February 10, 2011
MAYOR'S MESSAGE:
As you know, today’s “Communication Age” allows each of us to stay in touch with the outside world in a variety of wonderful and convenient ways. Thanks to the internet, smart phones, emails and text-messages, it’s never been easier to connect with others and accomplish our goals quickly and efficiently.
Realizing this, I feel that it is important to continually explore new ways to communicate with our residents and visitors. That’s why I am pleased to announce the launch of our new City website, www.seaislecitynj.us, which was updated earlier this week. Not only does our website now have a new look, it is also very easy to navigate. Plus, it contains information you may be looking for, including meeting times, our calendar of events, contact phone numbers and email addresses, tourism updates and plenty of links, including to Sea Isle’s Facebook and Twitter pages. And, of course it is also where people sign-up for our City’s E-News System, which includes these bi-monthly E-Newsletters. (By the way, please let your friends without computers know that paper copies of our E-Newsletters are always available at City Hall).
TV Channel 2, the home of Shore TV, is another great place to learn about what’s happening in Sea Isle City. Shore TV is a 24-hour television broadcast system that we share with Avalon and Stone Harbor, and it is also where you can view our new “Sea Isle Minute” segments, which spotlight local community leaders who have some great things to tell you about your favorite island resort! So, be certain to tune-in to Channel 2 everyday!
Deciding exactly what information you need to know can be a challenge, but obtaining that information shouldn’t be. That’s why we will continue to communicate with you in a variety of ways. –After all, staying well-informed is important for each of us!
CITY COUNCIL'S MESSAGE:
At the February 8 City Council meeting, Council introduced the 2011 Local Municipal Budget, which has a “zero” tax rate increase this year. We will host a budget workshop that is open to the public on Tuesday, February 22, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss each City Department and make any changes as needed. There will also be a public hearing on Tuesday, March 15, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the City’s 2011 Budget. We are still waiting to hear from the State of New Jersey to learn when the final adoption of the budget can occur.
Also at the February 8 meeting, Council awarded a professional service contract to Center Stage Entertainment for $79,900. Center Stage Entertainment and our Community Services Department have lined-up some great free weekend entertainment for the summer of 2011 under our new Band Shell at Excursion Park. Some of the acts are very well-known, such as The Sensational Soul Cruisers on June 18, The Duprees on July 16, The Quaker City String Band on July 23, Real Diamond (Neil Diamond tribute) on July 30, Beatlemania Again (Beatles tribute) on August 6, Don’t Call Me Francis on August 20 and many others.
Rental Permits are now being issued through the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall. All property owners who rent any dwelling are required to purchase a rental permit for $125 before May 1. A portion of each rental permit fee goes directly to Sea Isle’s Tourism Commission, which in turn promotes our town and makes Sea Isle a premier destination.
Mercantile Permits for 2011 are also now available at City Hall or online. All business owners are reminded to get their permits right away. For additional information about Rental or Mercantile Permits, phone the City Clerk’s Office, (609) 263-4461 ext.200.
Council continues to work to control spending while providing the perfect sea shore experience for all. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any of your City Council members. Our contact info is available on the City’s new website under Government/City Directory. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you this summer!
UPDATE ON CITY PROJECTS:
• Excursion Park Entertainment Complex: Work continues on the construction of the band shell and the new pavilion, as the contractor tries to take advantage of the limited good weather over the past month. Completion of this project is still scheduled prior to Memorial Day Weekend.
• Marina Building: Piling foundation work has been completed, with steel framing of the building anticipated to be completed in March. The building is scheduled to be substantially finished and ready for operation by the end of May.
• 43rd Street Utility Replacement and Repair: Utility work is substantially complete and repaving is scheduled to be completed by the end of May.
• 47th Place Bulkhead Replacement: This project was awarded to Walters Marine Construction at the February 8 City Council meeting for the contract amount of $133,644. The work will be performed through the spring and completed prior to the 2011 summer season.
• 32nd Street Promenade Ramp Reconstruction: Work will be restarting after considerable delays due to inclement weather. This project is being completed by in-house forces and involves complete replacement of the foundation infrastructure along with all new decking.
• 85th Street Lifeguard Station/Public Restrooms: Work continues on framing and interior renovations to completely rehabilitate the structure, provide for handicapped accessible restrooms, additional restroom facilities and improved storage capacity for lifeguard operations.
• Public Library at 48th and Central: The contractor has substantially completed the building sheathing, giving form to the new building; and work continues to progress on the project as the contractor works toward completion this coming summer.
• Public Address System for Promenade: The City is preparing specifications for a project to provide a public address system for the full length of the Promenade for the coming summer season. The PA system will be utilized for announcements and music on the promenade.
DID YOU KNOW…
• Due to the Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday, City Hall and all other municipal buildings will be closed on Friday, February 11.
• 2011 Polar Bear Plunge Weekend is February 18-20. This year’s official plunge site is the 40th Street Beach at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19. Other activities include the Polar Bear Prince & Princess (ages 10-16) and King & Queen Contests on Friday night, a costume contest on Saturday, a 5K Run/1M Walk for Autism on Sunday, and vendors selling items all weekend. For additional information visit www.seaislecitynj.us or phone 263-3756.
• A FREE Trolley Service is available for The Polar Bear Plunge, courtesy of Sea Isle Revitalization. Trolleys will run along Landis Avenue (29th to 93rd Street) and also along Park Road, 10am to8pm, Saturday, February 19.
• Sea Isle City has another published author living in town: Former SIC Publicist Dr. Irene Jameson has penned Memoirs of a Polar Bear Queen, which she will sell during this year’s Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for children with Autism. Info: 263-2968.
• The Strathmere Ensemble will perform a special winter concert on Sunday, February 20, 4 p.m., SIC United Methodist Church, JFK and Park Road. Admission is free, however donations will be accepted. Info: 263-6185.
• Due to the President’s Day Holiday, City Hall and all other municipal buildings will be closed on Monday, February 21. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no curbside trash collection on February 21. All trash collections that week will be moved up one day, therefore if your collection day is Monday your trash will be collected on Tuesday (Tuesday’s trash will collected on Wednesday, etc.) Also, the Trash & Recycling Yard adjacent to the Sea Isle Bridge will be open on Sunday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., however the yard will be closed on Monday, February 21.
• Our next regular City Council meeting is Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. on the second floor of the Public Safety Building, 233 JFK Boulevard. At this meeting, the Administration will present a detailed analysis of our trash and recycling collection operations, with information on the cost of these services.
• Like many communities across the nation, Sea Isle City sells unwanted merchandise and supplies online at GovDeals, where items are auctioned at great savings. For a direct link to GovDeals.com, visit our City website: www.seaislecitynj.us .
• Sea Isle City's newly updated website, www.seaislecitynj.us, is better than ever.
