CAPE MAY – In a split 3-2 vote Feb. 4, Cape May City Council introduced a new ordinance that sets standards for property owners who desire to install solar energy systems.
The action sets up a potential clash with the city’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), which has not reviewed the new standards to ensure they will not jeopardize the city’s Historic Landmark status.
A controversy broke out in the council, as Councilman Zack Mullock claimed he was assured by the clerk that the ordinance was pulled from the agenda, leading him to inform members of the HPC that they need not attend the council meeting to speak on the proposed standards.
After a back and forth on what the clerk said, and what the procedure is for removing an agenda item, Mayor Clarence Lear left the item on the agenda.
Despite advice to the contrary from City Solicitor Frank Corrado, Lear, Deputy Mayor Patricia Hendricks and Councilman Shaine Meier voted to introduce the ordinance. Councilwoman Stacy Sheehan voted against it, with Mullock.
Corrado advised waiting for HPC input before advertising the proposed ordinance, since such input could result in a substantive change to the ordinance wording.
The HPC will be asked to submit its review of the proposed standards before a final vote to adopt them is taken March 3. That meeting will also include a public hearing on the ordinance.
