MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2011

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:  Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Deputy Clerk Dianne Rutherford, and Solicitor Frank Corrado.

WORK SESSION
OLD BUSINESS
Water System Study:  Mayor Kaithern reported that the new meter for Wilbraham Park appears to be completed but the pit will require modifications, which are being designed now.  It should still be on time to be completed by year end.

Animal Control Service Contract:  Nothing new at this time.

Liquor Licenses:  Mayor Kaithern received feedback from another committee member.  This person felt the prices previously suggested seemed right and didn’t feel they should be lowered.  The only concern was noise during special events such as weddings. Since no more input has been received nor other changes suggested, Mrs. Kaithern suggested the Board review the draft ordinance provided previously by Solicitor Corrado for consideration at the next meeting.

Recovering Fire Response Costs:  Frank Corrado spoke to the solicitor for Hope Township who will be sending a copy of an article he wrote about this topic.  He admitted he wasn’t sure it is within the confines of what a municipality can do and Mr. Corrado is not convinced it is workable legally or practically.  He suggested the Borough consider an ordinance making it a municipal offense to have excessive false alarms, which would require someone to appear in municipal court and be subject to fines.  Deputy Mayor Burke was still concerned that West Cape May residents would be treated differently than Lower Township residents.  Mr. Corrado wasn’t sure that is the same problem, but was something to consider.  Clerk Wallace will check to see if Lower Township has a similar ordinance.  Commissioner Geyer stated the VFC is not really in favor of charging for calls because they don’t want to discourage people from calling in an emergency.

Historic District Map:  Clerk Wallace is waiting for copies of the file from State Historic Preservation Office.  Currently, the description the State has listed is not accurate.  Mrs. Wallace will reach out to the person at SHPO and try to work with them and the HPC Chairperson to get the description and map of the Borough’s historic district corrected.

AED:  The Board agreed to have the new AED mounted in the lobby with a sign showing where it is so it’s visible from the hallway and the back entrance.

NEW BUSINESS:
Vacating Borough-owned Alley:  The Board discussed whether they’d be in favor of vacating paper alleys that are unused.  Solicitor Corrado explained the process is simple, but the Board should be sure the Borough would never wish to improve the street in the future.  Mayor Kaithern will look at the maps and talk to the tax assessor about the effect on a properties assessed value.

Parking in Borough Lot:  Some real estate offices tell their renters to park in the Borough Hall parking lot.  They have been asked not to do so, but some continue to do so.  Mayor Kaithern was concerned with what kind of liability that would place on the Borough.  There was discussion on what type of restrictions could be enforced.  Mayor Kaithern will follow up with the Borough’s risk manager, Barbara Weigand, to determine exposure.

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 1:59 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 2:05 PM.

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

Minutes: None

Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: None

Resolutions:
127-11   Refund Lima Bean Festival Vendor Fee
128-11   Authorize Special Event Permit to Cape May Film Festival
129-11   Approval to Submit a Grant Application and Execute a Grant Contract with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the NJDOT Park Boulevard Bicycle Lane – Phase 2 Project
130-11   Approval to Submit a Grant Application and Execute a Grant Contract with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the NJDOT Park Boulevard Bicycle Lane – Phase 2 Project
131-11   A Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May Authorizing and Providing for the Incurrence of Indebtedness for the Purpose of Providing a Portion of the Cost of Acquiring, Constructing, Enlarging, Improving, and/or Extending its Sewer Main and Water System Infrastructure Facility to Serve an Area Lawfully within its Jurisdiction to Serve
132-11   Bill Payment
133-11   Professional Services Appointment for Municipal Prosecutor

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioner Geyer announced the newly appointed prosecutor is Patrick Martin.

Deputy Mayor Burke had no report at this time.

Mayor Kaithern had no report at this time.

PUBLIC PORTION:
Susan Griffiths, 402 Myrtle Avenue, expressed concern about speeding on her street.  She also stated there is no speed limit sign on her block.  Mayor Kaithern will speak to the police department about it.  Ms. Griffiths was also concerned that the drawings done by the Rutgers graduate students would be implemented because it would destroy the charm of her street.  She was advised the Borough has no intention of funding such development.

Jack Knowles, First Avenue, wasn’t in favor of the Borough vacating any paper alleys or streets.  He also expressed concern over the amount of homes without house numbers on them, stating it’s a safety concern.  Lastly, he had questions about water and sewer connection fees.  Some of his neighbors are connected to the system but haven’t used the homes in years but have been paying the base fees every quarter.  Mayor Kaithern explained it might be in that person’s best interest to disconnect from the system and offered to speak with him and the Water Sewer supervisor about it.

When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM on motion of Commissioner Geyer, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC