Longport Borough Hall
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – The Board of Commissioners Wednesday, Dec. 20 approved revisions to four ordinances that will make it easier for police to address youth behavior issues.
The ordinance revisions raise the fines for “breach of peace” violations to $1,000 for a first offense and/or six months in jail. The increase in fines was approved for ordinances involving curfew, alcohol consumption on public property, and minors unaccompanied by an adult gathering in groups of more than 10 on beaches and recreation areas between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. A fourth revises language in the Peace and Good Order ordinance to define violations as a breach of the peace. Fines imposed are at the discretion of the sentencing judge.
Resident Bob English questioned the board as to why the ordinances were being revised.
Solicitor Michael Affanato said Police Chief Frank Culmone requested the borough’s ordinances be strengthened to prevent gatherings of large groups of teens like those experienced in nearby Margate and Ocean City. The changes, which include increases in fines that would likely be paid by their parents, would give police more leeway in citing offenders, he said.
In other business, the board extended a contract for A. Scott Porter to serve as borough administrator through Dec. 31, 2024. Porter has served as borough administrator on a part-time basis since Oct. 1, 2019. His hourly rate of pay will be $50.51 per hour.
The board also appointed members of the Longport Planning and Zoning Board. Class I representative is Mayor Nicholas Russo; Class II, Patrick Armstrong for a one-year term; Class III, Commissioner Dan Lawler; Class IV members are Thomas McAllister, Yale Steingard, Joseph Marcasciano and James Ulmer serving four-year terms. Steven O’Leary will serve until 2026 and Leonard Geria will serve until 2027. Class IV Alternates are Joseph Monteleone and John Gligor who will serve one-year terms.
The board will hold a reorganization meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 in Commission Chambers at Borough Hall, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
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