MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REORGANIZATION MEETING
January 9, 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 and Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian.
WORK SESSION
Resolutions 9-08 and 24-08 were removed from the consent agenda and acted on at this time.
9-08 Resolution Appointing Borough Solicitor
On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, this resolution was unanimously approved on roll call vote, after which Jennifer Russo-Belles joined the Commissioners at the table.
24-08 Professional Services Appointment for Municipal Engineer, Raymond Roberts of Remington, Vernick & Walberg Engineers
On motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, this resolution was unanimously approved on roll call vote, after which Ray Roberts joined the Commissioners at the table.
OLD BUSINESS
Engineer’s Report – The Borough received six bids on Park Boulevard Bike Lanes, which will be reviewed before a recommendation for award is given. The contractor for the inspection of the storm sewer line on Sixth Avenue reported that it would be more cost effective to replace it rather than repair it. Mr. Roberts will send a letter to the NJDOT to ask for approval to replace the line and still do 98% of the road work as planned.
Liquor Licenses – Nothing new at this time
Court Consolidation – Report is due at the end of the month.
Solar Panels – The Commission will be considering a resolution to award the contract during the Regular meeting. Mr. Rigby was not certain when the contractor will begin work.
Burton Property Request – The Borough hasn’t received any more documentation from the property owner.
County Health Inspection of Bed and Breakfast – The Borough will consider introducing an ordinance during the Regular meeting.
Use of Wilbraham Park – Kate Kilian advised that Macedonia Baptist Church does not want to use Backyard Park, but the Greater Cape May Historical Society is very interested in having their event there. Commissioner Burke said the Art in the Park event will only be one day this year and further consideration will be given to changing that when the Commission discusses arrangements in May for the following year.
Volunteer Fire Company – Commissioner Burke received the budget and capital improvement requests from the Volunteer Fire Company, although there was no backup information and the capital projects weren’t prioritized. Mr. Burke also received the LOSAP information from Chief McPherson. Mr. Burke will request the missing information from Mr. McPherson.
Stewart Trust – Solicitor Russo-Belles believes the Trust has entered an agreement and will soon be at the survey stage. She will double check her records and send a memo to the Commissioners.
NEW BUSINESS – Commissioner Burke advised that he has a meeting set with Cape May Administrator Corea to begin discussion on the police contract and related lease agreement.
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 7:41 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 7:46 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: December 19, 2007 Work Session and Regular Meeting
Ordinances for Introduction and Publication – Second Reading and Public Hearing on February 13, 2008 at 7PM
408-08 Authorizing the Cape May County Health Department to Inspect Bed and Breakfast Guesthouses and Homestays
409-08 Approving Amended Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines
Resolutions:
1-08 Resolution to Adopt Temporary Budget
2-08 Resolution to Adopt Temporary Budget – Water and Sewer
3-08 Resolution Setting Dates, Times & Places of Meetings
4-08 Resolution Setting Holidays for 2008
5-08 Resolution Adopting Cash Management Plan
6-08 Resolution Appointing Public Defender
7-08 Resolution Appointing Municipal Prosecutor
8-08 Resolution Appointing Municipal Auditor
10-08 Resolution Appointing Bond Counsel
11-08 Resolution Appointing Risk Management Consultant
12-08 Resolution Authorizing Joint Municipal Court System
13-08 Resolution for Designation of Official Newspaper
14-08 Resolution for Designation of Official Depositories
15-08 Resolution Fixing Rate of Interest on Delinquent Taxes and
Assessment and Fixing a Six Percent (6%) Penalty on Delinquent Taxes and Municipal Charges
16-08 Resolution Authorizing Tax Assessor to File Regular Appeals on Behalf of the Borough of West Cape May
17-08 Resolution for Deferred School Tax Levy for West Cape May School District to Lower Cape May Regional
18-08 Resolution for Deferred School Tax Levy for West Cape May School District to West Cape May School District
19-08 Authorizing Use of Borough Hall by the Greater Cape May Historical Society
20-08 Resolution Appointing Richard N. Rigby as Class III Member of the Planning Board
21-08 Resolution Authorizing Renewal of Trailer Park License for Westwood Mobile Estates
22-08 Resolution Authorizing Renewal of Trailer Park License for Broadway Trailer Park
23-08 Authorizing a Contract with Energy Enterprises for Installation of Solar Panels at Borough Hall
25-08 Authorizing Use of Borough Hall by the William J. Moore Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
26-08 Resolution for Bill Payment
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
Commissioners Reports
Commissioner Rigby announced that the final Rhodeside and Harwell Business District Urban Design Plan was received by the Borough. It is a short, easy to read report with strong graphics. Mr. Rigby reviewed the recommendations in the report, which would have the Borough fixing sidewalks, paving, lighting and signage at Broadway and Sunset, coordinated with the County. The Borough also received a draft Bicycle and Pedestrian report, which was a very comprehensive and detailed report paid for by the NJDOT. Mr. Rigby reviewed the contents and recommendations of the report and explained the report will greatly assist the Borough when it applies for bicycle or pedestrian grants from the NJDOT.
Commissioner Burke announced that in addition to his meeting with Lou Corea, he will be meeting with Annie Mullock to start working on the summer events scheduled at Wilbraham Park. He also advised the public that Governor Corzine is having a “town hall” meeting at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center on January 19th. The information will be available to the public through the Clerk’s office.
Mayor Kaithern announced that the final tax collection rate for 2007 was 96.18%, slightly less than the 2006 rate of 96.4%. She also announced the final revenue for out-of-service vehicles sold at the Lower Township Auction was $4,234. Mrs. Kaithern expressed concern over the newly adopted school funding formula that will result in a flat 2% aid to all schools in Cape May County, except one that is run by the County. Lastly, Mayor Kaithern gave a review of the year 2007 including such highlights as: being one of the only municipalities in Cape May County to submit a Plan Endorsement application to the State, thanks to the hard work of Gary Novak, Dick Rigby and Dianne Rutherford; obtaining a grant to hire Rhodeside and Harwell to perform the core business district design plan; working on obtaining funding for the Cape Island Creek project; obtaining approximately $2 million in grants over the last 2 years; updating user fees to assign costs where they belong in an attempt to keep everyone’s taxes down; and fighting a COAH builder’s remedy lawsuit, for which she asked the everyone to have faith in the legal process because the Borough is doing the best it can to protect the community. Lastly, she thanked the countless volunteers who are appreciated beyond words and without whom the Borough could not operate as efficiently as it does.
Public Portion:
Michael Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, wished everyone a Happy New Year on behalf of the West Cape May Taxpayers Association. He assured the Commission that he believes the COAH litigation will be resolved through the courts and the Taxpayers Association stands behind the Borough, knowing it is doing whatever it can to protect the Borough and its residents
Mayor Kaithern advised Mr. Bean that the Planning Board will be addressing at an upcoming meeting the proposal received from the Taxpayer’s Association on an alternative to FAR. Mrs. Kaithern will prepare an easy-to-read spreadsheet based on the information given by the Taxpayer’s Association. Mr. Bean asked for an opportunity to review the spreadsheet to make sure it accurately reflects the Association’s proposal. There was some discussion of McMansions, tear-downs, and density. Commissioner Rigby suggested the organization look at zoning regulations in neighboring municipalities and create a matrix to see how West Cape May compares to the surrounding communities.
Commissioner Rigby publicly thanked Lee O’Connor for writing a letter to the Star and Wave commending the Public Works Department. Mayor Kaithern advised that copies of the letter were placed in the employees’ personnel files.
When no one else from the public wished to speak, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 PM on motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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