Fishing At The Docks

My dad was out from Oregon last week for a visit. He always enjoys coming out to Pocomoke City and he always marvels at the changes from year to year. We enjoyed golfing at Winterquarters and catching a few catfish down at the docks.

Fishing has always been one of my favorite pastimes. It is also something that I never quite find enough time to enjoy. I use to marvel at the apparent limited use and undiscovered nature of the Pocomoke River and I continue to do so to this day. There are simply not many places in the country where one can sit on a bench at a city dock catching dinner while an eagle flys at tree top level overhead. Yet, such is the case in Pocomoke City.

One thing I noticed while dad and I chatted was the lack of seating that was available for the public on our boardwalk piers. Very little indeed. After dad went back home, I mentioned it to the City Manager and asked him to order some additional benches which we could anchor to the boardwalk at various locations. I believe there are many who enjoy taking a walk and would like to simply take the time to watch the river flow past as they muse on the events of the day while seated in a comfortable location.

If you might be interested in purchasing one of these benches as a memorial for a loved one, please let me know. I think it would be great to have these benches available and a nice plaque placed on them indicating in whose memory they were donated.

Skate/Bike Park Update

While we are waiting for the final approval from the Maryland Department of Public Works to start spending money, we have money to move forward with the paving and pad set up in Cypress Park.

At our September meeting, the Council will approve various bids for several paving projects in the city and the skate/bike park pad is one of those projects. We hope to secure several bids for the project and then to move forward as quickly as possible.

Who's Moving All That Dirt???

Out on Rt. 13 next to Midway Chevrolet, there is a lot of dirt being moved around and it is exciting to see!

Mr. Harold Scriminger is the owner/developer of the 40 acre parcel which was annexed into the city last year. He will be extending water service to the parcel as well which will be a big boost for the city to have water services moving down the highway.

Plans call for a parkway to run from the highway to Old Virginia Road with access points for future development on either side. A motel and Wa Wa style store would face the highway and multiple clusters of professional/retail units would be available off of the parkway. This type of connectivity with other properties and the encouragement of secondary roadways is exactly where the city is headed based upon our Comprehensive Plan.

It has taken Mr. Scriminger a lot of work thus far to secure all of the necessary permits to accomplish this project, but he is well on his way to making it a reality! Great news for the city!

A Meeting With Somerset County

The following is a letter I sent to Mr. Daniel Powell, CAO of Somerset County requesting to be placed on their September 4th Agenda:

Mr. Daniel Powell, CAO August 17th, 2007
Somerset County, Maryland

Dear Mr. Powell:

I have asked to be place on the September 4th agenda so that I may address some concerns that I have with the proposed Ethanol Fuel Refinery in southern Somerset County.
When we first spoke with Chesapeake Renewable Energy in the fall of 2006, the water needs of the plant were discussed and we were assured that their draw (stated to be 200,000 gallons per day) would not be taken from the Pocomoke Aquifer (our municipal source). We were also assured that we would be involved in future discussion regarding this proposed plant.
This makes sense, as it is located a very short distance from our city. Other than a discussion concerning the off loading of corn from the river, we have had no discussions with the owners. We have not been included in your discussions, as well, prior to your approval being granted for the plant construction. This is of great concern.
First, I am concerned about the protection of the Pocomoke Aquifer as it relates to the well being the water source for our city of 5000 residents, and thousands of others who have individual well systems in our area. The MDE Permit Application indicates they wish to draw up to a million gallons per day from the Patapsco Aquifer. The application further indicates a desire for the Pocomoke Aquifer to be a secondary source for the proposed plant. Since it is highly unlikely that they will achieve a flow rate from the Patapsco relative to their demands, I have no doubt the Pocomoke Aquifer will come into immediate usage.
We have been diligent to apply smart growth standards and have limited our growth areas to comply with the concerns of the State of Maryland, Worcester County, and the wishes of our residents. This includes managed growth practices and the security of our water recharge areas in support of the available supply of water necessary for the continued growth and prosperity of our city. It is projected that our water needs will increase 50 to 100% over the next 12 years relative to economic prosperity and development. I want to insure that our needs will not be limited by one large, industrial user.
Second, I am concerned that you elected not to contact my Fire Chief to allow our Fire Company to participate in the process of evaluating the fire suppression needs of this refinery. While I understand you may have consulted with Princess Anne, they are not the ones charged with protecting the proposed facility. There may be additional equipment that we would want to see provided by the owners for our company to insure the safety of our firemen and the overall aspects that affect the public safety of our community.
Third, you have not spoken with us concerning the affects this plant may have on our community relative to the potential evacuation process posed by the inherent dangers of this industry. A fire and explosion on site are one thing, but toxic fumes from such a fire are quite another. Most of these plants around the country have a 2.5 mile radius evacuation plan implemented along with an additional 2.5 miles of “Shelter Inside” plans in place. None of this has been discussed with Pocomoke City or Worcester County.
We want to be a good neighbor. We desire the jobs which are created through industrial development. However, we do not want to sacrifice or otherwise limit our future growth and development potential by failing to examine all of the factors involved with this type of industry.
The health and safety of our citizens and our environment is of paramount importance as I’m sure you would agree, and there are many issues that need to be addressed before we embrace this proposed facility. I look forward to discussing this with the Commissioners on September 4th.



