Dear Friends,

Our Aquatic & Fitness Center pool renovation contractor started this week and is working extended hours each day. They already have completed waterblasting the pool surfaces in preparation for re-plastering. I’m happy with the progress they’ve made so far, and I will provide updates every Friday as we work to get the pool back open as soon as possible. 

City Council last night approved a contract for a new airport terminal design. We’re continuing to seek grant funding to add to the generous donation from Leon Grisbaum. In the meantime, we want to keep this project moving and make sure we have a design that can be built with or without new grants.

Council also approved our 2024-25 bayside dredging program. Part of the plan is to dredge Snug Harbor to establish a baseline depth. That way we can see if the new sediment trap outside the mouth of the harbor is effective in keeping it from filling in so quickly. If it works, this is a strategy that could be used at all our lagoons. This year’s dredging program also includes the northern spur of Sunny Harbor and some bayfront outfall areas.

I want to thank everybody who participated in and contributed to the Connor Laverty Memorial Foundation’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament last weekend. Connor was a great kid and Ocean City High School basketball star who died earlier this year after a battle with a rare form of cancer. His father, Tim, is a retired Ocean City firefighter, and his mother, Trish, is an employee of the municipal court in Ocean City. Proceeds from the tournament benefitted a scholarship in his name and research of the disease.

I also want to thank everybody who helped make our 114^th annual Baby Parade such a success – all of the families who participated, the City and Chamber team members who helped put the event together, and all of the spectators. Traditions like the Baby Parade are what make “America’s Greatest Family Resort” such a special place.

I’m sad to report on the passing of Ocean City resident Marshall Schmeizer. Marshall was a decorated Vietnam veteran and a renowned lawyer. He came to Ocean City in his retirement and was a beloved coach in the Ocean City Youth Athletic Association baseball programs. He served for eight years on our Zoning Board. Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marshall.

Finally, I hope you all will join me in wishing Amelia “Amy” Pedone a happy birthday. Amy will celebrate her 100^th tomorrow at Wesley by the Bay, and I had the honor of presenting her with a key to the city today.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor