Weekly Update

Police Department

• Mark Burton, 42, of 434 Bank Street reported that he was assaulted by Kuyes Saecheing, 54. Saecheing was charged with Assault and Reckless Endangerment.
• Police have continued with Saturation Patrols in partnership with units from the State Police and Sheriff's Office.
• Police arrested Darren Mills, 22, at Sunshine Village Apartments following a reported Domestic Disturbance.
• Officers located and arrested Kirk Knox on a warrant at 206 Seventh Street.
• Eric Byrd was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
• Geneva Timmons, 26, from Snow Hill was charged with Shoplifting from Wal Mart.
• Daris Coxx, 19, was arrested at the Bonneville Avenue Apartments charged with possession of Alcohol in public and creating a disturbance.
• Kim Trainor was charged with Indecent Exposure.
• Fardale Johnson, 32, was arrested on an outstanding warrant following a traffic stop.
• Terrance Gale, 27, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct following an incident at the Meadows Town homes.

Golf Course

• Crews continue to work on general maintenance projects. A tree was taken down near the Log Cabin which was not doing well.

ENR Project

• We have been approved for our Stimulus funding for the Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades to our Treatment Plant. The grant award was for $500,000.00. A pre-bid conference will be held next week.

Public Works

• Crews worked hard in preparation for the Fair.
• Small paving projects were performed around town.
• Bulk pick up was performed throughout the city.

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

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Two juveniles were stopped after they were found riding dirt bikes through the greens and sand traps at Winter Quarters Golf Course earlier in the week.
• Maraunita Holland was arrested on an outstanding warrant through Worcester County. She was transported to the Worcester County Jail under $5000.00 bond.
• Craig Lamont Dooling was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia earlier in the week.
• Terry Latori Tankard, age 20, along with a juvenile were arrested for theft at Wal Mart.
• Marcus Lamount Dennis, 25, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop.

Public Works

• Crews worked on roadway repairs this week on Bel Air and Dorchester Streets.
• A dry hydrant was installed at the Jenkins Orchard storm water pond.
• Work continued in Cypress Park for brush removal and clean out of the creek area.
• Work continues on the older section of the Nature Trail.
• Crews worked on chipping debris still remaining from the storm from several weeks ago.

Golf Course

• Irrigation work was performed at the course.
• Crews applied pesticides to the greens.
• Regular mowing of the roughs and fairways was conducted.

Finance Department

• Auditors were in town this week conducting the annual review of city finances.
  

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.