Five Things to Know About City Council's Thursday Agenda

City Council has a full agenda for its public meeting 7 p.m. Thursday (March 28) at the Ocean City Free Public Library, but here are five things that might be of special interest:

• Future of Ethics Board: City Council President Michael Allegretto suggested on March 14 that council should discuss the future of Ocean City's local Ethics Board. The topic would likely come up in the pending business portion of the meeting. The Ethics Board has no funding in the current draft of the municipal budget, and .
• Credit-Card Parking Meters: City Council will consider the second and potentially final reading of an ordinance that would raise parking meter fees by 50 cents an hour for metered spaces near the beach and boardwalk. The meters, however, would accept credit and debit cards, as well as coins.
• West Avenue Zoning: City Council will consider the second and potentially final reading of an ordinance that would rezone the ocean side of West Avenue between North Street and Second Street. The new zoning would be an effort to encourage single-family homes on lots with 30-foot frontages.
• Sand Dune Resolutions: City Council will consider two resolutions related to rebuilding sand dunes in Ocean City. One requests bids for a contractor to install fencing around dunes (in late May and June) and dune grass (in the fall 2013 planting season). The other awards a contract for "construction of emergency sand dune — south end." The $1.1 millon contract goes to South State Inc. of Bridgeton.
• EMT Labor Contract: City Council will vote to approve a contract with the union representing local EMTs and paramedics. Terms of the contract will be released if it is approved.

See attached PDF for supporting documentation for agenda items.