Council OKs Beach Easements and New Community Services Director

After a relatively few major storms this spring, the beach at the south end of Ocean City is biding its time until the start of a replenishment project scheduled for the fall.

In addition to approving the first reading of a bond ordinance for artificial turf at Carey Stadium and moving to require irrigated sod or grass strips at curbside for new homes, City Council last week gave final approval to two measures :

• Beach Easements: City Council unanimously approved the second and final reading of an ordinance granting easements at city street ends to the federal Army Corps of Engineers, so a fall beach replenishment project can proceed.
• New Community Services Director: City Council approved Kristen Gallagher as the director of the city’s Community Services Department. City Council voted last month to re-establish the Community Services Department, which was merged into a new Community Operations Department a year ago. Community Operations will continue to deal with building, zoning, public works and engineering operations. Community Services will handle recreation and public relations services, among others. Gallagher holds an MBA from Penn State, recently moved to Ocean City and is a co-founder and organizer of the StandUp4SEALS Beach Challenge in Ocean City.