WILDWOOD ─ Wildwood City Commissioners’ introduced a series of projects and initiatives Feb. 10 that the city is taking for 2016 and beyond.
Although in the design phase, a future Rio Grande Avenue project was discussed by Mayor Ernie Troiano and Commissioners Peter Byron and Anthony Leonetti.
According to Troiano, the project will “make Wildwood jump” by creating “new interest in the town.” However, during public comment, two residents questioned the condition of Wildwood’s streets and what action the city will take to fix flooding on Rio Grande Avenue if the road is raised.
Those questions and litigation matters faced the board as clean-up from Winter Storm Jonas continued.
The work session began at 3:30 p.m. and presented agenda resolutions with four amendments; four ordinances also went before the board as well.
The first ordinance dealt with amending Chapter 7 entitled “Licensing – General Mercantile License” and definitions; however, the ordinance also concerned an executive session matter and was not discussed during the session.
When asked concerning the mercantile license issue, Commissioner Peter Byron, in a later comment, said that he could not share much detail but some changes are being made.
Due to several water projects, an ordinance to “establish water rates to be charged to all users and bulk purchases” was introduced. The ordinance states, “This tariff shall apply to the jurisdictional service area of the City of Wildwood Water Utility which includes all or part of the following municipalities: City of North Wildwood, Borough of Wildwood Crest, Lower and Middle Township and bulk the Borough of West Wildwood.”
“We are doing an inordinate amount of water projects,” Troiano explained. Both Troiano and professionals stressed that Wildwood is “still one of the lowest” in charges, including the increase. The pay per quarter is determined by the size of the meter.
During the engineers’ report, Lexa Concrete was awarded the bid for reconstruction of Leaming and Montgomery avenues. Lexa Concrete’s bid was “apparent lowest bidder” with the amount of $1,232,741.
A contract with Perna and Finnigan Inc. was awarded for the USDA Lake Avenue Water and Sewer Improvement Project and the amount is not to exceed $732,249.
Reconstructing the bulkhead on Susquehanna Avenue is also on the city’s improvement plan; the project has entered the “engineering and construction phase services,” conducted by Remington, Vernick and Walberg Engineers Inc.
Wildwood is also participating in a flood hazard risk program described as “very competitive” and involving “lots of paper work.” The “reward” will be a grant at the end of the process.
The discussion then turned to a proposed project to raise Rio Grande Avenue. Troiano has recently met with county officials and designers for an entrance onto Rio Grande Avenue, including landscaping and other upgrades.
“There will be a community meeting,” said Troiano when details are made known. Troiano believes the project will “make Wildwood jump when you come over the (George Redding) bridge.”
The project is in the design phase and will be included in a county-wide project. “We are working with multiple agencies,” Troiano said, describing the conversations between the city and other agencies as “good.”
After passing the resolutions, Troiano opened the floor for public comment.
A complaint of flat tires and vehicle damage “due to street conditions” was aired. “It’s really disgusting driving around,” said the resident.
Pictures of damage were presented as well. “There is no doubt the streets are in bad shape,” Troiano agreed. “But it always comes down to money.”
Leonetti said that the large amount of nails in the streets are from recent “flooding debris.” “We hear you and we will get this done,” said Troiano.
Another resident questioned raising Rio Grande Avenue. “I hope you will take the residents into consideration,” she said. The resident claimed that raising Rio Grande Avenue will make flooding “worse at Susquehanna and Dock Road.”
According to Troiano, a hydraulic pump will be installed to reduce area flooding and on Pacific Avenue.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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