A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the ongoing Colombia project, which is integral to Cape May’s plans for a new desalination plant. The commission expressed confidence in the expert team managing this project, emphasizing their comprehensive approach to sustainability and financial planning. A key element of this project is a water audit designed to gather insights into local water usage habits. However, the commission acknowledged challenges in gathering sufficient responses from residents, noting that although the response rate was low, even a small number of completed surveys could prove beneficial.

To address this issue, the commission discussed strategies for increasing community engagement, such as forming subcommittees focused on outreach and hydrology. They noted the importance of raising awareness about water usage, given that all water bills are public records. However, the convenience of online bill payment might discourage residents from reviewing their consumption patterns. The commission suggested modifying the online payment interface to require users to view their usage data before proceeding with payment. They also proposed implementing tiered pricing structures to incentivize responsible water consumption.

Another topic of significant interest was the discussion of new ordinances aimed at enhancing environmental standards and safety in the city. One ordinance, which has already been passed by the city council, requires contractors to maintain clean construction sites. This includes using tarps and vacuum systems on-site to manage dust and debris. Code enforcement will oversee compliance.

Additionally, the commission addressed a proposed ordinance under consideration by the city council that would mandate the covering of dumpsters in transit, a measure designed to prevent debris from escaping into roadways and waterways. This proposed ordinance, influenced by similar regulations in nearby municipalities like Avalon, reflects the city’s stance on environmental protection. The commission expressed optimism about the ordinance’s progress and potential impact, committing to update on its status in future meetings.

The meeting also covered updates on the Lafayette Street Park project, where recent tree removal prompted discussions about consulting the Shade Tree Commission for input on replacing certain species. The park’s development, which includes plans for walkways, green spaces, a dog park, and a bocce court, is scheduled to pause during the summer months to minimize disruption to visitors. The commission and project engineers are seeking feedback on the landscape plan, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping the project’s outcome.

The commission briefly touched on the city’s membership in the New Jersey Association of Environmental Commissions (NJAC), discussing the benefits of continued affiliation. Although the status of recent payments was unclear, there was general agreement on the value of maintaining this membership for its potential resources and support for environmental initiatives.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of Gretchen’s upcoming retirement, which was new information for some attendees, and it was agreed to continue this discussion in subsequent meetings.