On today’s agenda is the annual best practices report. For those who aren't familiar with this process, this is a comprehensive administrative, operational, and fiscal checklist mandated by the state. The Division of Local Government Services uses it to evaluate how municipalities handle local governance, personnel management, budget transparency, and overall compliance with state regulations. The city once again will receive 100 percent of our allotted state aid based on our performance on the best practices checklist.
I want to thank our chief financial officer, Jen McIver, for overseeing and compiling the report; and I want to thank all of our city departments for their hard work keeping our town running smoothly and efficiently.
Also on today’s agenda is the award of a professional services contract to the law firm of Maley Givens to assist and guide the council and administration on the development of the former LaCosta site. The city received a request from the property owner to consider the site as an area in need of redevelopment, and the firm of Maley Givens has extensive experience in this matter. Retaining this expert counsel ensures that the long-term interests of our community, our zoning standards, and the character of Sea Isle City are fully looked after and protected every step of the way as this process unfolds.
Turning to other matters, the dredging of Townsends Inlet was delayed due to last week’s nor’easter, which brought some rough conditions to our coast. Now that the storm has cleared out, we expect the dredging to start within the next week.
I’m very happy to announce a fantastic new community event our Community Services department has put together for this coming Friday evening.
On Friday, October 30th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, we’ll be hosting a brand-new haunted house event called “The Curse of Fish Alley Lagoon.”
We’re completely transforming the Community Center Parking Garage into a spooky, sea-monster-themed maze. This event is entirely free and open to all of our residents and visitors.
Visitors will enter through the main Community Center Lobby and check in at the front desk before going into the garage. The main haunted garage is geared toward kids aged 10 and older and adults who enjoy a good scare.
We want to make sure this is a night the whole family can enjoy, so for our younger children, or anyone who might find the garage a little too scary, there will be separate, kid-friendly activities right inside the Community Room.
I want to thank the city team for bringing this creative new event to life, and I encourage everyone to come out this Friday night to celebrate Halloween Eve with us.
And don’t forget…on Halloween - Saturday, October 31 - we’ll host a trunk or treat from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center parking lot; and trick or treat will take place throughout the city from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
As always, please remember, we are one Sea Isle City and together we’ll be stronger than ever.
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
At the October 13 council meeting, Mayor Desiderio reported on the resolution before council which would authorize the city to enter into a shared services agreement with Avalon, and declare an emergency condition relative to the shoaling of Townsends Inlet, which has created a significant issue for navigation through that channel. The administration has worked with Avalon, NJDEP, the Army Corps of Engineers, Cape May County, and the Bridge Commission to come up with a plan to dredge the sand that is choking up the inlet. The total cost of the project is about 1.6 million dollars. The County will contribute $250,000; the Bridge Commission will contribute $50,000; and Avalon and Sea Isle each will contribute $650,000.
Following the mayor’s report, he made a special presentation to the Public Works Department, recognizing their outstanding work in cleaning up the city from the nor’easter we recently experienced, as well as for all their efforts throughout the year in keeping the city clean and well maintained.
Each of the resolutions on the consent agenda were approved, including…
• Resolution 140, which authorized the approval of vouchers.
• Resolution 141, which authorized approval of a raffle application for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
• Resolution 142, which authorized approval of a bingo application for the Italian American Club of Sea Isle City.
• Resolution 143, which authorized the purchase of an ambulance for the EMS Division.
• Resolution 144, which authorized the purchase of a Chevrolet Tahoe for the EMS Division.
• Resolution 145, which designated a 5-ton cargo truck as surplus property and authorized its trade-in for credit towards repair of another emergency high water vehicle for the police department.
• Resolution 146, which authorized the execution of a shared services agreement with the Borough of Avalon and declaration of an emergency for the purposes of dredging TI Inlet to address navigation problems due to shoaling of the inlet.
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the meeting, several citizens stepped to the microphone and commented on the following:
-Thanking the city for addressing the issue in TI inlet.
-Concerns with the inability to receive permission from a neighbor to consent to the installation of a gas line on their property. The city agreed to examine the condominium documents related to this matter.
Our next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 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
