Saturday, August 11, 2012

Minutes From Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting ~ 7/2/12


July 2, 2012


The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday July 2, 2012. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.

Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison
Council Members: Tracey Cottman,
Rob Clarke, 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, Clarke passed), to approve the minutes of June 18, 2012.

Review Bills:
In a motion (Downing, Clarke passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).

Chief Kelvin Sewell to introduce new Police Officer, Anthony Foy:
Chief Sewell introduced Anthony Foy as a new certified officer. Mr. Foy has been a dispatcher for two and half years and became a certified police officer two years ago. Mr. Foy lives in Fruitland Maryland.
Mayor Morrison welcomed Mr. Foy to the City of Pocomoke.

Chief Kelvin Sewell to discuss recent grand opening of new police station building and National Night Out event (August 7):
Chief Sewell thanked the Mayor and Council for the new police building. He stated that staff morale is up and crime rate are down.
Chief Sewell stated that the National Night Out will be August 7 this year and the State funding for this event has been cut. He would like to request $1,500 to fund this project. He stated that it is a well-attended event.
Mayor Morrison stated that it is a wonderful program.
In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to sponsor the National Night Out with a donation of $1,500.

Authorize Mayor to sign renewal agreement for monitoring and laboratory services for Water and Wastewater Treatment with Maryland Environmental Service (MES):
City Manager Blake stated the MES has been a back-up service that advises and counsels the Superintendent with monitoring and laboratory services at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant. He stated that the contract was up for renewal at a cost of $21,905.
Councilman Clarke asked if there were any alternatives.
City Manager Blake stated yes, but they would be very costly.
In a motion (Tasker, Cottman passed) to authorize the Mayor to sign the renewal agreement with MES in the amount of $21, 905.

Discuss recommendation from Housing Coordinator Harvey Davis for repair or demolition of houses at 724 Sixth Street (James Finney, owner) and 415 Oxford Street (Mr. James H and Mary E. Wright, lifetime and others, owners):
Mayor Morrison read a memo from Housing Coordinator Harvey Davis stating that both properties show signs of progressive structural failure, neglect, and abandonment, and should be considered unsafe structures.
In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed) to accept Housing Coordinator Harvey Davis’ recommendation to send notification to owners to repair or demolish 724 Sixth Street and 415 Oxford Street.

Discuss proposal from building inspector Ron Hamblin for preliminary inspection services at Armory Building:
City Manager Blake stated that the City needed to have a preliminary inspection of the Armory building to find out the condition of the building and the possibilities for reuse of the building. He suggested Ron Hamblin for this job since Mr. Hamblin has done other inspections for the City. There would be two phases; Phase one would be to inspect the building and determine possible reuses and Phase two would be an environmental review inspection.
Councilwoman Cottman suggested to move forward with the preliminary inspection and not to make any decision regarding the building until the preliminary study was completed.
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to hire Ron Hamblin for preliminary inspection of the Armory building.
Councilman Clarke stated that Save the Youth would like to use the gym this summer.
In a motion (Clarke, Cottman passed) to allow “Save the Youth” to use the gym if they sign the proposed lease agreement, and abide by all conditions, for the summer using the back door. Also Save the Youth could continue to use the office downstairs until preliminary study is completed. Councilman Malloy was not in favor of this motion.

City Attorney to discuss proposed Ethics Ordinance as required by Maryland State Law:
City Attorney Hudson stated that the City has an Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 37) in the Code book but it has been thirty (30) years since it has been updated. The new state law is much more comprehensive. The City requested and was exempted from the lobbying requirements. Two model ordinances which we must choose trying to add into them can be cumbersome. He suggested going with the simplest model ordinance and he would have a draft Ordinance at the next meeting.
Mayor Morrison stated that he did speak with Scott Hancock at the MML Convention and stated his displeasure with how MML handled this situation.

City Attorney to discuss progress on right-of-way acquisition for Stormwater Drainage project near Butler’s Village:
City Attorney Hudson stated that since the last meeting he spoke with City Manager Blake and Attorney Paul Wilbur who has handled things like this before. Mr. Wilbur stated that Tucker Homes is in foreclosure and in 2010-2011 they filed bankruptcy. PNC Bank holds the lien and has initiated a foreclosure. Auctions take time because they have to be advertised for three weeks and several months after to complete the sale. He stated that he doesn’t believe that the City can negotiate and finalize an agreement with Tucker Homes at this time.
City Manager Blake stated that they need to look at the map again to see if there may be another way to proceed with the stormwater plan.
Mayor Morrison asked City Manager Blake to request an extension for the grant.

