All right. It's called over the meeting of Thursday, December 18th, 2025. Start with the pledge allegiance to the moment of silence. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all. >> Please bow your head for a moment of silence. >> Amen. >> Okay, Mr. Madden. Mr. Barnes >> here, >> Mr. Pini, Mr. Hartzell >> here, >> Mr. Love here, Mr. Winslow, Mr. Crowley >> here.
>> Adequate notice of this meeting has been given pursuant to public law 1975 chapter 231. >> With that, I will on behalf of city council say first happy birthday to our mayor Jay. So, happy birthday. AND THEN
>> and then um I'd like to to call the Elliots up for >> bring the whole plan up. >> Hey, how are you? >> For a while now, we've been wanting to do this and um I hope I can speak We council for council too is um what you
guys have done for Ocean City and what we've done John and I kind of stuff for somebody that doesn't drink everything that you guys have done has been amazing and the last 25 years and I think 25 years we've
been here for a long time and it's not mature and you just you got to keep it going you guys are doing it's when I was there that day I saw some of the new people they get in the club and it was funny one guy said probably you never margin the way you turn into positivity
and sometimes it's hard to get the words out but I just for between council and I we just really wanted but reason for one of the biggest reason we have a 50-y old wedding anniversary but again everything you guys do whether it's tragedy whatever you always turn to
something positive and I know ocean city has benefited so the proclamation honoring Bill and Euro Elliot. Whereas Bill and Euro Elliot will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on December 27th, 2025 and the John R. Elliot Hero campaign for drivers
celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. So whereas Ocean City has always been deeply appreciative for the many contributions the Elliots have to our community in our region. And whereas the Elliots turned tragedy into change and honor the memory of their son with the creation of the hero campaign. And
whereas the hero campaign has saved lives and brought awareness to the importance of always having safe and sober designated drivers. And whereas the Elliot's advocacy led to the passes of John's wall in New Jersey which requires police to impound a vehicle of
someone aggressive for driving while intoxicated prevent them from driving again while impaired. Whereas the annual hero street has been a highlight of Ocean City's fall special events calendar since 2011. And whereas the hero patrol car program started where
its first wrap car in Ocean City and now includes 40 vehicles in multiple states. And whereas Bill retired many years with Shore Medical Center where he left a lasting legacy and growing success. And I just want to stop there. Shore Memorial wouldn't be what it is today
without you. When you look at that that sur, but Bill was the driving force for making Shore what it is today. I know in the paper we just we get graded this leap frog and we're one of the 1% of best hospitals in the area and I tell
you it all started with this gentleman right here. So um or as Bill Muro cherished their time with her daughter Jenny son-in-law Mike beautiful granddaughters Ann and Nora. Therefore, Shia Gilling, the city council of Ocean City, on behalf of all the cities do
hereby wish Bill the happiest of anniversaries and be a further result that we wish Elliot's continued health and happiness and many more anniversaries. >> Yeah, I know. >> This is very comprehensive. Have you covered it all? >> I hope so.
>> Uh from the the our experience with Shore Memorial through uh the tragedy of our son, but through uh what has come out of that and uh you're all friends of ours. Uh this is our second home and I'm
very proud to say that and and you have been the perfect partners for us in everything we've done. Uh what better place to have a her a walk than on the boardwalk and >> starting with the first car >> and and the first carrot car
>> the police department Captain Charles Simson I believe was the person that that called us. >> Was he here? >> We haveiefie chief. >> Okay. Chief. Yeah. >> I was going to say Chief Pence. I'm sorry. >> And he said uh would you consider
wrapping one of our cars? And I thought for about a tenth of a second, I thought, why didn't I think of that? Great idea. And we did. And he said, "This is going to make national news. You you you launch." Well, it hasn't quite made national news, but it was
close to it. We have, as as Jay said, over 40 police departments now participating. We have two cars in Ocean City. Jane French is proud to always tell people, she was the sponsor of the first one. and um it's just been a great
partnership and you helped keep us going uh because it hasn't been easy, but the love, the support, the enthusiasm, the whole spirit that makes Ocean City what it is has helped us carry on and we
really appreciate we appreciate this. >> You're elected. So, I just wanted to say something real quick and that's not usually he does all the talking, but >> I just have to tell you that how Ocean City goes way back with our family. We
came here to vacation. My mother and my aunt worked at the Breakers Hotel, >> which is not on the boardwalk anymore, but uh they waitressed there. And then my sister and I waitressed at the Stingray. And Dave Sausman was a friend
of my dad and so he got us a job. We live in central Pennsylvania, but just shows how many Pennsylvania people come down to the shore. And I'm glad after 76 years that it hasn't changed. It's alcohol free, which I think makes a big
difference in the type of people. I mean, I know a lot of people drink here, but >> but anyway, one day a year, right? And another thing is our son worked at the water park. That's right. >> That was his first job. So we have a lot
of memories and then when our son died, it was soulless for us to come down and just walk on the boardwalk. Like I think a lot of people get a lot of peace from just taking a walk and not hearing the flute lady.
