Summer Happenings

At the midway point of the summer, Pocomoke has been buzzing with activity and grand openings of all types. In June we were all invited to take part in the grand opening gala for the Delmarva Discovery Center. This tremendous project is the culmination of years of effort by a dedicated group of volunteers to see a regional, interactive museum serve as an attraction for the lower shore. A crowd of over 400 attended the event to recognize the accomplishment. Kudos abounded to Barbara Tull for her determination and work at seeing this dream become a reality. The center will also boast the largest public aquarium in the region (set for fall completion) where visitors will be able to view the river from a most unique perspective.

June also marked the reopening of the Black Water Café (Second and Willow Streets downtown) following a successful renovation. The café is offering extended hours of operation and a new karaoke night.

July marked the completion of the Discovery Nature Tail extension which provided a direct boardwalk link from the River Walk and making a connection with the original Cypress Nature Trail. The extension project provides a beautiful walk for visitors and is designed to be handicap accessible. The trail was engineered and designed to “float” on the ground and was carefully woven through the land with no negative impact to the environment. It is a nature lover’s dream come true and a great place to take a stroll on a warm summer day.

A companion book has been authored by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, with art work by Doug Dryden, which provides the background on the nature trail and serves as a guide to those exploring the trail. It is a beautiful, collectible book and is available at the Discovery Center Gift Shop. The proceeds from the book are being utilized to secure the future of the trail and to hire a Naturalist for the city who will provide tours and help maintain the city’s park and trail system.

July also saw the grand opening for “The Vault”, an antique specialty store providing one of a kind items through direct sales and Internet/Live auctions. Entrepreneur Eileen Kirkwood purchased the majestic old Peninsula Bank Building downtown and is already drawing folks from outside of the region to view her unique offerings. Kirkwood has big plans for her business and her expansion plans include an art studio downtown.

This summer has also seen visits by Senator Mikulski and Representative Kratovil to discuss the expansion of our Industrial Park in light of the developments at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Space Port on Wallops Island. We are working with Virginia to secure a rail spur which could direct link the Space Port with our Industrial Park. This will provide a more efficient means of transporting rocketry and satellite components from one place to the other. The prospects are exciting. We have enjoyed working closely with the Business and Economic Development Departments of Maryland and Virginia to insure the success and expansion of opportunity for our region.

There is a lot to be optimistic about on the lower shore. Take advantage of these new offerings this summer in Pocomoke City and don’t forget to take in a movie at the MARVA where a fully restored, art-deco theater waits with a comfortable chair; and the $5.00 price for first run movies is a recession buster.

There is a lot to see and do on the lower shore. Get out and explore!

Nature Trail Extended

This photo shows the hard work being done by members of the Nature Trail Committee and volunteers. You can see Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker in the foreground and Jim Norton wearing his "explorer" hat directing the work of volunteer young people. The trail extension, which is now complete, connects the river walk to the original nature trail for easy access. The trail runs right along the banks of the river and goes by Stevens Pond and onto the Golf Course. It was designed and engineered to provide a surface which "floats" on the ground. The new section was woven through some mature Cypress swamp and was designed to be handicap accessible. Hats off to the volunteers and Trail Committee Members for their efforts in making this dream a reality!

Weekly Update July 10th

Police Department

• Police responded to a domestic assault complaint at 718 Sixth Street.
• Officers responded to Wal Mart for a shoplifting complaint. Keyrria Tenai Corbin, 20, of New Church, VA was arrested and charged with: Theft, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Interference with an Arrest. Janet A. Sample, 20, of Pennsauken, NJ was also arrested for Theft.
• Officers responded to the America's Best Value Inn to assist the Department of EMS. Officers Tucker and Howe began CPR and activated their assigned AED to assist before the arrival of EMS. Their job performance under these circumstances generated Commendation Letter from the Worcester County Emergency Management Office.
• Police arrested Ceasar Sanchez Gomez, 34, and charged him with DUI and other traffic violations.
• Units responded to a hitch hiker on Rt. 13 reportedly carrying a sword. Police found Victor Wayne Taylor, 45, of Hallwood, VA and discovered that he was wanted on charges out of Florida. He was arrested and held without bond pending his extradition.
• Our officers assisted the Worcester County Sheriff's Office with four arrest warrants for persons located on Cedar Hall Road.
• Jerome Scruggs, 25, of 509 Bonneville Ave. was arrested for Second Degree Assault on Keisha Harris at 400 Walnut Street.

