City Plans Anglesea Day to Mark Founding; 24 Years of Council Sessions on Digital Archives

NORTH WILDWOOD – “There is still a little bit of Mayberry in North Wildwood,” Scott Jett quoted the late Mayor Bill Henfey. Jett’s report as city historian brought perspective at the April 14 council meeting – although the rain fell steadily throughout the evening, those gathered inside caught a glimpse of where Anglesea began and how it is moving forward as North Wildwood.
Jett also announced that the use of SureScan, a digital preservation system, has proved worthwhile and helpful. “I have scanned in the last 24 years of council meetings,” Jett added. Going through important files and documents, Jett plans to scan everything into the searchable database to preserve North Wildwood’s oldest documents and store them for easy access.
However, Jett’s exploits as city historian go beyond his desk. “I’m within three feet of finding the Anglesea railroad,” Jett said. With the help of his wife, Jett has done some “foot work” in finding the railroad that linked Anglesea to the mainland and outlying areas. “We need a founder’s day,” Jett said to his fellow council members and Mayor Patrick Rosenello.
June 2 will mark the anniversary of the Borough of Anglesea’s founding in 1885. Plans for an “Anglesea Day” began as well as an announcement of unveiling North Wildwood’s first historical marker. The tentative date was settled for June 2 or 3, depending on Jett’s schedule and workload. “Anglesea Day,” mused Margaret “Peggy” Bishop aloud. “I like it.”
Other Action
Other action ranged from establishing a dog park to authorization of the 2015 budget for the city. “This is the same as was introduced in March,” the city’s auditor said.
A 1.8-cent tax increase was inevitable, due to the Mariana Bay Towers case and ongoing legal suit concerning Royal Tax Lean Services. Yet the city’s auditor pointed out that North Wildwood “is well under both spending caps” and that the budget has received approval from the state.
The municipal tax rate will be 64.3 cents per $100 of assessed value.
One of nine communications involving the city was one from freeholders regarding the “Coast Guard Community status celebration.” Councilman Joseph Rullo offered, “We should recognize them (Coast Guard).”
Ideas for flying the Coast Guard flag and others passed between the council. The celebration will commence May 8, along with a special ceremony at the Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May.
North Wildwood is also participating in Rutgers University’s “R Shore Tour” in July; taking place on the boardwalk, members of the college will be present on Thursdays throughout the month.
Memorial Park Dedication
Another special event in May received attention from council – the grand opening of Bill Henfey Memorial Park. Rosenello, while giving his report on various projects, said that only the surface of the basketball court will remain under construction during the ceremony.
Rosenello described the progress of the beach replenishment project as a “huge savings” for North Wildwood. Repairs made to the dunes and beach comes to a sum lower than originally expected. Along with bulkhead replacements and work on Allen Park, the various projects “should be completed by the middle of June,” according to Rosenello.
Council also passed a resolution for public bids for a “summer surf school and camp.” Appointments to the beach patrol, municipal court, and the North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company all fell under making North Wildwood a safe and vibrant summer destination for residents and guests.
When the meeting reached its appointed time for public comment, Jonathan Wilson went to the podium and expressed concerns about an online limousine service called Uber. A nationwide phenomenon, a customer can go online and order a limousine or taxi.
According to Wilson, these self-designated “taxi services” are not following proper procedures.
“I don’t have a problem with them as long as they have to follow the same process I do,” Wilson said. Chief Matthew Gallagher of the North Wildwood Police reminded Wilson and council that “limos come under different rules than taxis.” However, Gallagher promised to look into the matter.
Apparently, Wilson has spotted several vehicles. He asked law enforcement about the matter and was told that officers write tickets for taxis not having the proper license.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.