Regular Meeting

AUGUST 4, 2025 Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. on August 4, 2025, with Mayor Michael Mangan presiding. This meeting was held in person at Borough Hall and via Zoom. Mayor Mangan read the statement re: Open Public Meetings Act of 1975 and that adequate notice has been provided by transmitting the Resolution to the Asbury Park Press and the Coast Star, by posting it in the Borough Hall on a bulletin board reserved for such announcements, and by posting it on the official website of the borough. Mayor Mangan stated that zoom meetings are a courtesy and if the zoom platform fails the meeting will continue in person. Mayor Mangan welcomed the audience and invited them to join in a moment of silent prayer and a salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Bruce Bresnahan, Brian Holly, and Sheila Vidreiro Absent: Council Member President Lori Triggiano, Councilmember Olivera & Council Member Bryant Also present was Borough Attorney Mark Kitrick and Borough Administrator Rich Read. Amendment to Agenda Mayor Mangan announced a proposed amendment to the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Councilman Holly and seconded by Councilman Bresnahan to amend the agenda to add Resolution 241- 2025, "Appointing a Finance Clerk," to the Consent Agenda. Audience Participation– Limited to Agenda Items Only Councilman Bresnahan made a motion to open the meeting to the public, seconded by Councilwoman Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously. Al Sauer, First Avenue, expressed concern over the lack of access to original ordinances, making it difficult to track changes in amended versions. Mayor Mangan stated that changes had been posted and reviewed by Council and acknowledged the need for improved consistency and transparency in posting both original and amended ordinances. Mayor Mangan asked Mr. Sauer if he had concerns with the substance of the ordinance, to which Mr. Sauer responded that he did not, though he took issue with some wording. The Borough Attorney advised Mr. Sauer to contact the Attorney directly with any future concerns to allow time for review. There being no other comments Councilman Holly made a motion to close the public portion, seconded by Councilman Bresnahan. Motion carried unanimously. Presentation – Community Mapping Borough Engineer Joe Raftery presented a comprehensive flooding and drainage plan that has been developed over the past 18 months with the assistance of Chris Tucker. He shared maps and data outlining current road conditions, proposed drainage improvements, and the use of GIS technology to support infrastructure planning and tracking. Mr. Raftery also reviewed ongoing and future drainage and flood resilience projects, including planned enhancements to Stockton Lake Bulkhead, Winterstella Park, and Riverside Drive. He emphasized the use of advanced mapping tools and the integration of shade tree considerations into the planning process. In addition, Mr. Raftery discussed several infrastructure and flood mitigation projects, such as Fletcher Avenue Phase 2, Rogers Avenue, Ocean Avenue, and North Main Street. These projects focus on road elevation and the installation of tide valves to address recurring flooding issues. The presentation concluded with an overview of Prime Boulevard, a major $2.4 million project that will require significant coordination with homeowners. Throughout the discussion, Mr. Raftery stressed the importance of prioritizing projects and securing the necessary funding to ensure their successful implementation.  AUGUST 4, 2025 Presentation Public Comments A motion to open the meeting to public comments was made by Councilman Holly, seconded by Councilwoman Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously. Kathleen Kehoe of Carlson Corner introduced herself as the new owner of Carlson’s on Riverside Drive and expressed interest in being involved in the planned improvements for that area. Mayor Mangan thanked Ms. Kehoe and asked that she provide her contact information to Administrator Read for follow-up. Carol Kirkman of Willow Drive inquired about when the community mapping presentation would be available online. Mayor Mangan responded that it would be posted later that week. Nancy Jordan of Euclid Avenue shared her excitement about the mapping and infrastructure planning. She asked what elevating a road by four feet would mean for property lines. Mayor Mangan explained the process and discussed the crown of roadways and how road elevation is managed in relation to surrounding properties. A motion to close the public comment session was made by Councilman Holly, seconded by Councilwoman Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously. Approval of Minutes Regular meeting Minutes July 21, 2025 Councilman Holly made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, seconded by Councilman Bresnahan. Motion carried unanimously. Workshop Discussion: Chapter 7 Parking Ordinance - Borough Administrator Rich Read provided an overview of Ordinance 2557-25, which is scheduled for a second reading at this meeting. He noted that there are some minor additions currently being