MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
May 13, 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 Frank Corrado, Borough Engineer Ray Roberts  and Borough Auditor Leon Costello.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS ONLY

WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Ray Roberts reviewed the monthly report.  Commissioner Rigby asked if any plans have been made to apply for another bike path grant to continue the work on Park Boulevard.  Mr. Rigby also asked about the status of federal stimulus package money.  Ray Roberts explained the money was given to the state to handle and he expects the state to use it all for its own projects.

OLD BUSINESS:
Sale of Public Land – Willow Avenue: No one met the minimum bid.  Since it was not necessary to sell the parcel to balance the budget with no tax increase, the Board decided not to sell the land.  A resolution was added to the non-consent agenda to reject all bids and offers.

NEW BUSINESS
Hardship Condition Road Opening Block 2, Lot 2:  The Board discussed the request from the homeowner to install sewer and gas lines.  As a matter of public safety and sanitation, the Board was in favor of granting the request.  Engineer Roberts explained that the work could be done and a temporary patch done, but the final restoration would have to wait until after Labor Day because there is a moratorium on paving during the summer.  The homeowner was willing to comply with the engineer’s recommendation.  A resolution to approve the hardship street opening was added to the consent agenda.

400th Anniversary Sponsorship:  The Board agreed to support the 400th Anniversary committee by purchasing a red sponsor flag.

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 7:39 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:53 PM.

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

MINUTES:     April 22, 2009 Work Session and Regular Meeting

ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION:  Scheduled for second reading and public hearing on June 10th at 7:00 PM.

427-09      Ordinance to Establish a CAP Bank for the 2009 Budget

RESOLUTIONS:
93-09   Resolution Authorizing the Submission of the Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the Year 2009
94-09   Resolution Introducing the Municipal Budget for the Year 2009
95-09   Appointing Frank Donato Chief Financial Officer and Doris Hartman Deputy Chief Financial Officer Effective June 1, 2009
96-09   Refund Overpayment of Real Estate Taxes to American Tax Services for Various Properties
97-09   Bill Payment
99-09   Hardship Street Opening

NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING: None

RESOLUTION:
98-09     Rejecting All Bids and Offers for Sale of Willow Avenue Property

The above reference resolution, moved by Commissioner Burke and seconded by Commissioner Rigby, was approved unanimously on roll call vote.

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS:
Commissioner Rigby thanked everyone for attending the meeting to recognize his four years of service to the Borough.  He was very proud of the work the Commission accomplished, stating all the members worked together smoothly and effectively. 

Commissioner Burke thanked Mr. Rigby for his service and enjoyed working on the same team.  Mr. Burke announced the County put two new crosswalks on Broadway at Central and Leaming.

Mayor Kaithern reviewed some items from the bill list.  She announced that a submission will be due this month on the Plan Endorsement.  Lastly, she announced that the plans for the Farmers Market are proceeding very nicely, with a great list of vendors and musicians. 

PUBLIC PORTION:
Gene Cathrall, 837 Broadway, questioned the cost of expanding the Park Boulevard bike path, feeling it was unnecessary, especially since people are always parked in the pathway.  Mr. Cathrall also spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning ordinance that would change the north end of Broadway, including his property, from commercial to residential.  He also felt that major zoning changes are discussed behind closed doors.  Solicitor Frank Corrado explained that the planning process in West Cape May is more open than required by law and that all zoning changes were discussed in open public meetings of the planning board and governing body.  He explained that the law requires individual notices be sent for the type of zoning changes the Borough Is considering, but haven’t been sent because the ordinance in question was tabled.  Mayor Kaithern said that from a planning perspective, the Broadway commercial zone should be shortened, but she would support keeping the entire length of Broadway commercial.

When no one else wished to speak a motion was made by Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC