Following is a statement read Tuesday by Mayor Leonard Desiderio during the City Council meeting:
On today’s agenda, there’s a few items that bear mentioning …
Two resolutions before Council today will authorize a state contract and user agreement for the city to move all police, public works, and first responder radio communications into the state of New Jersey Interoperable Communications System.
This is a roughly one-million-dollar contract that will enable all first responders to have the most current technology to ensure communications among various jurisdictions from local to county to state and federal. I want to thank the police department for spearheading this effort over the past couple years; and I want to thank city council for funding this critical project.
Also on today’s agenda is a resolution authorizing advertisement of bids for demolition of the former school building on Park Road. This is another step forward towards the eventual construction of the community center that we’ve been planning together, as a community; and which will serve the entire city as a gathering place for people of all ages to enjoy all of the city’s recreation and leisure programs and activities.
Another agenda item today is a resolution to confirm Chief Anthony Garreffi as the director of the police department. As we all know, Chief Garreffi was already appointed as the chief of police.
Today’s action will formalize the chief’s position as department head, which in addition to police operations, includes responsibility for management of emergency medical services; the beach patrol; the office of emergency management; the city marina; and civilian traffic maintenance and lines and signs operations. In addition, as director of the department, the chief is the city’s primary point of contact with the volunteer fire department.
Finally, I want to follow up on a matter that was raised at the last council meeting — beach access. Specifically, making our beach access better and easier — especially for those with limited mobility.
A good thing that has occurred over the past decade is the strengthening of our shore protection. That’s also meant larger beaches on most of the island. We’ve done a lot of work to make the pathways over our dunes easier; but we must do more.
Quite frankly, the challenge is the availability of seasonal labor. The acquisition of beach access materials is simply a matter of funding – and we have consistently allocated the required funds and obtained the necessary materials.
Getting and retaining seasonal employees has been increasingly difficult over the past several years. Despite this, we will overcome this challenge. This administration is committed to ensuring that access to our most treasured natural resource is available to all members of our community.
Once again, please remember that we are one Sea Isle City and together we’ll be stronger than ever.
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
