Pixabay/Outdoor dining.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE The city will extend Gov. Phil Murphy's continuing executive order permitting outdoor dining for the 2024 summer season. The Board of Commissioners Thursday, Feb. 15 approved a resolution allowing local eateries to serve food and liquor in their parking lots or in the public right-of-way.
Relief was granted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to allow restaurants to generate revenue amid indoor seating restrictions. The practice became popular with residents and visitors who enjoy dining al fresco.
Outdoor service is not automatic, however. Restaurant operators must submit a request for a temporary zoning permit outlining where food and liquor will be served, provide proof of insurance indemnifying the city from any liability, and abiding by restrictions for outdoor dining in existing city ordinances. The details of the seating plan will be reviewed by the city's zoning officer, police chief, construction official and fire inspector to ensure compliance with public safety measures.
The permit, if granted, will be for six months from May 1 to Oct. 31.
According to Police Chief Matthew Hankinson, streets may not be closed, and restaurants must cease service and playing music at 10 p.m.
In other business, the board approved a person-to-person transfer for the liquor license at Tomatoes restaurant on Amherst Avenue, which has transferred ownership to a family member.
The board also tabled a resolution transferring the liquor license for Memories in Margate, located at 9518 Amherst Ave., which is under agreement of sale. According to City Clerk Johanna Casey, the resolution was tabled due to a delay in settlement.
The board also approved an interlocal shared services agreement with the Board of Education to share the computer technology services of employee Michael Morris, the district's IT professional. The agreement calls for Morris to provide technology assistance to the municipality at a rate of $75 per hour up to 10 hours per week, not to exceed $3,000 per month.
Morris will provide evaluation and guidance for the city's computer network, software, hardware and network infrastructure in coordination with Ocean Computer Group as needed, the resolution states.
The agreement will save the city on the cost of hiring a full-time IT professional, officials said.
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