February 19, 2016
Dear Friends,
Following the recent rounds of flooding, I asked our Public Works Department to inspect every check valve in Ocean City. The mechanisms prevent tidal waters from flowing backwards through the storm drain system and onto Ocean City streets. The inspection process at more than 40 different locations is normally spread throughout the year. But our crews made sure that each valve was working all within the last week.
The city team is out clearing drain tops every day, and two street sweepers are working daily to brush debris from the roads. The capacity of most existing drainage pipes is limited, in many cases they’re damaged, and there are many extreme tides that we won’t be able to hold back. But I want to make sure our team does everything possible to maintain the existing system while we work to replace and improve all drainage networks on the island. The task is truly monumental – and made worse by the neglect of past administrations — so I hope you all be patient as we work to fix every road in Ocean City.
I’d like to remind everybody that tomorrow morning (10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20) at the Ocean City Free Public Library, Third Ward Councilman Tony Wilson will host a public meeting to discuss road and drainage improvements to the area of 14th and 16th streets near the bay. Like almost all new road projects, the plans include replacing and increasing the capacity of drainage pipes and reconfiguring roads to move water into the storm drain system. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to attend the meeting.
Finally, I want to everybody know that on Thursday (Feb. 25) my administration will make a presentation explaining all proposed expenses and revenue in my draft 2016 budget. The information will be part of the City Council meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall. I’m confident that the city team has delivered a budget that is fiscally responsible, without any fluff, and fair to all taxpayers.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
