Pocomoke City
Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2012
Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison
Council Members: Rob Clarke, Tracey Cottman,
Diane Downing, Donald L. MalloyCity Clerk Carol L. Justice
Review MinutesIn a motion (Malloy, Downing passed), to approve the minutes of January 9, 2012.
Review Bills:In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).
Mayor to welcome members of Webelos #1 - Troop 143 Pocomoke City:Scout Leader John Hickman introduced the scouts and adult leaders in the audience. He said that this is the first year of Webelos #1. These boys have come up through the Cub Scouts. They are working on their Webelos badges, which will take two years. One of the requirements of Webelos is a Citizenship Badge. In order to get the badge, they need to see community leaders in action, and we appreciate the Mayor and Council for having us tonight.
Mayor Morrison thanked the troop for coming.
Representatives of the Delmarva Discovery Center to discuss plans for future events and continued support:Brian Garrett, Executive Director of Delmarva Discovery Center, said that the DDC would like to request a loan in the amount of $60,000 to be drawn on as needed, with a deferred payment for one year and repaid within seven (7) years. We would like to have the ability to draw up to $60,000, in order to maintain the current level of service to the schools, and the community and to avoid program reductions at the Center until the summer season. This will also allow the Discovery Center to capitalize on much needed advertising in advance of the tourist season. Mr. Garrett stated that they recognize and appreciate the prior support that the City has provided them, and hope that the City will look favorably on their request. In an effort to improve the cash flow for the upcoming years a new "Ways and Means" committee has been established, to seek new programming to generate funds for the Discovery Center.
Mayor Morrison asked what type of events has the Discovery Center done or will be doing to raise funds for the Center.
Mr. Garrett stated that they just held the Gala on Saturday night, with a live auction which raised over $5,400. We are continuing to grow the school business; it tripled last spring and we are expecting it to be the same this year. We are focusing on increasing tourist visits this summer by advertising more.
Mayor Morrison asked if they were still negotiating with UMES on a possible collaboration.
Mr. Garrett answered that the Discovery Center has not given it up, but until there is a new UMES administration they cannot go any further with plans. We also continue to work with the County, the Board of Education and the neighboring counties.
Councilman Malloy asked City Manager Blake if there is enough money in the budget to proceed with this request.
City Manager Blake stated that they could use funds from the contingency account. Very little of that money has been used so far, and we are in the eighth month of the fiscal year.
Mayor Morrison stated that he would like to make installments to the Discovery Center as needed, on a monthly basis.
Councilwoman Cottman stated that at the last meeting it was suggested that the Discovery Center submit monthly expense requirements, and the City would review it and advance loan funds as appropriate.
City Manager Blake stated that we will need a written agreement between the City and Discovery Center and which will state how the money would be disbursed.
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to provide a loan to the Discovery Center for up to $60,000 to be paid in monthly installments as needed through June 30, 2012. Loan funds to be repaired to City over seven (7) years period, with no payments in first year.
Chip Choquette, representing F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Team 1829, to discuss upcoming competition:Ashley Webb, Team Captain, stated that the Eastern Shore Robotics Team was founded in 2006 by Arcadia High School in Oak Hall, VA. In 2008 the team expanded to include students from Pocomoke High School, Bennett High School, Worcester Technical School and home schooled students. She stated that competing in the FRC (First Robotics Competition) is very expensive. The team has had fundraising events and now is asking the communities for support. She stated that they would be going Richmond to compete and the entry fee is $5,000.
In a motion (Downing, Malloy passed) to donate $1,000 to the Eastern Shore Robotics Team 1829.
Second Reading of Ord. No. 408 to authorize a new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable, Inc. for cable TV, internet and other services:
Mayor Morrison read for the record Ord. #408 a summary of which follows:
James Jones and others to discuss Save the Youth Program:
Mr. James Jones thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing them to present their plan. We hope that all the information that you need is before you tonight. This is not our Strategic Plan; we hope to have it available to you at the March meeting. We have letters of support. This is just an outline to show you what we do at "Save the Youth". We apologize for not getting back last month but we were not ready. This is an outline as to what we are currently do at this time. Ms. Dennis takes care of the computer lab and all that it entails; they have fourteen reconditioned computers. Our plan is to utilize the upstairs of the Armory building into offices and class rooms. We would like to use the gym by offering sporting events and teams. This will give the young children a safe haven after school.
Mayor Morrison asked how many people were on the "Save the Youth" board.
Mr. Jones stated currently they have seven (7) board members.
Mayor Morrison asked how many kids they are currently serving.
Mr. Jones stated that at this time there are about eighteen (18) kids. At one time there were 70 to 80 youths, but they do not feel comfortable attending in the lower part of the Armory building.
Mayor Morrison asked how many days a week is this available to the kids.
