Dear Friends,
A new moon occurs tonight and a National Weather Service Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect for Ocean City. I asked a crew from our Public Works team to experiment with using temporary pumps to facilitate drainage after high tide this morning. The pumps were stationed at the outfall that serves the area between 26th Street and 34th Street. While the temporary pump has a much, much smaller capacity than the pumping stations planned for that area, we did see some effect. I’m confident that when the new stations and new drainage pipes with greater capacity are put in place, the area will see a vast improvement. I remain committed to this project and to trying whatever is necessary to improve drainage throughout every part of Ocean City.
Ocean City lost two of its finest citizens this week when Peggy Lloyd and Kathryn Paone passed away. Lloyd, 102, was a generous donor and volunteer with many organizations in Ocean City, and her rich and long life should be an example to all of us. A service is planned for 11 a.m. next Friday (May 13) at the Margate Community Church with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. As an Ocean City Primary School teacher, Paone was an inspiration to me and absolutely affected my life and the lives of many others. A memorial service is planned for noon Saturday (May 7) at Greentree Church in Egg Harbor Township. Visitation with family begins at 10:30 a.m.
In the next week, the city team will install stickers on parking meters explaining a new mobile phone application that allows motorists to pay parking fees. All parking rates remain the same for 2016. The new app is provided as a convenience to residents and guests. It provides a warning when time is about to expire and allows users to extend time from wherever they are. See more information at ocnj.us/parking.
If any of you are ready for summer after more than a week of cold and gray weather, you’ll be happy to know that Martin Z. Mollusk Day is tomorrow at 11 a.m. on the beach next to the Music Pier. If Ocean City’s mascot sees his shadow, summer comes a week early. Martin never lets us down, and neither does his handler, Mark Soifer (who is reportedly carrying a giant flashlight to hedge his bets).
Lastly, I’d like to wish my mom and all others a very happy Mothers Day.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
