SEA ISLE CITY E-NEWSLETTER February 9, 2012
From the City of Sea Isle City, NJ
MAYOR’S MESSAGE:
It’s almost time for Sea Isle City’s largest winter event, the 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge. I am
excited to report that this year’s Plunge Weekend promises to be our biggest and most successful
to date, thanks to an army of local volunteers who have done an outstanding job scheduling a
variety of great activities. What a great festival it is going to be!
Our 2012 plunge activities, which take place over President’s Day Weekend, will begin on
Friday evening, February 17, with the Annual Polar Bear Prince, Princess, King and Queen
Contests. This year, all four members of the 2012 Polar Bear Royal Family will each receive an
iPad Notebook and other great gifts (courtesy of the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce &
Revitalization). Plus, the 2012 King and Queen will also each receive two round-trip tickets
onboard Spirit Airline (courtesy of Longport Media & Kool 98.3 FM, who will be performing
live radio broadcasts during Plunge Weekend). Obviously, if you ever considered entering the
Polar Bear Prince, Princess, King and Queen contests, this is a great year to do so!
Many additional activities are planned for Saturday, February 18, including a Polar Bear
Vendor’s Market, a hilarious Costume Contest, live entertainment, and the plunge itself at 2:00
p.m. To make traveling easier on Saturday, the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce &
Revitalization has scheduled a fleet of jitneys from Atlantic City to carry plungers and spectators
around town for only $2 per ride. So, leave your car at home, enjoy the jitneys and don’t miss a
moment of the fun on Saturday.
On Sunday, Polar Bear Plunge Weekend will continue with more enjoyable activities, including
the annual Polar Bear 5K Run & 1.5-Mile Walk for Autism. I would like to thank the Monichetti
family and everyone at Mike’s Seafood and LaCosta Lounge for sponsoring this event. My hope
is that everyone who reads this newsletter will contribute to the Autism Run & Walk in one way
or another, because it truly is an important cause.
Throughout Polar Bear Plunge Weekend, the vast majority of Sea Isle’s eateries and retailers will
be open for business – so be sure to make a dinner reservation at your favorite restaurant and do
some shopping. Plus, you can stop-by the Beach Tag Office on JFK Boulevard to purchase a
commemorative Polar Bear Beach Tag, which will serve as a seasonal beach pass during the
coming summer.
In closing, I would like to remind everyone who plans to attend this year’s plunge to think
“Safety First.” We expect thousands of participants to take the plunge as tens-of-thousands of
spectators look on, and whenever you have large crowds of people gathered together it’s always
important to apply a healthy dose of common sense. During the plunge, Sea Isle City’s firerescue
boat will be in the ocean along with a small armada of other rescue vessels, plus the Sea
Isle City Beach Patrol will be constantly scanning the water as well. The Sea Isle City Police
Department will also be on hand to direct crowds and uphold our public safety standards.
However, even though we expect it to be an “uneventful” event, it’s always a good idea to play it
safe.
See you at the plunge!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:
As discussed in the last E-Newsletter, Council will be reviewing a revision to Sea Isle’s Alcohol
Ordinance, which regulates the outdoor sale of alcohol at licensed businesses. Also included in
this ordinance will be an increase in fines for violations.
City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Sea Isle’s 2012 Budget during our February 28
Council Meeting, which begins at 10:00 a.m. All are encouraged to attend and comment on the
budget.
As a reminder, Polar Bear Plunge Weekend will be capped-off with a performance by the
Strathmere Ensemble on Sunday February 19 at 4:00 p.m. inside the United Methodist Church,
Park Road and JFK Boulevard.
Best Regards from the Members of City Council
PROJECT UPDATES:
Note: As we head toward the summer, the push is on to complete projects in advance of our
busy tourist season. Our objective continues to be to maintain and improve Sea Isle’s public
assets and infrastructure in order to provide our residents and visitors with the best quality of
life, and fulfill the City’s vision of Sea Isle as a premier destination resort, while maintaining
a small-town community atmosphere.
