On today’s City Council agenda are two ordinances - one for Introduction to amend the boat slip fees at our marina; and one for Second Reading and Public Hearing to amend the city’s salary ordinance.

The marina slip fee ordinance includes a 10% increase. It’s been several years since we increased these fees, and they remain very reasonable in comparison to other marinas in our region.

The salary ordinance is being amended to reflect changes to city staff salaries, in accordance with contractual agreements.

The Consent Agenda includes authorization of professional services contracts with our city engineer and bond counsel; authorization of the purchase of vehicles and equipment for the Public Works Department, consistent with the capital plan and funding ordinances adopted by City Council; and a resolution establishing the location of beaches to be staffed with lifeguards for 2025.

I want to provide a brief update on the progress of our new Community Center, under construction in the 4500-block of Park Road and Central Avenue…

The project remains on schedule and within budget. As I previously reported, the building’s steel structure was “topped off” last month. By the end of this month, the contractor is expected to complete all of the steel decking, welding, and bolting of the structure. In February, we’ll see the rooftop heating and air conditioning units placed on the building; along with completion of the exterior wall framing and sheathing. By the end of March, the contractor expects to complete installation of the exterior windows, doors, and roofing - giving them a watertight building. This is a key milestone, as it affects the progress of the remainder of the work inside the building.

By and large, other than the past couple weeks, we’ve had favorable weather conditions during construction of this project. While the contract does account for winter weather, let’s hope for a limited amount of rain, snow, and extreme cold over the next couple of months, as that can affect the schedule.

At this point, we are still looking at a Fall 2025 completion and move-in.

I believe I can speak for all city staff that we are very excited about the opening of the Community Center and look forward to welcoming everyone in the city into what we know will become the main gathering place in town and a place to be enjoyed by all.

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