The most significant concern at the meeting was the ongoing debate over the proposed dune system along Wildwood Crest’s beaches. The project, which has been in development since 2014, aims to protect the area from severe storms and preserve the beachfront. However, it has stirred considerable debate among residents and council members alike. The council discussed the project’s potential implications on public access and safety, emphasizing the need for heightened community engagement. One commissioner expressed frustration over the lack of public awareness and urged the council to arrange a public hearing to ensure community members understand the project’s scope. The commissioner highlighted the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the beach and expressed concern that the public was not adequately informed about the project’s potential consequences, especially as interest tends to wane during the December period.

Another commissioner suggested a practical approach to enhance public understanding by proposing visual aids, such as ropes or markings, to depict the dune’s impact on the beach. This would help residents visualize the scale of the changes and gauge their implications on public safety and accessibility, particularly during high tides. The council members stressed the need for public education about the project’s potential legal and accessibility issues, noting that while accessible ramps were included in the current design, their efficacy could be compromised if the dune system were implemented.

Financial management emerged as another issue, with residents expressing concerns over the borough’s fiscal responsibility. A resident detailed apprehensions about the projected expenditure of over $20 million over four years, noting a significant increase compared to previous terms of public safety commissioners. The resident questioned the transparency of financial activities and posed direct questions to the public safety commissioner about future staffing and infrastructure plans. In response, the commissioner attributed the cost increases to rising contracts and an expanded workforce, acknowledging frustrations over the construction delays of the Beach Patrol building.

The Beach Patrol building project, initially budgeted at $2 million but exceeding $2.2 million, was a focal point of financial scrutiny. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the project’s delayed completion and additional funding requests, attributing these issues to mismanagement and inadequate early planning. The council faced calls from the community to learn from these oversights to prevent similar issues in the future.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting also celebrated a joyful milestone for a local resident. Charlotte Ro de, who turned 102 years old, was honored with a proclamation recognizing her long-standing residency in Wildwood Crest since 1946 and her contributions to the community, including her work at Kimble Glass. The council declared December 4th as Charlotte Ro de Day in Wildwood Crest.”

The council also addressed several legislative matters, introducing two ordinances. Ordinance No. 1441, aimed at rescinding a previous ordinance and amending the borough’s code concerning fees, was passed on first reading, with its public hearing scheduled for December 18, 2024. Ordinance No. 1442 proposed amendments to the Land Development ordinance, specifically definitions and regulations for residential zones, and was also passed on first reading with a public hearing set for the same date.

Among the resolutions passed, the council approved a contract increase with Star Septic LLC for portable toilets and authorized a contract for dune restoration work with Peter LX Consulting, capped at $7,250. Other resolutions included appropriations transfers, closing municipal court accounts, and amending the 2024 municipal budget to incorporate additional funding from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety for a holiday enforcement campaign. The council accepted a $2,800 grant for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign and authorized payments to law enforcement for this initiative.

Public comments during the meeting reflected broader concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency. Residents emphasized the importance of prudent financial management and accountability, urging the council to address these issues comprehensively. The meeting concluded with a closed session on potential litigation related to the Army Corps dune project and flood mitigation efforts.