We’re just about two weeks from Labor Day weekend, and some of our seasonal employees, including lifeguards, are heading back to school, so please be aware that there are reduced locations of guarded beaches.
This coming Saturday, we have another great Concert Under the Stars at Excursion Park, where Yellow Brick Road will perform an Elton John tribute.
I want to remind everyone that the city’s 2027 Beach Tag Art Contest is underway. Children up to age 17 are invited to participate, and we will choose four different designs for next year (Seasonal, Winter Holiday, Saint Patrick’s Day, and Veterans). Each child who participates may choose one of the four categories, and they can submit only one piece of artwork based on that category. Submissions can have no more than four colors. The artwork must be submitted on an official contest template and accompanied by a contest entry form and a signed waiver, which can be found on the “Departments / Beach Tag” page at www.seaislecitynj.us, in the lobby of City Hall, and in the Sea Isle City Welcome Center. All entries must be received by Friday, September 4, and winners will be announced during the September 22 City Council meeting.
Concerns have been raised about the navigability of Townsends Inlet, and I want to let everyone know that we have been communicating with representatives of the State and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding this issue. While the inlet is not a designated federal navigation channel, both agencies have this matter on their radar and are looking at ways to ensure navigational safety. A future solution may involve a collaborative effort between the federal, state, and local governments. Moving forward, the Coast Guard will continue to mark the waters to identify navigable areas, and the State and Army Corps of Engineers will keep us informed of their ongoing review of this matter.
I continue to receive positive feedback about our “Minute with the Mayor” videos that highlight events, activities, and people of interest. You can view these short videos on Sea Isle City’s website and on our social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.
I also want to remind everyone that if you have questions or concerns, please contact any of our department heads to get the answers you need. For a complete list of contact information, visit our city website, www.seaislecitynj.us, or phone City Hall at 609-263-4461.
I’m very happy to report on two prestigious awards given to Sea Isle City’s VFW Auxiliary No. 1963. The Auxiliary received the National Americanism award for the most outstanding activity or event displaying or educating others about the display of and respect for the American flag. In addition, the Auxiliary received the Americanism Hospital award for the most creative and unique activity to interact with and provide happiness to veterans in hospitals, for their Christmas Caravan to the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland. Sea Isle’s VFW Auxiliary has a long and proud tradition helping to improve the lives of veterans, service members, their families, and our community. Founded in 1956, the Sea Isle Auxiliary is recognized as the largest and most active VFW Auxiliary in the state of New Jersey, and we could not be prouder of them and all they do for veterans and our entire city. Thank you, VFW Auxiliary 1963!
This week’s shout-out goes to the men and women of the city’s public safety departments – police, fire, EMTs, and lifeguards. These dedicated professionals work 24/7 to keep our town and our citizens safe, and I know I can speak for our entire city in extending a huge THANK YOU to each and every first responder!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
At the August 11 council meeting, Mayor Desiderio reported on capital improvement projects that will be moving forward in the fall. These projects include those awarded on the consent agenda noted below, along with paving Central Avenue from JFK to 56th Street; and promenade improvements which include new ADA ramps at 32nd, 40th, and 47th Streets. The city will also be adding decorative lighting in the north and south sections of the promenade to match what has already been installed from 35th to 44th Street.
The mayor also honored two of the members of the Shooting Stars basketball program, Michael Royds and Ryan Vail, by appointing them as honorary mayors of the day. The council joins the mayor in congratulating Michael and Ryan!
Following the mayor’s report, city council introduced Anthony Golowski, the attorney previously retained by the city as special counsel to provide assistance and guidance on Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) issues, after which Mr. Golowski gave a brief presentation on his background and experience.
Each of the resolutions on the consent agenda were approved, including…
• Resolution 114, which authorized the approval of vouchers.
• Resolution 115, which authorized the award of a construction contract for paving of Pleasure Avenue from 79th to 85th Street.
• Resolution 116, which authorized the appointment of a part-time deputy tax collector.
• Resolution 117, which authorized various transfers of overpayments.
• Resolution 118, which amended the budget to accept additional funds for a grant program to support traffic enforcement.
• Resolution 119, which authorized the award of a construction contract for the installation of water distribution systems on 59th Street (Landis to Central) and 53rd Street (Central to the bay end).
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the meeting, several citizens stepped to the microphone to comment on various topics, including the following:
-Requesting improvements to the restrooms on the promenade at 40th Street.
-The safety of the city’s water system (the administration noted that the system is safe).
-Thanking the city for improvements to the city property at 80th Street and requesting ongoing maintenance at that location.
-Recent liquor license laws passed by the state.
-Issues with the driveway at a 76th Street property.
-Thanking the city for their efforts to resolve the 46th Street pumping station outfall issue.
Our next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 25, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
Council President Michael Jargowski
Ian Ciseck
Frank Edwardi
William Kehner
Mary Tighe
