CAUCUS MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
9:30 A.M.
Members Present: Present were Mayor Patrick Rosenello, President of Council Salvatore Zampirri, Councilpersons Margaret Bishop, Kellyann Tolomeo, David Del Conte, James Kane and Joseph Rullo. Councilman Edwin Koehler was out of town. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Yecco, Solicitor William Kaufmann and Engineer Ralph Petrella.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ZAMPIRRI stated that the Police Department has been working on an update for the sign ordinance.
ADMINISTRATOR YECCO stated that revisions will be made also to the trailer ordinance. Special event regulations also need to be reviewed. The City Administrator, City Clerk and Director of Tourism have already met to discuss, among other things, liability issues.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ZAMPIRRI stated that Resolutions 9 through 15 all deal with change orders and final approvals for completed projects, and if there are no objections, we will group them together during the regular meeting.
CITY AUDITOR LEON COSTELLO reviewed important aspects of the 2014 Budget which is to be introduced this morning. This budget contains a $0.011 tax increase. There are no changes in City services and full funding is provided for upcoming capital projects. The City is $1.2 million under the levy cap and $1.8 million under the spending cap. The total cap bank is more than $2.7 million. The fund balance has increased by more than $99,000. Salaries have only increased 1.1%. The City has used good employment and hiring practices. This is a good budget for the City.
MAYOR ROSENELLO stated that the tax increase is largely due to an increase in debt service of $383,000. The City has repaired many streets in recent years, along with seawall and beach improvements, etc. Some upcoming projects are included in this budget as well. These projects and budgets are planned years in advance, allowing the City to continue to have a stable tax rate.
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ZAMPIRRI stated that the $0.011 increase will mean a homeowner whose property is valued at $300,000 will pay an extra $33 in taxes this year.
MAYOR ROSENELLO stated that the Capital Bond ordinance is still being developed. It is probable that a fund for repairs and improvements for City buildings will be included as a capital item. The Buildings & Grounds Department will prioritize the necessary projects. Many capital projects will be done over a two year period.
ADMINISTRATOR YECCO stated that Department Heads have been instructed to include items in OE that do not qualify as capital expenditures. Capital items need to have a useful life of more than five years. By paying for items out of current OE budgets, the City will be able to reduce its long-term debt.
MAYOR ROSENELLO stated that there are no drastic changes in this budget, only a trend to shift items to OE when possible to avoid future debt. The budget process will be streamlined and more efficient in the future as this trend becomes the norm.
ADMINISTRATOR YECCO stated that full-time staffing levels continue to be reduced; more seasonal hires and additional multi-tasking by full-time help will be necessary.
MAYOR ROSENELLO stated that the loss of ratables has not helped the City. Even with this slight increase, the City of North Wildwood still has the lowest average tax bill of any shore community in the State of New Jersey. Much sand was lost during the recent storm, especially from 22nd Avenue south. We are renewing Dr. Farrell’s contract today. Moving sand in-house is a possible option, as the City still has a beach maintenance permit. There is a meeting here on Friday at 2:00 PM with the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the proposed beach protection project from Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet. It would be of great benefit to the City to be involved in this Federal Project, which provides regular maintenance.
CAUCUS MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
CITY CLERK JETT explained that the training course for elected officials regarding the Municipal Excess Liability JIF is now available online.
On a motion by Bishop, seconded by Tolomeo, that caucus be adjourned. Carried. 9:50 AM
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
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, “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 8, 2014.”
ROLL CALL: Present were Mayor Patrick Rosenello, President of Council Salvatore Zampirri, Councilpersons Margaret Bishop, Kellyann Tolomeo, David Del Conte, James Kane and Joseph Rullo. Councilman Edwin Koehler was out of town. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Yecco, Solicitor William Kaufmann and Engineer Ralph Petrella.
MINUTES: On a motion by Bishop, seconded by Kane, that the minutes of the regular meeting of February 4, 2014 be approved as read. Carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
BOROUGH OF STONE HARBOR
RE: Zoning Amendment Public Hearing, Feb. 18
On a motion by Tolomeo, seconded by Kane, that the above correspondence be received and filed. Carried.
NJ DEPT. OF HEALTH
RE: 2013 Animal Rabies Report
On a motion by Tolomeo, seconded by Kane, that the above correspondence be received and filed. Carried.
LAND ENGINEERING, LLC
RE: CAFRA Permit Application, 657 W. Spruce
On a motion by Tolomeo, seconded by Kane, that the above correspondence be received and filed. Carried.
CAPE MAY COUNTY MUA
RE: Fiscal Year 2014 Solid Waste User Fees
On a motion by Tolomeo, seconded by Kane, that the above correspondence be received and filed. Carried.
APPOINTMENTS:
Police Department:
Brian Gibson SLEO II 2/21/14
Zoning Board of Adjustment:
William O’Connell Alternate #4 Term ending 12/31/14
William O’Connell was appointed to the Zoning Board at the February 4 Council Meeting, but had not been designated as an alternate member. Mayor Rosenello stated that with O’Connell being appointed as Alternate #4, Doug Haley is hereby appointed as Alternate #3, Timothy Barry is hereby appointed as Alternate #2, Sharon Cannon is hereby appointed as Alternate #1, and Robert Berardo is hereby appointed as a regular member filling Joseph Rullo’s unexpired term. O’Connell will fill Berardo’s unexpired alternate term.
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
On a motion by Del Conte, seconded by Rullo, the above appointments be confirmed. Carried.