worked on which will be incorporated into the ordinance. Once finalized, the ordinance will be amended accordingly. The purpose of the ordinance is to streamline and clarify detailed parking regulations within Chapter 7 of the Borough Code Streetscapes Update – Borough Administrator Rich Read reported that the Borough has received authorization from NJDOT to award the bid for the Streetscapes project. Financing has been secured, with necessary adjustments made to the existing bond to incorporate available grant funding. The award of the project will be placed on August 19, 2025, Council Meeting agenda for official approval. Monthly Engineer’s Report Borough Engineer Joseph Raftery went over the engineer’s monthly report for July 2025. Consent Agenda RESOLUTION 230-2025 BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Manasquan, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that: WHEREAS a refund of monies are due to the following: NAME: JOHN KELLY MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR LLC 932 4TH AVE  AUGUST 4, 2025 NEPTUNE CITY, NJ 07753 AMOUNT OF REFUND DUE: $1,000 REASON FOR REFUND: 1st STREET OPENING BOND RETURN – SO#8/25 234 E. MAIN STREET NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed to draw a warrant in the said amount to the above listed refunds with said warrant to be charged against the General Ledger. RESOLUTION 231-2025 BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Manasquan, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that: WHEREAS a refund of monies are due to the following: NAME: INTIRA, LLC 991 US HIGHWAY 22, SUITE 200 BRIDGEWATER, NJ 08807 AMOUNT OF REFUND DUE: $1,000.00 REASON FOR REFUND: DUMPSTER PERMIT DEPOSIT RETURN – 27 BLAKEY AVE NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed to draw a warrant in the said amount to the above listed refunds with said warrant to be charged against the General Ledger. RESOLUTION 232-2025 APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FLETCHER AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 PROJECT NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of Manasquan formally approves the grant application for the above stated project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to submit an electronic grant application identified as MA-2026-Fletcher Ave Improvements Phase 2-00152 to the New Jersey Department of Transportation on behalf of the Borough of Ocean Gate. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf of the Borough of Manasquan and that their signature constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approves the execution of the grant agreement. Certified as a true copy of the Resolution adopted by the Council on this 4th day of August 2025.  AUGUST 4, 2025 RESOLUTION 233-2025 WHEREAS the Borough of Manasquan is desirous of appointing Seasonal Beach Employees for the 2025 Season; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Manasquan, Monmouth County, New Jersey, on this 4th day of August 2025 appoint the following seasonal employee to work the 2025 season. Name Position Rate of Pay Effective Date New Hire (Hourly/Salar From and To Y or N y/Seasonal) Chris Jordan Lifeguard $16.25 8/5/25 – 9/30/25 Y RESOLUTION 234-2025 BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Manasquan, in the County of Monmouth, accepts the resignation of Douglas Anderson from the position of Chief Lifeguard in the Beach Department, effective August 31, 2025. RESOLUTION 235-2025 AUTHORIZATION TO APPROVE TAX EXEMPTION(S) FROM ALL TAXES AS A DISABLED VETERAN WHEREAS the Tax Collector sent a memorandum to the Borough Council of the Borough of Manasquan in relation to a tax credit due to the below referenced disabled veteran; and WHEREAS the Tax Collector is precluded from collecting 2025 taxes from the individual referenced below, as he/she is a Disabled Veteran(s), as per N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30a, and exempt from all taxes as of the effective date of the statute; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.32, the Borough Council may, by resolution, refund taxes collected on property that qualifies for tax exemption under N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30a; and WHEREAS 2025 taxes based on the assessment listed on the 2025 tax roll are to be cancelled and any monies showing a credit should be immediately refunded to the property owner referenced below; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has reviewed the circumstances surrounding this exemption and refund and has recommended to the Borough Council that the appropriate Borough officials be authorized to acknowledge said exemption and to refund any tax payment made by the individual referenced below.  