MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
February 9, 2011

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, Borough Engineer Ray Roberts, and Solicitor Josh Donohue.

WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Ray Roberts reviewed the report for February 2011.

OLD BUSINESS
Alternative Energy:  Deputy Mayor Burke explained the process is almost finished for the direct install grant.  The Solicitor is still working on an RFP for solar energy.

Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot:  Nothing new at this time.

Water System Study:  There will be a meeting tomorrow with Cape May City to discuss replacement of the meter at Wilbraham Park.  Mayor Kaithern expects a report later this week from Edens on the process they used for the water study.  After a closed session, a resolution will be considered to have Edens assist with the discussions with Cape May City and, if restitution is warranted, to help calculate what it might be.

VFC Equipment in Parking Lot:  The Borough Clerk will be meeting with GovDeals next week to work on the auction procedure for disposing of several vehicles.  A resolution will be considered as part of the consent agenda to authorize disposition of three vehicles.

NEW BUSINESS:
Deputy Mayor Burke discussed a court case that would effect how wineries can sell their wines.  The Planning Board chairman is looking into the matter and will make suggestions on how the Borough can show support.

Mayor Kaithern made everyone aware of a bill that is in committee, at the state, that would revise the Open Public Meetings Act and make it far more limiting.  She felt that would be counterproductive to open government because nothing could be discussed during a meeting that wasn’t listed on the agenda.  The Borough will follow the progress of the legislation.

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 7:17 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:20 PM.

CONSENT AGENDA:  On motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.

Minutes:         January 26, 2011 Work Session and Regular Meeting
                        January 26, 2011 Closed Session

Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: None

Resolutions:
38-11  Authorizing Disposal of Surplus Property
39-11  Resolution Supporting Continued Open Space “PILOT” Funding
40-11  Bill Payment
41-11  Scheduling of Closed Session

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioner Geyer announced the Volunteer Fire Company worked with Swain’s Hardware, which donated smoke detectors and batteries to every child at West Cape May Elementary School.  He also announced the Borough will host a Rabies Clinic on March 16th in the Public Works building.  Lastly, he encouraged everyone to donate blood during one of the local blood drives – The Borough is hosting one as well as the VFW.  Cape May County is low on blood. 

Deputy Mayor Burke announced the Borough’s blood drive for March 2nd from noon to 6 pm.  The Environmental Commission will host movie night Feb. 25th including “March of the Penguins” and pizza.  Anyone interested in attending Boy Scout Troop 73’s blue and gold banquet should contact Pack Master Genaro.

Mayor Kaithern expects an update to residents shortly on South Jersey Gas’ gas line extension project, which is currently before the DEP.  This year many property owners will see a reduction in their tax assessment due to a recent reassessment, bringing them back to fair market value.  The tax rate may go up to balance the reduced tax base.  Lastly, Charlotte Anderson, the Borough’s representative to the County Animal Shelter, provided a report to the mayor on Shelter activities in 2010.
 
PUBLIC PORTION:
Kathy Gallagher, 629 West Drive, asked the Mayor to repeat facts provided during the work session.  When asked, Solicitor Donohue explained why litigation discussion is confined to closed session.  Ms. Gallagher reiterated facts and figures as compiled by the Taxpayers Association.  Lastly, she had the meter report reviewed by an engineer who felt it was inconclusive.

Bud McDonough, 135 Third Avenue, thanked the Borough and Public Works for a great job removing snow during the storms.  Mr. McDonough suggested the Borough only pay Cape May for water that is billed to West Cape May customers in order to shift the financial burden to Cape May City so they will work more quickly to help resolve the problem.  Mayor Kaithern asserted that the Borough and Cape May are working cooperatively and hope to reach a resolution amicably.  Lastly, if the problem is rectified, he asked the Borough to consider reverting to the previous water rate schedule. 

Jim Lambrusciano, 127 Myrtle Avenue, expressed surprise that the Borough never referred to the water loss as catastrophic.  He was also concerned by the lack of lighting in the parking lot and felt things look “shabby” in general. 

Mike Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, asked what role Edens would play in the next phase of the water study.  He also felt the Borough should have informed the public of the water loss issue when the rates were changed in 2009.

Kathy Gallagher, 629 West Drive, expressed confusion over the Borough seeing the problem evolving over time but not call it catastrophic when a $210,000 shortfall caused a rate increase.

When no one else wished to speak the public portion was closed and the meeting was recessed into closed session at 8:16 PM.  The regular meeting was reconvened at 8:36 PM on motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer

42-11 Resolution Authorizing Professional Services Contract for Edens Revenue Recovery Associates

On motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, the above referenced resolution was approved unanimously on roll call vote.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 PM on motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC