Dear Friends,
City Council last night approved the first reading of a local ordinance that would regulate unpaid boardwalk performers. In no way are the proposed new guidelines meant to deter young artists from playing music or sharing other talents. My administration is recommending the common-sense measure as a way to ensure that artists can perform, guests can travel an unblocked boardwalk, and merchants can operate their businesses.
The ordinance is a work in progress. Although the second reading and public hearing was announced for Dec. 29, I’m now asking that the next meeting be scheduled in January to allow time for more input from everybody who would be affected. The idea designates spots for performers at every block between Fifth Street and 14th Street. I look forward to coming up with a system that satisfies everybody’s needs and allows everybody to have another summer of fun on the boardwalk.
I want to remind you all about a town hall meeting on our 2017 dredging program at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 10) at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center within the Ocean City Community Center at 18th Street and Simpson Avenue. The meeting will include a presentation on a potential short-term plan to use using city-owned property at the far end of Shelter Road as a transfer point for dredged material. The idea could help us get a lot of work done in 2017 in dredging shallow lagoons and waterways that have long been neglected.
Representatives of ACT Engineers will make the presentation, and the city will solicit feedback from neighbors and residents on the idea.
Earlier this week, our nation marked the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor that led to our entry into World War II. The men and women of our country would teach the world about American resolve in the aftermath of the attack. Service members abroad and families back home made untold sacrifices to protect the freedoms of the U.S. and the world. On this important occasion, I’d like to take a moment to remember and honor all those who have served our country.
Don’t forget about the Historical Museum’s Christmas Trolley Tour at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Call 609-399-1801 for more information or visit the museum at the Community Center. For more information on other events like free horse-and-carriage rides, photos with Santa in a lifeguard boat, and breakfast with Santa, visit oceancityvacation.com.
I hope you all have a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
