Thursday, January 27, 2011

Latest Sea Isle City News-- January 27th

January 27, 2011



MAYOR'S MESSAGE:
One of the benefits of being mayor is the constant interaction I have with our residents and visitors. People from our community phone my office, write me letters and e-mails and stop me on the street, either to voice their opinions, mention a concern or tell me that our town looks better than ever.

Recently, I received an email from Army Major Tim Ramsey, who is currently serving in Afghanistan. In his message, Major Ramsey mentioned that he has been reading about Sea Isle City online from the Middle East, and he wanted to congratulate us on our 2011 budget and our city in general. He also had a thoughtful suggestion concerning our beaches. After reading his kind words, I was humbled and filled with a sense of pride - all because a soldier who is stationed thousands of miles away took the time to send a friendly email to the mayor of a small South Jersey resort town.

I also recently received a letter from Governor Chris Christie, who wrote to thank me for delivering our 2011 budget under his 2% cap and without a tax increase. In his note the governor said, "I thank you for your tenacious pursuit of responsible budgetary and tax policies and for demonstrating that more efficient and effective government is possible." This too filled me with pride - as it should for everyone who calls Sea Isle City home. Unlike other municipalities and cities across the nation, Sea Isle City is operating with a strong financial base and an eye on the future. However, our work is far from over.

In February, we are expecting a visit from New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, who is personally visiting many towns throughout the state to discuss the concerns of community leaders, identify problems and discuss possible solutions. I will be certain to listen attentively as Lt. Governor Guadagno shares her thoughts and opinions with us, and I will speak freely with her about ways to make our state even better. Look for an update about her visit in a future communication. Until then, please don't hesitate to stop me on the street, phone my office and send me emails with your thoughts and concerns.




CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:

As you may know, Mayor Desiderio presented Sea Isle's 2011 Budget to City Council on January 11. On January 13, council held a public budget workshop to discuss revenues and expenditures for each City department. We were very pleased that the Administration was able to present a ZERO TAX RATE increase for 2011. Your council members, mayor, business administrator and department heads have been working diligently during the last three years to achieve this goal.

Below are some of the major initiatives that have allowed us to manage the budget while maintaining services and improving our economic well-being as a city:

o Sea Isle City has maintained a hiring freeze (except for public safety and statutorily required positions).
o The City opened all contracts and eliminated a very costly health benefit package by changing to the state benefit plan for employees and retirees.
o A 5-year capital planning process has been established.
o Departments have been restructured for efficiency.
o Expenses have been controlled in each department.

According to a 2010 survey by SICTA, Sea Isle Revitalization and the SIC Chamber of Commerce, "taxpayers are much more satisfied about receiving a great deal for their tax dollars." City Council feels that the initiatives mentioned above are just a few ways that we have achieved this type of taxpayer satisfaction.

City Council is dedicated to supporting fiscal prudence while investing in our infrastructure and increasing our surplus funds. All of this allows us to maintain a well-managed and attractive town.


UPDATES ON CITY PROJECTS:
Excursion Park - Construction on this project is ongoing, with completion of the bandshell, new beach pavilion and promenade seating area all scheduled for completion prior to Memorial Day.


Reconstruction of Basketball Courts & Playground on JFK Boulevard - The project is scheduled to go out to bid in early February, with award of a construction contract scheduled for early March and project completion prior to Memorial Day.


Replacement of the Marina Boat Ramp - The City received the necessary waiver of environmental restrictions regarding the placement of a coffer dam between January 1 and May 31, which will allow the project to be awarded at the February 22nd council meeting and be completed by the end of April.

Inflow and Infiltration Remediation - This project is the culmination of over two years of planning, investigation, assessment and engineering related to the City's sanitary sewer system. The goal is to correct problems associated with the infiltration of groundwater into underground pipe systems and the inflow of flood waters into the system. The City maintains an extensive 40+ mile long sewer main system, and this multi-phase project will start with the areas most in need of correction. The first phase, to correct sewer lines from 22nd to 41st Street, will be completed prior to the summer season.

North-End Landfill Remediation With Use of Dredged Materials/Passive Park Development - Environmental investigation and engineering continues on this project, which is funded in part through an agreement with the NJ Department of Transportation. The City's consultants are working to obtain a landfill disruption permit to enable our environmental scientists and engineers to perform subsurface investigations. The objective at this point is to obtain the required permits this year to perform work on the landfill necessary to develop a Passive Park for recreation, as well as perform necessary containment of eroding landfill areas.

55th Street Water Treatment Facility - Since construction was completed in 2008 on the City's well and water treatment facility, the Water and Sewer Division of Public Works has continued to perform routine and specialized maintenance projects to keep the facility in excellent condition. Shown below are photos of the facility, which is responsible for delivering water at 700 gallons per minute to the residents of Sea Isle City. This is one of four sites throughout Sea Isle that provide for the annual delivery of hundreds of millions of gallons of water to City residents and visitors.




