MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
December 10, 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.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON THE AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: One person questioned the process for the liquor license and was advised it would be explained during Old Business.
WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Contracts for the purchase of water meters will be delivered tomorrow completely signed by HD Supply. Once signed by the Mayor, ordering can begin.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor License: Mayor Kaithern has relayed the draft zoning ordinance and the comments from the last meeting to Elizabeth Terenik, zoning consultant. She is hoping to have the ordinances ready for introduction in January. Once the ordinances are adopted and published as required by law, then a resolution can be adopted to authorize bidding. Any interested parties can call the Borough Clerk’s Office for information.
Alternative Energy - Wind Turbines: Engineer Ray Roberts distributed a draft ordinance incorporating elements from similar ordinances in place in Lower Township, Maurice Township, and Galloway Township. Mr. Roberts also included some language for solar energy. The Board members will review and continue to work on the matter.
Volunteer Fire Ordinance and Memo of Understanding: The topic was removed from Old Business and a closed session resolution was added to the consent agenda.
Planning/Zoning Board FAR Recommendation: Several questions were raised about the number of LEED points required for the bonuses and whether the bonus would be available in just the R1 zone as written or if the Borough would like to encourage it in all zones. The ordinance was removed from the consent agenda for revision and will be introduced at a later date.
BPU’s Local Government Energy Audit Program: Commissioner Rigby visited the BPU booth at the League of Municipalities and received a copy of the application form. He explained how the funding worked, but still needs clarification on whether it is a reimbursement grant and how much out-of-pocket expense there would be for the Borough. Mr. Rigby is eager to have the audit completed to place the Borough in a better position for federal funding anticipated to be included in an economic stimulus package expected to be passed after Barack Obama’s inauguration.
NEW BUSINESS
Request to Change Ferry Bus Route: The Board was not in favor of the request to reroute ferry bus traffic onto Leaming Avenue because it is a residential street. The current ferry route should follow Perry Street to Broadway, which is the route the Borough has endorsed for NJTransit, also.
Special Events and Fee Schedule: The Borough Clerk asked the Board how they wanted to structure fees for special event applications. After some discussion, the Board agreed to have a $25 application fee for special events, and no fee for non-special events, with the understanding that when approved, the Board can require an additional deposit if it anticipates the event causing additional expense to the Borough.
REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items. At this time, Resolutions 172-08 and 174-08 were removed from the agenda for revisions.
The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.
The Regular Meeting convened at 7:59 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: November 26, 2008 Work Session and Regular Meeting
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: Scheduling for Second Reading and Public Hearing January 7, 2009 at 7:00 PM
419-08 Affordable Housing Development Fee Ordinance of the Borough of West Cape May
420-08 An Ordinance of the Borough of West Cape May to Amend its Zoning Ordinance under Chapter 27 of the Code (Floor Area Ratio) removed from consideration REMOVED FROM AGENDA
Resolutions:
169-08 Authorizing Award of Contract for One New Refuse Truck
170-08 Authorizing an Interlocal Services Agreement for Police Services and a Lease Agreement with the City of Cape May
171-08 Refund of Unexpended Escrow Fees - Phillip Dietz, Block 52, Lots 24&25
172-08 Support of MainStreet Stimulus Priorities REMOVED FROM AGENDA
173-08 Cancelling of Certain Outstanding Checks
174-08 Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Property Owned by the Borough of West Cape May REMOVED FROM AGENDA
175-08 Bill Payment
176-08 Authorizing Closed Session (Fire Company Negotiations)
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING: None
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS: None
PUBLIC PORTION:
Demetria Mercado, Vanthia’s Restaurant, 106 Sunset, asked if the liquor license would be open or closed bids. Mayor Kaithern advised the Borough will receive sealed bids with a set minimum. She also explained that the Borough hopes to be able to sell the licenses in time for use in the summer of 2009.
Kathy Elwell, Secretary of the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company, read a letter into the record about its mutual aid agreement with Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Company. A copy of the letter was provided to each Commissioner and is attached to the minutes.
Jim Roney, 309 First Avenue, was under the impression that the Volunteer Fire Company had been the official company for the Borough for over 100 years and didn’t understand all the bickering. He also wanted to applaud the volunteers for their hard work, stating he was satisfied with the mutual aid agreement they have with Cape May Point.
When no one else from the public wished to speak, the Public Portion was closed and the meeting was recessed into Closed Session at 8:14 PM. The Regular Meeting was reconvened at 8:59 PM on motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby and carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM on motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Municipal Clerk
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