Weekly Update

Police

• A guest at the Quality Inn reported that his unlocked behicle had been entered and a few items were missing
• Active patrols continue on the waterfront as the department took on the Dock Master responsibilities this year. All live aboards on extended stays are being tied up on the western side of the drawbridge this year. Usage is up from previous years.
• National Night Out was deemed a great success with over 1000 hamburgers consumed and 1200 drinks provided. Neighbors came together for the annual summer cook out in Cypress Park for fun, food, and prizes.
• We were advised that we would not receive any grant money in the first round of COPS Grants from the Federal Stimulus Funds. Our low crime rate was a significant factor in their decision.

Finance

• Auditors were in town this past week reviewing our books. They will issue their annual report on the city's fiscal status in about 60 days.
• We continue to await our County Grant ($400,000.00) and the first round of Property Tax Collections from Worcester County. This year we saved money by having the county provide tax collection through their office and billing.

Cypress Park

• Paving contracts for the bike/walk paths will be opened on the 17th. This project is one of several being funded through Project Open Space funding.

Public Works

• Work should begin on the new well in the next two weeks. Somerset Drilling is our contractor for the project. We were successful in lobbying for stimulus money to pay for the project which is estimated at $368,000.00.
• We are in the process of advertising bids for our ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) upgrade to our Waste Water Treatment Plant. We have secured 90% grant funding for this project as well.
• Crews have been preparing the Fairgrounds for the Great Pocomoke Fair as well as doing a lot of trim work around the city.
• Repairs are being made to the horse barn and storage facilities at the Fairgrounds as well.
• Paving projects continued around town. Several areas of Eighth Street were repaired along with others.

West Nile Virus

• On August 6th, the Maryland Department of Agriculture reported a detection of West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool sampling from our area. While this is typical for this time of year. residents are cautioned to use proper precautions when performing outdoor activities. For additional information, contact the MDA at 410-841-5870 or visit them on the web at www.mda.state.md.us