AUGUST 4, 2025 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Manasquan that the appropriate Borough officials be and are hereby authorized to acknowledge the refund in accordance with the aforesaid memorandum submitted by the Tax Collector to the Borough Administrator. CREDIT/ EFFECTIVE NAME ADDRESS BLOCK LOT REFUND REASON DATE AMOUNT 2025 Manuel Ortiz 142 Morris ovrpayment Totally & Maria Ave 73 78 01/01/2024 Refund: Disabled Vet Ramos $5450.46 2025 Frederick & 48 Second ovrpayment Totally Marlene Ave 166 5 5/24/2024 Refund: Disabled Vet Bostel $8152.48 RESOLUTION 236-2025 RESOLUTION RESCINDING PAYMENT OF EASEMENT FEE FOR FUN GIRLS, LLC, OWNER OF 22 NORTH MAIN STREET FOR THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH WHEREAS the Borough of Manasquan Council finds the imposition of an annual fee for the grant of an easement is inconsistent with Borough policy; and WHEREAS fees for encroachment of Borough property is appropriate and not for easement use; and WHEREAS, Fun Girls LLC, owner of 22 North Main Street, Block 32, Lot 1.05, is currently required to pay an annual fee of $858.00 for use of an easement. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on the 4th day of August 2025 that the annual obligation of Fun Girls, LLC to pay a fee of $858.00 for said easement is hereby rescinded by the Borough Council of the Borough of Manasquan, in the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey. RESOLUTION 237-2025 BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Manasquan, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, that the Borough of Manasquan retains the Professional Engineering services of Colliers Engineering & Design, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Suite 3400, Holmdel, NJ 07733, for purposes of providing Professional Services for the Winterstella Park Improvements Project.  Phase 3.0 Geotechnical Services 3.1 Preliminary Infiltration Evaluation $9,000.00*  Phase 4.0 Design Development & Permitting Services $52,500.00  Phase 5.0 Construction Documents $19,000.00  Phase 6.0 Bidding Services $2,500.00 *Tube Permeameter Tests (if required based on soil texture) $250.00/set  AUGUST 4, 2025 For a total amount not to exceed $83,000.00 for the service outlined in the proposal dated July 30, 2025. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Manasquan, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, that the borough authorizes the above Phases with the provision that each subsequent task shall require additional authorization subject to the recommendation of the Governing Body. RESOLUTION 238-2025 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS THROUGH A COOPERATIVE PURCHASING SYSTEM FOR CONTRACTING UNITS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11 WHEREAS, the Borough of Manasquan, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11 and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.12 may by resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under a Cooperative Purchasing Program for any contracts entered into on behalf of the members of the Cooperative Purchasing System; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Manasquan has the need on a timely basis to purchase goods or services utilizing cooperative purchasing contracts for the purpose of Security Cameras at the Borough of Manasquan Water Plant; and WHEREAS the Borough of Manasquan intends to enter into a contract with: Office Solutions, Inc., located at 217 Mount Horeb Rd, Warren, NJ 07059 for the Security Cameras, Contract# ESCNJ #22/23-09 through the ESCNJ Co-Op, and through this resolution and properly executed contracts, which shall be subject to all the conditions applicable to the current co-op contracts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Manasquan authorizes the Purchasing Agent to purchase certain goods or services from said contractor by approved New Jersey State Approved CO-OP, ESCNJ Co-Op, Contract# 22/23-09, pursuant to all conditions of the individual cooperative contract, with Office Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $47,379.00 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the governing body of the Borough of Manasquan pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.5(b), the certification of available funds, shall either certify the full maximum amount against the budget at the time the contract is awarded, or no contract amount shall be chargeable or certified until such time as the goods or services are ordered or otherwise called for prior to placing the order, and a certification of availability of funds is made by the Chief Finance Officer; and RESOLUTION 239-2025 RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO INDIAN HILL SIDEWALK IN THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH STATE OF NEW JERSEY WHEREAS quotes were requested for and received for improvements to Indian Hill Sidewalk; and  AUGUST 4, 2025 WHEREAS the quotes submitted for this project were: BIDDER QUOTE Krebs Construction $28,000.00 KS Masonry $32,000.00 WHEREAS, the Borough Council has determined the quote of Krebs Construction. is a responsive and responsible quote; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough of Manasquan authorizes the Purchasing Agent to issue a Purchase Order to Krebs Construction for the improvements to the Indian Hill Sidewalk in the amount of $28,000.00 utilizing the 2025 Infrastructure Budget, account number 5-0-44-903- 171 RESOLUTION 240-2025 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN, IN THE County of Monmouth, New Jersey (not less than three (3) members thereof affirmatively concurring) as follows: 1. All bills or claims as reviewed and approved by the Administration & Finance Committee and as set forth in this Resolution are hereby approved for payment. 