WILDWOOD ─ City commissioners and residents gathered Sept. 14 to discuss matters about the agenda and plans for projects. With another summer over, the city is looking forward to accomplishing much-needed infrastructure projects throughout the municipality. In the words of the city’s engineer, “The sooner, the better.”
The meeting convened with an Alcoholic Beverage Control meeting and the renewal of pocket licenses for three businesses.
However, according to City Clerk Christopher Wood, because of a recent state ruling, the licenses needed to be approved by the state before the commissioners pass a resolution for the renewal.
As explained by Commissioner Peter Byron, the board serves as the local ABC for Wildwood and, in compliance with state law, will pass resolutions to renew the licenses at the next meeting.
During the engineer’s report, “major” updates were given concerning the outfall pipes affecting flooding on Pacific Avenue, the Susquehanna bulkhead replacement, and back-bay dredging.
According to the engineer, city officials should “keep our fingers crossed” in the hope of obtaining a complete grant for the removal of the outfall pipes. The grant totals $10 million. More information has been provided to the Department of Environmental Protection by the city, as requested.
Mayor Ernie Troiano added his desire to “possibly” replace sewer lines running under the boardwalk. Troiano said he is looking into tax repercussions as the city seeks to begin its infrastructure projects.
“Where are we on the back bay?” Byron asked the engineer. “How far are we?”
According to Byron, a developer has reached out to the city concerning developing the back-bay area, but no further details could be given.
The engineer explained that “two outstanding permits” remain to be granted. One concerns the Army Corps of Engineers regarding filling in some of the wetland portions of the bay.
Byron feels that the process of capping the back bay and making the area developable is “an opportunity for the City.”
According to Troiano, communication with other shore communities concerning their bay dredging has been exchanged, notably with Stone Harbor and Ocean City.
The city will be reimbursed for its dredging and materials from Ocean City are being used in the project. A question of what to do with the funds also faces commissioners.
“Should the city champion this (development)?” Byron said. According to the engineer, “the sooner, the better” – if Wildwood can formally designate the reimbursed funds, the sooner development can begin.
Ordinances
Two ordinances came before the commissioners. The first amended a standing ordinance to “provide for appeal and review procedure to the Board of Commissioners from a decision of Lifeguard Pension Commission.” According to the ordinance, no procedure for an appeal from a decision of the Lifeguard Pension Commission existed. Establishing a procedure is “deemed necessary and appropriate.”
The second ordinance rescinded the “Redevelopment Plan for the CAFRA Permitted Beach Area” in its entirety and was presented upon first reading.
Public
After passing the resolutions, the floor was opened for public comment. Resident Al Brannen asked if the final costs came in for the city’s summer concerts.
Byron replied, “We received the funds a long time ago.” Byron further explained that all parties involved had been paid, and the city received the money promised according to its contract.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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