CAPE MAY POINT — Borough Commission discussed increasing fines for violation of its stormwater management ordinance during a meeting May 27. The ordinance is set for a public hearing at the next meeting.
Mayor Anita VanHeeswyk noted that the borough engineer was not in attendance and wanted to introduce the ordinance with the intention of having him present at the next meeting for the public hearing.
Commissioners discussed the fine amount for ordinance violations, which was previously set at $1,000. VanHeeswyk discussed increasing the fine to $2,000.
Solicitor John Amenhauser said that if the commissioners were looking to be a deterrent, they could make it a continuing violation with a daily penalty for an accrual over time.
“A lot of towns do that, and it really does provide more of a deterrent than a one-time [fine],” Amenhauser said. “It ensures that it’s cleaned up and fixed.”
The commissioners agreed on a recurring fine of $1,000 for violations.
“If you’re going to do a recurring penalty or continuing violation, typically what happens is the spending individual or entity will get hit with an initial violation and they’ll have a certain period of time for which to correct it,” Amenhauser said. “The question becomes how long do you want to give them to correct the violation before they start getting hit with the [recurring fine].”
Deputy Mayor Elise Geiger suggested 30 days because there needs to be enough time for correction. VanHeeswyk said the commission will hear feedback from the public during the next meeting prior to the final vote.
“I think that makes most sense to do, to leave it open-ended but provide yourself with some time,” Amenhauser said. “I think 30 is a reasonable time frame but you can let [engineer] Dale [Foster] be the deciding factor from his experience there.”
Mayor’s Monarch Pledge
In other news, Borough Commission discussed a pilot program to plant at beach entrances as part of the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge (MMP). The pledge was created by the National Wildlife Foundation to address the significant decline in monarch numbers, which have decreased 90% in eastern populations and 99% in western populations.
Those who sign the pledge commit to restoring and creating monarch and pollinator habitats and encourage residents to take similar actions within their communities. Education for residents is also part of the MMP.
“This relates to the planting of milkweed and pollinator-friendly native nectar plants along roadsides, medians and public rights of way,” Commissioner Suzanne Yunghans said. “The thought was to plant a group of black-eyed Susans at two beach entrances (Brainard and Coral avenues) to see how they do.”
This beautification motive supports the butterflies, and Yunghans added there are Environmental Commission members who are willing to water the plants throughout the summer to help them get established.
“I think it will be lovely,” VanHeeswyk said, adding she was concerned about the soil and beach sand, but it was good to have it as a pilot program. Yunghans said the plan includes putting some soil down with the plants.
Other business
Geiger said that she, along with Amenhauser, is looking into harmonizing the landscape code with the tree removal code and will provide recommendations at a future meeting.
She and Amenhauser are also investigating the origins of the prohibition on fishing at Lake Lily and potential options available, as the borough has been receiving complaints about children fishing on the lake.
VanHeeswyk reminded residents to speak with zoning official Bruce Britton if they plan to make any changes to their residential landscaping. Residents can call at any time and leave a message. The office number is (609) 884-8468, ext. 16.
Yunghans said she is continuing to work on revisions to the tree replacement ordinance. One part of that is the list of trees prepared last year. Yunghans welcomes the public to provide input on which native trees should be on the list.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
