I want to address the issue of the proposed fees at the new Community Center. The ordinance to establish these fees was introduced at the last Council meeting and is scheduled for its second reading and public hearing at the next Council meeting on January 27. I know there are some concerns regarding the language of the ordinance. For entry and general use of the Community Center, it has always been our intention not to charge anyone who owns a property in Sea Isle, whether or not they reside here. It’s also our intention not to charge year-round residents. To ensure there is no confusion about this, the city solicitor will be recommending additional language to the introduced ordinance to clarify this matter so that there’s no questions about our intentions. This will be done at the January 27th meeting.

Access to the facility for general use includes any open gym sessions, scheduled adult basketball and volleyball sessions, use of the walking/running track, use of the exercise equipment adjacent to the walking/running track, and access to any free community activities, events, civic meetings, or advertised public meetings that take place in the building.

We’ve issued a detailed document that explains everything that’s planned to be held in the Community Center, the hours the building will be open, the proposed fees, and how to obtain a membership card.

The document is available on our website and if anyone has any questions about anything, city staff will be happy to provide any assistance and answers.

The building is very close to completion, and we’re looking forward to announcing a grand opening date very soon.

On Council’s agenda today are a couple items that bear mentioning...

Resolution 003 authorizes the continuation of a shared service agreement with Ocean City for the provision of plumbing sub-code services. Our shared service arrangements with several towns have proven to be productive and cost effective, and the administration fully endorses this resolution.

Resolution 006 authorizes the appointment of a temporary tax collector. The city is required to have a certified tax collector, and due to the recent resignation of our previous tax collector, we need to have a person on staff while we search for a permanent replacement. Our chief financial officer has already worked out the arrangements with the temporary tax collector, so we will have no issues as we work to fill this position.

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