I think what she's what she's trying to say is that you're going to be seeing us for a long long time and we appreciate >> you all as as family and thank you for this means so much. Jenny, did you want to say anything? >> Well, I'll speak um to my parents'
marriage and how um we're really uh thrilled to be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. So, thanks for recognizing that as well and uh thanks to them for setting a wonderful example for uh both John and me of love and um happily married and we're happy to
celebrate them. So, thank you so much. >> Oh, okay. Come on, Jenn. We're really stand J pe That's it. Yes. You know the one thing I did forget the first night and first day at the beach. They first day at the beach and all
that. So I I tell you it's been a it's been a great working relationship. So I do have a couple updates. I'm going to talk about Roosevelt Boulevard. Um, speaking of prior police officer Brian Hopeley said a couple of things. So, uh, regarding a traffic set up on 1219 and
1223, uh, there's a traffic flow plan u showing available traffic movements which remain in place for the closure and remain in in place for 24/7. So, a single lane inside the road closed areas will remain available for local residents to access the property to and
from while construction is not actively occurring during overnight hours and weekend hours. So, that's down there. And then there's a couple other things. So, we'll we'll we'll keep everybody informed of what's going on 34th Street. But, I mean, look, it's a evacuation route. It's going to be beautiful. I
mean, nobody can say we're not doing anything 34th Street, right, Dave? And then the sewer main, you know, with the water company again. And George brought up a good thing. I we might bring the water company here because we just it's sometimes um to get everybody on the same page of
the neighborhoods, the traffic, all that kind of stuff. They're doing things and we know we work really well together, but sometimes uh we we miss a few things. So George and I were talking earlier and we're talking Vince is maybe have the water company because they're going to be here for a few months. The piping is over 100 years old and it's
frustrating. Believe me, driving can be frustrating with all the work that we've done. But I think it's important that we get it done. I mean, if the water doesn't work or the sewer doesn't work, you know, we'll get we'll get more complaints about that. The other thing at senior staff the other day, I asked
our fire chief if he could get Santa on the fire truck and drive around town. So, he said he could do it. So, uh, this Saturday, uh, between, let's see, leaving 6th Street and Aspbury at 11:00 a.m. and he's going to be traveling through neighborhoods across the island
and returning to the station by one. He's done speeding. Uh, from the station, the engine will head south to the Riviera, Bay Landings, Marian Park, and the Ocean City Home neighborhoods before turning north into the gardens. Listen for the sirens and come out and greet Santa Claus. So, I think that'll
be pretty cool. The be boro reconstruction is still going great from Fifth Street down to Parkplace. They're really knocking that out. Uh 16th Street, the weather sort of held that up a little bit. Um we got again we got base in the parking lots and what we're trying to do is get the one parking lot
open by the community center uh sooner than later, but I I did ask Vince and the crew to get rid of the cones and clean it up so it doesn't look like it works anymore. The other big thing and you guys have been hearing about it this beach replenishment and I am going to ask George to go a little bit on it but
I just the congressman Andrew has asked the governor to declare a state of emergency. So on tonight we have that on the agenda for our roaded beaches. Uh he believes has identified a source of emer he has identified a source of emergency funding for beach replenishment if this
declaration is made. So, we're recommending tonight the city council approve a resolution requesting the requesting that Governor Murphy declare the emergency. Um, and it's important, you know, the uh we got a letter from them. I think it was Brigantine did it
last night. So, if we get all together, but the money's there. Uh, the federal government has the money. So, if it's just declaring it's a an emergency, I I I don't understand it. But I the politics that goes on sometimes. But we've been working on this for multiple
months now, you know, between uh Vandrew and his team and making some phone calls. George used to work for the Army Corps, so he has connections up there. We're going to be ready for the se the 26th season. We're we're moving sand. We're going to get sand in. And and I
going to keep trying to tell everybody this. If you go online and you say there's no beach or there's no beach, there's no beach. Any negative is just destroys Ocean City and our economy because anything negative, it just that's all people think about. That's all they hear. So, I know we have to get
things done and I know people want to get their points across. But, you know, we spend the businesses alone in the city. We spend millions of dollars promote Ocean City for the betterment of all of us, for our year- round people. We get all the benefits that our seasonal people do. But you go online
and say flooding or this or that or we don't have this and all that. It just it's a shame because it hurts so many families and I know people don't want to do that but it really is uh something important. So I didn't know George if you want to elaborate a little bit on some of the policies and procedures because I think it's important that it's
not easy. We have a plan. Stratamir got slammed pretty good. The north ends are hit hard. you know, from, let's say, Sixth Street, you know, you go maybe even go to the fishing pier, let's say 14th Street North, they call it the Q-tip, the north end or something like
that. Um, you know, a lot of it has come back. Even the the north tip has come back a little bit, but we're going to have plenty of beach. So, I just again I I'm going to harp on I'm going to get my box. keep saying there's no beach or you keep taking a picture of one little
thing and the rest of the beach from our program that we've started and worked on over 16 years now. Our beach at the south end is beautiful. I think Mr. Dutmo's here somewhere. He can vouch for me. >> I think we got eight miles of beach, right? We have like eight miles of beach here. >> We we do and it's you know it's funny
you know we're all talking about different things and I just positivity is just so important especially you know with social media and all that kind of stuff like I'm sorry. Go ahead. Do you have anything? >> As the mayor mentioned, our beaches will be ready for the 26 season. And as Jody
just mentioned, we have 8 miles of beaches and we have a few blocks that are that are, you know, that need work. Uh obviously the best thing for us would be a hydraulic beach replenishment and the fact that we weren't included in the in this cycle. We're not the only town
that was uh was not included, but we're looking at every available opportunity and every option that we have prior to the summer. As the mayor mentioned, we're harvesting sand from the north end, putting that in place and putting it in the the areas that we need. will
be able to make the most impact when we when we harvest sand and move sand from our local beaches from one place to another probably in the springtime because you don't want to do too much now because you could lose it in one storm. And from a shore protection standpoint, we're in very good shape.
