American Education Week

This past week was American Education Week. I had the privilege of visiting our Elementary School as well as our Middle School during the week. On Tuesday, I was on hand at the Pocomoke City branch of the Worcester County Library to read to any pre-school children.

On Wednesday, I spent a half hour reading to fourth and fifth graders at the Middle School from The Adventures of Homer Price. I had a great time. It was nice that the students remembered me from their past field trips to City Hall during the past two years. All of the kids were well behaved and listened intently to the story.

I hope you had an opportunity to visit one or more of our schools during the past week. It is a real source of encouragement to the teachers and staff as well as a welcome surprise to the student body. When adults take the time to go, it sends a strong message to all involved that they care and want to be a part of the process we call education.

Even if you did not get a chance to drop by a school, make it a point to visit sometime in the coming weeks. It is important. Our children are our future and we have a responsibility to stay engaged in the process of their development.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• A resident in the 200 block of Walnut Street reported damage to two windows on his parked vehicle. The damage appeared to be the result of a BB-gun discharge.


• Our officers assisted the Maryland State Police with a stolen vehicle/vehicle chase which entered the city limits on Tuesday night. Our officers located two of the three suspects. The vehicle had been stolen from Prince George's County. Officers also recovered a firearm from one of the suspects.


• Jimmy Washington was charged with Trespassing at the Newtowne Apartments.


• Virgil Simms was arrested on an outstanding warrant from the Salisbury Police Department.


• Our officers responded to assist the Worcester County Sheriff's Office on three occasions in the past week.

Animal Control

• Our officers assisted the Worcester County Animal Control personnel with two Pit Bull Terriers running loose in the McDonald's Parking Lot. The animals were secured and removed from the premise.

Public Works

• The test adaptor for the fire hydrants should arrive next week. If it works as designed, the remaining order will be filled. The adaptors are required to insure that the hose connections are universal for all fire companies who may come to Pocomoke City to render assistance in an emergency.


• P&A Paving Contractors will begin paving the Golf Cart Paths, the Bike/Skate Board Park, Berwyck Circle, and Fourth Street in the coming two weeks.


• Crews worked on placement of Christmas decorations this week.


• Crews installed "No Parking" signs on Third Street in preparation for the changing parking pattern requested by citizens in the area and St. Mary's Church and Day Care Center.

Downtown

• A new privacy fence will be installed at Milano's Pizza to block the view of the dumpster and Propane tanks within the next two weeks.


• Demolition is on schedule for the former Liquor Store at the corner of Clarke and Willow.

EMS

• We have received over 20 applications for the Director's position. Interviews will be conducted following an initial review of qualifications.
• Unit A-2 is back in service following body damage repairs.

Golf Course

• Preparation for the new cart path sections was completed.
• To date we have had 46 Water Bills redeemed for play at the course.
• During the previous six months, 5,932 rounds of golf were played. This represents an increase of 500 rounds when compared with last years same period.

Ribbon Cuttings

• A grand opening has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 30th for the Worcester County Liquor Store following their move to Newtowne Blvd.

Upcoming Events

• Pocomoke's annual Christmas Parade will begin at 7:00pm on Monday, November 26th. A rain date is set for Wednesday the 28th.

Slots, Slots, & More Slots

I have previously stated my feelings regarding the use of Slots as a revenue source for government. On Tuesday, I attended the afternoon session of the Worcester County Commissioners and spoke to them regarding the issue of a casino operation in Pocomoke City. It seems there was an attempt by Delegate Jim Mathias to raise the idea of locating a Worcester County casino operation in Pocomoke City if it was not welcomed at Ocean Downs. The late Delegate Bennett Bozman had proposed something similar several years ago.

Well, they should have checked with us first. Much has changed in the past few years and the idea of locating a casino a quarter mile from our High School is totally unacceptable to the current Mayor and Council. With many looking for some options up in the north end of the county, it looked like they were standing in line to throw Pocomoke City under the bus.

Following many phone calls and two meetings with the County Commissioners, everything was straightened out. After all, Governor O'Malley is only interested in placing his bets at Ocean Downs with Mr. Riddick. In the end, it appears we will have a chance to voice our collective desires at the polls next November, then we can let the chips fall where they may (pun intended).

