E-NEWSLETTER September 29, 2016 From The City of Sea Isle City, New Jersey

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1 E-NEWSLETTER September 29, 2016 From The City of Sea Isle City, New Jersey MAYOR S MESSAGE: I hope you were able to be in town on September 22, when the 2016 New Jersey Run For The Fallen passed through Sea Isle City. On that day, a team of active duty military members ran through our town during their annual trek from Cape May to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Monmouth County. The 190+ mile run is held each year in honor of every service member from the Garden State who has made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation s freedom and it s truly an amazing sight to behold. Along the way, the runners stopped every mile at Hero Markers, each of which was dedicated to an individual service member who died in battle. At most Hero Markers, family members and friends of the honored deceased were waiting to greet the runners, who paid tribute to their fallen comrades by reading a short biography and placing a small American flag at each marker thus fulfilling the event s theme of One Mile, One Flag, One Hero. I d like to thank the organizers of the N.J. Run For The Fallen for honoring the brave men and women from New Jersey, who gave their lives for our Country. My thanks also go to the many residents and visitors who cheered-on the runners during their journey through Sea Isle City. Looking ahead, I hope you can join us on October 8 for Sea Isle s 26 th Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival. The parade will run along JFK Boulevard and then turn south on Landis before culminating at 63 rd Street, where this year s Italian Festival will be in full swing. You don t have to be Italian to have fun at these two events you just need to enjoy good people, good music and good food. I hope to see you on October 8! Without a doubt, most of our town s events and activities are held to entertain and delight people of all ages. Some gatherings, such as Sea Isle s annual Veterans Day, Memorial Day and 9-11 services, are obviously more solemn in nature. And then there are events that are not designed for our enjoyment or to memorialize our heroes, but rather to spread very serious messages that will save lives. With that in mind, Sea Isle City s Municipal Alliance Committee, Police Department and Board of Education along with other partners in our community are joining forces on October 13 to host a pair of very informative presentations titled Sea Isle City Fights Heroin What You Need to Know. Due to the current heroin epidemic and the wide-spread abuse of other hazardous substances in our society, now is the perfect time to raise awareness, educate the public and shed some light on the threats that exist all across our nation and in our own backyards. The first presentation on October 13, called What Grandparents Need to Know, will educate seniors about the dangers of an unsecured medicine cabinet and will also focus on other topics that, as the title suggests, every grandparent should be aware of. The second presentation, which is for adults and parents, is called What Kids Know and You Don t. That session will outline the shocking realities many young people face on a daily basis at school and while hanging-out with their peers. Both of these informative and enlightening presentations are free to the public, and we hope many people will be in attendance. You can learn more about Sea Isle City Fights Heroin What You Need to Know, in a special section of this newsletter. Have you seen the blue line that s been painted in the middle of Landis Avenue near the Officer Michael Cullinane Memorial in Sea Isle s north end? It was recently painted in memory of Mickey Cullinane and all

2 fallen police officers across the nation as well as the men and women in blue who continue to serve and protect us all throughout the year. This week s Shout Outs go to everyone who supported the Beach Clean-Up on September 24 including the members of the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission, who organize and host the annual event, the nearly 100 volunteers, who removed trash and debris from our beaches and dunes, Chris Marguglio from Approach Clothing Company, who donated tee-shirts for all the volunteers, the Weiler family, who donated bottled water, and the Monichetti Family, who treated the volunteers to a complimentary luncheon at Mike s Seafood. --Thank you all! Smile You re in Sea Isle! Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio CITY COUNCIL S MESSAGE: During the September 27 City Council meeting, Council President Kehner announced that the public is invited to a Capital Plan Workshop on Tuesday, October 25, at 1:00 p.m. inside Council Chambers, located on the third floor of City Hall. Some of the items expected to be on the workshop s agenda include: Adding pumping stations to assist with road flooding. Adding lighting on the Promenade near JFK Boulevard. The purchase of new equipment for City Departments. All Resolutions on the September 27 Consent Agenda were approved, including: Resolution 187, which authorizes the award of a contract for July 4 th and December 31 st Firework Shows for the calendar years 2017 through 2019, purchased within a Co-Operative Pricing System with Ocean City, NJ. Resolution 188, which allows the City to sell surplus personal property and found property via an online auction. Resolution 189, which authorizes the purchase of a new fingerprinting system for the Sea Isle City Police Department. Resolution 190, which authorizes the purchase of mobile data terminals for the Sea Isle City Police Department. Resolution 191, which authorizes an amendment of a professional services contract for legal services with Robert Sandman, Esq. Resolution 192, which authorizes the award of a professional services contract with Media Passport for information technology consulting services. Our next City Council meeting takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11 we hope to see you there! Best regards from the members of City Council, Council President Bill Kehner (wkehner@seaislecitynj.us) John Divney (jdivney@seaislecitynj.us) Frank Edwardi (fedwardijr@seaislecitynj.us) Jack Gibson (jgibson@seaislecitynj.us) Mary Tighe (mtighe@seaislecitynj.us)

3 MASTER PLAN RE-EXAMINATION UPDATE: The Planning Board held a Master Plan Re-Examination Public Hearing on September 12 in City Hall. That meeting, which was attended by approximately 100 audience members, lasted nearly 2.5 hours. During the meeting, Maser Consulting gave a Power Point Presentation. The focus of that presentation was the 42 recommendations the Planning Board has made as a result of the re-examination process. Maser also explained why cities create Master Plans, the process used during Sea Isle s current Master Plan Re- Examination, and the areas of concentration within the current Re-Examination. There was considerable citizen feedback during the September 12 meeting, so it was decided the public hearing would be continued to the next Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, October 11, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. At that time, the Planning Board will focus on the citizen feedback that was collected during the September 12 meeting. The public is encouraged to attend the Planning Board s Public Hearing on October 11. As a reminder, a draft of the Master Plan Re-Examination is available for public viewing on the home page of the City s website. PROJECT UPDATES: Utility Reconstruction, 36 th & 37 th Streets On March 26, 2015 the council awarded a bid to Garden State General Construction in the amount of $431, for the utility reconstruction of 36 th Street & 37 th Street from Cini Street to Landis Avenue. As of this date all work has been completed. Due to the inclement weather over the winter the area did not have sufficient time to settle, therefore, the City will reconstruct the streets in early fall of Utility Reconstruction, various streets On October 27, 2015, City Council awarded a bid to RTW Construction of Southampton, New Jersey in the amount of $744,713 for utility reconstruction at the following locations: 47 th Street from Landis Avenue to Promenade substantially completed. 49 th Street from Landis Avenue to Promenade-substantially completed. 65 th Street from Landis Avenue to Central Avenue-held until fall. 65 th Street from Landis Avenue to Pleasure Avenue substantially completed. 69 th Street from Landis Avenue to Central Avenue substantially completed. 76 th Street from Landis Avenue to Pleasure Avenue substantially completed. Work to install new sanitary main, sanitary laterals, new water main and water services on 47 th, 49 th, and 65 th from Landis to Pleasure and 69 th Street is completed. All uncompleted work will resume in the fall including paving. Roadway Reconstruction Program various streets On March 15, 2016, City Council awarded a bid to Ricky Slade Construction, Inc. of Bridgeton New Jersey in the amount of $299, for road reconstruction at the following locations: 44 th Street from Landis Avenue to the Promenade completed 46 th Street from Landis Avenue to the Promenade completed 56 th Street from Landis Avenue to the Promenade completed Roadway elevation on selected areas of 44 th Street and Venicean Road completed Project is being closed out.

