Lowry, Bill Kehr, Ellen Kehr, Hank Henninger, Ms. Patricia, Susan Kakstys, Michael Widico, Karen Widico, James Timony, Kevin Kelly and Bob Waldron.

Marine Field Station: The new educational facility at 127 W. Osborn is holding a number of programs in July. July Program Schedule

Offshore Wind Farms: Updated fact sheet as produced by the Joint Council of Taxpayers Association is on the HTA website. This was compiled the NJ BPU formally agreed to purchase electricity from Atlantic Shores which is a significant step forward in this project. Wind Fact Sheet – June 2021 Also please note Atlantic Shores is hosting an online Open House to share information about their joint venture and the field of offshore wind. You will hear from their subject matter experts about project timelines, designs, job creation, environmental considerations, and more. There are three date options for you to select from:

• Tues, July 20 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
• Wed, July 21 (12:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
• Thur, July 22 (6:30 pm – 08:30 pm)

Participants will have time to explore project facts and videos in a virtual room prior to joining presentations and Q&A sessions with subject matter experts in breakout rooms.
Register to attend: Atlantic Shores Registration

Bond’s Park Recreation Area: The HTA is finalizing a survey to better determine what everyone would like to see for this area. The results will be shared with our members and the Township.

July Commissioner’s Meeting: New limits on rooftop hot tubs (cannot extend higher than permissible deck railing height) and pools (no longer allowed on roofs) were announced.
By-Laws Approval: The proposed By-Laws changes were approved with 59 members in favor out of a total of 60 votes cast.

REMINDERS
Trash: The Township is strictly enforcing garbage regulations and giving out tickets – no warnings; be sure all garbage cans are sealed shut. If you rent, advise your tenants.
Coyotes: We are not aware of any recent coyote presence in Holgate although they have been reported in Loveladies. Please continue to report any sightings.
Compassion Café: Please support this new service which is staffed by people with intellectual and developmental challenges at Barry’s Do Me a Flavor in Beach Haven. Hours are Mondays-Thursdays from 7:00am -11:00am. http://bit.ly/CompassionCafeBarrys
Water Meters: Some LBT residents have still not activated their new water meters. Please be sure to do this to avoid a fine

The summer season seems to have started off even busier than in 2020. Please stay patient and take your time. We are all very fortunate to be here.