Pocomoke Officials Agree to Purchase Ambulance

Congratulations to council members Tracey Cottman, Rob Clarke and George Tasker.
Welcome to Pocomoke, Damien McClotten,  the newest officer  in the Pocomoke City Police Department. 

Written by

Bill Kerbin

Special to Worcester County Times

POCOMOKE CITY -- Following the recommendation of Mike Thornton, EMS director, the Pocomoke Mayor and Council voted Monday night to purchase a Horton ambulance from Fesco Emergency Sales in Elkridge, Md., at a cost of $169,483.

Although Fesco did not supply the low bid, the company was the lowest bidder that met all the specifications, according to Thornton. The specified delivery time for the new unit was 90-120 days. Thornton said that the ambulance company has two Horton ambulances "...that have served us well over the years." Funding for the ambulance will come from a USDA grant of $50,000 and a USDA loan to cover the balance.

Enterprise Zone

The council voted to apply to the State of Maryland for approval of a newly drawn Enterprise Zone. A number of additional properties are included in the new application including properties on Route 13 south that have been annexed into the town in recent years. Also the commercial complex at the corner of Old Snow Hill Road and Route 13 is included as well as other commercial and industrial properties.

The objective of the program is to focus local and state resources on the encouragement of economic growth in economically distress areas. Businesses in an Enterprise Zone will be eligible to receive real property tax credits for 10 years after improvements are made and income tax credits for up to three years for wages paid to new employees.

Storm Water

City Manager Russell W. Blake updated the council on a project to alleviate problems with storm-water drainage in the Eighth Street area between Market Street and Lynnhaven Drive. He said that he has a $70,000 Community Development Block Grant to fund the work. As the drainage will go to Route 13 he has been in contact with the State Highway Administration and is hoping to quickly move the project through the approval process.

Members Sworn in

This was the first meeting following the election for the newly elected Council members. George Tasker was sworn in for the First District, filling the empty seat after longtime Councilman Robert Hawkins died.

This is the first meeting following the election period for the newly elected Pocomoke City Council members. George Tasker was sworn in for the First District, filling the empty seat after longtime Councilman Robert Hawkins died. Having been re-elected, Tracey Cottman was also sworn in. Robert Clarke, the other Council member re-elected, was fighting a fire Monday night and was unable to be present for the ceremony. Cottman was named First vice president and Clarke was named second vicepresident. Photo/Bill Kerbin

Having been reelected, Tracey Cottman was also sworn in. Robert Clarke, the other Council member reelected, was fighting a fire Monday night and was unable to be present for the ceremony.

Cottman was named first vice president and Clarke was named second vice president.

Annexation

Approval was given for the annexation of the Pocomoke Animal Hospital on U.S. 13 South. The animal hospital joins a number of other commercial properties that have been annexed in recently years, following the installation of a sewer line south to the Information Center at the Virginia line.

Chamber Request

Josh Nordstrom, the president of the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce, met with the council to discuss several items. First of all he asked for the annual funding of the fireworks at the Cypress Festival, which is already in the town budget. He also said that there are presently no brochures representing the entire town, just brochures for different venues. He said that it would cost $5,000 to print a quality product and was asking $3,000 from the town for part of the funding. He is seeking funding from other sources to help with the balance of the cost.

A fundraiser planned by the Chamber for early September is a "Grape and Grain" event where beer and wine tasting would be available from local wineries and breweries. Saying that this would be an adult event, Nordstrom requested permission from the town to have it at Cypress Park.

Nordstrom was told that the council would have to discuss the event and the brochure funding before giving an answer.

Under other business, the Council approved the use of Cypress Park by the Assateague People of Delmarva for their pow wow on May 19-20; authorized the mayor to sign a proclamation for Faire Housing Month; approved a lease for a SUV for the police department; had the first reading for the refinancing of a loan for the new Police Department building; approved the demolition of a burned out house at 523 Young St.; and discussed dates for a reception with members of city boards and commission.

Pocomoke's newest police officer, Damien McClotten was introduced Monday night.

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