Safety Coordinator Lauds JIF Membership

WILDWOOD ─ “I was going to simply give a presentation,” said Safety Coordinator Daniel Dunn of the Wildwood Fire Department during the City Commissioners’ meeting May 25. He proceeded to inform those present of Wildwood’s participation in the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF), a cooperative venture where municipalities may fund employees’ insurance without cost to local taxpayers. According to Dunn, Wildwood was on probation in the JIF 10 years ago when he first became safety coordinator.
“Thousands (of dollars) have been returned to Wildwood,” Dunn said, explaining the city’s rank in the program. Wildwood has received the Gold Award for safety excellence on a number of occasions and new policy manuals have been implemented, according to Dunn. With increased safety measures and policies, “more claims are dismissed in court,” said Dunn. “Every day we are making the city safe.”
Dunn thanked Commissioner Anthony Leonetti, Police Chief Robert Regalbuto, and other department heads for their participation and support. “A safe workforce makes a safe community,” Dunn added. He then presented the Safety Award to Bill Staples, head of the Sewer Department, for his “excellence and professionalism” amidst rounds of applause.
After the presentation, Mayor Ernie Troiano said, “I want to take a moment to thank Danny Dunn. This (safety coordinator) is a tedious, boring, no-one-wants-it job.” Troiano also commented on the city’s increased standing in the JIF, “We’ve become a net giver more than a net taker.”
The meeting continued with the engineer’s report, given by Troiano in light of City Engineer Marc DeBlasio’s absence. Funds in the amount of $176,000 were “allocated by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for the reconstruction of Magnolia Avenue.” The city is also “submitting for storm sewer improvements along Pacific Avenue and for the elimination of the beach outfalls.” The upcoming Susquehanna Avenue bulkhead replacement is “currently in the design and permitting phase,” according to the report.
Under ordinances, upon first reading, the city wishes to acquire property located at 116 W. Montgomery Avenue. Troiano thanked Commissioner Peter Byron for “knowing the market” and helping the city secure the property.  The second ordinance, also on first reading, is a bond ordinance providing for capital improvements.
Ten resolutions came before commissioners, including the execution of a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Permit Application form “specifically withholding permission to use the city-owned portions of Ottens Harbor for the dock, pier, and boat slips.” The permit will be in place until an agreement is reached between Douglass Hamilton and the city. According to the resolution, Hamilton is seeking approval from DEP “for reconstruction of an existing fixed pier and dock at his property.” However, portions of the location of the pier and dock are owned by the city and “a permit will not issue from the DEP without an endorsement. . .from the City of Wildwood.” The board is also of the opinion that permission should not be granted until an “equitable fee for the same has been established.”
In the public’s interest, however, a permit will be granted for portions of Ottens Harbor, except the dock and pier owned by the city until an agreement is reached.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.