SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City Council met July 12 for its regular meeting. Council President William Kehner chaired as the body’s newly selected presiding officer.
Kehner replaced John Gibson July 1 for a one-year term. Council members Mary Tighe and Frank Edwardi were absent.
The meeting concentrated on input from residents regarding problems and concerns linked to the resort’s busy summer season.
More Promenade Police
Business Administrator George Savastano and Kehner both noted that the municipality was “taking back the Promenade,” and a resident asked a follow-up question as to what they meant.
“Over the Memorial Day weekend, there were a number of negative reactions to large groups of juveniles whose behavior could be viewed as intimidating given some of their actions and the size of the crowds. We decided to have more police presence and also used sheriff resources and canines to demonstrate a greater show of ‘blue.’
“Both the mayor and I were on the promenade to observe the police discouraging this type of misbehavior; the police were interacting with the juveniles and kept everything in order. We received many thank yous, and we will continue to show that Sea Isle City is a family place, a safe place and that everyone should come here to have fun with no misbehaving,” explained Savastano.
Sleeping on Boats
A resident asked the council to “put something on the books” so that police can use such an ordinance to control the dangerous situation of people sleeping on their boats.
“There could be issues of fire or boats drifting away; it’s just not safe,” he said.
Kehner explained that the city had had similar problems with people sleeping in their recreational vehicles on the streets of the city. As a result, the city already has an ordinance addressing that aspect of the problem.
“I’m sorry you’ve had this inconvenience; city administration will get together with the solicitor to include sleeping on boats. And it’s great to hear that when you notified police, the officer provided appropriate and professional help,” Kehner said.
Will Promenade Be Extended
A resident asked if any action will be or has been taken to extend the promenade to the end of the island.
Gibson replied, “While I served as council president I had a lot on my plate, but now I have more time to see if this idea is feasible. I’m going to ask for a pre-application meeting with DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), and if we are discouraged in applying, i.e. they won’t issue a permit, then the idea is not going forward.
“If DEP says it’s feasible, then we will pursue. I’ve witnessed a number of accidents on Pleasure Avenue, pedestrians, and bikes alike, and I think this would be a good idea. However, no action has been taken yet.”
Beach Gullies
Property owners said that gullies of water on the beach, as a result of the resort’s recent massive beach replenishment, are creating pools of contaminated water where gulls are walking; diapered children are playing and overall is an unhealthy situation.
“With all this and concerns about the Zika virus is anything being done by the city to fix the problem?” he asked.
Savastano gave background and update on the issues, “We have trucks out on the beaches from 4-5 a.m. every morning. After 10 a.m. it’s no longer safe to use this heavy equipment out there. In the summer, sand migrates to land and this year it’s more pronounced because of the replenishment project. The slope to the ocean now is much larger and with new, full or storm moons the effect is greater.
“In effect, we don’t have a large number of heavy equipment to re-grade, create more drainage and ideally fill in all the gullies. However, we’re working on it daily. Mother Nature will take care of the problem after the summer, so it doesn’t make sense to do anything else now,” he added.
Another resident asked that the city erects “no swimming” signs in those gullies as had been done in the past. Kehner said he would alert the beach patrol captain.
Parking
Several residents raised the seasonal problem of parking. “There seems to be ever more parking on sidewalks or going the wrong way,” said a property owner. “My block has had similar issues and if you call the police they will come out and resolve the situation. They can’t be everywhere, but they will come if you call and help,” said Kehner.
Boisterous “Bar Break”
A resident, who said she lives near one of the city’s drinking establishments, said the problem of groups of “very drunk packs” leaving the resort’s bars at 2:30 a.m. are creating excessive noise. Kehner said he would continue to alert the police chief to manage this issue.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
Court House – If you are losing friends and family over an election , there is need for a mental health evaluation of all involved. Seek truth!
