REPORT SHOWS SIGNIFICANT INCOME TO AVALON FROM CELL PHONE CARRIERS
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon’s Borough Council received a report during the March 25th, 2009 council meeting that shows significant income and better cellular phone service as a result of seven contracts with wireless phone companies who lease space on the Avalon water tower located on 38th Street.
“This report from V-Comm Telecommunications Engineering clearly shows that there is a two-fold benefit to hosting cellular phone antennas on the water tower”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “Cell phone service in Avalon has never been better. And, the total revenue to the Borough exceeds $260,000 a year, which represents direct savings to Avalon residents”.
The report, dated March 9, 2009 is entitled “Wireless Executive Summary-Current Status and Future Opportunities”. It outlines a program where Avalon put out to bid four contracts for space for wireless communication companies on the 38th Street tower. In 2004, Cingular, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and AT&T Wireless all made successful bids. In 2008, Avalon was approached by T-Mobile as well as two new wireless carrier entrants, Cricket Communications and MetroPCS. The water tower was put out to bid again, and each of the three companies entered into contracts with the Borough. The total annual revenue to the Borough of Avalon for all seven carriers exceeds $260,000, and is expected to increase by more than $23,000 once the five year escalators kick in on the original four leases. Those escalators require 15% increases in revenue every five years.
The revenue derived from the wireless communications contracts results in approximately five percent of the entire water and sewer revenue for the Borough.
The report also suggests that it will be “very likely” that Avalon will receive continuing requests from more telecommunications companies. It is possible Avalon will also consider leasing space on the water tower at 13th Street in the future.
Bay-Atlantic Symphony signs contract to bring Symphony By The Sea to Avalon for Third Season
Avalon- the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, the Borough of Avalon and the Avalon Free Public Library have signed the contracts to bring Symphony By the Sea to Avalon for a third season.
The first concert, 100l Nights of Entertainment, will be held on Saturday, July 18. Works by Verdi, Bizet, Chabrier and Saint-Saens will be presented during the first half of the performance. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade will be performed by violin solo after the intermission.
On August 22, the symphony will return with an all Mozart concert: Villains, Heroes and Gods. The Don Giovanni Overture will be featured in a piano concerto followed by Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551, Jupiter.
The Avalon Library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library Web site at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.
AVALON MAYOR, COUNCIL RECOGNIZE AVALON LIBRARY 5-STAR DESIGNATION
council recognized the Avalon Free Public Library with a special presentation during the March 25th council meeting. Recently, the Avalon Free Public Library was listed as one of the country's top libraries by Library Journal.
"This is truly an outstanding accomplishment for the Avalon Free Public Library", said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. "We are proud of the entire staff at the library, and thank everyone involved for giving Avalon truly a front-porch destination for the entire community".
On February 15th, the LJ Index 2009 rated a total of 7,115 public libraries from across the nation. A total of 256 libraries received ‘star' ratings, and only three libraries in the state of New Jersey received the highest 5-star designation: The Avalon Free Public Library, the Mercer County Library, and the Princeton Public Library.
Avalon Free Public Library Director Norm Gluckman and Board of Trustees President Anthony Lampazzi were both at the council meeting to accept the presentation from mayor and council.
The Avalon Free Public Library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform, and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library website at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.
AVALON OFFICIALLY DECOMMISSIONS FIREBOAT HERMAN FEHRLE
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon has officially decommissioned its firefighting boat, the "Herman Fehrle". The boat was formally decommissioned during a meeting of the Avalon Borough Council on Wednesday, March 25th.
"The boat was very valuable to the Avalon community", said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter. "We are proud to honor Herman and the entire Fehrle family for their friendship with everyone in Avalon, and the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department".
The boat was obtained by the borough in 2000, and went into service in 2001. The "Fehrle" was obtained through a federal surplus property program operated by the New Jersey State Police for a price of only $500. Many improvements were put into the boat, including a 550 gallon per minute pump and various rescue gear. The 25-foot Bayliner boat served Avalon for eight years before being retired in March, 2009.
The boat never had to be called into duty to fight fires in Avalon, but it was involved in many search and rescue missions. The "Fehrle" was often the first boat in Avalon waters whenever a boat or jet ski was reported overdue. The vessel also responded to assist with search and rescue relating to a fatal accident that involved a racing boat near Avalon.
Avalon is expected to receive delivery of a new fire boat in April, 2009. The new boat is a 25-foot Sea Ark aluminum boat that is being purchased through the New Jersey state surplus program. The new boat has been refurbished through generous donations to the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department.
The family of Herman Fehrle attended the March 25th council meeting to receive the proclamation from Mayor Pagliughi. The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department was also on hand to personally honor the family.
TIME AGAIN: AVALON FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HOLD ANNUAL PLANT/HOAGIE SALE
(Avalon, NJ)—A sure sign of Spring in Avalon: A big plant and hoagie sale will be held on Saturday, May 9th, by the Avalon Ladies Auxiliary of the Volunteer Fire Department.
"We're very fortunate to have the support of the entire Avalon community for our fire department", said Avalon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ed Dean. "The ladies auxiliary does a fantastic job with this sale, and we're looking forward to another successful event".
The annual plant and hoagie sale will take place on Saturday, May 9th from 8am until 3pm. The plants that will be available include petunias, geraniums, impatients, hanging baskets, begonias, vincas, marigolds, and more. The firemen will be selling the hoagies from 10am until 3pm.
The plant and hoagie sale will once again take place at the Avalon Fire House, at 31st Street and Dune Drive in Avalon.
Free AED & CPR Training
CPR with AED training (bystander level)
The Avalon Rescue Squad is offering FREE CPR/AED training open to the public. This one-night class is about three-hours long.
This training is geared towards individuals with minimal or no experience and will train the student to perform CPR and utilize a defibrillator (AED) in advance of First Responders. It is recommended for persons who work in or frequent locations where Public Access Defibrillators have been placed.
This course includes the 2006 GUIDELINES for CPR and Defibrillation.
This is not the "Healthcare Provider" level certification.
Target Audience: Any interested persons.
DATES: (2) THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2009, OR
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009
Accreditation: American Heart Assn. Heartsaver® AED (2006 version)
Registration: Required, call 368-5288 to sign up.
AVALON RECEIVES CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT FROM NEW JERSEY DEP
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon officials learned today that it will be receiving a check totaling $15,765.48 from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The check is an entitlement from the 2009 Clean Communities program.
Twenty one counties and 559 municipalities were eligible to receive the Clean Communities funding during 2009. The amount of the entitlement is calculated based on an estimate that $13 million in anti-litter fees will be collected through March, 2009. Every community's share is based on the proportionate share of housing units and municipal road mileage.
The disbursement of the funding should be made to Avalon no later than the end of April, 2009.
PAGLIUGHI: CORZINE BUDGET IS DANGEROUS, RECKLESS, AND SHORT SIGHTED
Avalon mayor promises a collective effort to challenge governor's cuts in tourism, beach protection funding
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi today publically criticized Governor Jon Corzine's proposed $28.9 billion state budget that slashes funding for both beach nourishment projects, and tourism promotion. Pagliughi believes that the proposal is inconsistent with current legislation, and as written, has the effect of circumventing "poison pill" provisions that deal with both beach nourishment funding, and tourism promotion funding.
Pagliughi announced today that Avalon will seek every appropriate and available legal option to ensure that there will be no legislative tinkering that destroys the original purpose of the laws that regulate funding these two important line items in the state budget.
"We would hope that in a year in which the Governor and the entire State Assembly are up for re-election, they would not take action that is so clearly against the interests of the residents of our state", Pagliughi said. "If the legislature follows the Governor's ill-advised lead and adopts his proposed budget with the axe applied to shore protection and tourism, then the Borough will have to consider legal action it deems appropriate to keep this issue at the forefront of public consciousness".
"With one budget address, New Jersey's governor has single-handedly put the entire state coastline on red alert while endangering the lives, property, and income of millions of state residents", Pagliughi said. "The governor's proposed cuts in tourism promotion funding and beach replenishment projects are simply mind-boggling. To date, I haven't expected much out of this governor, and this budget address is a complete insult to every resident in the state of New Jersey. Governor Corzine's out of touch, Wall Street mentality is reflected in this budget..and we see what a complete mess Wall Street is in these days. This budget does not include a thread of common sense, fiscal responsibility, or vision for the New Jersey coastal region. It puts the livelihoods of everyone from plumbers, to contractors, to electricians…New Jersey's total employment base…in jeopardy, needlessly".
Governor Corzine delivered a budget address to the New Jersey Legislature on Tuesday, March 10th. The budget includes a decrease in the shore protection fund from $25 million to just $18.75 million.
"This is not only about suntans and a day at the beach", Pagliughi said. "This is about real, sustainable protection of lives and property. Was Mr. Corzine asleep when hurricanes battered the Gulf Coast, causing a big loss of life and billions of dollars of property damage? Does he believe someone will wave a magic wand over New Jersey beaches and give us millions of dollars for our beaches? Our governor needs to wake up and realize that over 127 miles of his coastline are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. He also needs to realize that beaches generate tourism and fuel the state's economic engine".
Pagliughi also points out that the governor's plan to drop beach nourishment funding below the $25 million mark goes against the state's own laws. In 1992, a provision was created in the realty transfer tax law that would eliminate the tax if the fund drops below $25 million. During a press conference on Wednesday, March 11th, State Treasurer David Rousseau spoke about the plan to underfund beach replenishment projects: "Why should they be held to a higher standard just because some Legislature in the past put in a law that said it can't go below this amount of money?"
"This is an incredibly arrogant statement made by Corzine's hand-picked state treasurer", Pagliughi said. "Avalon has prepared a reply to the petition to appeal the decision regarding the state's public access rules. We will be sure to put Mr. Rousseau's statement about his administration disregarding important policy decisions authorized by previous legislatures when we file our reply in court Monday morning".
"The governor's idea of stripping money out of beach projects is short-sighted and dangerous", Pagliughi said. Last year, the state took $9 million from the fund, and this year they want to cut it even further. This is pure political arrogance, and it starts with the state's chief executive."
Avalon has participated in various beach replenishment efforts, and has invested millions of municipal dollars to support various state and federally-funded beach projects. "If a small coastal community like Avalon can recognize the need and importance of beach and dune nourishment programs, why can't the state of New Jersey?", Pagliughi said. "Reducing the amount of beach funding for the state by over six million dollars when the need has never been greater is reckless. Perhaps if Mr. Corzine eliminated some of the bureaucracy in his own Department of Environmental Protection he could find the resources he needs to provide safety along the shoreline. The governor says he has chosen safe neighborhoods over beach nourishment; I suppose neighborhoods along his vast coastline simply do not matter to him."
Pagliughi believes any reduction in beach nourishment funding may compromise federally-funded beach efforts. If New Jersey gets federal stimulus money that would fund beach projects, New Jersey may not have the matching dollars needed to execute these projects. "The so-called ‘mega beach project' that includes work in four coastal communities could be compromised as well. Where are the guarantees from the state that beach projects in Cape May County will be fully funded if the governor cuts the beach funding?"
The governor's proposed 2009 budget also includes a deep and significant cut in tourism promotion funding. Last year, the state spent $10 million on tourism promotion; this year's proposed budget includes a reduction to $7.5 million. The state law regarding tourism promotion includes a "poison pill" provision that mandates that the state's 5% occupancy tax must disappear if the tourism funding level drops below $9 million. In 2007, the occupancy tax in New Jersey generated $91.4 million for the state of New Jersey.
According to a report issued in April, 2008 by Global Insight, here are some New Jersey tourism-related facts and figures:
*Cape May County generates $5.1 billion annually in tourism-related revenue
*91,000 jobs in Cape May County are related to tourism annually; one out of every nine New Jersey workers owes his/her job to tourism *Cape May County tourism represents 48.3% of the entire share of the entire county's economy
*If tourism did not exist in New Jersey, each household would have to pay $1,330 more in taxes to maintain current tax receipts
*$38 billion was generated by tourism in New Jersey in 2007
*466,442 jobs were created by travel and tourism in New Jersey in 2007, which accounts for 11.4% of total employment in the state of New Jersey
*New Jersey tourism generated $7.3 billion in federal, state, and local government taxes in 2007
"Has the governor or his staff even read this report?", Pagliughi said. "Obviously not. If you're such a great self-proclaimed businessman and money manager, wouldn't you invest more funding into New Jersey tourism, and not gut the budget by 25 percent? For every one dollar invested in tourism promotion, the state gets a return of $36. I'd love to know how cutting tourism promotion funding is going to help the bottom line of the state. We will lose tourists, revenue, tax receipts, jobs, and business. Great plan, Governor."
