OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s City Council met Jan. 28 and a major portion of discussion centered on Winter Storm Jonas and its effects.
“Damage was spotty depending on where you were, some people got hit hard but police, fire, OEM (Office of Emergency Management) all worked together,” said Mayor Jay Gillian.
Two residents queried Gillian as to why there has not been better communication regarding the city’s flood planning as it goes through the various vettings among taxpayers and as contained in the current proposal for the five-year capital plan.
“We have been and will continue to do as much as we can, and as the taxpayers allow us to do in terms of approving some of our proposals,” said Gillian.
“We hired a communications officer who can really explain things at the third-grade level, I don’t mean that to be insulting but we want to make sure everyone can understand some of these technical issues,” he continued.
Responding to the comment made by a representative of the Ocean City Flood Association that “weak leaders make excuses, strong leaders take responsibility,” Gillian said, “Well, I’m not making excuses and rather than running out as he just did, let me say before this administration we only had piecemeal solutions; now we have a plan with experts who can help us do what’s right.
“People keep coming at me for miracles; we need a lot of better infrastructure and that’s going to be expensive. Taxpayers already pay enough, we get enough from them. We’re looking at everything and everything to improve what we’re doing for the city and we want a zero-increase budget,” Gillian emphasized.
In response to council members’ requests, Gillian said that the city will help organize, publicize and support individual ward briefings in addition to the various workshops that have been held on the capital plan, dredging and other major projects with related information continually posted on the city’s website.
Missing, Deteriorating Bulkheads
There was the observation made by several council members that some areas of the city do not have well-maintained bulkheads or there are even bulkheads that are missing at private property sites which exacerbate flooding.
“There is a city ordinance that states bulkheads must be maintained but if the property owners state they can’t afford it, we can’t force them to do anything. We can fine them and those fines keep piling up but we can’t compel them to do anything. It’s a tricky situation because it’s state jurisdiction but I’ll look into it,” explained City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson.
A suggestion was made by a resident that perhaps the city could look into providing low-cost loans to owners who can’t afford bulkhead upkeep. This suggestion and another to review the current ordinance will both be followed up on by the administration.
“We need to improve our weakest links. We are looking at everything including grants,” added Gillian.
Reduce Notice Burden
Council member Tony Wilson said that he has been asked by several constituents that the City find another way rather than certified letter to let them know when pile-driving for new construction is to take place.
“The old method of hammering created a lot of noise but the new method of vibrating doesn’t cause any disturbance and it’s a burden for residents to go pick up a certified letter notifying them.” McCrosson said this requirement was only a city ordinance which could be changed based on recommendations to notify residents by regular mail or even email.
Sonic Boom Surprises
Business Administrator James Mallon reported that the loud booms and accompanying tremors that residents experienced were a result of offshore testing of Navy planes, “That’s all it was,” he explained.
Dredging Contract
Council member Peter Guinosso asked to have a separate discussion, public comment and vote on a Consent Agenda item to authorize a professional services contract between the city and Tonio Burgos for the 2016 back bay and lagoon dredging program.
“How can we verify what we’re getting for our $5,000 a month and are there ways to verify what they’re supposed to be doing?” he asked. “We have very specific details about how they’re to perform, methods, permitting, funding, we’re beyond the point of needing help and if they can’t do it, we’ll find someone who can,” stated Gillian.
“We can cancel the contract with 30 days’ notice,” added McCrosson. Council unanimously approved this resolution.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
