The regular meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Lower, County of Cape May, State of New Jersey was held on May 5, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the Township Hall, 2600 Bayshore Road, Villas, New Jersey. 

 

The Clerk announced that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act and that adequate notice of the meeting had been provided according to law. 

 

The following members of Council were present for roll call taken by the Clerk:

 

                                                     Councilmember Thomas Conrad

                                                     Councilmember Wayne Mazurek

                                                     Councilmember Glenn Douglass

                                                       Councilmember Robert Nolan

                                                               Mayor Walter Craig

 

Also present: Paul Baldini, Solicitor and Joseph Jackson, Manager

 

                                           Certificate of Recognition - Clarence Howard

Mayor Craig read a certificate of recognition about Mr. Howard on all his years of service and dedication to the Villas Fire Company. 

 

                                                                 WORK SESSION

 

                William Galestok, Water quality Management Plan & Smart Growth Centers Map

Mr. Galestok said he went to Trenton a few weeks ago and got an updated Smart Growth Center Map and said there were so many technical aspects to it.  He said the same problem areas could not be centers and he explained the reasons.  He said Villas and North Cape May didn’t fit the States model.  The state criteria was that in order to be a center it had to be sewered.

Mr. Galestok said in 2007 a water quality map was submitted and then denied on April 4, 2008.  He stated with the new nitrate standards it could mean 4 to 14 acres per house for unsewered areas.  He said the next phase they had to go under the new rules and submit a new plan within 9 months or the State would cancel the sewer plan.  He also stated they may have to change the zoning.  He said the County met last week and would check to see if the Township could resubmit under the old rules.

Mr. Galestok said the Township applied for the 2007,  2008 Smart Growth Grant and ANJAC Grant and the money would be used to do the background work on it.

 

Review of Consent and Regular Agenda Items

No Comments.

 

Consent Agenda

1.                  Approval of Minutes     April 21, 2008

2.                  Resolution #2008-114  Payment of Vouchers, $3,443,073.21

3.                  Resolution #2008-115, Authorization for Refund of Taxes

4.                  Resolution #2008-116, Amendment to the 2008 Municipal Budget

5.                  Resolution #2008-117, Resolution for Emergency Temporary Appropriations

6.                  Resolution #2008-118, Amending Cash Management Plan

7.                  Resolution #2008-119, Authorization to Execute the Landlord’s Lease Agreement and Consent to Leasehold Mortgage from NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection to Township of Lower

8.                  Resolution #2008-120, Acceptance and Bid Award for the Extension of Various Storm Sewer Outfalls (Martinelli Construction)

9.                  Resolution #2008-121, Resolution Approving an Interlocal Services Agreement Between the Township of Lower and the Lower Township Board of Education

10.              Resolution 2008-122,   Resolution Approving an Interlocal Services Agreement Between the Township of Lower and the Lower Cape May Regional School District

11.              Resolution #2008-123, Approval of Place to Place Transfer - Extension of Premises, License #0505-33-010-005, t/a/ CJ’s American Grill

12.              Resolution #2008-124, Acceptance and Bid Award for Millman Roof Replacement Project  (Banner Ent. Inc.)

 

Councilmember Conrad motioned to adopt the consent agenda items #1-12, seconded by Councilmember Mazurek.   The consent agenda was adopted by the following roll call vote: Councilmember Conrad, “yes”, Councilmember Mazurek, “yes”, Councilmember Douglass, “yes”, Councilmember Nolan, “yes”, Mayor Craig, “yes”.

 

                                                               Council Comments

Councilmember Douglass said the Lower Township Chamber of Commerce would be  holding a networking event at Seashore Campground on May 8th from 12 noon until 2 pm.  He said the Chamber was working to coordinate with the Township and different organizations in area.

Mayor Craig said Make a Wish weekend was very successful and thanks to all involved.  He said Brigadier General Michael Linnington would be  sworn in as Commandant of West Point.

 

                                                                 Public Comments

Steve Sheftz thanked Council for completing Freeman Douglass Complex.  He said it was not what it was supposed to be but the prior administration was to complete it long ago.  He said he hoped the bonding company would pay.

Mr. Sheftz said it had be almost 2 years ago since the State took over Ponder Lodge and the Township had lost a huge ratable costing all taxpayers more.  He said there had been the largest meeting with John Flynn of the DEP and others to discuss the people’s plan.  He stated there was a company that wanted to come in and take over the golf course.  The Elk’s wanted to take over the main building and do all the repairs themselves.  He said the Township could have had great recreation for the residents. 

 

                                                                           MUA

Mr. Sheftz thanked Council for the new appointment to the MUA and said the engineer was an expert in the field, the Executive Director was great and changes were being made.   He stated that the 5 year plan was still not completed but felt it was going in the right direction. 

 

 

 

                                          Request to Revise Precious Metals Ordinance

Adele Christensen, owner of Adele’s Jeweled Treasurers said she was in the Township for 14 years, business was flourishing and wanted to speak on the Township Ordinance regarding precious metals.  She stated most of her business now was sending gold to refineries.  She felt the Township’s rule of holding the gold for 15 days was hurting her business.  She said she asked the people for more proof than necessary and no other town had a 15 day requirement. 

Mrs. Christensen said most of the gold wasn’t stolen and asked if something could be done about it and stated she worked closely with the Police Department.

Mayor Craig asked the Manager to consult with the Police Department and told Mrs. Christensen he would be in touch with her by the end of the week. 

                                                               Conservation Area

Joe Winters of Florida Ave. said he thought the  R- 5 area near the canal was to be changed to conservation.

Bill Galestok said it was discussed but has not be done yet.  He said it was a suggestion in the Master Plan re-examination.

Mr. Winters asked if it could be changed.

Mr. Galestok said he suggested it be changed several times.

 

Resolution #2008-125, A Resolution Providing for a Meeting Not Open to the Public in Accordance with the Provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 (Litigation)

Councilmember Nolan motioned to adopt the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Douglass.  The resolution was adopted by the following roll call vote: Councilmember Conrad, “yes”, Councilmember Mazurek, “yes”, Councilmember Douglass, “yes”, Councilmember Nolan, “yes”, Mayor Craig, “yes”.

 

 

Council returned to open session, there being no further comment, Councilmember Conrad motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Councilmember Douglass the meeting unanimously adjourned by verbal “ayes” at 8:08 p.m.

 

 

 

 

__________________________                                             __________________________

           Mayor                                                                           Township Clerk

 

 

 

 

Approved: