Minutes of Special Commissioners Meeting   -   April 23, 2008

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 - 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 7, 2007.

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

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that Ordinance No. 1060 be placed on second reading and final passage by title only.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY:

ORDINANCE NO. 1060

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ORDINANCE NO. 936 ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SPECIAL EVENTS AND USE OF MUNICIPAL FACILITIES OR GROUNDS OF THE BOROUGH OF WILDWOOD CREST, COUNTY OF CAPE MAY AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY ,” ADOPTED JUNE 25, 2003

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that a public hearing be held on Ordinance No. 1060.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

There being no public comments, Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the public hearing on Ordinance No. 1060 be closed.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that Ordinance No. 1060 be passed on second and final reading and advertised according to law.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN FULL:

RESOLUTION NO. 738-08

(Authorizing Amendment of the 2008 Municipal Budget)

Mrs. Gould motioned, second 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. 739-08

(Authorizing self-examination of calendar year 2008 municipal budget)

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. 740-08

(Adoption of 2008 Municipal Budget)

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. 741-08

(Authorizing purchase of electrical supplies off state contract from Pemberton Electrical Supply Co.)

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. 742-08

(Authorizing the Municipal Court Administrator to void certain checks issued against the Municipal Court General Account and the Municipal Court Bail Account)

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. 743-08

(Authorizing award of contract to Perna Finnegan, Inc. for the total bid amount of $48,900.70 for Emergency Utility Repair)

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. 744-08

(Authorizing rejection of 2008 Concrete Gutter Replacement bids received, and authorizing re-advertisement of bids)

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. 745-08

(Authorizing issuance of a Special Events Permit to the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund for the purpose of a walk-a-thon on May 4, 2008)

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. 746-08

(Authorizing issuance of a Special Events Permit to Denise Lavalle and Richard Genitempo for the purpose of a wedding ceremony on July 12, 2008 at Rosemary Road beach)

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. 747-08

(Authorizing relaxation of rules and regulations prohibiting wearing of jeans in Borough Hall, on Monday, April 28, 2008, in recognition of “Wear Denim Day” sponsored by the Coalition Against Rape and Abuse)

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. 748-08

(Authorizing issuance of a Special Events Permit to Richard Galante for the purpose of a wedding ceremony on April 26, 2008 on the beach at Topeka Avenue )

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. 749-08

(Authorizing re-advertisement of Rental of Store No. 4 at Crest Pier Recreation Center )

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

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that all bills properly authorized, as submitted and set forth hereinbelow, be paid.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that all reports received, from the Court Administrator, CFO, Tax Collector, Chief of Police and Recreation Supervisor for the month ending March 31, 2008 at accepted as presented and filed.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Mrs. Gould motioned, seconded by Mr. Cabrera, that the minutes of meetings held March 19, April 2, and the Special Meeting of April 10, 2008, be approved as presented.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

The first matter for discussion was the 2008 County Joint Venture Program. Mr. Cabrera inquired as to the deadline for the filing of the application. The Clerk responded that he believed it was “fast approaching.” The Engineer interjected that it was May 1, 2008. Mr. Groon stated that it was his recollection that the county had two deadlines in the past – an early one and a second one in June. The Engineer reiterated that the deadline is May 1, 2008. Mr. Cabrera interjected that the dollar amount for 2008 is $59,119. Mr. Cabrera offered that the funds be utilized for the tennis courts. He added that there are numerous repairs needed. Mrs. Gould inquired if he was suggesting only a few or all of the courts. Mr. Cabrera responded that he would defer to the Engineer. Mr. Groon inquired if Mr. Cabrera was suggesting patching the courts. Mr. Cabrera indicated that the patching has held but needs to be done annually. He suggested that an overlay would be more appropriate but would cost “a couple hundred thousand.” The Engineer stated that the tennis courts cannot be rebuilt with the amount of money being provided by the county. Mrs. Gould asked if the money would not be better spent being used at Rambler Road . Mr. Cabrera responded that it would be possible, but asked the Engineer when the Joint Venture Program project would have to be commenced. The Engineer responded that some form of progress must be shown. Mr. Cabrera stated that it was his understanding that the County wanted the projects completed by the end of the year. The Engineer agreed, but added that the county is “sympathetic to the permitting process.” Mr. Cabrera stated that his choices would be the tennis courts or the fishing pier. Mrs. Gould stated her opinion that it should go toward the Rambler Road project. Mr. Groon said that he would like an answer to the question posed to the County prior to making a decision on a project. He added that he did not think it would be appropriate to make a decision at this meeting prior to receiving information from the county as to how the project will be funded. He suggested that a letter be sent to the county advising them that the Borough’s decision would be postponed two weeks pending receipt of the information requested from them. Mrs. Gould stated that two weeks would take the Borough past the County’s deadline. The Clerk offered that if the decision is delayed beyond noon on May 1, 2008 the Commissioners would be jeopardizing receipt of the funds. The Engineer stated that other municipalities have left the designation of the project to “multiple capital improvement projects.”