4 Sea Isle Boulevard The Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, at their May 13, 2014 meeting, awarded a $12.7 million contract to South State, Inc. for the Sea Isle Boulevard Improvement project that will raise the roadway by approximately 4.5 feet and otherwise reconstruct Sea Isle Boulevard. Traffic has been diverted to the south side of the boulevard; and the contractor has placed fill on the north side of the causeway to an average height of about 6.5 feet, which is 2 feet higher than the eventual height of the completed roadway. The additional 2 feet, which will be removed prior to the next construction phase, is surcharge to compress the underlying layers of soil. The goal is to obtain as much settlement as possible prior to paving on top of the new fill. The current plan is to start paving of the north side this coming fall. The entrance to the northbound parkway has been reconfigured in order to provide room for eastbound vehicles to travel around vehicles making a left turn onto the parkway entrance. Motorists are advised to be aware of the revised traffic patterns in the construction zone and the reduced speed limit. On September 13, at the City Council meeting, County Engineer Dale Foster led a presentation updating council and the public about the project and upcoming schedule of activities. The Power Point presentation that was shown at the council meeting is available to view by clicking the link on the home page of the City s Municipal website, (under the City News tab). Streetscape Improvement on Landis Avenue On September 8, 2015, City Council awarded a bid to Think Pavers Hardscaping of Swedesboro, NJ in the amount of $796, for streetscape improvements on Landis Avenue from 43 rd Street to 39 th Street. This project includes various aspects of beautification which includes new sidewalks, paver crosswalks, traffic striping, lighting, sod, stone mulching, various tree plantings & tree grates, benches and bike racks. The block from JFK to 40 th was previously completed as part of the JFK Gateway Project. Punch list items are being completed and Landis Avenue is now open to all vehicular traffic. Public Works Maintenance Garage 80 th Street & Central On March 23, 2016, City Council awarded a bid to Archetto Construction of Vineland, NJ to replace the roof, siding and insulation at this location. They are waiting on a large exhaust fan for the building. Finishing touches are occurring on this project including punch list items. Final completion is expected in the next few weeks. The maintenance department continues to work out of this location. See photos below of the Public Works Maintenance Garage, taken September 22

5 Venicean Road Check Valve On April 26, 2016 City Council awarded a bid to RTW Construction, Inc. of Southampton, NJ in the amount of $67, for the Venicean Road Check Valve Chamber Installation. The work for this project is expected to start within the next month. Storm Sewer Improvements-Kneass Street On July 12, 2016, City Council awarded a bid to Garden State Construction of Clermont, NJ in the amount of $414, for the Storm Sewer Improvement, Kneass Street drainage area. As of this newsletter, work has not begun but is anticipated to start next week. SEA ISLE CITY FIGHTS HEROIN EVENT On Thursday, October 13, Sea Isle City s Municipal Alliance Committee, the Sea Isle City Board of Education, the Sea Isle City Police Department and other partners in the community will sponsor two informative presentations titled Sea Isle City Fights Heroin What You Need To Know, led by renowned speaker John Kriger. These free outreach sessions will take place inside for former Public School building on Park Road for two specific segments of the community: Senior and Adults & Parents. The session for Seniors, called What Grandparents Need to Know, will begin with a complimentary luncheon served to all participants at 1:30 p.m. on October 13, followed by a 90-minute presentation about the importance of securing medications in the home and the risks unsuspecting family members face when relatives raid their medicine cabinets for prescription drugs. The session for Parents & Adults, titled What Kids Know and You Don t, begins at 6:00 p.m. on October 13 with an impactful overview and the most up-to-date information available on adolescent behavioral trends, focusing intensely on Opiates and Extractions. During this session, parents will learn the most current information on high-risk behaviors. Following a question-and-answer session, pizza and salad will be served to audience members at the conclusion of this enlightening and informative program. For more information about Sea Isle City Fights Heroin What You Need To Know, contact Mayor Desiderio s Office at (ext. 1245) or Sea Isle City Municipal Alliance Committee Coordinator Kellie Seib at (ext. 1222).

