Labor Day meeting of the OGCMA. Paul Goldfinger photo © Sept. 2, 2013. Left click to make the group larger.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Monday, September 2, 2013. Youth Temple. Ocean Grove.
The meeting took two hours, and the OGCMA managed to cram a ton of information into that time. If you check the links to our interview with interim COO Ralph delCampo from last week, you will find some of the same information already provided and not repeated below concerning FEMA and Mr. delCampo’s resignation. However, there is some slight overlap, because overlap is better than underlap.
8/28/13 CMA interview on Blogfinger
Interim COO to leave in November
21 speakers came to the podium to discuss a wide ranging list of topics covering everything from money in the bank to rosa rugosa in the dunes. There was something for everybody, and Dr. Dale Whilden and Mr. Ralph delCampo made sure that nothing in between was left out.
1. Search for a COO. The CMA has hired a search firm, The Dingman Company, that specializes in non-profits and Christian organizations. Final interviews will be in October, and they hope to have a decision by end 2013.
2. Music programming: The Choir Festival has been experiencing declining attendance, but all the beach towns have had reduced revenues and visitors this past summer. Saturday night programs have had a declining attendance (28,780 in 2008, 20,076 in 2012, and 19, 068 in 2013.) Better luck next year. The Raise the Roof concert raised more than the roof—they made $45,000 for the Together Fund (go Shelley!)
3. Jason Tramm, Music Director,. This is his 7th season, and he remains committed to “top level” choir and instrumental programs. He asked the choir members to stand, but not sing. They got a round of applause anyhow. Jason would like more singing members for the choir. He is very optimistic about our amazing music programming in the Grove. He said, “Music soothes the heart and brings us together.”
4. Jack: If you say “Jack” in Neptune, they think of Nicholson, but if you say “Jack” in OG, they think Green. So Jack Green, the head of operations, offered the understatement of the century when he said, “We’ve had a little excitement this year.” He reported on the Auditorium roof and said that they are 8 weeks away from getting the materials to finish the job.
5. Lighting at the beachfront: This subject proved to be the most underestimated topic on the agenda. Mr. Bailey explained that extensive new work has begun, and we will soon see significant progress in that department. This includes new infrastructure work on wiring and installation of new poles with special lighting at McClintock, Olin, Heck and the North End. Old lights will be removed.
6. Army Corps of Engineers: They will be landing on our beaches around November. They will return the beach to pre-Sandy sandy levels and will bring more sand in order to rebuild the dunes. We will be part of a continuous protective dune array along our Jersey coastline. Funding is 100% from the Feds and NJ DEP. Meanwhile the CMA will construct winter berms on the beach.
7. Pier. An anonymous donor has offered a donation to extend the pier another 30 feet by using existing pilings, but the job will be more complicated that just installing the walking surface. I guess we’ll be bringing back those guys from American Fence Co again. It’s groundhog day for them.
8. FEMA . See our links above. The second appeal was submitted on July 31 (To be exact, this is the third time we “make our case” to FEMA. There was the original application and then two appeals.)
Ralph delCampo and an OG delegation will go to Washington, DC soon for a “face to face” with FEMA before their decision is made. Mr. delCampo says that our appeal is “multi-faceted” as it introduces the OG boardwalk not as a recreational venue but a necessary place for “safety, security and emergency management services.” He says that he and his consultants and colleagues are feeling “confident and optimistic” but they will need “persistence, patience, and perseverance” A decision from FEMA is expected around Thanksgiving.
Ralph reiterated that the CMA will apply for all grants that are available including some that they will apply for in September from the NJDOT that could be worth $200,000 to $400,000.00. They are also investigating funding from the NJ Economic Development Authority.
9. What to call Mr. delCampo. He publicly announced that he likes informality, because “Ralph” is how he is known in the hood. If you go on the fishing pier and say “Ralph” people will think of the fisherman. But if you are around Auditorium Square and say “Ralph” people will think of a two hour meeting and they will feel sleepy.
9. Beach Report: Beach badge sales are down somewhat, as expected. For example season badges are down 6.5% while dailies are down 13.3%, however, revenues are up “a bit”( along with short shorts) due to increased badge fees and discounts for small bikinis.
10. CMA finances: A complicated presentation was delivered by Peter Herr who said that the practical yearly revenue was $4.2 million, but that the expenses were $ 4.9 million–a “big loss” in 2012. They will be working on that issue during the rest of 2013 to come up with creative solutions to “these challenges.” During the meeting, the biggest challenge was staying alert for this part.
11. Contributions other than for the Together fund. Judy Soltis of the CMA Board said that they are still depending on offerings and contributions for their every-day operations, and she hoped that the CMA contributors will continue that giving. So far, that is going well, but most of the giving occurs near year end.
12. Together Fund: They are almost at their goal of $1.5 million, but they still need $187,973.00. Go buy a blue T-shirt (and also write a check). Rev. David Cotton said that the Fund kept all its promises about transparency and honoring designated contributions. Remember that the money from this fundraising effort will go for the boardwalk, Thornley Chapel and the GA roof.
He hoped that those who might be focusing on “past history” would “take a look at things a little differently” and support the Together Fund for the benefit of rebuilding Ocean Grove. There will be a telephone campaign on Friday.
The plan is to receive $2.25 million from the Feds for the beachfront, which would be the 75% that the CMA was originally hoping for. The total cost for the boardwalk is still estimated at $3 million. The part that the Fund will provide would be $750,000.00 Some towns have received up to 90% from FEMA.
13. Ushers: 10,000 man hours of service at 180 events by the 210 ushers. That’s a lot of work, plus they need to keep their white pants clean.
14. Refreshment crew: According to Karen Adams, they “work and work and work.” They also made $60,000 for the benefit of OG.
15. Beautification: Joan Knust described the “terrifying and destructive force of nature” that tore up the beds, urns and planters around town. Her team of workers came back strong with hard work, dedication, and beautiful floral displays around town.
16. Ladies Auxiliary: This dedicated group gave $20,000 to the Together Fund, along with other contributions around the Grove
17. Neptune Township: In response to a question , Mr. delCampo said, “We have an exceptionally good relationship with Neptune Township.”
18. North End development: In response to a question, Dr. Whilden said, “That project is on temporary hold. The developers are looking at the effects of the storm on the infrastructure in that area.”
19. Loose ends:
One speaker said that the CMA was striving to become a “year round ministry.”
The sequence of construction will start with the Middle Beach (Embury to McClintock); then Seaview to the white (dollar store) building at the north end; next the pier; and last the North End from the white building north. The construction will look like the work already done at the South End. Old pilings will be removed.
Political help. Ralph mentioned quite a few elected officials who are helping (see the link above) but he singled out Mayor Houghtaling of Neptune Township who was at the meeting and Rep. Chris Smith who has been “absolutely incredible in his support.”
Financing the GA roof: $1 million will be paid by insurance . $100,000 by the CMA.
Q & A: Just a few plain vanilla questions. No rocky road.
And this is for our Music Man—Maestro Jason Tramm:
Award winner by Paul Goldfinger. Appeared in an internationally published calendar. © Orlando, Florida.
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF THE MUSIC MAN STARRING ROBERT PRESTON: