Dear Friends, City Council last night gave final approval to a 2020 municipal budget with zero tax increase. I want to thank Council and the entire city team for their work in putting together a responsible plan. With all of the extraordinary circumstances we faced this spring, everybody had to go back to the drawing board with new revenue and expense projections. In the end, we were able to cut enough to make sure that taxpayers face no extra burden in this difficult year. A copy of the budget is available here.
Council also approved a $15.9 million bond ordinance. Most of it will be dedicated to road and drainage improvements. Flood mitigation will always be a top priority for my administration, and I look forward to working with Council to complete new projects.
I have appointed Michael Allegretto to fill the position of Aide to the Mayor. Michael has a wealth of experience on City Council, the Board of Education and with the city team. He’s somebody I can trust to get jobs done, and I’m looking forward to working with him as we tackle some of the major work ahead of us. Council approved the appointment of Dan Kelchner to replace Michael as Director of Community Services. Dan joined the city team in March and did a great job re-launching OCNJ CARE. He has a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova. He was a vice president with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, and he has a great skill set for the job. I’d like you all to join me in congratulating Dan on his new position. The City Council reorganization meeting is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, July 1 at the Ocean City Music Pier. I want to welcome newly elected Second Ward Councilman Tom Rotondi and Third Ward Councilman Jody Levchuk to the Council. Both representatives have a wealth of experience in different areas, and I look forward to working with them. They will be inaugurated on Wednesday, along with re-elected First Ward Councilman Mike DeVlieger and Fourth Ward Councilman Bob Barr. Finally, I want to let you know that the beach replenishment project for the north end is now expected to begin on July 6. As the work begins, you will be able to follow updates at www.ocnj.us/projectupdate. I hope you all enjoy your weekend, and remember to take personal responsibility for staying safe and protecting others by wearing a face covering in any crowded area, including the boardwalk, and by respecting social distancing guidelines. Warm regards, Mayor Jay A. Gillian
