Ocean City Honors Retiring City Council Members

In a surprise addition, City Council introduced three new resolutions to its published agenda on Thursday, June 28.

Council paused to thank and recognize the work of three City Council members who were serving their final meeting before retiring.

The council, the city administration and the members of the public in attendance gave long and genuine applause to Councilman John Kemenosh (First Ward), Councilwoman Karen Bergman (Second Ward) and Councilman Roy Wagner (Fourth Ward).

Their successors (Michael DeVlieger, Antwan McClellan and Pete Guinosso) will be sworn in at a City Council reorganization meeting at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 1.

Council colleagues read the following resolutions honoring the council members, and Mayor Jay Gillian presented each with a ceremonial "piece of the Boardwalk" in recognition of their work:

HONORING ROY WAGNER
FOURTH WARD COUNCILMAN

WHEREAS, Roy Wagner has been a respected member of City Council for eight years beginning July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2012; serving as Council Vice President for a one-year term in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Wagner was appointed to serve on many Boards and Commissions such as the Zoning Board for four years from 2000 through 2004; the Ocean City Planning Board as a Class III member for five years from 2006 through 2011, the Aviation Advisory Board for eight years from 2004 through 2012 and several City Council Ad-Hoc Committees; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Wagner is involved in several community service organizations; the Ocean City Community Association, South Ocean City Improvement Association, Fairness In Taxes, First Night Ocean City, and is a Trustee of the Ecumenical Council and served as Past President where he remains involved in the Food Cupboard, Clothes Closet and the Easter Sunrise Service Program; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Wagner served his Country during World War II and is associated with the VFW and American Legion; and

WHEREAS, Roy continues to be actively involved in the community and is a member of St. Damien’s Parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, as a Eucharistic Minister, usher and lector and a member of the Knight’s of Columbus.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ocean City, do publicly express their deep appreciation to Roy Wagner for his many years of community service and dedication to all the residents of Ocean City and wish him and his wife Edwina much happiness in the years ahead.

HONORING JOHN KEMENOSH
FIRST WARD COUNCILMAN

WHEREAS, John Kemenosh has been a respected member of City Council for four years beginning July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Kemenosh was appointed to the Utility Advisory Commission and has served as the Council Liaison for three years and has been on City Council’s Boardwalk and Bay Front Committees as well as many Council Ad-Hoc Committees; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Kemenosh and his wife raised seven children in Ocean City and during that time he was active in the Ocean City Youth Association volunteering as a baseball coach and over the past several years has volunteered as a chaperone at Ocean City High School After Prom; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Kemenosh served his Country in the Navy during World War II and is affiliated with the local VFW, Post 6650 and American Legion, Post 524 and has always been an advocate for all Veterans; and   

WHEREAS, John attended LaSalle College and holds an degree in Economics; he was the owner of the family’s appliance store, Voss Plumbing and Heating on Fifth and Asbury Avenue during the 1950’s and early 1960’s and has been a life-long member of the Republican Organization and served former Congressman Charles Sandman as a congressional aide.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ocean City, do publicly express their deep appreciation to John Kemenosh for his passion to serve, his commitment to civic duty and his dedication to all the residents of Ocean City and wish him much happiness in the years ahead. 

HONORING KAREN BERGMAN
SECOND WARD COUNCILWOMAN

WHEREAS, Karen Bergman has been a respected member of City Council for four years beginning July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2012 and served as Vice President from July 2010 through June 2012; and

WHEREAS, Councilwoman Bergman was on several City Council Ad-Hoc Committees, served on the Planning Board Hotel/Motel Sub-Committee and was appointed as a member of the Tourism Development Commission and member of the Business and Neighborhood Development Association (BAND) which includes the Main Street during her term of office; and   

WHEREAS, Karen was the former owner of Nash’s News, a legendary hub located on Asbury Avenue where locals and tourists alike would gather for conversations on political ideas and issues and to discuss local events; and

WHEREAS, Councilwoman Bergman has always been a strong advocate in promoting the downtown, the boardwalk and the many year-round events and is committed to her work at the historic Flander’s Hotel as the Banquet Manager where she is well known for her excellent style and flair for running special events and fabulous wedding ceremonies.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ocean City, do publicly express their deep appreciation to Karen Bergman for her service and dedication to all the residents of Ocean City and wish her and husband Steve much happiness as they enjoy their new Ocean City home and the years ahead.