The council meeting’s primary focus was on the water utility capital improvement initiative. Detailed discussions were held about constructing a new treatment plant building with a finished floor elevation two feet above the 500-year flood level. An additional four feet of concrete was planned to ensure flood resiliency, allowing for flood barriers to reach six feet above the flood level. The council explored the necessity of raising the elevation of the construction area by two to three feet and noted a likely need for additional fill, as excavation would not produce enough.

A significant portion of the funding, approximately 90%, had been sourced from grants, with an initial $600,000 grant followed by subsequent allocations. Only about $300,000 of the project funding would come from city funds, specifically through the water utility fund and bonds previously issued for the project. The council also confirmed agreements with neighboring municipalities and the Coast Guard, including a desalinization capital recapture process. The financial model would potentially lead to increased water rates for the city and bulk users, addressing the monetary implications of the project.

Further dialogue centered on the project’s operational phases and the transition from the existing reverse osmosis (RO) plant to new facilities. The council clarified that the old plant would remain operational during the initial phase to provide an additional water source while new iron removal units were installed. As new RO units come online, plans involve decommissioning old equipment. The historical significance of the existing building was emphasized, with its future use still under evaluation.

The meeting also covered erosion prevention measures for Delaware Avenue, focusing on a proposed revetment project designed to prevent erosion using gabion baskets. The project would extend to the yacht club without encroaching on its property. A resident requested a presentation from the Army Corps to enhance community transparency and information sharing. The council discussed an easement agreement involving the county.

A notable agenda item was the approval of a commemorative beach tag for 2026 to fund city celebrations, including Cape May’s 150th anniversary and the national historic landmark’s 50th anniversary. The council debated pricing structures, proposing a pre-sale of 500 tags at $50 each, with a subsequent price increase to $75 for an additional 500 tags after April 30. This initiative aimed to generate interest and funding for upcoming significant events.

Public comments included concerns about ordinance 584, which proposed removing parking requirements in the C1 zoning district. A resident argued that this change could exacerbate existing parking issues and questioned the need for workforce housing. The potential financial benefits for a select group of property owners were also scrutinized, with calls for the council to reject the zoning changes due to ethical implications. Additionally, residents raised questions about safety issues related to newly planted trees on Franklin Street.

In other developments, the council passed a resolution to install a Black Heritage Trail marker at the AM Church, emphasizing the importance of recognizing black history in Cape May. The city manager highlighted community initiatives, including the police department’s holiday toy collection and upcoming festive events. The council commended the holiday decorations and recent re-certification for the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, an initiative to restore habitats for monarch butterflies.