SIC Fields Beach Access, War Hero Statue Concerns

SEA ISLE CITY – Mayor Leonard Desiderio attended this resort’s regular council meeting June 27 and introduced his “deputy mayor for the day” Stephanie Morris, 7, who attends Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School.
Morris’ father, Bob, had won a school fund-raising contest for this honor for his daughter. Samantha adjourned the meeting and presided over that day’s bicycle auction.
In response to a question from Council member Mary Tighe, Business Administrator George Savastano gave a detailed explanation of how and why the city determines where to place “mobi” blue mats to aid those with walking issues better access to the beach. 
“We are very serious about this issue and devote considerable resources to manage it as fairly as possible. We want to place the mats as strategically as possible at various beach entry ways but ‘strategically’ is in the eye of the beholder.
“With larger beaches as a result of recent beach replenishment positioning of the ‘mobi mats’ is our biggest request for work in the summer.
“We have mats at intermittent streets from 32nd Street to 85th Street and JFK Boulevard. We can’t accommodate every request to have mats at every particular street, and we think we have really tried hard to make as many paths as accessible as possible.”
Floodplain Management
Council introduced two ordinances on first reading, one to accept the Floodplain Management Plan for 2017 as presented at the last meeting by Solicitor Paul Baldini. The second was to approve the issuance of $1.125 million for water and sewer utility improvements. Savastano said for this last ordinance utility construction is planned for the fall and will be consistent with the 2016 municipal capital plan. Both ordinances will be on council’s July 25 agenda for final approval and public hearing.
Public Concerns
Resident Allen Fisher asked for better enforcement of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations. “I’ve heard that authorities are going to be more strict in enforcing ADA standards and that fines will range from $5,000 to $100,000.
“We have a problem in Sea Isle with tables, flower pots, A-frame advertising signs and the like hindering pedestrians along sidewalks. There is supposed to be a six-foot clearance from the curb along the sidewalk and this is not happening.”
A police representative reported that the police remind business owners of their responsibilities in this regard on a regular basis and will continue to do so.
Resident Anne Organ asked about DUI (driving under the influence) fees of $75 and where do they go?
The police representative said fees go into a state feeder fund and occasionally the city makes application for a grant to improve the safety of streets, such as two years ago for stop signs on Pleasure Avenue.
Council member John Gibson queried Savastano about the $49,937 cost of paving the “old firehouse” lot.
“Yes, at first, I thought it sounded like a lot too. However, our usual contractor came up with a quote of about $59,000 that did not include several of the work items we need, like edging and new sidewalks.
Desiderio announced that once this project is completed the site will become a location for the sport of pickleball burgeoning in popularity.
Savastano clarified another resolution that provides for extending the stipend program for ambulance volunteers.
“We are still in a transition period with getting our emergency personnel onto Sea Isle municipal payroll as paid employees.
“We are in the process of hiring and working with their designated attorney to finalize. Discussions are going well, and I anticipate bringing to council an agreement at the next meeting.”
Joe Griffies, a veteran’s advocate from Rio Grande, pressed the city about the positioning and care of a statue of Vietnam military hero, Michael Crescenz, “the only Medal of Honor recipient from Cape May County since the time of the Civil War. (Cpl. Crescenz was from Philadelphia, and his family had long summer ties to Sea Isle City). His statue has been in the mayor’s office for five months, and it needs a permanent home in a prominent place,” said Griffies.
“We are very, very honored and proud of his achievement and we want to have the statue in the safest place possible. We have ordered a case for the statue, and that will protect it and keep it secure in my office,” Desiderio said.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.