Pagliughi has promised to engage all of the elected officials in Cape May County into pressuring state leadership to make sure that, at the very least, these funding cuts are restored. "Avalon is not afraid to take on the state of New Jersey with any failed policy coming from Corzine's leadership", Pagliughi said. "Local officials got together and fought the state on its failed public access policy relating to its beaches. We also joined forces to fight the state on its perplexing one size, fits all affordable housing regulations. When it comes to our beaches and tourism, I can promise you state officials have not yet experienced their biggest fight from this part of the Garden State".
DUNE DRIVE PROJECT IN AVALON TO BEGIN MARCH 18TH IN AVALON
(Avalon, NJ)—A project that will involve some major work on the southbound lane of Dune Drive in Avalon will begin a little earlier than anticipated, according to Avalon Engineer Thomas Thornton. Thornton announced that the contractor for the project will be getting a "notice to proceed" by Friday, March 13th; the actual work along Dune Drive could begin by Wednesday, March 18th.
"This is good news for residents of Avalon", Thornton said. "Now that the contractor is starting the work earlier, it's likely that the reconstruction work will be finished by May 1st, weather permitting. The contractor intends to complete the job ahead of schedule".
The reconstruction of Dune Drive in Avalon will take place in the southbound lanes between 12th and 19th streets. The initial work will include replacement of concrete curb, gutter, and sidewalk. That portion of the project should take two to three weeks. Then, the actual street paving portion of the project will begin; that could take up to two weeks to complete. The work will be done on weekdays, and not on weekends.
A contract for the work was awarded to S. Batata, of South River, New Jersey. The total cost for the project is $307,827. Avalon received a $150,000 grant for the Dune Drive project from the New Jersey Department of Transportation local aid program.
The reconstruction of Dune Drive coincides with a county road project that is taking place along Ocean Drive in Avalon. The contractor for the Dune Drive project is required to coordinate traffic control with the county's project along Ocean Drive. There will be a project manager on site at all times to supervise the work.
The Avalon Police Department will also be notified of any traffic detours that are necessary in the project area.
ADVISORY: SEA ISLE BOULEVARD BRIDGE TO UNDERGO MAJOR WORK
(Avalon, NJ)—There is a traffic advisory for motorists who travel in and out of Sea Isle City on a regular basis. According to Cape May County Freeholder Director Dan Beyel, there will be long term lane closings on the Sea Isle Boulevard Bridge (County Road #625) over Ludlam Thorofare between Sea Isle City and Dennis Township. Here is some information on this traffic advisory courtesy of the Cape May County Public Information Office:
Freeholder Director Daniel Beyel today announced that starting the week of March 9th long term lane closings on the Sea Isle Boulevard (County Road No. 625) Bridge over Ludlam Thorofare between the City of Sea Isle City and the Township of Dennis will commence. The lane closings will start Monday mornings and run until 7 a.m. on Fridays. Temporary traffic signals have been stationed at the each end of the bridge and are currently in the yellow flash mode. The traffic signals will go into normal operation beginning next week to control the traffic that will alternate direction of travel through the one open lane on the bridge. Over the weekends the signals will be place in the flash mode to allow unobstructed two-way travel. The extended lane closings are scheduled to run until Memorial Day weekend.
Motorists are advised to be patient when approaching the bridge. It is imperative that motorists obey the traffic signals for their own safety and the safety of other motorists as well as the construction workers!
The Sea Isle Boulevard Bridge over Ludlam Thorofare is a 31-span structure, built in 1963, consisting of a single 93-foot steel main span that is flanked by prestressed concrete girder spans. This bridge is supported on concrete piles and piers with a total bridge length of 1,656 feet. This structure is on the only mainland access route directly connected to the City of Sea Isle City.
Work being performed consists of constructing armored and sealed deck joint systems, repairing the deteriorated sections of the reinforced concrete deck and safety walks, structural steel repairs to the main span, safety feature upgrades and providing access for some of the prestressed concrete beam repairs.
Allied Painting, Inc. of Franklinville, NJ is the contractor for the more than $3,044,000 construction project funded by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders with a $1,000,000 grant from NJ Department of Transportation FY2009 Local Bridge, Future Needs Funds. The purpose of the grant is to address county-owned structurally deficient bridges throughout the State.
The first phase of repairs is on reinforced concrete piers supporting the bridge. This work is being performed from underneath of the bridge where it does not impact the motoring public. These repairs will continue throughout the duration of the project without interference with traffic.
This rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by early August 2009. This rehabilitation project is meant to extend the useful life of the bridge and keep the bridge functioning without the need of major repairs for another 10 to 15 years.
