The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, passed a Resolution setting May 14th as the date for bids on a proposed addition to the Street Department Building, and May 15th as the date for a Public Hearing on the proposal, which has garnered much talk on social media and elsewhere. City Administrator John Lund originally said $100,000 was set aside for the proposed project. Councilman Chris Jimerson asked Snyder and Associates Engineer Dave Sturm where that figure came from, and if there were ways to reduce the costs.

Jimerson said he looked at the Street Department facilities and asked what would be saved by remodeling the one stall employee restroom and knock-off 10-feet of the proposed addition dimensions. Sturm said the new bathroom would be ADA compliant, but wasn’t able to immediately furnish a cost breakdown. Right now, they have a bench to sit on in front of the building as a break area.

Mayor Dave Jones they need the room and not just a plywood table and bench. Councilperson Ashley Hayes commended the Street Department and said they deserve this addition. “Everything they do for other departments…and entities in town…and everything we have done for other departments…it’s time to give them what they feel that they need in there.”

It was pointed out that the funds for construction of the addition are coming from the Road Use Tax Fund, not property taxes or the Debt Fund. John Lund, who fielded calls all day from people complaining about the possible cost of the addition, said the negativity was getting to him. He said “The Street Department has literally been the one and only department that has had to live with working facilities like [they are now], and I’m not joking. The dogs at the Animal Shelter have a better place indoors to do stuff. This is not even a heated or air-conditioned facility where they can take their breaks. I don’t believe what we’re doing is extravagant. They’ve been asking for this for years.”

Members of the AHS Speech and National Debate Team.

At the start of their meeting, the Council recognized the Atlantic High School All-State Speech Team and National Debate Team, including: Abigail Evans; Sarah Schorle; Belle Wickman; Grace McCurdy; Olivia Engler; Genevieve Martinez; Troy Roach; Molly McFadden; Regan Watson; Lane Muell; Carina Birkel; Nolan Perez; Brycen Ericksen, and Xander Moore.