Mr. Groon stated that in that event the Borough should make application for both Rambler Road and the tennis courts until all of the issues are resolved.

Mr. Cabrera interjected that another option would be upgrading of the Von Savage Memorial Pool since there is major work and improvements that need to be done at that facility. Mrs. Gould concurred with Mr. Cabrera’s assessment. Mr. Cabrera inquired of the Engineer whether the project description could be broad. The Engineer responded in the affirmative. Mr. Groon stated that he like the pool project suggestion.

The Clerk stated his understanding that there was a consensus of opinion among the Commissioners that direction for the application to be submitted for repair and/or maintenance of the Von Savage Memorial Pool. The Engineer inquired if the Commissioners wished to list other projects. Mr. Groon responded, “let’s focus on the pool.”

The next matter for discussion was the telephone system upgrade. The Clerk stated that the Borough is still awaiting a definitive response from Avaya regarding the cost of the proposed work. Mrs. Gould concurred. The Clerk added that his office would continue to follow up on that request.

With regard to the Rambler Road Park project, the Clerk indicated that the Commissioners had been provided additional upgrade information as supplied by the Engineer, with cost estimates and additional work. He advised that he had had discussions with Mr. Groon in terms of east and west of the bike path, the westerly side to be included in the bid documents in terms of the paving portion. He added that there had been an indication to him from Mr. Cabrera that the bike shed and some other amenities could be accomplished “in house.” Mr. Groon interjected that this is a matter that should be discussed at another meeting. The Clerk concurred, adding that he was looking for a consensus of opinion as to the scope of the project. Mr. Groon stated that his initial reaction would be, without time for further review and given the numbers provided, to do the west side “in house,” i.e., the bathrooms and the existing Nesbitt Center .

It was decided that the discussion would be continued at a later meeting once all of the recently supplied information could be reviewed.

Mr. Cabrera asked if there was a time limitation within which to get the project underway. The Engineer responded that the Commissioners should anticipate six months in the permitting process, and DCA would require a show of progress in order to maintain the grant.

The Mayor asked the Engineer for his opinion regarding the structural integrity of the Nesbitt Center . The Engineer responded that the footings and foundation appear adequate at this time, but the remainder of the structure needs substantial upgrades. Mr. Cabrera stated that it was his vision that the tourism center, the bathrooms and the bike shop being in one, all inclusive building. He added that to rehabilitate the existing buildings would be expensive. Mr. Groon responded that that option cannot be pursued under the current funding. The Clerk added that the costs are more than double what was earmarked for the project if “all” new construction is pursued. Mr. Groon added that that was why he was recommending the east/west phasing of the project. Mr. Cabrera said that if the structure were to be moved to the east of the bike path, that would put the structure in the V-Zone which would require additional permitting. The Engineer interjected that that was not necessarily true, adding that the easterly line of the bike path two blocks north of Rambler Road is the border of the V-Zone and if that line were to be extended south to Rambler Road , it would be 18’ to 20’ beyond the front of the existing Nesbitt Center .

Mr. Groon inquired of the Engineer if it would be cost effective to renovate the Nesbitt Center . The Engineer responded that at this time it appears that it would be as expensive to rehabilitate the structure as to erect one building, and a new structure could possibly be cheaper.

The Clerk indicated that he had nothing more to report on the Public Health Advisory Committee. Mr. Groon inquired if the Borough was required to appoint a representative. The Clerk responded that there is still time for that, but added that it must be an individual in one of the departments who has cause to bring items forward before the Cape May County Board of Health as it affects the residents and visitor to the Borough. Mr. Groon suggested the individual should be from the Clerk’s Office since the information would have to be presented to the Board of Commissioners. The Clerk agreed that representation is important because issues addressed by the Borough in the past have not been resolved and would now have a good chance of being heard.

Beatrice Korzeniowski, 116 East Preston Avenue , appeared before the governing body to request a donation to the Wildwood Civic Club for the annual Baby Parade on August 7, 2008. She named the individuals, organizations and municipalities that have pledged funds, and requested that Wildwood Crest also provide funding. Mrs. Gould inquired if the Civic Club had received any funding from Wildwood Crest in 2007. Ms. Korzeniowski responded that they had not. Mrs. Gould asked about 2006. Ms. Korzeniowski responded that in 2006 they did receive funds from Wildwood Crest. Mrs. Gould added that she believed that had come from the Tourism Commission. Mr. Cabrera indicated that it was his understanding that statutorily the Borough was prohibited from making such a contribution since the Baby Parade is held in Wildwood and the funds from the Tourism Commission must promote activities in Wildwood Crest. The Clerk interjected that the Borough has an ordinance that prohibits donating public funds to any organization of this nature.

There being no further public comments, Mr. Cabrera motioned, seconded by Mrs. Gould, that the meeting be adjourned.

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

Dated:        May 28, 2008

Kevin M. Yecco, Clerk/Administrator