Borough of West Cape May

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, Commissioner Dick Rigby, and Commissioner Peter Burke answered roll call. Also in attendance: Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’, and Acting Borough Engineer Bill Natale.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: Mike Bean asked about the sale of Borough property resolution.

WORK SESSION
Engineer’s Report: The contracts for the water meter installation were signed by the Borough. Once the Borough’s attorney signs them they will be returned to USDA and then a pre-construction meeting can be scheduled.

Clean Energy Audit: Commissioner Rigby has the RFP 90% complete.

Farmers Market: A volunteer committee has been reinstated to work on the Farmers Market consisting of three members of the Environmental Committee, three members of the Shade Tree Commission, a member of the governing body, the Public Works Manager, and the Market manager. Rules and regulations have been written and will be assembled and sent out to the vendors as quickly as possible. The committee has also worked on advertising and funding.

Capital Improvement: Commissioner Burke asked the status of the capital improvement list. Commissioner Rigby met with Rob Flynn and Ray Roberts to discuss work that needs to be done. The Engineer is waiting for a complete list and then he will create a matrix listing each project and possible funding sources. Mr. Burke expressed concern that if streets that only need paving (no water/sewer) are put at the bottom of the list, they many never get paved. Mr. Natale explained that the list would match the different projects to the best possible funding, not necessarily prioritize them. The most important thing is to have the list of projects ready to go when the economic stimulus money is released.

Water/Sewer Rates: Mayor Kaithern has been working on the necessary water/sewer rate increase needed to make up for the $210,000 shortfall in last year’s revenue. A combination of measures is being considered to increase the revenue without penalizing low water users more than anyone else. To do that, the quantity of water for the minimum charge will be decreased, the base charge for the minimum usage will be increased, the overage rate will be increased and the sewer rate will be increased for an overall increase of about 25%. Rates have not been raised in 11 years even though the rates that the Borough pays to Cape May City for water and to the County MUA for sewer have increase each year. The Borough Auditor has suggested making small incremental increases every year or two to avoid this type of large increase in any one year.

REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items. Resolution 70-09 was amended to change the minimum bid to $350,000 which the Tax Assessor said was still a reasonable value on the property in recognition that a purchase will have to pay a buyer’s premium to the auctioneer.

The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 8:01 PM.

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

MINUTES: February 25, 2009 Work Session and Regular Meeting and February 25, 2009 Closed Session

ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION: None

RESOLUTIONS:
67-09     Authorizing the cooperation of West Cape May and Cape May County and Recognizing the County as Lead Agency for the Duration of the FEMA Funded Countywide Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning Project
68-09     Supporting Participation in the Sustainable Jersey Municipal Certification Program
69-09     Recommending the Appointment of David S. DeWeese as Judge of the Intermunicipal Court of the Boroughs of West Cape May and Cape May Point
70-09     Authorizing the Sale of Property Owned by the Borough of West Cape May AS AMENDED
71-09     Bill Payment

NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION: None

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Burke announced that the joint rabies clinic held Monday night was another example of the money saving cooperation with our neighboring municipalities. He also announced there was a joint Environmental Commission meeting Monday night where Patricia Sutton presented a slide show and discussed native trees and shrubs and vines that are helpful to local wildlife. Lastly, he thanked Ramsey Geyer and Joan Hodges for preparing the lunch that was served during the Shade Tree Commission educational session on Monday.

Commissioner Rigby reported on the Shade Tree Commission educational session held on Monday. The members of the Commission were required to attend to earn credits for their certifications. By having Mr. Rigby and Mr. Burke attend, the Borough received extra credits. Mickey Riggins gave a presentation and then took the members on a hazard assessment. Some trees were designated as immediate hazards. Lastly, he thanked Ray Roberts for sending an informative email advising the Department of Agriculture is offering 20% grants for farms and small commercial enterprises installing wind energy systems. Mr. Rigby is going to speak with them to see if they would consider funding a municipality.

Mayor Kaithern reported on last night’s well-attended Planning/Zoning Board meeting at which the Office of Smart Growth and Main Street New Jersey made a presentation on the long term benefits of good planning. The State representatives were very complimentary of the Borough’s planning efforts and its achieving plan endorsement – something that only 7 of the 566 municipalities in New Jersey have done. The Board members commended the efforts of the volunteers in the community, without whom the Borough wouldn’t be as successful as it is. Lastly, Mayor Kaithern announced that the South Jersey Slow Food group will be having a meeting in Borough Hall sponsored by the Environmental Commission. A representative of the Department of Agriculture will be speaking about agriculture and farm markets. The public is welcome.

PUBLIC PORTION:
Mike Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, asked about a possible parking lot on Sunset. Mayor Kaithern explained the Borough owns a piece of property between the Black Duck and the Chattel House which may be suitable for a public parking area. Mr. Bean also asked if he could attend the online class being offered in connection with the Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning Project. Mayor Kaithern stated that all employees and elected official are required to take it, but was unsure whether the general public is permitted to take the class.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, and carried unanimously by the Board of Commissioners to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk

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