meeting is being conducted in compliance with the open public meetings act. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by advertisement in the Cape May star and wave on the township website and posted on the bulletin boards of township hall. We request anyone wishing to address council.
Please wait for the mayor to recognize you. Please state your name and address for the record and please remember all comments must be kept to three minutes or less. Please stand for pledge of allegiance. Moment of silence. Aliance to the flag of the United States
of America and to the rep for it stands one indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Roll call, please. Council member Conrad here. Council member Wearham here. Council member Roy
here. Deputy Mayor Coons here. Mayor Sipple here. Okay. There's no work session on the agenda. We'll go right to the consent agenda. Any council comments on the consent agenda? No. No. No. Anybody from the public want to comment
on the consent agenda? I see none. Close the public portion. Approval of the minutes. April 7, 2025. Resolutions 2025 164 through 2025 172. I'll make a motion to move forward this.
I'll second it. Council member Conrad. Yes. Council member Wearan. Yes. Council member Roy. Yes. Deputy Mayor Kums. Yes. Mayor C. Yes. Ordinance number 202510. An ordinance amending chapter
400 land development article 10 fees for conditional uses guarantees bonds inspections and offtrack improvements subsection 80A fees to update the fees associated with with land development applications. This is the second reading
and public hearing of this ordinance. This ordinance has been posted, published, and made available to the public. Okay. Any council comments on this ordinance? None. Anybody from the public want to comment on this ordinance? I see none. Close the public portion. Is there a motion to move
forward with this ordinance? I'll make the motion. Second. Council member Conrad. Yes. Council member Wearham. Yes. Council member Roy. Yes. Deputy Mayor Kums. Yes. Mayor Cipple. Yes. Ordinance number
202511. Excuse me. an ordinance amending chapter 235 construction codes uniform subsection 4 fees searchcharge fees to eliminate and or modify certain construction permit application fees to
ensure consistency with the New Jersey uniform construction code. This is the second reading of public hearing of this ordinance. This ordinance has posted, published, and made available to the public. Thank you. Any council comments on this ordinance? No. No. No. Anybody from the public want to comment on this
ordinance? I see none because the public portion. Is there a motion to move forward with this motion? Second. Council member Conrad. Yes. Council member Wearham. Yes. Council member Roy. Yes. Deputy Mayor Kums. Yes. Mayor
Cibil. Yes. Ordinance number 202512. This is a bond order providing for various 2025 capital improvements by and in the township of lower in the county of Kate May state in New Jersey appropriating $2,880,000 therefore and authorizing the
issuance of $2,735,000 bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. This is the second reading of public hearing of this ordinance. This ordinance has been posted, published, and made available to the public. Any council comments?
No comments from council. Anybody from the public want to comment comment on this ordinance? Seeing close the public portion. Is there a motion to move forward? Motion. Second. Council member Conrad. Yes. Council
member Wearham. Yes. Council member Roy. Yes. Deputy Mayor Kums. Yes. Mayor Sipple. Yes. Mr. Hansen, engineer report, please. Thank you, Mayor. Um this evening I will be presenting the engineers report on behalf of Delasio and Associates outlining all the capital
projects underway in the township. The first capital project is the Rotary Community Park renovations. As you guys know, this has been a two-phase project. Phase one has been complete, has been operational since July of last year. Um phase two is in the design phase. So a grant opportunity
popped up um while we were in the midst of designing phase two. Um that was a Jake Slaw grant through the NJD green acres program. So we applied for that on February 5th, 2025 and that's to build a totally inclusive playground. So we're still awaiting the results of that uh
grant application. Once we receive news, we'll be able to finalize the design and go out to bid for that project. Hopefully we get some good news on that soon. The second capital project is the Bay Outfall extension project. Uh the proposed work for this project includes design and permits to extend 15 ba
bayside outfalls to improve drainage and the township is aiming to construct five of the 15 outfalls in 2025. So we have received a waterfront development permit and caffer permit for this work. However, we're still awaiting authorization from the United uh from
the army corpse of engineers. Um so they raised a concern with a heritage site near the St. John out avenue outfall. been told that this is um this is the final step to get through uh authorization. So we have provided additional information to the army
corpse to address their concern. Um and we're still on target to bid the project and have construction start July 2025 when the seasonal restriction for work below the toe of the dune lifts. The third capital project is the