DID YOU KNOW...

o Our next regular City Council meeting is Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 10:00 a.m.


o Free 'Tween Craft Club sessions for kids, age 9-14, will take place at the SIC Library, 125 JFK Boulevard, on Mondays, February 14 & 28, March 14 & 28, April 11 & 25, May 9 & 23, 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Info: (609) 463-6354 (609) 463-6354 .


o The SIC Department of Recreation hosts weekly fitness classes, basketball and volleyball pick-up games, yoga sessions and after-school activities for kids. For info, phone 263-0050.


o 2011 Polar Bear Plunge Weekend is February 18-20. Activities include Prince & Princess and King & Queen contests, a costume contest, a 5K Run/1M Walk for Autism, vendors and an icy dip in the Atlantic Ocean. For additional information visit www.seaislecitynj.us or phone 263-3756.


o City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m.


o Sea Isle City's Town Watch/Town Pride is a volunteer organization that works with the SICPD to promote and ensure public safety. For information about TW/TP, phone Carl Lingesso, 263-6982.


o City Councilman Bill Kehner was recently installed as President of the Cape May County League of Municipalities. The league consists of local elected officials who meet each month to discuss recent developments, share ideas and plan for the future.




DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? --If you have questions or concerns, there is no need to wait for an upcoming City Council meeting to express your thoughts. You can contact the head of any City Department today to obtain the answers you need. Visit our website, www.seaislecitynj.us and click on the Government/City Directory tabs for a complete list of contact information - or phone City Hall, 263-4461.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Sea Isle City Calendar of Events for January and February

EVENTS IN SEA ISLE CITY
JANUARY & FEBRUARY, 2011


TWEEN CRAFT CLUB
January 24, February 14 & 28, 2011, 3:00 – 4:00 PM, Ages 9 – 14, Sea Isle City Library
Info: (609) 463-6354

CAPE MAY COUNTY BABE RUTH SIGNUPS
January 15, 2011, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, UT Community Center
January 19, 2011, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Amanda’s Field
January 22, 2011, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, UT Community Center
January 29, 2011, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM UT Community Center
Info: (609) 263-0050

SIC TEEBALL/BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
Registration Now – February 18, 2011, $25, Ages 5 – 12
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Recreation Service Building
Info: (609) 263-0050

MOTHER & DAUGHTER YOGA
January 27, 2011, 7:00 PM, Community Lodge
Info: (609) 263-0050

POLAR BEAR KING & QUEEN/PRINCE & PRINCESS CONTEST
February 18, 2011, Prince & Princess 6:30 PM, King & Queen 7:00 PM, LaCosta Lounge
Info: (609) 263-3756

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
February 19, 2011, 2:00 PM, 42nd Street & the Beach, $25 Registration - Ages 12 & older
Costume Contest Registration: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Judging 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Post-Plunge Party: 2:30 PM, Awards 3:30 PM, LaCosta Lounge
Info: (609) 263-3756

5 K RUN/ 1.5 MILE WALK FOR AUTISM
February 20, 2011, 11:00 AM
$20 Pre-registration by 2/15/11
$25 Registration, 2/19, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
$25 Same day Registration, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
LaCosta Lounge - JFK Blvd. & Landis Ave.
Post-Run/ Walk Party & Awards immediately following at LaCosta Lounge
Info: (609) 741-7728, polarbearrunwalkforautism.com

AEROBICS
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays - Adults, 9:00 a.m. @ Community Lodge
$5/class or $40/10 session pass

YOGA
Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m., Fridays @ 7:30 a.m., $10/class
Info: (609) 602-3398 or www.njbeachYOGA.com

SENIOR CITIZENS SIT & BE FIT
Wednesdays & Fridays, 2:15 – 3:00 p.m. @ Community Lodge, No fee


Submitted by the Sea Isle City Department of Community Services
*VISIT THE SEA ISLE CITY WEBSITE AT www.seaislecitynj.us *

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Sea Isle City News 1/4/11

December 30, 2010


MAYOR’S MESSAGE:


As each New Year approaches, many of us take the time to reflect on the previous twelve months and examine the changes that have occurred in our lives. Here in Sea Isle City, we can look back at 2010 with great pride, knowing that our resort has undergone many improvements that have enhanced our island’s appearance and strengthened our community’s infrastructure. And, we still have projects in the works that will make life here even better! By the time the summer of 2011 is in full swing, we will have a new band shell at Excursion Park, an inviting new beach pavilion at JFK Boulevard, a modernized seating area on our Promenade, a new municipal boat ramp and other worthwhile improvements that will further enhance our town and attract new visitors -- so be sure to watch us grow!

