Schools Short Funded, Mayor Believes In District’s Worth; Budget Introduced

WILDWOOD ─ “I feel like Don Quixote,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano at the April 13 city commissioners’ meeting.
As the 2016 municipal budget was introduced, Troiano explained “the big effort out there” to garner more funding for Wildwood school system. According to Troiano, the city is approximately $4.3 million under-funded in regard to its schools.
However, despite lack of funds, Troiano and the commissioners believe “getting rid of the school would be the biggest mistake.” Sending Wildwood students to another district would only cause more issues, according to Troiano.
Don Quixote (main character from Miguel de Cervantes 17th century novel) fought legendary windmills, yet Troiano is hopeful: “there is a big effort to the funding we deserve.” By working with individuals “behind the scenes,” the city is confident that taxes would drop by a third.
As Wildwood looks forward to another budget year and summer, leadership of Wildwood is determined to keep residents and visitors safe and provide quality services; in the words of Troiano, “That’s where we’ve got to fight.”
The work session began with an “ABC” meeting, presenting a resolution that sought approval for a “permit to admit minors to Alcoholic Beverage Premises; Milmat t/a Stardust Club. . .various dates.”
According to the resolution, Milmat Inc., “the holder of Plenary Retail Consumption License . . .is hereby permitted to admit persons under the age of 21 to a portion of said licensed premises for the purpose of engaging in a non-alcoholic nite club affair.”
Due to a lack of details, Troiano and commissioners tabled the resolution and will speak with law enforcement to learn more about the permits.
The city engineer announced that the grant application has been secured for work on Magnolia Avenue and reconstruction is continuing on Leaming.
Regarding the upcoming Susquehanna Avenue bulkhead project, details are still in design.
Troiano expressed his wish to meet with the engineer and public works to discuss work on other bulkheads. Troiano hopes to secure a grant, as did North Wildwood, for 100 percent funding.
Budget Introduced, Tax Rate Up
Before resolutions, Commissioner Peter Byron gave comments before introducing the 2016 budget.
“I want to show you a real example of teamwork,” Byron began. Drawing upon recent coverage of Villanova’s athletic victory, Byron commented on how the word “teamwork” can be found almost everywhere. “This was a hard budget,” Byron admitted.
With a 2.7-cent tax rate increase, Byron assured that no services have been removed or changed. According to Byron, the budget contains “no compromise.”
Byron thanked fellow commissioners and department heads for their “teamwork” and efforts. A public hearing on the budget will be held May 11 at 3:30 p.m. Troiano urged residents with questions “Pick up the phone and call us.”
Under ordinances, a CAP bank was established as well as amending an ordinance on “Boarding up Buildings in the City of Wildwood.”
Discussion arose over the third ordinance concerning “Beach and Resort Regulations.” According to the existing ordinance, no skateboards, roller-blades, or motorized vehicles are allowed on the boardwalk, and now the addition of hoverboards is sought.
During public comment, Jack Morey of the Morey Organization asked if the city wishes to be a “popular culture town,” why will it not allow things on the boardwalk? “You have people who are good on them, and those who are not,” Troiano replied.
Because of uneven pavement and other structural matters, skateboards and other vehicles are not allowed due to insurance purposes.
Morey, who skateboards, then asked commissioners if the matter is truly about insurance or about culture.
Commissioner Anthony Leonetti said he roller-blades and concurred with the safety issue.
“We’re not trying to rule out fun here,” Troiano continued as he recounted past accidents where the city faced lawsuits.
Another resident asked if the public could read what the administration is attempting to include in the ordinance. Troiano emphasized the city’s desire to “protect the interest of the taxpayers” and not “rule out fun.”
“This has nothing to do with culture. It’s about insurance,” he said. The ordinance was tabled, and Leonetti promised to look into exact insurance details.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.