It’s hard to believe we’re already in August! Sea Isle has been jam packed and by all accounts, everyone is enjoying their time here and making the most of the season. This past weekend we welcomed over a thousand runners to our annual Captain Bill Gallagher 10-mile island run. This is always a popular event, and I want to thank all the city staff along with the many volunteers who made sure this run was able to take place so efficiently. And I want to congratulate all the athletes who participated in this event – running 10 miles in the heat and sand is no small feat and you are to be commended for your fitness, stamina, and heart!
This coming Saturday, you won’t want to miss our Concert Under the Stars at Excursion Park, where the Queen of Rock Tina Turner Tribute will be performed starting at 7:30 p.m. And also, at Excursion Park on Monday, August 10, you can meet the Phillies Phanatic and Phillies alumni during the Philadelphia Phillies “Down the Shore” event, starting at 6:30 p.m. Fans can enjoy free activities, music and giveaways; and we’ll also be showing the Phillies game, where they’ll be playing the St. Louis Cardinals live on the big screen.
I want to let everyone know that I’ve recently started a new informational public service announcement, known as “A Minute with the Mayor.” In these short videos, I highlight various people, events, and activities in the city. This is just another part of our efforts to make sure we keep people informed. It’s always our objective to make sure we provide timely and accurate information; and this is actually a fun way to meet with some of the people who are part of the fabric of Sea Isle and inform our citizens about what’s going on. These segments are available on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
While a large part of the city’s efforts are currently focused on seasonal activities, I wanted to mention that we are also planning for the fall, and the start or resumption of several capital projects we have in the works. These include the following projects:
*Completion of repairs and improvements to the promenade as part of the Boardwalk Preservation Grant program, from which the city received approximately two million dollars in grant funding. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
*Completion of decorative lighting along the promenade, from 44th to 57th Street and 29th to 35th Street, to match the lighting already installed between 35th and 44th Street. This work is also expected to be completed by the end of the year.
*Construction of the handicapped accessible dune walkover and viewing platform at the north end of the island, supported by over $750,000 in grant funding from the Cape May County Open Space program. This work is scheduled to be started in December and be completed in the spring of 2027.
*Road reconstruction and paving of Central Avenue, from JFK to 56th Street, expected to be completed by the end of the year.
*Repaving of Pleasure Avenue from 79th to 85th Street, expected to be completed between the end of year and the first quarter of 2027.
*Construction of new breakwaters and docks at the municipal boat ramp at the city’s marina, expected to be constructed prior to spring 2027.
This week’s shout out goes to Bill McDougall, a longtime summer resident of Sea Isle. Happy Birthday, Bill!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
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!
Council President Michael Jargowski
Ian Ciseck
Frank Edwardi
William Kehner
Mary Tighe
