May 5, 2011
MAYOR'S MESSAGE:
Even though we recently completed the resurfacing of many roads here in Sea Isle City, we still have more road work in our future - and we are doing all we can to receive outside funding for such projects. Last week, we received a phone call from Governor Christie's office regarding additional grant opportunities for road paving, which we will pursue immediately. And, we will continue to monitor our grant application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the reconstruction of the sewer system along Central Avenue (49th to 69th Street) and the resurfacing of that stretch of road. Now that the federal budget has been resolved, we have been informed that we should receive notification about the Central Avenue project within the next 30 days.
Speaking of our roads, if you have recently driven through the north end of our town, you may have noticed that city workers have completely cleared and swept both sides of Landis Avenue to provide safer parking and easier travel for bicyclists and pedestrians. We will continue to monitor this area throughout the summer, as we understand that more clearing and sweeping might be needed along Landis Avenue's north end in the coming months.
You also may have noticed that work has begun on the landscaping project near the base of the Sea Isle Bridge at JFK Boulevard. This work is being done by our public works crews as well, and the end result will beautify the main entrance to our city.
With spring here, we are in full swing making sure that the City is in tip top shape for the summer, and getting ready for all of the activities and events lined up for the season. Every summer, we witness a ten to twenty fold increase in our population, and to prepare for this influx of people and increase in activity involves tremendous planning, analyzing, refining, and execution of a multitude of operations and projects. To support a summer population that approaches 50,000 people requires a coordinated effort between all of our departments, and we've worked hard to develop a strong organization to accomplish our mission. To view the City's organization chart, just go to our website at www.seaislecitynj.us, go to the Government tab, scroll down to Administration, and click on Organization Chart - it gives a good snapshot of the operations we oversee on a daily basis in Sea Isle City.
As our newsletter evolves, we will continue to provide you with timely and accurate information. We have received many favorable comments since we initiated the newsletter last year, and we have found this feedback invaluable in assisting us in the development of our public information communications. Please continue to let us know your topics of interest relative to City government, and we'll do our best to continue to keep you informed.
CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:
During our last City Council meeting on April 26, we introduced an ordinance that would make 43rd Place (Park Road to the Bay) one of Sea Isle's noise-free zones. This came about after a request was made at a previous council meeting to address the noise issues on 43rd Place. After a review conducted by a committee of city officials was completed, it was determined that over the last few years the noise complaints have been escalating on 43rd Place, which warrants making that area a noise-free zone. That same committee will be reviewing Sea Isle's existing noise-free zones to determine if changes are needed in those areas due to the success of our anti-noise policies. The committee will also determine if any other new noise-free zones should be added in other neighborhoods.
Following the May 17 Council Meeting, there will be a Public Workshop at 2:00 p.m. inside council chambers to discuss possible zoning changes and design standards, such as window sizes in commercial districts and landscaping. If you are unable to attend that meeting, please feel free to contact any council member with suggestions (our contact info is listed on the city website: www.seaislecitynj.us ).
As was previously stated in the April 21 E-Newsletter, SICPD Chief Thomas D'Intino demonstrated the use of Sea Isle's new parking kiosks during the April 26 council meeting. The kiosks, which will replace traditional parking meters in several areas of town, are easy to use, and, as an audience member said after the demonstration, "If you can use an ATM you can use these kiosks." Chief D'Intino announced that there will be more kiosk demonstrations during Community Day on May 21. Also, there will be class-2 police officers available at the beginning of the summer to assist motorists in the use of the new kiosks.
When you drive through town, you will notice the new "Veterans Boulevard" signs at the intersection of Landis Avenue and JFK Boulevard. Due to these new signs and the collaboration between the city and VFW Post 1963 regarding veterans beach tags and the remodeling of Veterans Park, the members of Post 1963 recently honored Mayor Leonard Desiderio by presenting him with an appreciation award. Council would like to congratulate the mayor for this honor and thank Sea Isle's many veterans for all they do for our community.
As many of you know, the Sea Isle City Historical Museum is moving into the new library at 48th Street, which will open later this year. The museum's former location at 4208 Landis Avenue is temporarily being used by Sea Isle's Save Our Strays (S.O.S.), who has recently opened a thrift shop in that space called "The Crooked Tail." Also, as of May 7, S.O.S. will be classified as a 501(c) 3 tax deductible charity. During the past few years, S.O.S. has successfully reduced Sea Isle's stray cat population and found new homes for many felines. The city would like to congratulate them on all of their efforts and thank the S.O.S. volunteers for their good work.
