First Meeting of 2010

There are 3 major areas of focus for this meeting:

1. The primary area of focus will be Property Taxes.  A panel of experts will share information with you and  answer your questions about filing tax appeals in 2010.  We would like to collect as many questions prior to the meeting as possible so please SEND ME YOUR QUESTIONS NOW and we'll get them to the panelists prior to the start of the meeting. 

2. We will also be discussing the attached resolution which has been approved by the Board of Directors and requires your approval prior to being acted upon.  This resolution is to authorize the formation of a 7 members committee to study feasibility of SECEDING from Toms River Township.  Please read the details and come prepared to discuss and vote on this key resolution.

3. Finally, our Bylaws need to be updated in order to better reflect our current organization.  As you may remember, these Bylaws were implemented during a transition year and most of the suggested changes are simply to get rid of the unnecessary transitional type of language.  Your vote is required in order to adopt these Bylaws.

As usual, we will discuss any other topics of interest during the open discussion section of the Agenda.  Despite the fact that we are completely blanketed with lots of snow, I am hopeful that many of you will be able to join us.  See you there!!!

P.S.  Due to all the snow, parking will be difficult around the area.  Please walk if you are able to do so.

Meeting Agenda (pdf)

Membership Update

January 10, 2010

Fellow Members, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 
WE have continued to work on your behalf during these cold, snowy and windy months.  The following are the key items for our update this month:

Beach/Dunes Restoration:  As many of you know, our dunes were restored by the township.  I have received various emails and calls from some of you asking some key questions about the project.  Here are some facts:

1. Where did the sand come from? As you may imagine, we can’t take sand from any other beach to bring it to our beach. Therefore, the sand must come from an inland source. The sand came from a sand pit off of Route 539 in Manchester. If you are not familiar with the area, it’s in the middle of the Pine Barrens. This virgin tract of land is probably the most ecologically pristine area in the state.
2. Was it tested? Just like the existing sand on our beach, it was not tested. It is however, the same sand that has been used for beach replenishment up and down the coast. Some of you contacted the EPA and they were not concerned with the sand. The township officials believe that the beach sand is subjected to many more questionable elements than any mined sand from the Pine Barrens.
3. Does it have a different color? Yes. The color comes from thousands of years of vegetation sediment. It is unwashed sand which will be subjected to the natural cleaning actions of the waves. The new sand also has a finer texture than our natural sand. It is expected that by the time we open the 2010 season, the sand’s color will match the rest of the sand and the texture will not be noticeable because it would have gone through a natural blending process with our existing sand.
4. Additional damage: After the snow storm which dumped approximately 22 inches in our area, we again lost more sand. The township ordered another 75 truck loads and have now completed the rebuilding of the dunes and we are once again fully protected and prepared to face the next big storm.

Security and Safety:  Our neighborhood watch team would like to ask that you please remember to lock up your homes and cars.  Also, keep an eye on your neighbors’ properties and report any suspicious activities to the police.

Membership Dues:  As I have mentioned in previous emails, our $20 Membership Dues are now due.  Thanks to those of you who have already sent in your checks.  For those who have not yet done so, please send your check to:

OBVTA 223
P.O. Box
Lavallette, NJ 08735

 
Upcoming Fire Commissioners Election:  The elections for fire commissioners will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010.  Our polling place for this election is Ocean Beach.

1st Meeting of the Year:  The first General Membership meeting of 2010 will take place on Saturday, February 20.  Please make a note in your calendars but I will send you a reminder and an agenda as we get closer to that date.

Thank you for your support and I’m looking forward to serving you again in 2010.

Luis E. Taveras, Ph.D.
973-879-6032 (Cell)

Neighborhood Watch

On January 16, 2010, Pat Klaslo and Barbara Guarino held a meeting of the OBVTA Neighborhood Watch Members at the Lavallette Ristorante. Pat and Barbara provided a very informative format for the over 40 members in attendance. They also had the opportunity to listen to guest speaker Michele Sperber, President of the Seaside Heights Neighborhood Watch. (photos)

OBVTA Christmas Party 2009

The OBVTA held its first annual Christmas Party on December 12th at the Moose Club. It was well attended and a very festive evening as all enjoyed the sound of the Fred Guarino Trio. Credit for the success of the evening goes to Richard Angioletti, his wife Donna, and his daughter Erica for all the planning and preparation. (photos)

A Week to Remember Nov, 12, 13, 14, 2009

This has been a week that will be remembered for a long time here in Ortley Beach as well as most of the Jersey Shore. A nor’easter decided to pay a visit and hung around for three days. We have compiled a series of photos that should give you an idea of the impact it had on our beach. Thankfully, no one was injured, Chief Mastronardy was on site all three days.

On Saturday, the Mayor, along with several Council Members, as well as Department Heads were here to assess the damage and develop a plan of action. On Sunday, members of the Building and Grounds Department installed safety barricades. On Monday, as can be seen in one of the photos, a full complement of Township and County officials assembled to address the needs necessary to restore the beach. (photos)