CAUCUS MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2009
9:30 A.M.
Members Present: Present were Mayor William Henfey, President of Council Patrick Rosenello, Councilmen Robert McCullion, Edwin Koehler and Richard Ogen. Councilpersons Joseph Duncan, Robert Maschio and Kellyann Tolomeo were absent.
Also present were City Administrator Raymond Townsend, Solicitor William Kaufmann and Engineer Ralph Petrella.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND stated that when property owners with Small Cities Program Mortgages are going to take out a reverse mortgage a procedure needs to be in place to protect the City’s interest when the loan is for more than the appraised value of the property.
SOLICITOR KAUFMANN explained that reverse mortgages can be for up to 150% of the appraised value of the property and if such is the case, as with the Palermo mortgage in Resolution #14, than the City will require that the amount of the original Small Cities Mortgage to be escrowed. If the time passes for the 10-year provision in the mortgage without a change of title, then the escrow would be released to the property owner. If the title does change hands before the 10-year period, then the escrowed amount would be paid to the City. Thus the City can allow for subordinations to reverse mortgages and still have its interest protected. Kaufmann stated reverse mortgages will probably become more popular in the future and that the title companies will hold the escrow. The other two small cities subordinations on the agenda today are for reverse mortgages in amounts that are lower than the appraised value of the properties and therefore no escrow is necessary.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND stated there are two resolutions today dealing with applications for UEZ funding, the first being for the Surf Avenue project and the second for consulting services in connection with a possible Business Improvement District.
COUNCILMAN OGEN asked if the BID amount was correct.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ROSENELLO replied yes and explained that if the BID is created than the amount will be paid back into a Second Generation account, and can be paid back over time, and if the BID is not created than the money does not have to be repaid. There is no contract for consulting yet.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND stated that for the Public Works tractors in Resolution #9, the award price is more than was anticipated but the Public Works Committee was able to make some adjustments with other projects in order to be able to afford the tractors.
COUNCILMAN MCCULLION questioned why we need two tractors at this time, with Mayor Henfey and Public Works Superintendent Wozunk explaining that at least two tractors are needed at a time for beach cleaning, and we are down to one right now, and with summer coming up and the future beach replenishment project creating more area to cover, three will be needed. McCullion suggested that one be kept off the beach if possible to help it last longer, and President of Council Rosenello added that these two new tractors are necessary because if we will need three and one goes down we will have real problems.
MAYOR HENFEY stated the City had made more than $40,000 from selling the last two tractors on the City’s online auction.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND explained that Resolution #12 rejects bids for the Site Lighting on Surf Avenue and authorizes the rebidding of the project. Resolution #13 authorizes the bid for a new solid waste contract, as the current contract expires on April 19. Resolutions #14-16 are for the Small Cities subordinations that have already been discussed. The City has also received a request to vacate a paper street, Elm Road, which is near the 19th Hole business and dead-ends at Rt. 147. This will be brought up at a future meeting. Townsend said Engineer Petrella has reviewed the request.
CAUCUS MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2009
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ROSENELLO asked for an update on the beach replenishment project.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND stated that the State and Federal permits have been received and the project is almost ready to go out to bid. The City will need easements from four property owners before it goes out to bid but this is being worked on at the present time.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ROSENELLO asked if we will couple the project with similar projects in Sea Isle City and Strathmere, with Townsend responding that Strathmere, Upper Township, Sea Isle City and Stone Harbor are in varying stages of their projects. Strathmere and Sea Isle City have been approved but need their easements, and Stone Harbor is working on plans. It is possible that the City could save some money by working with other municipalities, but timing is critical and it could affect our project.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ROSENELLO asked for an update on the budget.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND replied that the CFO is preparing the figures on final balances, which will then be reviewed by the Administrator and the Auditor, but that so far it looks like all departments have done a good job in maintaining their budgets at the same or lower level than last year. Townsend mentioned that Governor Corzine has proposed a 50% deferral in pension payments, but Auditor Costello is already on record as believing that this is a bad idea.
MAYOR HENFEY stated that at this point it is premature to say what else the state will do but it is probable that municipalities will continue to be asked to do more with less. The City should make the full pension payments instead of leaving a problem for someone else down the road to deal with. The state pension system has lost millions already.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ROSENELLO asked about the Grassy Sound Civic Association sewer connection.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND stated that the attorney representing the Association wants to come to the next Council Meeting to address unresolved issues; Solicitor Kaufmann said these issues include an agreement with the Condominium Association on Ash Avenue for a sewer connection traversing their property, the issue of collection of fees with Middle Township, and any questions that Council may have for the attorney. Mayor Henfey said that he does not believe that Grassy Sound is close to coming to an agreement with the Condominium Association. Kaufmann said that a new route for the connection might be necessary, perhaps along the highway.
MAYOR HENFEY stated that gallons are also an issue, which could be a problem in the future if some development in Middle Township caused the amount coming into North Wildwood to increase. Would the City have to accept the increased flow if we enter into an agreement now? Would the City have control over that and could we say no in the future? There are more issues to be addressed.
ENGINEER PETRELLA stated that the DEP would never approve more development and tie-ins; the City would only have to accept what appears in the agreement.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ROSENELLO asked if the City should just annex Grassy Sound, and Solicitor Kaufmann said that Middle Township might be agreeable.