North End and Downtown Beach Replenishment Program – The project includes the
placement of sand at several areas of the beach on the entire island, including portions of
Strathmere and Sea Isle City. Sea Isle’s project area is from 1st to 15th and 30th to 52nd Streets.
Today, the City met with representatives of the State of New Jersey’s Department of
Environmental Protection (the State is the contracting agency) and representatives of the
contractor, Weeks Marine. The following is the most up to date information on the project status
as reported at that meeting:
The Weeks Marine dredge “E.W. Ellefsen” continues to pump sand from Corson’s Inlet. The
sand replenishment of Sea Isle’s north end (1st to 15th Street) was completed earlier this week.
The submerged pipeline from the dredge has been landed on the beach at 29th Street, and the
contractor was working today to extend the pipeline to 40th Street, where beach-fill operations
will start today to complete the 40th to 52nd Street section of beach prior to the Polar Bear Plunge
on February 18. In any event, the contractor has agreed to clear the beach of any pipe and
provide for access to the beach for the plunge. After completion of 40th to 52nd Street, the beachfill
operation will be completed from 30th to 40th Street. Following beach-fill, sand dune fencing
and dune grass will be installed for the length of the project.
The beach-fill operation runs 24/7, and does not stop for any holiday. (Please see photos below
of the beach-fill project. Note: Aerial views provided by Weeks Marine)
Phase 2 of Excursion Park, Beach to Bay Corridor – This project involves streetscape
improvements to the public corridor along JFK Boulevard (from the Promenade to Landis
Avenue) and widening of the sidewalks along each side of this corridor by 3-feet. The
contractor, Fred M. Schiavone Construction, has completed base street paving on the north side
of JFK Boulevard and is in the process of reconstructing the south side of the boulevard. The
contractor has completed most of the landscape planter walls and is in the process of installing
landscaping materials. Sidewalk pavers have been substantially completed on the north side of
the boulevard. The majority of the concrete has been completed on the south side of the
boulevard, and paver installation is proceeding on the south side. Weather permitting, the
contractor hopes to install the base course of street pavement on the south side of the boulevard
during the week of February 13. The project remains on schedule to be completed by this
coming May. (Please see photos below of Phase 2 Construction)
Construction of Welcome Center Addition to the Community Lodge and Renovations of
the Existing Lodge Facility and Site – The contractor, R. Wilkinson and Sons, has commenced
with preparation of the site for the Welcome Center addition as well as renovations to the
existing Community Lodge. The City has successfully relocated the Lodge activities to the old
Library Building; and the renovation work will be complete in order to allow re-entry into the
Lodge at the end of March. The Welcome Center addition is scheduled for completion by mid-
June. The project will provide for improved heating, ventilating and air conditioning in the
existing lodge; improved restroom facilities that comply with handicapped accessibility
requirements; improved access to the lodge that also complies with handicapped accessibility
requirements; and a complete addition of a Welcome Center. The project is the culmination of
several years of public discussion about the need for a Welcome Center, as well as the need for
continued utilization of the current lodge facility. (Please see photos below of the Welcome
Center construction site)
Improvements to T. I. Park – The contractor, Axios, Inc., has proceeded with demolition of the
existing ramps and construction of concrete sidewalk and parking areas. The project involves
replacement of all the ramp and pavilion decking with Timbertech (plastic material similar to that
used at the Marina); replacement of the wood railing with aluminum; addition of a handicapped
ramp at the southern end of the park; and other various improvements to the facility to ensure
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Given the magnitude of the work and the
removal of existing ramps and accesses, in order to ensure public safety, the park will be closed
to public access while the construction takes place. The project is expected to be completed by
early April. (Please see photos below of the T.I. Park construction site)
Demolition of Existing Library/Beach Tag Facility and Conversion to Parking Lot – The
schedule has been slightly revised from the previous project update; and demolition of the old
library facility is now anticipated to take place in April. Construction of the parking lot will
follow immediately afterwards. The completion of the parking lot will be prior to Skimmer
Weekend (June 16 and 17).
Lagoon Dredging – On February 8, the City received bids for the project. Eight firms submitted
bids, with the apparent low bid being submitted by Wickberg Marine Contracting of Belford, NJ,
in the amount of $719,336.