City Manager to discuss proposed cell phone policy:
City Manager Blake stated that Finance Director Monna VanEss has recommended a cell phone policy for privately owned cell phones used by employees for City business. Employees who are required to have a cell phone would be required to sign an agreement and be reimbursed $40.00 a month which would be taxable. The IRS is considering a cell phone policy and we would be required to keep more documents to determine what was used as business or personal. This proposal would make it easier for the City and could possibly save money.
Councilman Tasker asked what the percentage of the cell phone would be paid.
City Manager Blake stated maybe 50%.
It was suggested to reimburse employees $60 per month for cell phone use and the employee would be required to maintain the cell phone, chargers and headsets.
Councilwoman Cottman asked how many people have City cell phones.
City Manager Blake stated approximately 12.
In a motion (Malloy, Tasker passed) to adopt a cell phone policy with to reimburse employees $60.00/month to maintain a cell phone for both personal and City buisness.

Cameras on Cedar Street near school zones:
Mayor Morrison said he would like to have a trial period using cameras on Cedar Street to slow traffic down in that area. He recommended a three month trial period.
Councilman Malloy stated that he liked Councilman Clarke’s idea a couple of months ago about adding stop signs.
Councilman Clarke stated he doesn’t like the cameras. It’s a scam for local government to raise taxes without taxes being raised.
Esther Troast, from the audience, stated that she would be happy with the cameras but something had to be done regarding the speeding on Cedar Street. She has almost been killed twice pulling out of her driveway; she said give her stop signs and she would be happy.
Councilman Malloy asked Councilman Clarke where he thought stop signs should be installed.
Councilman Clarke stated a 4-way at 10th and Cedar; 3-way at 11th and Cedar; and 3-way at 14th and Cedar.
In a motion (Malloy, Clarke passed) to install new stop signs at 10th and Cedar, 11th and Cedar and 14th and Cedar.
Ms. Troast thanked the Mayor and Council.


Comments from Audience:
Josh Nordstrom thanked the City for their help at the Cypress Festival. He stated that they had hired a new executive director who will be working on Saturdays.


Comments from Council:
Councilman Tasker stated that 802 Second Street is infested with bats. The man living there had to move and the neighbors are upset.
City Manager Blake stated that the Health Department has been called.
Councilman Tasker asked if a handicap sign be installed at Front Street near the church.
In a motion (Clarke, Cottman passed) to have a handicap sign installed on Front Street.


Following a motion by Councilman Malloy and seconded by Councilwoman Cottman, the Council voted to meet in a closed session at 8:18 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Present were Mayor Morrison, Councilman Clarke, Councilman Malloy, Councilwoman Cottman, Councilwoman Downing, Councilman Tasker, City Manager Blake, City Attorney Hudson, and City Clerk Carol Justice. Items discussed were real estate matters and personnel. The Executive Session was adjourned at 8:26P.M.


Approved:___________________

________________________________
Carol L. Justice
City Clerk

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Delmarva A State?

A number of times in past history the idea surfaced that our Eastern Shore counties and Delaware should join to become a new state. We've come across some of these mentions.. from 1833, 1870, 1901, and 1933.

Read more about it this Sunday on the Pocomoke Public Eye!



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Romney To Announce Running Mate Saturday In Virginia

WASHINGTON (AP) - Mitt Romney's campaign says the presumed Republican presidential nominee will announce his running mate Saturday morning in Norfolk, Va.

The short list - if there is one - is believed to include Ohio Rep. Rob Portman, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan.

In a statement issued Friday night, the Romney campaign said the running mate would be revealed at 9 a.m. EDT at the Nauticus Museum. Romney is kicking off a four-day bus tour through swing states.

Romney's choice comes as he tries to repair an image damaged by negative Democratic advertising and shift the trajectory of a campaign that's seen him lose ground to President Barack Obama.

The vice presidential selection will dominate headlines, and Romney's team has been relentlessly teasing the announcement for weeks.

Source:

Friday, August 10, 2012

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Receives Grant

Sheriff’s Office awarded grant for sex offender monitoring
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office applied for and has received a grant award of $8,510 from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

This grant will help fund the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office monitoring support compliance of local sex offenders who are required to register or re-register with the Maryland Sex Offender Registry. This program benefits Worcester County by ensuring sex offenders are in full compliance as required by Maryland law and providing reassurance to county residents.

Grant funds help support the two parttime detectives who work to keep track of multiple offenders in Worcester County, Sheriff Reggie T. Mason stated.

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is required to reimburse law enforcement annually for processing registration statements, fingerprints, photographs, and for performing community notification requirements.

The Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository Maryland Sex Offender Registry Unit has determined the amount of reimbursement to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is $15,000 for 75 active registrations, according to Mason.
Source:

Charged With Prostitution and Indecent Exposure In Salisbury

Shockley
2010 Photo
SALISBURY -- A 22-year-old Pocomoke City woman and a Salisbury man were charged with prostitution and indecent exposure after a Salisbury Police Officer allegedly saw them engaged in sexual activity in public.

