March 10, 2017
Dear Friends,
At a public meeting last night, City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that sets guidelines for boardwalk performers. My administration had gone back to the drawing board twice before on the ordinance to address questions and concerns raised by young musicians and boardwalk merchants. That’s exactly the way an open government should work, and I’m certain the proposed measure will be much more fair and effective because of all the feedback we received. I’d like to personally thank everybody who participated in the process and who took the time to express their opinions on the issue. I’d also like to thank Community Services Director Mike Allegretto for overseeing the process. The full text of the draft ordinance is included with the agenda packet for Thursday’s meeting, and a public hearing and second reading is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 23 at City Hall.
Also last night, Finance Director Frank Donato provided council members with projections on revenues and expenses in the 2017 municipal budget. I encourage anybody with questions about the proposed budget to take a look at Donato’s presentation . Council is expected to formally introduce the budget on March 23, then work on potential revisions until a final vote that will likely take place in late April.
Marmora resident Joe Pratt, a decorated veteran and transplant recipient, visited the meeting to encourage the public to consider becoming designated organ donors. He’s involved in planning the April 2 Donor Dash in Philadelphia (10K and 5K runs and a 3K walk), and he hopes to bring a local version of the race to Ocean City. But he also invited the public to a free Donor Awareness Seminar 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 18 at Macedonia United Methodist Church (10th Street and Simpson Avenue). The seminar will be preceded by a continental breakfast that starts at 9 a.m.
I ask everybody to closely monitor weather conditions early next week. While it’s still too early to know the exact track and impact, forecasters are suggesting a coastal storm could affect Ocean City. If it does, the worst conditions would likely come on Tuesday. The storm could possibly cause street flooding.
Finally, I want to remind everybody that tickets for the Mr. Mature America Pageant hosted by Regis Philbin went on sale this morning. The pageant is 7 p.m. April 8 on the Ocean City Music Pier. If you’ve never attended the pageant, it’s a great opportunity to check out a really fun event and see Philbin at the same time. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice and are expected to sell quickly.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian Mayor
