5G, Summerfest Top Council Concerns

These images on the Federal Communications Commission website show examples of what the small cell towers could look like. (Screenshot by Judy Smestad-Nunn)

  BRICK – The Federal Communications Commission prohibits local governments from stopping 5G (fifth generation) technology from imposing excessive regulations on wireless carriers.

  But municipalities do have some say in regulating the aesthetics of the infrastructure for the installation of small cell towers.

  The cell carriers are looking to rent space on private properties, and the township also has the ability to grant site approval.

  For these reasons, the township’s telecommunications expert recommended an ordinance to the Council’s Public Safety Committee that would give Brick a say in 5G technology – that is coming into municipalities across the state – in establishing design perimeters.

  During the April 12 council meeting, the ordinance, “Placement of Small Cell Facilities and Wireless Poles in the Public Right-of-Way,” was unanimously passed on its final reading.

  In other news, final plans are in place for the Summerfest Concert Series, scheduled for Thursdays from June 30 through July 21.

The Township Council discussed cell phone technology at a recent meeting. (Screenshot by Judy Smestad-Nunn)

  Food truck vendors include Dellano Food Service, Highway 2 Ohana, John & Debbie “O’s” Concessions, You Scream Ice Cream, and Woodshed Pizza.

  The Township Business Administrator Joanne Bergin will solicit new bids for the categories in which no bids were received.

  The Mantoloking Ale House was the highest responsive and responsible bidder for the Beer and Wine Concession, who paid $7,000 to sell the libations during the Summerfest Concerts and FallFest.

  As always (weather permitting) the concerts – and the FallFest – end with fireworks at sunset. Althouse dba Schaefer Fireworks, Inc. of Ronks, Pennsylvania will be paid $24,800, or $4,960 per event.

  The concert lineup includes Super Trans Am on June 30; Stifler’s Mom on July 7; The Benjamins on July 14; and Jessie’s Girl on July 21.

  The governing body also awarded a bid for the operation of Brick Beach 1 food concession stand to Jersey Shore Snack Shack 2, LLC of Point Pleasant in the total amount of $24,900 for the next three summers ($8,200 for the 2022 season, $8,300 for the 2023 season, and $8,400 for the 2024 season).

  And finally, Mayor John G. Ducey said that Brick Township High School graduate Anthony Starego, who was a star kicker for the Brick Dragons Football Team, will be featured at the Autism Resource Fair through the Ocean County Library.

Mayor John Ducey spoke about the upcoming Autism Resource Fair. (Screenshot by Judy Smestad-Nunn)

  “Not only was he a kicker here at Brick Township High School, but since then he’s been a kicking specialist for minor league football as well as arena football teams,” the mayor said. “He’s a professional kicker as well.”

  Starego, who has autism, spent time in 11 foster homes before being adopted at age 3 by the Starego family, “and has definitely prospered and is a very shining star here in Brick Township,” Mayor Ducey said.

  To attend the virtual program, visit the Ocean County Library Events page for a link to the Resource Fair, which will take place on Monday, May 10 at 7 p.m.

  The next council meeting will be on Tuesday April 26 at 7 p.m.