Delaware Bay Drive pump house outfall extension. So, this was one of the 15 outfalls that the township declared an emergency that we already had approval for. Um, so that was to extend the outfall that's connected to the Delaware Bay pump house uh storm water pump station. So, this project was deemed an
emergency due to the erosion that was being caused in the dune. Um, and this project went well and everything's been completed and it's uh fully functional and operational. The next capital project is the 2024 NJ DOT municipal aid
program reconstruction of Ridgewood Avenue. A uh a $200,000 municipal aid grant has been allocated for this project and this is for uh milling and paving Ridgewood Avenue from Basher Road to the western end of Ridgewood Avenue. The township also elected to apply for a
local aid grant and an additional $200,000 was awarded um through this grant program. So, the design is largely complete for this. We've just had to do some formatting to make sure that we can um satisfy both uh grant program requirements. So, we're going to be
uploading that to the NJ DOT shortly. Uh there'll be roughly a 30-day review period, potentially some comments, and then we'll be able to um bid that project. So, that is moving along. The next project is the 2023 stormwater GIS mapping services. So for the proposed
work for this project includes digitizing all the existing lower township master drainage plans. Um we've been working with the lower township department of public works on this project and this is an ongoing project and that is due to the D at the start of 2026. So we're uh moving
along nicely and on target to hit that submission date. The sixth capital project is the David Douglas Senior Memorial Park renovations. The proposed work includes the reconstruction and expansion, excuse me, of the existing parking lot, relocation of the existing memorial and redesign of the existing
memorial, new site amenities, new decorative footpaths along the Cape May Canal, and an observation deck. A project that's also happening in conjunction with that project is the expansion of Beach Drive to install a footpath connecting Lincoln Boulevard to David Douglas Senior Memorial Park. So
our office has been working along with the DRBA and a shared service agreement or a memorandum of agreement is in place between the two parties outlining um both projects occurring. So a development grant was submitted to the Kate May County Open Space Board and as previously reported a
roughly 2.1 million grant was awarded by the Kate May County Open Space Board. Um the township also sought to apply for an NJDCA ADA improvement grant. Um I have here in my report that we're still awaiting the results, but the township was notified this week that an additional 92,000 is being awarded um
for this project through that program. So that's good news. Um so we are in the permitting phase for this project. We uh are about a week or two out from submitting the um our CAFER permit, which is good news. There'll be roughly a six-month permit review timeline, and
then at that point, we'll be able to, you know, go into the design. So we're hoping that permitting phase goes smoothly. Um but we will be submitting that in the next couple weeks. Uh the next capital project is the lower township public works building design. So the proposed work for this project includes new a new public works
administration building associated utilities and a new site site layout including the elimination of the southern entrance to improve site safety. Um a septic permit was submitted to Kate May County Department of Health and we've uh received that permit. Um so we're in the final decide stage. It's
already uh been designed and it's ready for bid. We're just working out some details with um the township and public works. Um so we should be able to bid that project soon. The next capital project is the Homes Avenue, Gorman Avenue, Scott Avenue storm sewer and roadway improvement
project. So the proposed work includes uh replacing the storm sewer from Homes Avenue to Hughes Avenue and Scott Avenue intersections, resurfacing the roadway, and installing concrete curbs and sidewalks in various areas. Uh so this project area has been surveyed basemapped and it's not on here but
we've um we're um you know about a quarter of the way through the design phase on this project. Um the LTMUA has also identified the need to have the water man replaced in this project area. So we've been working along with the LTMA to coordinate the design of this project uh with the
township. The next capital project number nine is a lower township municipal pool building. So, the proposed work includes replacing the public entrance building at the municipal pool facility. So, the township received a $400,000 grant from the NG NJCAA for this project uh which
is will cover the line share of the building replacement. Um so, we've uh surveyed since I last updated you, we've surveyed it and we're currently in the design phase. So, the goal for this project is uh to design, bid it, and have construction start once the facility closes in September. So, that's
what we're targeting. The next capital project is a 2025 NJ dot municipal aid program reconstruction of Beach Avenue. So the proposed work includes milling and paving Beach Avenue from Spruce Avenue to Maryland Avenue. Um so this is a municipal aid project.
