HARVEY CEDARS, NJ October 16, 2006
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Harvey Cedars was called to order by Mayor Oldham at 4:35pm 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. This meeting was rescheduled from Tuesday, October 17th to Monday, October 16th due to the annual Harry T. Marti Memorial Golf Tournament being held on Tuesday the 17th. Notice was published in the Beach Haven Times on October 11, 2006. Notices were also faxed to the Atlantic City Press and posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, the Post Office and the Borough’s website.
The Mayor asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, October 6, 2006, was made by
Commissioner Garofalo, seconded by Commissioner Gerkens.
The Mayor read the following ordinance by title and number and asked for a motion to introduce.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF HARVEY CEDARS AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 7 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF HARVEY CEDARS, 1975, ENTITLED “SEWER AND WATER” TO ESTABLISH METER CONNECTION FEES
A copy of the full ordinance as introduced is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Vote: Ayes – Oldham, Gerkens, Garofalo
The Mayor read the following ordinance by title and number and asked for a motion to introduce.
A copy of the full ordinance as introduced is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
Vote: Ayes – Oldham, Garofalo, Gerkens
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
APPROVING THE BYLAWS OF THE OCEAN COUNTY MUNICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FUND
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 Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
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.
A motion was made by Commissioner Garofalo, with the condition that the Police Department be notified of any date changes, seconded by Commissioner Gerkens, to approve the request to use Hudson Avenue beach to CNJ Eastern Surfing Association for an amateur surfing competition on October 21st from 8am to 4:30pm with the following “no wave” or rain dates: October 22nd, or 28th, or 29th or November 4th or 5th.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR –
Wendy Chambers, 13 East 75th Street, asked questions and discussed with the Board the recent news about the State filing suit against 5 oceanfront property owners in Surf City. The lawsuit contends that the 5 homeowners are hindering the shore protection project and potentially jeopardizing all properties as well as future federal funding, and it is seeking unlimited access for contractors to perform the work and unlimited public access. The State is not seeking eminent domain; therefore the property owners will not be compensated. If the State is successful in Surf City, the results could apply in Harvey Cedars and in the other towns. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held this Wednesday in Surf City, and dredging will probably start mid-November. Ms. Chambers asked how often information is communicated to the Mayor and by whom (regarding the beach project). The Mayor replied that Frank Little, Borough Engineer, Ben and Bill (from the DEP) and Saxton’s office are keeping the Mayor current on all issues.
A discussion continued regarding the beach project, its timeline, funding, and easements. The project should take 10 years to complete as long as Congress continues to fund it. Ship Bottom residents received letters from the State informing them the State will do what it takes to get public access for the project. Harvey Cedars will continue to work on obtaining the easement deeds.
Ms. Chambers wanted to make it clear that she is not representing the Taxpayers Association. She will be putting up a beach replenishment website and asked the Borough to contribute with updates. John Cerefice suggested the Clerk to email Ms. Chambers the State’s link to the lawsuit document.
Ms. Chambers asked if it was possible to make the Boulevard three lanes, or two lanes with a median strip. John Cerefice said this issue has been discussed many times. He said the road from North Beach to Loveladies was a State funded project in the 70’s. The State paid for a 4-lane road, and if changed, the County would be required to return the funds.
Ms. Chambers asked about dune fencing. Commissioner Gerkens said the Borough is concentrating on putting up fence where it is most needed. The last storm took fence from Atlantic Avenue south. Fences are only being placed on public access beaches. Ms. Chambers asked if Harvey Cedars can have similar walkovers at street ends as in Barnegat Light. Commissioner Gerkens said Barnegat Light received grant money for their walkovers, and the entrances to Harvey Cedars beaches are too short for the walkovers.
The Mayor announced to the public that LOSAP will be voted on in Long Beach Township this coming election. He explained that about 5 years ago all the island towns, except Long Beach, created a LOSAP program for the volunteer emergency services. Long Beach Township does not have its own fire or first aid companies and relies on the other town’s services. The Mayor encourages all Township residents to support the volunteers and vote in favor of LOSAP.
Ms. Chambers said she read about the town hiring an accountant (for the school budget). Commissioner Garofalo said it would be some type of auditor to look closely at the school budget to determine if it is lean or fat. He said it would be done before the next school budget and it would be a public record.
Motion to adjourn: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Meeting adjourned at 5:17pm.