Upon confirmation from the City Engineer that all required documentation is in order, the project
will be recommended for award at the February 14 City Council meeting. Following City
Council award of the project, the City will be notifying property owners who have expressed
interest in participating in the project to advise them of the particulars of the project.
The current plan for advancement of the project is as follows:
*Award contract for dredging at the February 14 council meeting
(contingent on receipt of bids within available funding).
*Dredging work permitted to take place from March through mid-May; and
Labor Day through November.
*No dredging work permitted mid-May through Labor Day.
The lagoons to be dredged are as follows:
Rio Grande (south side of 47th Place)
Rio Delle Stelle (between 46th and 47th Place)
Rio Delle Luna (between 45th and 46th Place)
Rio Del Amore (between 44th Street and 45th Place)
Rio Delle Isole (along Venicean Road)
Rio Del Barche (between 43rd Place and 44th Street)
Rio Del Affare (between 42nd and 43rd Place)
Rio Delle Ponte (along Park Road on either side of 43rd Place)
The project provides for the ability of private property owners adjacent to the project area to
enter into an agreement with the successful dredging contractor to dredge their private slips (at
the private owner’s expense).
Sewer and Road Reconstruction on Central Avenue (49th to 69th Street) – NO CHANGE
FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE - The project has been contracted to the firm of Lewandowski
Construction Industries, Inc., of Waterford, NJ. The project will be performed in two phases: the
first being from 49th to 61st Street (prior to the 2012 summer season) and the second phase from
61st to 69th Street (following the 2012 summer season). The project will rehabilitate or replace
the deteriorated underground sewer system, as well as provide for reconstruction of the entire
one-mile stretch of roadway. The first phase will start at 61st Street and proceed northward to
49th Street. Notices to residents affected by the project will be issued in advance of the work.
Utility Reconstruction on Landis Avenue (54th to 69th Street) – NO CHANGE FROM
PREVIOUS UPDATE - This project has been contracted to F.W.Shawl & Sons of Marmora,
NJ, and will provide for water and sewer line replacement in advance of the County project to
resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 69th Street. The contractor is scheduled to start work
around March 1 and complete the project around mid-May.
Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) Remediation – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE
- The firm of Video Pipe Services, Inc. of Newfield, NJ, is in the process of performing work
associated with internal repairs of sewer pipelines and manholes throughout the City. The need
for this work was identified over the past three years through a comprehensive investigation and
analysis of the City’s sewer system. Sewer systems are prone to both inflow (overland water
entering the sewer system through manhole covers and other surface openings in the system) and
infiltration (entry of groundwater into pipelines through cracks, deteriorated pipe, and pipe
joints). The effects of I & I are symptoms of deterioration of the sewer system that must be
corrected to avoid more problematic maintenance issues and potential failure of the sewer
system. I & I is also costly, in that the City must pay for the unnecessary treatment of water that
enters the sanitary sewer system. This is the first phase of a multi-year citywide sewer
maintenance and improvement project that will ensure the continued viability of the City’s vital
sewer infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed by March 2012.
Utility Reconstruction on Various Streets – The City is embarking on a project to replace
deteriorated underground utilities (water and sewer) in several streets as part of its
comprehensive road and utility program. The following streets are currently being engineered
for utility work in order to put the project out to bid. The work will be completed in the spring,
with a summer hiatus, then fall completion. Following utility work, the streets will receive new
surface paving. The following streets are included in this project:
1. 50th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
2. 51st Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
3. 60th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue
4. 43rd Place street end with guide rail barrier
5. 42nd Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
6. 79th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue
7. 60th Street, Landis Avenue to Beach End
JFK Boulevard Reconstruction (Sea Isle Bridge to Landis Avenue) – The County has been
working with the City for design of the project to reconstruct and reconfigure JFK Boulevard
from the Sea Isle Bridge to Landis Avenue. The project will include the addition of widened
sidewalks, decorative lighting, streetscape improvements and landscaping, and elevation of the
road surface (which will assist during times of flooding). The County Engineer and the design
engineering firm Urban Engineers will give a presentation on the JFK Boulevard project on
March 7, 2012, at 5:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. The County will contact by letter
owners of properties adjacent to the project. The purpose of the presentation is to help to ensure
that all are aware of the scope and impact of construction; and the timing of the project. The
County is currently working toward submission of final plans to the Department of
Transportation, in order to ultimately secure funding for this project so they can go to bid and
award a project for a fall 2012 construction start.
