MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
November 25, 2009

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, and Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ONLY:  None

WORK SESSION
OLD BUSINESS
Solar Energy:  Several firms at the League of Municipalities were interested in giving presentations to the Borough.

VFC Update: Commissioner Geyer stated the VFC received an extension from the UL on repairing the ladder truck.  Mayor Kaithern asked for a copy of the extension from the UL and a statement from the VFC that the truck is safe to use.  Commissioner Burke suggested Ordinance 430-09 be added to the Non-Consent Agenda since the Borough Solicitor is satisfied that all the VFC’s requirements for recognition have been met.

Liquor License Bids:  The Board felt it would be best to hold off on re-bidding the liquor licenses until the economy has improved, rather than reducing the minimum bids.

Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot:  Commissioner Geyer received an email from Ed Belski stating there were wetlands present on the neighboring property and a very small section on the lot in question.  The next step is filing for a Letter of Interpretation (LOI) on whether the wetlands are ordinary, immediate or exceptional. 

NEW BUSINESS - None

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 1:25 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 1:29 PM.

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

Minutes:    November 16, 2009 Special Meeting

Resolutions:
199-09       Refund Overpayment of Real Estate Taxes – Block 55, Lot 3
200-09       Transfer of Appropriations
201-09       Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Documents in Connection with Small Cities Grant Application
202-09       Bill Payment

NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCE FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
438-09    An Ordinance of the Borough of West Cape May to Amend Chapter 7 of the Borough of West Cape May Code to Add a Prohibition Against the Use of Non-Motorized Taxi-Cab Vehicle within the Borough

Deputy Mayor Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.  When no one from the public wished to speak, Commissioner Geyer made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 438-09.  Deputy Mayor Burke seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.

430-09   Ordinance of the Borough of West Cape May Establishing the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company as the Official Fire Company for the Borough of West Cape May

Commissioner Geyer made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.  When no one from the public wished to speak, Commissioner Geyer made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 430-09.  Deputy Mayor Burke seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.  The text of this ordinance was unchanged from introduction in September.  The public notice for the ordinance stated the public hearing would be October 14th or as soon thereafter as possible.  The ordinance was tabled on October 14th not because of the text of the ordinance but because the Borough was looking for further information from the Volunteer Fire Company.  That information has been provided and reviewed and reported complete by the Borough Solicitor.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioner Geyer reported on the November Cape May County League of Municipalities meeting where there was a presentation about tele-psychiatry and police departments moving toward having psychiatrists available via video conference.  He also offered to help with setting up the next meeting, which West Cape May is in charge of hosting.

Deputy Mayor Burke officially thanked the West Cape May History committee for the hard work they did on the 125th Anniversary dinner.  The Borough is fortunate to have volunteers who do great work within the community.
Mayor Kaithern also thanked the History Committee for going above and beyond in their efforts to recognize the rich history of the Borough over the last 125 years.  Earlier in the day, the West Cape May Elementary School PTA held its annual Thanksgiving luncheon, which is another example of how the volunteers help create the great sense of community that makes West Cape May so special.  Mrs. Kaithern also commented on the Annual League of Municipalities conference held the previous week in Atlantic City, which was attended by all 3 Commissioners and much of the Borough staff.  It’s an excellent education and networking opportunity.  Lastly, she was glad to finally recognize the Volunteer Fire Company as the Borough’s official fire company.  She hoped that having the Borough resume participation in the county-wide “all-call” was next on Commissioner Geyer’s list of accomplishments with the Fire Company.

PUBLIC PORTION:

When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 1:48 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC