MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JANUARY 27, 2010
The Work Session of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May was called to order by Mayor Kaithern at 1:00 PM. The Open Public Meetings Statement was read by Mayor Kaithern who then led those present in the flag salute. Mayor Pamela Kaithern, Deputy Mayor Peter Burke, and Commissioner Ramsey Geyer answered roll call. Also in attendance: Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian, Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.
WORK SESSION
OLD BUSINESS
2010 Census: Bob Patton of the U.S. Census Bureau appeared before the Board to discuss the importance of a getting an accurate count during the census for purposes of representation and financial distribution.
Complete Count Committee: The Board agreed to add a resolution to the consent agenda to establish a Complete Count Committee to help spread the word to the community about the importance of participating in the Census. The Committee will be comprised of the Mayor, Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
Solar Energy: Commissioner Geyer has conferred with Triad Associates and discovered there are minimal funds available for the Borough to do its own solar project. Mayor Kaithern spoke to a representative from Cambria about what could be covered in a project with a power purchase agreement as previously presented at a meeting. She was informed it might be possible to have repairs and work done on the roof and in the parking lot as part of the project. The Borough will continue to look into both options.
Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot: Commissioner Geyer has heard from Ed Belski that the NJDEP has identified the parcel as intermediate, so the Borough can move forward with the process. Mr. Belski will submit the necessary form to receive a permit from NJDEP.
NEW BUSINESS
Bayshore Road Flooding: Mayor Kaithern met with the County Engineer who had put out a Request for Proposals and expects to make a decision on a contractor next week. The project will be to install a 1,200 foot line from the problem area to an existing culvert to alleviate the flooding.
Park Boulevard/Sunset Boulevard/Perry Street Intersection: The County Engineer expects to begin working on a Request for Proposals next month. He is also considering the intersection of Sunset and Broadway.
County Open Space: Mayor Kaithern reported the County Open Space Board is moving forward with the preliminary steps to purchase a small parcel in West Cape May.
REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items.
The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:43 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: January 6, 2010 Reorganization Meeting
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: Scheduled for Second Reading and Public Hearing, February 24, 2010 at 1:00 PM
441-10 An Ordinance Establishing the Municipal Court of West Cape May
Resolutions
- Resolution Requesting the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) to Review and Approve the Borough’s Draft Spending Plan
- Authorize Special Event Permit to Center for Community Arts
- Release of Unexpended Escrow Fees – Richard Crawford $274.78
33-10 Opposing the Decision to Close Wildwood Catholic High School
34-10 Renewal of Campground License for 2010 – Depot Travel Park, Inc.
35-10 Setting the Fees for the 2010 Farmers Market
36-10 Bill Payment
37-10 Affirming the Borough of West Cape May Support of and Partnership with the 2010 Census
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
440-10 An Ordinance of the Borough of West Cape May to Amend Section 7-9 of the Borough of West Cape May Code – One-Way Traffic on Goldbeaten Alley
Deputy Mayor Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.
Bud McDonough, 135 Third Avenue, expressed concern that it would be difficult for someone to turn left onto Broadway in the summer.
When no one else from the public wished to speak, Deputy Mayor Burke made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 440-10. Commissioner Geyer seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Geyer met with the Police Chief to discuss a rash of graffiti that has taken place in the area. The police are investigating and the Borough hopes to get reparations to cover the expenses of cleaning and replacing signs. He noted that some other towns are using video surveillance to combat crime and help identify suspects.
Deputy Mayor Burke reminded everyone the Borough will host a Red Cross blood drive on Monday Feb 8th from noon until 6 PM. He also announced that the Christmas lights have been taken down now that the weather has improved. Mr. Burke advised the public there have been break-ins in a neighboring community in areas where there are a lot of seasonal residents. He reminded everyone to be careful.
Mayor Kaithern made most of her reports during the work session. She did, however, comment on a newspaper article that reported West Cape May is one of only 3 municipalities that had 100% attendance in the past year.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Bud McDonough, 135 Third Avenue, asked if something could be done about a neighbor whose sump pump empties into the street causing dangerous icing at this time of year. The Borough is in the process of chopping and salting the area, but advised the neighbor is not violating any law and therefore the Borough can not do anything about the cause of the problem. Mayor Kaithern suggested Mr. McDonough speak to the neighbor next summer because he may be unaware of the problem that occurs in the winter months. Next Mr. McDonough suggested the Borough do email blasts to residents to advise them of the census or other happenings within the Borough. Lastly, he commented on a large number of sheriff’s department and police vehicles in the vicinity on the previous day.
Mike Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, asked how he could get a copy of the judge’s decision in the Sixth Street litigation and was advised the decision was made orally from the bench so he would have to request a transcript directly from the court. Mr. Bean asked how much money the Borough has lost since Cape May Point has left our joint court. Mayor Kaithern advised the Point paid $11,600 per year. The Borough is still interested in consolidating all three courts.
When no one else wished to speak, the meeting was adjourned at 2:26 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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