Minutes of Special Commissioners Meeting   -   June 16, 2008

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 3:30 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 Herald, Gazette-Leader and The Press on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.

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

The Clerk announced that the main purpose for this special meeting was for the authorization for grant funding application(s) and for the authorization for the commitment of funds to fully protect the borough’s interests in the Morelli v. JCOW remediation appeal application before the County of Cape May Board of Construction Appeals.  Specifically with regard to the first matter, Triad Associates had indicated that a resolution was required authorizing that the former grant funding for the bike path in the amount of $250,000 be rescinded, and that a replacement resolution adopted for a similar amount. The Engineer indicated that he and Triad Associates had a conference call with NJDOT Local Aid, and their suggestion was to rescind the $250,000 bikeway grant resolution, and within the same resolution, authorize re-application for the same amount. The Clerk suggested that there be a generic resolution authorizing the rescinding of the former bike path funding and that the Local Aid Infrastructure application for discretionary aid be submitted.

The Triad representatives was not present at the commencement of the meeting, and Mr. Groon suggested putting the matter on hold and going forward with the rest of the agenda pending her arrival.

The Clerk stated that the Centers of Place grant application and the Local Aid application were both tied to the bike path and the Rambler Road Park Project. The Engineer stated that his goal is to obtain bikeway funding to handle the bikeway improvement portion of the project at Rambler Road , and also to be able to get Centers of Place funding. Mr. Groon inquired as to when the Center of Place application was due. The Engineer responded that it was due June 20, 2008. The Engineer indicated that the Local Aid discretionary aid application had no deadline, but the State suggested that the two be filed simultaneously since they are related.

Mr. Groon inquired if the applications could be submitted prior to the finalization of the Rambler Road Park Project plans. The Engineer responded that the final plans would not be required to submit the applications.

The Triad representative, Tammy Weitzel, entered the meeting at this time and the Clerk brought her up to speed with what had been discussed to this point.

Ms. Weitzel advised the governing body that the resolution was not required to be included with the application that was due on June 20^th, and that there were 30 days after that date in which to provide certified copies of the resolution. Additionally, she stated that the monies being rescinded and the accompanying resolution to apply, is not for the SAGE application, but a Municipal Aid application. The Engineer informed Ms. Weitzel that the Centers of Place application must be submitted by June 20^th. She indicated that that Resolution also was not required to be submitted with the application, but within 30 days of the submission of the application. The Clerk inquired as to what would authorize the submission of the application. Ms. Weitzel responded that on the last page of the application, there is a signature page that is in conjunction with the electronic application that requires passwords and that becomes the actual authorization for the submission. Mr. Groon stated that the governing body would have to do a resolution permitting the electronic submission of the application. The Clerk added his opinion that a resolution must be adopting authorizing submission of a specific application for Centers of Place. Mr. Groon concurred.

With regard to the rescinding of the $250,000, Mr. Cabrera stated that there are at least two resolutions required: one rescinding the application and another replacing that application with the new application for Rambler Road . The Engineer responded that the State has indicated that they need another resolution rescinding the $250,000 and that the borough can apply for the same amount of funding for this project. Mr. Cabrera asked if that is the DOT funding, and not the Centers of Place. The Engineer responded in the affirmative.

Mr. Cabrera inquired as to what portions of the project are eligible under these grant applications. The Engineer responded that anything is eligible, including improvements to the end of the road, the turn-around, the landscape. Mr. Cabrera inquired as to the maximum available. The Engineer responded that it is approximately $300,000. Ms. Weitzel concurred.

With regard to the Rambler Road Park Project plan and the Centers of Place grant funding that will be sought, Mr. Groon indicated that had had another idea with regard to the use of the Nesbitt Center . He stated that rather than use the Nesbitt Center for bathrooms, he would suggest using it for retail space. The Clerk inquired as to where the bathrooms would be placed. Mr. Groon responded that he was not worried about finding a spot. The Engineer interjected that the building is bigger than needed for the bathrooms, and it would be big enough to accommodate both. Mr. Groon stated that he was simply making the suggestion for the governing body to consider since it would have potential for additional revenues for the Borough.

Mr. Cabrera stated that as long as the application deadline is not impacted, he would have no problems with Mr. Groon’s suggestion. Mr. Cabrera suggested turning the concept back to the committee for their comments. It was decided to attempt to have a committee meeting on either June 23^rd or June 24^th.

THE CLERK READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BY TITLE ONLY:

RESOLUTION NO. 777-08

(Authorizing submission of an application for Centers of Place Grant funding and authorizing the Mayor and Borough Clerk to execute all documents in accordance therewith)

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

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

The next matter for discussion was the matter of Morelli v. P  G Development, et al, Docket No. CPM-C-3-07. The Clerk inquired if the governing body desired a closed session to further discuss the matter. The consensus was that a closed session was not required since the matter was fully discussed in an authorized closed session during the previous regularly scheduled commission meeting.

THE CLERK THEN READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN FULL:

RESOLUTION NO. 778-08

(Authorizing expenditure of $2,000 from legal O/E for the representation of the Borough’s interests in the matter of Morelli v. P G Development, et al)

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

Vote:          Gould-Cabrera-Groon-Yes

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:        July 23, 2008

Kevin M. Yecco, Borough Clerk