WILDWOOD – City Solicitor Mary Bittner introduced changes to an ordinance about beach peddlers’ licenses during the commissioners’ regular meeting Feb. 26.
The proposed ordinance changes include the word ‘resident’ being replaced with the word ‘domicile,’ meaning that new, potential beach peddlers must prove that they live in Wildwood and receive mail from an address in the city.
“It strengthens the residency requirement,” said Bittner.
Peddlers will not be able to operate within an area where special events are occurring, due to the fact that those events often have stationary vendors or vendors who paid to operate within a specific event.
The ordinance was presented in conjunction with a resolution that would raise the fee for beach peddler’s licenses to $3,000. The fee would be payable in three installments; $750 by May 15, $750 by June 15, and the remaining $1,500 balance by July 8.
The ordinance also allows for an exception for all other mercantile license fees, which will be able to take part in the payment plan as well.
The proposed ordinance passed first reading and will be taken up for its second reading during the March 12 commissioners meeting. The resolution also passed. Commissioner Anthony Leonetti abstained from voting on this matter.
Commissioners discussed a resolution of support for a proposed bill stating that drivers involved in fatal accidents should have to be tested for drugs and alcohol.
“I believe one of the lawmaker’s daughters was killed by a drunk driver and there was no test taken or anything,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. “He’s asking for support from communities, which I don’t have a problem with.” The resolution passed.
City Engineer Marc DeBlasio gave updates for capital improvement projects, including the USDA Phase III A project. The construction is scheduled to be completed by spring. The USDA Phase IV project is scheduled to begin in the next two weeks.
According to a release earlier this year, Phase IV, the final phase of the Board of Commissioners’ ambitious, multi-phase plan to repair the city’s aging infrastructure, includes many streets receiving a much-needed makeover.
Streets scheduled for the 2014 upgrade include: Park Boulevard between Juniper and Magnolia avenues; Lincoln Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Boardwalk; Magnolia Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Boardwalk; Artic Avenue between Hildreth and Bennett avenues; Tacony Avenue between Park Boulevard to end; Dock Street from Park Boulevard to Mediterranean Avenue; Spencer Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Boardwalk.
Intersections scheduled to be reconstructed include: Lake Road and Bennett Avenue; Artic and Hand avenues; Artic and Davis avenues; Mediterranean and Burk avenues; Lake and Magnolia avenues; and Poplar and Hudson avenues.
The Grassy Sound water main replacement project, which is the replacement of two twin pipes that enter under Grassy Sound in Middle Township, will move forward, with the project targeted to be put out to bid by summer for fall construction.
Another USDA project, known as the reconstruction of 26th Street is closing, with funds left over. According to DeBlasio, the remaining budget will be converted into a stand-alone separate project to work on Lake Road to do water main replacement and roadway reconstruction.
“The city is in a good position with these three programs,” said DeBlasio. “We are going to get to work and knock it out.”
Commissioners recognized Victor Aguilar, 13, of Wildwood for being named Baysea District’s Scout of the Year for 2013.
Aguilar, a member of the Cub and Boy Scouts for the past five years, was presented with a certificate to honor his efforts.
Troiano proclaimed that Feb. 26 would be known as ‘Victor Aguilar Day’ for the city.
“You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it,” said Troiano to Aguilar.
Also recognized was Joe Bond, Wildwood Crest director of public works, for offering and delivering left-over boardwalk boards from Wildwood Crest to Wildwood, after Wildwood lost several boardwalks leading to the ocean during the last storm.
Bond was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his efforts.
“We’re proud to have you as a neighbor and know we can always count on you when we need help,” said Troiano to Bond.
To contact Erin Haskell, email ehaskell@cmcherald.com.
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