On today’s agenda is the introduction of a bond ordinance to fund most of the capital projects that are included in the capital plan adopted by city council this past December. The funding ordinance includes categories for equipment and vehicles, road reconstruction and drainage, the beach replenishment program, construction of bulkheads and public access ramps, and various building and facility improvements.
Some of the key items included are replacement of an EMS ambulance, replacement of the Public Works roll off truck, funding for the continuation of our road and drainage program including the pump station at 46th Street, funding for our share of the beach replenishment program, and funding for new breakwaters and docks at the marina.
Last week before the start of the Memorial Day weekend, the contractor for the beach replenishment project began mobilizing equipment onto the beach at 57th Street. Mobilization of pipelines continues this week, with the plan to commence sand pumping operations around June 1. We are still looking at completion of the project by the end of June, with the understanding that we’re dependent on good sea conditions. As a reminder, sand will be placed between 29th and 55th Streets. The work is planned to start around 44th street, proceed north to 55th; then go from 44th to 29th Street.
No more than 1,000 feet of beach will be closed at any one time, and daily updates will be posted on our website informing people of the location of the project area.
I’m pleased to report that work on our promenade has wrapped up for the season. This coming fall, we’ll complete the project to fortify the promenade and add a handicapped accessible ramp at 47th Street, along with the new decorative lighting at the southern and northern sections.
On Memorial Day, we had a great turnout once again for our ceremony, which was held inside the Community Center due to weather conditions. I’m always proud of the show of support here in Sea Isle for our military members who made the ultimate sacrifice. While we recognize this past weekend as the unofficial start of the summer season, Memorial Day is most importantly a day of remembrance dedicated to honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the nation. Nowadays, while barbecues, parades, and beach trips are common, the heart of Memorial Day lies in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices that secured our freedoms. It’s a moment to acknowledge the cost of liberty, to share stories of courage, and to ensure that the legacy of those who served is carried forward with respect and purpose - reminding us that the day is not just about leisure, but about honor, memory, and unity.
Speaking of honor, memory, and unity, at yesterday’s ceremony, I mentioned that we are asking all citizens of Sea Isle to make this year’s 250th anniversary of America stand out by flying an American flag at every property in the city for Independence Day. We want everyone to know that Sea Isle City is America’s city. I hope everyone will join in this effort, and I’ll continue to remind everyone in the lead up to the 4th of July.
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
The May 9 City Council meeting is the city’s annual meeting held on the Saturday of Community Day at 9:00 a.m. During the May 9 meeting, there was second reading and public hearing for Ordinance 1737, which establishes parking regulations at various locations around Sea Isle City (including the Community Center, the Dog Park and along 4th Street). There was no public comment on the ordinance, and it was adopted by unanimous vote of the council.
Each of the resolutions on the May 9 Consent Agenda were approved, including…
• Resolution 059, which designated abandoned bicycles as surplus property and authorized their sale at a live auction (held immediately following the council meeting).
• Resolution 060, which authorized Community Service Department contracts for various programs, including basketball camps, soccer camps, marine science camps, dance instruction, lacrosse camps, tennis and pickleball camps, baseball camps, theater camps, and other programs and activities.
• Resolution 061, which authorized the use of Tennis Fee Trust Funds in the amount of $15,843.75, for windscreens at the Dealy Field tennis courts.
• Resolution 062, which authorized an interlocal services agreement with Cape May County for animal sheltering and animal adoption services.
• Resolution 063, which confirmed Mayor Desiderio’s appointment of Christie Ostrander as Director of Community Services.
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the May 9 meeting, two individuals stepped to the microphone, and raised questions about the proposed handicapped accessible ramp at 47th Street and the promenade; and about the pump station project proposed for 46th Street, specifically regarding the discharge for that pump station. The citizens were informed that the 47th Street ramp would be constructed in the fall, and that there would be another public meeting regarding the discharge location for the pump station (the mayor previously mentioned at this council meeting that the administration was actively looking at options to discharge the pump station into the intracoastal waterway).
This is our last council meeting prior to Memorial Day, and we want to wish all our residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, and remind everyone about our Memorial Day Ceremony to be held at 10:00 a.m. at Veterans Park (rain location in the Community Center).
Our next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
Best regards from the members of City Council,
Council President Mary Tighe
Ian Ciseck
Frank Edwardi
Michael Jargowski
William Kehner
