Borough Unveils Opposition to Bill Regarding Renewable Energy Certificate

WEST WILDWOOD – A current bill in both the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly lays on multiple desks in Trenton; however, West Wildwood will have its say when a copy of one particular resolution comes to the attention of Senator Smith and Assemblyman Singleton, the primary sponsors of the collective bills. As the municipal clerk, Donna L. Frederick explained at the borough council meeting March 6, “Basically, we would all pay for this.”
The passage of the bill (if indeed it comes to pass) would establish a Class I renewable energy certificate multiplier program for only certain facilities where electricity is produced. These “certain facilities,” according to the resolution by West Wildwood, are fueled by methane gas extracted from landfills to allow those facilities to offset financial losses.
“Some public entities,” the resolution stated, “have contracted with private sector companies to design, build, operate, and, in some cases, own such landfill gas to electric facilities.” Because some of these locations have not installed scrubber systems to remove siloxane and other chemical compounds used to produce electricity, the private facilities are forced to deal with “extensive maintenance costs due to engine damage.”
On the other hand, publically owned electric facilities have installed systems to minimize the pollutants and issues while still increasing their productivity. According to the resolution, some of the privately owned facilities are seeking “a financial bailout.”
As Frederick clarified, the leadership of the borough opposes the bill because if it passes both houses, then even the companies that have made more “prudent choices” will face decreased unit value and taxpayers will have to fund “the private sector bailout.” In short, West Wildwood will feel the affects of the bill along with other residents of New Jersey. A copy of the borough’s resolution will be forwarded to Smith and Singleton for their consideration in this economic and environmental issue.
Other matters affecting the borough spanned a variety of subjects, including an ordinance determining the salaries and compensation for elected officials and employees of West Wildwood. “This is basically our salary ordinance,” Frederick clarified. The ordinance was passed by the council as well as capital improvements throughout the borough.
The resolutions quickly came before the commissioners’ attention, including an acknowledgement of a current roster of active firefighters, ladies auxiliary members, and junior firefighters of the West Wildwood Fire Company, under the leadership of William J. Cripps, Fire Chief. The roster is for insurance purposes, according to Frederick. “We do this annually in case someone gets hurt,” she said.
The commissioners’ individual reports ensued after the resolutions were passed. Commissioner Cornelius Maxwell gave a brief summary of the police report. “I’m not going to read this whole thing!” Maxwell said with a chuckle.
Mayor Christopher Fox, the director of public safety, could not attend the meeting. Although the report was an abridged version, the given totals for service came to 757. The West Wildwood police, under Chief Jacquelyn Ferentz, continue to keep the community safe this winter.
Commissioner Scott Golden reported on public works and commented on the recent snowfall. “Our guys were out shoveling,” Golden said. He also announced the purchase of a new street sweeper.
During public comment, Maureen Smith, president of the ladies auxiliary, thanked the borough for its hard work in shoveling out the residents. “I think it’s the best town around,” Smith added. Numerous comments followed and preceded Smith’s public thanks. Smith also gave an update on the upcoming spaghetti dinner – the event, due to varying schedules, has been rescheduled for May. However, the soup and sandwich meal will go on as planned for March 21. Both of these events serve as fundraisers for the West Wildwood Fire Company.
Chris Ridings, borough administrator, told the gathering that the new welcome sign for West Wildwood has been purchased. The sign, although not the one originally considered, features a video feed option and will be updated regularly. Ridings also commented on the efficiency of the snow removal. Seventy-two homes were plowed out, although some residents attempted to clear their own driveways and sidewalks. “Please have patience,” Ridings said. “We will get to you.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.