Volunteer: Terrapins Decimated by Skunks

SEA ISLE CITY – Steve Allen, a volunteer from Sea Isle Terrapin Rescue organization, briefed city council Oct. 27 on terrapin conservation. The group, a band of volunteers, works closely with the Wetlands Institute Terrapin Conservation Project.
Allen shared insights about the current situation regarding terrapin vitality and expressed concern that the terrapin population is declining in Sea Isle City and vicinity.
He informed council that the rescue group has noted a 70 percent decline in hatchlings comparing the period’s pre-Sandy and post-Sandy despite the fact that the rescue released 18,000 hatchlings over the last couple of years.
“I attribute much of this decline due to the abundant skunk population which feeds off the hatchlings. Skunks, now increasing in number in the area, have only one natural predator, the horned owl, and thus are putting great stress on terrapin populations,” explained Allen.
Several residents reiterated comments made at the Oct. 13 council meeting that they frequently see skunks on their property and in the city.
One resident pointed out that there is a bill pending in Trenton banning hunting of diamondback terrapins and requested that council take whatever action it could to support this bill.
Council chair John Gibson promised the city would express its support for such a bill through appropriate channels.
Firefighters’ Stipend
Council considered on second reading and public hearing an ordinance to establish a nominal monthly stipend program for individuals who volunteer on a regular basis with Sea Isle City Fire Department.
City Solicitor Paul Baldini explained the ordinance would allow a maximum $150 per month stipend to fire department volunteers who meet established criteria of attending related department meetings.
The city’s fire department, under ordinance provisions, will monitor and keep records of attendance at such meetings. During the public comment portion, a resident asked if volunteers who respond to fires get paid to which Baldini’s answer was “no.” Council unanimously approved adoption of this ordinance.
Work on Townsends Inlet Bridge
Administrator George Savastano reported that work on Townsend’s Inlet Bridge will begin again Nov. 16. The bridge had been closed during the last two winter seasons as the county completed a $4.4-million construction project to repair the support beams on the bridge’s movable span.
Some remaining repairs will be completed during the next two off-seasons, when other construction projects are expected to close the bridge again.
Beach Fill Project
Savastano reported that beach fill for the south end base contract has been completed. After the latest storm the contractor returned as hoped for and filled in some areas where there was erosion.
Presently the south end is being surveyed by the Army Corp of Engineers to identify some low areas and areas of erosion that may need more fill. If further replenishment is necessary it may take place January-March 2016.
More Surf Chairs
Gibson reported that the city is looking to purchase more surf chairs suitable for use by handicapped persons and examining other ways to improve the resort’s service for the handicapped.
Consider Demolition Moratorium
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Phil Ryan requested that council consider adopting a resolution to have a moratorium on demolitions between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
In addition he suggested the city implement a policy that neighbors of the demolition site be given advance notice of when the demolition is scheduled to take place. He cited an example that with the current lack of notice a house near his own property with asbestos shingles was demolished and that in the house next door was an asthma patient.
Gibson stated “I think these are good suggestions and council will take them under consideration.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.