At 12 noon on Tuesday, I was honored to host a dedication ceremony at our Municipal Marina in memory of Sea Isle’s longtime Marina Supervisor and past Fire Chief, Frank Edwardi, Sr. It was wonderful to see such a large crowd of people at the ceremony, including Frank’s wife, Kathy, and other members of the Edwardi family. Also present were representatives from our Volunteer Fire Department and many others who admired Chief Edwardi, including Mike and Jeannie Monichetti, who arranged for a banner plane to fly by, which read “We Love You Cheech!” During the ceremony, we unveiled a new sign to make everyone aware that our marina is now known as the “Frank P. Edwardi, Sr. Sea Isle City Marina” – a fitting tribute to a man who served our community for many years.
It’s clear that the summer of 2022 is going by very quickly. However, even though July is drawing to a close, we have plenty of events and activities planned throughout the month of August that will delight people of all ages, including our weekly entertainment line-up at Excursion Park and the other attractions we have coming your way. So, don’t despair that it is almost August – just focus on the good times that await you!
One event worth mentioning is the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s Captain Bill Gallagher 10-Mile Island Run, which begins this Saturday at 5:30 PM on the Promenade at 44th Street. Athletes who want to compete in this race still have time to register, and spectators who enjoy an exciting competition in the fresh salt air are welcome to line the race course. For more information, go to www.SICBP.com.
After the winners cross the finish line during the Island Run, don’t miss this Saturday’s free concert at Excursion Park, which will feature the music of Fleetwood Mac performed by the tribute band “Gypsy.” The concert starts at 7:30 PM, but you should arrive early if you want to get a seat on the benches near the stage. Otherwise, don’t forget to bring a folding chair or beach blanket so you can relax on the park’s lawn as you enjoy the show.
Another popular event taking place this weekend is the Philadelphia Phillies Home Run Derby on Sunday morning at Dealy Field. This free batting competition is for boys and girls, ages 7 to 12 – so if you have a child who loves baseball and wants to compete for prizes, this event is a must-do. To learn more about the Home Run Derby, go to www.VISITSICNJ.com and click the “calendar” link on the home page.
On Tuesday, August 2, the Sea Isle City Police Department will host their annual National Night Out celebration at Excursion Park, starting at 6:00 PM. National Night Out is a great opportunity for kids to meet our local first responders, explore the inside of fire engines and other emergency vehicles, play games, and participate in other free activities – so plan to bring your entire family!
As you may have noticed, we recently replaced all of Sea Isle City’s green street signs with new black signs. Knowing how much people love Sea Isle City – and that many folks might want to have one or more of the old signs as a keepsake – the City will host a first-come-first-served “Street Sign Sale” starting at 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 6, inside Sea Isle’s Community Lodge. To learn more about this event, please see the special section in this E-Newsletter.
We have several “Shout-Outs” this week. This first goes to Teri O’Connor, of NJ Beach Yoga, who donates her time and energy each summer to host free Full Moon Yoga sessions on the beach. –Thank you for all you do, Teri!
Our next Shout-Out, which is a bit more mysterious, goes to “Big Tree” on her special birthday. Have a Happy Birthday, Big Tree!
Last, but not least, a big Shout Out goes to a little girl named Bella Borkowski, of “Beats for Bella,” who was made an Honorary Citizen of Sea Isle City earlier today. Bella is the 9-year-old granddaughter of Ed and Denise Jones – and we are all in her corner!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
City Council's Message
July 28, 2022
At the start of the July 26 City Council meeting, Mayor Desiderio explained the two funding ordinances (1687 and 1688) that were being introduced on that day – and that collectively they would fund important improvement projects and necessary purchases for our town, all of which are in-step with our overall capital spending plan. The Mayor also mentioned that at 12 noon that day the Municipal Marina was being dedicated in memory of Frank Edwardi, Sr., Sea Isle City’s former Marina Supervisor and Fire Chief.
Following the Mayor’s comments, Ordinances 1687 and 1688 were introduced with first reading.
Ordinance 1687 provides for various improvements to the City’s water-sewer utility, including engineering work that will determine which portions of our system need replacement, and work that will prepare for the potential extension of our sewer system into Sea Isle’s north-end (if permitted by the State). Ordinance 1687 includes the appropriation of $1,140,000.
Ordinance 1688 provides for various capital improvements, including the replacement of some of our Promenade entrances (changing them from stairways to ADA compliant ramps), installing a pumping station that would alleviate flooding between 42nd and 44th Street (Landis Avenue to the Bay), the creation of a new dog park, improvements to the 40th Street public rest rooms, various improvements to City buildings and facilities, purchasing needed equipment, implementing the New Jersey State Radio System for our police department, and purchasing a new trash truck. Ordinance 1688 includes the appropriation of $7,720,000.
Ordinances 1687 and 1688 will both have second reading and public hearing (and possible adoption) during the August 9 City Council meeting.
Each of the resolutions on the July 26 Consent Agenda was approved, including:
• Resolution 129, which authorized the grace period for 2022 Third Quarter Tax Payments.
• Resolution 132, which authorized the execution of a labor contract between the City and the Communication Workers of America, representing Sea Isle City’s Public Works and Water-Sewer Departments, through December 31, 2023.
• Resolution 135, which authorized a change order for an additional $28,070.28 with New Jersey Business Systems for the installation of additional surveillance cameras.
• Resolution 136, which authorized the sale of Surplus Street Signs, which will take place on August 6 in the Community Lodge, starting at 8:00 AM.
• Resolution 137, which authorized the award of a public bid to R. Maxwell Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $169,000, for the addition of new bunk rooms to the Sea Isle City Fire House.
The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 9, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall. We hope to see you there!
Council President Mary Tighe
Frank Edwardi
J.B. Feeley
William Kehner
Jack Gibson
