‘Like Patton’ North Wildwood Advances After Storm, Awaits Federal Declaration

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “The city’s getting cleaned up,” said Councilman Edwin Koehler during the Feb. 2 City Council meeting. As council members gave comments on recent Winter Storm Jonas, members’ voices converged on a single theme: North Wildwood will go on.
While home and business owners continue the cleanup process, state and federal recognition is being shown in the city, yet Mayor Patrick Rosenello and city administration keeps their focus on residents’ needs.
City Clerk and Historian Scott Jett made the announcement that no dumpster fees will be charged for those who set ruined items along the street.
“We are heading in the right direction,” said Rosenello in reference to the cleanup process and originally scheduled projects. Councilman Joseph Rullo also praised city employees in the police, fire, recreational, and public works departments, saying that they “Went above the call of duty.”
With no ordinances, council addressed resolutions on the agenda, several dealing directly with “getting back to normal.”
A resident will be refunded overpayment of “sewer taxes” and “ambulance fees” while a “return of balance” was authorized for two escrow deposits. The first refund totals $250 while the second amount was $680; both of the deposits return to Planning Board projects.
A “Release of Performance Bond” was granted to Harry Mitchell for a New York Avenue project. The engineer reviewed the project and the resolution passed unanimously.
Looking ahead to the summer occupied council’s decisions including an advertisement for a beach umbrella concession. According to Jett, the bid is not to exceed $15,000 minimum.
A professional services contract was awarded to Stockton University Coastal Research Center as well, with the amount not to exceed $99,000.
Mayor and council then turned attention to a public bid originally authorized in 2014 for “street and utility reconstruction” with NJEIT.
According to City Administrator Kevin Yecco, “The mayor cut through a lot of red tape” after Winter Storm Jonas to see this bid through.
Although the bid has been “held up” since 2014, the project includes Surf Avenue, Ocean Avenue, and replacing outfall pipes under the bike path.
According to Rosenello, construction work will only be done three blocks at a time.
“Assuming we get signoff,” said Rosenello, “we will send it off to bid.”
Various obstacles have hindered the reconstruction project since originally proposed, including utility work in Wildwood and other matters. Rosenello assured residents that deadlines will be given for work and clean-up in June. “Everything will be cleaned up,” said the mayor.
During council comment, members thanked city employees for their hard work and bravery during the storm.
“Your mayor did one great job!” Rullo said.
Rosenello praised city professionals who were on the beach Jan. 24 after waters had receded: “Like Patton,” Rosenello said, comparing the bulldozers and other equipment to tanks along the beachhead.
Rosenello announced that the Department of Environmental Protection will “completely pay” for the breach at Third and Kennedy in the dune system.
Council is also expecting a declaration from the federal government in light of damage. The long-awaited Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project has also been funded by the federal government; although the island-wide project will take time before steps are actually taken, the funds are in place.
“We are heading in the right direction,” Rosenello said. Rosenello promised to obtain as much funding as possible in order to pay for damages and “not off the backs of our taxpayers.” 
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.