Johnson Begins Serving Borough, Mayor Gives Update

WOODBINE – The Borough of Woodbine held its 2016 swearing-in Jan. 3 with Councilman Michael Benson taking the oath of office to serve his third term and new Councilman Joseph Johnson III sworn for his first term. This ceremony was the 114th administered in borough history.
To kick off the ceremony, Joseph Johnson IV sang an a capella rendition of the national anthem whose quality drew hearty applause. Johnson III, a former member of the Borough’s Planning Board, took the oath for his new position from Benson, his running mate in this year’s election.
Flanked by his wife, and swearing to uphold to the best of his ability the constitutions of the United States and of New Jersey, Johnson III noted his gratitude to God and the residents of Woodbine for giving him the opportunity to serve.
Benson, who started his service for the borough as solicitor 25 years ago, took his oath from borough solicitor Richard Tonetta describing his relationship with Johnson as one of fast friendship on the campaign trail.
Welcoming Johnson to the other members of council, Benson said, “This cast of characters, led by the Wizard of Oz, our mayor, is very hardworking and diligent to advance the interests of borough citizens and so you will fit right in.”
Mayor William Pikolycky then gave his annual State of the Borough address following the swearing-in ceremonies. He described a number of the achievements and strides the Borough has registered in 2015. Chief among the accomplishments his administration has initiated, Pikolycky noted the sound fiscal policies he has continued to implement.
“Our ratable base has been stabilized and our tax collection remains strong and currently stands at 97 percent.” Like many municipalities in the state, out of every tax dollar collected by Woodbine 17 cents remains in the borough with the balance distributed to its school district and Cape May County according to information from the mayor’s office.
To offset this situation, the borough continues to engage in shared services with a number of authorities and entities including its school district, the Middle Township municipal court system, and the Woodbine Developmental Center, according to the mayor’s remarks.
In addition, “We now have projects underway that will provide for an Open Space Cape May County Park in the borough and an environmental education center in partnership with Stockton University as well as road upgrades that will improve transportation based on citizen needs,” he said.
Pikolycky highlighted two infrastructure projects for which the borough has applied for grant funding. One is to improve its water treatment plant and water distribution systems through U.S. Department of Agriculture support in the amount of $4 million.
The other is an additional USDA application for $6 million for a comprehensive sewer collection system program for Woodbine.
Pikolycky has frequently shared his pride during council meetings for the various successful grants the borough has received on his watch. In his State of the Borough speech he reiterated that “This cooperation and support is in recognition of the needs in our community and also of the opportunities that exist to create a sustainable economy built on a solid foundation of infrastructure, public facilities and public services.”
He said examples of this type of funding from multiple sources including at the federal level to improve community and economic development in the borough are the monies received by Woodbine of $3 million to make capital improvements for its streetscapes, sidewalks and bikeways, and multi-million dollar grants to improve the municipal airport and business park.