WEST WILDWOOD ─ “Our town is like no other,” said Mayor Christopher Fox during the Jan. 8 meeting. Borough residents and administration gathered for their first meeting of 2016 and discussed a variety of projects and issues facing the bayside municipality.
Residents’ questions found answers. Suggestions for helping neighbors in need also came from citizens. Although the meeting concluded with a closed session, Fox announced that the borough will “finish up this piece of litigation” and the matter will then be “out of our hair.”
Under ordinances, a second and final reading for a “special emergency appropriation” was passed by mayor and commissioners. Totaling $118,000 the ordinance is for preparation of tax maps and the preparation and execution of a complete revaluation of real property in the borough.
According to Fox, the last evaluation took place around 2008. When asked concerning the timeline of the revaluation, Fox replied that the paperwork is being filled but that the process may stretch into 2017. “We hope this will be until 2017,” Fox added, in regards to the 2016 tax weight. However, a “five-year pay-back” system will be in place for residents.
A series of resolutions came before commissioners as well. The borough affirmed its civil rights policy “with respect to all officials, appointees, employees, prospective employees, volunteers, independent contractors, and members of the public that come in contact with municipal employees, officials, and volunteers.”
A deputy tax collector was appointed, and a shared service agreement with Wildwood for police dispatch was passed.
Approved also was a change order for 2015 road program for Poplar, Magnolia, and “I” avenues and also a “change order” for the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant mitigation of the Neptune Avenue project.
Late agenda items included naming of a fire code inspector, assistant construction official, and mercantile license inspector. Edmund and Associates shares an agreement with West Wildwood for “application software and support upgrades.”
During reports, Commissioner Cornelius Maxwell urged residents to call police if they hear fire alarms sounding in uninhabited homes.
Maureen Smith, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, gave a brief summary on behalf of the fire department. Smith thanked auxiliary members for work in 2015 and announced that 40 children attended the Christmas party.
Smith also gave results of the last soup take-out luncheon and thanked those who participated. “The community is so good,” said Smith. “They come out and catch up with each other.” Plans for another soup luncheon are in motion.
Commissioner Scott Golden reminded residents not to place recyclables in plastic bags. He also announced that the municipal building generator should be “online by the end of the month.” The generator, obtained by grant funds, cost the borough nothing.
Fox asked residents to give names of those who may be interested in having their driveway and sidewalk shoveled after a snow shower or storm.
“We are so lucky to provide this service,” said Fox. “Our town is like no other.”
Fox also asked for the public to “keep an eye out” for those whose electricity has been turned off.
Smith suggested that a list be made public for those, for whatever reason, who are struggling. According to Borough Administrator Chris Ridings, a list of services for those in need is available. “We can point them in the right direction,” said Ridings.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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