MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
August 26, 2009

The Work Session of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May was called to order by Mayor Kaithern at 1:00 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, Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian, Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS ONLY None

WORK SESSION
Parking in Designated Alleys:  Engineer Roberts reviewed his letter of August 17, 2009.  He advised the Borough that in order to allow parking on one side, an alley would have to be changed to one-way traffic only.  He further recommended that parking be prohibited on unpaved alleys to assure emergency vehicle access.  The Board discussed the alleys involved, possible changes, whether additional paving would be necessary and whether to allow general parking or restricted parking.  Mr. Roberts will check on the mapping of the alleys and Commissioner Geyer will check with the Fire Company and the Police Department to see if they have any concerns or input on restricting alleys to one-way traffic.  If the matter is to be pursued, the Board will seek input from property owners.  Paula Neff, resident of Goldbeaten Alley asserted that she spoke to her neighbors and they were in favor of one-way traffic with parking on one side of the street.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant Program:  Mark Heany of Slow Food, a sub-group of the Environmental Commission gave a presentation on the application he hopes to submit to the NJDEP grant program.  The plan is to increase the size of the garden at the West Cape May Elementary School.  The Board was in favor of his idea and added a resolution to the Consent Agenda authorizing the application.  The pre-application is due by September 4, 2009.  Mr. Heany will work with the Borough Clerk to complete the application.

Request for Pedi-cab: No action at this time.

Liquor License Bid Procedure:  Solicitor Cote’ will prepare the resolution authorizing the bid for consideration at the next meeting.

Speeding on Broadway:  Sharran Novak expressed concern over speeding on Broadway and her fear that someone walking or riding a bike is going to be killed if traffic isn’t slowed down.  She offered her assistance in getting something done about the problem.
Parking Lot on Sunset:  Commissioner Geyer advised the Board Mr. Belsky has finished the NJDEP application which will require notice to property owners within 200’ and an application fee of $600.  Mr. Geyer will give the application to the Clerk’s Office, which will make copies for the Commissioners to review.  Mr. Belsky estimates 12-15 spaces and a cost of approximately $7,500 to create the lot.

Reverse 911:  Commissioner Geyer reported on the meeting he attended with Cape May City and Cape May Point.  The system would allow notification of every household in the Borough when an emergency exists.  The Police Chief is going to do some further research and speak to other municipalities that have been using the system.  The Board felt it was worthwhile to pursue.

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 2:24 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 2:26 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:          August 12, 2009 Work Session and Regular Meeting
                        August 12, 2009 Closed Session

Resolutions:
152-09   Authorizing the Application for and the Execution of a Subcontract with the County of Cape May for the Municipal Alliance Program
153-09   Refund Fee for Lima Bean Festival – Hank Ternove
154-09   Special Permit for Social Affair – Lady Mary Family Fund
155-09   Bill Payment
156-09   Authorizing NJDEP Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant Application
157-09   Closed Session – VFC Negotiations

NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING:

429-09  Ordinance  Regulating the Sale and Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages in the Borough of West Cape May, Providing Rules and Regulations Therefore and Setting Penalties for the Violation Thereof

Commissioner Geyer made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.  When no one from the public wished to speak, Deputy Mayor Burke made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 429-09.  Commissioner Geyer seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Geyer attended a meeting on August 20th with Senator Van Drew and Assemblymen Albano and Milam.  Three issues of major importance to public safety were discussed: the extension of Route 55, repair of the Beesley’s Point bridge, and the elimination of traffic lights on the Garden State Parkway.  All these projects are still in the review phase. 

Deputy Mayor Burke reported on the success of the Blood Drive being held on August 13th. 

Mayor Kaithern announced that next week is the last Farmers Market of the season.  She also announced that the West Cape May Business Association is now sponsoring the Christmas Parade fundraiser in Wilbraham Park on September 26th.  The Board agreed to waive the application and clean up fees.  In connection with that, Deputy Mayor Burke advised that Charlotte Daily, the “Parade Lady” did not show interest in being recognized for the Jefferson Award she received earlier this year.  

PUBLIC PORTION:  No one wished to speak.

The meeting was recessed into closed session at 2:40 PM reconvened at 2:50 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:51 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC