The meeting, held at Cape May City Hall, was called to order by President Peter Cole at 1:00pm pursuant to notice given to the members on the Association’s website, by email to its member list and publication in the Star and Wave newspaper.   Mr. Cole asked Mr. Stepanuk to take minutes.
 
Peter Cole, Dennis Crowley, Bob Elwell, Jules Rauch, Bill Seeger, and Stacy Sheehan were present as members and Board Members as well as Anthony Adam, Jolta Knight, Barbara Knight, Mary Haredr-Garcia, Peter Garcia, Jerry Albco, John Colehower, Rose Traficante, Kevin Stepanuk, as well as 4 other guests who arrived after the meeting started and did not sign in.  Paul Deitrich, City Manager; Justin Riggs, Deputy City Manager; and Robert Cummiskey, Superintendent for Water and Sewer attended as guests on behalf of the City.
 
Mr. Rauch conducted the election of Directors.  He moved to elect the following as Directors of the Association for a one year term until the next Annual meeting of Members:
Peter Cole                                                        Bill Seeger
Dennis Crowley                                            Stacy Sheehan
Bob Elwell                                                        Kevin Stepanuk
Jules Rauch                                                    Rose Traficante
 
Upon motion to approve, duly seconded, the motion was approved by an affirmative voice vote with no nays or abstentions.
 
Mr. Rauch conducted the election of Officers.  He moved to elect the following:
Peter Cole                        President
Jules Rauch                    Vice President
Stacy Sheehan              Treasurer
Kevin Stepanuk             Secretary
 
Upon motion to approve, duly seconded, the motion was approved by an affirmative voice vote with no nays or abstentions.
 
Mr. Rauch then moved for a Special Recognition of Mr. Peter Iurato as Lifetime Member of the Association.  Mr. Iurato served the Association for 25 years as its Treasurer.  Upon motion to approve, duly seconded, the motion was approved by an affirmative voice vote with no nays or abstentions.
 
There being a quorum of Board Members present, Mr. Cole addressed the Board Members only and moved that the minutes of the July 16, 2026 Board meeting be approved.  Upon motion to approve, duly seconded, the minutes were unanimously approved. 
 
Ms. Sheehan gave the Treasurer’s Report stating that the Association has $10,822 in its checking account and a certificate of deposit in the amount of $26,194 for total assets of
 
$37,016.   There are no expenses foreseen out of the ordinary course of business.   Upon motion to approve, duly seconded, the Treasurer’s Report was approved by affirmative voice vote with no nays or abstentions.
 
Dr. Traficante was asked to present on the Feasibility Study regarding Consolidation of Cape May and West Cape May Elementary Schools into One Regional District.  A copy of her study synopsis was given to those in attendance.  The presentation was informational and generated vigorous discussion among those in attendance.  Dr. Traficante was thanked for the presentation as well as Mr. Crowley for his work on this matter.
 
Mr. Cole then moved that the proposed amendments to the By-Laws of the Association be approved.   Mr. Seeger raised concern about changing the number of Directors from being no less than 7 to no less than 5.  Mr. Stepanuk said the number reflects the few members willing to serve on the Board and that it is a minimum, not maximum number.   After discussion, including comments from Ms. Sheehan, it was agreed that the language as written is acceptable to the Board for presentment to the Members for a vote.  Upon motion to approve, duly seconded, the amendments were approved by affirmative voice vote with no nays or abstentions.  Mr. Stepanuk was directed to prepare an Amended and Restated copy of the By-Laws reflecting the approved amendments and to have such posted on the Association’s website.
 
Mr. Crowley was then asked to present on matters concerning Cape May’s water and sewer utility.  Mr. Elwell was asked to give a brief history of water matters in Cape May and overview the extensive historic material he had displayed on a table for Member review.  He was recognized for his expertise and historic knowledge of water issues in Cape May.  Mr. Crowley’s presentation provided deep background on the status of water/sewer in Cape May.  He advised the Members that a rate increase is almost a certainty and it is the Association’s position that any such increase be based on reasoned consideration of all factors rather than mere proposal.  Mr. Cummiskey was asked to speak briefly on the subject and was given data requests from Mr. Crowley so the Association could further its review and understanding of the issues related to a potential rate increase.  
 
Mr. Cole then asked the Members present if there was any other business to consider.  There being none, upon motion to adjourn, duly seconded and unanimously approved, the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Association’s Members adjourned at 2:45pm.