Light Marks Year of City Care

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “We (city) want the lighthouse to continue to be the center of North Wildwood history,” City Clerk Scott Jett said Nov. 28 during an interview.
Jett, whose family roots run deep in Anglesea, gave candid answers to the Herald’s questions regarding the condition of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Jett also serves as city historian and chairman of the city Historical Commission.
In November 2017, the Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse were informed that their stewardship agreement with the city would not continue in 2019.
In 2011, a $17,000 Department of Transportation (DOT) grant was given for lighthouse restoration, and city officials said the grant was not “closed out properly.”
Five years later, in the spring of 2016, the DOT contacted the city officials, and made them aware of the error. Friends Chairman Steve Murray said the Friends were unaware of the error since all paperwork had been handled by the architect of the project. The architect had retired due to illness in 2016.
According to City Administrator Kevin Yecco, the DOT discovered the error during an internal audit.
TRIAD Associates, one of the largest grant writing firms in the Northeast, worked with the retired architect to discover what was missing.
Throughout the controversy, Mayor Patrick Rosenello urged residents and those with questions to visit the city’s website and read documentation.
“We have proof for everything,” Rosenello said.
In early December 2017, lighthouse locks were changed because Murray allegedly wished to remove certain artifacts from the lighthouse.
After the Friends were denied access to Hereford Light, the Friends filed a complaint against the city, claiming violation of their agreement.
The case went before Superior Court Judge John Porto in early 2018. The Friends eventually dropped their suit against the city.
Rosenello said the city’s decision was not based on “personalities” as Murray claimed but on responsible management.
On the anniversary of the conflict, the Herald asked Jett how affairs stood at Hereford Light.
According to Jett, volunteers said they saw the “biggest turn out” they could remember during the summer months as tourists explored the lighthouse and grounds.
Two full-time employees and one part-time employee staffed the lighthouse. Volunteers staff the lighthouse during the “shoulder season.”
Jett said the Full Moon Climb program generated interest and an approximately 25-30 people climbed the lighthouse during the city’s Trunk or Treat Night Oct. 31.
Expenses are paid for through the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Trust Fund, approved by the state.
According to official accounts, $17,000 remains in the fund. Funds are raised by donations and other fundraising activities. The total income for Hereford Light was $22,000.
Asked if taxpayers have been impacted by the city’s management, Jett said the city did not “scramble” to allocate new monies. Each department budgets for summer employees and no additional funds were budgeted. All funds came from the trust fund.
Items specifically requested by donors are being returned at the instruction of the Court; items still in question are undergoing a process during settlement hearings between the City and Friends. According to Administrative Assistant Ron Simone, only five items were requested by individuals.
“We’re still working on things,” Jett added.
The seven-member Historical Commission dropped the $5 admission fee so families could visit the grounds and historical displays for free.
“The Historical Commission never wanted to see anyone turned away due to fees,” Jett said. The city desires to share Hereford Light with neighbors, residents, and guests.
The grounds are maintained by the city’s Buildings, Parks, and Grounds Department.
According to Jett, comments on the grounds conditions have been “good” in 2018.
Rosenello also praised the Historical Commission, under Jett’s leadership. Rosenello said eliminating the entrance fee was “huge” and helped increase visits to the lighthouse.
The iconic Japanese black pine trees still line the perimeter and cannot be cut down, as feared, without approval of the Department of Environmental Protection.
The lighthouse and grounds belong to the State of New Jersey and are leased directly to the city.
Jett said he takes his role of city historian seriously, as defined by state statute.
Per state ruling, a local historian will “carry out an historical program, including but not restricted to collecting, preserving and making available materials relating to the history of the local unit.
“The local historian may assist in a landmark commission, as well as advise the governing body, concerning the acquisition, administration, use and disposition of any landmark, or historic site. . . .” 
Jett said the city’s goal is to preserve its history for future generations and Hereford Light, the oldest structure on Five Mile Island, shines at its heart.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.