AVALON LIONS GEARING UP FOR PASTA NIGHT ON APRIL 26, 2009
(Avalon, NJ)—Plans are being made for one of the most popular community events on the Seven Mile Island each year. The Avalon Lions Club announced that its annual Pasta Night will be held on Sunday, April 26th, from 4-8pm at the Windrift, at 80th and the Beach in Avalon.
"The Pasta Night is our biggest fundraiser of the year", said Avalon Lions Club 1st Vice President John Molnar. "We look forward to seeing hundreds of locals and visitors at the event, which is a lot of fun for Lions Club members".
The Avalon Lions Club holds the Pasta Night each year as a fundraiser for the various charities that the club supports annually. Club members volunteer their time to be a part of the event, and roll up their sleeves to cook and serve the pasta to several hundred visitors. Tickets for the event are $15 per person, and take out is available. Tickets are available at the Avalon Community Hall, or at the Windrift the day of the event.
Here is a list of local organizations supported by the Avalon Lions Club: Vineland Veterans Home, Vineland K9 Training, Cape Regional Medical Center, Lions District 16C Charities, Lions Club International Foundation, American Legion Post #331, Avalon Rescue Squad, Holy Redeemer Hospice, Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children, Coalition Against Rape and Abuse, Miss Avalon Scholarship Pageant, Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Volunteers in Medicine, and Toys For Tots.
"We're hopeful to have another outstanding event this spring so the Avalon Lions Club can continue to support these organizations, along with others in our community", Molnar said.
The Avalon Lions Club has 86 active members. For more information about the Avalon Lions Club Pasta Night, contact Milt Kuhn at (609) 967-5234. To learn more about joining the Avalon Lions Club, please contact Muriel Smith at (609) 390-5779.
CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS EFFORT HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL IN AVALON
(Avalon, NJ)—A new effort in Avalon to help put members of the United States military in touch with their families has received an overwhelming response in the community.
"Our participation in ‘Cell Phones For Soldiers' has received an outpouring of support from our community", said Avalon EMS Director Kevin Scarpa. "Mayor Martin Pagliughi wanted to make sure the borough got behind this effort, and so far over 60 cellular phones have been dropped off".
Scarpa and John Schwartz emptied the donation box located inside Avalon's new public safety building on Thursday, March 5th and found the box was too heavy to lift. They found over 60 unwanted cellular phones that were donated for the effort.
A collection box for the unused cell phones has been placed in the lobby of the new Avalon Public Safety Building. Anyone can visit the lobby and place cell phones in the collection box; they will be delivered to the "Cell Phones for Soldiers" organization.
More than 150,000 troops are serving overseas and are away from their families. "Cell Phones for Soldiers" collected unused cell phones that will help keep troops connected with their families. The goal is to collect over 50,000 cell phones this year.
"Cell Phones for Soldiers" was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays "Cell Phones for Soldiers" for each phone—enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.
NOTICE REGARDING MEETING OF THE AVALON PLANNING/ZONING BOARD
Please take notice that the Tuesday, March 10th 2009 Planning/Zoning Board agenda has been changed.
Application PZ#09-01, Seven Mile Island, LLC has been tabled by the applicant until Tuesday, April 7th, 2009, at 7:00pm.
For details, please see the Planning/Zoning Board secretary at Avalon Borough Hall.
SEAL RESCUED FROM AVALON BEACHFRONT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
(Avalon, NJ)—A harp seal beached itself in Avalon Wednesday afternoon March 4th and has been recovered by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey.
Avalon police received notice that the seal was on the beach at 50th Street early Wednesday afternoon. An officer immediately responded and found the seal alive and well on the beach, about 30 yards away from the water's edge.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center was immediately contacted, and a field representative from the center arrived a short time later. The seal is believed to be a one year old, male harp seal. Harp seals are very common in the ocean waters along the New Jersey coastline.
The center reports that the seal showed no signs any sickness, physical disability or injury. The seal was transported to the center where it will be examined, and given some routine de-worming medication. The seal will likely be released back into the ocean after receiving routine medical treatment from the center.
-and-Board-President-Tony-Lampazzi-(right).jpg)
The "Fehrle" was often the first boat in Avalon waters whenever a boat or jet ski was reported overdue. The vessel also responded to assist with search and rescue relating to a fatal accident that involved a racing boat near Avalon.
