Wildwood Finishes Improvements, Passes Budget

WILDWOOD – If an “army marches on its stomach,” as Napoleon Bonaparte once said, then a town must march on its meetings. As summer approaches, the City of Wildwood advanced onward with a passed and amended budget April 22, alongside other resolutions and ordinances.
In what the city’s engineer termed a “mad dash,” several city improvement projects are nearing completion. Commissioner Peter Byron summarized the meeting with these words: “Make this (Wildwood) a better, safer town.”
The commissioners’ meeting began with an ABC meeting and work session, outlining the agenda and future points of discussion. The city’s engineer gave a brief report on various projects going on throughout the city. A final top pave for Davis Avenue will commence and the sewer improvements are ready to begin phase five, in accordance with the USDA.
According to the engineer, Wildwood is able to take full advantage of grant monies during the length of various street projects. “It’s a mad dash to finish projects,” he said. Construction should be completed by June. After the report, Mayor Ernie Troiano commented he noticed “cracks on Park Boulevard. around Andrews Avenue.” Troiano urged the engineer to look into the matter.
Byron brought up concerns for the city’s parks/playgrounds. “We have the worst playgrounds on the island,” Byron said. A plan regarding funding was discussed, along with a discussion concerning a proposed bicycle path.
A public hearing and adoption of the 2015 municipal budget commenced after the work session.
“As you know, we have no (tax) increase this year,” Byron introduced the material he described the matter as a “team effort.” With a decrease in government employees, keeping costs down, and finding new revenue, Byron pointed out how Wildwood is becoming a “better, safer town.”
Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Speigel presented a PowerPoint on behalf of the fire department. Nineteen career firefighters make up the fulltime staff with 11 to 12 volunteer firefighters. “By city ordinance, we can have up to 70,” said Speigel. A special effort in recruiting was made in 2014 and $8,000 was spent in trying to enlist new members. Out of those new recruits, five remain – five individuals willing to serve their community.
Speigel’s presentation illustrated the importance of keeping Wildwood safe, both on and off-season. “We have unique hazards here,” he explained. Special operations include beach rescue, ride rescue, industrial rescue, and surface ice rescue. Ice rescue came about this year in light of the icy conditions. According to Speigel, 40 people have been trained for rescuing individuals trapped on the ice.
A new engine was purchased and guidelines updated.
In a release, the fire department announced “the Insurance Services Office (ISO) – Public Protection Classification (PPC) for the city has improved from a Class 4 to a Class 3 rating which becomes effective July 1.” Deputy Speigel explained that the city’s insurance is based on the ratings. On a scale from one to 10 (one being the highest), Wildwood will rank at a three. “This is major,” Speigel said.
Mayor Ernie Troiano added, “A three is as good as you’re going to get.” At the end of his presentation, Speigel said, “We’ll push for a two. It will take a lot of work, but we’ll go for it.”
Police Chief Robert Regalbuto gave a presentation. The police department has undergone some transitions of its own, including new weaponry and new in-car computers. “Our weaponry was 14 years old,” Regalbuto said.
Malfunctions made their equipment unsafe to fire, leading to the purchase for everyone’s safety. In addition, the new computer system is wireless, cheaper, and runs on a DVD system, providing instant downloads while the officer is still on patrol.
According to a mandate by Gov. Chris Christie, police cars must have these new systems installed. Regalbuto also announced the department’s plans to dispatch bicycle units in June to patrol the second ward area. Foot patrols will begin in residential areas as well and undercover officers will “attack” the narcotics trade on and around Pacific Avenue.
Launching new efforts on social media and community relations are intended to give the department “a better image.”
Regalbuto meets with island clergy, community groups, the hotel/motel association, and is part of the new Coffee with Cops program.
The budget itself, as presented by the city’s auditor, remains under both spending caps. The flat tax rate will be maintained for 2015. “A good year in surplus,” the auditor said. Wildwood’s surplus came to $1.2 million and is already replenishing, according to the budget.
Although salaries and wages have increased along with insurance rates, hopes for keeping the budget under the same spending caps are set for 2016. With a minor amendment to the budget, Wildwood’s 2015 municipal budget passed unanimously by the mayor and commissioners.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.