MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
December 9, 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, 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: Commissioner Geyer has been in contact with a few agencies and has been looking for sources of grant funds. He was still compiling information on the current system.
Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot: The NJDEP is working on the LOI and appears to have visited the site. Commissioner Geyer spoke to residents in that area about the plans for the lot.
NEW BUSINESS None
REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items. Commissioner Geyer asked for clarification on the transfer resolution and one item from the bill list
The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:19 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:23 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: November 11, 2009 Work Session and Regular Meeting
November 25, 2009 Work Session and Regular Meeting
Resolutions:
203-09 Appointing Charlotte Anderson as a Member to the Cape May County Animal Shelter Advisory Board
204-09 Identifying CDBG Fair Housing Officer
205-09 Citizen Participation Plan
206-09 Refund Fee for Lima Bean Festival – Don Pocher
207-09 Release of Unexpended Escrow Fees – Garry Gilbert
208-09 Authorizing Appropriation Transfers During the Last Two Months of the Fiscal Year
209-09 Bill Payment
210-09 Scheduling of Closed Session – Contract Negotiation
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCE FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
439-09 Approving Amended Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines
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 439-09. Deputy Mayor Burke seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioner Geyer thanked and congratulated everyone who worked on the parade.
Deputy Mayor Burke concurred with Mr. Geyer and expressed regret that he could not attend the parade since it was postponed to Sunday because of rain.
Mayor Kaithern reviewed some of the items from the bill list. She also thanked the volunteers, particularly Charlotte Daily, for their hard work and time spent to make the parade such a success. She was especially amazed by the outpouring of support from the community that keeps the parade a West Cape May tradition.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Kathy Gallagher, 629 West Drive, spoke in follow up to her November 11th comments and a letter she received from Mayor Kaithern on December 3rd. She asked again that a meeting be scheduled and provided to each commissioner a copy of the Mayor’s letter as well as a list of questions to be covered during the meeting. She also stated that she had compiled some data from Cape May City about water billed to West Cape May and will be placing a request with the Borough for quarterly billings under the Open Public Records Act. Ms. Gallagher suggested the water rate discussion/meeting be scheduled for after the holidays.
John Rowley, 123 Emerald Avenue, asked if there was any truth to the distressing rumor that there has been a “freeze-out” among the commissioners and that certain commissioners are not getting information from the others or from Borough employees. Commissioner Burke gave an example of how information has been passed from him to Commissioner Geyer and felt the staff has been cooperative. Commissioner Geyer felt that there is a learning curve when a new organization forms, particularly when 2 members are experienced and one is not. Mr. Geyer feels the commissioners need to improve the way they work together, stating there is more tension than there should be amongst the members. As far as the staff, he felt they are the best in the state. Mayor Kaithern felt that human dynamics will always cause some “bumps in the road” but the members are working on it. Mr. Rowley wanted to make sure that employees are instructed to cooperate with each commissioner.
The meeting was recessed into closed session at 8:03 PM and reconvened at 8:44 on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke. Mayor Kaithern announced no decisions were made.
When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM on motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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