HTA December 2022 Newsletter

A key highlight this month is the first reading of the proposed ordinance about water and sewer fees for 2023. The Township has worked hard to cover the fixed costs of the system (please remember that all of the infrastructure work is bonded and this is in addition to maintenance costs) while also creating a fee structure that increases water rates as usage increases (heavy users pay more).

Water is sourced from other towns on LBI and sewage treatment is sourced from Ocean County. There have been significant increases in these charges within the last year.

Thank you for the feedback regarding volunteerism. While we have been successful in the past at publicizing dates well in advance of the event, we will try to provide even more notice where possible. Also, we will experiment with other ways of reaching everyone beyond just email and Facebook posts.

With Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanza just around the corner, the HTA Trustees wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy 2023!

December Highlights

1. Beach Conditions
2. Windmill Status
3. Township Ordinances Approved on Second Reading
4. Township Ordinances Moved on First Reading
5. Water and Sewer Fees
6. First Responder Support
7. Vacant Home/Emergency Contact Info

Updates

1. Beach Conditions
   • Please continue to be extra careful if you are going to the beach given the erosion and steep drop-offs. And let’s keep our fingers crossed for a mild winter.
2. Windmill Status
   • The Joint Council of Taxpayers Associations of LBI’s latest update (#8) of available information will be listed on the homepage of the HTA website later this month. Please note, these summaries do not represent any formal position on the part of the HTA or the JCTA but are the result of efforts by the JCTA to present as much factual and objective information as possible so that people are better educated about the wind projects. It remains up to you to assess the information to come to an informed conclusion about the planned project.
3. Relevant Ordinances Passed on Second Reading
   • 22-23C: Clarifies and confirms the flood elevation level in Flood Hazard Protection Area – V, a FEMA classification for coastal areas that are subject to frequent inundation.
   • 22-24C: Proposes a standard way of measuring buildings erected on bayfront lots and lots on lagoons and confirms a maximum height of 34’ for those structures; raises the fee for installing sheds, grade-level decks, pavers and similar construction to $75 from $50.
4. Relevant Ordinance Moved on First Reading
   • 22-25C: Proposes new 2023 water and sewer rates. Each homeowner’s base rate will be $150 per quarter for water and $150 per quarter for sewer (a total of $1,200 per year). Additionally, you will pay for your actual water usage based on a sliding scale of fees starting with the first gallon used each quarter (see #5 below). This ordinance also includes a $5 increase in the cost of pre-season and seasonal beach badges.
   • You can find the ordinance at: Water/Sewer Fees
   • Note: To improve readability, export or save the ordinance as a PDF to your computer, vertically format each page and then save the document.
   • This ordinance will come up for approval on second reading on Monday, December 19 at 4pm in the year-end Commissioners meeting.
5. Water and Sewer Fees
   • WATER: Your quarterly water bill will include a base water charge plus an additional charge based on the amount of water you use per quarter. The base water charge covers the Township’s cost of maintaining water service to your property. The schedule below shows the charges per quarter per unit in a residential property.
   • Base water charge $150 per quarter, per single-family residence, plus:
     0 – 15,000 gallons @ $1 per 1,000 gallons
     15,001 – 25,000 gallons @ $2 per 1,000 gallons
     25,001 – 50,000 gallons @ $5 per 1,000 gallons
     50,001 – 100,000 gallons @ $10 per 1,000 gallons
     100,001 – 150,000 gallons @ $13.50 per 1,000 gallons
     150,001+ gallons @ $18 per 1,000 gallons
   • SEWER: Billed quarterly at $150 per quarter, for a single-family residence and $300 per quarter for a duplex (two-family residence). This fee is used to pay for the cost of maintenance and repairs in the sewer service. In addition, an annual surcharge of $100 will be collected during 2023 from all properties that used more than 150,000 gallons of water during 2022. A decision about subsequent surcharges will be determined around this time every year to take effect the following year.
   • The app to be able to track your own water usage remains delayed; delivery is expected in April but has been rescheduled several times.
6. First Responder Support
   • Our volunteer system throughout the Island is facing severe challenges. Please consider supporting our nearest First Responders this year. Donations are greatly appreciated but volunteers are at critical level.
     • Beach Haven First Aid
     • Beach Haven Fire
     • Sandpaper article on First Responders
7. Vacant Home/Emergency Contact Info
   • The Township police department asks that all homeowners provide emergency contact information, especially if their homes will be vacant in the offseason. Homeowners who are away can request to have their homes checked by the police: LBI Township Forms Online
   • Mayor Mancini also reminded everyone who has not fully winterized their home to be sure to turn off the water if you will be out of the house for any significant time.