REPORTS:
CITY CLERK’S REPORT FOR JANUARY 2014:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer………….……………….$ 13,737.12
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS REPORT FOR JANUARY 2014:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer………………………….$ 440.00
Totals in NW for Month: Deaths -0- Marriages -0- Births -0-
FIRE DEPARMENT’S REPORT FOR JANUARY 2014:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer……………………..…….$ 20,713.77
Total Incidents & Inspections…………………………………………. 241
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2013:
Detailing various projects and tasks performed by the Public Works Department
RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2013:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer……………………………. $5,044.00
Total # persons using Recreation Center….…………………………………...... 2,945
RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2013:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer……………………………. $3,303.00
Total # persons using Recreation Center….…………………………………...... 1,781
RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR YEAR 2013:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer…………………………. $117,861.25
Total # persons using Recreation Center….………………………………...... 41,481
RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 2014:
Total monies turned over to the City Treasurer……………………………. $2,880.00
Total # persons using Recreation Center….…………………………………...... 3,523
CMC ANIMAL SHELTER REPORT FOR JANUARY 2014:
Total NW Adoptions for Month………………………………………………………1
Total Reclaims for Month…………………………………………………………….1
On a motion by Tolomeo, seconded by Kane, that the above reports be received and filed as presented. Carried.
ORDINANCES:
ORDINANCE NO. 1641 - On a motion by Kane, seconded by Tolomeo, that Ordinance No. 1641 be placed on its first reading. Carried.
The City Clerk Read Ordinance No. 1641 By Its Title, Known As “An Ordinance To Exceed The Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits And To Establish A Cap Bank (N.J.S.A. 40a: 4-45.14)“.
ADMINISTRATOR YECCO provided explanation regarding this ordinance.
On a motion by Tolomeo, seconded by Rullo, that Ordinance No. 1641 be passed on its first reading and published according to Law, the City Clerk called the roll, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared Ordinance No. 1641 passed on its first reading.
RESOLUTIONS:
# 63-14
RE: Urgently Calling On The Legislature To Make Permanent The 2% Cap On Interest Arbitration Awards
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
The above resolution was offered by Bishop, seconded by Tolomeo, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted. Administrator Yecco explained the importance of the 2% Cap for municipalities in collective bargaining negotiations.
# 64-14
RE: Proclaiming March 2014 As Irish-American Heritage Month
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Tolomeo, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 65-14
RE: To Affirm The City Of North Wildwood’s Civil Rights Policy With Respect To All Officials, Appointees, Employees, Prospective Employees, Volunteers, Independent Contractors And Members Of The Public That Come Into Contact With Municipal Employees, Officials And Volunteers
The above resolution was offered by Tolomeo, seconded by Del Conte, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted. Administrator Yecco explained that this policy is in accordance with best practices outlined by the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund.
# 66-14
RE: Refund For Overpayment Of Sewer Taxes
The above resolution was offered by Bishop, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 67-14
RE: Authorizing Lease Of City Property (2405 Boardwalk)
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 68-14
RE: Authorizing City Clerk To Advertise The Availability Of Requests For Proposals (“RFP”) For Vending Machine Services
The above resolution was offered by Tolomeo, seconded by Del Conte, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 69-14
RE: Awarding Professional Services Contract To The Richard Stockton College Coastal Research Center For Beach Monitoring Services
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 70-14
RE: Authorizing Revision Of ADA Curb Cut Project Under Grant From New Jersey Department Of Community Affairs
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
The above resolution was offered by Tolomeo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 71-14
RE: Authorizing Approval Of Change Order #1 – Final & Engineer’s Estimate #10 – Final – Reconstruction Of Chestnut Avenue
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 72-14
RE: Authorizing Approval Of Change Order #1 – Final & Engineer’s Estimate #6 – Final – Reconstruction Of Walnut Avenue
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 73-14
RE: Authorizing Approval Of Change Order #1 – Final & Engineer’s Estimate #5 – Final – Contract #1 – Bulkhead Replacement At SW 18th And Maryland Avenues
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 74-14
RE: Authorizing Approval Of Change Order #1 – Final & Engineer’s Estimate #4 – Final – Contract #1 – Bulkhead Replacement At 7th And Beach Creek Avenues
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 75-14
RE: Authorizing Approval Of Change Order #1 – Final & Engineer’s Estimate #4 – Final – Contract #2 – Bulkhead Replacement At 8th And Beach Creek Avenues
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 76-14
RE: Authorizing Approval Of Change Order #1 – Final & Engineer’s Estimate #5 – Final – Bulkhead Replacements At SW 15th And NW 18th Avenues On Maryland Avenue
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 77-14
RE: Authorizing Approval Of Change Order #1 – Final & Engineer’s Estimate #2 – Final – 2013 Street Resurfacing Program
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
The above resolution was offered by Rullo, seconded by Kane, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted.
# 78-14
RE: Introduction Of 2014 Municipal Budget
The above resolution was offered by Tolomeo, seconded by Del Conte, the roll being called, all voting in the affirmative, the President of Council declared the resolution duly adopted. City Auditor Leon Costello stated that this budget contains a $0.011 tax increase. There are no changes in City services and full funding is provided for upcoming capital projects. The City is $1.2 million under the levy cap and $1.8 million under the spending cap. The total cap bank is more than $2.7 million. The fund balance has increased by more than $99,000. Salaries have only increased 1.1%. This is a financially sound budget.
FINANCE/VOUCHER LIST:
On a motion by Bishop, seconded by Tolomeo, authorizing payment of all approved vouchers. The roll was called with all voting in the affirmative. As per Resolution #11-14, all bills listed below be paid and warrants drawn by the proper officers for the stated amounts.