Course Set for 2016; Changing North Wildwood’s Face for Generations

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “Ladies and gentlemen, as directed by law, we are about to meet and organize the city government of the City of North Wildwood for the year 2016.”
Those words, stated by Mayor Patrick Rosenello, opened the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting.
With the election of three council members and a series of “exciting” projects, Rosenello announced that the improvements on the horizon will “change the face of North Wildwood for generations to come.”
Municipal Judge Louis J. Belasco, Jr. administered the oaths of office to Councilman-at-large Edwin Koehler, Councilman James Kane, and Councilman Joseph Rullo.
In the absence of Council President Salvatore Zampirri, Councilwoman Kellyann Tolomeo served as “president pro tempore.”
Koehler, who has served as councilman-at-large for several years, pledged to carry out his duties “faithfully, impartially, and justly” to the best of his ability.
Kane and Rullo, representing Wards 1 and 2, also vowed to “uphold the constitution and laws of the United States and of the state of New Jersey.”
Members of the Koehler, Kane, and Rullo families stood with their loved ones as they took the oath of office amid applause. After the councilmen resumed their seats, Councilwoman Margaret “Peggy” Bishop commented to Koehler, “I didn’t know you were a senior statesman.” Laughter emanated from the council.
Six groups of resolutions were passed, each comprised of various aspects concerning the administration and community as a whole.
Zampirri, absent due to attending a wedding in Greece, was nominated to serve as council president. Tolomeo will serve as “president pro tempore” for 2016. Both Zampirri and Tolomeo were unanimously nominated. City Clerk Scott Jett, also city historian, also resumed his role as clerk along with William Kaufmann, city solicitor.
Under financial management resolutions, a temporary budget for 2016 and cash management plan was approved by mayor and council.
Operational resolutions included “designation of time and place of council meetings” as well as holidays and “adopting required form for tort claim notice.”
Tolomeo congratulated the series of individuals selected for “professional services” for 2016; Kaufmann as solicitor and Edward McManimon of McManimon, Scotland, and Bauman will serve as bond counsel.
Remington Vernick Engineers will provide services as “special project engineers” under professional resolutions.
Other “professional resolutions” include the appointment of a city auditor, grants coordinator, and employee assistance program. Jennifer VanSant will serve as deputy city clerk and Anne Fetsick and Kimberley Critchfield will act as school crossing guards.
Rosenello later remarked that many meetings “may seem boring to the public,” yet the smooth running of city government is “what you want in government.”
Rosenello thanked Kevin Yecco, city administrator, for professionalism and extending that professionalism to how the city runs.
“I get a lot of positive comments,” said Rosenello. Rosenello commented on the “gratitude” from residents, second homeowners, and guests for how North Wildwood functions as a community and city. 
A contract was awarded for the reconstruction of 15th Avenue and, according to Rosenello, the project will “change the face of North Wildwood for generations” along with other long and short-term improvements.
Rosenello explained how the busy area at 15th will be improved by making “clear pedestrian and bike” crossings to the beach and bike path.
Americans with Disabilities Act-approved beach access will be available along with a new bike path. Ocean Avenue will also undergo a series of improvements in a long-term project.
According to the mayor, a large pipe running under the present bike path has suffered significant damage since Superstorm Sandy; by replacing the pipe and widening the path, the pipe will function better and reduce flooding on the east side of the city. Plans to improve Old New Jersey will give the area “a sense of place,” according to Rosenello.
“How will we pay for this?” Rosenello posed the rhetorical question. By continuing to receive grants and by “paying off projects,” Rosenello believes that homeowners will be able to continue paying “the lowest average shore-town property tax.”
Rosenello and council used the word “excited” as they congratulated one another and look ahead to 2016 and the changes ahead in improving North Wildwood’s “quality of life” for residents and guests alike.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.