2. The Mayor, Municipal Clerk and Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized and directed to sign checks in payment of bills and claims which are hereby approved. The computer printout of the list of checks will be on file in the Clerk’s Office. Current Fund $133,016.01 Water/Sewer Fund $25,511.70 Beach Fund $17,518.25 Grants $1,057.75 Recreation Trust $19,397.46 Affordable Housing $1,128.40 Developer’s Escrow $2,966.50 Unemployment $198.85 Reserve for Animal Control $1.20 General Capital $36.12 Beach Capital $21,536.56 Grand Total $222,368.80 RESOLUTION 241-2025 WHEREAS, The Borough has an Accounts Payable vacancy in the Finance Office; and WHEREAS the Borough hiring process was activated to attract and vet interested candidates to fill the vacancy; and WHREAS, Donna Rechsteiner-Batt has been identified as the recommended candidate to fill this vacancy. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Manasquan, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that the following personnel action is approved:  AUGUST 4, 2025 Employee Title Pension Annual Hours Effective Date System Salary Donna Finance PERS $55,000.00* Full Time August 11, 2025 Rechsteiner-Batt Clerk M-F 8:30am- 4:00pm *Additional $5,000.00 added to base pay upon successful completion of Qualified Purchasing Agent Exam. Councilman Holly made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Councilwomen Vidreiro. Motion carried by the following vote: “yes” Council Members Bresnahan, Holly and Vidreiro. “No” none. Ordinances – Second Reading The Borough Attorney read the title of ordinance 2557-25 for second reading and final adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 2557-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7 (TRAFFIC), SECTION 7-11 (STOP INTERSECTION), SECTION 7-21 (SPEED LIMITS ESTABLISHED), AND SECTION 7-31.1.d (REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT AND THE PARKING OF TRAFFIC ON MUNICIPAL PROPERTY AND BOARD OF EDUCATION PROPERTY; SECOND AVENUE PARKING LOT, BLOCK 163 LOT 1) OF THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN CODE IN THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilman Holly made a motion to open the hearing to the public, seconded by Councilwomen Vidreiro Holly. Motion carried unanimously. Carol Kirkman, Will Way commented that she is fully behind this ordinance, she commented that she lives off that street and it is dangerous with the speed of the vehicles. There being no other comments Councilman Bresnahan made a motion to close the public portion, seconded by Councilwomen Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Holly made a motion to pass and publish ordinance 2557-25 according to law, seconded by Councilman Brenahan. Motion carried by the following vote: “yes” Council Members Bresnahan, Holly, and Vidreiro. “No” none. The Borough Attorney read the title of ordinance 2558-25 for second reading and final adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 2558-25 ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION), SECTION 2-66.3 (SUBMISSION OF A REFERENDUM TO THE VOTERS REGARDING THE INCREASE OF THE MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE, RECREATION, FLOODPLAIN PROTECTION, AND FARMLAND AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND TAX PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.7, ET. SEQ.), OF THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN CODE IN THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilman Bresnahan made a motion to open the hearing to the public, seconded by Councilwomen Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously. There being no comment Councilman Bresnahan made a motion to close the public portion, seconded by Councilwomen Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously.  AUGUST 4, 2025 Councilwomen Vidreiro made a motion to pass and publish ordinance 2558-25 according to law, seconded by Councilman Brenahan. Motion carried by the following vote: “yes” Council Members Bresnahan, Holly, and Vidreiro. “No” none Mayor Mangan explained that this ordinance allows placing a referendum question on the November ballot regarding implementing an Open Space Tax. The purpose of the ordinance is to allow the public to vote in November on whether to implement the tax. Ordinance – First Reading The Borough Attorney read the title of ordinance 2559-25 for introduction. ORDINANCE NO. 2559-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13 (PROPERTY MAINTENANCE), SECTION 13-1.1 (INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE/2018 ADOPTED BY REFERENCE), SECTION 13-1.2 (COPIES ON FILE; AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE), SECTION 13-1.3 (AMENDMENTS TO THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE), SECTION 13-4.3 (NOTICES), SECTION 13-5.2 (INSPECTIONS), SECTION 13-5.7 (ACCUMULATION ON PRIVATE LAND; DEPOSITING OR THROWING ON PUBLIC PLACES), AND SECTION 13-6.3 (PROHIBITED