Mr. Jones stated at this time the computer lab is open two days a week. The office is opened Monday –Friday 9:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M.
Councilman Malloy asked if there are any requirements for membership.
Mr. Jones stated that the main requirement for membership is that you are from the community and we are tri-county. The screening that we do is quite simple: that they are healthy, that they want to belong, and we look for the desire to grow and increase both their education and their resources being productive citizens of the community.
Councilman Malloy asked the age limits.
Mr. Jones stated at this time age 5 to 17. He stated that they were not looking to be solely dependent on the City. They are in the process for applying for grant money from the government to assist them to function and to continuing function.
Councilman Clarke asked if there was a dues structure for members to pay.
Mr. Jones stated that they did not in the past but with the program they will have a minimum fee. It will be affordable to all the youth in the community. We have sent letters out to the community to have parents get involved.
Councilman Malloy asked how many paid employees.
Mr. Jones stated that there are no paid employees because they do not have the funds to pay anyone a salary.
Mayor Morrison stated that at this time they are not in a position to make a decision tonight.
Mr. Jones stated that he felt comfortable saying the total Strategic Plan for "Save the Youth’ will be completed before the March meeting, and when the Council has had time to review it, invite them back for more information.
Mayor Morrison stated that once you have your final Strategic Plan completed please send to us to review before next meeting in March. We need for you to understand that the Armory building is very expensive to operate and needs a lot of repairs. That is why we are moving the police to a new building. It is a huge expense for the City.
Bishop Jenkins stated that he and the entire staff wished to thank the wonderful Councilmembers and Mayor for their kindness for all these years. We are 32 years old. Many projects and programs that have started before and after us have closed and we are still going strong. As Rev. Jones referred being down in the basement, it is true that when we were upstairs (in the 1980’s) every Monday night that we met we would have from 70 to 80 people or more. He stated that he had been told by some of the youth that they were not going to participate as long as they were in the basement. It is very difficult down there but we are very dedicated that we won’t quit or stop. We are just praying the best will come out of this. Along with our wonderful staff here our motto is "If I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living shall not be in vain."
Rev. Jones thanked the Mayor, City Council and City Manager.
Mayor Morrison thanked them for coming.
City Manager to present recommendations for recreation equipment purchases for Cypress Park (POS funds):
City Manager Blake said that the proposed list of improvements at Cypress Park arises because of some remaining funds from prior POS projects at the park. In a meeting last week advised the City of available funds for a brief period of time. The total funds available are just under $28,000. The proposed list includes mostly furniture and equipment. Our bleachers are old, and they are extremely heavy. They would be replaced with aluminum bleachers with galvanized frames. Other items would include benches, bike racks, spring rides, and a water spray area. The funds have to be used at Cypress Park and have to be used for capital items, not for maintenance or repairs. We need to spend it quickly.
Mayor Morrison asked if they could have a little more time to think about it and look at catalogues.
In a motion (Clarke, Cottman passed) to order new equipment pending any City Council request/changes to be made by the end of February.
Discuss recommendation from Downtown Coordinator Angela Manos regarding a consultant to work with downtown businesses and other groups to improve profitability and performance. (Partnership with Downtown Pocomoke Association and Worcester County Tourism Department):
City Manager Blake stated that Shoptalk is a company that travels around the country working with Main Street Communities and other downtown areas to help improve the bottom line of local businesses. Ms. Manos learned about this organization though conversations with both Cambridge and Berlin, which have both used it in the past couple of years with great success. The timing is very critical according to Ms. Manos because Ms. Johnson is almost booked up, but she has a window of opportunity coming up this spring for a couple of days. This would be an investment, because in conjunction with the restaurant downtown and hiring a downtown coordinator and other improvements that will also benefit the downtown. The Downtown Pocomoke Association would contribute up to $600; the county would contribute $1,000. The key is that Ms. Johnson will sit down with six different individual businesses and work with them on how they can improve their profitability. The total cost to the City will be about $4,000.
Councilman Clarke asked if this was an off budget item.
City Manager Blake stated that there are some funds in the Downtown Revolving Loan Fund that can be used for this purpose.
Councilwoman Cottman asked if this is a one day thing and with a return visit to talk to six businesses or how does it work.
City Manager Blake stated that it is a two day program. On the first night there will be a 2-hour presentation, at the MarVa Theater which will be open to all businesses. The six businesses to receive private consultations will be selected based on an application process, with input from the Downtown Pocomoke Association.
Councilwoman Cottman asked if there would be any cost to the business.
City Manager Blake stated that there would not be any cost.
In a motion (Malloy, Clarke, passed) to approve agreement with "Shoptalk" to assist downtown business to improve profitability and performance.
Comments from Council:
Councilman Malloy stated that Classic Collections would like to have a reserved parking space near their store on Clarke Ave.