We're also looking at the option to truck in sand. So, we're getting, you know, we we're working with the D on the, you know, the proper specifications for the sand that we would use if we truck in sand. that coupled with sand harvesting. We've also been, you know, I' I've been in touch with our contacts
at both the Army Corps of Engineers and the D's Office of Coastal Engineering on what we can do. Uh we have explored the opport the the possibility of a hydraulic beach replenishment that we would advance and get reimbursed after
the fact. I don't know that I don't think that's a vi a viable option, but we've explored that with the federal and state government. something that I don't think we'd want to take on and and do oursel without that type of a commitment because it's a it's a substantial amount
of money and I'm confident that we will get a hydraulic beach replenishment within the coming year just might not be before the summer. So we if we can get one that would be ideal and that's what the mayor mentioned. Uh if the governor
will declare uh an emergency that could help to free up emergency federal funding that could then trigger a beach replenishment. So that's probably our best option. If not, like I said, between sand harvesting, trucking, and
sand, we will have our beaches ready. So if there's any questions, you guys can, you know, let me know. give me a call anytime, but we're working uh daily on this. So, >> and just to finish up, I told Terry already, we'll bring in council in. We're pretty close bill with uh police
department over there. Uh so, our plan is again, we're going to tear these two buildings down, more parking, and for the summertime, we'll have the old police department torn down. We'll get about 66 spots for the summer. But we're, you know, we're we're real close. We're at the right square footage. I
think the policeman or police everyone's looked at. So, we're I think we're finally at the right plan. It's going to go there. It's always been there. It's going to be the same footprint and um you know, just modern and all that. And since it is my birthday, I'm going to go out to dinner with my wife. So, you guys have a great meeting. Don't talk too bad
about me. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thanks, J. >> All right. With that, we'll do uh citizen comment. The first citizen comment is on the agenda uh items only. We will have a second public comment later that's free form with whatever you want to speak about. Um, Donald, can you
give me that? Oh, yeah, please. I'm sorry. I should have grabbed it when I was over there. Thank you. >> Uh, Dave Spangler, >> not sure if I'm in the right group. I I think it's for citizen concerning the redevelopment.
>> Is it on the agenda? >> Yeah, that's >> okay. Come on up. Street. Oh, >> you're talking about 31st Street. >> No, 600. Uh, >> I don't that is on the end of >> the meeting. All right, Rick. I know I saw you somewhere. >> 15 20 minutes.
>> Good evening. I'm Rick Bernardini at 310 Asbury Avenue and I'm chairman of the environmental commission. So the environmental commission is requesting that the city council prepare a resolution to ban offshore drilling and or seismic air blasting exploration in the Atlantic Ocean off our coast. Doing
so would join Atlantic County, Kate May County, Avalon, North Wildwood, Sele Stone Harbor, West Kate May, and West Wildwood in their opposition. The One Big Beautiful Act signed in law July 4th, 2025 has several provisions that would significantly impact offshore oil
and gas drilling on the outer continental shelf by mandating more lease sales, reducing royalty rates, and encouraging downhill co-mingling of production. These changes are intended to boost industry investment and production in federal waters. New Jersey has strict anti-drawing infrastructure
ban that the stop act which stands for shore tourism and ocean protection u that basically protects within three miles of the coast. So federal initiatives could challenge those restrictions for those that were opposed to offshore wind energy, oil or gas
drilling and exploration far exceed potential environmental damages anticipated in that program. We have a sample resolution which I gave to Councilman Crowley prior to this. We look forward to council administration support of this effort to protect our beaches and citizens now and in the
future. Let's join our neighbors in this opposition. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank Nelson. >> Hi, I'm Dice common Nelson Central Avenue. I'm going to speak on two of the three ordinances.
One verse from the scripture regarding it. For lack of guidance, Proverbs chapter 11, for lack of guidance, a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors. I'd like to applaud the city for all of
the advisors that we have here because it's a wonderful place because mainly due to that all the minds putting being put together the ordinance 2514 I didn't read it
fully but I've always had a thought on how to improve people's lives regarding parking and being in real estate for some time it occurred to me as I would try to sell a home that had no parking before it was
torn down, raised up, and parking underneath. I think it would be nice to give anyone who has a home that has no parking uh an a an exclusive spot on the street and that would raise the value, smooth
things out and h and be more fair to those people who are paying the taxes. Regarding 34th Street, same uh comment about how wonderful it is. At the church that I used to attend, that I no longer
attend, but will be someday. Uh the gentleman in charge of 34th Street for Atlantic Electric, he and I had a conversation when they were redoing the wires, and I asked him, "Why don't we put the wires underground to make it look nicer?" and he said because it will
cost $10 million. Well, today it' probably be 20 or 25. I still think it would have been a good idea to bite the bullet because of what we're looking at now is beautifying it. Wires, look at third uh Bay Landings.
It's a beautiful area with no overhead. So 34th Street is coming along wonderfully and it's because of all of the adviserss that have put their minds on it and it's going to be awesome for many years to come. Thank you very much. >> Thank you.
>> Go to reports from city council. David, >> uh, no report right now, >> Jody. >> Not at this time. >> Keith, >> no sir, sir. >> Thank you. Sean, >> no reports. >> Pete, >> no reports. >> All right. I have nothing. Can I have a motion to adopt the regular city council meeting minutes of Thursday, December
4th, 2025? >> So moved. >> A lot of minutes. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lchuk. >> Yes. >> Mr. Winslow. >> Yes. >> Mr. Crowley. >> Yes.
>> All right. We have three ordinances uh on the agenda tonight. First is ordinance 2514. Can I have a motion to take up 2514 on second reading? >> So move Winslow. >> Second. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes. Yes. >> Mr. Hartzel. Yep.
