Dredging of Townsends Inlet started today. To recap this project, the channel that provides passage through the inlet under the TI bridge has become severely choked due to sand buildup, which has impacted safe navigation. The inlet is a critical passageway for recreational and commercial boating, and the opportunity to address this issue now came about due to the current replenishment of Avalon’s beaches, and the fact that the borrow site for Avalon’s project is right in the vicinity of the area needed to be dredged for navigation. The city entered into an agreement with the Borough of Avalon to perform the project, the cost of which will be shared between Sea Isle, Avalon, Cape May County, and the Bridge Commission. The dredging should be completed within the next week.
On November 10 at 1:00 p.m., the administration will present the proposed 5-year capital plan to city council at a public workshop. The capital project process generally follows, in sequence, the stages of conceptualization, design, funding, and construction, and the annual memorialization of this process is the City’s 5-year capital plan. The administration has been reviewing past citywide priorities, assessing progress to date, and re-establishing priorities for the coming years. The objective is to come to agreement with council on the capital plan priorities; and adopt by council resolution the agreed upon capital plan by the end of each year. In this manner, we can factor our anticipated debt service needs into the following year’s operating budget. All categories of capital needs are reviewed, including the following:
*Equipment and vehicles
*Beach, bay, and promenade
*Roads and drainage
*Facilities and buildings
*Marina
*Operations and office equipment
*Water and sewer equipment
*Water and sewer infrastructure
Tomorrow, Friday, October 30, in the Community Center parking garage, the city will hold a new haunted house event called “The Curse of Fish Alley Lagoon.” The event is free for all our residents and visitors. Those wishing to attend should enter through the main Community Center Lobby and check in at the front desk before going into the garage. The haunted house event is geared toward kids aged 10 and older and adults who enjoy a good scare. We want to make sure this is a night the whole family can enjoy, so for our younger children, or anyone who might find the haunted garage a little too scary, there will be separate, kid-friendly activities right inside the Community Room.
On Halloween - Saturday, October 31 - we’ll host a trunk or treat from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center parking lot; and trick or treat will take place throughout the city from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
As a reminder - Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day, and the voting location for all districts is now at the Community Center, located in the 4500 block of Central Avenue.
On November 11, at 11:00 a.m., we will hold our annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park on JFK Boulevard. I encourage everyone to join us as we honor the patriotism, service, and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country in times of both war and peace. While we recognize and appreciate our veterans every day, Veterans Day offers a special opportunity to reflect on their unwavering dedication to our nation and express our gratitude for their selfless service and commitment. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held at the Community Center.
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
At the October 27 council meeting, Mayor Desiderio reported on the city’s annual best practices report, which is a comprehensive administrative, operational, and fiscal checklist mandated by the state. The mayor reported that the city will receive 100 percent of the allotted state aid based on our performance on the best practices checklist.
In addition, the mayor reported on the resolution on the council meeting agenda awarding a professional services contract to the law firm of Maley Givens to assist and guide the council and administration on the development of the former LaCosta site. The city received a request from the property owner to consider the site as an area in need of redevelopment, and the firm of Maley Givens has extensive experience in this matter.
The mayor also reported on the upcoming start of the Townsends Inlet dredging project, which had been delayed by last week’s nor’easter.
Each of the resolutions on the consent agenda were approved, including…
• Resolution 147, which authorized the approval of vouchers.
• Resolution 148, which authorized the refund of a Hometown Hero program fee.
• Resolution 149, which authorized award of a professional services contract to the law firm of Maley Givens as special counsel for the matter of redevelopment of the former LaCosta site.
• Resolution 150, which authorized the designation of recreation department card tables as surplus property to be auctioned online.
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the meeting, two citizens stepped to the microphone and commented on the following:
-The success of the Beachcombing Program, where over 2,000 citizens attended this past season. The program is seeking volunteers for next season.
-Suggestion for the planting of a pollinator garden at the entrance to Sea Isle City at Townsends Inlet.
-Thanking the mayor for his efforts in getting beach replenishment for Sea Isle.
-Complimenting the city on the Hometown Hero Banner program.
Our next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 10, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
Also on November 10, at 1:00 p.m. in council chambers, the administration will review the proposed 5-year capital plan with city council.
Council President Michael Jargowski
Ian Ciseck
Frank Edwardi
William Kehner
Mary Tighe
