Category: News

Some images here from surfer John Ryan as he waited to pass the runners starting the 18 mile run in Holgate on Sunday, Oct 12.

From Surf City PD- Attn residents:
A resident received a call on Monday, Oct 13 from an individual claiming to be with the National Association of Firefighters and Paramedics, indicating they were based out of Santa Ana, California. The number the individual used was NJ based phone number 609-878-2043. When questioned further the individual hung up. This can be a potential phone scam.
Please be advised, if you receive a phone call from this number and/or that is similar to this it is not connected to any fire/EMS service here on LBI.

According to Councilman Hartney, FEMA and NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) have pulled out of this important session (see post below for details on the Mobile Cabinet Meeting in Surf City on October 17, from 3:00-7:00 p.m.). He has registered a complaint with Congressman LoBiondo’s office — and encourages you to do the same by calling the Congressman’s office at 609-625-5008.

This notice is courtesy of Peter Hartney, Surf City Town Councilman:

Representatives From Various State Departments And Federal Agencies Will Be On Hand In Surf City

The Christie Administration announced today that state officials will host a Sandy Recovery Mobile Cabinet Thursday, October 17th in Ocean County to offer assistance to Sandy-affected residents and businesses as they continue their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

State representatives from the Governor’s Office of Constituent Relations; the Department of Community Affairs (DCA); the Economic Development Authority (EDA); the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI); the Department of Treasury; the Business Action Center (BAC) at the Department of State; the Department of Human Services (DHS); and the Department of Children and Families (DCF); the Division of Consumer Affairs; as well as federal officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), will be on hand in Surf City to meet with affected residents and answer questions on a variety of topics including homeowner and rental program status updates and business grant and loan status updates. Homeowners and business owners interested in attending can expedite the process by bringing relevant documentation related to the issue they are facing.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

WHO:          Governor’s Office of Constituent Relations

Department of Community Affairs

Economic Development Authority

Department of Environmental Protection

Department of Banking and Insurance

Department of Treasury

Department of State – Business Action Center

Department of Human Services

Department of Children and Families

AG’s Office – Division of Consumer Affairs

Federal Emergency Management Agency

National Flood Insurance Program

WHAT:             Mobile Recovery Cabinet to Assist Sandy-Impacted Homeowners and Businesses

WHEN:             3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:           Surf City Fire House, 713 North Long Beach Blvd., Surf City, NJ

Get the very latest information on beach replenishment. Have breakfast (it’s free). See which homes contribute most to the beauty of Surf City. Ask a Town Councilman your questions. See the winning Sand Sculptures from this year’s contest. Learn how the Planning Board operates (permits, variances, etc.). Meet many of your neighbors and Taxpayer Association Board members and officers. Learn what’s happening in and around your town — and how to stay connected during the off-season.

It all happens Saturday, August 17th. At Borough Hall, 813 Long Beach Blvd. Starting with Continental Breakfast at 9:30. With the official meeting starting at 10:00 a.m.

Our guest speaker will be Peter Hartney, Councilman, Borough of Surf City. Peter is Chairman of The Beach Replenishment/Beach Fees Committee, The Environment and Public Issues Committee and The Municipal Land Use Board. He is also President of the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department & EMS.

He’ll bring us all current on exactly what’s happening with beach replenishment — and go over some history of the project. He also plans to talk about beach fees, Surf City environmental programs and what to expect if you need to go in front of the Planning Board. He will be devoting a large portion of his speaking time to taking your questions.

About our Speaker:

Peter Hartney has been a Councilman in Surf City since 2008, a member of the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company #1 & EMS since 1996 and its president since 2006. Other current and noteworthy positions include:
• Chairman, Ocean County Mental Health Board
• Chairman, Surf City Municipal Land Use Board and member of the Planning Board
• Spanish/English translator for the Municipal Court of the Borough of Surf City and Police Dept
• Adjunct Instructor, Ocean County College, School of Social Sciences and Human Services
• Pastor, St Paul Lutheran Church, Beachwood, NJ

Peter has a Bachelorsof Science from Siena College, Loudonville, NY and a Masters of Arts from Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C. In May, he received an Advanced Graduate Certificate of Theological Study, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

These are the events scheduled for the month of August.

To download as a pdf Click Here

Recap: June 22nd Meeting with Mayor Connors

We had a strong turnout at June’s Surf City Taxpayers Town Hall Meeting. It was standing room only at Borough Hall. Thank you to all who attended.

The Mayor passed out a document  that compares the finances and budgets of Surf City to Ship Bottom and Beach Haven. Despite the fact that populations are nearly identical (Surf City 1,205, Ship Bottom 1,156 and Beach Haven 1,170), our local tax rate per $100 of assessed valuations is roughly one third less than Ship Bottom and Beach Haven. And the Mayor announced that the town is basically debt free.

For a recap of the meeting — and the issues that your fellow taxpayers raised — please click here 06-22-13TaxpayersMeetingMinutesJune 22 2013 (2).

Beach Replenishment — Ahead of Schedule

Most of us were quite surprised with the sudden start of the Beach Replenishment Project on June 29th. The beachfill part of the project is now on the northern end of Surf City. In addition to beachfill, work will include the replacement of dune crossovers, sand fencing, and the replanting of dune grasses.

To get an update on beach closures and other project details directly from the Army Corp of Engineers, click here. You can also attend our August 17th meeting and hear from guest speaker Councilman Peter Hartney, our town’s point person for beach replenishment (see details below).