Kristen Ann Shockley and Andrez Pascual-Pascual, unknown age and address, were charged on Wednesday after an officer patrolling near Route 13 and Baltimore Avenue allegedly saw them engaging in a sex act, according to police documents.

Both were released to central booking.

source;

Mar-Va Theater ~ Saturday Night~

SHOWING ONE NIGHT ONLY

*Make it Ladies Night Out*

Riverside Grill will offer wine and Cosmos specials
beginning at 5 PM

Saturday   August 11, 2012

7:30 PM
Tickets  $5.00
Rated R

Thursday, August 9, 2012

National Night Out In Pocomoke City 2012

Pocomoke City's NATIONAL NIGHT OUT  2012
Hosted by the Pocomoke City Police Department


The kids loved this!  But then kids have the energy.  The older I become the more amazed I am with the things children can and will do.  Note:  to enter this house of a thousand bounces you have to crawl through a small door, or so it seemed.  Once inside you just bounce up and down, fall down, get up,  fall down again and continue that same routine for what seemed to me forever.  The amazing part, to me,  is when you have completed all the bouncing you crawl out the small door, get to your feet and continue onto something else.  Amazing!

Pocomoke City Manager Russ Blake and wife Lynn with Councilwoman Tracey Cottman
Officer Perkins with one of the city crew workers, I believe.

Mike Dean with Lt. Green and some other Pocomoke City Police Officers
Mayor Bruce Morrison with Councilwoman Diane Downing and Councilwoman Tracey Cottman
In this photo:  Rhonda Sewell, wife of Pocomoke City Police Chief, Councilwoman Downing, Mayor Morrison, Laura Morrison and Councilwoman Cottman.


Pictured with PCPD Chief Kelvin Sewell
What an honor it was to have Sen. Jim Mathias (left to right), MD State Police Commander of the Berlin Barracks- Lt. Earl Starner and Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby  attending the National Night Out in Pocomoke.

Also attending: Investigator for the Wor. Co. State's Attorney  Office- Rick Taylor and Special Investigator fof the Wor. Co. State's Attorney Office. 



Officer Perkins with Mike Dean
PFC 1st Class Ralph Corbin with Lt. Earl Starner and Tfc. Orndorff
from the MD. State Police Barracks in Berlin.  He is also a K-9 Handler.

These 3 were having a great time but didn't stick around longe enough to give me their names.

National Night Out events have proven to be effective all across America. 

Each National Night Out is an inexpensive and enjoyable  evening to promote neighborhood spirit and  police/community partnerships.  The outcome is to create a safer and more productive neighborhood, not just in one community but all across the nation.

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell has certainly kept his word when he wrote in   his Mission Statement "to provide the highest quality of police service" and to "develop a partnership with the community". What he has done in just a few short months with his department and for the great town of Pocomoke City is outstanding.

Be sure to thank them.

Mar-Va Theater ~ ONE NIGHT ONLY

Advanced  Musical Level of the Mar-Va  Theater Academy
Presents its final performance
ONE NIGHT ONLY

Friday  August 10, 2012
7:00 PM
Adults:  $5.00 / Children  $3.00

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Delmarva A State?

 
A number of times in past history the idea surfaced that our Eastern Shore counties and Delaware should join to become a new state. We've come across some of these mentions.. from 1833, 1870, 1901, and 1933.


Read more about it this Sunday on the Pocomoke Public Eye!



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

~Save The Date ~Third Friday ART STROLL

Many of the hosts on the Third Friday Art Stroll will be serving complimentary refreshments.  There will be face painting for the little ones.

The Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce will  be hosting two artists and holding an OPEN HOUSE  with complimentary refreshments.

Sounds like another fun evening in downtown Pocomoke!

Group Seeks To Ease Transition of Former Inmates

By
Connie Morrison
Every year, inmates are released in from prison, and have to assimilate back into their local communities. How do inmates go about re-building lives after they are released? One way is to tap into the services of the many government agencies or non-profit organizations on the Eastern Shore.

One recent Tuesday morning, the conference room at the Accomack County Social Services building was packed with individuals representing those groups. From Social Services, to Veterans Affairs, to church and homeless groups, each was there because he or she has a role to play in helping former inmates re-enter the community in a way that is supportive and constructive. The group is called the Eastern Shore Re-Entry Council.

The Council needs volunteers for mentoring and other forms of assistance to this population so that they do not end up back in prison. Training is provided.

Why should you care? Over 37,000 people are incarcerated in Virginia Department of Corrections prisons and in local jails. Every year, about one-third of those complete their sentences and are released back into their home communities. Virginia's Eastern Shore expects more than 50 such former inmates over the next year. The consequences to a community are many if these individuals re-offend, including: new crime victims, higher cost to tax payers, loss of productivity, and unsupported families and children.