HTA April 2022 Newsletter

Note: If you have not signed up to be a member, this is the last full newsletter you will receive. Please be sure to get your dues in ASAP.

Beaches appear to be holding up with consistent Township plowing/grooming and the weather is (finally) starting to improve. Please mark your calendars for our May 7 clean-up – part of an Island-wide effort. This is the Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend, a nice time to give a little back to Mother Earth with all of the mess we’ve made that accumulates in Holgate over the Winter months.

Also, please note we are postponing our Spring dune planting to the Fall for a variety of reasons, too numerous to go into. Rest assured, we will be back bigger and better in late September/early October.

April Highlights

1. Membership Renewals for 202
2. Spring Clean-up
3. Resilient LBI
4. Spring Membership Meeting
5. Ordinance Passed on Second Reading
6. Ordinances in Process after First Reading
7. Increased Police Enforcement
8. Tennis Court and Pickleball Fees
9. Plastic Bag Ban Takes Effect
10. App for Water Usage
11. Other Save-the-Dates
12. Helpful Links

Updates

1. Membership Renewals

• We are ahead of last year’s record pace and looking to break the 500-homeowner threshold this year. As always, thank you for your continued support and generous donations. Membership Signup

2. Spring Clean-up

• On Saturday, May 7th from 9-11am, we are participating in an Island-wide clean-up, sponsored by the Joint Council of Taxpayers Associations in partnership with Alliance for a Living Ocean. We would like to have a great volunteer turnout; you can collect a lot of trash in a short time.
• We’ll meet at 9am at the Tebco Terrace beach entrance (roughly the halfway point for north/south).
• The HTA will provide water, a snack, safety vests, and some handy pickers for items you don’t want to touch. Please bring your own gloves, sunscreen, and a bucket (if possible, to avoid using plastic bags).

3. Resilient LBI

• The following is expected to impact all LBI home and business owners in the future. This group has been working for several years and is nearing completion of its recommendations which are expected to determine how LBI will continue to exist in the decades ahead as the climate changes.
• The Resilient Long Beach Island Project is in its final and critical phase: A community workshop will take place, Tuesday, May 3rd, 5-7:00 pm at the St. Francis Community Center. The public is invited to attend.
• You will hear about Resilience Action Plan scenarios and options that will preserve homes, key pieces of history and culture, protect infrastructure and allow businesses to thrive. Your comments will shape the Action Plan and help determine how LBI will move towards resiliency, protected from flooding caused by sea level rise and precipitation.

4. Spring Membership Meeting

• All members are invited and encouraged to attend this annual meeting. We are looking forward to an in-person meeting on Saturday, June 11 at 10am at the new Marine Field Station on Osborn Avenue on the north end of Holgate. For those who would normally walk to the meeting, we are trying to arrange an extra shuttle bus that morning for people on the south end.

5. Ordinance Passed Into Law on Second Reading

• An ordinance was passed which would allow open containers of alcoholic beverages at Township-sponsored events.
• An ordinance was passed to allow the Township to charge for OPRA-related requests for police videos since these require an outside service to edit them.

6. Ordinances Moved on First Reading

• An ordinance was moved to increase fines for parking violations and illegal fireworks use.

7. Increased Police Enforcement

• The Township Police will begin to issue summonses without warning for dogs that are on the beach without leashes, illegal parking, and drivers not allowing safe distance when passing bicyclists per the recently passed NJ law. The HTA has also asked that this enforcement also apply to bicyclists who don’t obey the traffic laws and create dangerous situations for everyone on the road.

8. Tennis Court and Pickleball Fees

• The Township has reduced the user fee for the residents/taxpayers of Long Beach Township to one-half price (or $40.00) for a season pass while the non-resident user fee will continue to be $80.00 for a season pass. Veterans and active duty military personnel will not have to pay a user fee. The Commissioners hopes this will benefit the residents/taxpayers by limiting the use of its Pickleball and Tennis Courts by non-residents.

9. Plastic Bag Ban Takes Effect

• As of May 4. Please be ready to bring your own shopping bags as NJ is also not allowing paper bags to be used in grocery stores. Also, remember to tell your tenants if you rent.

