Tomorrow we will hold our second annual Women Veterans Recognition Day ceremony in Sea Isle City. We’re very proud and honored to hold this event, as it is a fitting tribute to our women veterans, who deserve the recognition that was not always given to them for their sacrifices on behalf of our nation. Please join us at Veterans Park as we honor these brave individuals.
This coming Sunday, June 14th is Flag Day, and I’m asking all our property owners to fly the American Flag – not only in recognition of Flag Day, but to show our community spirit and patriotism as we approach the nation’s 250th birthday. Let’s paint the town red, white, and blue to prove that Sea Isle is America’s City!
With the summer crowds arriving, I’d also like to remind everyone to drive slowly, bicycle carefully, and be mindful when you’re crossing the streets. As your Mayor, I want to ensure that every resident, seasonal homeowner, and visitor enjoys a safe, relaxing, and thoroughly fun summer season. We want everyone to have an exceptionally enjoyable summer, soak up the sunshine, and take it easy. Please remember to respect our community; if you see or hear any issues, call the police right away instead of waiting to post about it on social media. We want everyone to feel welcome, but we ask for absolute respect for our town and neighbors.
Looking ahead, I am thrilled to invite everyone to our upcoming Saturday Night Concerts at the Excursion Park Band Shell. Our Department of Community Services has put together another spectacular lineup of tribute bands and music theme nights that you won't want to miss. Families can also look forward to our popular Wednesday Movie Nights Under the Stars, also in Excursion Park, throughout the summer season. Please check our Sea Isle City Reference Guide, available in paper copy or by clicking on the visitor information link on our website, to find a listing of all the programs and activities going on throughout the city.
The contractor for the Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project, Norfolk Dredging, has mobilized on our downtown beaches in preparation for the start of sand pumping operations. Unfortunately, they encountered some problems at the outset of the project, with the submerged pipeline that goes from the dredge to the beach and with rough sea conditions, requiring the dredge to be towed to Great Egg Harbor Inlet until the rough seas subside. The current projection is for sand pumping to start Friday, June 12, with completion prior to the July 4th weekend. Of course, this is very dependent on sea conditions.
The project will bring nearly half a million cubic yards of sand to be placed between 29th and 55th Streets. Sand pumping will initially proceed south from 43rd Street to 55th Street, and once that section is completed, the crew will reverse direction and pump north from 43rd Street to 29th Street. As the project moves along, no more than 1,000 feet of the beach will be closed at any single time, meaning the vast majority of our shoreline will remain completely open for your enjoyment. We are posting daily updates on our website to keep everyone updated on the status of the project.
As we look forward to the wonderful days ahead, I want to extend my personal thanks to the community groups and city staff whose dedication keeps our resort looking pristine and welcoming. This time of year reminds us how fortunate we are to share this beautiful island, and I hope to see you all out enjoying the warm weather, relaxing on the Promenade, and making lasting memories with your families.
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
During the June 9 City Council meeting, Ordinance 1739 had its second reading and public hearing. Ordinance 1739 is a bond ordinance that funds most of the capital projects included in the capital plan adopted by city council this past December. The total bond ordinance amount is $6,935,000. Key items included are replacement of an EMS ambulance, replacement of the Public Works roll off truck, funding for the continuation of our road and drainage program including the pump station at 46th Street, funding for the city’s share of the beach replenishment program, and funding for new breakwaters and docks at the marina. There were no public comments on the ordinance, and it was adopted by unanimous vote of the council.
Each of the resolutions on the June 9 consent agenda were approved, including…
• Resolution 077, which authorized the issuance of an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) renewal license for Kix Lounge and Package Goods.
• Resolution 078, which authorized the issuance of an ABC renewal license for 42 Place, LLC.
• Resolution 079, which authorized the issuance of an ABC renewal license for Diamonds.
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the June 9 meeting, several citizens stepped to the microphone to express concerns about the conditions at the Oar House Pub on 42nd Place, regarding noise, damage to nearby properties, and the Oar House’s continuation of its extension of premises license to the adjacent property. Some citizens did comment that they were not concerned with the conditions or noise at the Oar House, and there were comments that the city should ensure that all establishments are enforced consistently, without selective enforcement.
In addition to comments regarding the Oar House Pub, a citizen expressed concern about the placement of sand by the city in the area of 64th Street, and that this is causing additional build up of the dunes in that location. Another citizen expressed concern with the parking of unregistered vehicles along Park Road and 43rd Street and asked that the city look at conditions in this area.
The council appreciates the input it receives from everyone and will follow up with the administration on the above matters.
Our next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 23, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
Best regards from the members of City Council,
Council President Mary Tighe
Ian Ciseck
Frank Edwardi
Michael Jargowski
William Kehner
