Minutes of Commissioners Meeting   -   August 29, 2007

Prior to the opening of the 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 Municipal Court Room at 7:00 p.m.   On roll call the following answered to their names:

Gould - Groon – Yes

Cabrera - Absent

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.

Mr. Cabrera entered the meeting at 7:02 p.m.

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY:

ORDINANCE NO. 1043

AN ORDINANCE AUGMENTING AND AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF WILDWOOD CREST AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 1022 ADOPTED DECEMBER 13, 2006 , CHAPTER 85 – ARTICLE XV – SECTION 85-97 – SIGNS

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that Ordinance No. 1043 be passed on first reading, advertised according to law, be brought up for second and final reading and public hearing on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY:

ORDINANCE NO. 1044

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 59-3 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WILDWOOD CREST, KNOWN AS THE “SALARY ORDINANCE,” FIXING AND DETERMINING SALARIES AND COMPENSATIONS OF THE BOROUGH OF WILDWOOD CREST, IN THE COUNTY OF CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE RAISING OF THE AMOUNTS THEREOF BY TAXATION AND FOR THE TIME AND METHOD OF PAYMENT

Mr. Cabrera motioned, seconded by Mrs. Gould, that Ordinance No. 1044 be passed on first reading advertised according to law, be brought up for second and final reading and public hearing on Wednesday, September 12, 2007, at 9:30 a.m.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 590-07

(Authorizing refund to Oceanside Tae Kwon Do in the amount of $480 for a rental fee payment made but for which rental was not authorized)

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 591-07

(Authorizing award of contract to Higbee & Sons Construction, Inc., in the amount of $77,500 for 2007-08 Street Excavations/Trench Restoration)

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 592-07

(Authorizing release of performance guarantee in the amount of $4,500 to Drumar Development in conjunction with a street opening permit issued for 401 East Stockton Road )

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 593-07

(Authorizing release of maintenance guarantee in the amount of $675 to Drumar Development in conjunction with a street opening permit issued for 401 East Stockton Road )

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 594-07

(Authorizing release of performance guarantee in the amount of $4,165 to Silver Thatch Development in conjunction with a street opening permit issued for 300 East Forget-Me-Not Road )

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 595-07

(Authorizing advertisement of Notice to Bidders for street and utility reconstruction of Seaview Avenue , Phase 1)

Mr. Groon motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 596-07

(Authorizing refund to Tim and Cathy Sawyer in the amount of $255 as the difference of participation of their two children in Pier Playmates between Session 2 versus Session 1 due to the inability of their children to participate in the first session because of school obligations)

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 597-07

(Authorizing refund in the amount of $1,263.83 for tax overpayment for property situated at block/lot 1.03-5C3004 to Richard DeMaria, Jr.)

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 598-07

(Authorizing execution of agreement with Woodruff Energy based upon bids received from the County of Cape May for participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program for natural gas)

Mr. Cabrera motioned, seconded by Mrs. Gould, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 599-07

(Authorizing issuance of special events permit to Shawnette Davis for the purpose of a wedding ceremony on October 6, 2007 at Morning Glory and the beach)

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Groon, that all bills properly authorized, and which appear in full hereinbelow, as submitted be paid.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Groon, that all reports received, from the Court Administrator, CFO, Tax Collector, and Chief of Police, for the month ending July 31, 2007 , be accepted as presented and filed.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Groon, that the minutes of meetings held July 25 and August 8, 2007 be approved as presented.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that a taxi cab license be approved for Caribbean Cab Company.

The Clerk reported that the matter of street closures for block parties is under review and discussion by the Chief of Police, staff, administration and the Mayor as to procedural changes that may be necessary to improve public safety.

With regard to Seaview Avenue , Mr. Cabrera indicated that funding has been introduced for the first phase of reconstruction based on the recommendations of the Borough Engineer. He went on to state that he envisioned reconfiguring Seaview Avenue in a similar manner as Central Avenue in North Wildwood with streetscaping and a bicycle path from Rambler Road to the Lower Township boarder. He added that it was his understanding that there was interest from Lower Township to continue the bicycle path on to their sports center. Mr. Groon added that another issue with regard to Seaview Avenue was the five year moratorium required under the USDA funding. He suggested notifying residents prior to construction commencing in order that they may plan for any construction that may require excavation of the street. Mrs. Gould concurred, adding that a letter should be sent to all affected property owners. The Clerk interjected that the Engineer has a standard letter that he sends out. He added that there is a Borough ordinance that mandates that the street not be excavated for five years after completion of any reconstruction project. Mr. Groon inquired if that same letter to the residents could address the question of streetscaping and request input. Mrs. Gould stated that the current phase is from Cresse to Rambler Road and the streetscaping would not be installed in that phase. Mr. Groon responded that although the Borough is proceeding with the first phase at this time, preparations for the second phase are being commenced at this time, and the residents should be advised of the plan to provide them with an opportunity to provide input. Mrs. Gould agreed, but added that approximate costs should be included in the letter to give the residents complete information.

Mr. Groon stated that at the present time the Borough has a choice to put down grass instead of asphalt, and if it is something that is approximately equal in value, he would like to hear what the residents have to say.

