ATLANTIC CITY — Last Friday, some 700 city employees attended an in-service retreat at a local waterpark that included presentations, a comedian and, if they chose, alcohol.

It was the third-straight year for the teambuilding retreat, said Mayor Marty Small Sr., who described the $30,000 event at Island Waterpark at the Showboat Resort Atlantic City as a bonding opportunity for city employees.

"We have changed the climate and culture here since I've become mayor. No other mayor has provided training for employees like Mayor Small," Small said.

But the retreat, which resulted in City Hall being closed to the public Friday, has detractors.

"I wonder if that is permitted by the employee handbook?" said City Council member Jesse Kurtz, one of three Republicans on the council.

Kurtz said b

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