MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
November 26, 2008
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 and Commissioner Peter Burke answered roll call; Commissioner Rigby was absent. Also in attendance: Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian, Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: None
WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Ray Roberts reviewed his monthly status report. He also asked the Board to add a resolution to authorize notice to bidders for water meter installation.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor Licenses: The Board discussed a draft ordinance regulating liquor licenses. Discussion revolved around operating hours for restaurants and whether to allow them to sell later than 10 pm as originally considered. Zoning changes in relation to the liquor license will be discussed at a later meeting. Mayor Kaithern asked that the language be changed to allow annual renewal fees and penalties to be deposited into the current fund, not restricted to the trust fund. A new draft will be made and introduced on December 10th.
Alternative Energy – Wind Turbines: Mayor Kaithern advised that Lower Township is considering rescinding their ordinance. Solicitor Cote’ explained that their ordinance was overly broad because it was so old. Engineer Roberts stated the keys are the height, set backs and noise. Further discussion will wait until Commissioner Rigby is present.
Volunteer Fire Ordinance and Memo of Understanding: The Borough is still waiting for a response from the Volunteer Fire Company.
Planning/Zoning Board FAR Recommendation: The ordinance will be tentatively scheduled for introduction on December 10th, contingent on Commissioner Rigby’s review.
BPU’s Local Government Energy Audit Program: Discussion postponed until next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
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 1:58 PM.
The Regular Meeting convened at 2:01 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Mayor Kaithern, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: November 12, 2008 Work Session and Regular Meeting; Closed Session
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: None
Resolutions:
164-08 Refund of Unexpended Escrow Fees Wilbraham Mansion, LLC
165-08 Authorizing Appropriation Transfers During the Last Two Months of the Fiscal Year
166-08 Closed Session - Sixth Street Litigation and Court Consolidation Negotiations Removed from Consideration during Work Session
167-08 Bill Payment
168-08 Authorizing Notice to Bidder for Water Meter Installation
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING: None
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Burke announced that the Greater Cape May Historical Society has invited the public to its annual Christmas gathering to be held Wednesday December 3rd from 6-8 PM at Alexander’s Inn, Cape May. Anyone interested in attending is asked to bring a covered dish to add to the buffet table.
Mayor Kaithern reviewed the larger items on the bill list including payments to the West Cape May School District, the County MUA, and McMannimon and Scotland for BAN sale expenses.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Ramsey Geyer, 5 Pond Creek Lane, in light of reading a recent news article about the Volunteer Fire Company, thanked the Board for its patience in dealing with the Fire Company, but asked that the Borough move ahead in the interest of public safety. He felt the Borough should tell the 911 dispatchers to immediately implement an “all-call” response for West Cape May. He also suggested the Borough get documentation definitively proving ownership of the building and lands. Commissioner Burke announced that he had already asked the Clerk’s Office to look into the records for just such documentation. He then asked Solicitor Cote’ to look into the legality of asking dispatch to put out an “all-call” response for West Cape May. The Borough had not previously forced the issued because it was trying to reach a broader agreement.
When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 2:20 PM on motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Mayor Kaithern.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Municipal Clerk
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