Dear Friends,
On Thursday (Feb. 23), I’ll present a draft 2017 municipal budget to City Council at a 7 p.m. public meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall. This is the first step in a budget process that will extend into April. I encourage anybody with an interest to participate in the process. Each meeting along the way will include opportunity for public comment.
I’m happy to report that the full length of the Ocean City Boardwalk is back open. I’d like to thank all the pedestrians, runners and bicyclists who were detoured this winter for their patience. The contractor was able to take advantage of good weather in completing the reconstruction project between Eighth Street and 10th Street. Work continues on parts of the boardwalk near the beach side, on entrances at Eighth Street and Ninth Street, and on new boardwalk pavilions. The entire project remains on schedule to be complete by the end of March.
I’m also excited to announce today that KC and the Sunshine Band will help us kick off the summer season with a concert on Memorial Day Weekend. The legendary band will perform on the Ocean City Music Pier on Sunday, May 28. “Creating instant happiness through music” is how the band has always promoted itself. I hope to see you all up and dancing at the show in May. It’ll be a great start to another great summer here in Ocean City.
Tickets will go on sale at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 2. They’ll be available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or in-person at the City Hall Welcome Center or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway.
Earlier this week, the city team announced that Regis Philbin will host the Mr. Mature America Pageant and serve as the grand marshal in the Doo Dah Parade on April 8. He’ll be a great addition to these two events (tickets will go on sale at a date to be announced in early March). I’m proud that Ocean City can play host to Philbin, and I’d like to thank the Community Services staff, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean City Free Public Library, the local merchants’ groups and the entire city team for working so hard to make 2017 a memorable year for all of our residents and guests.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
