September 10, 2012
The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday September 10, 2012. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison
Council Members: Rob Clarke, Tracey Cottman,
Diane Downing, Donald L. Malloy, George Tasker
City Attorney William Hudson
City Manager Russell W. Blake
City Clerk Carol L. Justice
Review Minutes:
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed), to approve the minutes of August 6, 2012.
Review Bills:
In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).
Authorize Mayor to issue proclamation for American Legion Month in honor of the 80th Anniversary of Post 93 in Pocomoke City:
Mayor Morrison read the Proclamation for the record. (See attached minutes).
In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to authorize Mayor Morrison to issue American Legion Post 93 a proclamation honoring their 80 years of service to Pocomoke and proclaiming the month of October American Legion Month.
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 410 regarding Ethics:
AN ORDINANCE enacted by the City Council of Pocomoke City to
amend Chapter 37 of the Pocomoke City Code to comply with the
local government requirements of Subtitle 8 of the Maryland Public
Ethics Law (Md. Code Ann. State Gov’t Title 15 (Suppl.2022)).
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to accept Ordinance No. 410 regarding Ethics.
Mayor Morrison stated that he would like to appoint Will Stevenson, Jimmy Covington, and Pam Pittman to the Pocomoke City Ethics Commission.
In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to accept the appointments of Will Stevenson, Jimmy Covington, and Pam Pittman to the Pocomoke City Ethics Commission.
Discus recommendations from Planning and Zoning Commission:
Annexation of Hertrich Ford property on US Rt. 13 at Sheephouse Road:
City Manager Blake stated the Hertrich Ford would like to annex their 4.5 acres to the City. They are requesting to hook up to the City sewer. They will also be adding on to their building and remodeling it.
Site Plan for proposed improvements at Buchanan Subaru on Market Street Extended:
City Manager Blake stated that Buchanan will be adding a new showroom building. The site plan shows the building as well as landscaping. They were required by Subaru to update the facility when they purchased it.
Site Plan for Coastal Commodities project to construct new grain elevators on Quinn Avenue south of railroad tracks:
City Manager Blake stated that this site was chosen because it has rail, truck and water access to transport the grain.
Councilman Malloy stated that it was the ideal location for this facility.
Councilman Tasker asked which way the fans would be blowing.
Mr. Charles Floyd, owner of Coastal Commodity, stated that they would be on the back side of the bins.
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to approve all of the recommendations from Planning and Zoning Commission.
Res. No. 466 to authorize the City Manager to sign certain forms on behalf of the City regarding purchase of a new trash collection vehicle:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE LOAN DOCUMENTS/ LEASE – PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR NEW 2013 KENWORTH TRUCK AND PAKMOR PACKER.
In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed) to approve for City Manager to sign documents on behalf of the City regarding purchase of a 2013 Kenworth truck. Roll call: Tasker, aye; Downing, aye; Cottman, aye, Malloy, aye, Councilman Clarke was absent.
Review proposal from Bozman Paving Company for patching several street cuts and openings and for repaving at Cypress Park:
Mayor Morrison stated that several streets in town needed to be repaired and repaved, including Cypress Park under the bridge and pavilion area as well as widening the roadway under the bridge. He stated that he would like to waive the normal bidding process because in the past Bozman Paving has had the lower bid and they have done a good job for the City.
In a motion (Tasker, Malloy passed) to approved Bozman Paving Company to complete patching of several streets and repaving in the Cypress Park in the amount of $23,309.
City Manager and Water/Sewer Superintendent to recommend purchase of used generator:
City Manager Blake stated that Superintendent Mike Phillips has gotten a proposal for a used generator with low hours in good shape for the amount of $8,000. This would handle the load at the main pumping station. This generator would be mounted on a trailer and can be moved to other locations as needed.
In a motion (Tasker, Cottman passed) to accept the recommendation from City Manager Blake and Superintendent Mike Phillips to purchase a generator from J & M Generator in the amount of $8,000.
City Attorney to discuss proposed ordinance to regulate bulk item collections:
City Attorney Hudson stated that this is a draft of Ordinance 411, adding to “Solid Waste” Chapter 195-7F and 7G of the Code. This will delete Section 195-6A which reads “Large branches, trimmings and hedge and bush clippings will also be collected periodically upon published notice for disposal by chipping.” Adding Section 195-7F which reads: “Large branches, trimmings and hedge and bush clippings will be collected for disposal by chipping on the second Wednesday of the month or at such as other times as are published. Such items shall not be placed at the curb or roadside or alley before six p.m. on the Monday before the scheduled bulk collections. Branches with diameter in excess of eight (8) inches shall not be accepted”. Adding Section195-7G which reads: “Other bulk items such as ordinary household furniture and appliances will be collected for disposal on the second Wednesday of the month or at such other times as published. However, no more than ten (10) items will be accepted and such items shall not be placed at the curb or roadside or alley before six p.m. of the Monday before the scheduled bulk collection. Items not acceptable for collection include automobile parts, tires, construction materials, dangerous or hazardous materials, and other items which may be added to this list or published in the future”.
Mayor Morrison stated that this was the first reading of Ordinance 411.
Discuss letter from Major East requesting approval to hunt on City property on Dunn Swamp Road with bow and arrows:
Mayor Morrison read a letter from Major East and Patrick Dize asking for permission to hunt on City property on Dunn Swamp Road. Mayor Morrison stated that they had been approved in the past years to hunt on the property and there have not been any problems.
In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed) to authorize Major A. East, III and Patrick Allen Dize to bow hunt on the City’s property located on Dun Swamp Road with proper permits.
Mr. East asked if they could hunt on other City property.
Mayor Morrison stated that he should check with the City Manager to see if there was other property available to hunt.
City Manager to discuss recently approved state grant for sidewalk repairs on Willow Street and Clarke Avenue:
City Manager Blake stated that that the City was recently approved for a grant by the State in the amount of $25,000 to repair streets on Willow from Second to Front, and Clarke Ave from Market to Maple Street. The City would remove the existing concrete and will be requesting bids soon.
Comments from the Audience:
Karen Riback, of 208 Walnut Street, asked how to get in touch with the Historical Society. Her house was built in 1885 and she would like to list it on the Historical Register.
City Manager Blake stated that the City has an area designated as eligible for the Historic Register. If private money is used to replace or repair the house, it does not need to be approved by the State Historic Preservation Officer. But if State or Federal money is used, it will need to be approved.
Travis Ayes, 205 Laurel Street, asked if there was a barking dog Ordinance. He has contacted the Police Department concerning a dog barking in his neighborhood.
Mayor Morrison stated that there is an Ordinance. He stated that Mr. Ayes would need to go to the Police Station and file a complaint about the dog barking.
Councilman Tasker asked about a recent increase in some water bills, stating that some people have been complaining about their water bills. He asked if the residents that were affected will have some time to pay their bills.
City Manager Blake stated that there was a problem and it has been corrected. The affected customers will have a grace period to pay their water bills.
Councilwoman Downing asked if they will be charged the $10.00 late fee associated with the late payment.
City Manager Blake stated that they would not be charged the late fee.
With no further discussion Councilman Malloy made a motion to adjourn at 8:18 P.M., seconded by Councilwoman Cottman and approved.
Approved:_______________________2012
_____________________________________
Carol L. Justice
City Clerk
