WILDWOOD CREST ─ Board of Commissioners opened the Feb. 10 meeting as snowflakes fell. Two and a half weeks after Winter Storm Jonas, the meeting’s agenda dealt with several matters concerning storm preparation and the Crest’s potential role in initiating an island-wide “response” to natural disasters.
One resident remarked she “Can’t believe our time isn’t coming” in regards to the major flooding experienced in West and North Wildwood.
Mayor Carl Groon is seeking to garner Office of Emergency Management’s thoughts on an island-wide response as well as the other communities’ input. “It’s a learning process,” Groon said while discussing the borough’s desire to install emergency generators.
Although the originally proposed Crest Memorial Elementary School location may not be the installation site, Groon and commissioners are continuing the discussion.
Two ordinances came before the board; the first was a capital ordinance “providing for improvements to municipally-owned property and acquisition of various equipment.”
According to the ordinance, $277,000 is authorized to fund the initiative.
A beach patrol storage shed, “together with all equipment,” a public electronic sign board, and one 2016 four-wheel-drive dump truck makes up three of the five proposed purchases. Various improvements include the property behind borough hall on Cardinal Road, “including all excavation unclassified, road reconstruction, line striping, curb, concrete gutters and sidewalk reconstruction.” Improving drainage and pavement restoration, along with “site clearing and demolition” also encompass the improvement project. Improvement and replacement of the EMT’s garage ventilation system and flooring is included in the ordinance.
The second ordinance deals with rental properties by creating “Chapter 56A.” Licenses, inspections, and other aspects are included in the new chapter that was introduced by title only.
Under resolutions, a shared services agreement between the borough and West Wildwood was authorized for “storm-related assistance.”
According to West Wildwood Mayor Christopher Fox, the Crest has sent public works employees, trash trucks, and other assistance as the borough continues its clean-up after Storm Jonas.
A $793 property tax refund was awarded to Brian and Christa Oakes, Crest residents, and Neal Cullen was authorized to attend the Cape May County Police Academy on behalf of Wildwood Crest.
Michael DiAntonio will fill a vacant seat on the Tourism Commission and Zachary Ruffo will serve on the Recreation Department; DiAntonio’s term will expire Dec. 31, 2016, while Ruffo will serve until Dec. 31, 2018.
Three special events requests went before the board, two seeking permission to hold weddings and the third to hold a bike ride as requested by the National MS Society.
Under new business, Commissioner Don Cabrera asked Groon and Commissioner Joyce Gould if they approve of the design from Finch Brands for borough letterheads and business cards. “Are we on board?” Cabrera inquired.
Finch Brands, which designed the Crest’s logo and slogan, is also providing design options for banners, letterheads, bumper-stickers, and other aspects. Groon replied that he wishes to remain as close to the original design as possible.
Groon gave an update on the borough’s participation in COAH (Council on Affordable Housing). “It’s at the top of the list again,” said Groon.
According to Groon, results of the Mt. Laurel Decision, which “languished in the Legislature” for a number of years, will impact the borough but also provide immunity if it participates.
Groon asked fellow commissioners if they were in support. Groon recently had a discussion with the judge assigned to the matter.
“The judge directly asked if the Crest is in favor,” Groon said, explaining that it is a judicial process. Gould replied in the affirmative while saying “This is a laborious process” in the amount of work that will go into creating affordable housing.
According to the Mt. Laurel Decision, every municipality in the state must have low-income housing available. The Crest, along with other communities, has obtained counsel to help the borough, along with Solicitor Doreen Corino.
“I am not looking for a resolution at this point,” said Groon. “Is there any hesitancy?” Both Cabrera and Gould gave their affirmative to provide housing.
South Jersey Gas plans to commence with its 2016 “High Pressure Gas Renewal Project;” according to the borough engineer. The utility wishes to begin replacing lines in three weeks.
The project encompasses Rambler and Morning Glory and west of Pacific Avenue. South Jersey Gas will notify homeowners and the project is expected to continue into the summer.
“It will meet the criteria that it is supposed to meet,” said Cabrera. “If they have a plan to replace all the lines,” Groon asked, “do we have access to these plans?” A master plan is reported to be presented to the commissioners by April.
Discussion under old business centered on installing emergency generators in the Crest.
“There is discomfort in the senior community,” said one resident. Concerns over the upcoming closing of the bridge going to Cape May also arose.
“We will have to find a way to deal with emergencies,” said Groon. “North Wildwood and Wildwood deal with this all the time.”
In light of recent storms and flood levels, Groon wants to meet with emergency managers and neighboring communities to find a location for an emergency generator.
“An island-wide response” is the goal, along with finding a location already approved by the Red Cross. According to Police Capt. Joseph McGrath, who serves as emergency management coordinator, the Crest is “trying to coordinate these efforts.”
McGrath pointed to staffing issues and requirements to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations.
“It’s a learning process,” Groon concluded. “I believe there is an acceptable transition center.” This transition center would serve not only the borough but also neighboring communities during emergencies.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
Sea Isle City – I would like to let everyone know that the fire chief salary also includes 4% raises in the next four years, while they offered public works and everybody else much less.