The Council did not approve their request.
Comments from Audience:
Robert Revels stated that his sister lives on Ninth Street and sewage has been running in the street for the past year. She has been trying to have it repaired, but she doesn’t have the funds to take care of it. Mr. Revels stated that he thought that the City should take a look at it and take care of the problem.
Mayor Morrison stated that it was on private property, and it was not really a City issue. Councilwoman Cottman had been in contact with Ms. Revels and explained the situation.
Councilwoman Cottman stated that she had been trying to find resources to pay for the repairs. She stated that she was working with another agency and they thought they found the community resources that were available, but then the estimate was raised to about $1,400.
Mr. Revels stated that the City is letting the waste run down the street and something should be done about it; it is a health issue.
Councilwoman Cottman stated that she has been working hard trying to find funding available and someone that can come in and repair the sewage line. She will continue to work with Ms. Revels to come to some resolution of the problem.
Mayor Morrison stated that a contractor that was hired to do the job left it and didn’t finish the job. It may be a legal issue as well, because he was paid.
Walter Eskiewicz, 407 Second Street, stated he wanted to make a short comment on the "Save the Youth" program. He stated that his concerns are that the Armory building is old, and the City should consider possible lead and asbestos issues in the building. Secondly, crowd control. Eight to ten children is not bad, but when there are eighty (80) it could be a big problem. Especially because article in the paper quoted Mr. Jones "what would happen when summer comes and the kids don’t have a place to assemble?" He lives on Second Street, within a block of the Armory building. Some area children are just marvelous, others walk around in a daze and others are just awful and disrespectful, especially when it’s a crowd. He is very concerned that without the police there, because the kids without their parents they just act up, they forget their manners, run across lawns, and throw things. His window has been busted out, his truck window shot out. A brick was thrown at his house. He stated that he is concerned when he hears the number of 80 children or more. He stated that he was just thinking about what happened at the YMCA just recently; two 17 year olds are responsible for a shooting. His concerns include health issues within the building itself, also the maintenance of the building. Who is going to be responsible for that? The whole Willow Street area is a fiasco in terms of maintenance of buildings. The former owner of several buildings gave the property to a Church, but the Church is not apparently able to maintain those buildings. He stated that he wanted to have his comments known concerning the Armory building and issues with the crowds. The police will be far away. There were two girls fighting on his lawn; he broke it up and lost his patrons. One girl came back with her uncle who wanted to fight him and the police came just in time. The other girl came back with her mother and apologized. Thank you for your consideration while you are making a decision regarding the building.
Mayor Morrison stated that although the Police Department is moving, they will still be in the area. They are there when they first arrive to work and the rest of the time they are patrolling the streets.
Mayor Morrison stated that he would like to congratulate Councilwoman Cottman and Councilman Clarke and new Councilman-elect Tasker; we won’t need to have an election this year.
City Manager Blake stated that the Tri-County Council is a group of all the elected County Commissioners, all three delegates and our Senator, which meets several times a year. Mr. Hawkins was the representative for all of the municipality in Worcester County. The director of Tri-County council said they would entertain a nomination from Pocomoke City to fill that position on that board.
Councilwoman Cottman asked what time did they meet.
City Manager Blake stated that he would find out and let her know.
Following a motion by Councilman Malloy and seconded by Councilman Clarke, the Council voted to meet in a closed session at 8:52 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Present were Mayor Morrison, Councilman Clarke, Councilman Malloy, Councilwoman Cottman, Councilwoman Downing, City Manager Blake, and City Clerk Carol Justice. Items discussed were cell phone use, and information regarding the new restaurant. The Executive Session was adjourned at 9:13 P.M.
The next scheduled meeting will be March 5, 2012.
Approved:___________________
________________________________
Carol L. Justice
City Clerk:
3 comments:
I would think a few thousand dollars for Save the Youth would benefit more children and at a lower cost than $60,000 for the Discovery Center. True, the money for Discovery Center is a loan, but the chances for repayment are very low. If it were a viable enterprise a commercial lender or bank would have gladly loaned the funds. Is it even legal for a municipality to loan money to a non-governmental entity?
Your friend,
Slim
Save the Youth has proven itself worthwhile, however the Armory is to costly to maintain and in poor repair now. I agree with Walt, its probably (mean it does) got/has asbetos and lead issues and needs to be demolished. Why not use the railroad station or fire house on 5th street for Save the Youth. Or better yet, why not enter a agreement with one of the public schools and meet at one of those locations, or at New Macedonia Church. I am just saying there are several options for Save the Youth that still allow for the youth group and alleviate the city of the expense of the Armory.
There are already after school activities in place that they could participate in. In searching the internet this eveing I have not found one article or photos of anything that Save the Youth has done in all of the years it has been in place.
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