On the agenda: Long Branch meeting — AI data center (Sep 9)

1. Agenda
Documents:
09-09-26 PUBLIC MEETING PACKET.PDF
2. Minutes
Documents:
WORKSHOP 09-09-26.PDF
REGULAR 09-09-26.PDF
3. Resolutions
Documents:
CERTIFIED RESOLUTION LIST R-216-26 THRU R-223-26.PDF
4. Ordinances
Documents:
O-19-26-ADOPTED-AMENDING CHAPTER 325, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC.PDF

WORKSHOP SESSION
CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
6:00 PM

Workshop Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2026
Page 2 of 2

A Workshop Session of the Long Branch City Council was held on Wednesday
September 9, 2026, at 6:02 pm in the Municipal Building, 344 Broadway, Long
Branch, New Jersey.
Present: Glen Rassas, Council President; David G. Brown II, Council Vice President;
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 Deanna
LiCalsi, Executive Secretary, Abel Gomez, Director of Comm. Dev.
Absent: Councilmember Paolo Barateiro
CERTIFICATION read by City Clerk Caldwell
1. Old Business –
None
2. New Business –
None
3. Review of Regular Meeting Agenda –
None
4. Presentation
Abel Gomez appeared before the Council to present an informational
overview of the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program.
Council members engaged in a substantive discussion to clarify the
program's mechanics and its implications for the city
Motion by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Councilmember Brown to close
the Workshop portion of the meeting at 6:17 p.m.: Ayes - 4 Nays 0, Absent – 1,
Abstain - 0
Motion by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Council President Rassas to
adopt Resolution R-215-26 to go into executive session at 6:17 p.m. was carried
out upon the following roll call vote: Ayes – 4, Nays – 0, Absent – 1, Abstain – 0
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. ATTORNEY/CLIENT PRIVILEGE
a. ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE (BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR SHIRLEY)

REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
September 9, 2026
7:30 PM

Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2026
Page 2 of 7

The Regular Meeting of the Long Branch City Council was held on Wednesday,
September 9, 2026, at 7:38 p.m.
Present: Glen Rassas, Council President; David G. Brown II, Council Vice President;
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 Deanna LiCalsi,
Executive Secretary
Absent: Councilman Paulo Barateiro
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 26, 2026
A motion was made by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Council Vice
President Brown to approve the minutes of August 26, 2026, was carried out upon
the following roll call vote: Ayes 4- Nays 0- Absent-1 – Abstain-0
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES - PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL CONSIDERATION
O-19-26
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 325, 'Vehicles and Traffic' by
Amending Article II Schedules, Subsection 325-32 'Schedule VII OneWay Streets' of the Code of the City of Long Branch.
The Council President summarized that this ordinance, introduced on August 26,
2026, makes South Bath Avenue one-way from the easterly edge of the Atlantic
Club parking garage entrance to the westerly edge of Ocean Avenue.

Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2026
Page 3 of 7

Motion to open the public hearing on Ordinance O-19-26 was moved by
Councilmember Voogt and seconded by Councilmember Zalta. The motion
carried unanimously. No members of the public came forward to comment on this
ordinance.
Motion to close the public hearing was moved by Council Vice President Brown
and seconded by Councilmember Voogt. The motion carried unanimously. Motion
to adopt Ordinance O-19-26 on second and final reading and advertise according
to law was moved by Councilmember Voogt and seconded by Council Vice
President Brown. The motion carried 4-0, with Mr. Barataro absent.

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
Prior to introduction, the City Attorney provided context on Ordinances O-20-26
and O-21-26, and related Resolutions R-219-26 and R-220-26. He explained that the
City had received a $5,000,000 COVID-era ARPA grant originally allocated toward
the Pier Project. However, because the Pier Project went through multiple bid and
redesign cycles before being contracted this year, the City was approaching the
December 31, 2026 deadline to expend those federal funds.
After consulting with the Department of Community Affairs and the Governor's
Office—who provided direction on a compliant workaround—the solution was to
reprogram the $5,000,000 by amending the descriptions of two existing capital
ordinances to include both projects under each, and to amend the corresponding
DCA grant agreements to shift the $5,000,000 from the Pier Project grant to the
Health and Technology Center grant. Because funds have already been spent on
the Health and Technology Center, this satisfies the federal expenditure deadline.
The City Attorney emphasized that no new funds are being appropriated or
authorized to be borrowed, and that both underlying contracts have already been
executed.
O-20-26

A Bond Ordinance Amending Bond Ordinance Number O-02-25 Finally
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Long Branch, in the County
of Monmouth, State of New Jersey on February 12, 2025, to Amend the
Description of the Improvement Referenced in Section 3(a) Therein
This bond ordinance amends the description in the prior bond
ordinance to include the construction of the boardwalk extension
project, including but not limited to the construction of a pier and
supporting amenities.

