MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
March 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 1:10 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: Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian, Engineer Marc DeBlasio, Auditor Leon Costello and Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ONLY: None
WORK SESSION
Road Opening Permit: Engineer Marc DeBlasio stated that the residents of 313 Second Avenue applied for a Hardship condition for gas service. Mr. DeBlasio noted that the area of the street to be excavated would be a 1ft x 1ft. boring. This was repaved in September 2005 and although there is a moratorium for five years he recommended that the hardship be granted. Discussion ensued and the Commissioners agreed with Mr. DeBlasio. Mayor Kaithern instructed the Deputy Clerk to prepare Resolution 67-10 granting permission for the Road Opening Permit.
OLD BUSINESS
Solar Energy/Energy Audit: Mayor Kaithern advised that the Commission had decided to wait on an energy audit outcome prior to moving on to Solar Energy. Deputy Mayor Burke updated the energy audit status by advising that the Borough has received confirmation that we are able to move forward. Mr. Burke distributed copies of the email providing the same information.
Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot: Commissioner Geyer reported that there are no updates at this time.
Fertilizer Regulations: Deputy Mayor Burke stated that there is a strong possibility that the State of New Jersey will be issuing regulations and that he suggest we wait for the State’s recommendation.
NEW BUSINESS
Municipal Election: Mayor Kaithern stated, as per memo from the Municipal Clerk, that Non-Partisan elections may be added to the General Elections in November. Election cost savings to the Borough of West Cape May would be approximately $10,000. Mrs. Kaithern asked the Commissioner’s view on the subject. It was decided the idea certainly had merit and the Commissioners will give it further thought and this subject will be discussed in a future meeting as this election would not be relevant until the year 2013.
Budget: Auditor Leon Costello distributed copies of the budget to the Commissioners which was prepared by Borough financial professionals. Mr. Costello stated that this budget meets all the requirements of the State and that it is presented with a 1% increase in taxes. Mr. Costello reminded the Commissioners that they have until May 12, 2010 to make changes to the budget. A 0% increase would require a $51,000 reduction in spending.
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 2:38 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 2:40 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote. However, it was noted that Commissioner Geyer stated he was somewhat uncomfortable with passing of Resolution 65-10 as he did not have the opportunity to review the contract prior to the meeting. Mayor Kaithern suggested that Resolution 65-10 be moved to the Non-Consent agenda thereby further discussion could be held. Commissioner Geyer declined the offer to move the resolution to the Non-Consent Agenda.
Minutes: March 10, 2010 Work Session and Regular Meeting
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: Scheduled for second reading and public hearing on April 28, 2010
444-10 Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish Cap Bank
445-10 Bond Ordinance Appropriating $110,000 and Authorizing the Issuance of $104,500 in Bonds and notes of the Borough of West Cape May for the Various Improvements
446-10 Bond Ordinance Appropriating $220,000 and Authorizing the Issuance of $209,000 in Bonds and Notes of the Borough of West Cape May for Improvements to the Water and Sewer Utility Infrastructure.
Resolutions:
59-10 Authorization for Submission of the Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the Year 2009
60-10 Expressing Opposition to Senate Bill No. S458 Regarding Holding of Binding Statewide Referendum by County on Whether Responsibility for Certain Municipal Functions should be Assumed by County Government; Repeals Various Sections of Law Concerning Transfer or Termination of Employees of Terminated Local Health Agency
61-10 Introduction of the Municipal Budget for the Year 2010
62-10 Authorizing an Emergency Temporary Appropriation for Local Budget
63-10 Authorizing an Emergency Temporary Appropriation for Water/Sewer Budget
64-10 Authorizing Appropriation Reserve Transfers during the First Three Months of the Succeeding Fiscal Year
65-10 Retaining Edens Revenue Recovery Associates to Conduct a Study of the Water System of the Borough of West Cape May
66-10 Bill Payment
67-10 Authorizing Hardship Condition Road Opening Permit to Owners of Block 43, Lot 3.06 – 313 Second Avenue
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
442-10 - Ordinance establishing regulations for Refuse Containers/Dumpsters
Commissioner Geyer made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Peter Burke to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.
When no one wished to speak Commissioner Geyer made a motion to adopt Ordinance 442-10. Deputy Mayor Peter Burke seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
443-10 - Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Private Storm Drain Inlet Retrofitting
Deputy Mayor Peter Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ramsey Geyer, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.
John Rowley, 123 Emerald Avenue, inquired the author of this Ordinance and who is responsible for drafting of the Ordinance. Mayor Kaithern replied that the State is the author of the Ordinance. Commissioner Burke replied that the content of the Ordinance is mandated by the State although it is the Borough Clerk who changes the name of the town in the content of the Ordinance and the date that the Ordinance is introduced and adopted.
When no one else wished to speak, Deputy Mayor Peter Burke made a motion to adopt Ordinance 443-10. Commissioner Geyer seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Geyer reported that March was national Red Cross Month and thanked the Red Cross for donating two fully equipped trailers to Cape May County.
Deputy Mayor Burke did not issue a report
Mayor Kaithern stated that the February 2010 snow storm has been declared a state of emergency therefore funds may be recouped.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Kathy Gallagher, 629 West Drive, requested a storm drain at Second and West Avenues. Mayor Kaithern advised Ms. Gallagher to complete a complaint form that she can secure from the Clerks Office, in order to process the request.
Ms. Gallagher stated that she thought it would be a good idea to establish an integrity policy with the Engineering firm that will work with Eden Revenue. Ms Gallagher also stated that the Commissioners should establish a Code of Ethics for the Borough. Deputy Mayor Peter Burke stated that the Borough has a code of Ethics which is in the Borough’s personnel manual.
Ms. Gallagher stated that Mr. Costello’s handout from the March 10, 2010 was different from the Boroughs year end documents. Commissioner Geyer replied he too was having difficulty understanding the multi year budgets used by government.
John Rowley, 123 Emerald Avenue, had two statements:
1. He would like the Commissioners to have a State of the Borough address, whereby stating their accomplishments in the past year.
2. Consider hiring a Professional Manager thereby shifting the burden of day to day operations to the Professional Manager
Dave Carrick, Borough of West Cape May Water and Sewer Supervisor, apologized for the 2009 4th quarter figure totals being incorrect on the report that was presented on March 10, 2010. Deputy Mayor Burke asked Mr. Carrick if this error would explain the differences between Ms Gallagher’s calculations and that of the Borough. Mr. Carrick indicated they would not.
Kathy Gallagher, 629 West Drive, stated that the Engineering Company being hired to conduct a water study is managed by part time resident of this community, Ed Belkski and stated the Borough had been offered “pro bono” services of another Borough resident.
When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 3:21 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate Kilian
Deputy Borough Clerk
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