Today's Show/Council Updates

Well, I really enjoyed the show today and I hope you had a chance to listen. Two guests popped in : Don Holdron (with the Delmarva Discovery Center) and Michael Day (Main Street Coordinator).

Don let us know about the upcoming Open House the DDC will be hosting next Thursday, the 23rd, from 5pm-8pm. He told us they are ready to receive the exhibits having 99% of the inside work completed. That's progress! I encourage you to get out and drop by the DDC and check out the progress. I believe you will be impressed.

Michael wanted to remind us that the "Eisenhower's" will be visiting the city at the Marva Performing Arts Theater next Saturday, the 25th, from 4pm-6pm. You can purchase your tickets at the door. Come enjoy this nostalgic trip into our past in this remodeled Art Deco Theater.

Third Street Issue
There was quite a bit of debate over the idea of changing Third Street to a One-Way street. The request came from the good folks at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Child Care Center and was supported by the Jewish Synagogue (also on Third St.). They wanted to afford greater protection for the unloading of children at the center and they also wanted to slow down the traffic flow. Councilman Bruce Morrison (3rd Dist.) made the motion to change the street to One-Way but could not get a second to his motion. Eventually, it was agreed to send the matter back to the Planning and Zoning Commission (who had forwarded the matter to the Mayor and Council previously) and ask them to reconsider the matter and look for other solutions.

I suggested that the flow remain two way with designated load/unload zones, improved sidewalk markings, and that we consider speed bumps strategically placed on the roadway on an experimental basis. This may be a good place to see how speed bumps may be used on public roadways under certain circumstances.

Master Comprehensive Plan
The plan was adopted and now stands as the guide for future growth and development in Pocomoke City. Councilwoman Cottman asked about future reviews of the document and there was agreement that the plan should be updated and reviewed every 24-36 months by Planning and Zoning. I am trying to make the plan available on line but we will provide a CD of the plan to anyone who asks. A hard copy may be viewed during normal business hours at City Hall, and I will also insure that a copy is available at the library.

Irrigation Well
The Council approved a request from the Jenkin's Orchard Homeowners Association to permit an irrigation well for their common plantings near the entrance. Tom Grigsby and Jeff Hurley were there to present the request.

Fuel Tank Regulations
An ordinance was passed which regulates and restricts any fuel storage tanks of 1000 gallons or greater from being in residential areas.

Annexation Request
Carlton Mason requested roughly 8 acres of his property to be annexed into the city limits. The property is located next to the Pahanka Collision property on Rt. 13 and includes the pond at the backside of the property. The Council agreed to forward the request to our Planning and Zoning Commission.

New Committees
The Council agreed to create two new committees for the city: The Christmas Parade Committee and the Pocomoke Fireman's Muster Committee. This came as a result of a request from these two groups as a means of providing oversight and coverage. The city will provide an audit process and access to liability coverage that may have inhibited these groups from continuing in the future.

Approval of Cedar/Eighth Street Intersection Work
This intersection is being straightened following a donation years ago of the land by the late Mrs. Coston Gladding for this purpose. A utility pole was moved and the work has now been contracted out for under $10,000.00.

Tax Abatement
The Council agreed to abate the property taxes for the Chamber of Commerce property. This is often done for non-profits and the Chamber as a means of support for their mission.

Cedar Street
The Council agreed to change the name of Woodbrook Drive to Cedar Street as this was the original intention of the Council which was overlooked by the developer. Since the street is aligned with Cedar Street, it only makes sense for Cedar to continue across the Bypass and into the new development. We believe this also promotes continuity in the city.