WEST WILDWOOD – The smell of marsh grass wafted from the back bay as residents of West Wildwood gathered for the Aug. 7 meeting. Several who attended came with words of thanks for Mayor Christopher Fox and commissioners.
As the agenda unfolded, the borough celebrated its victories and made mention of its challenges: critics and supporters alike had a voice in the community with “small town charm on the back bay.”
Fox and Commissioners Scott Golden and Cornelius Maxwell heard the introduction of an ordinance to establish general traffic regulations in the borough, conforming to the New Jersey state manual.
Along with the amendment, a public bid was adopted for reconstruction of Poplar Avenue (Arion to Venice) and Magnolia Avenue (Arion to Venice and Avenue “I” Glenwood to Poplar).
Safety for the borough and its residents had a place of prominence on the agenda with the announcement of two promotions within West Wildwood Police Department.
Officer James R. Dodd holds the rank of sergeant, the highest rank in West Wildwood. According to the resolution, Dodd “has served as a police officer for the Borough of West Wildwood for over three years” and that “the borough recognizes that this position is currently vacant.”
Filling the vacant position is to “provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the Borough.” Officer Jay Gerstl was promoted to a full-time officer, having “demonstrated his skills and abilities while employed with the department.”
Gerstl is authorized “to carry out all of the duties, functions, and responsibilities of a police officer.”
Fox said that the promotions will “strengthen our department.” Fox also dispelled rumors of merging with another municipality’s police force. That will not happen. “We don’t need to merge or hire security guards,” Fox emphasized. “You’ve heard it from me. Our guys and gals do a terrific job!”
During commissioners’ reports, praise for the new street sweeper came from all sides.
Scott Golden said a finalized schedule will be posted in the following weeks and that a “few bugs” are still being worked out.
Cornelius Maxwell made an announcement of an open house hosted by the Fire Department for Aug. 8.
Maureen Smith, president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, gave an update on the funds collected for the fire department.
“The Family Festival was a great success,” Smith said, “and so was the National Night Out. The children were the best behaved and very polite.” Plans for a “Christmas in July” theme for the 2016 Family Festival were also discussed.
The final resolution dealt with an executive session for the board of commissioners to deal with litigation left over by the previous administration. “This should be the last one,” Fox announced. “We cannot discuss it, but, hopefully, it will be off the table.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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