A motion by Councilmember Voogt to introduce on first reading, advertise and post
according to law and set the public hearing for September 23, 2026, at 7:30 pm,
seconded by Council Vice President Brown upon the following roll call vote: Ayes-4
Nays 0- Absent 1 – Abstain 0

O-21-26

Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2026
Page 4 of 7

A Capital Ordinance Amending Capital Ordinance Number O-08-26
Finally Adopted by the City Council of the City of Long Branch, in the
County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey on May 13, 2026, to Amend
the Description of the Improvement Referenced in Section 2(a) Therein
This capital ordinance amends the description in the prior capital
ordinance to include the renovation and construction of the Health and
Technology Center.

A motion by Councilmember Voogt to introduce on first reading, advertise and post
according to law and set the public hearing for September 23, 2026, at 7:30 pm,
seconded by Council Vice President Brown upon the following roll call vote: Ayes-4
Nays 0- Absent 1 – Abstain 0
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
A motion was made by Council Vice President Brown seconded by
Councilmember Voogt to open the public portion of this meeting was carried
out upon the following vote: Ayes 4- Nays 0- Absent 1 - Abstain 0
Vincent Lepore – Long Branch Resident addressed Councilman Zalta directly,
alleging that the City Attorney had committed malpractice at the June 24th
Council meeting by failing to make the user-friendly budget available to the
public in accordance with NJAC 3:8, both at the time of introduction and at the
public hearing. Mr. Lepore contended that Councilman Zalta, as a licensed New
York State attorney, was obligated under Rule 8.3(a) of the New York Rules of
Professional Conduct to report those violations. He argued that failing to do so—
and voting in favor of the City Attorney's reappointment as Director of Law at the
July 8th meeting—made Councilman Zalta accountable. Mr. Lepore also warned
Long Branch homeowners to expect new property assessment postcards in midNovember, and cautioned that the appeal deadline with the County is January
15th, while properties assessed above $1,000,000 have until April 1st to file with the
State. He criticized council members who voted in favor of the budget for what
he characterized as a tax increase imposed after the deadline to appeal prior
assessments had passed.
Councilman Zalta responded briefly following Mr. Lepore's remarks, assuring
residents that every member of the Council is "extremely focused on finding ways
to rein in expenses and the budget going forward," and acknowledged that it is
not something that happens overnight but is consuming a significant part of
internal discussion.

Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2026
Page 5 of 7

Patty Perillo – Long Branch Resident, began by commending the City's trash
collection and mosquito control divisions for their effective service. She then raised
concerns about the Long Branch public school system, citing state rankings. She
expressed sadness that she enrolled her grandson at Saint Jerome's rather than
the public school, while also recognizing that the schools have well-educated
teachers and quality facilities. She noted that a portion of her increased tax bill
goes to fund schools she feels she cannot use, and hoped for improvement.
Sharon White – Long Branch Resident raised three issues. First, she inquired about
the status of the Kelly Bill related to checks, noting it remained unresolved. She
was informed it was still being reviewed. Second, she revisited a prior discussion
about whether condominiums require Certificates of Occupancy (COs), pushing
back on the City Attorney's explanation from a prior meeting. The City Attorney
clarified what the previous ordinance restricted and allowed.
Third, Ms. White urged the Council to consider a formal ban on AI data centers in
Long Branch, noting that many other municipalities have done so, and reiterated
her ongoing concern about transparency in tax abatement figures as reflected
in City audits.
Laurie Ann Vendetti – Long Branch Resident, sought clarification on the CO
discussion, specifically as it related to short-term rentals and Airbnbs in
condominiums. The City Attorney explained that condominiums were not subject
to the annual CO limit under the old ordinance, but confirmed that code
enforcement is responsible for monitoring compliance with the newly enacted
short-term rental ordinance. He noted that his office had written to both Airbnb
and VRBO, and that the City Administrator had spoken with Airbnb directly, who
indicated they would take down non-compliant listings once the ordinance took
effect. He also noted that the ordinance prohibits advertising for prohibited
rentals, which is the mechanism for enforcement against platforms like Airbnb.
JP spoke about the nature and purpose of public engagement at council
meetings. He expressed a desire to move beyond a united front dynamic and
encouraged the Council to engage in more transparent, individualized dialogue
with residents—including cross-meeting Q&A where a question posed at one
meeting is answered at the next. He called for the Council to make public
proposals about how it plans to address community concerns around taxes, data
centers, and tax abatements, and urged the members to consider the legacy
they are building for future governance in Long Branch.
Councilwoman Vogt responded to JP's comments, inviting him to come and
speak with the Council directly at a council night, and expressed genuine
appreciation for his ideas and engagement.

Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2026
Page 6 of 7

Isa expressed ongoing concern about ICE enforcement activity in the area and
the potential impact on residents' willingness to access public services. She asked
the Council to consider proactive storm preparedness planning for the coming
fall and winter, including multilingual communication, pre-distribution of
emergency supplies such as batteries and flashlights through fire stations, and
stronger connections with local food banks and community organizations. Mayor
Palone and the Council responded that an active emergency management
organization is already in place, and that residents are welcome to contact the
administration directly with additional suggestions.
After ample time was given and no one else came forward, a motion was made
by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Council Vice President Brown to close
the public portion was carried out upon the following vote: Ayes 4- Nays 0- Absent
1- Abstain 0
RESOLUTIONS by consent:
The Clerk confirmed no changes were made to the list of resolutions.
A motion was made by Councilmember Voogt seconded by Council Vice
President Brown to approve the listed resolutions as a consent agenda and was
carried out upon the following roll call vote: Ayes 4- Nays 0- Absent 1- Abstain 0
APPLICATIONS:
None
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Councilman Zalta expressed support for JP's suggestion that the Council consider
issuing periodic statements to the public about the issues they are working on,
noting that transparency and responsiveness are important and that he would like
to raise the idea at the next internal council discussion. He also offered a brief
clarification for residents with condominiums.
Councilwoman Vogt thanked all residents who attended and noted that repeated
public comment on the same themes represents meaningful progress toward
community dialogue.

Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2026
Page 7 of 7

Council Vice President Brown thanked attendees for their comments and provided
two additional pieces of information: first, that the Governor had signed several
pieces of legislation related to data centers that include state-level regulations—
though not an outright ban—which he encouraged residents to review; and
second, that he is personally working with a group of community members and the
Affordable Housing Alliance to address the small but significant homelessness
population in Long Branch, with a planned meeting to explore replicating programs
from Ocean County.
Mayor Palone thanked all attendees and announced the following upcoming
events:
The annual 9/11 Memorial Service, co-hosted with Senator Gopal and
Assemblywomen Peter Paul and Donnelly, Uptown Fest, the City's third annual
community event, A free rabies vaccination clinic
The Council President thanked attendees for coming out and acknowledged
residents' concerns about taxes, affirming the Council's commitment to working
toward improvements.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Council Vice President seconded by Councilmember
Voogt to adjourn this meeting was carried out upon the following vote at 8:24
p.m. – Ayes 4- Nays 0- Absent 1 - Abstain 0

CITY OF LONG BRANCH
COUNTY OF MONMOUTH
ORDINANCE NO. 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
WHEREAS, the City of Long Branch (the “City”) is desirous of amending Chapter 325,
Vehicles and Traffic by amending Article II, subsection 325-32, Schedule VII One Way Traffic;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Long
Branch that the following Subsection of Chapter 325 of the City Code be and is hereby amended
to read as follows:
Deletions are noted by strike throughs
Additions are indicated in bold underline
Language that remains unchanged is not highlighted in any way
SECTION I
Article II Schedules
§325-32 Schedule VII: One-Way Streets
[Schedule VII Table to be amended by the addition of the following:]
Name of Street
South Bath Ave

Direction
Location
of Travel
Eastbound From the easterly edge of the Atlantic Club
parking garage entrance, the remaining
approximately 250 feet, extending to the
westerly edge of Ocean Avenue.

SECTION II.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and
publication in accordance with law.

Introduced: August 26, 2026
Adopted: September 9, 2026
MOVED:
Voogt
SECONDED: Zalta
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

4
0
1 (Barateiro)
0

Date:

Date:

Amanda Caldwell, RMC
City Clerk

John Pallone
Mayor