6 2016 HARBORFEST: The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization s 2016 Harborfest celebration is Saturday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., along 42 nd Place and the Bay, where festival-goers will enjoy fresh seafood, craft vendors and live music. The Harborfest Chowder Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m., featuring a variety of chowders submitted by local eateries. For $5, you can sample each of the chowders entered in the contest and vote for your favorite. Also, an ecumenical Blessing of the Fleet will be held on the 42 nd Place commercial fishing docks at 2:00 p.m., led by local religious leaders. Afterwards, the Harborfest Raw Clam- Eating Contest will be held at 3:00 p.m. For more info about Harborfest, visit sicccr@gmail.com or go to SIGN-UP FOR EVENT CANCELLATION ALERTS: Smart Phone Users can register for event cancellation text messages by texting "sicalert" to "84483" -- and anyone can sign-up for event cancellation text messages and alerts by going to the Sea Isle City Visitors Website ( and clicking the "Rained Out" link on the home page. Once signed-up, you will receive alerts whenever a local concert, festival or other outdoor City event has been cancelled, postponed or re-scheduled. FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING: During the months of October and November, Sea Isle City's Water Department will flush-out fire hydrants throughout town. Annual hydrant flushing is required by State law and ensures that hydrants and the water distribution systems are functioning properly to provide the proper drinking water quality (thus providing adequate water flow when needed). Residents can expect very little disruption in their water service - if any. However, low water pressure and possible water discoloration may occur. In the event of discoloration, simply allow water to run from the tap for a short while until clear. For additional info, phone (ext. 11) or dteefyjr@seaislecitynj.us. CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS CARD PARTY The Catholic Daughters of Saint Joseph Church will host their annual Autumn Card Party fund raiser on Friday, October 21, at 12 noon in the parish auditorium, 44 th Street and Central Avenue. Tickets cost $22 per person (tickets sold in advance only). Participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, a 50/50 Raffle, gift baskets, door prizes and plenty of camaraderie. The theme for this year s Card Party is Asian Afternoon. For tickets, phone Ethel Judge at or Pat Halfpenny at Proceeds from this event benefit numerous charities supported by The Catholic Daughters Court Our Lady of Mercy. USEFUL FLOOD LINKS AVAILABLE: There is now a link on the City s municipal website ( for the Stevens Institute Tide Prediction tool, which will help property owners determine approximate tide levels on their properties throughout the year. The Tide Prediction Tool (along with the info on your property s elevation certificate) will be a very useful during storm preparations. The new links are located on the FEMA Flood Information tab on

7 the website s home page, and a direct link to that site is shown below. There s also a link to FEMA s Flood Smart shown site below. For Real Time Tide Height Data for Sea Isle City visit: For FEMA / National Flood Insurance Program Information ( Flood Smart ) visit: AARP TRIPS: In the months ahead, AARP Chapter 710 will host several one-day bus-trips that will offer plenty of camaraderie and entertainment. Deluxe roundtrip motor coach transportation from Sea Isle City will be provided for each event October 5 Luncheon Show at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse: $79 includes a show ticket, full course meal, tips and taxes. November 21 Tropicana Casino Christmas Show: $39 includes a show ticket, lunch and $15 in slot play. December 6 Holiday Spectacular in Spring Lake, NJ: $87 includes a show ticket, full luncheon with onehour open bar, and a visit to Delicious Orchards Farmers Market. For more info about any of these events, call Joy Sumski at TRASH & RECYCLING INFO: Starting Monday, September 19, the Winter Curbside Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule resumed with one collection each week on the following streets: 1 st to 44 th Street = Wednesday 45 th to 70 th Street = Monday 71 st to 94 th Street = Tuesday Monthly Bulk Trash Collections resume in October on the following streets: 1st to 44th Street = 1st Thursday of each month 45th to 70 th Street = 2nd Thursday of each month 71st to 94 th Street =3rd Thursday of each month Brush = 4th Thursday of each month As always, a City-Wide Bulk Trash Collection takes place on the 4 th Thursday in September (September 22, 2016) Don t Forget: The City will not collect carpeting or other construction materials, propane tanks, tires or batteries. Sea Isle City is a Single Stream Recycling Community, which means residents can combine all of their recyclable materials (paper, cans, glass and plastics) in one curbside collection bin. Recycling is not just a good idea it s the law in Sea Isle City. Sea Isle City s Trash and Recycling Depot, located next to the Bridge on JFK Boulevard, is open seven days a week (7:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.). The Depot will be closed on holidays (except New Year s Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day). The Depot will accept drop-offs of trash and recycling,

