MARGATE – The city is seeking a second vendor to offer an additional amenity on the beach this summer. Along with awarding a three-year ice-cream vending contract, the city would like to offer sunbathers an ice cold cup of coffee.
The Board of Commissioners March 20 agreed to solicit bids for vending ice cream on the beach and is seeking a second vendor to offer iced coffee.
“Ventnor did it on their beaches last summer and had a lot of success,” Mayor Michael Collins said. “I’ve been approached by three people just about the coffee so I think we will get multiple bids.”
According to the resolution, ice cream vending bids are due to the City Clerk’s Office on April 8 for the exclusive right to offer water, ice cream and ices on the beach for the summer season, May 22 through Oct. 1. The minimum bid amount is $50,000 for year one, with the option to renew for a second and third year.
The commissioners agreed to consider a resolution at its next meeting seeking a second round of bids to vend coffee on the beach.
Veterans would still have the opportunity to vend ice cream at beach ends, Purchasing Manager Roger McLarnon said.
In other business, the board approved a $125,000 contract for the Margate Business Association to provide marketing services and event production for the year. The MBA, which publishes and distributes the city’s official calendar, is the lead agency for most of the city’s community events.
This year’s lineup includes a long list of family- and adult-oriented events, including the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival on May 4, Le Tour de Downbeach on June 1, Beachstock: The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party on June 28, Fall Funfest by the Bay and Funfest After Dark on Sept. 27-28, Rubber Ducky Derby on Aug. 14, and the Shop Small Weekend, Nov. 29.
According to the MBA’s proposal, volunteer-power is diminishing, and the organization is increasing its part-time payroll. However, the city’s contribution toward the MBA’s work will remain at the same amount it was last year.
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