On the agenda: Long Branch meeting — AI data center (Aug 26)

1. Agenda
Documents:
8-26-26 PUBLIC MEETING PACKET.PDF
2. Minutes
Documents:
WORKSHOP 08-26-26.PDF
REGULAR 08-26-26.PDF
3. Resolutions
Documents:
CERTIFIED RESOLUTION LIST R-205-26 THRU R-214-26.PDF

WORKSHOP SESSION
CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 26, 2026
6:00 PM

Workshop Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2026
Page 2 of 2

A Workshop Session of the Long Branch City Council was held on Wednesday
August 26, 2026, at 6:08 pm in the Municipal Building, 344 Broadway, Long Branch,
New Jersey.
Present: Glen Rassas, Council President; David G. Brown II, Council Vice President;
Paulo Barateiro, Councilman; Dr. Anita Voogt, Councilwoman; and Marcos Zalta,
Councilman
Others present: Mayor John Pallone, Charles F. Shirley Jr., Business Administrator,
Mike Martin, Chief Financial Officer, Lou Rainone, City Attorney; Amanda
Caldwell, City Clerk and Deanna LiCalsi, Executive Secretary
Absent: None
CERTIFICATION read by City Clerk Caldwell
1. Old Business –
None
2. New Business –
None
3. Review of Regular Meeting Agenda –
None
Motion by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Councilmember Brown to close
the Workshop portion of the meeting at 6:09 p.m.: Ayes - 5 Nays 0, Absent – 0,
Abstain - 0
Motion by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Councilmember Brown to adopt
Resolution R-204-26 to go into executive session at 6:10 p.m. was carried out upon
the following roll call vote: Ayes – 5, Nays – 0, Absent – 0, Abstain – 0
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT PRIVILEGE
a. ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE (BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR SHIRLEY)

REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 26, 2026
7:30 PM

Regular Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2026
Page 2 of 6

The Regular Meeting of the Long Branch City Council was held on Wednesday,
August 26, 2026, at 7:34 p.m.
Present: Glen Rassas, Council President; David G. Brown II, Council Vice President;
Paulo Barateiro, Councilman; Dr. Anita Voogt, Councilwoman; and Marcos Zalta,
Councilman
Others present: Mayor John Pallone, Charles F. Shirley Jr., Business Administrator, Mike
Martin, Chief Financial Officer, Lou Rainone, City Attorney; and Amanda Caldwell,
City Clerk and Deanna LiCalsi, Executive Secretary
Absent: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission Statement was read into record.
CERTIFICATION BY CLERK
The City Clerk certified that the meeting had been properly noticed in
accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act and posted as required by law.
PRESENTATION
None
READING AND APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES:
August 12, 2026
A motion was made by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Councilmember
Barateiro to approve the minutes of August 12, 2026, was carried out upon the
following roll call vote: Ayes 5- Nays 0- Absent-0 – Abstain-0
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES - PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL CONSIDERATION
None
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
A motion by Councilmember Voogt to introduce on first reading, advertise and post
according to law and set the public hearing for September 9, 2026, at 7:30 pm,
seconded by Councilmember Barateiro upon the following roll call vote: Ayes-5
Nays 0- Absent 0 – Abstain 0
O-19-26

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 325, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”
BY AMENDING ARTICLE II SCHEDULES, SUBSECTION 325-32 “SCHEDULE VII
ONE-WAY STREETS” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF LONG BRANCH

Regular Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2026
Page 3 of 6

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Brown seconded by Councilmember
Voogt to open the public portion of this meeting was carried out upon the
following vote: Ayes 5- Nays 0- Absent 0 - Abstain 0

