Soccer Beach Blast’s on, Site not Certain As Wildwood Seeks to Recoup Event Costs

WILDWOOD – City Commissioners answered questions regarding the location of Cape Express’s 11th Annual Beach Blast Soccer Tournament during their March 26 meeting.
Jim Toland of Wildwood told commissioners he had heard on the radio that the tournament would be held on North Wildwood’s beach, instead of Wildwood’s beach, where it has been held in previous years. Toland asked why Cape Express would do this?
Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. replied, “The organizers of the event don’t feel that they should pay additional fees that help offset the expenses of operating the beach, the maintenance of the beach and everything that goes with that. They believe that their responsibilities are for the day that they are there.”
Troiano met with North Wildwood’s Mayor Patrick Rosenello and Wildwood Crest’s Mayor Carl Groon earlier that day to discuss the pros and cons of Cape Express moving locations.
“We are in the process of trying to resolve this issue so it stays on Wildwood beaches,” said Troiano. “It’s not the intent of the Wildwood commissioners to have these events move. It was the intent that the city taxpayers get some relief and not foot the bill to put these events on.”
Troiano stated that it costs city taxpayers about $400,000 to $500,000 to maintain the beach and asking for additional compensation from those making a profit from events on the beach isn’t unreasonable. From the soccer tournament, Troiano guessed that the city would make about $20,000.
“They didn’t think that was fair,” said Troiano. “This mindset that the City of Wildwood taxpayers are responsible to afford all the events that happen in this town, all the parades, etc. It’s our tax dollars that are putting police at every parade route, our tax dollars cleaning up, and the whole island prospers from it, so what we’re trying to say is let us cover a cost and make a few dollars, so we can reinvest it into the infrastructure of the community such as the boardwalk, the streets, etc.”
According to Cape Express’s website, “this year the event will take place on June 28 and 29, 2014 on the clean and expansive beaches of Wildwood, N.J. with soccer, beach and waterparks during the day and Wildwood’s famous boardwalk and amusements at night.”
In an email correspondence with the Herald, Cape Express President Stephen Sides stated, “No decision has yet been made about where the event will take place but it will proceed as scheduled. The club has no further comment at this time.”
Richard Basara of Wildwood asked about the law with regard to beach event costs. City Solicitor Mary Bittner explained that an ordinance which allows beach event fees to be set annually by resolution was adopted in January of this year.
After a March 12 closed-door executive session, the Board of Commissioners passed a resolution establishing fees they plan to charge for beach events for 2014.
According to that resolution, an event with fewer than 500 participants will pay $4 per participant for a beach event permit. An event with more than 500 participants but less than 1,500 participants will pay $3 per participant, and an event with more than 1,500 participants will pay $2 per participant.
“The exact cost of each event is not spelled out,” said Troiano. “It’s what we know it costs us to put that event on. We’re going to start defining the cost of these events and then asking for compensation as such.”
Sewer Rental Charges Amended
A second reading and public hearing was held for an ordinance amending annual sewer rental charges for the use, operation, maintenance and construction of the sewerage facilities of the city.
The ordinance states that the basic annual service fee will change from $3 to $4 for each 1,000 gallons of actual metered water consumption at the property during the preceding year, provided that in no event will the basic annual service fee be less than $125, previously $120.
The ordinance passed and will be published into law.
Official Logo Change
Commissioners passed a resolution changing Wildwood’s official logo to look like the ‘Wildwood Wave.’ The new logo will resemble the Wildwood wall with additional text reading “City of Wildwood By-the-Sea, Est. 1912.”
“That old logo looks like a little kid drew it up and it’s been around for a long time,” said Troiano. “I’m usually one that likes to keep traditional stuff alive, but I think what’s happening here is the new ‘W’ that has been used on the wall, has become somewhat of a trademark, and I think it’s time to update your seal.”
The former logo was crafted after the form of a “W” from an ancient holly tree found long ago in a city park.
Call for Private Vendor to Operate Concession
Commissioners passed a resolution requesting qualifications and proposals from a private vendor for a license for the use of 4500 Park Boulevard to operate a concession for Wharfage for a five-year term. The deadline for submission of proposals is April 23 at 4 p.m.
Red Cross Month
Commissioners passed a resolution designating March as Red Cross Month to honor those who support the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. The resolution states that American Red Cross heroes are on the front lines every day. They volunteer their time, give blood, take life-saving courses, and provide financial donations to help those in need and the board would like to remember those heroes here in Cape May County who give to help people in need.
To contact Erin Haskell, email ehaskell@cmcherald.com.