Minutes of Special Commissioners Meeting   -   December 17, 2007

Prior to the opening of the Special Meeting, Mr. Groon led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The meeting of the Board of Commissioners, Borough of Wildwood Crest, Cape May County, New Jersey, was held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at 2:00 p.m.  On roll call the following answered to their names:

Gould - Cabrera – Groon – Yes

Mr. Groon read the following statement:  In compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, the notice requirements have been satisfied as to the time, place and date of holding said meeting by posting notice on the bulletin board in the Borough Hall and by mailing same to the Gazette-Leader and The Press on November 9, 2006.

Mr. Groon next announced the one-way in and the one-way out method of ingress and egress in case of emergency.

The purpose of this special meeting, and the only matter authorized, was for a presentation of VOIP Telephone System. The Clerk introduced Mark Mowad and Joseph Kerr of VOIP Networks. Also present were Perry Buckley of VOIP Networks, as well as Dana Keane of Eastern IT Group.

A visual presentation was viewed by the governing body. After conclusion of the visual presentation, Mrs. Gould inquired if a maintenance agreement would be a part of the package. Mr. Mowad responded that the system comes with a one year warranty that includes all parts and all labor. After the first year, there are an extended maintenance programs available. Mrs. Gould asked about their “two hour response guarantee,” asking if an ice storm should hit the area, they certainly would not make it to Wildwood Crest in two hours. Mr. Mowad agreed, but added that the telephone system has the capability for them to remotely dial in and work on the system.

Dana Keane of Eastern IT Group added that Eastern IT would be able to assist through vendor management if the Borough decides to utilize their services through a maintenance agreement.

Mr. Mowad stated that VOIP would provide on-site training of all employees in the use of all aspects of the system. They would also do follow up training for new employees.

Mr. Cabrera asked that they give a comparison of the present system and their system. Mr. Mowad stated that with the present system there are approximately five functions available.
Their system has the capacity to have internal three or four digit dialing between offices. The Clerk inquired if their system had the capability of having one button internal dialing. The answer was in the affirmative. Mr. Cabrera stated that the Borough presently has many phone lines and this system would eliminate many of those lines since internal lines would not go “outside” through the phone company lines. Additionally, Mr. Cabrera stated that calls that come into the building can be transferred outside to an employee “in the field.”

Dana Keane provided a financial breakdown for the Commissioners to review.

Mr. Cabrera inquired about “mass dialing” of residents in the event of emergency. The response back was that it could be done.

Mr. Groon asked if the computer network fails, would the phones fail. The response was that it would not.

Mr. Groon inquired about security. The response was that the system is 100% encrypted.

Dana Keane interjected that the “quality of service” is an important factor, and he cannot control what happens with Verizon or Comcast, but he can control their quality of service.

Mr. Cabrera stated that he was interested in savings and cutting out the Verizon lines.

Mr. Groon wanted to know if there was a way to restrict calling on the system. The response was in the affirmative; that the system is “totally flexible” and each phone can have different features programmed in.

Mr. Groon inquired as to the price differential between the two phones demonstrated, the two basic models. The response was “$325/250.”

Mr. Cabrera next asked if caller ID is an additional feature. The response was that it is included in the quoted price.

Mr. Cabrera inquired if the system would permit call transferring to outlying departments. The response was in the affirmative.

Mrs. Gould asked if she was interpreting the proposal correctly that it is in the amount of $122,569.72. The response was that that is the “total project price, including training.”

Mr. Groon stated that the Commissioners will have to discuss the matter further. Mr. Cabrera indicated that he would like to know what the Borough’s current system is worth. Mr. Cabrera inquired of the Clerk if it would be possible to “trade in” the current equipment. The Clerk responded that it is possible, adding that it would be a credit on the contract price.

Mr. Groon inquired if they had a price structure for maintenance. The response was in the affirmative, and a copy of that pricing was provided to the Commissioners for their review.

There being no further matters for discussion, Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the meeting be adjourned.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Dated:         December 27, 2007

Kevin M. Yecco, Borough Clerk