PROJECT UPDATES:
JFK BOULEVARD BASKETBALL COURTS & PLAYGROUND: Work is continuing on replacement of the basketball courts, provision of new lighting, fencing and sidewalks, and resurfacing of the entire playground area adjacent to the basketball courts with a cushioned safety material similar to that at the Dealy Field complex. The playground equipment will be completely new (purchased under separate contract), with state-of-the-art, handicapped accessible equipment for children of all ages. The project remains on track for completion prior to the summer season.
EXCURSION PARK ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX: Work at the band shell continues with roofing and siding of the bandshell now substantially complete. The focus will now be on installation of the electrical and audio/visual systems to provide for the City's full entertainment lineup for the coming season. The landscape walls have been completed, along with the decorative "compass" paver area; and the beach pavilion is framed and sheathed to receive the decorative roofing within the next two weeks. The contractor remains on track to complete this project prior to Memorial Day Weekend and in time for the City's Tri for Our Veterans Triathlon.
85TH STREET LIFEGUARD STATION/PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Roofing, siding, and decking has been completed, and work continues on interior renovations to provide for handicapped accessible restrooms, additional restroom facilities and improved storage capacity for lifeguard operations. The project is being performed by City Public Works forces, providing for overall cost savings, as any contracted work for a project of this size would require the payment of New Jersey prevailing wage rates, which exceed the rates being paid to the City's employees. The building will be completed prior to the Memorial Day weekend.
59TH STREET FISHING PIER: Necessary structural repairs and re-decking of the fishing pier has also been completed by City Public Works forces, and the pier has been opened for use by the public.
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 City maintains a 40+ mile long sewer main system, and this multi-phase project involves the rehabilitation of selected sewer systems in order to minimize infiltration and inflow of ground water and flood waters into the sewer system. The first phase involves correction of those sewer systems allowing the most infiltration. The citywide analysis identified specific areas most in need of correction within three separate geographic areas: One - from 22nd to 41st Street; Two - from 60th to 69th Street; and Three - from 69th to 85th Street. The City administration has detailed reports which present the results of the past two years of investigative work, and over the coming months we will provide updates on the specific project work to be undertaken to systematically perform the corrective sewer work. Ultimately, this work will reduce the flow of water through our sewer system, with a resulting cost reduction in the sewer charges assessed by the county utility authority.
SOUTH END DUNE FENCE AND GRASS PLANTING: This project has been completed, and involved the placement of dune fencing and dune grass from 73rd to 94th Street. This project was part of the City's overall beach management program, which involves beach replenishment, dune construction/maintenance and overall monitoring of the City's beaches in conjunction with the State DEP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As a result of the City's beaches being recognized by the Army Corps and FEMA as meeting the criteria of "engineered beaches," the City will be able to be reimbursed for up to 75% of the cost of this $87,000 project.
DID YOU KNOW:
•Between May 1 and September 30, dogs are not permitted on Sea Isle City's beaches, beach approaches or promenade.
•A City-Wide Yard Sale will take place on Saturday, May 7, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., hosted by the SIC Chamber of Commerce and Sea Isle Revitalization. A list of participating homes will be available on the morning of May 7 in front of RE/MAX Realty, 4200 Landis Avenue. Homes not included on that list will also be welcome to participate. For more info, phone 263-9090.
•Sea Isle City's Mother's Day Weekend Shopping Event is May 7-8. To learn about the many bargains that will be available at local shops and restaurants, visit www.seaislechamber.com and www.seaislerevitalization.com or phone 263-9090.
•On Monday, May 9, enrollment begins for the Sea Isle City Recreation Department's many summer programs. Registration applications will be available online at www.seaislecitynj.us . For more info phone 263-0050.
•Sea Isle City's 2011 Municipal Elections will take place on Tuesday, May 10, during which voters will choose a mayor and two city council members. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
•May 15 is the last day to purchase 2011 Seasonal Beach Tags at the pre-season price of $15 each. After May 15, seasonal tags will cost $20 each. Beach Tags are available at City Hall (45th and Landis Avenue, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 263-4461) and the Beach Tag Office (125 JFK Boulevard, 263-1771).
•Parking meters fees go into effect on May 15 in Sea Isle City. In addition to our traditional meters, look for new parking kiosk payment stations along JFK Boulevard and the Marina District.
•The SIC Garden Club's 2011 Flower Sale will take place on Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the playground of the SIC Public School, 46th and Park Road. For more info, phone 263-1157 or 263-0622.
•The next City Council meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, inside Council Chambers, 233 JFK Boulevard, 2nd floor.
•A Council Workshop to discuss zoning and planning issues will be held on Tuesday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m. inside Council Chambers, 233 JFK Boulevard, 2nd floor.
•Sea Isle City's 2011 Visitor's Guide is now available. You can pick up a copy at City Hall and other municipal offices - or you can view an online version at www.seaislecitynj.us.
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.