FEMA Elevation Maps

Much has been reported recently about elevation maps, flood zones and flood insurance rates. To see the latest FEMA Base Flood Elevation (BFE) — and see what flood zone you’re in — follow this link. This is where you can read about the process of determining flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS).

Upcoming Event Reminders

Flea Market/Bazaar

Tuesday, July 16th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Surf City Firehouse, 8th and Long Beach Blvd.

Hunt for treasures at this popular fundraiser. Food, Beverages, Crafts, Books, and Much More.  Inside and outside vendors. Click for more information:

Casino Bus Trip

Monday, July 29th. Arrive 9:00 a.m.; park at the Surf City Firehouse, return by 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy a bus ride to Showboat Casino. Only adults (21yrs. or older) $20 each . Receive $20 slot cash at casino! Payment prior to July 20th required. No refunds. Call Anita 609-361-9490 for questions.  Send check, payable to CTABSC, to 44 N. 12^th St., Surf City, NJ 08008.  Include names and phone numbers.

Surf City Fire Company Beach Blast Block Party (click for their Facebook page description)

Saturday, August 10th, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Come out to party and support our Volunteer Fire Company at their 3rd annual block party. This fun for all ages event will include Live Music, Food, Beer, Fire Co. T Shirts, and a Silent Auction with many authentic professional sports memorabilia!

$2 donation cover for all attending, with Food & Drink purchased separately inside. All person drinking alcohol must be 21 years of age or older with proof of identification. All proceeds benefit the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company and E.M.S.

Sand Sculpture Contest 

Wednesday, August 7th (rain date August 8th), 14th Street Beach. Starts at 10:00 a.m.; judging is from 1-2:00 p.m.

Our most popular event, co-sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop!  Family fun on the 14th St. beach.  Prizes for kids, teens, adults and groups.  Winners can take home a trophy and other great prizes from Ron Jon’s. All Surf City ordinances, including beach badge requirements, will be enforced.

Mini Golf Tournament 

Thursday, August 8th (rain date Aug. 9th), 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Island Golf, 6th Street & Long Beach Blvd.

After rain washed out our first date AND rain date, we’re hoping for a great turnout on the 8th. Compete for cash prizes in age groups including children, teens and adults.

Surflight Lunch & Theatre (Les Miserables)

Wednesday, August 14th. Pre-show lunch at 11:30 at Carmines; show at 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a pre-show 11:30 a.m. lunch at Carmen’s (122 North Bay Ave.,Beach Haven) then a 2:00 p.m. performance of Les Miserables at the Surflight Theater. After the film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards and won 3, interest has been high to see this show on the stage.

Tickets must be reserved.  $56.00  per person (includes. Show and lunch).

Call Carol at 609-361-0393 or 609-540-9594.

Limited Seating. Deadline for tickets is July 29th.

Surf City Taxpayers Association Town Hall Meeting #2 (Beautification Awards Announced)

Saturday, August 17th. Free Continental Breakfast at 9:30 a.m., Meeting starts at 10:00

This meeting is set to be one of our best ever. In addition to complimentary continental breakfast, we’ll present our Beautification Awards (see details below. We’ll also welcome Councilman Peter Hartney, who leads the Borough’s efforts on beach replenishment.  He’ll talk dunes past/present/future and will also discuss Surf City environmental programs and the Land Use process (if you need to use the Land Use Board). He’ll answer your questions on issues that matter to you and all our homeowners, residents and businesses.

This is also our annual meeting to elect SCTA Officers and Trustees. You’ll have a chance to meet them, learn what initiatives are being pursued, meet neighbors and fellow residents and learn about opportunities to help improve the quality of life in Surf City.

Nominate a Home or Business For a Beautification Award

Deadline, July 31, 2013

Beautification of Surf City has become an important agenda item at The Taxpayers Association (if not us, then who will take this on?).  We’re looking for nominations  recognizing the best of Surf City (eye-catching landscapes, creative house numbers and mailboxes, gardens, flower boxes and more). Please submit your nominations to our email box at surfcityta@gmail.com. Please note your name and contact information as well as the address and feature you’d like to nominate.

As always, we welcome your feedback, comments and support if you’d like to get more involved with what is going on in and around The Borough of Surf City.

The Foul Shooting Contest is sponsored by the SURF CITY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION

Fifty two children showed up for the event. Plus parents and siblings

There were three winners in each group..

Top winners were       

13-18 Age Group-      1.Vincent Sciortino      2. Michael Walley & Sean Lyons

10-12 Age Group-      1.Alex Holmes  2. Jack Hogarty      3. Mia Pearson

7-9 Age Group-      1. Richie Graniere  2. Miles Malawer  3. Jack Wilson

Under 6-     Katie Cadmus, Conrad Eskola, Luke Lofbers Izzy Markowitz

Thanks to all our volunteers.

Anita Barnes, Lydia Cottone, Lorainne Bergondo, Deanna Bergondo, Bob Lieber, Pete Williams, Ray Saunderson and Jim Elsenbeck.

A big thank you to Island Golf for their generous contribution to the foul shooting contest.

 Again Special thanks to John Gofus and the Big Dipper Ice Cream Store for His continued support of the foul shooting contest.  Everyone enjoys the free ice cream.

Ron Bergondo, Chairperson