**** Borough Meeting Highlights 02-03-2023

11 Feb **** Borough Meeting Highlights 02-03-2023

Dear West Wildwood Neighbors,

The second monthly borough meeting of 2023 was held on Friday, February 3rd at 7:00 pm in the borough hall.  Approximately 10 people were in attendance.   Mayor Ksiazek, Commissioners Banning and Segrest, Municipal Clerk Donna Frederick and Solicitor Lyons were present.

ORDINANCE #606 (2023) – second reading: Enterprise Zone Development Corporation of the Wildwoods relating to fees paid to Wildwood for the administration of UEZ funds received by West Wildwood.

ORDINANCE #607 (2023) – first reading:  Bond issuance for the replacement of sanitary sewers on W. Maple Avenue in the amount of $2,875,100.

RESOLUTIONS #2023-008 through #2023-018 relate to the following: 

• Authorizing the appointment of a zoning official – Brian Vergantino.
• Authorizing the appointment of an Office of Emergency Management Coordinator – Police Chief Ferentz.
• Authorizing the acceptance of a subgrant award for Emergency Management performance grant and assistance in the amount of $10,000 for the Federal fiscal year 2022.
• Authorizing the filing of the 2022 recycling tonnage grant.
• Authorizing to designate disabled persons on-street parking.
• Authorizing the settlement of a tax appeal for the property known as 623 W. Poplar Avenue.
• Application to the NJ Local Services Finance Board to issue bonds for the W. Maple Avenue sewer project.
• Authorizing change order #1 final relating to the police department ADA ramp – decrease of $8,000.
• Adoption of a temporary capital budget.
• Approval of budget transfers for the calendar year 2022.
• Authorizing an increase of $13,500 in engineering and construction costs necessary to raise the elevation of W. Pine Avenue from Q to Lake Avenues. Total contract will be $430,287.

The commissioner reports were presented, and they will be available in their entirety on the Borough website.  If you would like a copy of any report, please request it via our email address below or OPRA it directly from Borough Hall.

PUBLIC WORKS (70 work orders):

In addition to various work orders, removal of holiday decorations, etc., Mayor Ksiazek highlighted the following:

• A high-water float switch was replaced at the 26^th Street flood pump.
• The electronic sign at the bridge was upgraded to 4G.
• Still waiting on parts for the flood siren.
• The new dump truck is in the body shop for installation of accessories. It should be delivered hopefully by March.
• The borough will continue to inspect its tide flex valves. The county has not responded to an inquiry regarding county owned valves.
• There will be a government sale of old vehicles that are in the public works yard.
• Please note: the new trash/recycling contractor starts its pickup route early.  It is recommended you place your trash at the curb the night before.
• The UEZ program may provide an informational sign, trash receptacles, bike racks and parking spaces at the playground. The county’s Open Space Program may also source some of these items.

ENGINEERING NEWS:

• The W. Maple Avenue project (Phase 1) from Arion to Neptune will include new sanitary sewers, storm drainage, curbs and sidewalks when directed and paving of roads. The project construction is expected to occur in the fall 2023.
• The bulkhead project at Lake Road and Venice Avenue is awaiting DEP approval of the preliminary plans.
• The borough has received DOT funds of $187,000 for J Avenue from Poplar to Glenwood Avenues.
• Construction of West Pine, from Q to Lake will be raised 4 inches and should begin shortly.
• Expectation is that Lake Road, W. Pine Avenue, and bulkhead will be completed by Memorial Day 2023. Waiting on DEP for approval to begin work.
• The goal is to raise all roads within the borough 4-6 inches.
• Condo owners installed landscaping ties to reduce the J Avenue flooding problem. Preliminary results indicate improvement.  The borough will continue to monitor the situation.
• Phase II of the manhole project was completed. Approximately 50% (48 of 100) have been inspected and/or repaired. Three manholes near the Neptune Avenue pumping station will be renovated. The next step will be to contract with a company that performs flow testing and can pinpoint flow issues.

FINANCE:

• Over 98% of the 2022 borough taxes have been collected.
• The 2022 annual financial statement (unaudited) has been finalized and is posted on the borough’s website.
• A 2023 draft budget will be completed shortly and introduced at the March 3^rd borough meeting.
• Ordinance #607 (2023) for the W. Maple Avenue project consists of $1.284 million in USDA grant funds and $1.591 million in low interest loans. Approval is required by the NJ Local Services Finance Board and is on their March 8^th If approved by the state, the borough will have a second reading and discussion at the April 6^th (Thursday) borough meeting.
• Cape May County will share excess COVID funds equally, not proportionately, among the towns. The borough will receive $400,000!!! In order to receive these funds, the borough must spend the money (bonding will be needed) and then submit for reimbursement.
• The Living Shoreline and Flood Study are being evaluated by FEMA. The expectation is hearing from them next year, 2024.

• The Fair Share Housing Program will begin to advertise for eligible candidates. Eligibility criteria includes elderly individuals, fixed income and in need of code upgrades to their home. If you think you may qualify or know of someone who may qualify, please contact the borough office to discuss the program.

PUBLIC SAFETY (291 calls for service):

• Total motor vehicle stops totaled 10 during the month as well as one parking complaint/violation. In addition, two suspicious vehicles/persons were noted.
• There were 13 medical assists/well-being checks in January and 137 property checks.
• There was one arrest for domestic assault and approximately 10 general and juvenile complaints.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

• A W. Maple Avenue lot owner who plans to build a modular home will consult/coordinate with the borough regarding the future sewer project.
• There are currently no legal issues involving the borough and the tax appeal issue has been resolved.
• An additional $215 was presented by the CTWWW for the Borough Beautification Fund from the sale of additional t-shirts and hoodies at year end.

We encourage you to listen to the audio from the meeting to have a better understanding of actual comments.

Best regards,
The CTWWW Advisory Council

Trish Sinnott – President
Mary Anne Welsh – Secretary
Jim Bannan – Director
Susan Czwalina – Treasurer
Vacant – Vice President
Vacant – Director
Vacant – Director
Vacant – Director