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Atlantic City Council intends to make an appointment to fill 5th Ward vacancy

News

May 7th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, approved the publishing of a notice indicating its intention to fill a vacancy in the 5th Ward, by means of appointment. Mayor Dave Jones said he has a person in mind to fill the seat on the Council being vacated through the resignation of Lori Stuart, but that individual will have to run in November in order to try and hold the position. Stuart’s resignation is effective June 3rd. She’s leaving with her family in a move to Cedar Rapids.

Jones said if a Special Election were held to fill the seat between now and November, it would cost the City $1,000, and it would take at least two-months before the election were held. After the Council approved a motion to publish notice of Appointment, Mayor Jones said he was recommending Richard “Dick” Cassidy for the position, and Cassidy has agreed to accept the seat.

Cassidy is a retired Atlantic High School Math teacher and has been involved in some civic organizations. During the Council’s next meeting on May 20th, Jones will announce his intentions to fill the 5th Ward position with Cassidy, effective June 4th. If the public is not in favor of the appointment, they must file a petition for a Special Election.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council set May 20th as the date for a Public Hearing on an amendment to the current year (FY 2015) Budget, which City Administrator John Lund says is needed in order to ensure the funds balance and a reflection of the cash numbers are accurate. Only a few adjustments are needed, according to Lund, who announced on a separate note, that negotiations with the Public Works Union are completed, and the Union has agreed to accept the proposal.

Mayor Dave Jones warned residents and property owners City crews will begin mowing yards next week, if the grass has grown taller than 12-inches. The City will continue to be on the lookout for properties in violation of the ordinance, now through Oct. 31st. If your grass remains high on the 1st and 15th of each month, will be mowed by the City, and the property owner faced a fine of up to $150, and if the fine is not paid, the cost will be assessed to the owner’s tax bill.

And, Councilman Dana Halder issued a warning to persons who place Yard and/or Garage Sale signs on City Right of Ways. He’s recommending the Police Department write a ticket to persons who leave signs in place more than two days, or who violate the Right-of-Way. Halder said this past week, two garage sale signs were posted on school grounds for a week. He says they didn’t get taken down “‘Til they [the signs] literally fell off the stick.”

The posting of signs on school grounds is not allowed. Furthermore, you are not allowed to put those signs on private property without permission of the land owner. If you do place signs in a yard, you should remove them as soon as the sale is finished.