MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
February 11, 2009
The Work Session of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May was called to order by Mayor Kaithern at 7:00 PM. The Open Public Meetings Statement was read by Mayor Kaithern who then led those present in the flag salute. Mayor Pamela Kaithern, Commissioner Dick Rigby, and Commissioner Peter Burke answered roll call. Also in attendance: Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian, Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS ONLY - None
WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Mr. Roberts is awaiting approval from the USDA to process the award of the remote read water meter installation project.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor Licenses: Mayor Kaithern explained the licenses will be enabled through the commercial zoning ordinance that is pending.
Creek-Front Park: Commissioner Rigby announced the property previously considered for purchase by the Stewart Trust was re-assessed to $125,600, but that figure is still well above the Trust’s valuation. Mr. Rigby will continue to search for alternate funding sources. Commissioner Burke suggested he contact the William Penn Foundation of Philadelphia.
BPU Clean Energy Audit: Commissioner Rigby filed the application with the assistance of Rob Flynn.
NEW BUSINESS:
TULIP Program: The Borough decided to participate in the TULIP program which will enable organizations using public facilities to obtain reasonably priced insurance for the purpose of using the Borough facilities. This will be especially helpful to non-profits and others to meet our insurance requirements as imposed by JIF.
Wind Ordinance: Ray Roberts, in response to a question asked at the Planning Board meeting, spoke to the State about regulating the number of wind turbines on farms. At this time, the State doesn’t have a clear direction. Mr. Roberts suggested proceeding with the ordinance as written. Farm owners who wish to place more than one on their property could apply to the Planning Board for a variance. Paul Simmons, with Lomax Consulting, gave some input and several suggestions concerning minimum lot size and other factors. He suggested using the size of the turbine to determine the size of the lot, but not permitting any turbine less than 80 feet in height to create maximum efficiency. Gene Cathrall felt the ordinance was well written, but objected to allowing them on lots less than 1 acre and would prefer more than 100% setbacks for safety reasons. He also objected to the high fee for a zoning permit to install one. Mayor Kaithern explained that the lots that would qualify for the ½ acre and meet setback requirements would be out of the town center and felt it would give people the option to pursue wind energy if they chose. Mr. Lomax felt the renewable energy initiative would be stronger overall if solar applications were encouraged on smaller lots in more densely populated areas and wind turbines were kept to larger lots that would accommodate towers of at least 80 feet. Mr. Cathrall also suggested allowing larger parcels and farms to have more than one tower. Lissy Fritz suggested making 1 acre the minimum lot size to eliminate potential problems. She also questioned the sound generated and how often it would be tested. Mr. Roberts explained that the sound would have to be certified by an expert prior to issuance of a CO and after that it would be done only when there’s a complaint. Due to the many questions and further research being needed on the fee structure, the Board decided to postpone the two ordinances that are on the Non-Consent agenda for second reading and public hearing on February 25th at 1 PM.
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 8:54 PM and the Regular Meeting was convened at 8:58 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
MINUTES: January 28, 2009 Work Session and Regular Meeting, January 28, 2009 Closed Session (as amended); February 4, 2009 Budget Session
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION: None
RESOLUTIONS:
53-09 Supporting Shared Services with County of Cape May in Connection with 2009 PARIS Grant Program
54-09 Authorizing Membership in the Cape Island Joint Rabies Clinic
55-09 Authorizing Adjustment to Sewer Charges for Block 7, Lot 24, Qual. C01
56-09 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute and Sign Certificate No. 4 Final for Park Boulevard Bike Lanes ($12,898.88)
57-09 Authorizing a Professional Services Contract with Elizabeth Terenik for Zoning Code Consultation Services
58-09 Appointing Fair Housing Consultant for the Borough of West Cape May
59-09 Bill Payment
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION: adoption postponed until January 28, 2009 to allow Planning/Zoning Board review.
421-09 Establishing Regulations for Small Wind Energy Systems and Solar Energy Systems
422-09 Amending Certain Provisions of the Land Use Ordinances of the Borough of West Cape May – Application and Escrow Fees for Wind/Solar Installations
In accordance with the lengthy discussion held during the Work Session, Commissioner Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, to postpone the second reading and public hearing to February 25, 2009 at 1:00 PM.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Burke announced Cub Scout Pack 73 will be holding it’s Blue and Gold Banquet at the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company Hall on Sunday February 22nd at noon. He also announced that the Annual Cape May County Transportation Infrastructure Conference is scheduled for Tuesday February 24th and the public is welcome.
Commissioner Rigby and Mayor Kaithern had nothing more to add at this time.
PUBLIC PORTION: No comments
When no one else wished to speak, the public portion was closed and Commissioner Rigby made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Burke, to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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