Return Ocean City Council Zoom Meetings, Residents Say

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Those interested in sharing their comments at City Council meetings now have to go in-person. But several asked for Zoom capabilities to return.

Not everyone is able to attend these meetings in-person, residents said at the July 21 Ocean City Council meeting. It was the first meeting since the City Council reorganized, and the first one in some time that did not allow members of the public to participate virtually.

Some even offered cash to return Zoom to the meetings.

"I would like to offer you money out of my own pocket for the Zoom meetings to continue," said resident Bill Hartranft, who was the first to put money down.

Rick Bertsch said that while he was physically able to attend meetings in-person, not everyone is able to.

"I'm not homebound, I can drive car, I don't own a home and reside outside of this city and have a problem, I'm not serving overseas deployed, I didn't have an operation," Bertsch said.

He asked how the council would serve all of its constituents with not all being able to participate in the meetings.

"We want to have our people participate in the government, not block them out," Bertsch said.

Robert Forman wore a mask as he asked for Zoom to return, saying that he was immunocompromised. He said someone on Facebook razzed him and said if it was important, he would show up.

"Well, I'm showing up," Forman said.

Resident Donna Moore asked not only for Zoom to be returned to council meetings, but for Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings as well. She asked the City Council to make a resolution for this.

Kathy Hogan said that she normally walks to meetings, but because of potential rain, she had to drive, and had a difficult time parking.

"If it was Zoom, it would be fine," Hogan said. She, too, offered money to bring it back.

After hearing citizens complaints, Councilman Jody Levchuk said he agreed that participating virtually was important.

"I think Zoom should be a part of our meetings," he said.

Councilwoman Karen Bergman said that she also agreed.

"I don't see any harm in having the meetings on Zoom," Bergman said, adding that it could help with transparency.