Very Sincerely,



Michael A. McDermott, Mayor
Pocomoke City, Maryland

Tough Questions For Ethanol

Many thanks to a concerned citizen who is helping me with research on the subject of Ethanol and the potential impact on our community. Check out this article from our neighbors to the south:

PORTSMOUTH MESSAGE ON ETHANOL PROPOSAL IS SIMPLE: GO AWAY
By MEGHAN HOYER, The Virginian-PilotPORTSMOUTH -- City leaders have a message for a company looking to build theworld's largest ethanol refinery just steps from Portsmouth's border: Wronglocation, wrong time.On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously opposed the ethanol plant and askedChesapeake's council to deny it a use permit unless the project's developercan "fully document that it will not adversely affect communitypreservation, quality of life, or public health."International Bio Energy Virginia LLC's proposed refinery would produce 216million gallons of ethanol a year at a riverfront site off Victory Boulevardless than a half-mile from residential neighborhoods. But the company stillhasn't answered crucial questions about pollutants, traffic, health concernsand its business model, Portsmouth council members said."The issues that we've identified are significant," Councilman Doug Smithsaid. "And we haven't been able to come up with a way to overcome thoseissues."We don't want to be the guinea pig."Portsmouth's opposition, however, doesn't mean the refinery project won't bebuilt.Because the plant would be built in Chesapeake, only that city's council hasthe power to reject the plant's use permit. Chesapeake's vote could come asearly as October.On Tuesday, Chesapeake City Manager William Harrell acknowledged that therewere still gaps in the city's information. The Chesapeake council asked citystaff to research the refinery's potential environmental impact and itswater usage.The council also heard from several residents opposed to the project. Chiefamong neighbors' concerns are worries about the plant's safety - ethanol canbe combustible - noise, traffic, and its odors and emissions.Before the Portsmouth council, engineer Rick Starnes, whose company isconsulting International Bio Energy Virginia, said the $400 million projectwould boost the local economy by providing jobs and creating clean fuel forVirginians. He insisted the company's technology is environmentally friendlyand safe.His comments were dismissed by council members."You're wasting your time trying to get us to do something that's certainlynot in the best interests of our citizens' health and well-being," Mayor JimHolley said. "It's an insult for you to come to a meeting - this thing hasbeen going on for two years... and you want us to double-cross our citizens?We're not going to do it."- - -Staff writer Mike Saewitz contributed to this report.Meghan Hoyer, (757) 446-2293, meghan.hoyer@pilotonline.com# # #

Water in the Heights

Pocomoke Heights
Water quality has been a long standing issue for many who live in the Pocomoke Heights. A comprehensive city wide engineering project performed over 15 years ago was suppose to eliminate the problems in our system. The improvements went a long way to solving many of the flow and circulation issues in the citywide system, but some continued to experience heavy concentrations of iron in their water.

When I took office, I asked the Council to review the situation and include an engineering study in the coming fiscal budget. The study was commissioned and the city attempted to increase the circulation in the area by flushing hydrants on a regular basis. This flushing action did help to some degree but has been merely a stop gap measure.

We received an update from Mr. Ed Young who is the principal engineer responsible for the study. Following an extensive survey of residential customers and the testing of their water samples, Mr. Young is now preparing a flow test to determine if there are any lines which are restricting the flow rate. His staff also located several valves in the system which had apparently been left closed. These valves have been opened and he is monitoring the results.

Following the flow rate testing, the results will be analyzed and recommendations made as to how the problems may be corrected. We would like to see this completed in the next 90 days.

Storm Water Studies
The current budget includes money for two additional engineering studies of White Oaks/Homewood Drive area as well as the Jenkin's Orchard area concerning storm water management. The city would like to solve the problems associated with storm water collection and removal from these areas and the engineering study was the place to start.

Our Public Works staff has also spent much time clearing surface ditches which has helped with runoff (particularly in White Oaks).

These are the very reasons it is so important to conduct due diligence with new development to insure that proper storm water management practices are adhered to and that problems (such as those the city is dealing with now) are eliminated and addressed from the start.

I will keep you posted on all of these projects.

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.

Council Meeting Updates & More

I will be discussing yesterday's council meeting on my weekly radio show beginning at 10:30am on AM540 WGOP.

We had a good showing of citizens in the Council Chamber on Monday night, and I truly appreciate folks taking the time to witness the work of their local government. Here is just a glimpse of what I will discuss on the air:

• A one way street is heavily debated
• updates on Pocomoke Heights Water Study-interesting findings
• Another annexation request
• Roadwork to soon begin on a long awaited project
• Two new committees to be created by the city

That's just a few of the items and there's more in store.

Following the radio show, I will be posting the updates here in case you do not have an opportunity to listen.

It is another gorgeous day in Pocomoke City. I have been enjoying a week long visit with my dad who flew in from Oregon last week. We have play few rounds of golf and done some fishing down at the docks. All in all, a very relaxing time.

Today, I will meet with a Cabinet Secretary from the Governor's Office and give him a tour of some of the sites around town which have received State Legacy Funds. I will put out a post on this meeting sometime tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day!

Council Meeting Tonight

If you are ever interested in viewing the council agenda prior to our meetings, please go to the city web site: www.cityofpocomoke.com . The agenda is posted on Friday prior to the Monday meeting.

You can also check the minutes from previous council meetings. Minutes of council meetings must be voted on for acceptance prior to being considered "official", therefore the previous meeting minutes are not available until they are approved at the next meeting.

The city site also has a calander page where you can find upcoming dates to keep in mind. If you want to know when the next Bulk Day is, just check out the calander. Upcoming dates of the Mayor and Council are also listed as are city festivals, etc.

Not every council member makes themselves available through direct email, however you can reach your council representative by sending your email through the City Clerk: carol@cityofpocomoke.com

You can also call city hall and leave a message for them to contact you: 410-957-1333.

Please feel free to email me with your concerns and I will insure they are forwarded to the proper persons: mayormcdermott@cityofpocomoke.com