Mayor Says Borough will ‘Move in the Future from Within’

WILDWOOD CREST – Several ordinances came before the board of commissioners March 5, beginning with a CAP bank ordinance. The third paragraph of the ordinance sheds light on the budget increase, stating that “a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY2015 budget year, the final appropriations of the Borough of Wildwood Crest shall … be increased by 3.5 percent, amounting to $479,647.” The budget increase was placed on second reading and final adoption by title only.
Another issue concerning abandoned properties and buildings “unfit for habitation,” also became known.
Improvements for Wildwood Crest came in the form of a capital ordinance, seeking $1,410,000 for various improvements in the borough. These improvements include procuring a dump truck with necessary equipment, a trash truck “together with all equipment, attachments and accessories,” and security components for parking meters.
Mayor Carl Groon, and commissioners Gould and Cabera (who could not attend the meeting), also wish to see reconstruction on Buttercup Road and borough owned property along New Jersey Avenue and Bayview Drive, including Sunset Lake Park. Curb, concrete gutters, and sidewalk reconstruction will ensure residents’ and visitors’ safety in Wildwood Crest.
A few resolutions came before the board as well. A corrective action plan, in harmony with the 2013 annual audit findings and recommendations, was authorized and an affirming of the borough’s civil rights policy. However, a move to authorize the mayor and borough clerk to execute a memorandum of understanding “relative to revenue granted by increased Tourism Development fees,” was tabled by Groon until a later time.
Mark Roszkowki’s name came up for reappointment to represent Wildwood Crest while serving on the Urban Enterprise Zone Board of Directors for another one-year term.
Discussion came under new business on the matter of an application for street openings located at Bayview Drive and Jefferson Avenue. The borough engineer has requested a permit, but the issue will bide for further discussion, according to the board. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t read it,” said Groon.
After old business points passed, Groon was approached for comment on the ongoing matter of Wildwood Crest’s police force. When asked if the borough is searching for a police chief, Groon replied, “we are not searching.”
Groon said that the borough differs from its larger neighbors, Wildwood and North Wildwood, in its needs. “We have a public safety director,” he added. Groon concluded saying that Wildwood Crest will “move in the future from within.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.