Wo. Co. Commissioners Get To Work After Swearing-In Ceremony

SNOW HILL -- The first matter at the Worcester County Commissioners meeting was the swearing-in ceremony for new and seasoned commissioners. Some, such as James Purnell, took the oath for a fifth time and others, like Jim Bunting Jr. and Merrill Lockfaw Jr., were sworn in for their first terms.

"Ladies and gentlemen, are you prepared to take the oath of office for which you were elected," began Stephen Hales, clerk of the court, just before administering the oath to all seven commissioners.

After being sworn in, the commissioners adjourned for a brief recess to take pictures with family and friends, as well as mingle with colleagues and snack, before returning to business as usual.

Following up on a letter sent to commissioners by Lockfaw while he was still a commissioner-elect, members approved a measure to install a truck route in Pocomoke City by a 6-1 vote, with Virgil Shockley voting against it.

Specifically, no through truck traffic of 15,000 pounds or greater gross vehicle weight shall be allowed on Cypress Road, New Bridge Road, Hillman Road, Dun Swamp Road or Tulls Corner Road.

Shockley voiced opposition to the language in the bill, saying there is no way sheriff's deputies will be able to tell a 15,000-pound truck from a 18,000-pound truck from a 12,000-pound truck. He went on to say it would be easier to regulate based on the number of axles a truck has.

"The first ticket they write and someone challenges will end up in court," Shockley said.

County Attorney Sonny Bloxom responded to Shockley's concerns by noting that if the regulations become a problem, commissioners can revisit the bill and amend it as necessary.

The letter, originally sent to commissioners on Oct. 27 by Lockfaw, who served as road superintendent for the county for 19 years, expressed concern about potential damage to local roads and bridges due to trucks hauling from Vulcan materials.

In the letter, he said that if the usage of the roads went unaddressed, it could cost the county $92,000 for bridge repairs or replacement.

Although the agenda for the Dec. 21 meeting has not yet been set, Lockfaw and Bunting said they wish to revisit the possibility of opting Worcester County out of a Maryland law that would require all new homes built after Jan. 1 to contain a residential sprinkler system.
www.delmarvanow.com