WILDWOOD ─ “We will make our money one way or the other,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano during the April 27 City Commissioners’ meeting.
In response to a recent law passed in Trenton, commissioners are committed to continuing inspections of rental properties. The recent decision, according to Troiano, states that landlords of year-round rental properties do not need a mercantile license in order to lease their rentals. As confirmed by Commissioner Peter Byron, the city has “lost” one of its “checks and balances” in gathering revenue and ensuring that properties meet various codes.
“We stand to lose a considerable amount of money,” said Troiano. To those who pose as year-round rentals, Troiano sent a clear message: “We will catch you.”
The meeting began with an Alcoholic Beverage Control session in regard to approving an application to “admit minors to alcoholic beverage premises, T/A Stardust Club.”
At the April 13 meeting, the resolution to approve was tabled until more details could be gathered and police and safety officials consulted.
In light of this decision, a compromise has been reached. According to Byron, the owner of Stardust can fill out a permit per event for minors to use a section of the club. The permits, described as not “complicated” and free of charge, will allow for minors between certain ages to use the facility safely.
As stated in the resolution, “there shall be a separate entrance and exit for minors” and “under no circumstances shall alcoholic beverages be served or consumed in the area where minors are permitted.”
During the engineer’s report, department heads were thanked for their efforts in preparing the application for grant funds to repair Pacific Avenue.
The engineer said he feels “very optimistic” about the “highly-competitive application.” News on whether the grant is secured should come during May. Remaining projects are in design phases for summer or fall. However, according to the engineer, a “snag” in work on Montgomery Avenue occurred; the engineer urges commissioners and residents to be “prepared.”
New Business
Troiano said of the recent mandate from Trenton concerning mercantile licenses, “It’s ridiculous.” He later referred to the mandate as “a North Jersey rule.”
Troiano said that he and other local mayors are “in the process of putting something together,” and that he will reach out “to our senator” and voice his displeasure.
According to Troiano, Wildwood made $95,000 in 2015 from individuals who lied concerning their mercantile license status. “We will catch you,” said Troiano.
Inspectors will still visit properties and conduct inspections, according to Byron.
A hearing was also scheduled under new business for Michelle Miller on having been denied “rental housing mercantile license.”
City Administrator Christopher Fox said that the police captain and chief “went through it” and considered the complaints to be “minor” compared to others.
According to commissioners, various complaints have been made against the property and police calls have been made.
“When our fire and police have to go to the same property 14 times, this is not minor,” Troiano replied. Although Miller did not appear, a check was sent to the city to cover fees, according to Solicitor Mary D’Arcy Bittner.
Troiano along with Commissioners Anthony Leonetti and Byron moved to grant Miller a “conditional license.”
“Our job is to protect the neighborhood,” said Troiano.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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