Dear Friends,
I’m sad to report on the passing of two citizens who were dedicated to the service of their country and community. Joe Somerville and Don Doll died last week, and I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to all of their family and friends.
Joe served two years in U.S. Army and led a successful business career before retiring to Ocean City. He was an officer and long-time member of Fairness in Taxes, a former chairman of Ocean City’s Utility Advisory Commission, a citizen representative on the city’s Floodplain Management Committee, and a member of the former Economic Advisory Council. Somerville was never afraid to speak his mind and did not always agree with city officials. But his loyalties were always with Ocean City and with his fellow citizens.
Don was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a long-time member of the American Legion Morvay-Miley Post 524 in Ocean City. He was a two-time president of the Ocean City Board of Realtors. He served on Ocean City’s Zoning Board and Historic Preservation Commission. As an officer and active member of the Exchange Club of Ocean City, Don was involved in planning Ocean City events like the annual Halloween Parade, Miss Ocean City Pageant and Exchange Club Fishing Tournament. He was also a member of the Miss Night in Venice Committee.
Joe and Don are great examples of the community spirit that makes Ocean City unique, and they both will be missed.
I want you all to be aware that the paving contractor for South Jersey Gas will be restoring streets this month that were excavated during an upgrade to high-pressure lines earlier this year. Milling and paving on Asbury Avenue from 21st Street through 29th Street is expected to start on Monday (May 8). Crews then will move on to West Avenue from 12th Street to 16th Street (starting approximately May 15). All work is scheduled to be complete before Memorial Day Weekend.
Ocean City is the subject of a case study published by the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance. The article explains how the Purchasing Office saved the city $44,517 per year or more than $220,000 over the term of a 60-month contract without sacrificing any productivity. The feature is great example of the day-to-day work that all city departments do to increase efficiency and save taxpayer dollars.
Read the complete story .
Our 35th annual Spring Block Party is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, May 6) on Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street. Parking in the area of the block party will be free on Saturday. I hope you get a chance to stop by and check out all that our downtown merchants and event vendors have to offer.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
