Dear Friends,
Last Saturday (June 3), we held a town hall meeting to share information on our 2017 bayside dredging program. Many in attendance had questions about dredging private boat slips. I’ve asked my team and ACT Engineers to work together to create a simple fact sheet explaining the responsibilities of individual owners, the city and the state when it comes to completing this work. I will update you within the next two weeks with a link to this new resource.
At last night’s City Council meeting, it was announced that the city issued $25 million in short-term notes to help pay for capital improvements in the city. The interest rate on this borrowing is just 1.06 percent. That rate is directly related to Ocean City’s exceptional AA Standard & Poor’s rating. This helps Ocean City continue to make responsible investments in infrastructure work citywide.
City Council also voted to accept a gift of more than $150,000 from the Friends of the Ocean City Pops to install cameras and video screens at the Ocean City Music Pier. The screens will add a lot to the experience of attending a Pops concert – providing close-ups of musicians and headliners and bringing all of the visuals a lot closer for those seated in the back of the auditorium. The equipment will be available not just for Pops concerts but for the entire lineup of Music Pier shows and entertainment throughout the year.
I’d like you all to join me in thanking the Friends of the Pops for this generous gift, and I want to encourage you all to attend a Pops show this summer. The season opens on June 25 with Vanessa Williams taking the spotlight. The summer schedule includes something for music lovers of all tastes and ages (see complete schedule ). The Pops and the Music Pier are two of Ocean City’s greatest treasures, and this gift will make them even more valuable.
I’d like to remind everybody that the twice-a-week trash and recycling pickup schedule begins on Monday. You can check pickup days for your address here.
The Ocean City Exchange Club honored Tom Oves Jr. on Monday with its annual “Book of Golden Deeds” award. The honor recognizes citizens who make selfless contributions to their community, and Tom is the perfect recipient. It was inspiring to see so many people from all parts of Ocean City come out Monday to pay tribute to him. He has served the community as an educator, Board of Education member, youth sports coach, Junior Wrestling Club founder, business owner and neighbor. It’s people like Tom who help make Ocean City such a great place to live and visit.
I also want to remind you that Restaurant Week in Ocean City runs tonight through next Friday. The week offers a great chance to try a new place or to get a great deal at one of your favorites. Check menus and offers at eatinocnj.com .
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
