The holiday season is in full swing here in Sea Isle City – and I am once again impressed by the way the people of our community show how much they love this wonderful time of the year. From the amazing array of well-decorated homes and businesses that I see all over town, to the good deeds that are constantly being performed, it’s clear that the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Sea Isle City.
One of the many wonderful holiday events I want to acknowledge took place on December 6, when the members of VFW Post 1963 hosted their annual Christmas Caravan to the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, where our local vets and VFW Auxiliary members spread holiday cheer to the residents of that facility (men and women, who admirably served our country in uniform and now rely on others to care for them – and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas).
Other seasonal events that have already taken place include the Sea Isle City Historical Museum’s Holiday Open House, which was hosted by a terrific group of people, who care deeply about preserving our community’s history; the Recreation Office’s Santa’s Calling Program, during which volunteers from the Knights of Columbus “relayed” phone calls to children directly from Santa Claus himself; AARP Chapter 710’s annual Holiday Luncheon, which brought together a fun-loving group of people for an afternoon filled with camaraderie and good cheer; the Sea Isle City Women’s Civic Club’s annual Holiday Luncheon, which included the presentation of thousands of dollars of donations to local charities; the Italian American Club’s 2024 Poinsettia and Wreath Sale, which supports the good work being performed at the IAC; and the VFW’s annual Brunch with Santa, which delighted dozens of children and their families.
I also want to mention the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization’s annual Wreath Auction, which benefits the Chamber’s Scholarship Program. Plus, our friends at the Chamber also hosted their amazing “Winter Village” over Thanksgiving weekend, which was a fine complement to the city’s annual Holiday Parade and Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony that weekend.
Even though the events I just mentioned have already taken place, there’s still plenty of holiday fun to-be-had in Sea Isle City, thanks to the Live Nativity that’s planned at Saint Joseph Church on December 21, and our annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, which will take place at 8:00 PM on December 31. Also, if you have children who want to send letters to Santa Claus prior to Christmas Day, don’t forget that we have a special mailbox in the lobby of City Hall that can be used for all letters being sent to the North Pole – and no postage is required!
For those of you who would like to help make the holidays brighter for families in need, please remember that there’s still time to donate to our 32nd Annual Mayor’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive, which will continue through December 16.
I want to thank each of the organizations and individuals who ensure that Sea Isle City’s holiday events are successful – because your efforts make our town shine!
No matter what holiday you plan to celebrate this month – be it Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Bodhi Day, Christmas, or any other special occasion – I hope you can spend time with family and friends along the way, so you can make this a holiday season to remember!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
During the December 10 City Council meeting, Ordinance 1721 was introduced with first reading.
This ordinance is an amendment to the city’s salary ordinance, which encompasses department heads along with those positions that are not included within a collective bargaining agreement with one of the city’s unions. From time to time the salary ordinance must be amended, to reflect changes in salaries based on cost of living adjustments, merit increases, or additions to the roster of “non-union” employees. Ordinance 1721 includes the addition of the position of Fire Chief. While the city still has a volunteer fire department, with the evolution of fire and rescue services, and the multitude of regulations that must be followed, it makes sense for the position of Fire Chief to be full time, within the municipal government.
Ordinance 1721 will have second reading and public hearing (and possible adoption) during the January 14, 2025 City Council meeting.
Each of the resolutions on the December 10 Consent Agenda was approved, including…
• Resolution 193, which authorized the amendment of the employee contract with Bruce Knoll. Bruce has served as chief of the city’s EMT division since 2019; and this past summer, Bruce also assumed the duties of fire chief. The aforementioned salary ordinance reflects the salary range for Bruce’s position, which now includes oversight of both the EMT division and the fire department; and the amendment of his employee contract reflects his duties along with his benefits and compensation in this expanded role.
• Resolution 194, which designated the official newspapers for city publications, as required by law.
• Resolution 195, which authorized cancellations of tax and utility balances of less than ten dollars, as permitted by law.
• Resolution 196, which fixes interest rates on delinquent property taxes and municipal claims, and provides a ten day grace period.
• Resolution 197, which authorizes a program to prohibit termination of water and sewer services during the winter.
The next City Council meeting will take place at 10:00 AM on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
We wish everyone a safe and happy time during this holiday season!
Best regards from the members of City Council,
Council President William Kehner
Frank Edwardi
J.B. Feeley
Jack Gibson
Mary Tighe
