Message from the Mayor - November 30, 2023
The 2023 holidays are off to a great start in Sea Isle City! If you were here over Thanksgiving weekend, you know that our town was bustling with homeowners, visitors, shoppers, and diners. Also, we had a huge turn-out for our annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 24 – and I was delighted to see so many people along the parade route and at Excursion Park, where Santa helped us light Sea Isle’s giant Christmas tree.
I want to thank everyone who made the parade a success, including the numerous fire companies from nearby communities, local civic organizations, and our municipal employees who appeared in the procession. I also want to thank the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization for providing hot chocolate to the spectators at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and our Tourism Office for organizing the evening’s festivities. Lastly, my congratulations go to the members of Goshen Fire & Rescue for receiving the trophy for Best Decorated First Response Vehicle in this year’s parade.
Now that the holiday season is underway, I remind everyone that the fun is just getting started in Sea Isle City, thanks to the many events that are taking place over the next month. For example, the Recreation Office is once again hosting a Holiday Lighting Contest, which will be judged on December 14, and their Santa’s Calling Program takes place on December 6. Also, the VFW is offering a free showing of White Christmas at the Band Shell this Saturday Night, December 2; the Fire Department will drive Santa through town on December 9; Saint Joseph Church’s Live Nativity takes place on December 16; and our annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display will light-up the sky on December 31.
For more information about these and other seasonal events that are taking place during the weeks ahead, please see the “Holiday Happenings” section in this week’s newsletter or phone the Tourism Office at 609-263-8687.
I have often said that we have a wonderful community for various reasons – but most importantly it’s the people of Sea Isle City who make our town special. With that in mind, I have two stories to share about a pair of Sea Isle City natives, who are worthy of praise…
First, I want to acknowledge Michael Carr, a young member of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol who is also a senior at Ocean City High School. Earlier this month, Michael and his family were surfing in Costa Rica, when a fellow surfer (who was separated from his surfboard) was floundering in the Pacific Ocean. Within moments, Michael recognized the severity of the situation and quickly paddled in the direction of the distressed-surfer, and he brought the man safely to shore, saving his life. Clearly, Michael is someone who can be counted-on when “the chips are down,” and we are very fortunate to have him in our family of lifeguards here in Sea Isle City. Keep up the good work, Michael – and thank you for taking action when action is needed!
Next, I want to congratulate Dan McCann, who recently completed the lofty goal of running a marathon on each of the earth’s continents. On November 18, Dan ran in a marathon “down under,” which made him an official member of the “Seven Continents Club” after completing seven marathons all around the globe – which less than 1000 individuals have done to date. During his most recent conquest, which took place in New Zealand as part of the “Oceania Marathon,” Dan also raised over $1000 for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Therefore, not only did Dan’s most recent marathon serve as an indication of his impressive athletic prowess, it also showed what a big heart he has. Congratulations, Dan – and please let us know what your next big adventure will be!
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! Please remember to “Shop Local” at Sea Isle’s many fine businesses as you shop for Christmas gifts and share good times with family and friends.
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
Message from the Council - November 30, 2023
During the November 28 City Council meeting, Ordinance 1708 was Introduced with First Reading. This ordinance was written to adjust fees for Sea Isle City’s Department of Community Services – specifically raising the merchandise and food vendor fee for the Division of Tourism’s Skimmer Festival and Fall Family Festival from $100 to $125, and creating a $75 annual fee for the use of a berth at the Division of Recreation’s Kayak Storage Racks at Dealy Field. Ordinance 1708 will have Second Reading and Public Hearing (and possible adoption) during the December 26 City Council meeting.
Each of the resolutions on the November 28 Consent Agenda was approved, including…
• Resolution 194, which authorized the issuance of a License to Conduct Amusement Games to Boardwalk Casino Entertainment, at 4200 Boardwalk.
• Resolution 195, which authorized the issuance of a License to Conduct Amusement Games to Island Breeze Casino, at 3700 Boardwalk.
• Resolution 196, which designated the official newspapers for Sea Isle City publications: Ocean City Sentinel, Press of Atlantic City, and Cape May County Herald.
• Resolution 197, which authorized the execution of a Shared Services Agreement with the County of Cape May for Snow/Ice Mitigation and Removal.
• Resolution 200, which authorized Mayor Desiderio to execute a contract between the City and Police Chief Anthony Garreffi.
• Resolution 201, which authorized the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Winter Termination Program, which prevents the discontinuation of water-sewer service through the time period of November 15 through March 15.
Our next regular City Council meeting will take place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 12, on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
Best regards from the members of City Council,
Council President J.B. Feeley
Frank Edwardi
William Kehner
Jack Gibson
Mary Tighe