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 7:04 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 Solicitor Frank Corrado, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ONLY: None

WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Roberts reviewed the monthly report for April.

OLD BUSINESS
Solar Energy: The Borough is currently awaiting the April 20th deadline for submission of proposals from five firms to perform the Clean Energy Audit.

Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot: Nothing new at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:
Volunteer Fire Company: Commissioner Geyer passed out a report stating all documents required by the Memorandum of Understanding and the Lease Agreement are on file in the Clerk’s Office. Mayor Kaithern found the list of events missing the regularly scheduled events (Boy Scout meetings, dog classes, etc.) Commissioner Geyer will work with the Clerk to set procedure for adhering to JIF insurance requirements. Another matter of concern was a letter received by Commissioner Geyer from Cape May City Fire Chief Jerry Inderweis asking the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company to stop responding to fires under his jurisdiction due to safety concerns. In an effort to get to the bottom of the matter, Mr. Geyer would like to officially request the NJDCA Division of Fire Safety and the State PEOSHA both do audit/reviews of the VFC to determine if it meets all the certification and safety requirements necessary. A resolution was added to the consent agenda to authorize Mr. Geyer, Commissioner of Public Safety, to send the letters of request. He was advised there would be a 2 to 3 week lead time before the review teams could be in place. Mayor Kaithern asked if there were specific allegations. Mr. Geyer explained there wasn’t a written list, but the basic areas Chief Inderweis was concerned with were training and training methodology, ability to properly man the first out pumper, and improper use of SCBA devices. Deputy Mayor Burke expressed concern that there was no warning that Cape May would ask West Cape May to stop responding. Commissioner Geyer explained that Chief Inderweis has often complained of those issues.

The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:45 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: March 24, 2010

Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: None

Resolutions:
68-10     Amending the Employee Policy and Procedures Manual of the Borough of West Cape May
69-10     Authorize Special Event Permit to West Cape May History Committee
70-10     Reappointment of Municipal Clerk of the Borough of West Cape May
71-10     Rejecting Bids for Emergency Generator and Trailer and Authorizing Re-Advertisement for Bids
72-10     To Adopt the 2010 Temporary Capital Budget
73-10     Bill Payment
74-10     Authorizing Commissioner Geyer to Send Letters of Request to the NJDCA and PEOSHA for Review of Volunteer Fire Company

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

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Geyer announced two FEMA notices are posted in Borough Hall in relation to the March flood and mold that could be a result of flooding. He then thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Lastly, he announced Public Works installed signs on Leaming Avenue warning that a stop sign is coming up at the intersection with Park Boulevard.

Deputy Mayor Burke announced the County will be hosting Earth Day activities at the Park/Zoo on Saturday, April 17th starting at 9 AM. The County will also be hosting its annual tourism conference on May 4th at the administration building.

Mayor Kaithern announced the Environmental Commission will be conducting its annual clean up of Sunset Boulevard on Saturday, April 17th starting at 7:30 AM at the Nature Conservancy. Then, at 9 AM, the Shade Tree Commission will be hosting a clean up of Wilbraham Park. Mrs. Kaithern also announced the annual Loyalty Day celebration sponsored by the Peterson Little VFW Post 386 and the ladies auxiliary will be held May 1st at noon in Wilbraham Park. Rutgers cooperative extension is hosting a rainbarrel training for $45, participants will take home their own rainbarrel. The County Mosquito Commission has been checking for larva – so far there has been no larva. As soon as a population is visible, the County will begin its larvacide program. The County road project on Bayshore Road has been delayed due to flooding; the upgrade to the Park/Perry/Myrtle intersection has also been a casualty of the weather, but the County is seriously considering the “roundabout” as recommended by Rhodeside and Harwell. Mrs. Kaithern thanked Pat from Westside who provided food to the VFC members during the February storm and forgave the bill when the Borough tried to pay the bill it had just received. Lastly, Mayor Kaithern advised the water audit is underway. Data is being compiled and analyzed by Eden, but there is no written report at this time.

PUBLIC PORTION:
Mike Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, found Chief Inderweis’ letter condescending to the Borough’s volunteers and didn’t see what authority he had over West Cape May.

Marie Iaconagelo, 310 South Broadway, invited the public to the film showing by the History Committee on May 7th at 7 PM. The film will be West Cape May stories, an expansion on the film shown at the 125th Anniversary celebration that should last around 45-60 minutes. Mayor Kaithern took the opportunity to thank Marie Iaconagelo, Doris Jacobsen and Judy Smith, who were all present, for the work the West Cape May History Committee has done for the Borough, including the mural behind the dais and the new lighting installed to showcase it. The mural was painted by local artist Rich Flanegan and paid for by a grant. The History Committee in collaboration with Todd Land of the Eldredge House has also donated banners that are being erected around town and sponsored by local businesses.

Jim Labrusciano, 127 Myrtle Avenue, suggested the Borough present the mystery knitters with citizen of the year awards.

When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk

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