Borough to Accept Online Tax Payments

WEST WILDWOOD – “This is just some housekeeping,” Donna Frederick, borough clerk, said after introducing an ordinance regarding establishment of traffic regulations. According to Frederick Sept. 4, the borough will find ordinances that require amending or changing as the years go by.
With updates to various avenues and roads in the borough, Mayor Christopher Fox and commissioners set a clear agenda for the borough at the meeting. Residents came and expressed opinions on topics affecting the Wildwoods as a whole.
Online Tax Payments
A new service is available for borough residents in the acceptance of online tax payments.
The borough received a proposal from Edmund & Associates “in the amount of $1,000 to provide these services,” and the tax collector is now authorized to accept the payments.
The resolution passed unanimously and will serve West Wildwood residents whether they live in the borough full time or during the summer season.
Another update for the borough office is the leasing of a digital postage machine, leased from Pitney Bowes.
Upset at Office Closing
Halfway through resolutions, Fox explained the borough’s opposition to AtlantiCare closing its North Wildwood office. “I’ve been getting a lot of complaints,” Fox said. “People ask me if something can be done about this.”
Fox went on to say that North Wildwood Councilman David Del Conte reached out to him and proposed a possible meeting to discuss this issue with an AtlantiCare representative.
“I can’t see folks going down there and waiting for hours,” Fox confessed in relation to patients having to go to the Wildwood Crest location.
During the public comment, a resident, who worked in the AtlantiCare office, remarked that if the North Wildwood location closes, there would no longer be a doctor’s office in North Wildwood.
“We are against this,” Fox restated as the resolution passed. “They (AtlantiCare) are looking at it only from a money angle.” It was noted that the decision rests with AtlantiCare’s administration and not with the employees at the North Wildwood location.
Fox also urged residents to call the main office of AtlantiCare and directly express their concerns.
Road Contract
A contract, awarded to Landberg Construction, for road reconstruction will set in motion a plan to correct issues on Poplar, Magnolia, and I avenues.
According to the resolution, “of the total bid of $402,336, the City of Wildwood Water Utility is to pay the sum of $22,265 and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (N.J.D.O.T.) will fund the sum of $173,000.”
“We are not sure about the time frame yet,” said Commissioner Scott Golden.
More work in the borough’s interior hinges on a grant submitted to DOT by the borough engineer; the board gave approval for the grant’s submission. The project’s scope includes Mueller Avenue along with avenues R, S, and P.
During commissioners’ reports, Golden commented on the upcoming road projects and Cornelius Maxwell praised West Wildwood Fire Department for its efforts in a recent fire.
“Our guys did a great job!” Maxwell said. In Maureen Smith’s absence, Maxwell also reported that the next Ladies’ Auxiliary meeting will be held Sept. 26.
“My spokesman’s not here,” Maxwell joked.
Open Space Program
Fox gave an update on the borough’s acquisition of land through the county’s open space program: “we are getting closer and closer.”
The board granted Fox full authority to “perform all actions necessary to comply with the conditions set forth in the Cape May County’s Planning Board’s letter.”
When asked what the total tax value of the vacant lot, Fox replied $12,000. “The taxes will be spread throughout the borough,” Fox answered. “Yes, we will lose the ratable, but there will be a house sold somewhere.” Fox pointed out the unsafe condition of the present park and the benefits of the new location.
As the meeting adjourned, Fox apologized for having to go into a closed session.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.