Anti-Anglesea Advocate Offers Compromise; Mayor: Cost of Change $20,000-$30,000

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ The Sept. 6 City Council meeting met with gratitude after being “spared” from the threat of Hurricane Hermine. Although the busy Labor Day weekend officially brought the end to another summer, the city looks ahead to the upcoming months as another step is taken to determine the Anglesea question. 
In a released statement, Mayor Patrick Rosenello stated, “I have heard both positive and negative feedback regarding a possible name change, but the most common question I have received so far has been, how much will it cost?”
Copies of a study, conducted by the administration, were given to council members and residents, presenting rough estimates of the costs on a variety of items.
From changing decals on official vehicles, badges on helmets, signage, office supplies, to stitching on uniforms, city officials have calculated the cost between $20,000 and $30,000.
Although the proposed cost is not 100 percent, according to Rosenello, it gives North Wildwood a “reasonable starting point.”
The meeting began with accepting and filing communications and approving Rosenello’s appointments to various departments. Amending “Chapter 138 Beach Rules and Regulations” also came before the council and was passed unanimously.
According to City Clerk Scott Jett, the amendment will provide for dogs being allowed on the beach at the same time as “recreational fishing vehicles” from September through May.
Rosenello said that the two regulations “did not match up,” but with the amendment, the two rules will “sync.”
Under resolutions, three former North Wildwood lifeguards will receive their requests for reimbursement; collectively, the reimbursements total over $2,000.
Overpayments of ambulance fees and real estate taxes will also be refunded to certain residents.
“Approving Items of Revenue and Appropriation” were approved as revenue received by the city after the passage of the 2016 budget.
Four grants obtained by the city have garnered over $238,000 and include the state Department of Transportation grant for reconstruction of 17th Avenue, the county’s body camera assistance program, and the federal bulletproof vest partnership.
Council Comments
Councilman Joseph Rullo praised Office of Emergency Management for its updates during Tropical Storm Hermine and Councilwoman Margaret “Peggy” Bishop concurred, saying that she was “glad we escaped the hurricane.”
Still Anti-Change
Boardwalk business owner James DiPetrillo and resident Mark Wheaton asked questions of the council. DiPetrillo made an offer of “compromise” to mayor and council and warned of potential legal action against the city.
Wheaton asked council concerning the cost involved in the potential name change of North Wildwood. Rosenello replied, “This is a work in progress. We have a working total of $23,000.”
After copies of the study had been handed out, DiPetrillo gave his comments. “I would like to continue my dissertation,” he began. DiPetrillo continued to give a “plea to the Wheatons” to withdraw their petition for a suggested name change.
DiPetrillo said he would cite the Wheatons as the source of his potential loss of revenue should the city be renamed Anglesea. “I don’t know if the city has any liability,” he said.
DiPetrillo said he is “confident” of the injunction he would seek to bring against the non-binding question.
DiPetrillo then presented a “compromise” to the council: “why not delay the ballot?” Asking for a year’s time, DiPetrillo said necessary information on costs could be collected and sent with a form to business and homeowners. “What’s the hurry?” DiPetrillo said.
DiPetrillo said that he is organizing a fund for possible legal fees to present his case.
To ask for information at this time and/or pledge support, residents can call 1-732-430-0190. “I guess basically that’s it,” DiPetrillo said, concluding his statements.
After the meeting, the Herald asked Rosenello his thoughts on DiPetrillo’s statement. Rosenello said the projected costs presented were not “100 percent” but do provide a “reasonable starting point.” Rosenello stood behind the non-binding question on the Nov. 8 ballot and praised those who have “worked very hard” on organizing the presentation.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.