Mr. Cabrera inquired if the Commissioners would like him to have the Borough’s Engineer put together some estimates for street reconstruction including the streetscape and without the streetscape. Mr. Groon stated that that would give the governing body some idea of what to expect. Mr. Cabrera added that the intent with regard to the bicycle path and streetscape would be to apply for respective grants because those projects are high ranking projects with the various departments within the State of New Jersey .

With regard to Rambler Road, Mr. Groon stated that he would like to put together a committee consisting of a planning board member, someone from recreation, and other Borough departments or boards as appropriate, in order to discuss options and plans for that area. He added that it was his opinion that it is something that the governing body needs to discuss in order to come up with a proposal as to future plans for the information center, with bathroom facilities, parking issues, etc. He also requested recommendations from the governing body as to whom they would like to have on the committee. Mrs. Gould recommended Nancy Pietropaoli to be on the committee, as she has been working at the information center and would be an asset. Mr. Cabrera interjected that there had been discussion in the previous administration, and he would list those ideas for consideration. He indicated that the thought had been to create some beach parking in the area, to create ADA accessible bathrooms, and renovations of the information center and possibly the beach patrol headquarters. He indicated his opinion that the area could probably do well in obtaining grants. He suggested that the community could be asked to comment on the project. Mr. Groon reiterated his opinion that a member of the planning board and someone from recreation and maybe tourism should be on the committee.

Michael Walcavage, 408 East Miami Avenue , complained about the Public Works crews not doing their jobs. He reported that two weeks prior his wife had been walking on Atlantic at St. Paul Avenue , and she noticed six men at the ramp, one of whom was sweeping the ramp. When she got closer, she realized that the men were from Public Works with one man sweeping and five men watching. He indicated that his wife was very upset. He added that the week prior he had been on his bicycle riding down Atlantic Avenue when he saw a Public Works truck parked on Atlantic Avenue with two men sitting there. When he inquired why they were sitting there at 9:05 a.m. , the response back was “they was they were waiting”. When he inquired as to what they were waiting for, they responded that there was only one leaf blower and they were waiting to use it. Mr. Walcavage stated his outrage that the Public Works department is not better run, adding that the governing body should be embarrassed. Mr. Cabrera responded that as Commissioner of Public Works he was not embarrassed, but that he would have appreciated a telephone call from Mr. Walcavage reporting the situation. Mr. Walcavage responded that he did not know where to call. Mr. Cabrera indicated that he should have called the Public Works department and they would have directed him to Mr. Cabrera. Mr. Cabrera then asked what time of day these incidents occurred. Mr. Walcavage responded that he had that information written down. Mr. Cabrera asked Mr. Walcavage to call him later to provide him with detailed information to enable follow-up. Mr. Groon thanked Mr. Walcavage for his comments and added that Commissioner Cabrera will deal with the matter.

Nancy Pietropaoli, Seaview Avenue , inquired as to the work to be done on Seaview Avenue . She asked for confirmation that the first phase will be from Cresse Avenue to Rosemary Road . The response was in the affirmative. She then inquired if anything will be done about the trucks that are doing work in Lower Township ( Diamond Beach ) traveling on Seaview Avenue . Mr. Groon inquired as to the time of day and what trucks she observed. Mrs. Pietropaoli responded they are trucks with construction items. Mr. Groon responded that it is not the Borough’s intention to permit trucks on Seaview Avenue , and he would speak to the Chief of Police about additional enforcement.

Robert Young, 207 Louisville Avenue , inquired if the Construction Office of the City of Wildwood is fully operational. Mr. Groon responded that it is fully operational, and the Borough is waiting for a review after eight or nine months of operation to determine how is it working. It was Mr. Groon’s opinion that they have not had enough time to really make it work, adding that it would only be fair to give them an extra three or four months before a review.

Mr. Young reported that Lakeview Dock has no railings on their docks. The Clerk indicated that they are not under the Borough’s jurisdiction. Mr. Groon added that it is a DCA matter, but the Clerk interjected that it may in fact be subject to DEP regulatory jurisdiction.

There being no further public comments, Michael Zumpino of Triad Associates appeared before the governing body to present information on grant options for the Borough, and potential grants coordinator for the Borough.

Mr. Zumpino indicated that community and economic development are the strengths of his company, and those include recreation, housing, street reconstruction, public facilities. He provided an overview and background information regarding Triad Associates. He indicated that the primary scope of the business is finding funding and “writing competitive applications.” It would be their goal to “find the best fit possible” for the municipality, and developing economic strategies to come up with appropriating financing options. Additionally, their firm is involved in COAH projects and development of COAH strategies.

Mr. Zumpino went on to state that his firm is very familiar with the Wildwoods and Cape May County, and has been involved in many projects in various municipalities. He then outlined the various state and federal programs that could be utilized by the Borough to fund future projects.

After Mr. Zumpino’s presentation, THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 600-07

(Closed session – Personnel)

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the foregoing Resolution be adopted.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Upon returning from closed session, which session was held for purposes authorized by the Open Public Meetings Act, specifically for matters involving potential reconfiguration of personnel, additional staffing needs, etc.,  and based on the fact that no additional business would be conducted or matters for public comment, Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Groon, that the public meeting be re-opened and, on the basis of the foregoing, the meeting be adjourned.

Vote:           Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Dated:         September 29, 2007

Kevin M. Yecco, Clerk/Administrator