November 8, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 7 Ashley Irked Horseback Riding Issue Dropped By Staff By JOANNE SHRINER one year and all future contracts given 180 days’ notice of expiration STAFF WRITER to give adequate time to properly OCEAN CITY – Growing increas- place a RFP to test the market. “You have a valid motion, a secingly alarmed over his belief that city ond, and a majority vote to do this staff has allowed multiple action items to fall through the proverbial and it never happened,” Ashley crack, one councilman this week said. “We set policy up here, and we publically questioned the city man- pay salaries for professional people to follow the directive of the council.” ager again. At that time, City Manager David Last month at the conclusion of a Recor claimed responsibiliMayor and City Council ty and refused to provide meeting, Councilman Brent an excuse. He calmly adAshley brought up the exmitted to the notice period tension of the town’s adverpassing by therefore havtising agency, MGH, coning MGH’s contract be retract expressing frustration newed. with how the opportunity for Ashley asked if there the town to re-bid went to were any other items that the wayside. may have been overlooked Ashley had approached the subject earlier asking if BRENT ASHLEY to which Recor responded, “probably.” a Request For Proposal (RFP) to reWith that said a red flag went up bid the town’s advertising contract had been considered. Staff was un- for Ashley, who from there went sure of the expiration date on back through 15 months, which is MGH’s contract at that time and re- approximately the amount of time plied it would be looked into and Recor has worked for the town, of minutes from staff meetings that are brought back for discussion. In the meantime, it was brought held every Thursday and found to Ashley’s attention MGH’s contract another RFP that has been put on had been renewed for another year the back burner. as of result of the required 180-day In 2011, Ashley brought forward notice period having passed without the idea of allowing horseback ridthe city acting on it. ing on the beach as an off-season In September of 2012, the former promotion and the council approved Mayor and City Council voted 5-2, the concept, as well as horse and with Joe Hall and Ashley in opposi- carriage rides downtown. Horsetion, to extend MGH’s contract for back riding is allowed from 27th Street south to the South Jetty at feels it is his responsibility to ensure the integrity in the democratic the Inlet from Nov. 1 to March 30. Following the first off-season with process. horseback riding on the beach, in “Whether the process favors me or late August of 2012 Ashley asked to it doesn’t, I am a big believer in let’s have the staff prepare a RFP for a do it the right way … I am not calling vendor to offer pony and/or horse anyone out. I am not trying to make rides on the beach south of the pier an issue out of anything other than to the Inlet. He also suggested in- the fact that there is integrity in the cluding in the RFP the possibility of process here,” Ashley said. “He does adults renting horses from the ven- have a lot going on. The man is busy dor for riding on the beach everyday but he is the city because there were many manager and when the requests for this service council makes a policy decilast year. sion that is supposed to be followed through on.” The council voted unaniAshley assured he supmously to approve the RFP ports Recor as city managprocess for pony-led rides er and was in favor of him and horse rentals. being hired for the position. “On Aug. 20, 2012 the entire council voted unani“He does an excellent mously to prepare a RFP DAVID RECOR job but again, as a reprefor horseback riding servicsentative of the taxpayers it es, and I know for a fact on Sept. 27 is my job to make sure policy is folthe RFP was given to you by staff lowed through with,” Ashley said. but I have never seen it,” Ashley Ashley is looking forward to have said this week to Recor. the RFP for horseback services reRecor asked Ashley why he waits turn to the council for approval. until Monday night legislative ses“The whole idea of this originally sions to bring up the issues instead was to stimulate off-season busiof picking up the phone to have a ness,” Ashley said. conversation with him. Recor submitted on Wednesday “It was voted on in open session, the RFP for horseback riding on the and if it was voted on in open ses- beach has tentatively been schedulsion I should ask you in open ses- ed for discussion on the Recreation sion,” Ashley responded. and Parks Commission agenda on On Wednesday, Ashley acknowl- Tuesday following the Mayor and edged Recor has a lot on his plate Council’s regularly scheduled work but as an elected official Ashley session. FOOTBALL SPECIALS SAT.: 11AM-7PM SUN.: ALL DAY MON. & THUR.: 7PM-CLOSE $2.50 22oz. 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