Cape May to Make Application to Become ‘Coast Guard Community’

CAPE MAY – At the general council meeting May 20, Cape May Mayor Edward Mahaney, Jr. invited citizens to a ceremony to be held at the Cape May Convention Center at 9 a.m. May 23. At the event, Cape May County Officials will present to the Coast Guard Commandant an application and supporting documentation for the county’s bid to be designated as a Coast Guard Community. Only 15 other cities have received the honor of being designated a Coast Guard City and only one region, Camden County, Ga., has been named a Coast Guard Community. The Coast Guard program recognizes cities and regions that have made special efforts to support the military service and professional work of the Coast Guard men and women assigned to their area. Cape May County’s long history with the Coast Guard and its training facility makes this an important effort and a show of support from the community would be a useful addition to the event.
Preparation for Bond Sale
Homeowners are not the only people engaged in spring cleanup efforts. At the Cape May Council meeting May 20, a series of resolutions were presented and passed to prepare for the sale of $10,740,000 of General Obligation Bonds series 2014.
The bond portfolio consists of $6,035,000 General Improvement Bonds, $2,700,000 Water/Sewer Utility Bonds, and $2,005,000 Beach Utility Bonds. The numbers represent an effort to consolidate certain past issues of bonds in all three categories. Three ordinances for further capital improvements, which would result in new bonds, were presented for public discussion but tabled rather than voted at this meeting. Council also approved a resolution allowing the city to file an application with the Local Finance Board for adjustments in the maturities and/or amounts of the bonds yet to be issued.
School Funding Controversy Continues
At the previous council meeting, resolutions were approved for the city to request the Lower Cape May School Board to approve a change to the funding formula for the LCMR School District and to provide Cape May City with additional school board representation consistent with the percentage of the total funding provide by the city. At the May 20 meeting, a letter was read into the record from Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-1st), which offered little encouragement that a resolution to the funding dispute would be forthcoming. Council engaged in no discussion of the letter. Since the members of the present council began the effort to alter the funding formula, it has been clear that the strategy in place was to demonstrate that all avenues for resolution have been exhausted in order to clear the way for a challenge in the courts.
New Web Feature Requested
During the public comment period, a request was made that council consider a new feature to aid citizens who wish to follow the actions of city government. Currently the city web site allows interested parties to view the agenda of the council in advance of meetings. This year, council also added video broadcast of the meeting. However, the many ordinances and resolutions on the agenda are merely summarized in brief headings that give little detail about the content of the documents.
Council was asked to consider establishing a link on the electronic agenda that would allow citizens to call up the full ordinance or resolution if the heading indicated that it was of interest to them. This would make following the meetings on video more meaningful as well. City Manager Bruce MacLeod indicated he would look into the matter.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.