Mayor Reports ‘Good Meeting’ with Cape Assist

WILDWOOD – “The city is not turning its back,” Mayor Ernie Troiano announced during public comment at the Sept. 9 meeting.
Troiano described his meeting with Cape Assist officials regarding proposed expansion as “a good meeting” and that he had felt “cautiously optimistic” when the meeting concluded. Troiano assured residents of “an alternative we can work with” in regard to Cape Assist.
Troiano referred to the meeting sending a “countywide message:” Wildwood is not giving up or turning its back on residents or those in need.
Public feelings on the potential expansion of Cape Assist ran high during the Aug. 26 commissioners’ meeting. Now Troiano and commissioners seek a second meeting with Cape Assist in order to further discuss the matter.
Troiano illustrated his desire to see Wildwood grow and become a stronger community throughout the meeting.
In answering a request for a 30-day extension on a mercantile license, Troiano said, “If you work with us, we will work with you.”
Precise Commencement
Humor graced the meeting’s opening as the mayor and commissioners waited a few minutes for the work session to commence at precisely 5:30 p.m.
“Chris Woods (city clerk) will now do a song and dance,” Troiano joked as the clock ticked away the remaining seconds.
When the proper time arrived, Woods read the resolutions on the agenda with the omission of letters “L” and “M.” Resolution “L” concerned the city engineer to advertise the receipt of bids in a tank removal.
According to city Solicitor Mary D’Arcy Bittner the engineer already has the bids, thus making the resolution unnecessary.
Three ordinances went before the board and three hearings for rental applications were listed under unfinished business.
New City Engineer
A new representative from Remington, Vernick, and Walberg Engineers will serve the city as engineer: Joseph W. Santorelli. “This is the highlight of the meeting,” Troiano told Santorelli.
Santorelli read a number of new capital improvement projects, including a Phase 5 water and sewage project and the reconstruction of Leaming and Montgomery avenues.
After the report, Troiano officially welcomed Santorelli “aboard.”
OK to Sign
Troiano received authorization to sign an “authorization to proceed” notice in relation to a U.S. Department of Agriculture water and waste disposal grant/loan program totaling $1,776,500. The grant/loan will propel an already ongoing project.
The city also authorized a contract with the state Department of Transportation Trust Fund Municipal Aid Program, enabling the city to solicit funding requests in four categories: municipal aid (transportation projects), bikeway, safe streets to transit, and transit village.
Although details on what specific project the city will undertake was not given in the resolution, the DOT letter stressed that applications must be submitted by Oct. 20.
Transfer Two Cruisers
Two former police vehicles are slated for transfer to the Cape May County Police Training Academy; according to the resolution, “whereas the City of Wildwood finds itself with a surplus of two former police vehicles…the City of Wildwood…is authorized to transfer ownership to the Cape May County Police Training Academy.”
Selling Fire Truck
House cleaning in the fire department also took place with recognizing the sale of an E-One 75-foot Quint ladder truck to the town of Greenville, Maine, located about 106 miles north of Augusta.
In the agreement, seller and buyer agree to “split the cost 50/50 of a new pump test and aerial test.”
Any further repairs to the truck will be negotiated between the city and Greenville. The city garnered $205,000 in the sale of the vehicle.
Unfinished Business
Three rental applications went before mayor and commissioners. A property at Cresse Avenue has been denied its application due to “outstanding violations,” yet owners of the property presented a fire inspection report to Troiano.
Complaints of suspicious persons, medical assist, and police calls to the property have not, however, been placed since March.
“We have put a tremendous amount of money into our properties,” the owner said.
After hearing all sides, Troiano said, “I think it would be prudent to ask for a reinspection.”
Troiano shed more light on the rental/hotel situation in Wildwood: “We have a track record of where people come from.” He went on to say that the city “will help you clean up your properties.”
Wildwood appreciates property owners cleaning up their units and wishes everyone to follow proper inspection procedures. “If you work with us, we will work with you,” Troiano emphasized.
A property on Poplar Avenue was denied approval since its owner(s) did not appear.
According to a report, the owner of a vacant Glenwood Avenue property has ordered a dumpster and is gutting the first floor of the structure. Troiano praised the owner for moving back to Wildwood and welcomed him “with open arms.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.