February 25, 2011
MAYOR’S MESSAGE:
I am happy to report that Sea Isle City’s 17th Annual Polar Bear Plunge was a triumphant accomplishment and our largest plunge to date! I would like to thank all of the many people who helped make this year’s plunge a success – especially the organizers and the residents and visitors who took part in the many activities surrounding plunge weekend. The funds that were raised will support many summer events, which will in turn benefit us all.
And speaking of funds, we recently learned that the amount of money the City will receive this year from the lease at Gillian’s Amusement Park for the 2010 summer season (which is based on the park’s total yearly revenue) will be $41,964. That figure is up from last year’s amount of $38,450, which is an indication of the park’s continuing success.
As I announced during this week’s City Council meeting, Sea Isle Revitalization and the Chamber of Commerce will host a town-wide Yard Sale later this summer. The date of the sale has not yet been announced, but I can tell you that we will be waiving the traditional yard sale permit fee for that event so as many home-owners as possible will be inspired to participate. So, clear out your garages, your closets and your attics, and get ready for a big yard sale later this year!
Since crosswalks are very important to pedestrian safety, this year we will be adding even more of the striped walkways here in Sea Isle City. Later this spring, look for new crosswalks at intersections along Park Road and also on our town’s North End, where several new crosswalks will help people cross Landis Avenue along the dune-line.
Because we received some complaints about the timing of the traffic lights at the intersection of JFK Boulevard and Central Avenue, we spoke with Cape May County Engineer Dale Foster to see what could be done about this issue (because JFK is a county roadway). I am happy to announce that the timing for those traffic lights has since been maximized, which should solve that problem.
We have also received several requests to make some changes in Townsends Inlet, where some resident would like to see several two-way streets changed to one-way streets. To address this issue, we have scheduled a public meeting on Saturday, March 12, at the T.I. Fire House on 86th Street at 10:00 a.m., where everyone will be able voice their opinions.
As you must know, not long ago I directed Police Chief Tom D’Intino to temporarily “take the reigns” of Sea Isle’s Volunteer Fire Department, which was having some internal challenges. I am now happy to report that Chief D’Intino has turned control back over to the fire department’s officers, who will continue to work on their by-laws as they serve this community – just as they have done for more than a century. We in Sea Isle City have a top-notch fire department, whose members are totally committed to this town and the people who live here, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of our fire department’s volunteers for all they do for this town. It’s not an easy job, yet they are always there when the fire whistle blows.
As spring rapidly approaches, I look forward to seeing more and more of you outdoors, enjoying the fresh salt air. Until then, stay warm!
CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:
City Council wants to thank all of the people who were involved with the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge Weekend --especially the event’s organizers, who helped make this year’s plunge the most successful and largest to date.
At long last, we are going into the final stage of development at our municipal marina (adjacent to the south side of the Sea Isle Bridge). Council recently awarded a contract for $196,000 to Walters Marine Construction for boat ramp reconstruction, which will be completed this spring. Also in the marina area, you can now see the construction going on for our new marina services building, which will house public restrooms for that area along with showers and restrooms for boat owners who rent slips at our marina.
Council would like to thank the South Jersey Economic Development District, a state run organization designed to strengthen New Jersey’s economy by retaining and growing businesses through financial assistance, by renewing communities, and by promoting the State’s strategic advantages. At the February 22 council meeting, the SJEDD’s Executive Director Gordon Dahl presented Mayor Desiderio with a check for $179,779 for Sea Isle City, which will help pay for our Excursion Park Entertainment Complex, currently under construction.
After the council meeting on February 22, Council held a public budget workshop to discuss possible changes to our 2011 municipal budget with the City Administration. Some minor changes were discussed, but overall the majority of Council feels that the budget is ready to be adopted. At the March 15 Council meeting, public comments will be heard about the budget. We anticipate that because of the “zero tax levy,” public comments will be minimal (yet always appreciated) and we expect to be able to adopt the budget on that date.
PROJECT UPDATES:
Landfill Remediation Project - The city’s contractor, Albrecht & Heun, completed installation of a protective barrier along the bay side of the former landfill at the north end of the City. This project will protect the bay environment as the City works with the State to develop a long term protective barrier along with conversion of the landfill into a passive recreation park.
47th Place Bulkhead – At the February 8 City Council meeting, a construction project to replace the deteriorated street end bulkhead at 47th Place was awarded to Walters Marine. The cost of the project is $133,644. Work is scheduled to commence within the next several weeks in order for the bulkhead to be completed prior to the summer season.
43rd Street Reconstruction – Water and Sewer utility work is substantially completed on 43rd Street between Landis Avenue and Park Road. Following total completion of the utility work and coordination with adjacent construction (including the addition to St. Joseph’s Church), final paving of the street surface will be able to be accomplished.
Landis Avenue Reconstruction, 54th to 69th Streets – The County has agreed to extend the reconstruction and resurfacing of Landis Avenue from 54th to 69th Streets. The City will perform necessary water and sewer utility work in advance of the project. The utility work will commence following the 2011 summer season.
80th Street Water Tower – The contractor, Allied Painting, has substantially completed rehabilitation and repainting of the water tower, which will soon be placed back in service. This was a critical project to maintain the City’s infrastructure in order to ensure delivery of water during peak demand.
JFK Boulevard Basketball Courts/Playground – The project has started with removal of old playground equipment, which will be replaced with state of the art playground equipment. On March 10, the City will receive bids for reconstruction of the basketball courts and lighting, and resurfacing of the entire playground area in order to have the facility ready for Memorial Day Weekend.
Excursion Park Entertainment Complex - Work continues on construction of the band shell and the new pavilion. The form of the bandshell is starting to take place as framing of the structure proceeds. Foundation work for the pavilion has been completed, and the contractor remains on track to complete the project prior to Memorial Day Weekend.
Marina Boat Ramp- At the February 8 City Council meeting, a construction project to replace the deteriorated municipal boat ramp was awarded to Walters Marine. The cost of the project is $196,120. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of April.
Lagoon Dredging – Surveying and engineering work continues on the project to dredge lagoons citywide. The City is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection within the next two weeks to assess the project and define permitting requirements. The project remains on track to be accomplished in the fall of 2011.
DID YOU KNOW…
• Our next regular City Council meeting is a NIGHT MEETING on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 6:00 a.m. on the second floor of the Public Safety Building, 233 JFK Boulevard.
• Sea Isle City’s newly updated website, www.seaislecitynj.us, is better than ever!
• 2011 Seasonal Beach Tags are now on sale at City Hall for the pre-season price of $15 (after May 15 seasonal beach tags cost $20). Beach tags can be pre-ordered by mail at the discount price by downloading the 2011 beach tag application and mailing in your payment. After April 15, you can pick up your reserved tags at the Beach Tag Office (263-1771). Remember: Beach Tags make great gifts!
• Vote today! Sea Isle City is once again a contender in the 4th Annual “New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches” contest. In 2010, we were rated #5 on the list of the Garden State’s best beach resorts and this year we hope to be #1, so please visit www.njtoptenbeaches.org and vote in all three categories: Family Vacation, Day Trips and Eco-Tourism. –And tell all of your friends!
• A public meeting to address one-way streets in Townsends Inlet will be held at the T.I. Fire House on Saturday, March 12, at 10:00 a.m.
• The Sea Isle City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is March 12 at 3:30, 94th to 63rd Streets.
