Officer Lauded for Sounding Alarm

AVALON – Sgt. Sean McNair of Avalon Police Department was honored at Borough Council’s July 9 meeting. On Dec. 22, 2013, McNair noticed an unusual burning smell coming from Concord Café. A fire was burning in a storage room of the restaurant, at 78th Street and Dune Drive.
McNair alerted the fire department, and the fire was contained. Avalon Fire Chief R. Edward Dean presented McNair with a plaque as a token of the department’s gratitude.
Dennis Felsing of the Police Unity Tour Chapter No. 2 South Jersey presented the borough with a plaque in appreciation of the support it has given the organization. While accepting the gift, Mayor Martin Pagliughi said, “We should be thanking you.”
Bond for generators
Council introduced a bond ordinance providing for purchase of generators in the amount of $389,500. The total appropriation is $410,000. Council authorized $30,000 for engineering services by Hatch Mott MacDonald for a response to the Army Corps of Engineers’ enforcement action regarding Graven’s Island confined disposal facility.
OK sale of land
Council also passed an ordinance authorizing the sale of a parcel of land adjacent to 279 26th Street. The 10-foot strip of land is 550 square feet. Minimum bid is $96,300.
Sand retention
Newly-appointed Business Administrator Scott Wahl reported that the Shore Protection Alternative Study has been completed. The study focused on sand retention at the north end of town. A stakeholders meeting will be held this month and will include New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Surf Riders Association, Avalon Beach Patrol, and Avalon Environmental Commission, among others. Council will likely be addressed on the details of the study in August.
Wahl told council that he had received correspondence from the U.S. Department of the Interior, offering support and technical assistance in ridding Armacost Park of its vines and briars. They are blamed for killing many of the park’s indigenous trees.
Chamber wants to remain
Wahl also reported that Avalon Chamber of Commerce wished to renew its lease with the borough for the Welcome Center at 30th Street and Ocean Drive. The lease renewal would be for five years.
Great Fourth
Council President Charles Covington closed the meeting by thanking public works, and the fire and police departments for their efforts during the Fourth of July weekend. “Everyone was safe, and had a great time, and the fireworks were awesome.”
To contact Don Tozer, email dtozer@cmcherald.com.