MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
October 8, 2008
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.
WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Mr. Roberts anticipates having a resolution to enter an agreement with National Waterworks for the remote read water meters. He does not anticipate more than a few minutes interruption of water service during installation of the new meters. Mayor Kaithern asked that he coordinate with the Clerk’s Office to make sure residents are notified.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor Licenses: Town Meeting is scheduled for October 14th. The Board of Commissioners is waiting for the result of the referendum before further discussion.
Alternative Energy – Wind Turbines: Commissioner Rigby is waiting to speak with the DEP.
Volunteer Fire Ordinance and Memo of Understanding: Christine Cote’ has not heard from the VFC. She would like to send a letter to Attorney Braslow asking where things stand on their end based on the last negotiations. Ramsey Geyer, 5 Pond Creek Lane, advised that he has spoken to the Fire Chief and others as a private citizen concerned about public safety and has offered his help with organization and obtaining grant funding. Mr. Geyer has found close to $750,000 in funding for equipment and other items, but to be eligible, they must be officially recognized by a governmental agency. Mayor Kaithern announced that the Borough has applied for over $2,000 in grant funds for hepatitis B vaccinations for the firemen.
Planning/Zoning Board FAR Recommendation: Solicitor Cote’ found some language in NJAC that she will weave into the language provided by Commissioner Rigby for consideration by the Board.
NJ Transit Bus Stop at Perry and Broadway: Nothing at this time. Joan Hodges asked if the green wooden bench near the park belonged to NJTransit, because the Shade Tree Commission (STC) has been cleaning Wilbraham Park and has found the bench to be a gathering place for trash and debris. If the bench belongs to the Borough, the STC would really like to have it removed. Mayor Kaithern commended the STC and other volunteers for the work they’ve done on the Park and suggested they put out a press release.
Report on BAN Sale: Mayor Kaithern took a moment to thank Sturdy Savings Bank for the assistance they gave the Borough with the recent Bond Anticipation Note sale. Michael Clark, Vice President at Sturdy, was in attendance and Mayor Kaithern thanked him for the bank’s investment in the local community, and its assistance with the BAN sale in such a difficult financial climate. The Borough renews its BANs every year at this time, and this year, the financial markets suffered badly just before the BANs were due for renewal, causing financial institutions to be hesitant to bid. The Borough Clerk read aloud the record of the BAN sale.
Use of Wilbraham Park for 2009 Season: The Board discussed a tentative schedule for 2009. Diane Flanagan asked to have the Tomato Festival on September 5th, to benefit the Shade Tree Commission. The Board tried to space out the events with at least two weeks between events to allow the Park to recover. Mayor Kaithern suggested that the Greater Cape May Historical Society be moved to late June to allow the Tomato Festival to fit into its desired schedule. Solicitor Cote’ felt that the ordinance limiting the number of events doesn’t pertain to Borough-sponsored events, so the ordinance would not have to be amended to add the Tomato Festival.
NEW BUSINESS None
Grants for Shade Tree Commission: Joan Hodges of the Shade Tree Commission advised the Board of four grants that she will be applying for from the Community Stewardship Grant Program. A resolution is scheduled for the consent agenda to approve the applications.
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 8:41 PM.
The Regular Meeting convened at 8:44 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: September 24, 2008 Work Session and Regular Meeting and Closed Session
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: None
Resolutions:
137-08 Authorizing Refund of the Peterson Little VFW Ladies Wilbraham Park $250.00 Deposit for Clean Up Fee
138-08 Authorizing Refund of Marriage License Fee for Jason Forsyth
139-08 Authorizing Support of Cape Manor Housing’s Application to Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Program
140-08 Authorizing Application for Community Stewardship Incentive Program Grant
141-08 Resolution Regarding Trick-or-Treat Night
142-08 Closed Session
143-08 Bill Payment
144-08 Release of Performance Guarantee for Block 4, Lot 6
145-08 Authorizing the Mayor to Request Project-Based Rental Assistance from the Department of Community Affairs in Connection with Cape Manor Housing Project
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
418-08 Establishing a Property Maintenance Code
Commissioner Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.
Ramsey Geyer, 5 Pond Creek Lane, asked if the ordinance was in writing and where he could see a copy. Mayor Kaithern gave him her copy and Borough Clerk Wallace advised him that the ordinance was published in full in the newspaper of record and a copy was posted on the bulletin board when it was introduced, as required by law.
When no one else from the public wished to speak, Commissioner Rigby made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 418-08. Commissioner Burke seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Burke announced that the County Department of Health will host free flu shots for individuals 60 years of age and over from 1 PM to 7 PM at 3 polling places within the County during the November 4th election day. More information can be obtained from the County.
Commissioner Rigby had no further business.
Mayor Kaithern announced the Board of Commissioners has been invited to the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony on November 11th at 11 AM at the Veterans’ Memorial on Columbia Avenue in Cape May.
Municipal Clerk’s Report on BAN Sale: The Chief Financial Officer certified that BANs in the total Principal amount of $2,025,000 – consisting of $1,101,000 BAN, Series A and $924,000 BAN, Series B (Callable) – were sold to Sturdy Savings Bank with a maturity date of October 2, 2009, and interest rate per annum of 3.67%.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Ramsey Geyer, 5 Pond Creek Lane, asked who is responsible for the curbs around Wilbraham Park and how to go about having them repaired. Commissioner Rigby advised the Park is surrounded by County roads and he had previously written to advise Dale Foster, County Engineer, of the conditions. Mr. Rigby will write another letter to Mr. Foster. Mr. Geyer suggested the Borough have the Public Works Manager remove the broken pieces for safety reasons. He also offered to take digital pictures of the curbing to send to the County.
Resolution 142-08 Scheduling of Closed Session (Litigation with 6th Street Partners)
On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, the above resolution was approved unanimously on roll call vote.
The regular meeting was recessed into closed at 8:59 PM and reconvened on motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke at 9:39 PM.
Mayor Kaithern announced that no action would be taken as a result of the closed session.
On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Municipal Clerk
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