MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REORGANIZATION MEETING
January 23, 2008
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, Commissioner Dick Rigby, and Commissioner Peter Burke answered roll call. Also in attendance: Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Solicitor Jennifer Russo-Belles, Borough Engineer Ray Roberts, and Volunteer Fire Chief Chuck McPherson (left at 1:35 pm).
WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Engineer Roberts reviewed his monthly report. Of particular note was the possibility of having enough money left over from the purchase of the remote water meters to hire a contractor to do the installation. Also, Mr. Roberts asked that a resolution be added to the regular meeting to award the contract for Park Boulevard Bike Lanes, upon approval by the solicitor, in order to meet the NJDOT deadline.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor Licenses: Terry Franklin has gathered neighboring jurisdictions’ regulations and Commissioner Rigby hopes to meet with her Friday to make a matrix for discussion at the next meeting.
Volunteer Fire Company: The Ordinance is up for consideration during the regular meeting. The Borough will consider postponing the second reading and adoption to enable more time for the attorneys from both sides to meet and make some changes and prepare a service agreement. After this discussion, Chief McPherson left the meeting.
Court Consolidation: Report is due at the end of the month.
Alternative Energy: The contract is being reviewed by the Borough Solicitor. The contractor is applying for building permits. The Borough’s BPU rebate has already been approved, which will make up the difference between the $50,000 County grants and the cost of the installation. The contractor anticipates beginning work in 90 days and should be done within a week to 10 days.
Burton Property Request: Nothing new at this time.
Cape Island Creek: Solicitor Russo-Belles advised the Commissioner that as of mid-December, the Stewart Trust had entered an agreement with the property owner. She will contact Mr. Strout for a current status report.
NEW BUSINESS
Eagle Scout Project – David J. Von Savage: David J. Von Savage presented a proposal to Mayor Kaithern to provide an electronic sign as part of his service to become an Eagle Scout. If approved, he will raise money to purchase and install the sign. There was some discussion about where the sign could be placed and whether electronic signs are permitted under the Borough’s sign ordinance. The Commissioner was in favor of the concept, but would have to work out some details. Mayor Kaithern will speak to Public Works Manager Flynn and David Von Savage to get further information.
Mayors’ Organization Scholarship: Mayor Kaithern asked the Commissioners to nominate, by February 27th, some people to be on a committee to review scholarship applications.
Rhodeside & Harwell: Commissioner Rigby requested the Board add a resolution to the regular meeting to officially adopt the Rhodeside and Harwell Business District Urban Design Plan as a guideline for future development. He would like to apply for a Smart Growth award and adopting the plan would be necessary to qualify. Solicitor Russo-Belles made some changes to the draft provided by Mr. Rigby before it’s considered at the regular meeting.
REVIEW OF REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kaithern reviewed the Consent Agenda and Non-Consent agenda items, including Resolution Nos. 33-04 and 34-04 which were added during the work session.
The Work Session portion of the meeting was adjourned at 2:08 PM and the Regular Meeting convened at 2:20PM.
PROCLAMATION:
National Wear Red Day for Women – February 1, 2008
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
Minutes: January 9, 2008 Work Session and Regular Meeting
Resolutions:
27-08 Authorizing Use of Borough Hall by Cape Human Resources
28-08 Renewal of Campground License for 2008 Depot Travel Park
29-08 Confirmation of Official for Joint Insurance Fund and Municipal Excess Liability Fund
30-08 Authorize Refund of Duplicate Payment of Real Estate Taxes Paid for Block 72 – Lot 1.02
31-08 Opposing Revisions to the Wrongful Death Statue
32-08 Resolution for Bill Payment
33-08 Adopting the Business District Urban Design Plan Dated January 2008 and Prepared by Rhodeside & Harwell as a Guide for Future Development
AS AMENDED
34-08 Authorizing Award of Contract for Park Boulevard Bike Lanes
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
Ordinance for Second Reading and Adoption:
407-07 Establishing the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company as the Official Fire Company for the Borough of West Cape May
Mayor Kaithern made a motion to postpone the second reading and consideration for adoption until February 27, 2008 at 1:00 pm in order to enable continued communication between the Borough and the Volunteer Fire Company. Commissioner Burke seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously on roll call vote.
Commissioners Reports
Commissioner Burke reminded everyone that the Environmental Commissioner is hosting the Awakening the Dreamer symposium later in the afternoon at Borough Hall and encouraged everyone to attend. He also announced that the Red Cross is holding an emergency blood drive at Borough Hall on January 30th. Lastly, he announced the joint Rabies Clinic will be held in West Cape May on the evening of March 10th.
Commissioner Rigby had nothing more to report.
Mayor Kaithern announced that out of the 5 or 6 tax appeals that the Borough received, all but one has been settled. The Borough is hopeful that the last one will be settled before going to court.
Public Portion: No one from the public wished to speak.
On motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, the meeting adjourned at 2:28 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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