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

City Council approved all but one item on a full agenda during its public meeting 7 p.m. Thursday (June 13) at the Ocean City Free Public Library (a resolution related to equipping Fire Department buildings with new lockers was pulled for further review). But here are five things from the meeting that might be of special interest:

• MS Bike Ride: Two members of the planning committee for the MS City-to-Shore Bike Ride updated City Council on plans for the 2013 event. The annual event includes about 7,000 cyclists, raises $5.6 million for multiple sclerosis research, and provides an economic boost to Ocean City as riders spend the night in Ocean City during the two-day event. This year's ride is scheduled for Sept. 28 and 29 and includes no significant changes to the route or schedule. More information on Bike MS: City to Shore.
• Boardwalk Reconstruction: City Council voted to award a $1.1 million contract to Fred M. Schiavone Construction of Malaga to rebuild the Ocean City Boardwalk between Fifth and Sixth streets. The contract calls for replacing the substructure and redecking the boardwalk with an existing stock of southern yellow pine. The contractor is the same one who completed work on the new Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway.
• West Avenue Road Work: Business Administrator Mike Dattilo reported to City Council that emergency road work on West Avenue between 10th and 12th streets will continue into next week. Work crews are repairing a damaged sewer line, and the project requires traffic detours.
• K-9 Patrol: In response to a question from Ocean City resident and business owner Winnie Piriano, the city administration reported that the K-9 Deuce has been removed from service because the dog is not healthy. The decision is not related to a change in policy on K-9 patrols.
• Weight-Loss Challenge Weigh-In: Councilman Scott Ping announced that the final weigh-in for a friendly challenge with Councilman Tony Wilson and others will be held at noon June 30 on the Ocean City Music Pier. Ping initiated the weight-loss contest at the start of the year, and the lesser loser will donate $500 to the winner's charity of choice.