Message from the Mayor of Ocean City: June 14

Jerry Bonner, left, of American Legion Post 524, and VFW Post 6650 Commander Mike Morrissey salute during the honorary presidency ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City and Kerri J Photography)

Dear friends,

We held a POW/MIA Honor Chair dedication ceremony this morning at the entrance to the Ocean City Community Center. The chair will be a permanent memento of those who served in the military but did not return home. It was heartening to see such a massive turnout at the event. Our veterans have faithfully served our country and our community. So I’m proud to see so many people showing their support in return. The Community Center is the perfect location for the POW/MIA Honorary Chair because our community will always remember these service members.

I watched more than 100 veterans receive a Vietnam Veteran pin at the American Legion on Wednesday during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the war. I am honored to be in the presence of these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

Yesterday, the city council approved an increase in our waste and recycling collection contract. A city ordinance that limits the size of trash and recycling containers has not changed. But the cans people use keep getting bigger. The temporary measure will give us time to develop a plan that will best suit all owners. In the meantime, the contractor will continue to service containers up to 64 gallons.

Verizon Wireless has asked the city for permission to place COWs (Cell on Wheels) somewhere near 14th Street and 36th Street during the summer. We will help Verizon place these temporary mobile antennas while searching for permanent locations. Reliable cell phone service is essential to public safety and has become an expectation of all of our residents and guests.

City officials participated in a hearing Wednesday with state lawmakers on the problems New Jersey cities face when it comes to teen behavior. It was a productive discussion and I look forward to seeing what help our friends in state government can provide. State legislation could help give our police the tools they need to hold teens accountable for their actions.

Our jitney service will begin daily routes on June 21. The service operates from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. We have put up small signs at all the jitney stops along the route. The Jitney Surfer app shows passengers exactly where the jitneys are at all times, so it’s easy to know how long to wait. I want to encourage everyone to spread the word about this handy service.

Deputy Chief Charlie Bowman retired this week after a career of more than 38 years with the Ocean City Fire and Rescue Services Department. Bowman served the department in virtually every capacity as he rose through the ranks from firefighter to captain to deputy chief. Like all of his fellow firefighters, Bowman went to work every day, prepared to risk his life to protect our community. But Charlie and his family (Jen, Caroline, Katie and Kelsea) have given back to the community in many ways beyond his service to OCFD. Please join me in honoring and thanking Charlie for his exceptional service to the city.

Ocean City High School held its commencement ceremony on Thursday and I want to congratulate all members of the Class of 2024. You can watch the graduation video online or on Comcast Channel 97 (OCTV) at 7:30 p.m. tonight, 9:30 a.m. Saturday or 8:30 p.m. Monday.

Our Health, Fitness and Wellness Expo will take place tomorrow (June 15) from 8 a.m. to noon at the Ocean City Music Pier. The annual Juneteenth celebration will take place tomorrow (June 15) from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Haven Avenue between 7th Street and 8th Street. The Ocean City Arts Center will present master storyteller Karen “Queen Nur” Abdul-Malik in an early Juneteenth celebration at the Ocean City Public Library at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Finally, I wish my father a happy Father’s Day and I hope that all fathers will have the chance to enjoy this day with family and friends.

Sincerely,

Mayor Jay A. Gillian