BOROUGH OF WEST CAPE MAY
PLANNING-ZONING BOARD
WORK SESSION – January 27, 2009

The Work Session of the Borough of West Cape May Planning-Zoning Board, held at the Municipal Building, 732 Broadway, was called to order by Vice Chairperson O’Neill at 7:15 PM.  After reading the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975 he led all present in the flag salute.

ROLL CALL:
Members:                                           
              Doris Jacobsen          present               Dick Rigby                present
              Art Joblin                  present               Chris Shriver             absent
              Pam Kaithern            present               Chris Wood               present
              Paul Mulligan            absent              Alternates:                  
              Kevin O’Neill           present               Mark Kulkowitz        present
              Diane Rea                 present               Archie Garnett          absent
                                   
Also Present:               Brock Russell, Esq., Board Solicitor
                                    Ray Roberts, P.E., Board Engineer
                                    Elaine Wallace, Recording Secretary

NEW BUSINESS: Elizabeth Terenik, PP, AICP and Gary Novak present drafts for consideration (handouts attached):  Elizabeth Terenik distributed copies of ordinances she drafted to change the commercial zoning regulations.  Ms. Terenik used the Master Plan and the Rhodeside and Harwell report as a basis for the drafts.  The changes proposed included altering parking requirements, regulating outdoor dining, permitting mixed use in commercial districts, new language for eco-friendly building and non-conforming properties.  She also presented draft sign ordinance language that includes a final date for compliance 3 years from date of adoption.  The board reviewed the many proposals.  There was much discussion about parking regulations in the C1 zone.  Some people spoke in favor of no parking requirements for commercial properties, and others were strongly opposed, feeling that would put a burden on the residents who would be unable to park near their homes.  After some discussion, it was decided to forward the draft as written, which loosens the regulations for commercial properties, but does not eliminate the requirement for parking.  On motion of Mark Kulkowitz, seconded by Doris Jacobsen, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, the draft ordinances were sent to the governing body for review and consideration.

Pam Kaithern presented Gary Novak with a plaque that was awarded to him by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association at an awards ceremony held November 7, 2008.  At that time, Dick Rigby accepted the plaque for Citizen Planner on his behalf.  Due to family concerns, Gary is no longer serving on the board, but will be assisting the Borough in a volunteer capacity with planning-related matters.

MINUTES:  On motion of Pam Kaithern, seconded by Kevin O‘Neill, the minutes for the January 13, 2009 Closed Session and Reorganization Meeting were approved on roll call vote as follows: Wood abstaining, all remaining members present voting in the affirmative.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Diane Flanegan, 324 Broadway, suggested that portable signs not be included in the total number of permissible signs because they are not used all the time.  She would also like to see them allowed at all times.  Originally, there had been discussion about eliminating then completely, but the board compromised to allow on a limited basis.  There was some discussion about whether to change the hours that they are permitted and the number of days they are permitted.

FUTURE BUSINESS:  Items scheduled for February 10 meeting:  Application 06-08, Irene Hober, Block 7, Lot 17, Minor site/variance; Review of Ordinance 421-09, and Review of Ordinance 422-09.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned on unanimous voice vote at 9:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace
Recording Secretary