If you are interested in providing mentoring or other volunteer services for ex-offenders, and strengthening your community in doing so, please call Ann Wessells at the Accomack County Probation and Parole office at 787-5890.

Source:

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Pocomoke City "National Night Out" 2012

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell and the Pocomoke City Police Department did an excellant job  in hosting the National Night Out in Pocomoke last night.  I'm sure lots of the planning was left up to Angel and some others and they did a marvelous job!  A big thank you to all of you from me.  Great job!!

Pocomoke City certainly has had lots of great things happening in the past few months.  Most of  accomplishments  had been on the drawing board for quite awhile.  New restaurants, ribbon cutting ceremonies, a block party, a new station for the Pocomoke City Police Department, a new Pocomoke City Police Chief....the list goes on.  However, as excited as we all are when these things come around there is always a part in some (including myself)  that think of those that have passed this lifetime and wish so much they were here to enjoy what would have made them so proud also. 

 Councilman Honis Cane, Mayor Curt Lippoldt and Councilman Bob Hawkins....  They would be excited.  Most of all they would be proud.


The late Councilman Bob Hawkins in a photograph with Retired Pocomoke City Police Chief J.D. Ervin.

Mayor Bruce Morrison with Pocomoke City Chief Kelvin Sewell
Thanks for everything Mr. Mayor and Chief!
Laura and Mayor Morrison
Chief Sewell and Laura.  By the way, that's my husband in the background.  Bless his heart.  I drug him right from work to Cypress Park.  I appreciate the fact that he understands how important it is for me to be in Pocomoke and how much I love these people.....(they let me take their pictures)  Besides, my husband keeps upgrading my cameras so it's partly "his fault".

The first person to greet me at the park yesterday evening was someone I have known forever and had not seen for many years.  That's Oscar Townsend on the left with Councilman Don Malloy, Chief Sewell, and Councilman Rob Clarke.
Most of us were thinking hot dogs for dinner but hamburgers and french fries were served.  These guys did some fast grilling and lots of it.  Thanks to all of you.  It was great!


OC 104 kept the music going....and going....

 Pocomoke Karate showed all of us what they could do.  The young people are amazing!  The discipline they have is just amazing...even for the tiny ones.

Not a very nice photo of the small dog.  He was standing in line and seemed to actually have a smile on his tiny face. 



I believe this is Pocomoke City Police Lt. Green speaking with a couple of gentlemen who stopped by for National Night Out.


There's more............

2 New Stop Signs Added in Pocomoke

Those who frequently drive down Cedar Street are probably aware of the newest edition to the streets.  A few weeks ago the City added a new 4 Way Stop Sign at 10th Street and Cedar Street.  Now, they have some new stop signs at the intersections of 11th Street and Cedar Street as well as 14th Street and Cedar Street.  So Be Careful and pay attention as you are driving down Cedar Street, because you will notice more signs like this one:
 And this one:
And if you don't notice them....It could cause some serious issues.  Stay Safe!

Riverside Grill ~ Wednesday Specials

RIVERSIDE GRILL
WEDNESDAY  AUGUST 8, 2012

SPECIALS

Cheeseburger Soup with half turkey sand. or side salad 5.99

Pesto Pasta Salad with grilled chicken 8.99

Cold Plate: Chicken, Tuna, and Potato Salads 6.99

Buffalo Shrimp with Fries 8.99

Tropical Salad with chilled shimp and honey mustard dressing 8.99


Happy Hour 4-7 Pm!

Pocomoke City National Night Out

What a beautiful night in Cypress Park  and what an enjoyable time!

I couldn't help but remember the two words that Mayor Morrison spoke about in a speech of his not very long ago.  Two key words.  Pride and proud.  This was my first experience with the National Night Out event and I can't imagine being in another town other than Pocomoke.

Mr. Mayor, I am Pocomoke PROUD!  I always have been.  But now, more than ever.  Pocomoke's the greatest and if any of you do not agree you just aren't trying hard enough! 

This was my first experience with the National Night Out function and I can't imagine being in another town other than Pocomoke.
 I don't think I have ever seen so many people milling around in the same world as I have tonight.  Everyone, young, old, black, white, rich or poor all seemed to be on the same page.

Here are some photos from earlier this evening.  I will have lots more when the sun comes up....Right now, I need some sleep.

Thanks for a wonderful evening and for the invitation, Chief Sewell! 



Gotta love those Virginia boys!! 
Another Virginian that takes his loved one back to Pocomoke for National Night Out! 

Thank you OC104 for being in Pocomoke.  I'm not a hip-hop lover but what you did play was great. Still couldn't find a soul to dance with me!
Hamburgers sure didn't last long!  These guys worked hard and the hamburgers with french fries were great!

More to follow.........