Five Things to Know From City Council's Meeting on Thursday

At Thursday's public meeting, City Council heard an update on a potential Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project for the south end and refused to consider an ordinance that would prohibit Boardwalk musicians from soliciting donations without a permit. But here are five other things that might be of interest:

• Director of Community Operations Salary: Council voted on the second reading of an ordinance setting the salary of the new Director of Community Operations (Roger D. McLarnon) at $110,000 for 2013 and $112,200 for 2014. The new department merges most of the operations of the former Community Services and Public Works departments. The departments were restructured after the resignation of Community Services Director Jim Mallon. And McLarnon's qualifications in engineering, zoning, planning and capital projects will allow one vacant engineering position to be eliminated.
• Flood Insurance Ratings: Ocean City Business Administrator Mike Dattilo reported that the city's Community Rating System (CRS) level will decrease to a 6 — that means a 5 percent discount for all flood insurance policy holders in Ocean City. He said it's likely the rating will fall to a 5 in May 2014, and possibly even to 4 (which would mean a 30 percent reduction). He credited the work of City Engineer Art Chew and the Engineering Department's Benny Tafoya.
• Helicopter and Plane Rides From Airport: Council voted to award a contract to Liberty Flight Schools of West Chester, Pa., to operate helicopter tours from Ocean City Municipal Airport. Liberty will pay the city $1,700 for the first year and $1,734 for the second year. This is the first year for the new visitor attraction, which will operate between June and September. Council also voted to award a contract for the return of Red Baron Air Tours (Aerial Skyventures of Woodbine) with visitor bi-plane rides.
• Bayside Dredging Contract: City Council will voted to add $141,000 to a $1.8 million contract for the dredging of bayside lagoons between 15th and 34th streets. The contractor, Hydro-Marine Construction of Hainesport, had to complete work that was not specified in the bid specifications — preparing the spoils site to accept dredged material, according to Business Adminstrator Mike Dattilo. The contractor did not finish the entire dredging job by a Jan. 1 deadline and is expected to resume on June 1.
• Palen Avenue: Dattilo said improvements to Palen Avenue will be made in the fall. The city is hoping to coordinate work with work planned by the local water company. But he said the city will proceed this fall whether or not the water company is ready.