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

City Council at its public meeting on Thursday (May 24), but here are five other things from the meeting that might be of interest:

• City Council appropriated $1.44 million in spending and authorized $1.368 million in borrowing for capital improvements. The appropration includes $1 million for the first phase (Fifth to Sixth streets) of a seven-year Boardwalk replacement project. It also includes $125,000 for improvements that include Carey Field and surrounding areas. Councilman-elect Mike DeVlieger asked if that appropriation would include a new skateboard park to replace the one . Business Administrator Mike Dattilo said "yes" and indicated that plans for a reconfiguration of the entire recreational area would proceed through the summer.
• City Council approved an ordinance revising and clarifying shade tree requirements for developments in Ocean City. (See attached PDF for full detail.)
• Business Administrator Mike Dattilo read a proclamation from Mayor Jay Gillian declaring May 26 to June 3 "Beach Safety Week" and encouraging residents and visitors to swim only at protected beaches. Ocean City Beach Patrol Operations Director Tom Mullineaux thanked council and said 13 beaches will be protected this weekend and 43 will be guarded when the OCBP reaches its full complement as one of the biggest patrols in the state.
• In response to a question from Councilman Keith Hartzell, Dattilo said the city spent $34,000 (not including removal of gas tanks) to clear and landscape the City Hall Annex property at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
• City Council will meet in executive session 5:30 p.m. June 14 to interview candidates for the Ethics Board. The public meeting that follows at 7 p.m. will include a discussion of the Special Improvement District for Ninth Street businesses.