So the township receives uh NJ do NJ DOT grant in the amount of $158,90 for this project. So, the design's been completed for this project, but as part of um going through the NJ DOT process, we have to submit the design plans and specifications to them. Uh we did so on April 1st, and
there'll be a 30-day review um process for this. They'll, you know, give us back some comments. We'll address those comments, and they'll hopefully give us authorization to bid that project uh shortly thereafter. So, we should receive news on that uh at the end of the month. The next capital project is a lower township
MS4 compliance project. So the proposed work includes assisting the township in complying with their current MS4 storm water permit. Um so our part in it is updating the municipal storm water master plan, the storm water pollution prevention plan and providing guidance for the
department of public works to comply with other areas of the permit. Um, so we've submitted uh the majority of the documents that needed updated to the township and we've just been working along with Gary Douglas of the Department of Public Works to complete the remaining items and that's a kind of ongoing process to uh get to a place of
being in fully compliant with the with the stormwater permit. The next capital project is the resurfacing of Cardinal Avenue. So the proposed work includes milling and paving Cardinal Avenue from Beach Avenue to Main Street. So survey is being completed for the this project area and uh the design is well underway
uh for this project and the final capital project um which is a new one on here is the beayhore road pickleball courts. So that the proposed work includes six new pickleball courts on this property here um on the property south of the lower
township construction office uh between the construction office and the senior center. So that uh project area has been surveyed, basemapped. Um we've done some concept plans and we're kind of fleshing out the design at the moment with the township and we should be ready to uh get that project out to bid once we uh
settle on a final design. That's all I had. If you guys have any questions, I'd be happy to answer. Nice job, Will, with this. Anything for Will? Thank you. Thanks, Mayor. Okay, we're moved to public comment. Any
from the public want to come up and comment to council? Okay. Close the public portion. Uh Mr. Lafy, you have anything you want to put out? Um yeah, I do. Um I do, mayor, if I could. Uh resolution
2025-172. I wanted to to thank you guys for passing that resolution. I know that we've been working hard with the county uh off and on for revising some issues on Sunset Boulevard going into um Sunset Beach.
And um that resolution will allow the county um to start the pedestrian crosswalk at Sunset on Sunset Boulevard at Seagroveve Avenue and Steven Street. So, um, more than likely when we pass
this resolution tonight, Westgate May will do the same this Wednesday and that work will be scheduled and it'll be finished before Memorial Day according to the county. So, that's a a really good traffic safety measure there because there's a lot of pedestrians that cross that road to go to Kate May Point, uh, bicycles, pedestrians, and
it's a an unsafe situation, and this will help slow down traffic on that road for sure. So, thank you for that. Yeah, very good. I'd also like to recognize Eileen Christ. Um, this is her last public meeting in Lower Township. Uh,
I'd like to thank her for her 26 plus years of service to Lower Township, starting at the recreation department like I did back in 1989 as when I started there. Um, I became friendly with Eileen through I worked at the county and we interacted on the phone
from time to time uh, dealing with lower township issues when I was a county business administrator. Um, I wanted to thank you for your years of service here, Eileen, and uh, the friendship that we developed as well. And, uh, I wish you nothing but success in your
future endeavors. And, uh, it's a going to be a good feeling for for a while when you uh, retire. I'll tell you that. I just did it too young. So, that's why I'm back here. So, nevertheless, we want to thank you for your years of service.
