MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
February 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, Solicitor Jennifer Russo-Belles, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.
WORK SESSION
Engineer’s Report: Ray Roberts advised the Commissioners that the work on USDA Contract was 99.99% finished.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor Licenses: Commissioner Rigby passed out list of points that he and Terry took from neighboring municipality’s liquor license ordinances. Some of the points are matters of state law and others are determined by the municipalities. Mr. Rigby will distribute copies of Cape May City’s ordinance for review and discussion at the next meeting
Court Consolidation: Nothing to report at this time.
Alternative Energy: Nothing to report at this time.
Cape Island Creek: Solicitor Russo-Belles advised the Commissioners that there may be a problem with the appraisal being far lower than the asking price. If that is the case, then the Stewart Trust will not go through with the sale.
Eagle Scout Project – David J. Von Savage: Mayor Kaithern is waiting to hear from David when he and the sign manufacturer will be able to meet with Borough representatives. She is also waiting for a reply from the HPC. Concerns were expressed about vandalism, maintenance and warrantees.
NEW BUSINESS: None
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 7:39 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:43PM.
PROCLAMATION: Mayor Kaithern read aloud a proclamation for:
Read Across America – March 3, 2008
NEW BUSINESS: The Sixth Street Partners litigation is scheduled for court on February 27th at 1:30 PM. Because of the court date, the Commissioners agreed to hold the regularly scheduled meeting at 9:30 AM that day.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: January 23, 2008 Work Session and Regular Meeting
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication – None
Resolutions:
35-08 Setting Dates of Events for Wilbraham Park and the Backyard Park for 2008
36-08 Refund of Unexpended Escrow Fees – James Iapalucci
37-08 Water Adjustment for Catastrophic Leak – Block 55, Lot 22
38-08 Adopting Indoor Air Quality Program
39-08 Water Adjustment for Catastrophic Leak – Block 57, Lot 5.06
40-08 Resolution for Bill Payment
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
Ordinance for Second Reading and Adoption:
- Authorizing the Cape May County Health Department to Inspect Bed and Breakfast Guesthouses and Homestays
Commissioner Burke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance. When no one from the public wished to speak, Commissioner Burke made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 408-08. Commissioner Rigby seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
409-08 Approving Amended Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines
Commissioner Rigby made a motion, seconded by Mayor Kaithern, to open the public hearing on the above ordinance.
Carol Sabo, 402 Broadway, asked what changes were being made. She was advised that “pavers of traditional color and shape” will be allowed in addition to brick.
When no one else from the public wished to speak, Commissioner Burke made a motion to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 409-08. Commissioner Rigby seconded the motion which was carried unanimously on roll call vote.
Commissioners Reports
Commissioner Rigby advised that Environmental Infrastructure Financing has low interest loans available for acquisition of land along bodies of water, which could be a viable alternative if the Stewart Trust deal can not be closed. He also announced that he and Gary Novak will be going to the Office of Smart Growth for the 5th time on the State Plan Endorsement. He’s cautiously optimistic that there will be closure. He’s also hoping to get guidance on finding funds for implementing the Rhodeside and Harwell plan.
Commissioner Burke announced that there have been some recent changes to the membership of the Environmental Commission. He also announced that the Greater Cape May Historical Society is having an event entitled “Proudly We Served” on February 28th. Lastly, he announced there will be a ceremony for 6 members of the Cub Scout Pack 73 moving up to Boy Scout on Sunday, February 17th.
Mayor Kaithern advised the public that the 2007 Property Tax Reimbursement application will be mailed to seniors and disabled citizens this week. The deadline to file is June 2nd and anyone wished information can speak to the Borough Tax Collector. Mayor Kaithern reviewed several items from the bill list. Lastly, she reminded everyone that the Sixth Street Partners case will be in court on Wednesday, February 27th at 1:30 PM in Atlantic City.
Public Portion:
Mike Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, on behalf of the VFW, wanted to know how to go about donating $700 for a bench in the Backyard Park. Mayor Kaithern advised him that the VFW can give a check to the Borough with a notation that the money is for a bench in the Backyard Park. The money will be deposited into the trust account for that purpose. There was some discussion on what type of bench and where it should be placed, but no decisions were made. Then Mr. Bean asked if they Mayor had any thoughts on his letter responding to her residential zoning spreadsheet. Mrs. Kaithern said she was surprised because the Taxpayers Association previously did not mention eliminating all lot coverage limitations, but in the letter they stated they didn’t want any restrictions other than the FAR and setbacks. Mrs. Kaithern advised that she is reworking her spreadsheet and will present it to the Planning Board. Commissioner Rigby advised that once he’s done compiling liquor license information, he’s moving on to zoning regulations in neighboring municipalities.
Bud McDonough, 135 Third Avenue, suggested directional signage at Perry and Little Myrtle to draw businesses farther down Perry Street. He also asked if there would be another public hearing once the liquor license information is compiled. A pubic hearing will be scheduled.
When no one else from the public wished to speak, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM on motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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