HARVEY CEDARS, NJ October 6, 2006
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Harvey Cedars, NJ was called to order by Mayor Oldham at 4:30pm who stated to the best of his knowledge all requirements of the State Sunshine Law had been met. Commissioners Gerkens and Garofalo and Board Attorney John Cerefice were present.
The Mayor asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, September 19, 2006, was made by
Commissioner Gerkens, seconded by Commissioner Garofalo.
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
PROCLAIMING OCTOBER AS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Mayor Oldham stated that from a meeting with Mayor Connors the concept to hire an outside, independent professional to review the school budget was proposed. Commissioner Garofalo said the school budget is an 80 page document and to get a better handle on the finances for the island governing bodies as well as for school board representatives, a professional would help.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
CHAPTER 159 ITEM OF REVENUE INSERTION IN THE SUM OF $418.81 – DRUNK DRIVING ENFORCEMENT FUND
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
REFUND TAX OVERPAYMENT MADE IN ERROR
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to approve the bills for payment was made by Commissioner Garofalo, seconded by Commissioner Gerkens.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS:
Mayor Oldham –
· The next Borough meeting will be held on Monday, October 16 instead of Tuesday October 17. October 17th is the annual Harry T. Marti Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the fire company.
· The fire company is having the annual roast beef dinner this weekend.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Richard Potts, 5616 Holly Ave., referred to an Atlantic City Press article regarding the beach fill project. He asked about the project being moved 40 feet and if that would speed up getting the project in Harvey Cedars. Mayor Oldham and Commissioner Garofalo said the project may be moved in Surf City 40 feet east of bulkhead line because most of the properties requiring easements in Surf City do not extend very far from the bulkhead line. Although a few properties in Harvey Cedars might benefit from the project move, some property lines go to the mean high water line which (the 40 feet) would not be a benefit.
Mayor Oldham said Harvey Cedars was one of the options in the bidding for this year’s beach project, but the Borough has not received all the easements yet. Surf City (oceanfront property owners) recently received letters from the State Attorney General’s office. The dredging should start in November, and the Board is waiting to see how the project progresses.
Mr. Potts asked if the town would consider eminent domain on the easement properties. The Mayor said the Borough is looking into it.
Lena Nerrie, 9 Olsen Ave., asked about the professional for the school study and a discussion pursued regarding school taxes. Commissioner Garofalo said the resolution passed today was just to see if everyone (island municipalities) is for the concept. The next step is to look for the professional; someone who is well versed in looking at budgets to help officials interpret it better and to also help the school representatives be more fiscally educated and responsible. This is not the feasibility study (of the regional school district). Commissioner Garofalo anticipates someone would be appointed in January or February. In regards to what is going on in Trenton, the biggest fear is an equalized school tax, which would increase the island’s school tax. The League of Municipalities is fighting it and the Board doesn’t anticipate it happening.
Gerry Lunden, 6510 Holly Ave., asked how much force is behind the state equalization. Mayor Oldham stated that there is a lot of force behind fixing the property tax issue. The Governor said he will cut 30% which puts significant pressure on legislators to use other avenues to tax. North Jersey would favor the equalized school tax, and there are more votes up there. It would be helpful if North Jersey residents voiced their concerns to their legislative representatives.
Motion to adjourn: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Meeting adjourned at 4:50pm.