City Dedicated to Charity at Home; Notes Passing of Retired Sergeant

WILDWOOD ─ “Charity begins at home,” said Wildwood resident Al Brannen during public comment at the Jan. 13 meeting. One week after Wildwood’s reorganization, Mayor Ernie Troiano and commissioners met with residents and dealt with another agenda affecting the city.
With summer plans and events in the minds of many, Brannen approached mayor and commissioners with a request for them to give a percentage of funds raised through special events to local needs and the city. “It’s a new year,” Brannen began, explaining he knew what kinds of decisions commissioners face as the selection of special events moves forward.
Troiano responded with an affirmative. From bulkheads to restoring Holly Beach Park, new challenges and opportunities appear as Wildwood progresses into 2016.
With no ordinances, the board moved to the engineer’s report.
“This is where we sit on the edge of our seats,” Troiano laughed. According to the engineer, “busy” road reconstruction projects will commence from January through May.
Grants for beach outfall pipes are hoped to be filed soon in order to correct the flooding issue on Pacific Avenue.
Leaming Avenue reconstruction should be accomplished by May. Troiano then asked for an update on the proposed bulkhead project for Susquehanna Avenue. According to the engineer, a trip was made to view a similar project completed in North Wildwood, but no proposal was written as of Jan. 13.
“I want that proposal by next week,” said Troiano. He wants to see the fishing and crabbing area resemble 18th Avenue’s Ottens Harbor for safety and aesthetic reasons. Troiano described the Wildwood location as “in dire need of cleanup.”
Two resolutions were eliminated from the agenda. One dealt with appointment of a municipal auditor and the other for a labor counsel. One resolution declares the city’s “submission of a strategic plan for the Greater Wildwood Municipal Alliance grant” concerning the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. The alliance consists of North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest and their joint purpose is to “work toward the development and implementation of community-based alcoholism and drug abuse education, awareness, alternative, and prevention programs.” North Wildwood will serve as lead municipality.
Three matters faced the governing body in executive session, including an injury claim and two contractual matters.
During public comment, Cathy Smith of the Partners in Preservation asked Troiano what is being done concerning Holly Beach Park. Partners in Preservation serves as a non-profit organization “developed to foster awareness and appreciation of the community’s historic resources.”
Troiano replied, “We have already removed a number of trees.” According to Troiano, an arborist has been consulted as well for the park’s natural wellness. As for restoring the bell and the placing of signs, Troiano assured Smith that steps are being taken and that the old school bell is being restored.
Before the board adjourned to executive session, Troiano gave a “word of thank you and remembrance” for Sgt. William Mitchell who recently died. Known to many as “Pud,” Troiano remembered Mitchell as “one of the nicest guys in the world.”
Mitchell had cancer. “Our best to the family,” said Troiano. “Each day we lose a thread in the community blanket.” According to Troiano, Mitchell was a strong thread in Wildwood’s blanket.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.