>> Mr. Lovechuk. Yes. >> Mr. Winslow. >> Yes. >> Mr. Crowley. >> Yes. >> Okay. Ordinance number 2514. An ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 17 streets, sidewalks, and sanitation, and chapter 25 zoning and land development of the revised general
ordinances of the city of Ocean City as they pertain to curb openings and parking. Good evening, council. This ordinance addresses um the prohibition that's currently in the ordinance prohibiting curb cuts if there's alley access to a
property. In some cases, there's an existing home and there's alley access, but the home is blocking access to the property for parking. In those situations where it's the principal residence that's blocking alley access, this ordinance would allow a curb cut so that parking could be obtained from the
street. This ordinance went to the planning board for a consistency review and was found to be consistent with the master plan and the planning board also sent along some recommendations. I reviewed the recommendations with our zoning office and with our city
engineer, Mr. Savastano. The first recommendation recognizes that it's not only the planning board or that both the planning board and the zoning board could consider this kind of an application. So, we're recommending adoption of the ordinance as written
with one amendment in section 172.4e which is in section one. >> Say beer as a boy. >> What section? >> It's in It's actually not a new It's
actually not new language. It's in 300 12 I'm sorry 172.4E the very first part of the of the ordinance where currently allows the zoning board
of adjustment to formally approve exception in this section. Planning board may also exercise that authority. So we'd ask you to amend that just to provide that in addition to the zoning board, the planning board can
exercise that authority. Um otherwise we are asking you to adopt it as written there. The recommendations from Mr. Shu um recognizing sometimes it's not just the principle of residence that blocks access from the alley. It could be a shed, a fence, a gazebo, an
accessory building. If it were a garage, you wouldn't want to make the exception because you would want them to use the garage for parking. You don't want to authorize a fence to create to be the cause of a curb cut in the front. You want them to remove these accessory
structures from the back and access from the alley whenever possible. So, we recognize and appreciate the uh recommendations of the planning board, but it's the zoning officer's recommendation and that of the city engineer that you do not amend the ordinance to make the exceptions that
they're indicating. But again, as I said, they did find the ordinance to be consistent with the master plan. >> Okay. Thank you, Daddy. Since this is a second reading, we'll go out to public comment on 2514 only. Have anyone for public comment?
>> I'm sorry. Nancy, it's Nancy. >> Hi, Nancy Nero. It's just a quick one. Uh, I think in section 1B, the second line where it says construction details, I think there's a spelling error. It
says taupe, like dope, and I think it should be top because taupe is to drink liquor in excess. >> That's Thank you, Dance. Nelson, did you want to say something? Okay. All right. Uh Dave, any quil >> Jody?
>> Good. Thank you. >> Keith, I'm good. >> Sean, >> no question. >> Okay. With that, um I have a motion to adopt 2514 on second reading. >> So move. >> Council President, if you would ask if as amended to include and planning board in 17-2.4E
is in Edward. >> Exactly what Daddy said. >> Yes. Second. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes, >> Mr. Barnes. Yes. Mr. Hartzel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Love check. Mr. Winslow. >> Yes. >> Mr. Crowley. >> Yes. >> We I'll get that to you that way.
>> All right. Second ordinance is 2515. Have a motion to take up orders 2515 on second reading. So >> move Winslow. >> Second. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lovechuk. Yes. Mr. Winslow. Yes. >> Mr. Crowley. >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 2515, an ordinance
adopting a redevelopment plan and amending the zoning map accordingly. council. This after first reading was referred to the planning board for review and they also did a consistency review and they found that this this redevelopment plan which would
essentially reszone the sea spray property to permit the development depicted in the plan and the pictures attached there too um as a byite development um is consistent with the master plan.
So by adopting this ordinance, you'll actually be changing the zoning ordinance to adopt this plan as the zoning governing that site and authorizing a change to the zoning map to take that piece of the gate 34th
street gateway zone and turn it into its own zone which we have not yet named but which we will name. It'll probably be gateway redevelopment zone. >> Okay, thanks Dy. Second reading. this all out to public comment as well. Anyone for 2515?
Seeing none, go to council comments, questions. Dave, >> no. I fully support the uh the redevelopment. It's a wonderful plan and then and the minor revisions to the zoning is more of um
storefront properties on west on on 34th Street, which uh I don't think that's a good location anywhere for storefront property. And the building itself has two neat features. Completely underground or under first floor parking. So there's no real need for
street parking. And it's has a green roof which is uh one of the I think the first we've had in Ocean City. So I think it's going to be a wonderful project and especially with the work we're doing on 3 on Roosevelt Boulevard. It's going to really enhance that corridor into the city. >> Thanks Dave. Jody.
>> No, I agree. Everything's great. >> Okay. Thank God this has been going on since 2005. Believe it or not, >> Sean, >> I agree. It's going to be a great asset. And uh Dave forgot to mention it's got a doggy cleaning station, which is awesome. >> See the picture?
>> Will you walk your dog that way? >> Sure. Okay. >> No questions. >> All right. With that, I have a motion to adopt 2515 on second reading. >> So move Winslow second. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lovech.
