11 Feb Borough Meeting Highlights 02-05-2021
Dear West Wildwood Neighbors,
The second monthly borough meeting of 2021 was held on Friday, February 5th at 7:00 pm via Zoom and approximately 30 individuals attended. Mayor Ksiazek, Commissioners Banning and Segrest, Municipal Clerk Donna Frederick and Solicitor Lyons were present.
Unfortunately, the public comment portion of the meeting was disrupted by hackers and the meeting ended abruptly. The abbreviated audio is posted on www.ctwww.org. The commissioners are looking into alternatives to make future meetings more secure. A notice has been posted on the Borough website on how to express your comments if you were unable to during the meeting.
Prior to adopting any ordinances, public comments were allowed on each. A new ordinance #587(2021) was introduced regarding land development. Resolutions #2021-044 through #2021-048 were passed. Full detail on these ordinances and resolutions is available on the Borough’s website.
Please note: resolution #2021-046 was passed establishing a volunteer program for free snow/ice removal for residents 62 years and older, as well as disabled residents. Residents in need should contact Municipal Clerk Frederick to add their names to the list. Volunteers are needed to help shovel snow.
The commissioners provided department reports and are attached for your information.
Mayor Ksiazek (Public Works) reported on damage as a result of the recent Nor’easter. He requested residents contain trash and recycle cans during storm events.
Commissioner Segrest (Revenue and Finance) indicated the 2020 year-end closing process is complete and state reporting requirements are in the process of being submitted prior to the extended COVID-19 date of March 15. The 2021 budget process has begun. The commissioner is hopeful the draft budget will be ready for review at the next workshop meeting. The full budget should be available around March 30 and introduced at the April 1 meeting. Please keep in mind these dates may change or be extended due to COVID issues.
A capital investment plan is being created. The borough will seek bond and grant funding to cover new projects. The interest rate for the Poplar Avenue project is less than .50% and the commissioners feel the new capital investment projects funding will be at similarly low interest rates.
Commissioner Banning (Public Safety) reported on the police department activity. Residents are reminded of the hazards of driving during flood events.
The Living Shoreline Project was identified as the #1 hazard mitigation project for the Borough. A meeting with the new owners of the 26th Street property is scheduled in order to request access across their property. Funding for the project will be a key issue and coordination between FEMA, NOAH, the DEP and Nature Conservancy will be required. You may remember, the Borough began this project with a proposal from ch2m Hill Engineers back in early 2017. Commissioner Segrest indicated the planning board is working on borough requirements to include a flood plain manager and flood plain ordinance as per the standard New Jersey Coastal Management requirements.
Public comments included the following:
- Concerns regarding the road and site conditions related to the Poplar Avenue sewer project. The Mayor has a meeting with the engineer the week of February 8th and will also speak with the inspector regarding this issue.
- Possibility of raising the bulkhead at Bay and Poplar Avenues. Everything goes back to funding.
- What residents can do to help promote The Living Shoreline project and secure funding.
- Suggestions were made to keep the island cleaner and look more inviting. It was requested the beach be cleaned on a weekly basis, if possible.
- Bids were received for Information Technology Support services and a savings will be realized as a result of a new contract with Barber Consulting.
We urge you to listen to the audio from the meeting to have a better understanding of actual comments which is available on our website. These highlights are also available on our website at https://ctwww.org/borough-meeting-highlights-02-05-2021/
Sincerely,
The CTWWW Advisory Council
Trish Sinnott – President
Mary Anne Welsh – Secretary
Jim Bannan – Director
Susan Czwalina – Treasurer
Vacant – Director
Vacant – Director
Vacant – Director