Atlantic City hosted its annual in-service retreat for approximately 700 city employees at a local waterpark. The event, which cost an estimated $30,000, included presentations, a comedy performance, and the option for attendees to purchase alcohol. While Mayor Marty Small Sr. highlighted the retreat as a team-building opportunity, some city council members have questioned its appropriateness, particularly the inclusion of alcohol and the use of taxpayer funds.
Key Takeaways
- Around 700 Atlantic City employees attended an annual retreat at Island Waterpark.
- The event cost $30,000 and featured presentations, a comedian, and alcohol sales.
- Mayor Marty Small Sr. defended the retreat as a morale booster and training opportunity.
- City Council member Jesse Kurtz raised concerns about alcohol consumption at a taxpayer-funded event.
- City Hall was closed to the public on the day of the retreat.
Annual Retreat Aims to Boost Morale
The recent in-service retreat, held last Friday, marked the third consecutive year for such an event. Mayor Marty Small Sr. stated that the purpose of the retreat is to foster team bonding among city employees. He emphasized a change in the city's work environment since he took office, noting that no previous mayor had provided similar training opportunities.
The event took place at Island Waterpark, located within the Showboat Resort Atlantic City. The estimated cost for the retreat was $30,000. During the first half of the day, employees attended sessions. These included an address from digital marketer Nehemiah Davis and a performance by comedian Keith Norman, also known as Kleon the Comedian.
Event Details
- Attendance: Approximately 700 city employees
- Location: Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort Atlantic City
- Estimated Cost: $30,000
- Activities: Presentations, comedy show, waterpark access
Concerns Raised Over Alcohol and Taxpayer Funds
The retreat has drawn criticism from some city officials. City Council member Jesse Kurtz, a Republican, questioned the decision to allow employees to purchase alcohol during an official in-service event. He specifically cited concerns about the use of taxpayer money for such an experience while employees were on the clock.
"I wonder if that is permitted by the employee handbook?" Kurtz stated, adding, "It certainly doesn't seem that having alcohol in a resort-type experience and the taxpayer's dime on the clock, that doesn't seem like a good idea."
Kurtz also highlighted the closure of City Hall to the public on the day of the retreat, suggesting a potential disruption to city services. He raised questions about the state's oversight, given that New Jersey has a takeover law for Atlantic City dating back to 2016.
State Oversight and Event Approval
A representative from the state, which maintains oversight of Atlantic City's finances and operations, reportedly attended the event. However, Lisa Ryan, a spokesperson for the state Department of Community Affairs, clarified that such in-service events held by Atlantic City do not require state approval. She directed all inquiries about the retreat back to the city administration.
Background on State Oversight
In 2016, New Jersey enacted a law granting the state greater oversight of Atlantic City's finances and operations. This measure was intended to help the city stabilize its economy and move towards self-governance. A 2018 report by special counsel Jim Johnson specifically recommended increased staff training as part of Atlantic City's path to regaining full autonomy.
Mayor Defends Event as Employee Benefit
Mayor Small has openly defended the retreat, emphasizing its positive impact on employee morale. He posted 74 photos and videos from the event on his Instagram account over the weekend, showcasing the activities and employee participation.
According to Mayor Small, employees were able to enjoy the waterpark and outside areas after the scheduled presentations concluded. He referred to the approximately 700 attendees as "grown adults" who were permitted to purchase alcohol. He also noted that similar retreats in the past two years did not face questions regarding alcohol.
Mayor Small's Stance
- Believes the retreat improves employee morale and changes city culture.
- Highlighted that past retreats with similar formats were not questioned.
- Stated that employees enjoyed the waterpark after the official program.
- Maintained that adult employees were permitted to purchase alcohol.
Honoring Former City Officials
This year's retreat, dubbed "Great Day," honored Ernest Coursey, Mayor Small's former chief of staff, who passed away on August 5 at age 62 after a battle with colon cancer. A previous retreat also honored former Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who died on August 1, 2023. These dedications underscore the mayor's view of the retreats as significant community and team-building events.
"The day was over, and the rest of the day, the employees got to enjoy themselves," Small said. "It wasn't just the waterpark; it was the outside area. This is the first time that all city employees are in one area, and like I've said, this has been a known fact for the last three years. This is not going to stop me. My employees love it. This is something new and exciting."
Ongoing Debate on Responsible Spending
Councilman Kurtz continued to question the judgment of state oversight in approving the use of tax dollars for an event that included alcohol. He argued that it reflects a "complete dropping of the ball when it comes to basic codes of conduct, oversight and responsible stewardship of tax dollars."
Mayor Small countered these criticisms by shifting focus to his administration's accomplishments. He highlighted efforts to improve city cleanliness and safety, address homelessness, and pave streets. He emphasized that the administration is actively working on critical issues for Atlantic City residents.
The debate over the employee retreat comes as Atlantic City faces other significant policy discussions. For example, the City Council recently introduced an ordinance to establish a cap on the number of retail cannabis dispensaries within the resort area. These discussions underscore the complex policy landscape in Atlantic City.
