Commissioners Pass Ordinance to Protect Animals, Discuss Beach Replenishment Program

WILDWOOD – City Commissioners held a public hearing and second reading for a proposed ordinance that would protect animals from harsh weather conditions during their regular meeting Feb. 12.
The ordinance, which was introduced during a special Jan. 13 meeting, calls for a ban on outdoor tethering and chaining of dogs from sunset until sunrise and in extreme weather below 32 degrees and above 95 degrees. Any tether must be tangle-free and must be a minimum of 15 feet in length and a doghouse must be available to all tethered dogs. Under the ordinance, dogs may not be tethered outside if not spayed or neutered.
The ordinance passed and will be published into law.
Other ordinances were introduced, including capital budget for general improvements ($2,503,000), various improvements to be undertaken by the Water Utility ($500,000), and sewer ($262,600).
Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. discussed commission’s meetings with the Army Corps of Engineers and the State Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding the dunes and beach replenishment program.
The program plans a bypass of sand from Wildwood and Wildwood Crest to North Wildwood, taking the beach back to the outfall pipes, and constructing a dune, which starts out at an elevation of six to seven feet and goes to an elevation of 16 feet, located within 20 to 30 feet of the boardwalk. The proposed dune would be about a foot and a half higher than the boardwalk, according to Troiano.
“After, I don’t want to say heated or contentious conversations, but after some pointed conversations, we told them we weren’t interested in the plan as it stood, but we would be more amenable to lowering the dune to a height of about 12 feet, which is more of a berm,” said Troiano.
Troiano also expressed concerns that the project would close off an access road and would push some seating areas into the piers.
“All the years they have neglected us, we have learned to use our beach in different methods, and what they want to do now is not a benefit to us in any way,” said Troiano. “We will not accept the plan as presented.”
North Wildwood will hold a public hearing Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at North Wildwood City Hall to discuss a report that proposes ways to reduce storm damage to coastal communities between Hereford Inlet and Cape May, compiled by the Army Corps of Engineers and NJDEP.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Richard Basara, a resident of Wildwood and former city police officer of 27 years, voiced his disapproval of the Wildwood Police Department for releasing his home address to the news media in regards to an investigation involving Basara’s son, Jonathan Basara.
“I don’t appreciate all the police escorts I and my kids are getting, or the cop car sitting across the street, or walking around my house in the afternoon,” said Basara. “I don’t feel like having my family jeopardized. Wildwood Police released the address, but you’re the city fathers responsible. Wildwood police is your department.”
Mayor Troiano responded, “That’s correct,” and Basara left the room without further comment.
Jim Toland, another resident, congratulated the commissioners on the approval of the beach bar and their handling of the dune and beach replenishment. Toland also thanked the commissioners for their efforts with the Submarine Veterans Memorial, to which Troiano replied that he was sorry that they couldn’t do more.
“Thank you for your service. That’s more important, what you’ve done for us. It’s about taking care of those who took care of us,” said Troiano.
To contact Erin Haskell, email ehaskell@cmcherald.com.