What's that? You call me old? No, not at all. I'm right behind you. Trust me. Thank you very much. You want to say anything, Eileen, to the group? Okay. All right. I've been really working with all of you. I appreciate
everything. Okay. Thank you. Maybe I'll come back for another council meeting in May sometime. So, you can bring your mom. Come on. So, okay. We're go to council comments. I do have a few things to put out. Um, youth flag red football registrations April 26 through May 2nd.
Programs for children grades one through eight. Uh, we've already mentioned this a few time lower township recreation will have two four-week camps this year. It's important to note the lower township residents are priority registration from April 29th to May 6. So if you live in Lower Township, you
want to jump on that date, April 29th to May 6. Is this anything online for registration, Mr. Lies, at all? just re go to the rec center and just uh it will be online. It will be online. We're hopeful. You'll be online. We should be up and running to be able to take that online by the the end of this month.
Okay. And open registration for they they've they've tried it a few times right now and they're working out some bugs on that. Okay. We should be ready to go in two weeks or so with that. Well, it opens up next week. Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. No, two weeks ago from the last time I talked to the website
planner. I'm sorry. Sounds good. So, open registration for everybody else from May 7th and May 14th. Um, I know it's morally services a month out, but the the VFW will have their service in the villas. And again, I want
to recognize uh Eileen Krauss for your 26 years of service. Christ Krauss Christ. But anyway, it's all good, but we thank you for your service. Um, Lower Township Chamber of Commerce was have is going to
have a business community night Tuesday, April 29th from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Naval Museum on the airport. And I guess the last thing I want to put out is uh Council Wearham. We've asked Council Wearham to um work with the county engineer since he works for the
county. uh he's our link up there. He's going to bridge the county to Mr. Lafy's office and help out with some identifying some county projects and u track the dates and things like that. So, I'm sure Councilman Wearham will talk about that when his turn comes up tonight. Other than that, that's all I
have and I'll move it over to the deputy mayor. I have nothing but uh to thank you, Eileen, for your years of dedicated uh service and congratulations on your retirement. Thank you, Councilman Roy. Yes. I uh also I'd like to offer
congratulations on your retirement Alen. It's u not always cracked up what it should be but somehow or other you find a little niche and you fit in real well. So good luck with all your future endeavors. Also I'd like to comment um last week deputy u I'm sorry the tent
manager and I we had the opportunity to sit in on a Zoom call with the New Jersey Department of Transportation regarding ongoing safety improvements at Skullers Landing. It's been a project that's been drawn out to some degree. It started approximately two years ago uh
where safety enhancement measures were being taken to slow traffic and to alert uh motorists to pedestrian crossings that were being placed throughout the area including lighting and and such along those lines. Uh however, the
project was not yet completed. It was revealed during the phone call that the uh DOT is waiting on vendors to supply the materials to do so. Uh once they have the materials, which they anticipate they should have by the end
of this month, beginning of next, the project will uh again begin and should be completed by the end of May or early June at the latest. So, with that in mind, uh we hope to see work being done on Skellinger's Landing with the safety improvement
um enhancements, uh making it safe for everyone. Thank you. Thank you, Council Weim. Yeah, as the mayor said, um all council thought it would be a good idea for um the residents of lower to be updated
since there's so many roads that are in every township, but a lot of people don't know if it's a county road or uh a township owned road. Um, with that being said, I've been in routine conversation with uh Bob Church, the county engineer, and he provided me a list, which I'm
going to read out to everybody here with the upcoming uh road resurfacing and um roadway improvement projects. Um, first one on here is Beayshore Road from New England AB to Stimson Lane. Uh, that's looking to be started in June of this
year, 2025. um Seashore Road phase one from Route 47 to Breakwater Road. That's looking to be uh begin in September of this year as well. Then um Seashore Road phase 2 from
Breakwater Road to Tabernacle Road that's looking to be started in um September of 2026. Um, then we also have Seashore Road phase three from Tabernacle Road to Sandman Boulevard which is set for
September of 2027. Um, then there's Academy Road from Tabernacle Road to Shpike Road. They're looking to begin that on September of this year as well, 2025. Um, Shumpike Road from Breakwater
to Academy Road. tenative maintenance paving to begin on June of 2026. Um, New England Road, tenative maintenance paving to begin as well as June June 2026. Uh, Town Bank Road from
Beayshore to Beach Drive September 30th. I mean, I'm sorry, year September 30, 2030. Sorry about that. um Sunset Boulevard resurfacing and shared use path March
2027. And then he also has upcoming bridge projects. Mil Creek and Upper Thorfare railing replacement and pedestrian walkway completion date is set for May 15, 2025. In addition to that, Ocean Drive
upgrades and bridge replacements currently in prelim preliminary design construction after 2030. So that's that's the report I was provided and thought it'd be good to be transparent with everybody. That's a good job, Council Wear.