Basing tax collection and increased revenues on gambling is as risky as the gamblers themselves. At the same time, the current administration is also raising corporate taxes on business along with sales taxes. This is a recipe for corporate movement and folks voting with their feet. When you live so close to neighboring states as we do in Worcester County, folks can also shift money out of the state economy at will. This will only add to a further decline in collected revenues.

I could not help but notice that all of that money we were going to get back was snatched away and subjected to a quick evaporation process in Annapolis. The governor had to know this would happen, but he peddled that bill of goods none the less.

Hang on to your wallet! Three years may seem like an eternity.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• McDonald's reported receiving a counterfeit $10.00 bill during the past week.
• Ernest Chisum was cited for Theft from Wal-Mart
• Winifred Blake was arrested on an outstanding Worcester County Warrant.
• Vernita Barnard was arrested on a Wicomico County Warrant.
• Sherry A. Johnson was arrested on an outstanding Worcester County Warrant.
• Officers assisted the Maryland State Police and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office several times during the previous week.

Animal Control

• Worcester County Animal Control Officers picked up 8 Pit Bull Terriers from a Laurel Street residence last week. Our officers assisted them in the seizure.

Public Works

• SHA completed work on repairing the brick sidewalk overlays downtown this week.
• Winter Quarters Drive was paved, as was Hampshire Terrace.
• The Eighth and Cedar Street intersection is nearly completed.
• Crews attended to Christmas lighting downtown.
• Crews worked at patching numerous pot holes located in the city.

Golf Course

• Crews finished fertilizing fairways and trees this week.
• Final grading was completed on the new Tee Box at Hole #6.
• Crews began preparing for the paving of cart paths to begin next week.

Upcoming Events

• The Marva Performing Arts Theater will play host to the musical, "Satchmo and Hoagy"on November 17th and 18th.

Weekly Updates

Police Department

• Ronnie Collins was arrested on Market Street on an outstanding Arrest Warrant.
• Worcester County Parks and Recreation reported the theft of a 4-foot tall newly planted Oak tree from Newtown Park.
• Antonio Wharton was charged with Disorderly Conduct following an incident at Bradley Court.
• Two females were issued citations for theft (shoplifting) from Wal-Mart.
• City officers assisted the Maryland State Police on several incidents outside of the city.
• One of our surveillance cameras was malfunctioning and was replaced by the vendor.

Water & Waste water Department

• Several valves were replaced at our Quinn Street site along with routine sampling from our primary filters.
• A preliminary report was received from our contractor on the water tower located just off of the Pocomoke Beltway. A recent inspection found the tower to be in overall good condition. We are still waiting on a report referencing the tower site on 7th Street. The inspections also included cleaning and disinfection at the 7th Street site.

Finance Department

• The annual audit report was received this week from PKS and Associates. Representatives will be presenting their report in person at the next meeting of the Mayor and Council on Monday night.
• Our staff went to Chesapeake College where they took exams for enhanced additional licensing as Sewage Treatment Plant Operators.
• We are expecting the arrival of out Hydrant Adaptors very soon. The city as well as Fire Chief Dick Gladding are working with the vendor to insure the threads will work for all of our hydrants.

Planning

• We received our bound additions of the recently adopted Comprehensive Master Plan. The city will now move forward with a comprehensive review of Zoning issues in the coming month.

Public Works Department

• Crews worked to install a new piece of conduit across Winter Quarters Drive for the rerouting of electrical lines at the Golf Course.
• Crews worked on cement work around many water meter locations.
• Street sweeping was done around the city.
• Crews worked on construction of the new office space for the EMS Director at the City Offices for EMS on 8th Street.
• Paving began on several contracts in the city. Hampshire Terrace was paved on Thursday morning, and Winter Quarters is slated for next week. Other projects being done in the next two weeks will include 4th Street, Berwick Circle, Golf Course pathways, and the Bike/Skate Park pad site.

EMS Department

• The city continues searching for a new Director of EMS through various advertising venues.
• Ambulance A-2 is in for repairs at Pohanka Collision Center following the accident with a deer.

