Residents Crowd Borough Meeting, Seek Special Commission Session

WEST WILDWOOD ─ “I can say nothing that will change your mind,” Mayor Christopher Fox said July 6. Anger, perplexity and sadness infused dialogue as nearly 160 residents rallied at Borough Hall.
“I’m really appreciative of everyone being here,” said Maureen Smith, president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, “But where have you been the last four years?”
Smith acknowledged that action must be taken in the borough to correct problems, but also reflected on the “good meetings” in the past.
“We had a wonderful community,” Smith said. “We still do.”
Smith said she wished for more community involvement over the last few years.
Second homeowners voiced complaints highlighting their inability to vote and calling for more “transparency” in borough affairs.
Several second homeowners asked commissioners why they rehired Police Chief Jacquelyn Ferentz in light of the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund’s (JIF) discouraging the idea.
“We (taxpayers) should not be held responsible for your decision to reinstate Ferentz,” MaryAnn Walsh said.
Commissioner Scott Golden gave a brief timeline of events leading up to Ferentz’s dismissal in 2010 and reappointment in 2012.
From 2008 to 2010, Golden contacted various state agencies regarding former Mayor Herbert Frederick’s actions. Golden said no agency responded.
Frederick was dropped from the lawsuit and was never charged.
According to Fox, borough attorneys believed “dropping Frederick” was the best defense strategy.
“Why didn’t you make her (Ferentz) sign something?” Kate Sampson asked. Several residents believed Ferentz should have dismissed her lawsuit against the borough after being rehired.
Fox replied, “It will cost you (taxpayers) more at the end of the day. She (Ferentz) was going to win.” Fox added the commission knew they were “going to get buried.”
Ferentz’s $1.7-million award from the grand jury has increased taxes in the borough.
Residents requested an amendment to the 2018 municipal budget, showing Ferentz’s payments as a separate line item. The amendment is now in one column.
“Taxpayers should know the full liability,” Walsh said. A “user-friendly” budget is also being considered.
According to Commissioner Cornelius Maxwell, the impact of the payments to Ferentz and her attorney total 14 cents per $100 of assessed value; however, the actual tax increase for 2018 was six cents, offset by a lower school tax rate.
If not for the payments to Ferentz and her attorney, the borough tax rate would have increased approximately .9 cents. 
Several residents expressed an interest in a “no confidence” vote against Fox and the other two commissioners.
A formal request for a special meeting has been submitted to borough officials. Borough Administrator Christopher Ridings gave a copy of the letter to each commissioner.
According to the June 5 letter, the “concerned” residents requested a special meeting where the commission would share its “contingency plan” should Ferentz ask for her money in full.
Residents also wish to know details of the borough’s appeal against the JIF’s refusal for coverage.
If Ferentz collected her full award, Fox said taxes would increase, and commissioners would seek a seven-year bond from the Local Finance Board in Trenton.
The appeal against the JIF’s denial of coverage is before Superior Court Judge James Pickering. Pickering is to decide within 60 days.
Fox said attorney Louis Barbone did “a better job” when oral arguments recently transpired. Concerns for a more rigorous defense shaped the borough’s position in appealing the JIF’s decision. 
A date and time for a special meeting have not been set.
Bob Murphy suggests the borough form a board of directors, comprised of full and part-time residents, to oversee affairs moving forward.
“We love West Wildwood,” Murphy said, “it’s the gem of the Jersey shore.”
New Litigation
New allegations have risen as former Class II Police Officer Jeremy Mawhinney claims that Ferentz told him “not to write tickets to Fox’s allies, regardless of whether they were breaking the law.”
According to a recent Atlantic City Press story, Mawhinney was hired in June 2016 and fired in October 2017. Mawhinney also claimed Fox “intervened in numerous cases to have criminal charges against his allies dropped.”
Fox or borough officials have yet not commented.
Ridings told the Herald July 12 that the borough cannot comment on pending litigation.
Fox said he understands residents’ frustration but maintains the commission did what it thought was best for the borough under the advice of legal counsel.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.