>> Mr. Winslow. Yes, Mr. Crowley. >> Yes. >> All right. Brings us to our last ordinance 2516. Got a motion to take up 2516 on second reading of public hearing. >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes. Mr. Hartzaw. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Lovechuk. >> Yes. >> Mr. Winslow. Yes. >> Mr. Crowley. >> Yes. >> Okay. Ordinance 2516, an ordinance authorizing the city of Ocean City to acquire block 4104, lots 18 and 19, Ocean City, New Jersey. So, these are two lots on West Avenue between 41st
Street and 42nd Street that are wetlands lots. These folks have been paying taxes on them for a long time and they're not developable. And this happens periodically. They come forward and say, "Is there some way we can donate the property to the city and then we will be relieved of the tax burden?" And the
answer is yes. If city council passes an ordinance to accept the donation as a gift. So, if you pass this on second reading, we'll do a deed. city at the city's expense. We'll prepare a deed, send it to these folks to sign, convey it to the property. The city will pay to
record it. We'll take it off their hands and it will become part of the city's property. >> All right. Thank you, Daddy. This also will go out to public comment since it second reading. Anyone for 2516? Seeing none, go to the council. Dave,
>> no. I I support it. There's been some interest in developing some of those properties along West Avenue that extend out into the marsh. There's some owners that have been tried to develop them. They've gone to the DP. They've been denied. I don't know whether it's these two, but that's one of the last pristine
areas along West Avenue looks out into the marsh. And I think anything we can do to preserve that's a wonderful thing. >> Okay, Jody. >> Agreed. >> Keith, >> agreed. Sean, >> I agree. Like to preserve wetlands when possible. >> Peter. >> Yep. All good. >> Okay. I'm good, too. Got a motion to
adopt 2516 on second readings. >> So move Winslow. >> Second. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzell, >> yes. >> Mr. Lovech, >> yes. >> Mr. Winslow, >> yes. >> Mr. Crowley, >> yes. >> All right. Brings us to the consent agenda. All resolutions listed on the
consent agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted by one motion. If the mayor or any council person wishes a particular resolution to be considered separately, it will be removed. Anyone have anything to be removed? >> Yes. >> Oh, sorry. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Yes, I have two. uh number 825-62-559
as reference to the zoning board and number 12 uh is hold on >> payment claims which is number >> 20 25-62-571
>> okay you want to do that one first >> which one >> the second the payment >> payment payment claim Yes, that's the easier one. Uh, yes. Uh, >> before you go ahead, Mr. Wall, excuse me. I think um, Councilman Lechuk was going to pull number 12 as well. >> Yes. >> I I'm not pulling it. I'm just going to abstain from voting on number 12 because
I have a conflict when I vote yes or no. >> So, you would abstain on the entire list or we would pull it and then you could vote on the consent agenda. You can do it either way. >> I'll just I'll just abstain. >> Okay, >> that's all. >> Then he's not going to pull it.
>> Okay. Dave, payment of claims. when the payment claims my my wife is works for the uh in the voting polls and she gets a has a payment so I can't vote on contribution to her for reimbursement her services. So just want to abstain or pull it abstain.
>> Does anyone else have anything on this one? >> I'm sorry. >> Anyone else have anything to chime in on this? No. Since it was pulled, it will go out to public comment if anyone has public comment on payment of claims. Seeing none, can I have a motion to
approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Love. >> I've seen >> on the payment of claims. >> You can vote on this one. >> I'm sorry. >> This one you can. >> Yeah, you you this one.
>> I'm fine. Yes. Yes. Sorry. >> Okay. And Mr. Crowley. >> Yes. >> All right. Dave, >> second one. on the second one, a resolution consenting to the reappoint of a member to the zoning board of adjustment.
Um, I'd like I'm pulling that um more for a technicality than anything. Um, back in in September on September 12th, we revised uh how we appoint people to the zoning board. And what we said was we we
established a process where they would when there's a vacancy on the zoning board, we would uh advertise for uh replacements, notify council, and then we would interview folks. The language in that ordinance that we passed in
September included the reappointment of existing members in the language. We we did not f go through that process. Uh so I think at this point I I don't I don't want to approve it in this fashion. It's
nothing to do with the person that uh we're appointing. I I don't know him, but I understand he's a fine young man and I've heard he does a wonderful job on the zoning board. So I I just feel that we need to follow our process uh to
reappoint him. However, being and as I thought about it, if you have someone on the planning board for four years or eight years, put in a they put in a lot of work and they they really develop a huge body of knowledge on how zoning works. I would hate to have to say, oh,
you we have to start all over and revet you with a lot of other candidates. So, I think we might be able to make a revision going forward in this ordinance to say that reappointments uh to the zoning board would be simply a
consent of agenda, but I think we want to put in the word may, which means we don't have to if we don't feel that that candidate is the right thing. So, I've taken a the liberty to take the ordinance and put some and I'll pass these around. uh put a little uh
revision in there uh to say that when a when a reappoint comes up uh council will vote on that without the full vetting process because who was on the planning board for eight years 10 years who am I to say you don't know zoning
laws I I because I'm not a zoning expert so I think uh we would know if that person was not so we have the word may in my in my revision there so what like to do is ask council to table this appointment tonight
and introduce and I know I need four four of my fellow councilmen to introduce it at the table to introduce a resolution or a change to this ordinance where we would simply say on reappointments to the zoning board we
would uh simply uh city council by a majority vote would vote to reappoint it rather going through the extensive vetting process that we would normally need. >> Okay. So, I do need a motion to table then. >> So, you could first ask for a motion to
table the resolution. >> I'll make a motion to table the resolution >> and then if you have a second there, you could take that vote. >> Before we vote on that, what about his revision? >> How? >> Well, so we're you're he's asking to Councilman Winsow is asking to table a
resolution and introduce an ordinance. You can do it in a different order if you'd like to. >> No, that's good. >> Okay. So, if there's a second to Councilman Winso's motion, >> I'll second it. >> Then, um, the chair can ask for a vote on the motion to table.
>> Okay. Can I have a vote on the motion to table? >> Melissa, >> Mr. Madden? >> No. >> Mr. Barnes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lovech? >> Yes. >> Mr. Winslow? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Crowley? Yes, >> Councilman Crowley, you could now ask for a motion to add this revised ordinance or the the ordinance with a revision to the agenda tonight. And then there'll be a separate vote on whether
you're going to vote in favor of this ordinance on first reading, an introduction. >> This is first reading. >> Yes, sir. >> We're just introducing it. >> Correct. >> Okay. That's different from the second. >> Yeah. So, I have a motion for this proposed ordinance. I'll make a motion.
