The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, approved several matters to come before them, recognized a long-time City employee, and discussed COVID-19 related issues. The Council first-off tabled action on their Consent Agenda items related to Tree Trimmer permits for Cook Hauling & Tree Service/Cook Roll Off Service, and Steve’s Tree Service, due to unresolved questions pertaining to proof of insurance. They then recognized Sandy Walter, who has served at the Atlantic Wastewater Treatment Plant for the past 20-years, ensuring the City is in compliance with State and Federal Regulations.

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones reads from a plaque presented to Sandy Walter (Ric Hanson/photo)

The Council approved the slightly revised 1st Reading of Amended Ordinance with regard to Sanitary Sewer System hookups. The latest version calls for “The owners of any houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation of other purposes situated within the City Limits,” to install at the owner’s expense, suitable toilet facilities and a building sewer connecting to such facilities directly with the proper public sewer, “within 30-days after date of official notice from the City…provided [the] public sewer is within 500-feet of the [owned] structure.”

The Ordinance says also, “No private sewage disposal system shall be installed, repaired or rehabilitated where a public sewer is available withing 500-feet of the structure.” Final determination of availability shall be made by the Waste Water Department Superintendent. In addition, “Properties with septic systems installed prior to Sept. 2nd, 2020, shall be exempt…until the septic system fails, or until the property is sold, or conveyed…and [at that time] will be required to have a public sewer connection. Billing for sanitary sewer service will begin the date of official notice to connect to the public sewer or the property owner makes the connection, whichever occurs first.”

In the Council reports, Councilman Jim Behrens, who attended Tuesday’s Fire Department meeting, said the decision was made to cancel this year’s Atlantic Fireman’s Parade, but the October 4th breakfast will take place, with social distancing. He said also the Fire, Police and Sheriff’s Departments are looking to purchase a Search and Rescue drone sometime next year. And, Mayor Dave Jones said “If we have Halloween [Trick or Treating] this year, it will be on October 31st…we’ll play it by ear,” with regard to COVID-19.

Mayor Jones said also he was approached by Alan Zellmer and a small group of farmers, about what it would take to get a Splash Pad in town. The group is thinking about donating money from a tractor pull and other events, to help pay for the popular attraction other cities have. Jones said the budget is tight right now, so “It won’t happen this year for sure,” and it takes a lot of planning, so he’d like to see committee comprised of citizens and a Council representative to explore the current costs and designs of such a facility.