DLC Meeting – August 21, 2025 – Minutes
DEAL LAKE COMMISSION
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission was held in the Borough of Interlaken Municipal Building, 100 Grassmere Avenue and via teleconference using the Zoom Meeting Platform. The Commission Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. After the Salute to the Flag, the Commission Clerk announced that the notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act C.231, P.L. 1975, were met by transmitting the notice to the Commission’s official newspaper on February 6, 2025, posting where required and filing a copy of the notice with the Commission Clerk. The Deal Lake Commission meeting will be audio and video taped and will be shown on APTV, Optimum 77 and throughout Monmouth County on FIOS 28.
ROLL CALL
| PRESENT | ABSENT | |
| Allenhurst (S. Feldman) | x | |
| Asbury Park (J. Toher) | x | |
| Deal (B. Coffey) | x | |
| Interlaken (C. Roarty) | x | |
| Loch Arbour (M. Fernicola) | x | |
| Neptune | x | |
| Ocean (D. Brockel) | x |
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dr. Stephen Souza, Commission Environmental Consultant
Jessie M. Joseph, Commission Clerk
Resolution #25-040 – Resolution to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting,
July 24, 2025
UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Ocean, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission held on July 24, 2025 be and the same are hereby approved (Neptune does not vote).
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Neptune
Resolution #25-041 – Resolution to Approve Treasurer’s Report and Pay Bills of the Deal
Lake Commission – August 21, 2025
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2025
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Loch Arbour, carried that the following Treasurer’s Report for August 21, 2025 be approved and the bills listed authorized for payment:
BALANCE ON HAND – PREVIOUS MONTH
Manasquan Bank $141,066.70
NJ Cash Management Fund 16,490.42
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $157,557.12
RECEIPTS:
Interest – Manasquan Bank, July 2025 $ 497.37
Interest – NJ Cash Management Fund, July 2025 59.49
TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 556.86
TOTAL AVAILABLE $158,113.98
DISBURSEMENTS:
2025 Appropriations:
JCP&L (6/25/25 – 7/23/25) $ 45.52
Verizon (6/24/25- 7/23/25) 40.10
Clean Waters Consulting, LLC (7/1/25-7/31/25) 350.00
Lake Management Sciences (Inv. #4801 –
8/7/25 Herbicide Treatment) 3,990.00
Richard Gartz – CFO Services (August 2025) 650.00
Jessie M. Joseph – Clerk Services (August 2025) 675.00
Extra Space Storage – Unit Rental, August 2025 152.81
Sub-Total $ 5,903.43
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS FOR APPROVAL 8/21/2025 $ 5,903.43
TOTAL BALANCES $152,210.55
DETAIL OF BALANCES:
Manasquan Bank $135,660.64
NJ Cash Management Fund 16,549.91
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $152,210.55
Prior to the vote being taken, Don Brockel, Commission Chairman, had a comment regarding the payment to Lake Management Sciences. He first asked if this was the full amount and was told yes. He went to say that Lake Management Sciences did not reach out to us prior to the treatment. He will forward the report to the Commissioners.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2025
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Neptune
OLD BUSINESS
- 319 (H) NJDEP Stormwater Management Grant for Seaview Square Mall – Mr. Brockel reported that the paperwork for the grant is moving along. Per the grant agreement, we have advance payment authorization and as such we are requesting first Quarter DLC expenses. He briefly went over the four manufactured treatment devices that we will be installing.
Jessie Joseph, Commission Clerk, went over the bid schedule. It will be advertised in the Coaster on August 28th, receipt of bids on September 16th and we hope to award the bid at the September 18th meeting. Bids can be picked up at the DLC Engineer’s Office.
Dr. Stephen Souza, Commission Environmental Consultant, wanted to remind everyone this is not a “flood Control project it is a “water quality control project”. It is not designed to handle the 100-year storm.
Jeannie Toher, City of Asbury Park Commissioner, requested a digital copy of the plans for the website, so when the project is discussed at future meetings it can be pointed out on the plans.
Ms. Joseph said the 2025 Contracts awarded to the Environmental Consultant and Engineer does not include the services for the grant. The following two resolutions authorize the Environment Consultant and Engineer to do the work and the DLC will be reimbursed as part of the grant.
Resolution #25-042 – Awarding a Professional Services Contract to Clean Waters
Consulting Services for Environmental Services associated with
the Water Quality Improvement Grant a cost not to exceed $61,800.00
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the following Resolution, be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission is in need of the services of an environmental consulting firm to provide environmental services associated with the Water Quality Improvement Grant
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission has elected to make this appointment pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 16:44A-20 et seq. for the purpose of imposing the strictest campaign spending limitations under the New Jersey Local Pay-to-Play Law; and
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AUGUST 21, 2025
WHEREAS, Dr. Stephen Souza of Clean Waters Consulting, LLC, Ringoes, NJ is an experienced firm in this field who is available to provide the necessary environmental services associated with the Water Quality Improvement Grant at a cost not to exceed $61,800.00; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that there are available sufficient funds for the purpose of the award of the contract; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Stephen Souza of Clean Waters Consulting, LLC, Ringoes, NJ, has previously submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification and the C. 271 Political Contribution Disclosure Form certifying the Dr. Stephen Souza has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate on the Deal Lake Commission the previous year and that the contract will prohibit Dr. Steph Souza from making any reportable contributions to t political or candidate committee on the Deal Lake Commission during the term of this contract;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby authorizes the Deal Lake Commission Chairman to enter into a contract with Dr. Stephen Souza of Clean Waters Consulting, LLC, Ringoes, NJ for the environmental services related to the Water Quality Improvement Grant at a cost not to exceed $61,800.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a notice of this action shall be published according to law.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Neptune
Resolution #25-043 – Awarding a Professional Services Contract to Leon S. Avakian, Inc.
