Council honors volunteer Dan Myers and K-9 ERCO; recreation director outlines busy season and park projects

Somers Point — The Somers Point City Council used part of its meeting to recognize longtime volunteers and hear the Recreation Commission’s year-in-review, including an announced NJDOT grant for a multiuse path.

The council adopted Resolution 279 honoring the life and service of retired Somers Point Police Department canine ERCO, who joined the department in March 2013 and retired in January 2020; the resolution noted ERCO’s role in warrants, tracking, evidence recovery and community outreach and extended condolences to canine officer Rick Dill and the Dill family.

Later, the council adopted Resolution 278 recognizing Dan Myers for his leadership as chair of the Arts Commission since January 2022. Multiple council members and Arts Commission peers praised Myers for building classes, exhibits, securing venues such as the youth center and senior center for events, and for serving as the commission’s photographer.

Recreation Director Doug Shallcross presented the commission’s 2024 report, highlighting packed Friday beach concerts, expansion of kids’ programs (from four events in one year to planned increases), a citywide yard sale that grew from about 45 houses when restarted to 75 (fall) and 95 (spring), a trunk-or-treat event that drew more than 500 children, and a parade with more than 50 groups. Shallcross said the commission is planning a playground replacement at the beach and hopes to follow with work at JFK Park; staff are also pursuing additional AEDs for recreation facilities and improvements to storage and the little-league press box.

City engineer Snyder told the council the city received a New Jersey Department of Transportation 'Safe Routes to Transit' grant for $480,000 to construct a Broadway multiuse path linking recreation facilities.

Council members and residents offered public thanks to staff and volunteers for the holiday parade and community events.