Public Works

• Crews began working on multiple paving jobs after obtaining hot mix from the asphalt plant.
  
• Mr. Bill Rice was contracted to install a new dry hydrant at the storm water management pond at Jenkins Orchard. This should assist in fire fighting efforts should the need arise.
• Crews worked on the Nature Trail and coordinated efforts with a volunteer youth group on the completion of the new boardwalk connections to the river.
• Bulk metal pick up was accomplished.
• The city tent was taken down following the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company annual Bar-B-Q on the highway.
• Crews installed connection lines for water and sewer for a new house on Eighth Street.
• Crews repaired a sink hole in the street at Second and Cedar Streets.
• A new hydrant was ordered for the Market Street hydrant in front of the Fire House.
• Serv-Pro began cleanup efforts at the administrative office for Public Works in preparation for the renovation following the arson fire.

Dignitaries/Visitors

• The city received a visit from Cabinet Secretary Raymond Skinner and his staff from the Department of Housing and Community Development. I took them on a tour of the Discovery Center as well as several business sites downtown and the MARVA Theater.
• Representatives from the State Highway Administration were in town to review our Nature Trail project and discuss sidewalk extensions.

New Business

• Eileen Kirkwood hosted a Ribbon Cutting for her new store, The Vault, located in the former Penninsula Bank building downtown. She is operating an antique emporium and live Internet auction site at the location which promises to be a great business venture.

Golf Course

• Crews continued debris cleanup from the last storm.
  
• Pesticides were applied to the greens.
• Fairways were manicured and irrigation utilized.
• Temporary workers were utilized for wood chipping underway.
• Mulch has been applied to various projects.

Sewage Treatment Plant

• The city continues to move forward with required ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) for our plant. Engineering studies have to be submitted by the end of the month to assist in securing additional funding from the Stimulus Funds. We have already secured funding from the State Flush Tax account for much of the expansion and changes required.
  

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Larry Collins on Lynnhaven Drive reported that his vehicle received some damage and several items had been removed including: a stereo system, two speakers, and the third row seat for a Ford Expedition.
• Teresa Williams of Carsons Court reported that her door was damaged by three subjects who entered her residence and then fled on foot.
• Police recovered a $5.00 counterfeit bill from the Stop and Shop store. The money was recovered from Eric Bishop who stated he had received it from T's Corner. The bill was turned over to the US Secret Service.
• During the past month, police issued nine (9) abandoned vehicle notices. They further identified 23 out-of-state vehicles who are suspected of being Maryland residents.
• Absolute Security was able to debug some of the recent problems we were experiencing with our surveillance camera system. They are all functioning as they should.

Planning and Zoning

• Tom Grigsby has been named as the Chairman of Planning and Zoning. Tom replaces Chairman Royce Smith who will remain as an Alternate Member of the Board.
• The Commission forwarded a recommendation to the Mayor and Council to approve a small building extension for Hardwire LLC on Quinn Avenue.

Water and Sewer

• Crews completed the installation of a new 8-inch water line from Dorchester Avenue to Central Avenue. They also made significant progress on the new line running to Bel Air Avenue. These lines connect to a 10-inch line on Lynnhaven Drive and should greatly improve water quality and circulation in the Pocomoke Heights. Prior to being utilized, super chlorination must occur and residents will be kept advised on dates and times.

New Business

• Joseph Waters has applied for and received a Business License to operate the Bank Street Garage at 428 Bank Street. This is the former location of David Stewart's Garage.

Old Business

• Authorities from banks in Pennsylvania arrived at the former Bonanza Restaurant to change the locks and secure the premise. The future of the site remains unsure, however it is being looked at by a local restaurant owner.

Golf Course

• Crews completed the installation of new exterior doors on the cart rental shed.

EMS Department

• Our crews have not dropped a call in months and have been successful at responding with three crews when needed. This is a terrific turnaround for the department.
• Free CPR Classes have been offered and classes are always full. Those wishing to take these classes can sign up by calling City Hall.

MARVA Theater

• The Wizard of Oz was a great success. Hundreds came to the free shows and many new members were signed up over the weekend. It was great seeing the show on the big screen for the first time in the theater since it previewed in the 30's.

