Five Things to Know From City Council's Meeting on Thursday

At a long and busy meeting on Thursday (April 11) City Council moved to eliminate the local Ethics Board, passed a new round of post-Sandy zoning relief, learned about the end of a test to thwart 34th Street shortcuts, heard that plans are near for the return of a skateboard park and introduced a new municipal budget. But here are five other things that might be of interest:

• Causeway visitors center: Mayor Jay Gillian reported that the visitors center on the Route 52 causeway is near completion, and he hopes to have rest rooms opened even as early as next week. He also noted the city would begin to assume responsibility for cleaning up the bicycle and pedestrian path.
• Second Street Park: Gillian reported that an April 23 county Open Space Committee will provide more information on the status of public-private partnership to operate a marina on bayside property at Second Street and Bay Avenue. In the meantime, the city is exploring options to provide some sort of temporary dock or access for fishermen this summer, according to Business Administrator Mike Dattilo.
• National Library Week: Gillian recognized the work of Ocean City Free Public Library Directory Chris Maloney with a proclamation in honor of National Library Week.
• Merion Park improvement: Business Administrator Mike Dattilo reported on the increased scope of a project for road improvements in the Merion Park section of Ocean City. Work will include larger piping, new tidal valves and road work. "We have to do it right," Dattilo said. "We're going to have one shot at this." The work will address nuisance flooding, and the city will meet with residents as plans take better shape in about eight weeks.
• Summer demolition: The city administration expects to deliver a draft ordinance at the next City Council meeting that would permit demolition of storm-damaged structures during the summer months. Demolition projects are typically prohibited in the summer.