Mayor
August 14, 2026
Dear Friends,
For several months the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) has been working to repair a damaged pipeline that discharges treated effluent from the 46th Street plant in Ocean City. The discharge that typically goes over a mile out into the ocean has been redirected into a tributary of Crook Horn Creek in the marshes southwest of the treatment plant. This activity was authorized by the NJDEP. Part of the operation includes sampling of the discharge, and last week, the DEP’s test results revealed heightened bacterial levels that resulted in the DEP requesting the posting of warning signs by the County Health Department.
The city was not initially notified of this occurrence, and we have since discussed this oversight with the appropriate agencies. The DEP’s notice recommends no fishing or swimming occur in the waterways of Crook Horn Creek and the vicinity of the 34th Street boat ramp. We are working with the DEP and the MUA to continue to monitor this situation and will keep the public informed as we proceed.
I want to invite you all to a town hall meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall at the Ocean City Free Public Library. Members of the city team and I will provide updates on new services and projects and answer questions from the public.
I want to thank the Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club for sponsoring its fishing tournament, which benefits Gold Star Families who have lost children in service of our country. I had the distinct honor of meeting Charlie Strange, and Pat and Amy Moore. Charlie’s son Michael was killed in action along with 30 other heroes when their helicopter was attacked in Afghanistan. Pat and Amy’s son, Ben, also died while serving in Afghanistan, when his truck struck an improvised explosive device while he was on a mission. I’m proud that our community has always been so supportive of our veterans and their families.
Sand-pumping operations have resumed after a brief interruption while an underwater pipeline was relocated. The work has progressed to the 10th Street area. When the project reaches the area of 11th and 12th Street, the work will flip directions and move from First Street to the north end. It’s exciting to see the newly rebuilt beaches along the Boardwalk, and pipes will be removed from the beach along that stretch after the work is complete.
I’m sad to report on the loss of Michael “Brett” Katsiff, Pat Fitzsimons and Jean Davis Robinson. Brett and I were both 1983 graduates of Ocean City High School. His family owned the Ocean Pharmacy in town, and he later worked as store director for the ACME in town, when he wasn’t fishing, rooting for the Flyers or spending time with his family.
Pat was a graduate of Ocean City High School, and she was a big supporter of the Shore Medical Center and the local Charity League.
Jean lived her life in Ocean City to the fullest. She was a member of our Colony Club, Garden Club, Historical Society, Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and Humane Society. But her greatest passion was golf. She recorded two holes-in-one as a member of our Brambley Golf League.
Please join Michele and me in offering deepest condolences to all of the family and friends of Brett, Pat and Jean.
I hope you get a chance to see our Little Miss Ocean City Pageant (tonight at 7 p.m.) and Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant (tomorrow at 7 p.m.) at the Ocean City Music Pier. I want to thank reigning Little Miss Harper Juelg and Junior Miss Arianna DiAntonio for being such great ambassadors for Ocean City during the course of the year. Tickets are available at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office, by visiting oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or by calling 609-399-6111.
I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
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Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
Jay Gillian, Mayor
Phone: 609-525-9333
Email: mayor@ocnj.us