Election News

• The Filing Deadline for the upcoming election in Districts 4 and 5 is Friday, February 6th. Candidate requirements and filing information is available at City Hall. To date, the incumbents have filed for reelection:

District 4-Tracey Cottman;

District 5 Rob Clarke.

2008 in Review

Pocomoke City 2008 Review
By Mike McDermott, Mayor

2008 was great for Pocomoke City! We enter the New Year with the fantastic announcement by Orbital Science and the secured contract for multiple cargo rocket launches from Wallops Island over the next few years. The billions of dollars invested into this resupply system for the International Space Station will provide a recession proof economic boost to our area. Talk about a Christmas present!
The success of the Space Port is just one of the many highlights we experienced in the city over the past year. Being named Maryland’s “Capitol for a Day” in August was quite an honor for all of our citizens and the lower shore. It provided Governor O’Malley a chance to view many of the completed projects in Pocomoke City, conduct a tree planting ceremony, recognize and congratulate our Maryland State Championship teams, tour our beautiful river, visit our bustling Industrial Park, and complete his journey at the Great Pocomoke Fair.
We celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Captain John Smith’s exploration and landing near Pocomoke City with a visit by the crew sailing the shallop replica making the long, commemorative journey. It was appropriate that the hand made boat would dock alongside the recently opened Delmarva Discovery Center where folks could learn and continue their “discovery” of the river and our heritage.
2008 saw the opening of our Skate/Bike Park providing our young and young at heart a safe place to ride and perform their daring fetes of skill. Thanks to hard work from the Nature Trail Committee and Public Works staff, several hundred feet of new floating boardwalk was added to the existing trail with final connections slated for a spring completion. A new book detailing the nature trail and surrounding area by local Doctor Ritchie Shoemaker is on it’s way to the publisher. Proceeds will go toward funding a Naturalist position to work with the city and the Discovery Center. Another work was published and distributed this year detailing much of the History of Pocomoke City by local authors Robin Chandler-Miles and Norma Miles. Both of these are available at the Discovery Center Gift Shop.
There was big kudos going out to public safety in the past year. The Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company competed Phase I of their new headquarters on Market Street. This beautiful addition to city architecture will be an admirable presence for decades to come. The Police Department received National Accreditation by CALEA joining a small percentage of agencies able to meet the tough demands and requirements established for such recognition. Our National Night Out program conducted by the department was ranked 22nd in the nation. This is an incredible accomplishment for our community.
Continuing in the line of Public Safety have been the many improvements and accomplishments of our Department of Emergency Medical Services. The department now maintains three ambulances and is often able to generate even third duty crews when required. Our staff has conducted classes for the public on CPR and First Aid and look forward to continued positive strides in 2009
2008 was an amazing year of sports for Pocomoke High School Teams. We were able to claim the crown for three Maryland State Championships in Soccer, Field Hockey, and Basketball. Perhaps an even greater award is the continual recognition our players receive for the sportsmanship they display on the fields or on the courts. This never hurts with our reputation as “the friendliest town on the eastern shore”.
The Mar-Va Performing Arts Theater opened in the past year and began showing movies in December when “The Polar Express” was shown to big crowds the week of Christmas. The movies follow many successful events and productions hosted by the Mar-Va during the past year, and many more are on the way.
The city received a great audit report for the previous fiscal year and ends this year with revenue projections ahead or on target for this fiscal year. We were able to provide a reduction in taxes for homeowners while holding the line on water and sewer rates in 2008.
Our municipal golf course, Winter Quarters, saw increased play and many improvements including new cart paths, underground utilities, and several new pieces of service equipment which have aided in beautifying the course.
Our Planning and Zoning Board is busy putting final touches on our new Zoning Code which will be presented in early 2009. The city also received a grant from the state providing needed funds for mandated changes that must be accomplished within our Master Comprehensive Plan by 2010. Funding for Phase I of our Enhanced Nutrient Removal at our Sewage Treatment Plant was also granted to the city. This will allow us to further upgrade our system to comply with future goals in the ongoing efforts aimed at cleaning up the Bay.
Public Works crews are busy making the finishing connections for several dead end lines in the Pocomoke Heights. The new project, tying in access to a 10-inch main line should provide increased circulation and improvement to overall water quality for many households.
Community support and efforts focused by the Pocomoke Soroptomist Club and the Samaritan Shelter Board resulted in a significant expansion of the current facilities. The increased space will provide a better means of aiding individuals with children who need a temporary place to call home. Pocomoke City is one of only a few communities on the shore who has this type of outreach for those in need. “Hats off “to all who help in this wonderful endeavor.
New businesses opening their doors in 2008 included the 10th Street Pharmacy, Tractor Supply Company, The Backpack Educational Supply Store, Black Water Café, The Bay Queen Tour Boat Company, The Book Store on 2nd Street, Homespun Treasures, and the Good News Bookstore on 4th Street. The city also said “goodbye” to Trader’s Chicken after 28 years of serving our community.
Pocomoke City saw areas of large expansion in our Industrial Park. This includes the work being performed at the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology, the HAWK Institute, Bennelli Arms, and the new river front headquarters and production facilities of Hardwire Company. Pocomoke City is fast becoming the place for state of the art plastics, aerospace and defense contractor development on the shore; and the future is very bright.
Sadly, 2008 also found our Public Works Facilities destroyed by the actions of an arsonist. The loss to the city was great, but through insurance negotiations and the hard work of our staff, our citizens did not experience any significant loss of services during those tough times. It is a credit to our resilience as a city, our fiscal principles, and the much appreciated offers of assistance from our neighboring cities and towns.
Looking ahead in 2009, we will see continued improvements to Cypress Park in time for the Cypress Festival, a new well, a new Public Works Facility, a new Fire House Community Center (Phase II), and the completion of the Delmarva Discovery Center. It is possible that the foundation for a new river front restaurant will be laid by the end of the coming year along with continued investment and redevelopment of our downtown core.
We have a lot to be thankful for in 2008 and so much to look forward to in 2009.

Updates

I want to apologize for not being more consistent in posting on my site during the past month. My plan is to continue to update you on a weekly basis with a report on city wide activities and to provide more commentary on events or other news worthy items.

I want to remind you that I host a weekly radio show on WBEY 97.9 fm and WGOP 540 am from 10:30-11:00 am every Wednesday. I hope you can take the time to listen to the show. I often bring in guests to talk about the goings on in our area and it is a lot of fun.

Look for several updates this weekend!!!

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Twice this week police responded to the Skate/Bike Park for juveniles not wearing proper safety equipment. They were advised on the requirements.
• McDonald's reported they had received a counterfeit $50.00 bill. The case was turned over to the Secret Service.
• Worcester County Animal Control responded to Second Street near Oak Street for a Pit Bull Terrier on the loose.
• Dollar General reported a shoplifting theft and called in a description of the vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and investigated further. This resulted in the arrest of Alfreda Corbin, 46 years old, for the theft of $31.00 worth of items from the store.
• Allen Holland reported the theft of his bicycle from in front of Advanced Auto.
• Officers responded to 504 Moore Street for a domestic disturbance. After investigating the incident, officers arrested Anthony Holden and Juanita Holden for Assault.

Water/Sewer Department

• Our staff continued their training with our consultant on ways to upgrade the performance of our plant operations as well as cost saving measures which can be implemented. This has been an ongoing review of the overall operations of the plant.

Public Works

• Interviews were conducted of several job applicants for work in our Public Works Department.
• Crews serviced the basketball courts located behind the Middle School.
• Several parcels of city owned/controlled property are now being serviced by a private contractor as a cost saving measure for employee time.
• Crews serviced and worked on the City Horse Stables located at the Fairgrounds.

Golf Course

• Crews worked on applying fertilizer to the greens.
• Crews worked on chipping brush and trees.
• New mowing equipment has been ordered for the course.

EMS Department

• CPR classes are being conducted by personnel from the department. Anyone interested in taking the three hour class can contact City Hall at 410-957-1333. The classes will be held in August.

MARVA Theater

• The MARVA nears completion as the balcony seats are expected to arrive this week ready for installation. The original order was no to specifications.
• A Swing Band will be in concert on Thursday night, July 31st. Cost is $10.00.

New Business

• The final permits are expected to be issued this week for the new Tractor Supply Company which will be located in the old Ames buidling at Market Street Plaza.