Margate City News in Brief – Published Feb. 11, 2013

Written by SHAUN SMITH Monday, February 11, 2013 01:21 pm

The following was discussed or acted upon by the Margate City Board of Commissioners at its Thursday, Feb. 7 meeting. The Commission meets on the first and third Thursday of each month in the multipurpose room of Union Avenue School. See http://margate-nj.com/cfm_docs/cm_meeting.cfm. Road improvement bond

Commissioners unanimously approved the adoption of $514,899 in expenditures for roadway improvements throughout the city.

Sewer bond approved

Commissioners unanimously approved a $1.654 million water and sewer utility capital improvement bond. The ordinance specifies $116,000 for the redevelopment of well No. 8 and puts the remainder $1,538,000 is devoted to the replacement of sanitary and storm sewer and water systems under the 2012-2013 municipal road program. City Engineer Ed Walberg said he hopes to award the contract quickly so a rehabilitation project will make the well viable for spring.

Union Avenue School transferred

The title of the Union Avenue School was transferred from the Margate City Board of Education to the city where City Hall has been operating since Hurricane Sandy flooded the municipal building at Washington and Ventnor avenues. City Solicitor Scott Abbot told the commission the city is expected to receive the title within 30 days and will run for one year. The black seal operator who has been maintaining the boiler in the former school will stay on while a public works employee works on their own black seal certification. There was discussion as to how to use the concrete schoolyard as a parking lot for city hall and for neighborhood residents. The lot is expected to hold approximately 50 cars and plans are expected to be presented at a future meeting.

Professional contracts renewed

The Margate Business Association was awarded a contract for 2013 for the amount of $75,000. City Administrator Richard Deany described the contract as city purchasing the services of the MBA for the events it puts on in the city in conjunction with the police and public works departments. Remington, Vernick & Walberg Engineers has been awarded a contract for engineering services not to exceed $22,000 for a term of three years, and may be extended once by the commission. The firm is represented at meetings by Ed Walberg.

Bond sales

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve two measures that are expected to save the city approximately $500,000 by obtaining a lower interest rate on it’s outstand bond notes. Bond Counsel Joel Fleishman of Fleishman-Daniels Law Offices said the city issued bonds at 4.25 percent in 2006 and today interest rates are between 2-3 percent. Refinancing the bonds is expected to save the city in excess of $500,000 after fees by the time the bonds mature in 2016. The commission approved a resolution refunding $11.5 million in bonds and a separate resolution awarded the financial services to Phoenix Advisors.