Dear Friends,
My administration will deliver an overview of the proposed 2017 municipal budget at the City Council meeting on Thursday. Frank Donato, our finance director, will explain projected revenues and expenses. The meeting is open to public comment and starts at 7 p.m. March 9 at City Hall. I encourage you all to come out and participate in the budget process. The city is currently in a unique position to complete a lot of long-awaited work, and it’s important to remain responsible to taxpayers while we get it done.
At my request, members of our Community Services team have been meeting this winter with young musicians and boardwalk merchants to revise a proposed ordinance that would set guidelines for performing on the boardwalk. I think we now have a proposal that works for everybody, and I want to let you all know that City Council will consider the first reading of the new ordinance on Thursday (March 9).
The new measure would apply only between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s designed to make sure everybody can enjoy the boardwalk on busy summer nights. I don’t want to discourage young artists in any way, and the new version makes it easier for them to perform. Final revisions are being completed now and the full text of the proposed ordinance will be included in the agenda packet that will be posted with the council agenda on Tuesday (March 7). A public hearing and second reading of the ordinance will be set for a later date. If you’re interested in learning more or providing feedback, I hope you’ll attend one of the meetings.
I’m told that our warm winter has helped the contractor working on the 34th Street Bridge to remain on schedule for completion of the first phase of the Cape May County project by May 4. The city has received a few inquiries on the status of the job. New concrete was poured last week, so if it appears there is limited activity, please know the job is moving along. I recognize that everybody who travels Roosevelt Boulevard is anxious for the completion of this job, and I thank you for your patience.
Finally, I want to encourage you to get tickets while they last for the OC-Con Comic Festival on April 1-2, the Girls Weekend Fashion Show on March 31, and the KC and the Sunshine Band concert on May 28. All are on sale now.
OC-Con will feature special guests Billy Dee Williams and Seth Gilliam. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Girls Weekend runs March 31 to April 2, and tickets for the opening Fashion Show are available by calling 609-399-1412. A dance concert on the Ocean City Music Pier featuring KC and the Sunshine Band will open the summer season, and tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian Mayor