Local Upcoming Events

• The Pocomoke High School Marine Corp JROTC will conduct a ceremony recognizing the birthday of the US Marine Corp on Saturday, November 10th at the High School. All are invited to attend.
• The Samaritan Shelter will host their annual dinner at the Pocomoke Fire House on Friday, November 9th. Tickets are available for those interested.

November 5th Meeting

• The upcoming agenda for the meeting of the Mayor and Council is posted at the city's official web site: www.cityofpocomoke.com

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Ronnie Lee Collins received a citation for an Open Container of Alcohol


• Valentin Perez of Westover was charged with Shoplifting at Wal-Mart


• Marlon Jenkins was stopped for a traffic violation and was found to be wanted on an outstanding Worcester County Warrant. He was turned over to Worcester County authorities.
• Jessica Moorefield, of Parksley, was charged with theft after being caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart.
• Myesha Hinman was charged with theft after being caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart. Hinman was also charged with Possession of Marijuana.
• Days Inn employees had an altercation with a subject who broke into the hotel after hours in an apparent attempt to commit a robbery. After being confronted, the suspect ran away from the hotel. The investigation into the incident continues.

EMS Department

• One our our ambulances (A-2) struck a deer while on a run to McCready Hospital. While repairs are performed, Snow Hill Fire Company has generously allowed us the use of one of their units.
• We are receiving applications and phone calls in response to the Director of EMS position in wake of the resignation tendered by Director Contee.

Water/Sewer Departments

• The study of the problems associated with water flow in the Pocomoke Heights is nearing completion. Engineering consultant Ed Young will be on hand at the November 5th meeting of the Mayor and Council to provide some of his findings. He will also address the sewer flow following the study conducted of the Rt. 13 corridor.

Current Building Projects

• We have received several applications for building permits in the Woodland Manor subdivision on Cedar Street (extended) as well as the Cedar Pointe development.
• The old liquor store building at the corner of Clarke and Willow Streets will be razed following a contract signed by Mike Dunn with Harry White for the demolition work.
• The Dunn's will be constructing a screening fence to shield the trash receptacle and oil tanks from public view at Cafe Milano downtown.

Grand Opening

• Nuevo Leon, a recently opened Mexican restaurant will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday, October 27th, at 1:00pm. All are invited.

Weekly Update

Police Activities

• The YMCA reported the theft of a John Deere Riding mower valued at $1800.00. The key had been left in the mower.
• Phillip Ballard was charged with Second Degree Assault following an incident which occurred at Bel-Art Inc. located on Broad Street.
• Officers responded to Outten Brothers furniture to assist the Worcester County Sheriff's Office with two false alarms.
• The resident of 400 Laurel Street reported the theft of two televisions and a DVD player from her home. No forcible entry. The investigation continues.
• Justine Brown was located in the city and arrested on a warrant from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office.
• Albert Marshall was located in the city and arrested on a warrant from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office.

Public Works

• Crews dug up and repaired a damaged storm water pipe at the intersection of Cedar and Eighth Streets.
• The new street sweeper received an internal coating to protect the holding drum. It will see operation next week.

Golf Course

• Crews have been over seeding with rye grass. They have also been aerating the Tee Boxes and seeding the rough areas of the course.

City Code

• I have been trying to get the City Code posted on-line for easy access. Updates are being done by the City Clerk and the code should be available in the next two weeks.

New Business

• On Thursday, Nuevo Leon, our newest Mexican restaurant, opened for business on Newtowne Blvd. (next to Dominos Pizza).

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Commission will meet on Tuesday, October 23rd. The agenda will be as follows:

• Review of the recreational area for Fairground Meadows;
• Consideration of an annexation request from Mr. Kenny Lankford at 1519 Ocean Hwy.;
• Discuss density issues for Drawbridge Villas;
• Review of Cypress Center Business Park plans located on Ocean Hwy. being presented by Mr. Harold Scriminger.

Downtown Business

• The Downtown Loan Committee will meet at 3pm on Wednesday the 24th to review new loans for downtown facade improvements.