>> Second. >> This is just to add it to the agenda. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzell? Yes. >> Mr. Lovech? Yes. >> Mr. Winslow? Yes. >> Mr. Crowley? >> Yes. >> Now that it's an agenda matter, you could
ask for a motion to introduce it on first reading. >> Have a motion to introduce ordinance 25 to be determined on. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes, >> yes. >> Mr. Hartzell, yes. Mr. Lovechuk, Mr.
Winslow, Mr. Crowley, >> yes. >> Can I How does this impact not uh reappointing someone to the board and their next meeting coming up in the new year? Are they now not part of that meeting?
>> Correct. if if that member's term expires before this ordinance goes into effect or before another resolution comes forward to reappoint him, he'll be off the board until the resolution comes back to you and you reappoint him. >> So, if I understand it correctly, he's going to be off the board until we
approve this ordinance putting the zoning board down a member. I was just going to ask if that leaves us with a whole >> I believe the zoning board Well, first of all, the zoning board has I believe has >> two alternates >> and he's an alternate alternate. >> No. Uh Ryan is >> No, he's not.
>> He is not an alternate. Okay. >> I believe he's a vice president >> and they'll have to go to an alternate until he's reappointed. >> Well, we'll reappoint him on the ETH, right? >> Right. >> Uh we we have to pass the ordinance first. >> And their meetings are at the end of the month. You can Yes, you can. >> So,
>> so this will come off for second reading on the ETH. Yes. Yes. >> And then when is it? >> 20 days later. >> 20 days later after the meeting is my point. So my thought is we're putting this into play to be able to reappoint someone who we believe is someone to
reappoint. >> Mhm. >> He now gets bumped a meeting. >> I don't know that I I believe we should reappoint him and work on this ordinance kind of together if that makes sense. so that we're not leaving a hole in the
zoning board during that one meeting in January. Does that make sense? >> Why are we leaving a hole? We have two ordinate two um alternates there. >> And again, I I believe he's the vice president of the board. So, it's not like you're just taking somebody out that hasn't been on there or has been on there for a little bit. So, you're
taking a key piece out of the board. >> And I understand that. I The other my concern is we passed an ordinance and we didn't follow the ordinance. So, I think we need to follow the ordinance until we change it. It's nothing against I I hear you, Pete. There's nothing
against Mr. Price. I understand he's a great member, but >> I'm not even talking about him. It's more It's more the board >> and the board is still trying to operate right >> as they're supposed to. >> What >> without one of the keeping don't we have a provision that if the what the board
is short, they can pull from the planning board? >> Is that part of the >> Yes, there is. But if you have alternates, that's what they're there for. Sometimes people go on vacation, and that's that's why we have the overlap with a couple of alternates. >> Again, I >> Yeah, >> if we're if we're putting an ordinance
in place to be able to reappoint them, why not reappoint them and make sure we can make the first meeting in January, especially when there's vacation times at the beginning of the year. Who knows how many people they're going to have. Just my thought. >> Yeah, I understand. I understand. >> Okay. >> I just want to follow our existing
ordinance as well. And I know it puts a may put a hardship but I think we my opinion is we just I don't I think one meeting is not a huge hardship but >> great agreed >> whatever the council is I'll go on with
just do it. >> Do you have a motion? >> I don't I don't have any motion. Do I? >> Then we're back to a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. Introduction and first reading. Not not adopt introduce first reading. >> We did that. We do have a motion.
>> I'm sorry. >> Okay, then you just have to do the roll call. >> We just need a vote. >> Okay. Mr. Madden? >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lovechuk? Yes. >> Mr. Winslow? >> Yes. >> Mr. Crowley? >> Yes. >> All right. Can I have a motion to approve the remaining items on the
consent agenda? >> So move Winslow. >> Second. >> Mr. Madden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barnes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hartzel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lovechuk? Yes. >> Mr. Winslow? >> Yes. >> Mr. Crowley. >> Mr. Love. Sorry.
>> All right. Pending business, David. >> Uh, Jody. >> Okay. >> Keith. >> No. >> Sean. >> Nothing. Penny. >> Nothing. Nothing pending for me. New new business. David. >> Yes. >> Um, I just want to wish everybody a happy
holiday, a blessed Christmas, happy Hanukkah. >> Thank you. uh or any way you may celebrate uh this special time of the year. I hope everyone will be able to spend time with your family, which is really the most important part of our lives. I hope we all reflect on the
blessings and privilege that we have to live in this beautiful town called Ocean City. As we look forward to the new year, we have a lot to work ahead of we have a lot of work ahead of us and there's unlikely there's likely significant disagreement on a number of
issues. You're kidding. Surprise. Uh, we all have different opinions on how things should be done and differences of opinion is what makes us a better and better community. My wish for the new year is that we all respect each other's different opinions
and act with dignity and respect individual differences, keeping in mind that our sole goal should be the betterment of Ocean City. Let's build each other up rather than trying to tear one another down. Positivity builds success. I think we can all ask
ourselves in the new year, is what I'm writing or is what I'm saying in the best interest of Ocean City. If we can't say that with all sincerity, we shouldn't say it as we are not working for the common good of Ocean City. Thank you and enjoy this most wonderful time
of the year. >> Thank you, David. Well said, Jody. >> Very nice. Uh likewise, >> that's all. >> Yeah, I can't top that. That's excellent. Thank you. Great. Thanks. Likewise. Thank you, Dave, and merry Christmas to all, >> Peter.
>> Merry Christmas and happy holidays. >> I just echo Dave's uh comments and everyone have a great holiday. With that, we will go to citizen comment. Um start with this side of the room. Sure. Just name just give your name and address, please.
