City Introduces $50-Million Budget, Debates Proposed Verizon Cell Tower

SEA ISLE CITY – At the City Council meeting March 10, Sea Isle City Business Administrator George Savastano introduced two ordinances regarding fiscal matters. The first, to “exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a CAP bank” is an “insurance policy” Savastano said that will allow the city budget to go over the state’s permitted level of 1.5 percent (from a predetermined level by an additional 2 percent).
“We have never used this provision but it’s good to have in place just in case,” said Mayor Leonard Desiderio. The second ordinance introduced the borough’s 2015 municipal budget in the amount of a little over $50 million, based on discussions at the latest budget workshop March 2.
The budget will be on the city website and available for second reading and public comment April 14 at 10 a.m. at the municipal building.
Unlicensed Transport a la Uber
Council discussed the request by the police department to enact an ordinance that would better monitor and regulate hired transport that is ordered via cell phone, like Uber and others providing similar service.
Presently, many people are using this type of service to come into Sea isle City and then expect that they can return off the island via the same mode of transport, explained Council Chair John Divney.
Per the police, these unlicensed transportation providers sit outside bars waiting for customers, usually in no-parking areas, and are aggressive in attracting riders. When ticketed for violations, these drivers pay the $200 fine and resume their business.
Current license-holding taxis and jitneys follow the rules, and pay the proper taxes and licensing fees. Divney continued, “These Uber-type providers are popular and convenient and it’s almost impossible to travel from Sea Isle City to Atlantic City, for example, without them so we don’t want to deny people this option.”
It was decided to have a proposed ordinance drafted for consideration and put on the agenda for an upcoming council meeting.
Proposed Verizon Tower on Dealy Field
There was long discussion that may portend upcoming controversy regarding council’s decision to approve a prior planning meeting decision to allow Verizon to erect a communications tower on Dealy Field. The field is used for many children’s activities and recreation.
According to Divney, “Verizon has told us they cannot provide the level of service we expect, particularly during the busy summer season and particularly regarding data connections, not just for cell phone use. They requested that exact site as being where this tower needs to go.”
Lengthy public comment opposed the tower centered around several main negatives in residents’ views. Among those were the impact per their Internet research regarding health issues such as heightened risk of cancer and thyroid problems as well as impact or frequency waves especially on children.
Another concern centered around environmental impact as well as on bird migrations and overflights. “Although all necessary permits are in place, I am ashamed I voted for this project,” said Councilman Frank Edwardi. “I want to re-do our examination of the terms and conditions surrounding the tower construction and our vote to proceed.”
Agreeing with the need to provide more information on the tower despite prior open hearings on the matter, Divney said, “Let’s get a team of experts here as soon as possible who can answer all these questions and those from the public with objections can bring their studies and opinions and we will have another discussion so we don’t argue but work together.”
Two Actions Related to the Environment
Council discussed two actions to protect the environment. The first was in line with the resolutions of the state and many other municipalities to oppose off-shore drilling along the New Jersey’s 126 miles of shore line.
Council passed a resolution to oppose renewable energy credits for landfills that need new scrubbers to convert from gas to electric and would fund remedial work. “This proposal from the N.J. Assembly rewards those municipalities who did not take appropriate corrective action and are non-compliant with environmental standards. Sea Isle City has done everything right and we should not support giving money to commercial enterprises for this type of remedial work,” said Divney.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.