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.

New Street Sweeper Cranks Up

City ManagerBlake is always trying to buy "used" in order to save the city money...but his latest idea for using this 1940's era street sweeper was just too much for the council to handle (just kidding).

Our new sweeper is coming on line today. You will probably see our Public Works personnel driving through your neighborhood in the very near future!

EMS Director Resigns

Sadly, I have to report that our Director of Emergency Services, Barrie Contee, has tendered his resgination effective in thirty days. Director Barrie Contee has only been with the city since June of this year. He cited personal reasons for the departure. Based upon convesations with Director Contee, his attempt to live in Pocomoke City during the week and commute home on the weekends to the western shore was taking a toll on him and had a direct impact on his decision.

Director Contee is a career long paramedic who served as a director of paramedic services for Prince George County as a Batallion Chief prior to his retirement last year.

The search will begin immediately to hire a new Director of EMS.

A New Home For The Police Department?

As progress moves forward with the new Fire Station (and what a great building!), the city has begun to turn attention to the building that has housed the Fire Company for many years. Structurely, the building is sound and a rennovation project is more than feasible.

At the same time, the city is interested in providing a new location for the Police Department which will serve the needs of the city in the coming decades. Previous Councils and the City Manager have felt the Fire Department building could be designed and rehabilitated to meet the current and future needs of the police department.

The old National Guard Armory building was gifted to the city by the State of Maryland when they relocated the unit that once called Pocomoke City "home". While it was never designed as a police department, it has undergone numerous adaptations over the years to accomodate the ever increasing needs of the police department. It has also served as a home to various civic groups and organizations over the years. The Salvation Army and Save The Youth programs continue to utilize the gym which makes up most of the first floor of the building.

The Armory Building is not very serviceable and is very costly to maintain. So, the question that we face is what to do with two buildings that are old and need to be completely rennovated? We have only a few choices:

• Keep the police department at the current location and rennovate the building;


• Move the police department to the old fire house following a rennovation of that building;


• Find another location for the police department in existing or new construction.

I would prefer a new building, but the city did not plan for this in the past and land may not be available in a location that would make the most sense.

The current location of the department is geographically a poor choice. There is also limited parking and little room for expansion as the building is also accomodating other community uses.

The old fire house is being abandoned for good reason by the Fire Company. A full rennovation of the building would be required. The location is good and parking is superior. Also, the city already owns the building and it may be in our best interest to rehabilitate it to our best use.

Rennovating the current location would probably be the least expensive, but it would continue to limit future growth of the department and the parking situation would remain poor.

Rennovating the old fire house would not cost less than one million dollars, but the results would meet the needs of the city for decades to come and would make good use of a city property.

Aquiring the land for a new build along with the costs of the building would, most likely, exceed one million dollars. The city would also be left with two properties which may be difficult to sell or otherwise utilize.

These are some of the questions and decisions the City Council must make in the near future. While some preliminary work has been performed to garner the appropriate knowledge to make an informed decision, no decision has been made at this time. The city has applied for a Legacy Grant from the State of Maryland to be used in the event we decide to move forward with rehabilitation of an existing building. There is no grant money available for new construction, although low interest loans could be an option.

This issue should be on the November 5th agenda for the Mayor and Council to be discussed.

Weekly Update

Police Activities

• A traffic stop near Wal-Mart resulted in the arrest of a juvenile and the recovery of a stolen handgun from Accomac County, Virginia. The juvenile was charged and turned over to Juvenile Justice.
• Officers located Megan Benton, 22, and arrested her on outstanding warrants from Worcester County and Hillsborough, Florida. She was placed in jail under a bond of $50,000.00
• Jeffrey D. Hillman, 47, was located by officers and arrested on an outstanding warrant from 816 Second Street.
• An officer conducting a routine traffic stop found the driver, Stephen Petitt, in possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. A passenger in the vehicle, Travis Parsons, was found to be wanted on an outstanding Worcester County Warrant. Parsons was also arrested and turned over to the Worcester County Sheriff's Office.
• George Justice was issued a citation for an Open Container of Alcohol Violation.
• The Worcester County Narcotics Task Force executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at #5 Bonneville Apartments. As a result of the search, Marcus D. Fletcher and Anthony M. Westcott were arrested and charged. Powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana were located in the residence.

Public Works Activities

• Our mechanic is working on the transfer of equipment to the new police vehicles.
• Crews finished the last two remaining Fire Hydrant repairs at Fifteenth and Market as well as Homewood Drive near White Oaks. At this point, all hydrants in the city are now working properly and no valves are shut off in the street due to leaks around the hydrants.
• Crews worked downtown in preparation for the Pocomoke Fireman's Muster.
• Crews continue work on the new section of the Cypress Nature Trail as well as replacing boards on the older sections of the trail system.
• Our mechanic completed the installation of a motor into the city's mini van now utilized by Public Works on a regular basis.

Water Department

• Our contractor for annual repairs on our water towers was in town this week to flush and inspect the water tower on Seventh Street.
• Some hydrant flushing was performed in the downtown and Walnut Street areas.

Street Projects

• The city's contractor for the street widening project at Cedar Street and Eighth Street will continue work on the project beginning on Monday. They expect completion prior to November 1st.

Comcast Changes

• I received a letter from R. Thomas Worley (Area Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs) regarding some changes relative to a Blocking Requirement of Fox 21. It seems that WBOC-16, our local Fox affiliate, has formally notified Comcast Delmarva that it is invoking its right to block Fox Network and certain syndicated programs carried on out-of-market television stations on their lineup. The programs to be blocked are identical to programming which is being aired already on WBOC-16. Under FCC regulations, Comcast is obligated to carry out this request and will be doing so effective October 25th. While they regret having to make the change, they will attempt to make it appear seamless to their customers.

Room Tax Increase

• I will be attending a meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday the 16th for a Public Hearing on an Ocean City request to raise the County established Room Tax for hotel and motel accommodations from 4% to 4.5%. I am in favor of the proposal which will result in increased revenues for Pocomoke City if adopted.

Upcoming Events

• The new Shore Bank branch located at Market Square will have their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday at 10am.
• El Gran Charro, a new Mexican Food store located on Newtowne Blvd., will hold a Grand Opening on Saturday at noon.
• A musical showcase of original songs and talent will be on tap at the Marva Performing Arts Theater Saturday evening beginning at 6pm. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids. At least eight different acts will be on stage with a variety of music.
• Sunday morning downtown will the the second annual Pocomoke Fireman's Muster and Olympics. Opening ceremonies begin at 9am and the event is scheduled through 4pm. Vendors will be on hand for this free event.
• The Worcester County Developmental Center will be holding a fund raiser and awareness drive at the American Legion on Sunday beginning at 1pm.

New Business

• Another new restaurant will open its doors on Monday, October 15th. Nuevo Leon offers fine Mexican cuisine and is located on Newtowne Blvd. near Domino's Pizza.

Zoning Appeals Board

• The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Wednesday night. A hearing is scheduled on the transfer of ownership of the Assisted Care Home located on Market Street at Third Street.

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.