>> Uh good evening. Howie Atinson, 871 East 7th Street, Ocean City, New Jersey. Uh, president of the Beachwatch Condominium Association. Um, and also just a little bit of my background. Um, I've, uh, spent 25 years on my zoning board of
adjustments, 15 years as chair, uh, three years as a elected official of my governing body, and served on many, uh, master plan committees and economic development commissions and many other, uh, committees. But um I just want to make a comment on the Wonderland project. Uh during the previous
meetings, there have been testimony from various merchant associations and business owners supporting the development of this large hotel at the Wonderland site, but they offer no documentation to support their statements. I have heard this will be good for Ocean City, this development
will be good for the north end of the boardwalk and how this hotel will benefit their businesses. In my opinion, these statements are based on emotion and not facts. There have been no studies such as an
economic impact study, professional planners report to support these statements. As far as the pro proposed hotel, there has been no site plan or conceptual plan submitted or a formal application for this development to the city that I'm aware of.
The only information is an architectural rending rendering of a hotel and a public regulations campaign around town of how great this will be for the city. The facts we do have is our master plan
and our zoning ordinances. Fact, the pro proposed hotel is not a permitted use in the boardwalk zone. Fact, this proposed hotel would negatively impact the area around the wonderland site. We at Beachwatch are directly across the
street from on Plaza Place and the Plaza Place community across Wayne Avenue from the Wonderland site. We're not opposed to change and realize development will take place at the Wonderland site. However, it must be done with transparency and input from the
community. This city is at a crossroads and the wrong decision by the city of how we proceed could negatively impact our city for many years to come. To be sure we make the right decision requires careful consideration by all
government agencies involved. This must include the subcommittee appointed by council and allow them to complete the report. We must seek qualified planning and economic professionals to participate in this process. Our
boardwalk is the heartbeat of Ocean City in my opinion and we must be sure that all future devel development enhances the excitement and the vitality for our visitors and what they have come to expect of our city. We need to get
this right. If we don't get it right, it'll be wrong for all of us. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else for the side? Nelson. Hi, I'm still Dice common Nelson. Still
live on Central Avenue. The Holy Spirit is the key to for to eternal life. The Holy Spirit came overshadowed Mary. The Holy Spirit, the voice of Christ four four decades
ago woke me up on a warm day and said, "Today is my birthday." It was not Christmas. Why is Christmas still holy? The reason Christmas is holy is because
that was the night that the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and the virgin was with child and nine months later the gestation. So
he, our Messiah, those of us who believe, was God with us at that moment in embryo form. About 20 years ago, I saw Mary's womb in a vision at a prayer meeting, and their light was so bright, it should
have hurt my eyes when I saw his uh incarnation. Was it was amazing. I was very blessed. This was about 10 years before science found out that a spark of light in humans creates this little light. But
what I saw was not that. It was not a spark. It was just amazing. And he is the light of the world. I'm the light of the world. It says it in the scripture. All of us that have the spirit are the light of the world. With that said,
we are under a occupation. Yes. The United States down in DC feeds us with their fake money. They control us with their bar members.
People become bar members because it's an easy life. Our current solicitor probably earns twice per hour what our chief of police does. I have an issue with that because
the bar members are virtually never prosecuted for violating the Bill of Rights. in this process of being tortured by this town, which is only because of the gold fringe
flag, which this flag is no longer gold fringe, which not a single city council that I've gone to has changed the flag the way we have. The current chief of police is protected by that flag. he can say, "No, I'm not going to agree to a
municipal judge's order to arrest a man for going to his church when the church hasn't done what's necessary." But what happened in this town was that they made a couple phone calls. We can't have this man exercising his
free exercise of religion. Congress shall make no law. Now, check this out. The preamble to the Bill of Rights. Why does everything have to become a federal case? Because not there's not a single person here except me at the moment that's formally lawfully on the ground
of New Jersey. I recently published in the paper what is called a claim and fact of life. the the the quote administrative law judges that go all the way up to the Supreme Court of New Jersey cannot
administer my name that my mom gave me when I turned 18. The state through the maritime bar out of England and the crown uh the crown and the uh pope said, "Oh, we're going to go ahead and
on paper tell everybody he's lost at sea." And then when he turns 25, we're going to formally declare him dead. And that is why all of these judges put me in Anora. That's how they did it. And these poor police officers are
miseducated. When I went to uh uh uh the um uh school board, I brought up I said to the to the guy, I said, "Is this miseducation here or maleducation? I see a gold fringe flag." You know what he did? He changed it. that superintendent.
