Council held their regularly scheduled sessions on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 and addressed the following topics:
The meeting opened with the Mayor presenting certificates of achievement for longevity to several Borough employees.
The shared services agreement with the County of Cape May for heavy equipment fleet maintenance was discussed. This is a renewal of an existing five-year agreement for another five years. Services provide income in the range of $92,000 to $100,00 per year to the Borough.
New Jersey has a recreation fund which allows municipalities to apply for for grants of up to $100,000. Recreation Director Chuck McDonnell and Administrator Scott Wahl described for Council their preparation of an application for such a grant. Plans are to provide the Borough with an additional 10 pickleball courts at the 8th Street location. This would be done without decreasing the number of tennis courts and requires the Borough to match the grant funds.
.Council approved routine resolutions authorizing the continuance of a variety of professional services for the coming year.
An update was given on the planned hydraulic beach fill. Operations are underway in Ocean City and 7 Mile Island will be next. Equipment will be shifted to Avalon in the new year, with work expected to start in mid-February.
Council discussed the request of the Planning and Zoning Board for funds to finance a consulting firm contract to evaluate potential changes to the B-1 business district. This process could take up to a year for completion and they need to develop an idea of the cost in order to solicit any bids.
The Fireworks contract for the coming year was discussed. Fireworks are scheduled for July 4th and the 31st of December. Costs for July 4th are higher ($77.000) because a barge is used. December 31st is a smaller show that does not require a barge, and costs $13,000.
American Legion Commander Tom McCullough addressed Council and thanked them for all the support the Borough provides to the Legion and to the Veterans of 7 Mile Island.
Several property owners made comments to Council. Subjects included recommendations related to the master plan, the status of the Princeton property. and zoning issues.