As we all continue to “dig out” from this week’s nor’easter snow storm, I would like to thank Sea Isle City’s Department of Public Works and our Police Department’s Office of Emergency Management for their efforts. As the storm approached, our OEM effectively informed property owners with E-alerts and telephone calls, and they also spread the word when our region’s state of emergency was lifted (FYI: If you have not yet done so, you can sign-up for similar alerts on our City’s website). Additionally, the DPW has been busy all week clearing our roadways, intersections and fire hydrants as quickly as possible – which was quite a large task, thanks to the nearly 20-inches of snow we received (not to mention the strong winds and resulting snow drifts).

During this season of peace and love, I would also like to thank all of our residents and visitors for their input and suggestions throughout the past year. Working as a team, I know we can reach all of our goals and continue to flourish as a thriving resort community. I am very excited about Sea Isle City’s future and I look forward to sharing it with each of you!

May you and your loved ones enjoy a healthy and prosperous 2011! Happy New Year!


CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:
2010 has been a very productive year here in Sea Isle City, and we will continue with that level of productivity in 2011. We have many exciting projects in the works for the upcoming year that will further improve the town we love and continue to make Sea Isle City “the place to be.”
During our last council meeting, we introduced a funding ordinance, which is described below under “Project Updates.” Please take time to review these projects. If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to email us (our City website has our contact info) or attend our next Council meeting on January 11, 2011, when we will be hearing citizen comments on the funding ordinances. Also, on January 11, the Mayor will render his “State of the City” address and present a budget to City Council for fiscal year 2011. Additionally, Council will hold two budget workshops, January 13-14, 10:00 a.m., in Council chambers. The public is invited to attend these workshops and will have an opportunity to discuss their thoughts with Council members and the Administration regarding the budget.
Each member of City Council would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy New Year! –We look forward to seeing you and hearing your comments in 2011.

UPDATES ON CITY PROJECTS:
SNOW DELAYS: The recent nor’easter and accompanying snow has slowed the progress of some of our projects, including road work at 43rd and 63rd Streets, the Excursion Park project, reconstruction of the promenade access ramp at 32nd Street and the south-end dune fence placement/dune grass planting project. However, we expect to get back on track in January. Some weather delays are inevitable, and this is factored into the project schedules.

One item that shore communities can appreciate is that we generally do not perform much construction during most of what is considered “the ideal time” for such work in this region (late spring through summer). We obviously avoid the summer so we don’t negatively impact our busiest tourist season; however, this creates a natural impediment to most effectively scheduling construction.

FUNDING AUTHORIZATIONS: On December 28, City Council introduced funding ordinances to advance a portion of the capital plan adopted by council on December 14. The ordinances include $1.6 million in general building capital funds and $3.5 dollars in water/sewer utility funds. Council will hold a public hearing on these ordinances and take them up for adoption at the January 11 council meeting at 10:00 a.m. The following projects will be able to be accomplished upon approval of the funding:

• A public address system along the entire length of promenade – The system will broadcast public address announcements and music. The police department has researched appropriate systems, and specifications will be finalized upon adoption of the bond ordinance in order for installation to take place prior to the 2011 summer season.

• Reconstruction of our basketball courts and playground on JFK Boulevard between Landis and Central Avenue – The existing basketball courts are severely deteriorated and will be replaced, and new lighting, sidewalks and benches will also be installed. The playground will be replaced with new equipment and the entire ground area will receive a textured, cushioned surface, which is currently only in place at the base of the existing equipment. The existing equipment will either be relocated to the 85th Street playground to replace deteriorated equipment at that location or auctioned on “Gov-deals.” Design work is mostly complete, and the project will be up for bid following adoption of the bond ordinance. Construction is expected to take place in March, April, and May for completion prior to the 2011 summer season.

• Landscaping at the east-side of the Sea Isle Bridge and improvements at the City’s north-end entrance – This project includes new landscaping at our bridge and the addition of landscaping and a new welcome sign at our north-end’s entrance from Strathmere. Landscaping design work will be completed upon adoption of the bond ordinance, and the project will be bid and constructed prior to the 2011 summer season.

• Additional beach walkovers (aka: mobimats) for improved beach access – Acquisition of mobimats for placement at various beach accesses will be made in order to place mobimats (or “Mr. Boardwalk” style walkovers) at all beach access points. Note: where erosion has significantly reduced beach width, there may be no walkovers placed; decisions on walkover placement will be made in early summer. Walkovers to be placed prior to Memorial Day weekend, and placement completed island-wide by mid-June.

• 85th Street Restrooms and Lifeguard Facility upgrades and handicapped accessibility – The existing building has been gutted and is being prepared to be made handicapped accessible. Additional restrooms, new siding and new roofing will also be added. The work is being performed by in-house Public Works forces.

