MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 23, 2010
The Work Session of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May was called to order by Mayor Kaithern at 1:05 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, and Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’.
WORK SESSION
OLD BUSINESS
Energy Audit: The Borough is in the process of reviewing the contract documents with Steven Winters Associates, Inc. The consultant has been given more data and has been authorized to contact the gas and electric utilities for information on the Borough.
Sunset Boulevard Parking Lot: Commissioner Geyer had asked Mr. Belski to provide a cost estimate. Mayor Kaithern thought he was going to be told to move forward with the next step with DEP. Mr. Geyer will confirm this with Mr. Belski.
Water System Study: Mayor Kaithern reported on a meeting held between West Cape May, Cape May City and the consultant from Edens. All participants were very cooperative and have task lists and data to compile. Information is still pending from the County MUA. Visits are planned to various meter sites, etc. to analyze the system and data. Mrs. Kaithern learned that Cape May’s loss ratio is 13-14%.
VFC State Evaluations: Commissioner Geyer reported on the June 22nd PEOSH review (a copy of report attached to minutes). The Health and Safety Division reviewed medical, training, and emergency management paperwork. The Division of Labor reviewed all equipment and gear. Mr. Geyer expects at least two more visits. At this time, no major errors have been found. When asked how that would relate to the arrangements with Cape May City, Commissioner Geyer explained the State will not make any determination on that – the towns have to work it out. The Board has to sign off on the VFC’s response plans because the Borough is ultimately responsible for the VFC. Mr. Geyer explained that the Board has the authority to tell the VFC what it needs to have done, but can not tell them how to run the company. Lastly, he said the weakest link is dispatch because they do not always follow the response plan.
NEW BUSINESS
Construction Code Fees Ordinance 452-10: The Board reviewed the draft ordinance and made a few minor changes. The ordinance will be introduced as part of the consent agenda.
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 1:52 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 1:55 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: June 9, 2010 Work Session and Regular Meeting
June 9, 2010 Closed Session
June 16, 2010 Special Meeting
June 16, 2010 Closed Session
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: Scheduled for Second Reading and Public Hearing July 14, 2010 at 7:00 PM
452-10 Establishing a State Uniform Construction Code Enforcing Agency
Resolutions:
- Urging the State Legislature to Reform Interest Arbitration
- Resolution in Support of Legislative Action on the Governor’s Proposed 2.5% Constitutional CAP on Property Tax Levies, with Modifications and Clarifications, and After Passage of the Governor’s “Toolkit” Reforms and Mandates Relief
- Appointment to West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company
- Scheduling of Closed Session – Construction Code Services
104-10 Bill Payment
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:
449-10 An Ordinance Providing for the Appropriation of $10,000 as a Special Emergency Appropriation for the Preparation of a Revision and Codification of Ordinances for the Borough of West Cape May
Deputy Mayor Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Geyer, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.
John Rowley, 123 Emerald Avenue, wanted to know if the Borough had to obtain state approval on this ordinance. Mayor Kaithern explained codification updates are an approved exception. Mr. Rowley wondered if an engineering study could be paid for in this manner, but the Board was uncertain if that is an acceptable exception.
When no one else from the public wished to speak, Commissioner Geyer made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 449-10. Deputy Mayor Burke seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Geyer announced the paperwork for the February snow events has been filed, but the $12,800 reimbursement isn’t expected until the end of the year. Lastly, he announced that during the extremely hot weather, people without air conditioning who feel their health is in jeopardy could spend time during business hours in Borough Hall or at the Fire Hall.
Deputy Mayor Burke announced the Borough will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, July 19th. He announced trash collection will be discussed after the Construction Code services are settled. In a recent newspaper article it was reported that Wildwood is happy with it’s new contractor – Blue Diamond. Lastly, he announced he will be placing a VFW “Poppy” next to his nameplate as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women in our armed services.
Mayor Kaithern announced the Farmers Market will kick off on June 29th at 3 PM and recommended people walk or ride their bike. During the Market, the Environmental Commission is sponsoring an arts/craft project that will mosaic 3 large pots. Mrs. Kaithern toured the Cape Manor facility which is about 50% complete. Lastly, she received an indication that South Jersey Gas is considering expanding their service lines based on the written responses made to them by property owners interested in installing gas service.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Kathy Gallagher, 629 West Drive, asked Commissioner Geyer for a copy of the synopsis he gave the Board on the VFC audit. Mr. Geyer stated he would prefer to wait until the process is complete and he has a final report before copies of circulated. Ms. Gallagher commented it was sad the time and effort, as well as $1,800, has been spend on the water study and no reports have been provided. She also had more information to share with the Borough that Mayor Kaithern will forward to the Edens consultant. Lastly, she stated that the Taxpayers Association’s purpose is to probe and question, not to harass or fearmonger.
John Rowley, 123 Emerald Avenue, asked several questions based on a 2008 technical writing assignment proposal from John Feairheller to Mayor Kaithern discussing the Borough’s water system loss problem. The Borough was aware of the document and some of the assumptions in the document have since been eliminated. Mr. Rowley was insistent that the problem is with the system itself and will require an engineering study. He further stated the Borough should not waste time waiting for the forensic study to be completed before setting up an engineering study and finding grant funding sources to pay for it. The Board is not convinced that step would be needed and asked Mr. Rowley if he was aware of any possible funding sources. Mr. Rowley also felt the Borough’s water system needs to be isolated so losses from outside its borders would not affect it.
When no one else wished to speak, the regular meeting was recessed into closed session at 2:42 PM. The regular meeting was reconvened on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke at 3:21 PM.
When there was no remaining business meeting was adjourned at 3:23 PM on motion of Deputy Mayor Burke, seconded by Commissioner Geyer.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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