JANUARY 2012 POLICE REPORT:
1. Investigations Conducted: 22
2. Adult Arrests (Criminal, Disorderly Persons, Ordinance, DWI): 0
3. Juvenile Arrests: 0
4. Motor Vehicle Summons Issued:
Moving Violations: 16
Parking Violations: 4
5. Public Service Calls:
Assist Public/Motorist: 15
Medical Calls: 18
Property Checks: 917
Alarms: 19
Suspicious Person/Vehicle: 2
Escorts/Relays: 1
Walk-In Complaints: 0
School Zone Patrol: 62
School Bus Escorts: 48
Motor Vehicle Stops: 68
Fingerprint Detail: 1
9-1-1 False Alarms: 16
Lockout Assists: 1
Domestic Violence Calls: 4
Animal Calls: 2
Check Resident’s Well Being: 8
Messages Delivered: 1
Investigations: 1
Disturbances: 1
Thefts: 1
Warrants/Subpoenas: 7
Fights: 2
Noise: 2
Fire: 5
Crowd Control: 0
TOTAL: 1,202
6. Code Enforcement Violations: 0
The above information was provided by the Sea Isle City Police Department.
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:
--2012 Polar Bear Plunge Weekend is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 17, 18 & 19
(President’s Day Weekend). The Polar Bear Prince, Princess, King and Queen will be crowned
on Friday night, the Polar Bear Costume Contest is Saturday at noon, the Plunge itself is
Saturday at 2:00 p.m., the Polar Bear 5K Run/1.5-mile Walk for Autism is Sunday at 12:15 p.m.
and other activities will take place throughout the weekend (263-3756 or visit www.lacostaseaisle.
com).
--iPad Notebooks will be awarded to each winner of the 2012 Polar Bear Plunge King,
Queen, Prince and Princess Contests on February 17 (courtesy of the SIC Chamber of
Commerce & Revitalization). Also, the 2012 King and Queen will each receive two roundtrip
airline tickets onboard Spirit Airlines (courtesy of Longport Media & Kool 98.3 FM). To
become a contestant, download an application form at www.seaislecitynj.us, or call 263-9090
(Prince and Princess Contest) or 263-3756 (King and Queen Contest) for more details.
--Polar Bear Plunge Volunteers are needed to register participants and give direction during
the Plunge on February 18 and during the 5K Run for Autism on February 19. To volunteer
during the plunge, please phone 263-3611. To volunteer during the 5K, please phone (609) 778-
8418 or visit www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com.
--A Polar Bear Plunge Jitney Service will be available on Saturday, February 18, starting at
9:00 a.m. and running into the late evening. The Jitney will make stops along Landis Avenue,
JFK Boulevard and Park Road (Fish Alley). The fee to ride the Jitney will be $2 per person.
--Commemorative Polar Bear Plunge Beach Tags will be on sale during 2012 Polar Bear
Plunge Weekend (not that you need a tag to take the plunge on February 18). The tags, which
can be purchased at the Beach Tag Office during plunge weekend, will serve as regular seasonal
beach passes for the summer of 2012. They cost $20 (the pre-season beach tag price) each and
make great gifts! For more info, visit www.seaislecitynj.us and click the “Government” and
“Beach Tags” tabs.
--The Strathmere Ensemble will perform at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, inside the
SIC United Methodist Church, JFK Boulevard and Park Road. Admission is free however
donations are encouraged (263-9090).
--A Fish Fry Dinner Fund Raiser will be held at The Lobster Loft Restaurant on Sunday,
February 19, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters
of Saint Joseph Church to benefit their many charitable efforts throughout the year. Tickets are
$20 per person (263-6171).
DID YOU KNOW:
--Monday, February 13, and Monday, February 20, are both municipal holidays in Sea Isle
City. City Hall and other City buildings will be closed. All curbside trash and recycling
collections will take place one day later than usual during the weeks of February 13 and
February 20. So, if your normal collection day is Monday, your trash will be collected on
Tuesday. Tuesday pick-ups will take place on Wednesday, etc. (263-6000).
--Registration for Sea Isle City Little League Baseball, Soft Ball and Tee-Ball will take place
until February 24. Players can register at the Recreation Services Building, 6108 Central Avenue,
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (263-0050).
--2012 Dog License renewal is now due ($8.20 per license or $5.20 for spayed/neutered dogs).
License Tags are available at City Hall, 4416 Landis Avenue, weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Current proof of rabies vaccination must be provided (263-4461, ext. 200).
--The Sea Isle City Recycling Yard, located adjacent to the Sea Isle Bridge near the Municipal
Marina, is where you can drop-off trash and recycling after a weekend-visit to Sea Isle City
(without the worry of your trash cans blowing away in the wind). This winter, the Recycling
Yard is open on Saturdays and Sundays (10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) and Mondays and Fridays
(7:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.). No bulk trash or LP tanks will be accepted at the Recycling Yard. For
more information about Sea Isle’s trash and recycling regulations, phone 263-6000 ext. 14. Don’t
Forget: Recycling is mandatory in Sea Isle City!
--Free “Open Gym” Sessions for Pre-K to 4th Graders will be offered from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
on February 22, and March 7 & 21 (263-0050).
--The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. on the
second level of the SIC Public Safety Building, 233 JFK Boulevard. The public is invited to
attend.
--Bulk Trash will be collected on the following days: 1st Thursday of Month from 1st to 44th
Street; 2nd Thursday of Month from 45th to 70th Street; 3rd Thursday of Month from 71st to 94th
Street. Brush and branches will be collected on all streets on the 4th Thursday of Month.
--Sea Isle City will host a Free Rabies Clinic for Dogs and Cats on Saturday, February 25,
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in the garage of the Public Safety Building, 233 JFK Boulevard. Sea
Isle City Dog Licenses will also be available for purchase during this event (263.4461, ext. 200).
--March 2012 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the infamous Storm of ’62, and the Sea Isle
City Historical Society is in search of residents who have stories, photographs and artifacts from
that fateful event. If you were there – and you remember the helicopter evacuations and
buildings being washed-out to sea – perhaps you can add to the special presentations and onetime
displays and special events that are being planned to commemorate the storm in March.
Please contact Historical Society President Mike Stafford (609-624-7929) for more information.
--The City of Sea Isle City will gladly arrange a Welcome Home Ceremony for any
members of the military as they return to town. To arrange a “Hero’s Welcome” for your
favorite Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, National Guard or Coast Guard service member, phone
Mayor Desiderio’s Office (263-4461, ext. 245) or Commander Chick Haines at VFW Post 1963
(263-1711). You can also find a “Welcome Home Ceremony” application online at
www.seaislecitynj.us (via the “Quick Links” and “Downloadable Forms” tabs).
--A Free Income Tax Form Preparation Service is available to Cape May County residents of
any age with incomes under $50,000 until April 15 at several locations around the County. This
service is provided through the Volunteer Income Tax Program (V.I.T.A.). For additional
information, phone 609-886-3400 or visit www.capemaycountygov.net (click the “News and
Information” tab).
--S.O.S. (Save Our Strays) has healthy and friendly cats that are in need of good homes.
Anyone interested in adopting a cat can contact the volunteers at S.O.S. for more details (609-
972-5887 or www.seaisleciats.org). Also, if you see a stray cat walking the streets of Sea Isle
City, please phone S.O.S. so they can attempt to identify the cat and render assistance if needed.
--Cape May County Engineers will give a presentation regarding Sea Isle’s future JFK
Boulevard Project (Landis Avenue to the Sea Isle Bridge) on March 7, 5:00 p.m. in City Council
Chambers, 233 JFK Boulevard. The purpose of the presentation is to ensure that the public is
aware of the timing, scope and impact of this project. It is anticipated that work will begin in the
fall of 2012.
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