Student Population Drops, School Tax Level; Outdoor Dining Gets Straw Vote

SEA ISLE CITY – “I have good news, there is no increase in school tax for the sixth straight year,” Dan Tumolo, president of Sea Isle City Board of Education, told City Council, April 25. 
He then briefed council about student demographics and a major initiative that the board has undertaken to support its students.
“We now have 130 students, 77 of whom go to Ocean City schools, which are the finest in the state, and the second largest contingent go to Bishop McHugh. Our numbers are decreasing; year over year, there has been a decline to that figure of 130 students from 135 last year.”
Tumolo then said that due to two suicides at Ocean City High School over the last couple of years, there had been a push to get more counseling into the schools.
“We did a student survey and found that even second graders are savvy about drugs, so we’re providing more training for both students and faculty and guest speakers to educate all about this serious problem. We’re also going to get more students involved in the community and with municipal government and try to solve this issue together.”
According to Tumolo’s presentation, it costs the district about $15,000 per student for education. “This compares to $35,000 per year when we still operated our own schools and with Avalon, for example, which is the highest in the state at $52,000 per student. Besides tuition, we spend a lot on bus transportation even though we look everywhere possible for shared routes including with Dennis and Upper townships.”
Sidewalk Dining Changes
Council President William Kehner took a straw vote among members whether to proceed with changes to the current ordinances affecting sidewalk dining.
On the issue of whether to extend hours to midnight from the current 11 p.m., three voted to move forward with Mary Tighe and Jack Gibson voting no.
On the issue of whether to force restaurant owners to move heavy furniture into their premises each evening, three members voted to move forward with Frank Edwardi and Gibson voting no.
On the issue of whether hours to have alcohol available at establishments, either bring-your-own or serve should be extended to midnight from the current 11 p.m., this measure moved forward with Gibson and Tighe voting no.
All agreed that a “sunset” provision should be written into any draft ordinance providing for repeal of these measures if deemed necessary after seeing what happens during implementation over this summer season and beyond.
During public comment, two residents spoke for the added hour of dining and alcohol.
Joseph DiBona, the owner of La Piazza, said, “We can’t push the public out, they want to eat outside during nice weather, and this will attract more young people. We just heard (from Tumolo) that the average age of city residents continues to go up, from 53 a few years ago to now 58, so the more we can do to show people we’re a real resort the better.”
Lorraine Kilpatrick agreed, noting “Young people want a place to eat outside and enjoy the nice summer weather.”
Band Hours
Council discussed the reasoning behind city administration’s decision to move to an earlier timeframe for music at Excursion Pavilion, as well as other bands now set to stop at 9 p.m. from 10 p.m.
“We want to allow families to enjoy the music and still get home at a reasonable hour. We also want to be protective of everyone’s safety, and we are ready to be vigilant with any disruptions by crowds of youth congregating on the Boardwalk later at night as happened last year,” said Savastano.
Boulevard Status
Business Administrator George Savastano reported that April 27, from shortly after midnight for about three hours on Sea Isle Boulevard, the county will install rumble strips and center line painting.
“We debated whether to do this work in 20 or 30-minute intervals but decided let’s get it over with in one shot. The work might take a little longer or less than three hours, and we’re getting the word out to everyone through social media and reverse 911.
“Any emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, will be able to get through and will be coordinated with police.”
Townsend Inlet Bridge Repair
Savastano updated council on the urgent repairs necessary to keep the Townsend Inlet Bridge operational.
“The contractor is still on schedule for the objective of opening the bridge for Memorial Day. They are drilling to install three 150-foot piles to brace the pier. As long as work is not being done walkers and bikers can traverse the bridge using all prudence.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.