Yeah, you got to come up to the microphone if you want to comment. Um we we've closed the public portion already, but if you want to come up when we're finished, you you're more than welcome to come up. Okay. Um, my only comment on this, if you could go back and revisit
this, even Mr. Laffy, the um, Town Back Road from Basher Beach Drive, not saying September 2030, you know, that that was supposed to been done by now. It was pushed to the right more than once. Okay. Uh, maybe we can get it back to the left a little bit
because, you know, that's pretty bad. And we have our town back fire company down there. They're always responding back and forth and the road just beat up. doesn't help the fire trucks trying to get to an emergency. So maybe you can go back and try to get that date moved and left it a little bit if you can. So
not a problem. Yeah, I thought uh for commissioners when Mr. Prairie was here that he had talked to them and that got moved up because I think it got moved back again instead. It did. Yeah. But we need to move it back to the left a little bit then if we can. Yeah. So you
anything else, Council Wear? No. Crade, I have a couple things. Uh May 23rd, we're going to have our family fun night at U Clan. There's going to be a bike rodeo. And this is something that sounds interesting and should bring everybody out to Naval Air Station's having their
uh longest the longest yarn there. Sounds like an interesting event. I was away for when the grand opening was, but this is something it's about D-Day and it's always good to learn the history and Naval Air Station is a good place to visit. Which bring us to
veterans, which Miss Eileene, I am definitely going to miss you because I remember going to all this stuff. We started I started meeting up with you at movies in the park at Morgan Field. Oh, my wife and I would help her
set up close it down. But Eileen's been with all all these different events in this township, especially with the veterans. You were at the forefront for every veterans event that's happened almost in the past 20 years. And I want to thank you for that. Anything else? That is it for me.
So, Bill, if you want to come up with the microphone, you're welcome. Yeah. Bill Greenfield. Uh, I just didn't Did you say anything about Fishing Creek Road? not heard to say academy but not on the um updated report he provided me.
He did provide me another list that states about Fishing Creek Road that uh it was last resurfaced from um it has a county road number 603 to 647 in 2024. But they still have to do part of
you mind if I jump in on that? Absolutely not. Councilman. Um Bill. Yeah, they did phase one of that from um Bayshore and Fishing Creek to Tabernacle. Phase two, they they used county funds to pay for that entire project. Phase two has some federal and state monies tied to it. So, it's under
evaluation by them as well. Supposed to start this spring. It was supposed to start this spring. It looks to me like it's going to either start in the summer or the fall right now. Um, we are reaching out to the county engineer to see if they can't push that along a little sooner than that because it would
probably be better with the buses that travel on that road. We think the summer might be better than detouring the traffic with school buses. So, if it's ready in the summertime, we're probably going to make that move to do that this summer. All right, good enough. Okay, congratulations, Eileen, too.
Okay. Is there a motion to adjurnn? Motion. Second. All in favor? All right. Bye.