MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 22, 2007
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, Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian, Borough Solicitor Christine Cote’, and Borough Engineer Ray Roberts.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: None
WORK SESSION
ENGINEER’S REPORT: Ray Roberts reviewed the monthly report.
OLD BUSINESS
Liquor Licenses: The Commissioners briefly discussed the public forum held on October 14th and will wait to see what happens on Election Day.
Alternative Energy – Wind Turbines: Commissioner Rigby is still waiting to hear form the DEP. He expects to attend a meeting with the NJ League of Municipalities that will be addressing this issue.
Volunteer Fire Ordinance and Memo of Understanding: The Fire Company’s attorney has not responded to Solicitor Cote’s request for a status report. After much discussion, the Board decided to have Ms. Cote’ draft a letter for review setting forth a proposal to the VFC based on her notes and explaining that the Borough would like to resolve the matter in time to be able to budget for the VFC in the upcoming year. The Board also discussed the number of parking spaces to set aside for the VFC, and decided on 20 – the number of people that can be carried in all the fire vehicles at one time (18) plus 2 extra spaces.
Planning/Zoning Board FAR Recommendation: Christine Cote’ provided the State’s Meadowland language referring to LEED certification bonuses. She suggested having people who wish to obtain a FAR bonus obtain LEED certification. After some discussion, the Board members agreed they do not want to require certification, just use LEED standards to get points to qualify for the FAR bonus. Mayor Kaithern asked the Solicitor to use the State’s language employing LEED points, and requiring them to be related to building and land use.
Use of Wilbraham Park for 2009 Season: The Greater Cape May Historical Society has agreed to move its event to June, allowing all events previously discussed to be scheduled a minimum of 2 weeks apart. A resolution approving the schedule will be added to the Consent Agenda.
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 2:16 PM.
The Regular Meeting convened at 2:20 PM.
CONSENT AGENDA: On motion of Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, the following Consent Agenda was unanimously approved on roll call vote.
MINUTES: October 8, 2008 Work Session and Regular Meeting and October 8, 2008 Closed Session
ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION: None
RESOLUTIONS:
146-08 Supporting Assembly Bill 2731, Authorizing Municipalities and Counties to Make Traffic Engineering Decisions in Keeping with the Provisions of the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways without Obtaining Prior Approval from the Department of Transportation
147-08 Authorizing Refund of Marriage License Fee - Jamie Myrick
148-08 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute and Sign Certificate No. 3 for Park Boulevard Bike Lanes ($13,253.18)
149-08 Refund Mercantile License Fee – Block 26, Lot 2
150-08 Refund Mercantile License Fee – Block 42, Lot 13.01
151-08 Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order for the Purchase of Water Meters for Remote Reading Water Meter Project – USDA Phase 1B ($77,419.50)
152-08 Authorization to Issue a Purchase Order for the Purchase of a FlexNet Infrastructure for the Remote Water Meter Reading System Project – USDA Phase II ($137,456.20)
153-08 Closed Session (6th Street litigation and police contract negotiations)
154-08 Bill Payment
155-08 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute and Sign an Agreement with the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, Inc. to Help Meet the Borough's Affordable Housing Obligations
156-08 Designating the Corner of Perry Street and Broadway as a New Jersey Transit Bus Stop
157-08 Setting Dates of Events for Wilbraham Park 2009
NON-CONSENT AGENDA:
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION: None
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Rigby reported on a meeting he had with two NJDOT representatives to discuss grant funding for the streetscape improvements contained in the Rhodeside and Harwell urban design plan. Mr. Rigby found the meeting to be very encouraging, learning there are three possible separate sources of funding, including one solely to be given to municipalities that have achieved Town Center designation. Since the Borough is one of less than 10 such municipalities, the chance for funding would be good.
Joan Hodges reported on the Community Stewardship Incentive Program grant (CSIP) applied for by the Shade Tree Commission. She also announced that a cleanup day for the Borough Hall property has been set for November 7th and volunteers are welcomed and encouraged.
Commissioner Burke reported that the Lima Bean festival was possibly the most successful to date. On behalf of the event coordinator, he thanked the Mayor, Police, Public Works, History Committee members, and businesses that helped to make it so successful. Mr. Burke announced the Greater Cape May Historical Society will be having a meeting Thursday, October 23rd in Borough Hall with Harry Savage present to answer questions about the Electoral College. He reminded everyone of the Veteran’s Day ceremony being held on November 11th at 11 AM at the Columbia Avenue Monument in Cape May City. Lastly, he reminded the public of the County sponsored flu vaccines being held in November and Hurricane Preparedness Guide.
Mayor Kaithern announced the History Committee of West Cape May is holding a presentation Thursday, October 23rd at 7 PM to unveil four signs funded through a grant from the Cape May County Freeholders. She also reported that, according to an article in The Herald, the Borough is right in the middle of tax rates for the County – 7 municipalities are lower and 8 are higher. This is especially impressive given the costly builders remedy lawsuit that the Borough is fighting in court. Mrs. Kaithern reviewed some of the largest bills from the bill list, including the monthly payments to the schools and the quarterly bill to the County. Lastly, she commented on the success of the History Committee House Tour, which was attended by several hundred people.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Ramsey Geyer, 5 Pond Creek Lane, advised the Board that he sent digital pictures of a property with an overflowing and overgrown dumpster to Borough’s code enforcement officer. He also reported that people are still piling garbage on the property. Mayor Kaithern asked Commissioner Burke to follow up with the code enforcement officer.
The Regular meeting was recessed into Closed Session at 2:43 PM and reconvened at 3:22 PM on motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Rigby, seconded by Commissioner Burke, and carried unanimously by the Board of Commissioners to adjourn the meeting at 3:23 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk
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