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 were present. Board Attorney John Cerefice was absent.
The Mayor asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, January 5, 2007, was made by
Commissioner Garofalo, seconded by Commissioner Gerkens.
The Mayor read the following ordinance by title and number and stated that proof of publication is on hand and the ordinance has been posted.
Motion to open public discussion: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
There were no public comments.
Motion to close public discussion: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
Vote: Ayes –
A copy of the full ordinance as adopted is filed in the ordinance book.
The Mayor read the following ordinance by title and number and stated that proof of publication is on hand and the ordinance has been posted.
(Increase liquor license fees)
Motion to open public discussion: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
There were no public comments.
Motion to close public discussion: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
Vote: Ayes –
A copy of the full ordinance as adopted is filed in the ordinance book.
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
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 adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
The Mayor read the following resolution by title only and asked for a motion to adopt.
OPPOSING LEGISLATION TO CAP PROPERTY TAX LEVY INCREASES TO 4 PERCENT
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 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.
The request
submitted by Sarah Mergenthaler at the previous
meeting to use
The request submitted
by Lisa Klein and the SOCH Foundation at the previous meeting to use
The Mayor asked for a motion to open public discussion regarding the 2007 Ocean County Community Development Block Grant funding; citizens and non-profit agencies are invited to comment on the housing and community development needs of the Borough.
Motion: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Commissioner Gerkens explained the grant process and how larger projects will be considered every other year if no project or smaller ones were done in the prior year. Harvey Cedars can only submit projects for handicap accessibility or improvements to senior citizen facilities. Commissioner Gerkens suggested installing a handicap parking space at Borough Hall this year for a cost of approximately $2,000.
John Cadmus
asked if another handicap ramp to the beach could be done. Commissioner
Gerkens said that it would only be prudent to do a ramp if there were a stable
beach. If Harvey Cedars gets the beach replenishment project, then it
would be considered. The ramp on
Motion to close public discussion: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
John Cadmus, representing the Taxpayers Association, reported that letters to the 19 unsigned deed property owners are completed and calls have been made. He said he has pictures of eroded beach areas and will include them with a follow up letter soon.
John Cadmus asked what the legislation opposition is (Resolution #2007-013 above). Commissioner Gerkens explained about budget caps; what is included and excluded; and how a new law/rule may be imposed to cap the entire tax levy, no exclusions, not to exceed 4 percent. The Board explained that when salaries, health insurance, gasoline, etc. increase every year, and if the town wanted to do a major project, all of that would be limited to the 4 percent increase, which would result in less services provided. Commissioner Gerkens stated that the State should take a closer look at this proposal.
Commissioner Garofalo announced that the next budget meeting will be Tuesday at noon. Once again, the Taxpayer’s Association members are invited to attend.
Joe Krug said the Trustees (Taxpayer’s Association) will be meeting Friday; Tom Christopoul will be in contact with the Mayor; and the Association’s website is up and running.
Motion to adjourn: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
Meeting adjourned at 5:00pm.