10. App for Water Usage

• The Township expects to have a free app available sometime in May to allow you to track your water usage in real time.

11. Other Save the Dates

• Town-wide Yard Sale: Saturday, May 28 (rain date Sunday, May 29); Township permit required

12. Helpful Links

• May 7 Hazardous waste disposal: Hazardous Waste Registration
• Ocean County shredding dates: Shredding Dates

Thank you to all who supported our Fall Refuge Clean-up and our Dune Planting!

Highlights

1. Bond’s Park Survey
2. Township Plans for Bond’s Park
3. Fall Membership Meeting
4. Membership Record Smashed (again)
5. Resilient LBI
6. Offshore Wind Development and Virtual Open House Updates
7. Upcoming Water Usage Rates
8. Taxes
9. Dune Grass Available
10. Shuttles and Gators

Updates

1. Bond’s Park Recreation Survey: The results of the survey were sent in a separate email but can be found here: https://bit.ly/HTABondsParkSurvey2021
2. Township Plans for Bond’s Park:
   Based on recent HTA discussions with Town Hall regarding Bond’s Park:
   • The Township has seen the survey and seems to have no interest in putting pickleball in Bond’s Park. As we’ve mentioned before, they appear to be pleased with the idea that the community is not calling for further investment in Holgate at this time.
   • They remain intent on taking back all of the land in Bond’s Park that the Township owns (without any indication of how it may or may not be used at any point in the future).
   • We requested but were not able to obtain an agreement to have the Township meet with the Palotta family to review the situation as the Township believes it has already had several conversations with the family about this. The Palotta family does not concur with this belief.
   • There has been no indication that the Township is willing to consider other alternatives to running the driveway out to Joan Road/Bay Terrace. The HTA made sure they were clearly aware this is not what the neighborhood wants.
   • We have requested that the Township announces to the community the property access plan when it is finalized. So far, there is no agreement to do so although we will keep trying to achieve this.
3. Fall Membership Meeting: Special thanks to Dan Macone for overseeing this event and thank you to the Trustees for hosting a successful meeting that so many turned out to attend. While I was away at a family wedding, it was wonderful to know so many from Holgate could gather for great food and friendship.
4. Membership Record Smashed (again): It wasn’t that long ago that membership was below 300 (out of approximately 800 homes) and we are thrilled to announce we are now at 477 and counting. We thank returning members for their continued support and welcome our new members!
5. Resilient LBI: As a barrier island, LBI is at risk due to severe weather and climate change but the potential solution costs are significant. As part of a statewide effort, the Resilient Long Beach Island project is in the scenario planning phase. The project team will present future flood maps (impact scenarios) and resilience scenarios that will provide options for island conditions now and several years to come. Please consider attending one of their Scenario Planning Workshops or Open House this week to learn more, share your opinions and help shape the resulting regional resilience action plan. https://bit.ly/ResilientNJLBI
6. Offshore Wind: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has announced its intention to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Construction and Operation Plan that Atlantic Shores has submitted. The scope of the review of the EIS is subject to public comment and comments are welcomed now through November 1. This is a great opportunity for people to express their concerns about the environmental impact that the off-shore wind project may have. Comments are really directed to BOEM regarding what aspects of impact it should study.

   There will be three virtual scope meetings that the public can attend to learn more or express views.
   Link to the announcement
   Link to BOEM’s website

7. Upcoming Water Usage Rates: The following rates were published in the last Commissioners Meeting and are expected to pass when the second reading of the ordinance takes place on November 1.

   Schedule No. 1
   Residential Water Rates

   Annual base charge per residential water meter with 1 residential unit up to 15,000 gallons per quarter per unit: $650.00

   Annual base charge per residential unit at properties with 1 water meter and more than 1 residential unit located at the property up to 15,000 gallons per quarter per unit: $650.00

   Standby rate (when the property is cut and capped): $200.00

   Quarterly consumption per meter (per 1,000 gallons)

   0-15,000	Included
   15,001-25,000	$2.00
   25,001-50,000	$4.00
   50,001-100,000	$8.00
   100,001-150,000	$12.00
   150,001+	$16.00

8. Taxes: Based on figures posted in the last Commissioners meeting, Long Beach Township in 2021 will have the lowest tax rate of all LBI municipalities. The tax breakdown is:
   • County (including Library and Open Space): $37.5 million
   • School (including Regional and Local): $25.3 million
   • Municipal (Open Space): $21.4 million
9. Dune Grass: Dune grass is now available in the Township’s municipal yard. Our experience is it is better to plant as soon as possible to give the grass the best chance to grow.
10. Shuttles and Gators: Commissioner Lattanzi reports that the very popular shuttle program operated in the black this year and new buses will be ordered. The free gator service has also been extremely well received. However, the Township is reviewing if there should be any method for charging since the operation is a significant cost. Given the benefit to seniors and the disabled, we commented in the Commissioners meeting that the gators should be considered a community service and not a revenue generator.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted their membership forms. We are ahead of last year’s record pace with big plans for 2021.

