The following is a synopsis of the actions taken by the City Council on October 1st, 2007. These are my "unofficial" minutes of the meeting, to wit:
- The Mayor and Council recognized the twelve years of service provided by Mr. Steve Aron as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Aron was a big help in completing the Master Comprehensive Plan during the past two years. His presence will be missed. He was presented a certificate in recognition for his service.
- I signed a Proclamation declaring October 14th, 2007 as "Neighbors Helping Neighbors Day" in Pocomoke City. This is in recognition of the ongoing efforts to rebuild the burned out Worcester County Developmental Center in Newark. Several events are planned on this date to draw attention to the plight of those folks most affected by this tragic loss. The Council also agreed to make a donation on behalf of Pocomoke City of $1000.00 in support of the center.
- A Permit to discharge firearms in the city limits was granted to the Bayshore Gobblers Association in support of their annual event held at the Pocomoke City Fair Grounds on October 6th. This is a youth oriented event and the public is invited to attend and find out more about this organization and their efforts to promote safe hunting experiences.
- City Police Chief J.D. Ervin presented facts and figures to us regarding activities of the department during the previous four months. Some documented highlights included over 4000 patrol/premise checks along with hundreds of Foot Patrol assignments to improve neighborhood contacts. The Chief advised that the newest surveillance cameras were still being installed and he hoped to have them up and running soon. (Three are currently in operation and two more are in process).
- The Council adopted Resolution #395 which establishes and outlines the composition and organization of the police department. This resolution was passed in support of the CALEA certification process being sought by the department.
- Long time City Police Lieutenant Lee Brumley was promoted from his current rank to the rank of Captain effective January 1st, 2008 with the commensurate pay grade. This was well received by Council members and citizens in attendance who were familiar with the long standing work and reputation of Lt. Brumley.
- Resolution #412 was presented and adopted by the Council. The resolution was in support of several Community Legacy Grant Applications currently being submitted by the city. Those projects included: Money for the renovation and rehabilitation of the old Fire House Building in support of moving the police headquarters to that location when the Fire Department moves into their new building; Money for some projects a the Costen House Museum including fencing and a new door; and Operational Start Up funding for the Marva Performing Arts Theater project. This resolution was passed on the first reading as an "Emergency Resolution" due to the time constraints of the grant deadlines.
- Bids for several paving projects were presented and approved. These paving projects included: Winter Quarters Drive, Fourth Street, Hampshire Terrace, Golf Cart pathways, Skate/Bike Park Pad in Cypress Park, along with patching projects on several streets. Chesapeake Paving and P&A Paving were the low bidders on these projects. In all cases, the lowest bids were accepted by the Council.
Planning And Zoning Recommendations
- New plans for Beracah Homes on the old site of Regent Homes were recommended for acceptance by the commission. Mr. Lee Williams was on hand to go over the details of the new proposed building site plan. This plan was approved as submitted. The new business will feature Beracah Homes instead of the Regent brand which were previously marketed on the site.
- The Council accepted the recommendation of the commission for the Phase II development of the Woodland Manor Subdivision located across the street from the High School. Phase II includes 22 additional home sites and will directly tie in to the current Phase I project. Phase III will develop the remainder of the property and include another entrance/exit on Old Virginia Road. Mike Hall, the principal developer, was on hand to respond to any questions. He had a brief discussion with the Council in response to when the final top coat would be paved on the new Cedar Street extension. He advised this would happen in the next 60 days and was already under contract.
Annexation Proposals
- Mr. Lee Williams representing Gate World Properties, LLC, discussed a proposal to bring water and sewer service to a 10 acre Commercial parcel located next to Bonanza Restaurant on Rt. 13. His company wishes to develop the site and has already received inquiries from a major restaurant chain and hotel complex for the location. After discussing the concept, the issue was forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further deliberations and consideration.
- The first reading of Resolution A-07-03 was presented. This annexation concerns property located on Rt. 13 next to the Pahanka Collision Center and is owned by Mr. Carlton Mason. It comprises approximately 8.1 acres. A Public Hearing and the Second Reading will be performed at the next meeting of the Mayor and Council in November.
Items Brought Up By Council Members Not On The Agenda
- Councilwoman Cottman advised that Lt. Gov. Brown would be the host of a breakfast meeting at the Henson Center at UMES on October 13. The Public is invited.
- Councilman Cane reminded the Council that a plaque honoring Rev. Issac Jenkins would e unveiled at 4pm at New Macedonia Church on October 7th. This plaque will be placed on the renovated Train Station Building in his honor.
- Councilman Hawkins and Councilman Morrison brought up the need for enforcement of city ordinances relative to the screening of garbage dumpsters at several locations as well as some unsightly properties with junk equipment stacking up in the downtown area. The City Manager was instructed to address this issue and make a report to the Council.
- Councilman Morrison asked about the status of the Dunn property located at the corner of Clarke Avenue and Willow Street known as the "old liquor store building". City Manager Blake advised that the Dunn's have secured a firm to conduct demolition of the building and it should be brought down soon. The building is currently under a Repair/Demolish Order of the City.
- I requested an update on the Height's Water Study. City Manager Blake advised that the study had revealed two dead end lines and several valve problems. George E. Young Engineering is currently conducting an additional sampling from homes on Dorchester Street to get a better representation of this block since the original sampling in the area was light. Dorchester and Belair Streets have been determined to have the most problems. I advised him that we would like to see the study completed by the next meeting.
Public Comments
- Mr. Bill Kerbin reported that the Homewood Drive area had experienced another power outage approximately three weeks ago. The City Manager was instructed to make another call to DP&L regarding our continued concerns for action to resolve this matter.