CONDUCT), AND ELIMINATING SECTION 13.7 (BAMBOO AND INVASIVE PLANTS) OF THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN CODE IN THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilman Bresnahan made a motion to introduce ordinance 2559-25, seconded by Councilman Holly. Motion carried by the following vote: “yes” Council Members Bresnahan, Holly, and Vidreiro. “No” none. The Borough Attorney read the title of ordinance 2560-25 for introduction. ORDINANCE NO. 2560-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 20 (STREETS AND SIDEWALKS) SECTION 20-2.6 (CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS) OF THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN CODE IN THE BOROUGH OF MANASQUAN, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, STATE OF NEW JERSEY Councilman Holly made a motion to introduce ordinance 2560-25, seconded by Councilwomen Vidreiro. Motion carried by the following vote: “yes” Council Members Bresnahan, Holly, and Vidreiro. “No” none Committee Reports Community Service Committee – Councilwoman Vidreiro reported that Big Sea Day on Saturday, August 2nd, was a tremendous success, highlighting that the sandcastle competition was exciting, with the Mayor Mangan voting on the “Most Unusual” entry. She announced that the Canoe and Kayak Race will be held on August 30th and is open to everyone and the End of Season Picnic will be held on September 13th. Public Property Committee – Councilman Holly reiterated that the Winterstella Park, Riverside Drive, and Stockton Lake Bulkhead projects are currently in the conceptual stage, and when more information becomes available, the public will be invited to meetings for updates and plans. He also reported that the sidewalks at Indian Hill Park are in need of replacement and that work will begin shortly, as result of the approval of the resolution on tonight’s agenda. Shared Services & Grants Committee – Councilman Bresnahan thanked everyone for the success of Big Sea Day. He also thanked Doug Anderson and his staff for the rescues they have performed due to strong currents, specifically noting one on Sunday that involved several individuals from the same group. He  AUGUST 4, 2025 reminded the public about lightning safety and the required 30-minute waiting period before returning to the beach. He stated that the beach is having a great year, and they will be looking to have the bathrooms upgraded in the coming years. Mayor Mangan read an email from the mother of one of the individuals rescued on Sunday. She praised the lifeguards for their quick and efficient response in saving her daughter and her friends. She also commended the EMTs, and all others involved, expressing her hope that they would be formally recognized for their outstanding work. Public Participation Councilman Holly made a motion to open the public portion, seconded by Councilman Bresnahan. Motion carried unanimously. Robert Geisler, Wyckoff, stated that although he has a Manasquan parking pass, the Sea Watch Parking Lot would serve people better if an attendant were present to direct vehicles on where to park and who arrived first, which would help alleviate controversy. Mayor Mangan agreed this was a valid request and said they will work on ways to address the issue. Al Sauer, First Avenue, asked the Borough Attorney to confirm that the red-line version of the ordinances was now on the website. Attorney Mark Kitrick stated that the red-line version has been on the website since it was posted. Mr. Sauer also requested confirmation regarding infrared of the road repairs, noting that he had hoped to see it included as part of the ordinance. He stated he found the term but that it did not reference anything specific about infrared. Mr. Sauer further commented that the roads are in poor condition. Mayor Mangan responded that infrared may or may not be in the ordinance, but it is currently used as a practice. He stated that the Borough is working on the follow-up to the process. Carol Budisak, Beachfront & First Avenue, raised concerns about the Shore Spot operation, noting that it had expanded beyond its intended scope as a snack shack, with issues regarding hours of operation, noise, and parties. She expressed hope that the situation would be reviewed. Mayor Mangan thanked her for her comments. Councilman Holly made a motion to close the public portion, seconded by Councilwoman Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously. Closed Session he Borough Attorney presented a resolution, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b)(7), authorizing the governing body to meet in closed session at 8:28 p.m. Council made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Vidreiro. Motion carried unanimously The closed session portion of the minutes begins on the next page. Councilman Holly made a motion to open the regular meeting at 8:50 p.m., seconded by Councilman Bresnahan. Motion carried unanimously Councilwoman Vidreiro made a motion to close the regular meeting at 8:51 p.m., seconded by Councilman Bresnahan. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted Nancy Acciavatti Municipal Clerk DATE APPROVED_08/18/2025____________