8 however Bulk Trash is not accepted at that location. Free Refrigerator Magnets with a complete list of Sea Isle City s year-round trash and recycling information are now available at the Public Works Building, 3905 Central Avenue, and at the Welcome Center, 300 JFK Boulevard. For additional information about Sea Isle s trash and recycling regulations, please phone , ext.14. ORGANIZATIONS, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: A.A.R.P. CHAPTER 710: Meetings take place on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 1:00 p.m., Community Lodge ( ) BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE: Meetings take place on the 3 rd Thursday of the month (September to November and March to May), 2:00 p.m., Welcome Center Meeting Room ( or ) BOY SCOUT TROOP 76: Meetings take place on Fridays, 5:30 p.m., former Public School Gymnasium, 4501 Park Road ( ). CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS: Meetings take place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m., Saint Joseph Parish Auditorium, th and Central Avenue ( ). CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & REVITALIZATION: Meetings take place on the 1st Tuesday of the month, 9:00 a.m., City Council Chambers, City Hall ( ). COMMODORE CLUB: 3700 Boardwalk, on the Promenade at The Spinnaker ( ). DEMOCRATIC CLUB: ( ). ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: Meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (March to November), 7:00 p.m., Public Works Building, 3905 Central Avenue ( ) GARDEN CLUB OF SEA ISLE CITY: Meetings take place on the 1st Thursday of the month (March to June and September to December), 7:00 p.m., Community Lodge ( ). GARDEN CLUB OF TOWNSENDS INLET: ( ) HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM: 4800 Landis Avenue ( or ). ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB: Meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 p.m., 309 JFK Boulevard ( ). KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Meetings take place on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month, 7:30 p.m., Saint Joseph Parish Auditorium, th Street ( ). PLANNING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS: Meetings take place on the 2nd Monday of the month (except holidays), 7:00 p.m., City Hall ( ) REPUBLICAN CLUB: ( ) RECREATION COMMITTEE: Meetings are held in the former Public School Building, 4501 Park Road, March 8, May 3, and October 4 ( ). SCHOOL BOARD: Meetings take place at 7:00 p.m. in the former Public School Building, 4501 Park Road, on May 10, June 28, September 13 and November 8 ( ). SEA ISLE CATS INC.: Visit the Crooked Tail Thrift Shop, 4208 Landis Avenue, for meeting times and dates ( ) SEA ISLE CITY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION: Meetings take place on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00 a.m., Community Lodge ( or SHADE TREE COMMITTEE: Meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. (March November), Public Works Building, 3905 Central Avenue. TOWNSENDS INLET YACHT CLUB: 87th Street & the Bay ( or TOWN WATCH / TOWN PRIDE: P.O. Box 17, Sea Isle City, NJ ( ). TOURISM COMMISSION: Meetings take place in the Sea Isle City Welcome Center, 300 JFK Boulevard, 10:00 a.m., May 12 and October 13 ( ). V.F.W. POST 1963: 301 JFK Boulevard ( or WOMEN S CIVIC CLUB: Meetings take place every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Community Lodge ( ). YACHT CLUB OF SEA ISLE CITY: 4487 Venicean Road ( or ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS: Meetings take place on the 1st Monday of the month (except holidays), 7:00 p.m., City Hall ( ).

