MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
August 13, 2008
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, Commissioner Dick Rigby, and Commissioner Peter Burke answered roll call. Also in attendance: Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: There were no public comments.
WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Ray Roberts reported that the final outlay reports for Elk Pipeline are completed and ready for the mayor’s signature. Also, paving on Sixth Avenue would begin the next day, weather permitting. He is waiting for a final quote from National Waterworks on the remote read water meters so he can begin preparing the installation specifications. Lastly, the Mayor would like to get the computers that are part of that package quickly because of some problems with the computers that they will be replacing.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor Licenses: Mayor Kaithern announced that the questions for the ballot have been received by the County Clerk. The Board discussed possible dates for the next town meeting in September or October and possible panelists. Mr. Rigby advised that there will also be a public meeting with the business association to allow Elizabeth Terenik to give a review of the commercial zoning changes that are being considered by the Planning Board.
Alternative Energy: Commissioner Rigby announced that the Borough has saved over $1,000 from the solar panels – a figure that includes both the kilowatts generated and estimated energy credits that will be sold in the future. Mr. Rigby has gotten estimates on two different wind turbines. A smaller one would cost $14,000 with no rebate. A second, larger one would be $40,000 with a $20,000 rebate. Before installing a wind turbine, the Borough would need to pass enabling language. The Board has some samples to review from Lower Township, the BPU and Upper Township will send a draft in a few days. The Mayor read excerpts from several newspaper articles about “green” government, among which West Cape May was named for several of its eco-friendly and energy efficient initiatives including alternative energy sources and proposing to give square footage bonuses for using LEED standards in building.
Volunteer Fire Ordinance and Memo of Understanding: Solicitor Cote’ advised the Board that Mr. Braslow will be providing the Volunteer Fire Company’s responses to the draft ordinance and memo. Further discussion will take place once the response is received.
JIF Facility Use Application: The ordinance will be introduced during the Regular Meeting.
Property Maintenance Code: The Board will review Upper Township’s language and be ready to discuss how to tailor it to West Cape May at the next meeting.
Planning/Zoning Board FAR Recommendation: Previously, Commissioner Rigby suggested using the additional FAR square footage as an incentive for people to build more ecological and energy efficient houses. After reviewing the LEED standards, he suggested tying the number of LEED points to the square footage bonus. If a person wants an extra 250 square feet, they would have to score 25 points; 100 square feet would require 10 points. He then reviewed a few of the possible ways to get points: detached garage - 3 points, no garage - 3 points, building where served by existing infrastructure - 1 point, among many others. Some concern was raised by the public that such a requirement would add to the building costs for property owners. The board felt that would have to be weighed against the long-term savings to the property owner as well as the general benefits to the community. It is not the intention of the Borough to make the requirements burdensome, and some points can be gained by simply using common sense for things such as using energy star rated appliances and energy efficient windows. Mr. Rigby will type out his ideas for further discussion at the next meeting.
Court Consolidation: Mayor Kaithern announced that she and the Borough Clerk have met with Cape May’s Mayor and Acting Administrator to begin discussion on the possible merger.
Zoning Language for Wind Turbines: This was discussed during Alternative Energy above.
Elmira Street Widening: After some discussion on the impact that opening Elmira Street to two-way traffic would have on the Borough, the Board asked Mrs. Kaithern to call the Mayor of Cape May to discuss the Borough’s concerns.
NEW BUSINESS
Animal Sheltering Services: The County has sent a draft of the proposed interlocal agreement for 2009 through 2015. Solicitor Cote’ found the agreement to be acceptable, but did not have a copy of the previous one for comparison. Unless concerns are raised by the other commissioners, the Mayor will respond to the County that the agreement is acceptable to the Borough as currently written.
Mayor Kaithern suggested Mr. Rigby contact the State Office of Smart Growth to speak during the public meeting on the proposed commercial zoning changes.
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 8:41 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 8:44 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: July 23, 2008 Work Session and Regular Meeting; July 23, 2008 Closed
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication: Scheduled for Second Reading and Public Hearing September 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM
415-08 Ordinance of the Borough of West Cape May Creating a Permit Process for Special Events
Resolutions:
111-08 Refund Overpayment of Real Estate Taxes, Block 52, Lot 26
112-08 Authorizing Refund of the Macedonia Baptist Church Wilbraham Park $250.00 Deposit for Clean Up Fee
113-08 Refund Overpayment of Real Estate Taxes, Block 7, Lot 3
114-08 Authorizing the Application for and the Execution of a Subcontract with the County of Cape May for the Municipal Alliance Program
115-08 Professional Services Appointment of Triad Associates as COAH Administrative Agent
116-08 Bill Payment
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING: None
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Rigby and Mayor Kaithern covered everything they wished to discuss during the work session.
Commissioner Burke announced that the County will be holding it’s 7th annual September 11th memorial at 5 pm at the County Administration building. Also, the County Zoo continues to celebrate its 30th anniversary with extended summer hours and a special family movie on August 20th. He reminded everyone that the Borough is sponsoring a blood drive on Monday, August 25th. Lastly, he thanked the volunteers and employees who have made the Farmers Market such a success.
PUBLIC PORTION: No comments
When no one else wished to speak the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 PM on motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Municipal Clerk
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