Weekly Report

Police Activities

• Beverly Walters reported that someone broke into her vehicle which had been parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot.
• Police assisted Theodore Townsend of Bank Street in the recovery of a stolen dog from his residence. The recovery was made from a residence on McMichael Avenue and charges are pending.

Surveillance Cameras

• Two additional camera sites were established: one at Fourth Street and Bonneville Avenue and one at Fourth Street and Cedar Street.

Public Works

• The recently ordered Street Sweeper was delivered on Friday and will be in use soon around the city.
• A sewer line was replaced near Hartley Hall on Cedar Street to improve flow.
• Staff replaced a motor in one of the Public Works vans.

Golf Course

• Fertilizing and preparing the greens for winter continues.
• Underground placement of electric line is being plotted with DP&L.
• Irrigation areas are being addressed.

Grant Funding

• The city filed paperwork seeking grants totalling over $180,000.00 through Community Legacy funds. This money is for a variety of projects.

Project Open Space Funds

• The State Board of Public Works announced the final approval for several projects in Pocomoke City.
• $27,000.00 for Fairgrounds Building Improvements.
• $37,000.00 for Winter Quarters Cart Path Improvements, benches, picnic tables, etc.
• $35,000.00 for placement of electric lines underground at Discovery Center and Farmer's Market area of Cypress Park.
• $43,000.00 for Skate/Bike Park to be located in Cypress Park.

Upcoming Events

• Ribbon Cutting for Shore Bank offices at Market Square Plaza Saturday, October 13th at 10am.
• Fireman's Muster and Olympics downtown Pocomoke City on Sunday, October 14th beginning at 9am.

City Council Action

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.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• A complaint was received concerning juveniles receiving tattoos from an unlicensed operator in the city limits. An investigation identified Sonny James Kelly, 37, as the one responsible for giving tattoos to two juveniles at a residence in Wendy Garden Apartments. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Kelly for his actions.
• Harry Cropper reported that someone had broken the window of his vehicle while it was parked at 718 Sixth Street.
• Charles Preston Collins was issued an Alcohol Citation for possessing an Open Container of Alcohol on Bonneville Avenue.
• Jeffrey Alan Hickman drove his vehicle through the barricades on the Pocomoke River Drawbridge causing $3,000.00 in damages.
• A call was received in the area of 400 Bank Street that Marlon Dewayne Jenkins was threatening to shoot another person. Jenkins drove away but was located by officers and apprehended. He was also found in possession of CDS and CDS paraphernalia. He was placed in the Worcester County Jail under bond.
• A man reported that he had been assaulted by several other men in the area of Young Street. He was transported by Pocomoke EMS to the hospital. The investigation continues.
• Gregory Holden, 511 Cedar Street, reported a burglary of his residence. The back door was damaged but no items were reported stolen.
• Following a traffic stop, Leroy John Hope was arrested on a Wicomico County Warrant.
• David Lewis Lynn, 49, was arrested for DWI on Route 13.
• A bicycle was reported stolen from 618 Walnut Street.
• Worcester County workers located several firearms at the Bunting Road Bridge which is undergoing repairs. They were found to have been stolen two years ago from a residence on Eighth Street. The investigation continues.
• A golf cart at the YMCA was damaged when the cart rolled over. Damage was estimated at $200.00.
• Police warned several property owners to remove abandoned vehicles located on their property or face fines and removal charges.

Public Works

• Work was done on storm drains this week.
• Grass cutting at the lagoons and Waste Water Treatment Plant.
• Repairs made at the Firehouse.
• Repairs made at the EMS Building.

Golf Course

• Crews worked on equipment repairs.
• Gypsum was applied to the greens.
• Repairs were made on the irrigation system.
• Regular grass cutting and weed eating.

Finance Department

• The city received annual Business Taxes from Wal-Mart totalling $111,130.00

Fairgrounds Events

• The Bay Shore Gobblers Chapter NWTF will sponsor a youth event at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 6th.

Downtown Association

• The annual Downtown Block Party will be held Saturday (tomorrow), September 29th in front of the Marva Theater as well as inside of the theater. The outside car show begins at 6pm and the Marva will open its doors at 7pm. A Beer Garden and entertainment provided by the Funsters will be on stage. Cost is $10.00.

Are Slots The Answer?

Governor O'Malley wants to move forward with some aggressive new taxes and an increase in gambling in Maryland in order to offset the projected budget deficit. Today on my show, I spent some time talking about gambling as a means of raising revenue in support of government spending.

I do not believe the government should raise revenues from gambling. I mean, consider that the Governor's proposed spending package includes setting aside 6 million dollars a year in support of those suffering from Gambling Addictions. This should raise all of our eyebrows. Traditionally, gambling preys on those who can least afford to lose money in the first place. Is this where we should be trying to find revenue?

Gambling is a limited revenue. There is a limit to the number of folks who will come to casinos to pull the one armed bandits and we will find ourselves in competition with our border states for those same dollars. Surely, other gamblers will be created in Maryland, but is this a good thing?

It is my experience that government is addicted to money and spending. Government never received an increase in spending that it ever gave back. If slots revenues come in as projected at 150 million dollars, it will only take two or three years for the state to absorb this money and then come back for more. More slots, more casinos, and more money for those suffering from Gambling Addictions. More problem families. More poor choices.

Maryland State Government sold the citizens of this great state over twenty years ago on having a lottery system. The sales pitch featured a State Police Helicopter coming to the rescue of a citizen and the lottery was hailed as the answer to providing money for this much needed service. This money would only be used for public safety (medivac services) and education. So after all of these years, what do you think? That money is just another General Fund source that we never even talk about. The same will be true of slots revenue. Eventually, it will simply be absorbed into the General Fund, and other sources will be needed to fund our insatiable appetite for taxes and public spending.

Governor Ehrlich left office with 1.5 billion dollars in surplus which could have been used to off set the budget shortfalls. Instead, this money was spent last year with no thought of today. Now we face a 20% increase in the State Sales Tax and slots. This is the result of legislators unwilling to make some tough decisions and a public that demands their representatives "deliver the goods...or else!"

All of us must change the way we think in terms of what services government should be providing and what we classify as "success" in our legislators.

Bill Reddish Show WICO 1320 AM

Bill Reddish Morning Show

I have agreed to join Bill Reddish once a month for his morning show on WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury. We started today and I had a good time talking with Bill about Pocomoke City: where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. I enjoyed to opportunity and look forward to being a regular guest.

The Mayor's Report

I have enjoyed my weekly show on WGOP 540 AM here in Pocomoke City. Mr. Choppy Layton is my producer/engineer and we have a lot of fun doing the show every Wednesday morning from 10:30-11:00am with the Pocomoke City Report.

The radio has been a great media source for communicating with the public and for bringing attention to all that we are trying to accomplish in Pocomoke City. The show was just an idea I kicked around with Choppy a few months before my election and he liked the idea. The management at WGOP has been very supportive in giving the show a chance and now it enjoys a measure of popularity and sponsors.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Two men were confronted by officers in the Wal-mart parking lot for approaching people and asking for money. One of the men attempted to flee but was caught after a brief foot chase. The man was identified as Kendall Snead, age 39, of Salisbury. Snead was wanted on outstanding warrants by Somerset County and the Maryland State Police. The other man was identified as David Kellen, age 51, of Mardela Springs. Following the investigation, Kellen was charged with Theft and a motor vehicle violation.
• Mr. Daniel Claybaugh reported the theft of a credit card from his business located at Sixth and Bank Street.
• Mr. Ronnie White, 804 Walnut Street, reported that someone broke the window on a rear door at his vacant property. Total damage estimated at $100.00.
• Mr. Arthur Robinson was issued a citation for having an Open Container of Alcohol on Second Street after being observed by an officer on foot patrol in the neighborhood.

Animal Control:

• Officers destroyed a opossum exhibiting signs of distemper on request of Worcester County Animal Control.
• Worcester County Animal Control responded to 105 Eighth Street where they took custody of two Pit Bull Terriers which were running at large.

Surveillance Cameras:

Work continued this week on the installation of two new surveillance cameras. Upon completed installation, the city will have five such cameras operating in the city.

Public Works Department:

• Crews cleaned up the northern entrance sign located on Rt. 13. This included new plantings
• Eighth and Cedar Street intersection expansion began this week.
• A meeting was held for interested contractors regarding paving bids for multiple contracts being considered by the city. The bids will be opened on October 1st. Four contractors attended the meeting.
• Crews continued to work on the Cypress Nature Trail. Many boards were replaced in the boardwalk. Work continues on the expanded trail section.
• Crews will be working on 15 paving patch sites next week.

Board of Zoning Appeals:

• This week the board approved a variance requested by the Board of Education regarding tree planting for the Pocomoke High School Expansion Project.

Drawbridge Villas:

• The developers are busy cleaning up around the first building site in preparation for next weeks Open House as the units are coming available.

Upcoming Events:

• Jeep Fest: There will be a Jeep Rally at the Pocomoke City Fairgrounds this Saturday night.
• Downtown Block Party: Next Saturday, the 29th, from 6-11pm. The location is the Marva Performing Arts Theater. The street area in front of the Marva will be closed temporarily for the party. A car show and motorcycle show are all a part of the action.

Neighbor to Neighbor

One of the greatest benefits of living in the city is having neighbors. We watch after one another and help keep one another safe. A good neighbor will ask questions if they see something out of the ordinary. A good neighbor will call you if they see your child acting inappropriately. A good neighbor is trusted to have an extra key to your house, or can check on your mail while you are away. A good neighbor can be asked for just about anything in a pinch and will come through if they are able.

There was a time when folks knew all of their neighbors, but this is often not the case any longer. Our busy lifestyles and both parents working outside of the home have given us more that just latch key kids. It is not uncommon anymore for people to not know their neighbors. In some cases, the only thing they can tell you about their neighbor is the kind of car they drive. This is truly a sad commentary for any community.

It should be a common courtesy to introduce yourself to any new neighbors you may have within the first two weeks of their move into your neighborhood. Perhaps some type of house warming gift would be in order, but a warm smile sure goes a long way even if your hands are empty.

Are you feeling embarrassed because you do not know your neighbors and you have lived in the neighborhood for some time now? There is no time like the present! Break the ice and take the first step. You might be surprised at all the life you have been missing.