MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
February 24, 2010
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 Frank Corrado.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ONLY: None
WORK SESSION
OLD BUSINESS
Solar Energy: No updates at this time. The Energy Audit application has been completed and the Borough is awaiting a response from the State.
Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot: No updates at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Fertilizer Regulations: The Borough Clerk will obtain a copy of an ordinance introduced by Cape May Point. The Commissioners will review both the Cape May Point and Stafford Township ordinances and be ready for discussion at a future meeting.
REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items. Resolutions 45-10 and 47-10 were moved to the Non-Consent agenda so they can be acted upon after adoption of Ordinance 441-10, which will establish the West Cape May Municipal Court.
The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 1:32 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 1:33 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, Resolutions 45-10 and 47-10 were moved to the Non-Consent Agenda. On motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: January 27, 2010 Work Session and Regular Meeting
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: Scheduled for second reading and public hearing on March 24, 2010
- Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Refuse Containers/Dumpsters
- Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Private Storm Drain Inlet Retrofitting
Resolutions:
38-10 Resolution Authorizing Special Event Permit to County of Cape May
39-10 Resolution Opposing Legislation Amending the Time of Decision Rule
40-10 Resolution to Affirm the Borough of West Cape May’s Civil Rights Policy with Respect to All Officials, Appointees, Employees, Prospective Employees, Volunteers, Independent Contractors, and Members of the Public that Come into Contact with Municipal Employees, Officials and Volunteers
41-10 Resolution Authorizing Special Event Permit to Cape May New Jersey State Film Festival, Inc.
42-10 Resolution Authorizing Special Event Permit to Center for Community Arts, Cape May, NJ.
43-10 Authorizing Notice to Bidders for Emergency Generator and Trailer
44-10 Refund of Duplicate Payment of Real Estate Taxes Paid, Block 4, Lot 4
46-10 Refund of Unexpended Escrow Funds – Dan Thompson
48-10 Resolution Authorizing Special Event Permit to Cape May New Jersey State Film Festival, Inc. – “Green Film Series”
49-10 Bill Payment
Proclamations:
Read Across America
Youth Art Month – March 2010
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
441-10 An Ordinance Establishing the Municipal Court of West Cape May
Deputy Mayor Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.
Mike Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, asked if the concept of having a joint court with all three municipalities was no longer being considered. The Borough would like to see a joint court, but the other towns are not interested in negotiating at this time.
When no one else wished to speak, Deputy Mayor Burke made a motion to close the public hearing and amend Section 8 of the ordinance to reflect an effective date of March 1, 2010. Commissioner Geyer seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote. Commissioner Geyer made a motion to adopt Ordinance 441-10 as amended. Deputy Mayor Burke seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
RESOLUTIONS:
45-10 Appointment of David S. DeWeese as Judge of the Municipal Court of the Borough of West Cape May
On motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, the above resolution was passed on unanimous roll call vote.
47-10 Appointing a Municipal Court Administrator for West Cape May
On motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, the above resolution was passed on unanimous roll call vote.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Geyer thanked the hundreds of people who came together to take care of residents and neighbors during the recent storms. The emergency shelter at the Fire Hall was opened quickly and smoothly and served over 100 people. Mr. Geyer also announced that the Cape May Police department has invited residents to call in with comments on March 1st in connection with its on-site assessment for Law Enforcement Accreditation.
Deputy Mayor Burke also thanked everyone who helped during the storms. He explained that the County had recommended decommissioning the West Cape May emergency shelter, but the Borough’s emergency management team objected, which enabled the shelter to be set up so efficiently. Mr. Burke also thanked Commissioner Geyer for working out a recycling agreement between Public Works and the Volunteer Fire Company. Lastly, he announced the Red Cross blood drive was rescheduled from February 8th to Wednesday, March 3rd from noon to 6 PM.
Mayor Kaithern commented on the response to the storm, stating it was a testament to the people of this community. Not only neighbors, but also local hotels and restaurants helped out with blankets and food and lodging. She also commended the three men in Public Works for their endless hours of work and Les Rea for assisting with his heavy duty equipment. The Mayor received several notes of thanks from residents and the Elementary School for the assistance given during the storms. Atlantic City Electric had daily phone conferences to get input and keep every town updated. The Borough’s Emergency Management Coordinator has a list of people with special needs during emergencies, but not everyone that needed help has registered. Mayor Kaithern urged everyone with special requirements to go to the Borough’s website and complete this important form. Due to the storm, the tax deadline was extended to February 12th. Lastly, Mrs. Kaithern announced South Jersey Gas has distributed questionnaires to areas not currently served by them. There is also information available for rebate and financing incentives for installation of new heating systems.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Kathy Gallagher, 629 West Drive, commended Public Works for the work they did clearing West Drive and Second Avenue during the storms. Ms. Gallagher asked if a time had been set up to hold the water/sewer discussion that was originally scheduled for the February 10th meeting that was cancelled due to inclement weather. March 10th at 7 PM is the anticipated date and time. Ms. Gallagher offered two pages of data that she had collected with regard to water lost from the system, which she and her group finds catastrophic in nature, and anticipates having publicized prior to the March 10th meeting.
Ursula Friedrich, 523 Broadway, wanted to make public statement thanking Public Works for clearing away the branches trimmed by Atlantic City Electric during the storm and recovery. Ms. Friedrich also asked how the National Guard could have been called to assist. Commissioner Geyer explained they could not be called unless it was a total emergency due to lack of resources. The Red Cross has agreed to put a supply trailer in southern Cape May County in the event of a similar situation in the future.
When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 2:17 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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