9 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 to obtain the answers you need. For a complete list of contact information, visit our Municipal Website, or phone City Hall at RECENT PHOTOS: On September 15, the Sea Isle City Women s Civic Club hosted their annual Card Party Luncheon, which had a Hawaiian theme. Shown below during the fundraiser are (from left) Civic Club President Debra Genovese, Vice-President Sue Grebe, Treasure Barb Robinson and members Mickey Valinis, Dody Walker and Dolores Meyers

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11 The City s Division of Tourism hosted Sea Isle s annual Fall Family Festival on September 17 & 18

12 The Trolley Tours on Sunday of Fall Festival Weekend were very popular with families

13 The 2016 Gerard A. Desiderio Antique Auto Show was a big attraction of Sunday of Fall Festival

14 During the Antique Auto Show, Steve Saylor, of Ocean View, NJ, (below, center) and his 1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille received the Mayor s Choice trophy from Mayor Leonard Desiderio (second from left). Also shown are (from left) Auto Show organizer Jim Ambro, Carmela Desiderio and Karen Ambro A 1936 Cord Westchester, owned by Ronald Tornese, of Galloway, NJ, won the Best in Show trophy. Cord was the brand name of an American automobile built from the late 1920 s to mid 1930 s. Mr. Tornese (at left) is shown with auto show organizers Jim and Karen Ambro

15 On September 18, the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission distributed 2016 Beautification Awards to local property owners who have improved or maintained the appearance of their homes. Shown receiving awards are (from left) Dennis Painter (accepting for the Sturgis family, 2315 Landis Avenue), Chris Pigeon ( rd Street), Vicki Feeney (accepting for the Sea Isle City Department of Public Works, which recently improved the grounds of Sea Isle City Library), Karyn Reade and Craig Jenks ( th Street), and Chris and Gerald Donohue ( th Street). Also shown are (from left) Environmental Commission member Eleanor Moore, Environmental Commission Chairperson Annette Lombardo, and Beautification Award organizer Dudley McGinty The winning properties include the Sturgis Home at 3215 Landis Avenue (south unit)

16 The Pidgeon Home at rd Street The Anderson home at th Street The Reade & Jenks home at th Street (below at left) and the Siitonen home at rd Street

17 The Donohue home at th Street The Straub home at nd Street (west unit) The Sea Isle City Department of Public Works received a Beautification Award for the improvements made at the Sea Isle City Library at 48 th and Central Avenue

18 On September 24, the volunteers from the S.O.S. Sea Isle Cats hosted a cocktail party to raise funds for their Peaceful Garden, located behind the Crooked Tail Thrift Shop at 4208 Landis Avenue. The garden, which is designed to attract butterflies and serve as a sanctuary for people and wildlife, is open daily during day light hours and the Crooked Tail is open daily 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. all year. Shown below during the fundraiser is Senator Jeff Van Drew with S.O.S. members Mary Anninos (at left) and Stacy Olandt The Peaceful Garden is already taking shape, and butterflies will soon call it home. (Photos supplied by S.O.S.) The Beard Bard s 2016 Poetry and Prose Reading Series concluded this month with a presentation from best-selling author and Holocaust survivor Nelly Toll (below at left). Ms. Toll was welcomed to the podium by local poetess Toni Libro Braca, who is shown holding Ms. Toll s book, Behind the Secret Window (Photos supplied by The Beach Bards)...

19 The 2016 New Jersey Run for The Fallen passed through Sea Isle City on September 22 in honor of all the men and women from New Jersey who died in combat. Many residents and visitors cheeredon the runners at four different Hero Markers

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22 On September 22, Sea Isle City s Environmental Commission hosted their annual Autumn Beach Clean-up, during which nearly 100 volunteers gathered hundreds of pounds of trash and debris from Sea Isle s shoreline. Shown during the event are (front, from left) Environmental Commission President Annette Lombardo with commission members Eleanor Moore, Susan Ahern, (standing, from left) Mary Tumolo, Bob Thibault and Vicky Rutledge. Also shown is Chris Marguglio, of Approach Clothing Company (standing, far right), who donated event tee-shirts for the Clean-up s many volunteers

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