ADMINISTRATOR TOWNSEND asked if the attorney for the Grassy Sound Civic Association should still plan on coming to the next meeting.
SOLICITOR KAUFMANN stated that the attorney wants to address Council and will send the attorney a letter with copies to the Mayor, Townsend and Rosenello.
CAUCUS MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2009
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ROSENELLO added that in the case of the Civic Association trying to reach an agreement with the Condominium Association, the City would not interfere due to it being a private property issue.
MAYOR HENFEY stated that the USDA Phase 2A project award in Resolution #11 is for a total of $1,500,000, with City’s portion being $1,200,000 and the Wildwood Water Utility’s portion being $300,000. This comes out to $200,000 per block, which works out very well for the City. Henfey said some streets would be started and finished by June, with the others getting started in October.
SOLICITOR KAUFMANN stated that County Counsel has requested a resolution regarding the acquisition of the Florimont property for Open Space, which will be added to the resolution list in today’s regular meeting.
On a motion by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, that caucus now be adjourned until regular meeting begins. Carried. 10:05 AM
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2009
10:00 A.M.
A regular meeting of the North Wildwood City Council was held on the morning of the above date in the City Hall. The President of Council stated that “The meeting is now open. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by posting a copy of the notice of the time and place of this meeting on the City Clerk’s bulletin board and by mailing a copy of the same to The Herald, The Press and Wildwood Leader on January 7, 2009.”
ROLL CALL: Present were Mayor William Henfey, President of Council Patrick Rosenello, Councilmen Robert McCullion, Edwin Koehler and Richard Ogen. Councilpersons Joseph Duncan, Robert Maschio and Kellyann Tolomeo were absent.
Also present were City Administrator Raymond Townsend, Solicitor William Kaufmann and Engineer Ralph Petrella.
MINUTES: On a motion by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, that the minutes of the Reorganization Meeting of January 6, 2009 be approved as read. Carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
NJ DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
RE: Waterfront & CAFRA Permit Issued To John Strothers – 713-715 Beach Creek
On a motion by McCullion, seconded by Koehler, that the above correspondence be received and filed. Carried.
JOSEPH & LORETTA ANN PILEGGI
RE: Waterfront & CAFRA Permit Application
414 W. 15th Avenue
On a motion by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, that the above application be received and filed. Carried.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: None.
REPORTS:
CITY CLERK’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer…………………………….$ 3,524.63
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2009
FIRE DEPARMENT’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer……………………….$ 19,359.68
Total Incidents Handled by the Department for the Month……………… 139
FIRE DEPARMENT’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer…………………….$ 173,488.64
Total Incidents Handled by the Department for the Year 2008………… 2,173
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer………………………..….$ 350.00
Total Inspections for Month…………………………………………….... 38
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer……………………….$ 151,427.01
Total Inspections for the Year 2008…………………………………….. 2,613
TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer………………………….$ 1,037,611.65
SEWER COLLECTIONS REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer………………………….$ 356,770.84
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer………………………….$ 711.00
Totals in NW for Month: Deaths -6- Marriages -0- Births -0-
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS REPORT FOR YEAR 2008:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer………………………….$ 8,234.00
On a motion by McCullion, seconded by Ogen, that the above reports be received and filed as presented. Carried.
APPOINTMENTS:
Recreation Dept:
Leilani Burgess Seasonal/Recreation Aide 1/21/09
On a motion by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, the above appointment be confirmed. Carried.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROSENELLO announced the following Council Committees for 2009:
Administration: Chairman Maschio Rosenello Koehler
Finance: Chairman Tolomeo Maschio Ogen
Public Works: Chairman Koehler McCullion Tolomeo
Public Safety: Chairman McCullion Duncan Rosenello
On a motion by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, the above listed Council Committees be approved for 2009. Carried.
RESOLUTIONS:
#34-09
RE: Authorizing Return Of Balance Of Escrow Deposit
The above resolution was offered by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2009
#35-09
RE: Authorizing Return Of Balance Of Escrow Deposit
The above resolution was offered by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
#36-09
RE: Authorizing Return Of Balance Of Escrow Deposit
The above resolution was offered by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
#37-09
RE: Authorizing The Sale Of Surplus Property No Longer Needed For Public Use On An Online Auction Website
The above resolution was offered by Ogen, seconded by Koehler, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
#38-09
RE: Approving Requests For Reimbursement For Monies Paid To The North Wildwood Beach Patrol Pension Plan
The above resolution was offered by McCullion, seconded by Koehler, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
#39-09
RE: Refund For Overpayment Of Real Estate Taxes
The above resolution was offered by Koehler, seconded by Ogen, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
#40-09
RE: Authorizing The City Of North Wildwood To Request $510,930 From The New Jersey Enterprise Zone Authority For The Streetscape Portions Of The Surf Avenue Parking Project
The above resolution was offered by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly
adopted. Councilman McCullion asked what portions of the project would be covered by these funds, with Council President Rosenello explaining that they would cover curbs, gutters and other non-asphalt and non-parking items.
#41-09
RE: Authorizing The City Of North Wildwood To Request $18,500 From The New Jersey Enterprise Zone Authority For Consulting Services To Assist In The Planning Process To Establish A Business Improvement District
The above resolution was offered by Koehler, seconded by McCullion, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2009
#42-09
RE: Awarding Contract For Purchase Of Two JCB Fastrac Tractors
The above resolution was offered by Koehler, seconded by Ogen, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.