October 2, 2026

Dear Friends,

Our Fire Department has responded this week to a number of fires involving vehicles and devices with rechargeable batteries. I want everybody to be aware that battery-powered devices exposed to flood water pose an extreme risk of fire.

A battery does not have to look damaged to be unsafe. The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office advises that water exposure can damage lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries and may cause them to overheat, catch fire or explode.

If a battery or battery-powered device has been in flood water, do not plug it in, charge it, or try to test it. This includes batteries used in power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters, cell phones, laptops, tablets, backup power systems, and other rechargeable devices. More information is available here.

The Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority will hold one of its Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026) from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the CMCMUA Sanitary Landfill in Woodbine. They will accept lithium batteries for disposal. More information is available at www.cmcmua.com or 609-465-9026.

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I want once again to thank the community and the city team for working together to get through a historic flooding event last week. Many residents have been hard at work cleaning up this week, and many others may be returning to find flooded garages and storage areas.

Here is information on disposal of storm debris:

• The city will collect storm debris and flood-damaged material placed at curbside.

• It can be placed in containers or bags.

• Bulk items can be loose.

• Keep weight of bags or containers less than 50 pounds.

• Don’t overload bags that could break when crews lift them.

• We cannot accept lithium-ion batteries, and they should never be put in with the trash.

• The city team will get there as soon as possible.

• Shelter Road Recycling Center (off Tennessee Avenue, which intersects Bay Avenue near 22nd Street) is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week for those who can transport material.

• The Shelter Road Recycling Center cannot accept gasoline and other hazardous material. Please see information above about tomorrow’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day tomorrow in Woodbine.

• Regular trash and recycling pickup is operating on a normal schedule.

• Please be patient as we work to clean the city.

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The Ocean City Clerk’s Office announced this week that the polling places for two districts within our Second Ward will move to the Ocean City Civic Center (just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street). Everybody within the Second Ward will now vote there in all elections going forward. There is plenty of space within the Civic Center and there is plenty of convenient and accessible parking immediately adjacent to the facility. Maps and more information are available here.

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Michele and I would like to extend deepest condolences to the family and friends of two gentlemen who meant a lot to our community.

Paul Anselm passed away recently at age 96. He did more for his community in his retirement than many do in a lifetime, including serving as president of the Ocean City Historical Museum and as a member of the Utility Advisory Commission, First Night Committee, Ethics Board and 16-34 Community Association. He was a strong advocate for Ocean City’s successful flood mitigation program.

Robert Holden taught at the Ocean City Intermediate School for more than 30 years, and “Mr. Holden” was a favorite teacher to many students, including those in the gifted-and-talented programs. Outside of school, Bob was a historian, author, and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Both of these men will be greatly missed.

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I want to congratulate former Ocean City Fire Chief Todd Bower on being honored with the Book of Golden Deeds Award. Each year, the Ocean City Exchange Club recognizes volunteers who do exceptional work in the community, and Todd has spent a lifetime making a difference by supporting veterans, children, families, charities and community organizations. I will join many members of our city team this evening in supporting Todd at the awards dinner.

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Tickets are on sale for the Ocean City Pops Holiday Concert at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 at the Music Pier. The show is an annual tradition and a great way to start the holiday season. Tickets and more information are available here.

The Fall Jeep Invasion will be on the Boardwalk noon to 5 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 3), and the OCNJ Half Marathon and 5K and 10-mile events will be on the Boardwalk on Sunday morning (Oct. 4). Please be aware that bikes will not be allowed on the Boardwalk during these events. Drivers should also be aware that the Ocean City-Longport Bridge will be closed from approximately 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday to accommodate the field of runners in the Half Marathon. More information is available here.

The Ocean City Fire Department and IAFF Local 4032 will hold their annual Open House at the station at 550 Asbury Avenue from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Everybody in the community is invited to this free annual event, and more information is available here.

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor

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