Sea Isle City Considers Added Flood Prevention

SEA ISLE CITY – In the midst of the recent nor’easter that brought high winds and pelting rain, this city’s Council held its meeting March 14. 
Given the storm and the resulting unusually high waters, public comment focused on what the city is doing to prevent or at least stymy flooding.
“Could you please check with the county and see if they’ve done their homework regarding placement of underground pipes that have been recently installed and the new outfall locations?” implored Michael Monachetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood.
“The flooding today with the way the waters are coming up both ocean and bay sides is the worst I’ve seen in the 50 years I’ve lived in Sea Isle,” he added.
“The water is coming up unbelievably quick, and the flow out is faster than I’ve ever seen. What happens in the summer with visitors who aren’t aware of this situation and will be losing cars, even lives?” he continued.
“I want the city to be proactive and I know I’m always here asking about this problem, but we need answers,” Monachetti concluded.
A neighbor of Monachetti’s for 15 years, said he could vouch for the dangerous situation.
In reply, George Savastano, business administrator, said, “It’s not like we’re doing nothing. We do have a survey or study indicating what areas and basins are most prone to flooding. Over the next year, we will be working to specifically identify these locations and continue to address them. We’re very active in working with the county because Sea Isle’s flooding is not limited to problems, causes or solutions just in Sea Isle. We want to work with the County as well for funding and also see what grant money we can access,” explained Savastano. 
“No”to Higher Tolls
Mayor Leonard Desiderio announced that he is coming out strongly against any plan to increase bridge tolls linking shore towns in the county as has been publicized.
“On March 16, Council President (William) Kehner and I are going to the Bridge Commission meeting, and we will be making our opinion against this move very clearly at this hearing. There are others throughout the county with similar concerns as ours, so we will be joining them,” said Desiderio.
New EMS Division
Council passed several ordinances that support the establishment of a Sea Isle City Emergency Medical Services Division. One amends the administration regulations to accommodate the new EMS Division. Another provides for the establishment of the division.
Both ordinances were passed on the introduction and first reading. Both will be on the agenda at Council’s April 11 meeting for second reading and comment.
The last ordinance was passed on second reading with no public comment that establishes wages for municipal EMS personnel.
Boulevard Work
In reply to a comment about when or if Sea Isle Boulevard will eventually permit bikers, Savastano said, “The paving won’t be finished on the one side until fall. We’re going to look at the situation once paved and work with the county engineer to see if it is safe to allow biking and walkers at that time. That is our goal,” he said.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.