SAVE THE DATES:

• May 22 — Spring Dune Planting (morning)
• May 29 — Spring Clean-up (morning)

1. Beaches: The Township has made a tremendous effort on Beaches 3 and 4 trucking in sand and plowing it back up to the dune. This has been done much earlier than in past years so let’s hope for a mild Spring storm season.
2. Dune Trespassing: We’ve had a number of reports of people sliding down and walking on the repaired dunes. Just as disturbing was their rude response when one of our residents has politely informed them not to do so. The HTA has formally requested more enforcement from the Township, including the issuance of costly fines. The Township also asked for any identifying photo or video that can be used to enforce the law since the trespassers have often left the area by the time the police arrive.
3. Offshore Wind Farms: Registration information for the public hearings about Ocean Wind (this is the wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City, not LBI). They are hosted by BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management). The final hearing will be April 20 and will provide good background on these projects: Public Hearing Registration
4. Spring Membership Meeting: Town Hall is reopening to the public in May and may be available to us for our meeting in early June (usually a Saturday morning). But we are still unsure how many members will be vaccinated. Please respond if you would rather have the meeting A) In person or B) Via Zoom.
5. Coyotes: The trapping program has been completed so please notify the Township or the HTA if there are any sightings in Holgate. Try to get a photo or video if possible. Until we are sure they are gone, continue to seal your garbage, don’t put out food for cats, keep dogs on a leash and most important be very aware when outside with small children. While coyotes are generally thought to be afraid of humans, it is important to take every precaution.
6. Trash Ordinance: The Township passed the ordinance affecting how we put out trash and recyclables but clarified this is only for homes WITHOUT a trash corral. If you don’t have a corral, the new ordinance requires you to put trash out no earlier than sunset the night before pickup. This means you have to store the trash in sealed containers at other times in your home, backyard or garage.
7. Sign Ordinance: Also approved is a new ordinance that will eliminate the various “For Rent” signs in front of homes. The rationale is these have proliferated and are largely unnecessary with the shift to online listings. Signs can still be placed in windows.
8. Dune Plantings: 2021 will be a huge push for the largest dune planting in our history. This is because of the continued erosion of the dunes and the added cost of water when the meters go into effect in 2022. We need everyone to consider volunteering to plant this Spring.
9. Support the Food Pantry and Local Restaurants: We expect the demand for food will continue among local families who have lost jobs due to the pandemic. The Joint Council of Taxpayers Associations was recognized in the Sandpaper for contributing $10,000 last year. Please continue to donate to the Food Pantry at St. Francis while also supporting our local restaurants which are likely LBI’s largest source of employment. St. Francis Food Pantry
10. Fire Inspection: A reminder to schedule your Ocean County Fire Inspection. This has to be done annually if you rent out your home. Ocean County Fire Inspection
11. Water Meters: If you haven’t purchased one, you should expect to receive a summons. If you purchased but have not activated, the Township urges you to do so ASAP.
12. Vaccinations: According to Dr. Lattanzi, Southern Ocean Medical Center has a better supply than the LBI Health Department if you are trying to be vaccinated.

On behalf of the HTA trustees, we are looking forward to seeing everyone this Spring for the dune planting and clean-up. Everything is outdoors and distanced, so it will be safe. And we need a lot of volunteers, especially this year (separate sign-up email to follow in the next few weeks).

2020 certainly brought reminders of the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse (War, Famine, Wild Beasts and Pestilence). But as the year draws thankfully to a close, we wanted to share our year-end updates including some uplifting examples of the community coming together to help each other more.

