AVALON – In a surprising and emotional announcement July 8, Avalon Borough Council member David Ellenberg resigned his seat after 10 years in office. Ellenberg has served on the council since Feb. 9, 2005. Ellenberg’s resignation was effective July 9. His term does not expire until June 30, 2017, thus his resignation leaves council with a decision to make regarding the seat.
Ellenberg, 73, recently sold his home here and plans to move close to his children and grandchildren in Lancaster, Pa.
Borough Administrator Scott Wahl said “he wants to be closer to his family.” Ellenberg called it a “very difficult decision to relocate.” Ellenberg’s wife, Sue, has also been an active participant in borough activities, even serving as interim director of recreation earlier this year.
Reading from a prepared statement following the public comment period of the meeting, Ellenberg became emotional at times as he talked of his love for the borough and his time on the governing body.
He took time to praise fellow council members and many of the borough’s administrators. He said he was particularly proud of his participation in the borough’s many environmental initiatives.
Fill or Leave Vacant?
Council must decide whether or not to appoint someone to complete the term. The formal letter of resignation from Ellenberg starts a 30-day clock. During that period council can appoint someone through a resolution.
Anyone appointed would serve until the next general election in November. If council elects not to make such an appointment, the seat will still be up for election in November. That election will result in an individual who will serve out the remainder of Ellenberg’s term to June 30, 2017.
In addition to his borough capacity, Ellenberg was co-chair of the Legislative and Environmental Committee of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce. As such, he reported monthly to the membership on topics deemed of importance.
That committee “Monitors and advises the chamber on local, state and federal legislation that impacts the business community and tourism industry in Cape May County; examines environmental policy issues, and promotes general conservation efforts and green business practices,” according to the chamber’s website.
Beach Restoration Job Ends
In other business, Wahl announced that the contractor had completed the process of pumping 700,000 cubic yards of sand onto Avalon beaches from about Eighth to 26th streets.
According to Wahl there were no safety issues and no time lost due to weather events. Pumping began June 20 and was completed by midnight July 7. The contractor will take five to six days to remove equipment from beaches.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.
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