WEST WILDWOOD ─ “It’s still Mayberry,” said one West Wildwood resident as the municipal building was festooned with tablecloths, garland, lights, and a Christmas tree.
Many residents attended the regularly scheduled meeting Dec. 3 and even more pressed together outside to view the official lighting of the borough’s Christmas tree.
“This is a wonderful little community,” said Maureen Smith, president of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Smith and members of the auxiliary busied themselves by laying out a spread of cookies and other treats, along with coffee and hot chocolate with a garnish of marshmallows.
“My heart’s here,” Mayor Christopher Fox commented after the lighting. According to Fox, Commissioner Cornelius Maxwell’s original idea for a Christmas tree lighting came about several years ago. As tiny swells lapped in the back bay, light shone in West Wildwood.
The meeting began at 6 p.m. The agenda reflected the borough’s aspirations for the coming calendar year.
An ordinance for a “special emergency appropriation” regarding “preparation of tax maps and the preparation and execution of a complete revaluation of real property in and by the Borough of West Wildwood” was introduced on first reading.
According to Borough Administrator Chris Ridings, the last evaluation was carried out in 2003. The amount for the revaluation was set at $118,000.
Under resolutions, the dates for workshops and regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners were approved as well as a shared services agreement between the borough and Cape May County.
Donna Frederick, municipal clerk, explained the shared services agreement as the county’s agreement to share emergency vehicles and equipment in case a situation should arise.
A series of drawings were also shown. Ridings explained several key aspects of the proposed park site to residents. “It’s going to be really neat, I think,” said Ridings.
According to Ridings, West Wildwood will receive points towards entering the community rating system program and also save on flood insurance. Fox added that with the rise of flood insurance rates, the question of the board was “how can we offset this?”
As part of the county’s Open Space program, $1.2 million was given to the project. Ridings said he views the county’s grant as a token of West Wildwood’s position: “It’s worth investing in.”
During public comment, Smith gave “special thanks” to “all the ladies at the auxiliary.” “We have a wonderful community,” Smith added amidst applause.
Fox also thanked residents by saying, “You guys make us look good,” in regard to their support and service to West Wildwood. Fox closed the public comment by wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
After the meeting adjourned, attendees gathered outside for the countdown. With a few brief remarks from Fox and Commissioners Maxwell and Scott Golden, a blaze of colored light set the tall tree aglow.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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