City Hall , 233 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
9am-4pm, Monday-Friday
CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE AUGUST 6, 2026
At the July 28 council meeting, Mayor Desiderio updated council and the public on the plans for the 46th Street pumping station. The mayor reminded everyone of the prior options that had been previously presented; and the concerns that were expressed by many residents about the impacts of these outfall locations on the quality of water immediately adjacent to their properties. The mayor reported that the city engineer has developed an option to take the discharge to a point directly into the intracoastal waterway, north of the city’s boat ramp, and this will not impact any property owner’s waterway. Council has agreed with this approach, and the administration has directed the city engineer to proceed with this option. The city will need to obtain DEP and Army Corps permits as well as finalize the engineering design, after which the project can proceed with bidding and construction.
The mayor also reported that the beach replenishment contractor has removed all their pipe and equipment from the beach. The council joins the mayor in thanking everyone for their patience as we accomplished this critically important project to ensure vital shore protection for our community. And we also want to state how great our beaches look!
Following the mayor’s report,
Beach Patrol Chief Renny Steele shared with city council and the public the details of an incident that occurred last summer where several Beach Patrol members successfully responded to a medical emergency involving Tara Himmelreich, who had collapsed on the beach and required CPR and the implementation of a defibrillator. Due to the quick and decisive action of the Beach Patrol, Tara’s life was saved. Mayor Desiderio presented a plaque to each lifeguard involved in saving her life: EMT Eric Greensmith, EMT Mike McCormick, EMT Matt Pytel, EMT Tim Quinn, EMT Dan Stearne, Senior Guard Grace Gehman, and Junior Guard Avery Lasky.
Tara attended the meeting, along with her husband, Pete and her daughter, Megan; and they donated two Lifepak CR2 Defibrillators – the same device that saved Tara’s life – to the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol. Council thanks the Himmelreich’s for their generous donation and commends the Beach Patrol for their outstanding service.
Each of the resolutions on the consent agenda were approved, including…
- Resolution 107, which authorized the approval of vouchers.
- Resolution 108, which authorized a Shared Services Agreement with the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority for Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Services.
- Resolution 109, which authorized the extension of the third quarter taxes due grace period to August 25, 2026.
- Resolution 110, which re-appointed and appointed members to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
- Resolution 111, which designated the Fire Department’s 2008 Spartan Pumper and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe as surplus property and authorized their trade-in for a 2026 GMC Sierra.
- Resolution 112, which authorized a National Co-Op Contract for Security Cameras at City Hall, the Welcome Center, and the EMS Building.
- Resolution 113, which authorized a State Contract for a Police Department Chevrolet Tahoe with Gentilini Chevrolet.
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the meeting, several citizens stepped to the microphone to comment on various topics, including the following:
-Thanking the city for the outfall discharge location near the boat ramp.
-Issues regarding bulkhead construction.
-Compliments and accolades regarding the Shooting Stars program, including comments by the organizers of the program, residents, and participants. (The Sea Isle Shooting Stars is a free summer basketball program for children and young adults with disabilities, held in the Community Center).
-Comments recognizing and thanking Christie Ostrander, Community Services Director, for her efforts on behalf of the city.
Our next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 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 Michael Jargowsky (mjargowsky@seaislecitynj.us)
Ian Ciseck (iciseck@seaislecitynj.us)
Frank Edwardi (fedwardijr@seaislecitynj.us)
Bill Kehner (wkehner@seaislecitynj.us)
Mary Tighe (mtighe@seaislecitynj.us)