Vincent Lepore
Long Branch Resident
Mr. Lepore raised two matters. First, he reported that the West End Long Branch
Watchdogs had documented what he characterized as abuses of city taxpayer
funds through trash collection services being performed by the city's Department
of Public Works at Pier Village Phase 3, a property owned by Kushner Companies
under a 30-year tax abatement. He alleged that nine city-owned trash
receptacles had been transferred from the boardwalk to Kushner's commercial
tenants, and that the city was servicing those receptacles at taxpayer expense.
He further contended that this arrangement violates the redevelopment
agreement, which he argued requires Kushner Companies to maintain its own
perimeter, litter control, and waste management services. He called for the tax
abatement to be voided as a consequence of the alleged violation. Second,
regarding Resolution R-209-26, Mr. Lepore expressed concern about the
Opportunity Zone designations for census tracts 8055, 8056, and 8057, asserting
that no meaningful public engagement had taken place prior to the August 28th
state deadline and that the selected census tracts align closely with Kushner
Companies' existing development footprint.
Jeff Pascarella
Long Branch Resident
Mr. Pascarella addressed the Council regarding Ordinance O-16-26, which
amended short-term rental regulations by capping rentals at two certificates of
occupancy (COs) per year with a minimum 60-day stay per tenancy. Mr.
Pascarella argued that the ordinance is overly restrictive and eliminates a
meaningful segment of the short-term rental market. He proposed that the
Council consider a regulatory framework similar to those adopted by Seabright
and Monmouth Beach, which include a 7-day minimum stay, annual permits,
safety inspections, occupancy and parking limitations, and noise and nuisance
enforcement. He cited data from AirDNA indicating that Long Branch has
approximately 183 short-term rental properties and estimated that a properly
structured permit and municipal tax program could generate approximately
$240,000 in annual revenue for the city. He also noted economic impacts related
to tenant spending on local dining and retail, and stated that under the current
ordinance, he would be compelled to sell his property. He asked the Council to
consider amending the ordinance to allow four COs per year with a 30-day
minimum stay.
Attorney Rainone responded, clarifying that the prior ordinance had also limited
single-family homes to two COs per year, meaning Mr. Pascarella rental activities
would not have been permissible under the old ordinance either. He further
explained that Ordinance O-16-26 was expanded to cover one-to-four family
dwellings and was specifically intended to limit transient rental activity in
residential neighborhoods. Condominiums and similar multi-unit properties remain
unaffected.

Regular Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2026
Page 4 of 6

Laurie Vendetti Long Branch Resident
Ms. Vendetti addressed the governing body regarding beach restroom facilities
and property taxes. Ms. Vendetti first requested that the City consider replacing
the portable restrooms at Seaview Avenue Beach with a nicer, more permanent
restroom facility, such as trailer-style bathrooms. She noted that the beach
currently has one handicapped-accessible portable restroom and one regular
portable restroom and stated that, to her knowledge, it is the only beach along
the boardwalk with portable restrooms. She then raised concerns regarding the
property taxes on her home. Ms. Vendetti explained that her property consists of
a 4,800-square-foot lot with a 1,500-square-foot ranch-style home surrounded by
significantly larger, multi-million-dollar homes. She stated that her annual property
taxes are approximately $18,957 and questioned why her taxes are substantially
higher than those of comparable beach block properties. She cited several
nearby properties, including a Cottage Avenue home on an approximately 9,900square-foot lot paying about $9,200 in taxes, a Howland Avenue property paying
approximately $7,700, and another Cottage Avenue property with a lot of
approximately 10,123 square feet paying about $11,800. She also referenced
another property with an approximately 6,800-square-foot lot paying about
$7,700. Ms. Vendetti stated that these properties have substantially larger lots yet
pay considerably less in taxes than she does. She asked the City to review the
discrepancies in the property assessments and tax bills, noting that the information
is publicly available.
Mayor Pallone suggested that she speak to the tax assessor regarding this issue.

Sharon Wise
Long Branch Resident
Ms. Wise raised three matters. First, she sought clarification on whether
condominiums were subject to the short-term rental CO limits, and was informed
by Attorney Rainone that they were not and had not been under the prior
ordinance either. Second, she inquired about the status of the Kelly Bill
reimbursement, noting that as of the end of August, she had not received a
check, whereas in prior years it had been issued by April. CFO Mike Martin
indicated he would follow up. Third, she requested an update on TNR (TrapNeuter-Return) cat activity handled by the SPCA, referencing figures of 116 cats
in 2024, 115 in 2025, and 67 in 2026, and questioning whether all were TNR'd or
some euthanized. Business Administrator Shirley indicated that a meeting would
be scheduled to review the information. Ms. Wise also raised the topic of AI data
centers, requesting that an ordinance be enacted to ban them in Long Branch.
Attorney Rainone noted that AI data centers are not currently a permitted use
under Long Branch's zoning ordinance.
Patty Perillo
Long Branch Resident
Ms. Perillo spoke about the significant increase in her property taxes, which she
stated had risen approximately $4,000 or roughly 30% over two years. She noted
that her household income had decreased following the death of her husband
and her own recent retirement. She acknowledged that a conversation with the
tax assessor's office was informative but not financially helpful, as she was told that

