MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
February 23, 2011

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 Solicitor Josh Donohue.

WORK SESSION
OLD BUSINESS
Water System Study:  A meeting was held the previous week between West Cape May and Cape May City.  Professionals for both municipalities are working together to determine the best possible meter to put in at Wilbraham Park.  Meanwhile, Cape May has set in motion the process to fund the meter purchase.  Lastly, Edens provided a report on the steps they took to perform the duties of their March 2010 contract.

VFC Equipment in Parking Lot:  The Borough Clerk is progressing with GovDeals on the process for auctioning surplus equipment using the online service.  The clerk is waiting to have a meeting with a technical representative before the items can be listed.  The Clerk anticipates working with the Public Works Manager to prepare the postings.

NEW BUSINESS:
VFC ByLaws/Application Process and Blue Light Applications:  Commissioner Geyer advised the VFC has met with its attorney and has had a company meeting to discuss.  At this time, nothing has been proposed.  The newest members of the Company submitted for Borough signature blue light permit application, which have not yet been completed. The applications submitted state the vehicle must be owned by the applicant, and the Borough is awaiting proof of ownership.  Commissioner Geyer stated the members do not own their vehicles.  He will advise the new members to remove the lights they have already installed because they don’t have the proper permit.

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 1:31 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 1:34 PM.

CONSENT AGENDA:  On motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.  Resolution 48-11 was approved with the understanding the applicant would not be accepted by the VFC if the required background check showed any problems.

Minutes:         February 9, 2011 Work Session and Regular Meeting
                        February 9, 2011 Closed Session

Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: None

Resolutions:

1. Refund of Duplicate Payment of Real Estate Taxes Paid for Block 52, Lot 22

44-11  Rescinding the Borough’s Agreement with Garry Gilbert for 406 North Broadway
45-11  Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Accessory Apartment Agreement and Deed Restriction for 307 Fifth Avenue – Alice Barnes Applicant
46-11  Bill Payment
47-11  Scheduling of Closed Session – Contract Negotiations & Anticipated Litigation re: Water Loss
48-11  Appointment of Firefighter to West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company
49-11  Authorizing an Emergency Temporary Appropriation for Local Budget
50-11  Authorizing an Emergency Temporary Appropriation for Water/Sewer Budget

Proclamations:
Read Across America – March 2, 2011
Youth Art Month – March 2011

NON-CONSENT AGENDA
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING: None

COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioner Geyer had nothing new to report.

Deputy Mayor Burke encouraged everyone to sign up for the Borough-sponsored blood drive on March 2, 2011 from noon to 6 PM.  He thanked the newspapers for helping to get the word out to the public because scheduled appointments have already exceeded the goal.  Mr. Burke reported the Shade Tree Commission planted 6 trees throughout the Borough.  The Environmental Commission’s movie night is scheduled for this Friday and includes free pizza and March of the Penguins.   Commissioner Geyer asked if the Shade Tree Commission has submitted it’s yearly report to New Jersey Forestry.  Mr. Burke was not certain but believed they are up to date on their filing.

Mayor Kaithern had nothing new to report.

PUBLIC PORTION:
Bud McDonough, 135 Third Avenue, gives copies of a letter to all commissioners asking them to respond to his request to set up a separate, secure account for all monies collected from water billing.  He would like to see the Borough pay Cape May only for the water used by its customers plus a reasonable percentage of loss.  If it is determined that Cape May is not responsible for the loss, then the extra money collected from the billings would be paid to Cape May.  He also felt that Cape May should have to bear the cost of the Edens investigation if they are found to be at fault for the loss.  Mr. McDonough also details on the accessory apartment program.  He was advised there is an informational packet available in the Clerk’s Office.  Lastly, he had a question about advertising.  He was advised the Borough uses two papers for publication of legal notices – the Star & Wave and the Press.  However, information notices are provided to all local papers as well as radio stations and others who have requested such notice.

When no one else wished to speak the public portion was closed and the meeting was recessed into closed session at 1:47 PM.  The regular meeting was reconvened at 2:17 PM on motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:18 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC