MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
April 8, 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’, Borough Engineer Ray Roberts, and Planning Board Chair Paul Mulligan.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS ONLY

WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT:  Mr. Roberts announced remote read water meter installation is set to begin next week; hardware is currently being installed in Borough Hall.  There was discussion about having the engineer attend only one meeting per month.

Third Avenue:  The D’Agostino’s contractor has completed the sewer extension on Third Avenue and has repaved the entire width of the street to the end of the work area.  Ray Roberts will inspect the work before releasing the performance bond.

OLD BUSINESS
Wind Turbines:  Commissioner Rigby showed a brochure from the Science Museum of Boston showing an array of wind turbines which includes the type the Borough would like to install.

Capital Improvement:  Commissioner Burke asked that Grand Street be added to the list of streets needing repair. 

NEW BUSINESS:
Shade Tree Commission:  The Shade Tree Commission adopted Policy 09-01 regarding Removal of Trees from Private Property.  The Board of Commissioners reviewed the policy, which was prepared by the Borough Solicitor, and had no objections. 

REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING:  Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items.  The Consent Agenda was amended to add Resolution 84-09 Emergency Temporary Appropriation for PERS payment.

The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:33 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:36 PM.

CONSENT AGENDA:  On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.

MINUTES:  March 25, 2009 Work Session and Regular Meeting, March 25, 2009 Closed Session

ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION: None

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Resolution in Support of Naming the Route 109 Cape May Canal Bridge the “Cape May county Veteran’s Memorial Bridge”
2. Requiring Repair of Sidewalk at 507 North Broadway Pursuant to Ordinance 370-06

79-09     Resolution Correcting Expiration Date for Interlocal Services Agreement to Provide Uniform Construction Code Services
80-09     Resolution Authorizing a Settlement with Esurance to Replace a Damaged Tree on Borough Property
81-09     Authorize Special Event Permit to Cape May NJ State Film Festival, Inc.
82-09     Amend the Schedule of Events for Wilbraham Park 2009
83-09     Bill Payment
84-09     Authorizing Emergency Temporary Appropriation for Local Budget

NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION: None

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:

Commissioner Burke explained that the Shade Tree Commission numbered its Removal of Trees from Private Property Policy 09-01 because it hopes to have other policies or positions in the future that will follow the same numbering pattern.  He announced the Environmental Commission will be sponsoring a Sunset roadway clean up on Saturday April 18th.  In addition, the Shade Tree Commission will sponsor a Wilbraham Park grounds clean up on Monday, April 20th, focusing on vegetation, not trash.  Lastly, he reminded everyone that the Nature Center of Cape May’s plant sale fundraiser is ongoing until April 30th.

Commissioner Rigby invited everyone to the Roberts’ house on Sunday, April 19th from 3 to 5 PM to attend a benefit for MAC’s music program.  He also announced there was an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer saying the State of New Jersey is going to start to push for court consolidation.

Mayor Kaithern reported on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting she attended earlier in the day.  The MUA announced that type 10 household trash is down to 1998 levels, due in part to fewer people visiting their second homes.  Mrs. Kaithern felt there was a direct relationship to the water consumption decrease that has caused the Borough’s water/sewer rate increase.  Because of the reduction in trash, the MUA is reducing hours of operation which will be posted on the bulletin board.  The MUA also announced the DEP will begin to require personal commercial vehicles, such as lawn care providers, to obtain a state license which will in turn require, among other things, commercial vehicle insurance, increasing the cost of doing business to these individuals.  There is a concern that this step will cause an increase in roadside dumping.  Lastly, the MUA report on actual flows versus estimated flows showed that West Cape May has an added assessment of $921.  In another matter, the Mayor was contacted by Stockton College asking that the Borough add a link to the college on its website.  In an attempt to be fair, the Mayor felt that all state schools should be listed, as well as our local county college.

PUBLIC PORTION: No one from the public wished to comment.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, and carried unanimously by the Board of Commissioners to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC