Questions for which answers were not given under a specific topic are answered below:

Q: Is it possible to have a public dock for swimming only? 23rd Street was previously a swimming only dock. We no longer can find a place to swim in the bay.

A: The public dock at 23rd Street was never for swimming only. The public docks are for fishing as well as other sports, and if people are courteous then both activities should be possible. The ocean with its lifeguard staff is better suited for swimming. Because of lesser water movement in the back bays there can be a higher bacteria count in the water. The EPA and County Department of Health take water samples on a weekly basis. The bacteria counts in samples from the bay are often higher than in samples taken from the ocean, but are seldom in the danger level, however, the Department of Health recommends the bays be used for recreational purposes, not for swimming.

Q: Can we get better enforcement and signage about bikes being used on the boardwalk, especially in the evening?

A: There should be officers going up there every hour during the day and night shifts. Officers are not stationed up there.

Q: As a cat lover, what can be done to alleviate the problem of abandoned pets - other than being euthanized? Is there any plan for a real animal control officer in town?

A: The borough has an interlocal agreement with Middle and Dennis Townships to control animals. This spring the situation got so bad that Tri County Animal Control was contracted to remove about 35 cats. People at night remove the traps. Cats are a problem. People in summer leave cats behind and they multiply. They are not part of the natural environment. People having problems with cats should contact the police department to have the animal control officer come in.

Q: Can more playground equipment be installed at the 39th Street playground for younger children; also more swings?

A: There is an open area adjacent to the playground. This may have been earmarked for playground equipment for younger children and swings. This can be looked into.

Q: Will the playground at 30th and the beach be upgraded to match the other playgrounds?

A: Yes, as part of the skateboard park project there are plans to enhance the playground area.

Q: First, I would like to say thank you. After 3 years of asking Avalon to help to find recreational activities for the adolescent age kids, you have come through with movies at night, skate park, etc. I'm asking you to continue. We would like to see a hockey rink remain on the plans on the school renovations.

A: There are no plans for a hockey rink. It may be possible that the skateboard park may be usable as a half court hockey rink, but it will not be large enough for hockey.

Q: Is it true, that large RV's and boat trailers are prohibited from parking on borough streets? If true, why doesn't the police force enforce these regulations?

A: Properly registered vehicles and trailers can be parked on public streets, so long as parking regulations are followed. If not registered, then the police can take care of it.

Q: Has any consideration been given to providing a left-hand turn signal off of Dune Drive onto 30th Street? Will 30th Street east of Dune be resurfaced? If so when?

A: Yes it has, as well as at 32nd and 25th streets. Should be done before the completion of the Dune Drive project. Resurfacing of 30th east of Dune should be done this fall.

Q: Why don't we have designated lanes on Dune Drive for non-vehicular traffic?

A: The street is not wide enough. According to NJDOT there is not enough room for two lanes. None of the street dimensions were changed in the construction.

Q: Stone Harbor requires new construction and significant reconstruction to put wires (electric, cable, phone) underground. Avalon's new construction instead adds new poles and wires. Can Avalon follow the Stone Harbor example?

A: Private parties can contract with the utility companies to place utilities from the pole (in the public right of way) to the house. It is not known how the borough could force a private owner to put service under the street, which is a public right of way.

Q: Has any consideration been given to investigating the feasibility of burying existing above ground utilities in Avalon?

A: The Borough looked into putting the utilities underground during the Dune Drive project, but the cost of about $8.5 million was too prohibitive.

Q: What are the plans for the old library?

A: The old building will be used as a preschool and early learning center. A possible move to 39th Street next to the museum is being investigated, but it is not certain how that would be done. The school and the Library Commission will present programs in the building.

Q: With the enactment of the new zoning code do you expect the Zoning Board to be more aggressive in enforcing it? Too often the borough will lose an appeal, and treat subsequent cases as precedent, i.e., the borough caves in.

A: The Zoning Board does not enforce the zoning ordinances, it is up to the Zoning Officer. If the case goes to appeal it is in the hands of the Appellate Court and is out of the borough's control. The revision of the zoning ordinances was done in such a manner as to remove a requirement that the Zoning Officer be required make interpretations of the ordinances.

Q: There are presently initiatives to limit visibility of "For Rent" signs on properties in Ocean City and Cape May. Are any similar initiatives being considered in Avalon? Certainly with the Internet "For Rent" signs may be obsolete except for advertising.

A: The Zoning and Planning Board is reviewing the entire sign ordinance at this time. The length of time that rental signs may be displayed is being considered.