For Engineering Services associated with the Water Quality
Improvement Grant at a cost not to exceed $160,000.00
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the following Resolution, be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission is in need of the services of an engineering firm and inspection services associated with the Water Quality Improvement Grant
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission has elected to make this appointment pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 16:44A-20 et seq. for the purpose of imposing the strictest campaign spending limitations under the New Jersey Local Pay-to-Play Law; and
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2025
WHEREAS, Leon S. Avakian, Inc., Neptune, NJ is an experienced firm in this field who is available to provide the necessary engineering and inspection services associated with the Water Quality Improvement Grant at a cost not to exceed $160,000.00; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that there are available sufficient funds for the purpose of the award of the contract; and
WHEREAS, Leon S. Avakian, Inc., Neptune, NJ, has previously submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification and the C. 271 Political Contribution Disclosure Form certifying that Leon S. Avakian, Inc. has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate on the Deal Lake Commission the previous year and that the contract will prohibit Leon S. Avakian, Inc. from making any reportable contributions to t political or candidate committee on the Deal Lake Commission during the term of this contract;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby authorizes the Deal Lake Commission Chairman to enter into a contract with Leon S. Avakian, Inc, Neptune, NJ for the engineering and inspection service related to the Water Quality Improvement Grant at a cost not to exceed $160,000.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a notice of this action shall be published according to law.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Neptune
- Shoreline Protection/Education – No Update.
- 2025 Weed Treatment – Mr. Brockel said the report was received and he will forward it to the Commissioners.
- New 319(H) Grant – Revision of the Watershed Plan – No Update.
- Oil Spill Remediation from Asbury Park Leak – No Update.
NEW BUSINESS
- Scouting America and NJNG Clean Water Initiative – Bod Hayes representing the Monmouth County Boy Scouts, briefly explained the Boy Scout Conservation Project that is underway nationally called “Scouting for Clean Waterways.” The Monmouth County Boy Scouts will be holding a clean-up on October 11th at five different locations in Monmouth
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2025
County from 9 am until Noon. He went on explain the locations and what they are hoping to accomplish. New Jersey Natural Gas would like to spearhead the Deal Lake location.
There was more discussion on the initiative and the reasoning behind NJNG getting behind the project. The goal is to make this an annual project.
Mr. Brockel said they could meet at the Asbury Park Boat Ramp and the main focus would be Loch Arbour, Asbury Park and Interlaken.
After the discussion was done and UPON MOTION of Deal, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the Deal Lake Commission supports the Clean-Up on October 11th from 9 am to Noon by the Boy Scouts of America teaming up with New Jersey Natural Gas for the Clean Water Initiative.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Neptune
- Fall Clean-Up – No date has been set yet, still waiting of Monmouth University’s Big Event date.
- Mr. Brockel received a request from the Monmouth County OEM to come to our September 18th meeting to discuss the DLC joining water/weather station program.
- Request from 45 Wanamassa Point Road – Garret Esler from Envirotactics, explained that his client at 45 Wanamassa Point Road constructed a dock and bulkhead off his property and into Deal Lake. NJDEP is requiring documentation from the municipality demonstrating its approval for construction on the Deal Lake. Ocean Township told him they do not have the authority. They are seeking either a letter of permission or a letter of no interest from the DLC.
Mr. Brockel said there is nothing the DLC can do. We do not own the lake. The State owns the lake.
Dr. Souza went on to say the DLC does not own any of the land or property or the waters of Deal Lake. The DLC is appointed by the State to oversee the management of the lake, but has no formal authority.
There was more discussion and the bottom line is the DLC will not sign off on any type of letter of permission or authorization.
- Mr. Brockel reported on an orange discharge going into the lake by the gas station and Nick’s Pizzeria parking lot. He did report it to Ocean Township.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2025
- Josh Starner, Alternate Commissioner for the City of Asbury Park, was approached by Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton from Asbury Park, about the DLC having a booth set up at the Asbury Park Community Festival on September 2th at Springwood Park, to answer any questions the public may have about our role and what we do. He will help coordinate it.
COMMISSIONER’S LAST WORD
- Carolyn Roarty, Commissioner for the Borough of Interlaken, said after seeing the condition of what’s in Fireman’s Pond, she suggests really concentrating on that area during the clean-up.
Mr. Brockel said Fireman’s Pond is being dredged in October by Ocean Township.
Tony Mauro, Alternate Commissioner for the Borough of Allenhurst, is happy to see the Seaview Square Project getting underway.
Jeannie Toher, Commissioner from the City of Asbury Park, still has not heard back from Dennis Walsh from the County regarding rh condition of the Oxonia Bridge.
Margot Fernicola, Commissioner for the Village of Loch Arbour, is excited about the Boy Scout Clean-Up because the litter this year on the east end of the lake has been very harsh.
PUBLIC HEARING
UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Interlaken, moved that the meeting be opened to the public.
There were no public comments at this time and UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the public hearing be closed. There being no further business and
UPON MOTION Asbury Park, seconded by Deal, carried that the meeting be finally adjourned at 8:00 PM.
_____________________________
Jessie M. Joseph, RMC
Commission Clerk