1. Beaches: The southern Holgate beaches have been hit hard by early storms with a full Winter yet to come. If you are in Holgate over the Winter please let us know the condition of the beaches, especially Beaches 3 and 4.
2. Storms: Recent storms and high winds have had a predictable effect on shingles, siding and, in at least one case, deck furniture. Please be sure to bring in or tie down anything that is still outside. And remember, furniture coverings may simple act as a sail and make your property go airborne.
3. Flooding: While flooding is less of a problem in Holgate than other parts of the Island, it affects us if we have to drive through it. First choice is to avoid flooded roads. Second choice is to drive very slowly to avoid creating any wakes. Don’t forget to wash down the underside of your car if you drive through any flooded areas to prevent damage.
4. Coyotes: There are reports of multiple coyotes on the north end of LBI. While coyotes can usually be scared away by a human, they pose a threat to small animals including pets. This situation is being actively monitored. Please keep your pets on a leash, do not leave food outside for feral cats and be certain your trash containers are always closed. If a coyote finds food on your property, they may stay there.
5. Greenheads, Mosquitos, Black Flies: Thanks to the efforts of the HTA Environment committee led by trustees Bill Hutson and Ted Stiles, it was a better than average summer for biting pests. We will be adding even more greenhead traps and will continue to work closely with the Ocean County Mosquito Commission to ensure frequent spraying in all areas. Black flies are another matter as they are difficult to trap but we are testing traps this Spring to see if we can reduce their population.
6. Paving: Further north where water and gas lines have been replaced, the Boulevard is freshly paved and much smoother. In addition, it has been raised slightly to offset flooding.
7. Covid/Hospital: Ocean County and Southern Ocean Medical Center are seeing a rise in Covid cases and ICU beds. As of December 7, SOMC was not at a crisis level but we are monitoring this closely. Those who want to support local workers at SOMC can send a check to the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation with a note on the memo line of the check that directs the donation to the “Circle of Compassion for SOMC staff”. Online donations are discouraged.
8. Food Pantry: Thanks to your generosity, the Food Pantry at St. Francis had a successful Thanksgiving season with some food left over. However, we are hearing that demand continues to increase with longer lines to receive food. Similar to last Spring, we may call upon our members to donate again over the Winter.
9. Trustee and Officer Elections: Trustees Rand Pearsall, Dan Macone and Bob White were unanimously re-elected for two-year terms based on 174 votes from the membership. In turn, the HTA board voted to keep them in their current officer positions, respectively president, 2nd vice president and recording secretary.
10. Refuge Cleanup: Our Fall clean-up of the Holgate Refuge in partnership with Alliance for a Living Ocean was very successful, filling much of a dumpster with plastic and other trash.
11. No Dogs in the Refuge: Per Federal law, the Holgate Refuge is completely off-limits to dogs and other pets. Violators are subject to a fine of $150 and $30 in court costs.
12. Fall Plantings: Despite a few Covid-related obstacles, the HTA and member volunteers turned out to continue to plant and water several beach access points and the bay access off Pershing. Good Fall rain has helped the plants take root. Special thanks to trustee Denise Brand for leading these efforts.
13. Off-Season Crime: Sometime in the last 3-4 weeks a large kayak was stolen from beneath a house in Holgate. Please be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Better to call the police and find it nothing is wrong than to wish you had notified them after the fact. And if you see a suspicious vehicle, please try to capture the license plate number.
14. Holiday Lights: All lights are up on the poles and lit, making Holgate a little brighter this holiday season. Thanks again to trustee Dan Macone for making this happen, to members who contributed, and to the Township for storing and installing the lights each year.
>Water Meter Install and Activation: Installation deadline was extended to December 31. IF YOU HAVE NOT INSTALLED A METER BY THEN, LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP WILL FINE YOU. This was confirmed in last week’s commissioners meeting. Meters must be separately activated by the homeowner. Please contact your plumber or call the Water/Sewer Department to purchase a meter and schedule activation, (609) 492-6314. https://bit.ly/LBTWaterMeterExtension.
15. Restaurants: Please continue to patronize our hard-hit eateries as much as possible this Winter. Takeout orders and gift cards will help our local businesses survive until next season.
16. Membership Count: Thanks to you we are at a new annual record of 432 out of 786!

I will close this month with a request for more members who can join our committees in 2021, particularly for Dune Planting (organization, procurement, planting), Environment (greenhead trap construction and placement), Membership (outreach and recruitment) and others. You can sign up in your 2021 membership form. As the HTA has grown, our activities are outpacing the resources of our 12 volunteer trustees. Please consider joining us on a committee to help the HTA continue to grow and do great things for Holgate.

On behalf of the HTA trustees, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Safer and Healthier New Year!