HARVEY CEDARS, NJ September 5, 2008
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Harvey Cedars, NJ was called to order by Mayor Oldham at 4:37pm 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 were present.
The Mayor asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, August 19, 2008, was made by
Commissioner Gerkens, seconded by Commissioner Garofalo.
The Mayor read the following ordinance by title and number.
A copy of the full ordinance as introduced is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
The Mayor mentioned that in 1994 the Borough’s share of the $3million project was $800,000; this project (federal beach replenishment) will be significantly bigger and Harvey Cedars’ cost will be about the same. He added that the Borough wants to go to bond only once, so there is a little extra in this ordinance for additional costs that may arise during the project.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Garofalo
Second: Commissioner Gerkens
Vote: Ayes – Oldham, Gerkens, Garofalo
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 $12,000.00 –
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.
AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL APPRAISAL SERVICES
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
The Mayor stated the Borough initially authorized appraisals for a sampling of properties (five) from the list of non-signed easements for the beach project; this resolution officially authorizes the appraisals for the remaining non-signed easement properties. The Mayor and Board answered questions from Ellen Robb, Marilyn Upton and Stan Feeley regarding this resolution. The appraisals are part of the eminent domain process and will provide a value for the easement as well as a value for damaged view. The courts have found that the only compensation is damage to the view; but there are special benefits to be considered in the compensation, such as the added sand for protection.
Mr. Feeley commented why not he should receive money if his neighbor receives it, and wonders what his legal recourse would be; but he also said he does not want any money, just safe beaches. The Mayor stated that legally this is the only option the Borough has to get the project.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Vote: Ayes – unanimous
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 approve the bills for payment.
A copy of the resolution is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Motion to adopt: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
A motion was made by Commissioner Garofalo to approve the use of the ballfield in Sunset Park to Ann & Tim Daly for a girl’s lacrosse camp for June 29, 2009 to July 3, 2009 from 9am to 1pm.
Marilyn Upton, 5 E. 81st Street, questioned about donations given to the Borough for the use of the park for the summer camps. Commissioner Gerkens stated the Borough received approximately $400 - $500 from each camp, which goes in the special activity fund. Ms. Upton suggested that the camps should be assessed. The Board responded they will be reviewing the use of businesses at the park and the beach this winter as well as the ice cream vendor fees.
Ellen Robb, 19 W. Essex Ave., suggested turning the ballfield into a dog run in the off-season, similar to Barnegat Light. The Board said they have not officially discussed the change, but it is a possibility. The Mayor said there were a lot of complaints received this year about dogs, and the Board will be addressing those for next year and will be educating through the website and newsletters. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 30th to September 15th.
Stan Feeley asked for an update on the beach project. Mayor Oldham said there is definitely $4.9million to do the project plus the added funds from the State, County and Borough; the Borough is currently reviewing the State Aid Agreement that must be signed prior to the project. Option 1 of the project, for the section of the south end of town where all easements have been acquired, is being bid on shortly, but according to the Army Corps and DEP, the funds to complete the remainder of the town will most likely be secured this fall, so they are proceeding with the plans for the full project. The dredge should be here in November or December, and the full project should be completed by next spring. It costs approximately $2.5million just to setup the dredge.
Ellen Robb asked if her memorial bench at the point that was moved for the fireworks could be moved back prior to September 11th. Commissioner Garofalo said it would be put back Monday.
Marilyn Upton publicly thanked Commissioner Garofalo and Public Works for taking care of the walkover on 81st Street.
Motion to adjourn: Commissioner Gerkens
Second: Commissioner Garofalo
Meeting adjourned at 5:00pm.