I think we can all agree that this is a very exciting time of the year to be in Sea Isle City. In addition to many of our business owners reopening their doors for the season, folks are flocking to the beach in large numbers, and there is a great deal of anticipation in the air about all of the fun that’s coming our way this summer.
However, before I mention any of the events that we have planned, I am very happy to report that the summer of 2025 has already gotten off to a tremendous start – thanks to a very successful Memorial Day Weekend that included mostly sunny skies and plenty of happy people enjoying our beautiful seaside community. And speaking of the long holiday weekend, I want to once again thank everyone who attended our annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday at Veterans Park, where a huge crowd of spectators helped us honor and remember the countless American lives that have been lost for the sake of our freedom – which is what Memorial Day is all about.
As you may have heard, we have been planning to install a new electronic sign at the corner of JFK Boulevard and Central Avenue, which will offer pertinent information that everyone can find useful. The installation of the new sign is expected to take place during the weeks ahead; and, once installed, it will display event information as well as some important reminders that will help people make the most of their time in Sea Isle City. So please be on the lookout for the new sign – and the timely info it will be sharing.
And now for some worthwhile event information...
For the first time, we will be hosting a special ceremony at Veterans Park on Thursday, June 12, in honor of Women Veterans Recognition Day. I hope you can join us at 10:00 AM that day as we honor the courageous women who served in the United States military (and who were sometimes overlooked when people think about American veterans). Also, while you are marking your calendars for Women Veterans Recognition Day, please also remember that Saturday, June 14, is Flag Day – and we should all remember to show our patriotism and fly Old Glory on June 14!
In addition to being Flag Day, June 14 is also “day one” of our annual Skimmer Festival Weekend. This year’s festival will once again kick off with our popular Seaside Vendors Market along the promenade, a fantastic food court, and plenty of free family-friendly activities on Saturday. Then, the fun will continue with our annual Skimmer Antique Auto Show and Parade on Sunday (which is Father’s Day). For more information about Skimmer Festival Weekend, please see the special section in this week’s E-Newsletter or phone Sea Isle City’s Tourism Office at 609-263-8687.
I have several “Shout Outs” this week, starting with the good folks at the Sea Isle City Garden Club, who recently hosted their 2025 Flower Sale fundraiser. In addition to the Garden Club members who worked very hard to make the Flower Sale a success, I am told that other members of our community also pitched-in, including several youngsters from Girl Scout Troops 41012 and 40823 and Boy Scout Troop 76, as well as numerous neighbors and friends of Garden Club members who were also happy to donate their time – and to show us all what the words “team work” and “community” are all about!
My next “Shout Out” goes to members of the Shields-Braun family, including Jenna and Scott, who recently approached me to say how much they love Sea Isle City. Their family has had a home on 82nd Street since their great-grandfather purchased a lot there in the 1950’s, which was a time when our town looked very different but had the same charm it does today. I hope each member of the Shields and Braun clans has a wonderful summer and many more happy years together in Sea Isle City!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
There were no ordinances listed on City Council’s May 27 Meeting Agenda, however, each of the resolutions listed on the May 27 Consent Agenda was approved, including…
• Resolution 091, which authorized the cancellation of Utility Excess Charges for several local properties, where excess water leakage did not enter the sewage system.
• Resolution 092, which recognized the Month of June as “Pride Month.”
• Resolution 093, which authorized the city’s support of Cape May County’s Recertification Application for official designation as a “Coast Guard Community.”
• Resolution 094, which requested an Extension to a Construction Contract for the NJ Department of Transportation Municipal Aid Road Program, related to the reconstruction of Central Avenue (56th Street to JFK Boulevard).
• Resolution 095, which authorized City Council to hold a Closed Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation related to the Fourth Round Housing Cycle Requirements for the State’s Affordable Housing Program.
• Resolution 096, which authorized the Award of a Contract to AutoAgent Data Solutions, LLC, of Boca Raton, FL, for Credit Card and Electronic Payment Processing, which will allow Sea Isle City property owners and visitors to use credit cards for payments of various city services, with the purchaser paying the service fee. More information about this new payment option will be shared with the public prior to the system being installed.
• Resolution 097, which authorized a Change Order (for the increased amount of approximately $26,097) for the purchase of a Max Tactical Pumper for the Sea Isle City Fire Department.
• Resolution 099, which authorized a National Co-op Contract with Everon, of Boca Raton, FL, in the amount of $47,800 (plus an annual fee of $3,228) for a Key Card Entry System and Panic Buttons for Sea Isle City’s future Community Center.
• Resolution 100, which authorized the use of Tennis Fee Trust Funds in the amount of $8,464, for the purchase of tennis equipment from BSN Sports, of Dallas, TX.
• Resolution 101, which authorized a State Contract in the amount of $76,102 for the purchase of various equipment for the Sea Isle City Fire Department, from MES, of Pennsauken, NJ.
• Resolution 102, which authorized a State Contract (not to exceed the amount of $15,000 annually) for a Safety Supplies Vending Machine, from Fastenal, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, which will be used to distribute safety equipment to Sea Isle City’s Department of Public Works and help control inventory of those supplies. Please Note: The cost does not apply to the vending machine itself but rather to the supplies that will be distributed from the vending machine.
• Resolution 103, which adjusted Resolution 069 and confirmed charges for various Road Projects in Sea Isle City, allowing the property owners to pay for improvements to sidewalks and curbs in front of their properties.
• Resolution 104, which authorized a contract with Heather Doyle, of Glenside, PA, for Group Fitness Programs offered through the Sea Isle City Division of Recreation, with the city receiving 10% of total registration fees.
During the “New Business” portion of the May 27 City Council meeting, a discussion took place regarding the liquor license owned by 42nd Place Liquor, LLC (for The Ludlum Hotel property at JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue), which currently has “inactive” status.
The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 10, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall.
City Council hopes everyone is enjoying the summer season.
Council President William Kehner
Frank Edwardi
J.B. Feeley
Jack Gibson
Mary Tighe