Regular Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2026
Page 5 of 6

the increase was driven by rising property values due to nearby construction. Ms.
Perillo expressed frustration that new development had not reduced the tax
burden on long-time residents, and questioned whether tax abatements granted
to new developments were contributing to disproportionate tax burdens on
existing homeowners.
JP
Long Branch Resident
JP raised several community concerns. He asked that Council Vice President
Brown respond to whether call-in or virtual participation for council meetings
should be available to residents who cannot attend in person. He spoke about
the impact of ICE immigration enforcement activity on Broadway, describing a
noticeable decline in foot traffic and community energy. He urged the Council
to engage more openly and directly with the public, including by ventilating
difficult community conversations around immigration, gentrification,
antisemitism, and other sensitive issues. He acknowledged that the council
meeting format limits back-and-forth dialogue but expressed a desire for council
members to engage more vocally and individually with the public.
Councilwoman Voogt responded to JP's comments, reaffirming that all Council
members care deeply about the community and reiterated that council
meetings are structured for city business. She directed him and other residents to
the monthly Council hours, held on the first Wednesday of each month, as the
proper venue for extended dialogue on community issues.
After ample time was given and no one else came forward, a motion was made
by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Councilmember Rassas to close the
public portion was carried out upon the following vote: Ayes 5- Nays 0- Absent 0Abstain 0

RESOLUTIONS by consent:
A motion was made by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Councilmember
Rassas to approve the listed resolutions as a consent agenda and was carried out
upon the following roll call vote: Ayes 5- Nays 0- Absent 0- Abstain 0
Resolutions are on file in the City Clerk's office and posted on the City's website.
APPLICATIONS:
None
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Councilmember Barateiro- thanked members of the public for their questions and
concerns, affirming that they are heard by the Council.
Councilmember Voogt- offered several recognitions. She commended Danna and
Dave Kawut and the organization Surfing for Vision, which hosted an event the prior
Sunday in which blind participants are guided on surfboards in the ocean by a team
of volunteers. She described the experience as "seeing courage in action" and

Regular Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2026
Page 6 of 6

encouraged residents to volunteer at a future event. She also acknowledged the
administration's support of HEARS, the mayor's task force on substance use, which
held an Overdose Awareness Day ceremony in front of City Hall prior to the meeting
to honor the 89 Long Branch residents lost to overdose in 2025. Councilwoman Voogt
also extended congratulations and best wishes to City Clerk Amanda, who would
be departing on maternity leave, noting she would return as the mother of two.
Councilmember Zalta- echoed the invitation for residents to engage with council
members at monthly council hours and expressed appreciation for the public's
engagement. He also thanked the City Clerk for her support during his first months
on the Council.
Council Vice President Brown- responded directly to JP's question about virtual
meeting participation, stating that he is currently not in favor of call-in access due to
concerns around speaker identification, caller expectations, technology limitations,
and added administrative burden on the municipal clerk's office. He referenced
challenging experiences managing Zoom meetings during COVID while serving as
administrator in Bradley Beach. He affirmed his availability via email and in-person at
local establishments. He briefly addressed the opportunity zones, stating he believes
the selected census tracts are appropriate for economic development. He indicated
a willingness to review the short-term rental ordinance with reference to Monmouth
Beach and Seabright frameworks. Regarding AI data centers, he acknowledged
concerns about water and electricity consumption and confirmed the city would
continue monitoring the issue. On the topic of taxes, he noted that he and his wife
are also affected by rising property taxes and assured residents that the Council's
finance committee is conducting a deep review to prevent future escalation. He
thanked Congressman Frank Pallone's office for securing beach replenishment funds
for Long Branch and surrounding communities. He also highlighted his attendance
that day at the opening of a family transitional home in partnership with Lunch Break
and Family Promise of Monmouth County.
Mayor Pallone- thanked the Council members and all residents in attendance for their
participation. He noted the next meeting would not occur until after Labor Day and
wished everyone a pleasant holiday weekend.
Council President Rassas- echoed thanks to residents and reaffirmed council
members' availability for scheduled appointments through the clerk's office. He
noted his own participation as a volunteer with Surfing for Vision and encouraged
others to get involved. He extended best wishes to the outgoing City Clerk and
expressed confidence in her interim replacement, Deanna.

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Brown to adjourn
this meeting was carried out upon the following vote at 8:23 p.m. – Ayes 5- Nays
0- Absent 0 - Abstain 0