I congratulate you because we need to be properly educated. If we're why has our nation gone haywire? Because we're being lied to by the bar. So the moment we start learning how to defeat the bar,
defang the bar, they will no longer have the venom to paralyze us and frighten us and put us in jail on a not they don't even sign their name anymore. They just type. >> Thanks, Nelson. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Anyone from this side of the room? Robert Leven, 706 Pleasure Avenue. Um, I'm representing the Nor Eastern Condominium Association and next door Sunset Harbor. So, it's about 48 residents. And I've talked about this before. Um,
and I I didn't come last time because Wonderland. I knew it was going to be a tough time. I commend everyone on the board regardless of how you guys voted. Did a great job. The police in this town are incredible. I I have nothing negative to say about the town just to to set the record straight uh regarding
that. But everyone and that and I have my opinion on Wonderland, but emotionally everyone's involved. I'm not talking about something emotional. I'm talking about safety. And in the last decade, uh we had two pedestrians hit and killed on
Bay Avenue, one on Bay and 8th and one on Bay and Ninth. And the police have done a wonderful job. They're there, you know, patrolling, making sure people aren't speeding, making people are stopping. You've tra changed the crosswalks. Well, why can't we do
something with the wake zone, the no wake zones, not just in front of the nor easter going north and south? Uh, last time I talked about another vessel and another crew. I know there's money you, it could easily pay for itself, but administratively, I actually talked to officer Schmidt, too. Officer Schmidt's
been fantastic. my Councilman Hartzell, Councilman Barnes, chief of police, everyone has been helpful. I just need more help trying to, you know, get something implemented that we can do. And what I think we can do is what I've seen in Florida. In Florida, they have
pilings up and on the pilings, they have no wake signs and they'll even have yellow lights that are controlled by solar. So, it's just the Boers will see the yellow light and at least slow down hopefully because I've mentioned it before. I had a torn meniscus. My wife
was knocked off a waveunner port and most importantly a 10-year-old girl two years ago got knocked in. Fortunately, she got knocked in on the marina by the uh docks. So, it wasn't the current. If it had been out, she wouldn't have been here today. So,
I'm looking for the council because again, I can call I can call the police. I can call the marine police. They don't even get back to you. But having a councilman, having the mayor, you know, I'm going to try to get the 48 residents that I'm speaking in behalf to do something. But why can't we put pilings
up with no wake signs? It's no wake on both sides. People think, "Oh, you're one foot on the other side." And they go plowing through there. The law is there's no wake either side. Officer Schmidt has confirmed it. He's told me he sits out there. I've seen him. He sits out there, but he's there for
safety first. So if he gets a call somewhere, he's he's off. So if we can't have a second vessel, how about we look at pilings with no wake, no wake both sides. Let's educate let's educate voters. I'm I think they're educated. I think they're just taking advantage of
the situation. You know, it's like we don't have to tell people speed limit's 30 m hour. You need to know the law. I think it's 25 and 50 if it's not marked. You can't go 80 miles an hour and say, "Oh, I you know, I didn't know. You got a ticket." So, I think most of them know. So, I'm asking I'm actually
pleading because I don't want one day to sit here and um find out that I was right and that someone not maybe not just in our section, someone along the bay child was knocked off into the bay and that current is moving uh and has died and we'll sit here and say, you
know, maybe we could have done just done something. So, but um regardless of of that, again, I want to commend everyone regardless of how you voted. Ocean City is a great place. Chief of Police has been fantastic. Officer Schmidt's been fantastic and the entire city's
fantastic. So hopefully no one ever gets up again and criticizes you know the city. So I agree with the mayor. >> Thank you. >> You can include Favorite Harbor next time you speak. >> Can I? >> Yes, sir. >> I will do that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Anyone else?
Susan, I thought you >> Good evening. Susan Crackavanner, 156 Asbury Avenue. For the last four years, Wonderland has been a saga of broken promises. It began back in 2021 when Mr. Ma announced handinhand with the mayor that he would build what he described as
one of the greatest amusement parks on the East Coast. That was a promise. Here we are four years later, and Mr. Ma's own rehabilitation report shows that instead of building anything great, he and the mayor allowed the park to fall into disrepair. That was the first promise made and broken. Since 2022, we
have heard repeated promises from members of council and the mayor that no hotel, let alone a high-rise hotel, would ever be allowed on the commercial part of the boardwalk. We are now aware that some of you have already abandoned that promise and others are openly willing to follow suit. Another promise
made and broken. Let's be honest, why about why that may be easier for some of you than others. This resort will not rise in your backyard. It will not impair your lifestyle. It will not cast a shadow over your home, change your daily routines, or alter the character of your neighborhood. For many of you,
the consequences are abstract. But for the people who will live in its path and its shadows, they are not. But frankly, you don't seem to care about them. We were also promised something else, something just as important. We were promised that the process for determining what would rise on the
Wonderland site would be open, transparent, and fact-driven. And for a time, it was. on August 21st. That's what you promised the public. But that promise began to erode in September and again on December 4th. While some may say that the master plan process remains
important, we are hearing something very different. We are hearing about negotiations over the size and shape of a hotel happening behind closed doors. Outside public view, outside public scrutiny with just the council members that support the hotel involved. So much for transparency. another promise made
and apparently another promise in the process of being broken. This is not the right way to treat your citizens. It's not the right way to treat your residents and frankly it's not the right way to treat anyone. Yes, we all understand that promises from politicians are often taken with a grain
of salt. That unfortunately is part of the of American politics. That being said, we have seen here what we have seen here goes beyond ordinate ordinary politics. When you stack promise upon promise and break them one by one, it stops being politics as usual and starts
looking like politics that quite honestly stinks. And broken promises have consequences. People lose faith, people lose trust, and people get angry. Another consequence may be litigation against this city for the commitments that were made and then abandoned along
the way. It didn't have to be this way. A better process could have built trust instead of destroying it. But regrettably, here we are. One final thing. Please don't begin future large town meetings the way you did the last time with a moment of prayer when the actions that follow betray any sense of
spiritual integrity. What was spoken and not rebutted at one moment on December 4th was anything but spiritual. A speaker supporting the hotel stood up and said that the element on the boardwalk has gotten different and that high cla that a highclass hotel would be
bring a better element. The comment was consistent w with what we have also heard at previous council meetings and we all know exactly what he meant and who the element are. It was offensive and it was embarrassing. What made it worse was the applause from the boardwalk merchants that followed and
worse still was the silence from this city council. President Crowley as head of council, you should have stopped the meeting to say, "Excuse me, Ocean City welcomes everyone." Instead, you said nothing. That was a moment when we could have demonstrated our faith. A moment
when we could have shown what actually what it actually means to be spiritual. A moment when we could have done what Jesus would have done and say we welcome all. Instead, you failed. With your silence, you supported exclusivity instead of diversity on behalf of the
entire council. So, I ask that we not cloak future meetings in the language of faith when conduct that follows contradicts it. In closing, please know we're watching. We're watching promises being broken. one after another and make no mistake there will be consequences.
>> Okay. Anyone else from this side? >> See oh no. Okay. Seeing none. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second.