BOROUGH OF CAPE MAY POINT
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
June 26,
2008
OPEN
PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT STATEMENT
A meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of
Cape May Point was called to order on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in
the Conference Room at the Municipal Building located at 215 Lighthouse
Avenue. Mayor Schupp announced that
this meeting having been properly posted and advertised, was being in
accordance with the Open Public Meetings of 1975 (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6) also known
as the Sunshine Law. The Municipal
Clerk took the following roll call vote:
Commissioner Nietubicz PRESENT
Commissioner van Heeswyk PRESENT
Commissioner Nietubicz stated that he sought the advice of the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund on insurance coverage for the Women’s race to be held on July 16th in Cape May Point. He stated that Paul Miola responded to his inquiry and stated that as long as the race is held in the Borough of Cape May Point and held by our beach patrol, then no special insurance is required for the event.
Commissioner Nietubicz stated that he currently seeking legal advice on signage for the beaches for the winter months.
Commissioner Nietubicz reported that he attended a meeting regarding the Cape May County Animal Shelter agreement, which is about to expire. He presented the agreement to the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Nietubicz stated that there are three options being discussed. Scenario A states that the cost for operating the shelter be the responsibility of the municipality. He explained that Scenario B states that projects municipal contributions be based on existing municipal contribution rather than actual operational costs with a 48% municipal cost- 52% county cost. He stated that Scenario C bases the contribution on 60% of the actual operating costs. Commissioner van Heeswyk stated that the County library tax is extremely high. She suggested that we look into alternatives. Mayor Fraser concurred.
Commissioner Nietubicz asked that the Board address the issue of the appointment of the Lake Committee. Commissioner van Heeswyk stated that it appears that in the past the Lake Committee was an advisory committee. Commissioner Nietubicz stated that it was his recollection that the Lake Committee was a sub-committee of the Environmental Commission. He reiterated his desire to establish (in writing) our acknowledgment of this committee in an advisory capacity.
Barbara Weigand asked if the Board wished to increase the Public Officials Liability coverage. The Board agreed that the current coverage was adequate. She stated that all statutorily required employees have municipal surety bonds while all others are covered by a $1 million blanket bond. Commissioner van Heeswyk asked if an employee taking monies to the bank are covered by a surety bond. Mrs. Weigand explained that this
Commissioner Nietubicz made a
motion to approve the vouchers as presented for
payment. (Bill list attached) Commissioner van Heeswyk seconded the motion and the
Clerk took a roll call vote as follows:
Commissioner Nietubicz YES
Commissioner van Heeswyk YES
Commissioner van Heeswyk stated that the auditors made several recommendations to the Borough, which are addressed in Resolution 62-08. She reported that correction actions have been taken and properly reported.
RESOLUTIONS
DISCUSSIONS
Francine
Springer stated that she prepared a Water/ Sewer report, which indicates
possible rate increases that would be necessary in order to remain liquid. Commissioner van Heeswyk suggested that the
idea of conservation be incorporated in our thought process when making a
decision on the increase in water/ sewer costs. Commissioner Nietubicz suggested that a minimum increase be
considered and more thought be put into alternative ways to conserve
water. Commissioner Schupp stated that
the tax rate has been stable for several years so we are not impacting the
taxpayers that significantly by increasing water rates. Commissioner van Heeswyk stated that by
increasing excess water rates it would promote conservation. She stated that this would be beneficial to
addressing our conservation plan within the village designation process. Francine Springer stated that an increase
of $2.00/quarter for water and $2.00/
sewer totaling $4.00 per quarter on the utility bill would help to decrease the
debt incurred by the utility and increase the utility’s liquidity. Commissioner Schupp stated that he is
exploring the use of gray water with the County MUA. He stated that an engineer would be assigned to investigate the
situation. Commissioner van Heeswyk
stated that the water/sewer rate increase must be evaluated in terms of raw
data.
Mayor
Schupp handed the Board a list of possibilities for trash collection. Commissioner Schupp suggested that an
advisory committee be formed to explore alternatives. Mayor Schupp stated that he envisioned that the trash bid would
go out first with a menu of options then be analyzed by the committee that is
selected.
Mayor
Schupp stated that it is his opinion that his job as an elected official is to
minimize risk to the Borough.
Commissioner Nietubicz warned Commissioner Schupp that there has been a
threat to take away things like Circle Games due to the adoption of a
facilities and use agreement.
Commissioner van Heeswyk stated that using one application for many
dates would make the process easier for organizations like the Taxpayers
Association. Commissioner van Heeswyk
agreed with Commissioner Schupp that the facilities and use agreement is
necessary and agreed to look at Commissioner Schupp’s changes to the document
and offer her opinion.
Mayor
Schupp stated that he wrote a letter to Dale Foster, County Engineer,
regarding Lincoln Avenue. He provided the Board of Commissioners with
a copy. He stated that he would
follow-up with Mr. Foster and ask to see the plans for this project.
Upon motion by Commissioner
Nietubicz, seconded by Commissioner van Heeswyk the meeting was adjourned at
12:00 pm.
_________________________________
Joe
Nietubicz, Commissioner
____________________
_____________
Anita
van Heeswyk, Commissioner
__________________________________
Carl F. Schupp, Commissioner
Attest:
__________________________________
Constance A. Mahon, Municipal Clerk