MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 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 and Solicitor Frank Corrado.

WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Report attached. The Sunset Boulevard parking lot plans have been prepared and Mr. Belski anticipates getting the 200’ list from the tax assessor shortly.

OLD BUSINESS:
Water System Study:  The professionals are still working to determine the best meter.  Cape May would like one that is wireless and could fit within the existing meter pit.

Sale of Surplus Property:  The Borough Clerk will be meeting with the technical representative next week.  She will be working with Public Works Manager Rob Flynn to complete worksheets on each vehicle as well as take pictures.

NEW BUSINESS: None

REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING:  Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items.   The minutes of the March 2, 2011 Budget Session were removed from the agenda for revision.  Resolution 57-11 was removed because a closed session was not necessary.

The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:22 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:25 PM.

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

Minutes:         February 23, 2011 Work Session and Regular Meeting
                        February 23, 2011 Closed Session

Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: Scheduled for second reading and public hearing April 13, 2011 at 7:00 PM.

1. An Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank Calendar Year 2011 (NJSA 40A:4-45.14)

Resolutions:
51-11     Authorize Special Event Permit to Sarah Bingham
52-11     Introduction of the Municipal Budget for the Year 2011
53-11     Authorize Special Event Permit to Cape May Artists Cooperative LLC
54-11     Authorizing an Emergency Temporary Appropriation for Local Budget
55-11     Opposing Reduction in CDBG Funding
56-11     Bill Payment

Proclamation:
Women’s History Month – March 2011

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioner Geyer announced the free rabies clinic will be held in the Public Works building on Wednesday, March 16th from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.  The Cape May County Freeholders will be hosting a Healthcare Resource day at the Wildwood Convention Center on April 9th.   AARP is having safe driving class on March 23rd and 24th.  Interested parties can get more information from Mr. Geyer.  Lastly, Commissioner Geyer gave an overview of the most recent ISO (Insurance Services Office, Inc.) report on the fire suppression capabilities of West Cape May.  Mr. Geyer was proud to announced West Cape May received a Public Protection Classification of 4/9, one point better that the previous 5/9.  ISO reviewed all the equipment, gear, procedures, etc. at the Volunteer Fire Company to determine the PPC.  The improved PPC score can mean a reduction in homeowners’ insurance premiums.

Deputy Mayor Burke reported the Borough-sponsored Blood Drive was a great success with 38 pints donated.  He thanked everyone who gave as well as those who gave assistance, including the Clerk’s Office.  Mr. Burke attended the Shade Tree Commission meeting.  The STC recently planted 6 new trees and are working on the first phase of the brick replacement.  He also attended the Environmental Commission meeting.  They will be hosting their final movie night on March 25th.  Again, pizza will be served during the showing of WALL-E.    They will also be holding the annual spring clean-up of Sunset Boulevard.  Lastly, the Borough-wide yard sale will be held May 14th and the bulk trash pickup will be May 18th. 

Mayor Kaithern announced the County MUA will provide free disposal of certain types of trash in addition to the normal type 10 and bulk trash.  Mrs. Kaithern announced she received notification from Congressman LoBiondo that the Volunteer Fire Company has been awarded an $8,900 grant to help with recruitment.

PUBLIC PORTION:
Steve Nelson, Deputy Chief of Volunteer Fire Company, reported the VFC was very disturbed by reports in the newspapers which implied the VFC was a burden to the taxpayers.  He asked for clarification of the $110,000 funding to VFC that was quoted in the newspapers because he only saw about $70,000 from the figures quoted from the budget.  Mayor Kaithern reviewed the items that make up a rough estimate of $127,000.  A lengthy discussion ensued about expenses at the Fire Hall, fundraising efforts and advertising of the hall for weddings and other events, the cost to taxpayers for the volunteer company versus what a fire district would cost, the nature of the agreement between the VFC and Townbank Fire District for response south of the canal, the VFC’s participation in community events through support of things such as the cub/boy scouts and the Christmas Parade, and its installation of various improvements to the fire hall.  There was also discussion about the newly obtained grant and the need for updated by-laws and application process. 

Bob Elwell, Volunteer Fire Company Captain, explained Lower Township budgets $1,500 to assist the WCM VFC in exchange for West Cape May being the first responders in the portion of Lower Township that is south of the canal, not because of an agreement, but because they are being generous.  Later, Mr. Elwell objected to a member being charged for a copy of a document.  Solicitor Corrado explained OPRA pertains to everyone and the Borough is charged with upholding the law.  Mr. Elwell thought it was stupid that the Clerk’s Office chose to enforce it.

William DeHart, Volunteer Fire Company Captain, explained the Townbank firehouse is further away from the Lower Township properties south of the canal so West Cape May responds to there first as a matter of safety.  Later, Mr. DeHart suggested the Borough give the VFC 2 or 3 weeks of revenues from the Farmers Market as a way to help fund.  Mayor Kaithern had offered to have special benefits during the farmers marker, and offered sponsorship of the Tomato Festival, but the VFC turned down those offers.

Tom Douglas, 706 Broadway, believed the money from Townbank is given voluntarily as a gift to the WCM VFC to help offset costs incurred.  Mr. Douglas then wanted to know how many full time and part time employees the Borough has and how many people have health insurance through the Borough.  There are 6 full-time employees, about 10 part-time and several professionals; 5 or 6 individuals have health insurance, one of which is an elected official.  Mr. Douglas later suggested the Borough form a fire district to eliminate the problems currently being discussed.

Mayor Kaithern stressed the matter is not a personal issue with the VFC.  The Board appreciates all the work the VFC does and is happy to work with increasing fundraising and with revising the by-laws and application.

Commissioner Geyer again asked Mayor Kaithern and Deputy Mayor Burke to list what they feel the VFC should pay and what the Borough should pay.  Mr. Burke said he’d make that list after he saw an itemized list from the VFC.  Mayor Kaithern asserted that Mr. Geyer’s position changed from a letter he had written in late 2008.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM on motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC