Yesterday, my elves and I delivered toys, food, and other Christmas gifts to families around Sea Isle City as we completed our annual Mayor’s Toy and Food Drive. As most everyone knows, this is an event that’s near and dear to me. While we live in a town that is fortunate to be blessed with so much, and many want for nothing, there are always folks in need. I want to thank all those who donated and helped with the toy and food drive. It’s just one more example of the goodness in our community.
On this date last year, we held the “topping off ceremony” at our new Community Center, to commemorate placement of the final beam of the building’s steel frame. There’s been a tremendous amount of work done since that date, and we’re on the verge of completing the project. Last week, the remaining parts for the elevator were delivered, which were the only outstanding critical materials needed for the project.
Over the next few weeks, along with completion of the elevator, the contractor will be working to complete the exterior site work and finish-up interior work. We expect to announce a date for the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Community center very soon, so stay tuned.
I’ve been meeting with Community Services staff regularly for many months in preparation for our opening, as we plan for the programs and activities to be held at the building, and I can’t wait for all of our citizens to have the opportunity to enjoy everything the new center will offer.
City Council has a full agenda today, with many resolutions that are routine, but I do want to mention a couple items of note. Resolution number 229 will authorize the re-appointment of our chief financial officer, Jen McIver. Jen has done an outstanding job over the past 4 years keeping our financial house in order, and I want to commend her for this, and give City Council my full endorsement for Jen’s re-appointment.
Resolution 250 authorizes award of a construction contract for installation of decorative promenade lighting from 29th to 35th Street and 44th to 57th Street. With the decorative lighting already in place from 35th to 44th, this will complete this project. We’ll have more information on scheduling after we meet with the contractor.
I want to wish everyone a very joyous holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year; and 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
During the “Council Reports” portion of the December 9 City Council meeting, Council President Tighe commented that the events that took place over Thanksgiving Weekend were very well attended and enjoyed by many families. She added that the City’s Tourism Office did a fine job hosting this year’s Holiday Procession and Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 28, and the Chamber of Commerce also did a fine job hosting their Winter Village that weekend.
Also during the December 9 City Council meeting, two ordinances were adopted following their Second Reading and Public Hearing…
• Ordinance 1726, which was written to establish fixed wages and salaries based upon the labor contracts that have been approved by City Council and signed by the city’s administration and representatives from the CWA.
• Ordinance 1727, a “housekeeping” ordinance that was written to establish the public bus stop on JFK Boulevard (near Cini Street) as the only bus stop in town, eliminating two older bus stops that are no longer in use due to changes in New Jersey Transit’s bus route.
Each of the resolutions on the December 9 Consent Agenda was approved, including…
• Resolution 217, which adopted Sea Isle City’s Capital Plan for 2026-2030.
• Resolution 218, which authorized a Change Order in the amount of $1,605,633 for the Promenade Improvement Project, due to the addition of a new ADA Ramp at 47th Street and the discovery of additional bulkhead work that is needed as part of this renovation project.
• Resolution 219, which authorized the Acceptance of an Award and Grant Agreement between Sea Isle City and the NJ Department of Transportation for Municipal Aid during Fiscal Year 2026 for roadwork along Roberts Avenue (77th to 80th Street).
• Resolution 222, which authorized Professional Services in the amount of $52,400 for the Procurement of Interior Furnishings for the Community Center, with Architect Henry Hengchua.
• Resolution 223, which authorized the Issuance of a License to Conduct Amusement Games to Island Breeze Casino at 3700 Boardwalk.
• Resolution 224, which authorized the Issuance of a License to Conduct Amusement Games to Boardwalk Casino LLC at 4200 Boardwalk, Unit A.
During the “Pending Business” portion of the December 9 meeting, Council President Tighe stated that equipment has been ordered for improvements to the sound system inside Council Chambers and the implementation of Live Streaming for City Council meetings.
During the “New Business” portion of the December 9 meeting, Mayor Desiderio reminded everyone that the Sea Isle City Fire Department will host a “Decorated First Responder Parade” on Friday, December 12, starting at 6:00 PM. During this event, a fleet of decorated fire engines and other first response vehicles will parade through town, starting along Landis Avenue (from 6th Street to 83rd Street) and then along Central Avenue (83rd Street to JFK Boulevard), ending at the Sea Isle City Fire Department.
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the December 9 meeting, one resident inquired about fees for the future Community Center, and a second resident commented about the route NJ Transit buses take through Sea Isle City.
City Council reminds everyone to stay warm during what is turning out to be a cold early winter – and to be sure your outside water systems are turned off and those pipes are properly drained.
The next regular City Council meeting (and our final meeting of 2025) will take place on Tuesday, December 23, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there! For your reference, City Council’s 2026 Meeting Schedule is posted on the “Government / City Council” page at https://www.seaislecitynj.us/.
Best regards from the members of City Council,
Council President Mary Tighe
Ian Ciseck
Frank Edwardi
Michael Jargowski
William Kehner
