Current Minutes Minutes Archive

March 16, 2007: Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance.

President's Remarks:

Welcome to TPA Meeting
Guests: Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew and Nelson Albano

Property Tax Reform and School Funding
Guests: Board of Education Superintendent Zelenak and Board Member

Brief Overview: Budget and Education Funding

Roll Call:

Approve Minutes

K. Wyatt - February 2007 – Motion Approved

Motion

To go out of the regular order to accommodate the Assemblymen – Motion Approved.

Public Session

D. Crowley, Introductions and Moderator

Guests: Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew and Nelson Albano

• TPA Board Questions -Audience Questions

Guests: Board of Education Superintendent Zelenak and Board Member

• TPA Board Questions - Audience Questions

Highlights from this presentation – Jack, Tony, Bob spoke and asked questions:

1. Tax Relief bill to be signed in near future
2. Research Appeal process for Federal Impact Aid
3. 1 Billion for lifetime cost of Healthcare and cost of living increases
4. Introduced 9 bills for fiscal stability
5. Introduced “double dipping” bill for pensions
6. Introduced “corruption bill” for state workers who are caught- loose their pension.
7. 4% CAP will have exceptions
8. Small, efficiently run towns will feel impact from 4% CAP
9. County school district legislation – pilot program caused backlash
10. Fix funding formula – see judicial rather than legislative
11. Brand new School Funding Formula

Kate spoke with Mr. Van Drew and asked if they would be willing to meet twice a year for update – he agreed it would be a good idea – need a volunteer to follow up.

Kate will add their webpage links to TPA website.

Treasurer's Report

P. Iurato – Motion Approved

Committee Reports

1. Educational Committee –D. Crowley

• (see Assemblymen Report above)

2. Revitalization Committee

UPDATE March 16, 2007. D. Crowley

• Membership - D. Crowley added as Alternate Representative for the TPA;
   
• Agreed to establish a Revenue Subcommittee to explore and develop recommendations for new and expanded revenue sources to support Revitalization Plans. Will be chaired by D. Crowley;
   
• Mall Subcommittee -Issued report endorsing the $3.5 million Bond Issue by Council to be adopted in April. Work to commence by October 2007 in conjunction with the Water/Sewer Infrastructure work funded by the bond approved by the voters in August;
   
• Parks and Grounds Subcommittee -Issued report calling for the immediate refurbish of the Library Grounds in conjunction with the Garden Club. To be completed by May 2007;
   
• Parking/Traffic Subcommittee – Scheduled to complete work and issue report within the next 30 days;
   
• Convention Hall Subcommittee – Survey returns are coming in;
   
• Gateway Project – Design completed by Rhodeside-Harwell. Revitalization committee formally endorsed design. Will be funded within the amount of the County Grant. Scheduled for completion by Memorial Day;
   
• Rhodeside-Harwell – Preliminary recommendations submitted to the public and the Revitalization Committee 3/12/07. Final recommendations due in June. Caution: plan is a broad vision of how Cape May could look in five key locations in the years to come. Specific plans, cost analysis and revenue sources have not been included in the R-H effort to date. In addition to the five key locations R-H will also be making recommendations regarding parking, transit systems, pedestrian and bike systems and traffic flow.

3. Council of Affordable Housing (COAH) - R. Steenrod

• No activity to date.

4. Citizen of the Year - Steve Todd

• On target.

5. Technology/Web Site – K. Wyatt D.Chew

• See meeting agenda.

Old Business

• Convention Hall Survey Report – Bob Steenrod

New Business

• Candidate Night- not required, School Board candidates - unapposed.

Final Public Session – Audience Questions

• Audience Member – question on Convention Hall Survey, standardization of RVC committee reports and project planning and accountability.

Adjourn

Respectfully submitted,
Kate Wyatt for Audrey Conant