• Furnishings for our new history museum inside the County Library currently under construction at 48th and Central – In preparation for completion of the County Library, scheduled for the coming summer, the City has agreed to provide appropriate furnishings when the Sea Isle City Historical Museum relocates to their new facility inside the Library. The administration is working with Museum Director Mike Stafford to finalize the specifications for the new furnishings.

• Replacement of the marina boat ramp – The administration has authorized the design and preparation of permit applications for the replacement of the boat ramp at the public marina (adjacent to the Sea Isle Bridge). Contingent on the waiver of environmental restrictions regarding the placement of a coffer dam between January 1 and May 31 (due to winter flounder restrictions), the project will be bid in January and completed by April. If the governing agency (National Marine Fisheries Service) does not waive the environmental restriction, work will have to be delayed until fall 2011.

• Continuation of the inflow and infiltration remediation project to reduce flood and groundwater flows into our sewer system. Funding is currently in place for the investigation and preparation of plans and specifications, and construction work to address the first phase of infiltration remediation (Basin 1 sewer system, 22nd to 41st St.). Additional funding in this ordinance will allow the next phase of investigation (cleaning and televising of sewer systems in Basins 4 and 5, 61st to 83rd St. ) to proceed, along with contingency funding for the first phase of remediation work.

• Sewer and road reconstruction on Central Avenue, 49th to 69th Street - The City has made applications to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a combination grant and loan to accomplish this project, which is estimated at $3.2 million. The USDA grant is anticipated to be in the $750,000 to $1 million range, with the balance in loans.


DID YOU KNOW…

• Sea Isle City will host a fabulous Fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, 8:30 p.m., JFK and the Beach (info: 263-0050).
• Our next City Council meeting is Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 10:00 a.m.
• The SIC Chamber of Commerce will host a “Bagels on the Beach” meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Community Lodge. Guest speaker: Monica Coskey. Topic: Cooperative Advertising. All are welcome to this free event (info: 263-9090).
• The City’s Recreation Department sponsors weekly Yoga and Aerobics classes. Visit our city website, www.seaislecitynj.us, for more details or phone 263-0050.
• The SIC Library will host free “Tween Craft Club” classes for kids, ages 9-14, twice each month on Monday afternoons, January through May (info: 609-463-6354 609-463-6354 ).
• AARP Chapter 710 meets on the second Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. inside the Community Lodge (info: 263-3831)

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? --If you have questions or concerns, there is no need to wait for an upcoming City Council meeting to express your thoughts. You can contact the head of any City Department today to obtain the answers you need. Visit our website, www.seaislecitynj.us , and click on the Government/City Directory tabs for a complete list of contact information or phone City Hall 263-4461.

Sea Isle City Real Estate Market Update

Here are the homes that have closed since November 18th, 2010:


22 35th Street, asking price $450,000, sold price $400,000



6604 Landis Ave., asking price South $699,500 sold price $677,000, New, Unfurnished




8411 Sounds Ave, asking price $895,000, sold price $800,000



319 39th Street, asking price $539,000 sold price $517,500



7 84th Street, asking price $1,079,000, sold price $950,000




7404 Pleasure, asking price $1,095,000, sold price $995,000 unfurnished


105 74th Street, asking price $749,000, sold price $720,000, New, Unfurnished




127 34th Street, asking price $584,000, sold price $575,000



126 55th Street, asking price $499,900, sold price $467,500




114 54th Street, asking price $739,000, sold price $720,000




129 67th Street, asking price $695,000, sold price $650,000 unfurnished




105 51st Street, asking price $589,900, sold price $550,000



105 65th Street, asking price $369,900, sold price $335,000




226 43rd Street, asking price $599,963, sold price $575,000




233 57th 2nd floor, asking price $499,000, sold price $437,500




201 90th Street, 1st Floor, asking price $599,000, sold price $550,000



9 78th Street, asking price $889,500, sold price $832,500



7304 Pleasure, asking price $825,000, sold price $800,000



7508 Landis Ave, asking price $675,000, sold price $622,500 Short Sale, Unfurnished

2010 Real Estate Market Summary for Sea Isle City

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season!

Here is the wrap up for the real estate market in Sea Isle City for 2010.

We had 180 homes go under contract or close in 2010. That is down 10 homes from 2009.

The following is the breakdown:

-Single Family Homes- 13 with an average price of $1,119,363.

-Building Lots-2 with an average price $576,000

-Commercial-1 priced at $255,000

-Condo/Townhouse- 140 with an average price of $611,403

So there 156 homes to close with an average sales price of $650,994, average days on the market were 193, and the average sales price was approx. 90% of the original asking price.

***24 homes went under contract in 2010 but they still have not closed***