PHS... Something New, Something Old.
In January, 1955 what was probably the most written about page one local news issue could have changed the course of Pocomoke High School history!
It's 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!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
AGENDA ~ Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting
A G E N D A
POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 p.m., Monday, October 3, 2011
City Hall
1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of September 12, 2011.
3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.
4. Mr. Mike Kleger, Vice President and Ms. Leslie Michalik, of P.K.S., to present annual audit report for year ending 6-30-11.
5. Discuss letter from Delmarva Discovery Center requesting additional funding for their operations (letter dated 9-20-11).
6. Review of bids for demolition of vacant house at 707 Clarke Avenue.
7. Resolution No. 450 authorizing the submission of 2011-2012 Community Legacy Grant Application. (Emergency Resolution)
8. Resolution No. 451 authorizing Mayor to sign revised agreement with Shore Bank for acquisition and renovation of property at 1500 Market Street for use as police station.
(Emergency Resolution)
9. Continue discussion of certain delinquent business taxes recommended to be written off.
10. Discuss request from the Samaritan Shelter for gift certificate for their “Annual Christmas Gift Basket”.
11. Review letter from Chamber of Commerce requesting use of Winter Quarters Golf Course for annual golf tournament on 10-21-11.
12. Consider request from Pocomoke High School for placement of ad in 2012 yearbook.
13. City Manager to present summary of proposals for replacement of butterfly valves at water treatment plant.
Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and to perform executive actions.
AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.
Maryland Closes Loophole With New Texting Law
SILVER SPRING, Md. (WUSA) -- Maryland has made it illegal to text and drive, but lawmakers discovered some loopholes in their original law. Those gaps will be closed with a new law that will take effect Saturday.What you should know:
1. Not only can you not text and send messages but no longer will you be able to read and receive texts.
2. The law applies both while driving or stopped at a light.
3. Police can stop you if they see you texting; before police needed another traffic violation to cite you for texting (secondary offense) but now they can stop you just for texting ( a primary offense).
4. You can be fined $70 and get 1 point on your driver's license but if police determine texting caused an accident, the fine
jumps to $110 and 3 points.
5. Your driver's license can be suspended with as little as 8 points and revoked at 12.
2. The law applies both while driving or stopped at a light.
3. Police can stop you if they see you texting; before police needed another traffic violation to cite you for texting (secondary offense) but now they can stop you just for texting ( a primary offense).
4. You can be fined $70 and get 1 point on your driver's license but if police determine texting caused an accident, the fine
jumps to $110 and 3 points.
5. Your driver's license can be suspended with as little as 8 points and revoked at 12.
You can also be criminally responsible if texting caused an accident that resulted in a death.
Lon Anderson, AAA Spokesperson, says, "When you get right down to it, texting and driving is stupid. You are begging to be in an accident."
Mirta Hanc says, "Yeah, I'm guilty as charged. I find myself from time to time. I try not to. But the new law will change my behavior. I think so."
Friday, September 30, 2011
FREE Admission To Art Show
Fifth Annual
COSTEN HOUSE Art Show
At the Delmarva Discovery Center
Downtown Pocomoke City
Saturday ~ October 1, 2011
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
Stop by and see the amazing work done by local artists
It's not too early to shop for Christmas..........
Wor. Co. Child's Advocacy Center -"Cricket Center" - To Hold Benefit
Children's Resource Intervention Center -
Kids Empowerment Team
Some Worcester County citizens may not be aware that there is a center for children that have been traumatized by physical or sexual abuse. The Cricket Center provides a much needed safe environment for these children at a time when their whole world seems to be falling apart.
The Cricket Center could use the publics support.
Written By: News Editor, Shawn J. Soper
BERLIN -- Worcester County’s Cricket Center, created five years ago to advocate on behalf of victims of child physical and sexual abuse, is making a difference for the most vulnerable in the community, but the program continues to rely on the generosity of area residents to perpetuate the unfunded mandate.
The county’s Child Advocacy Center, or Cricket Center, housed in a satellite office on the Atlantic General Hospital campus, provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the growing problem of child physical and sexual abuse in the community. Using a “one-stop shopping” approach, the Cricket Center includes child protection workers, medical and mental health professionals, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, AGH and Life Crisis staff all under one roof with the goal of easing the trauma of the young victims and their family members and facilitating the emotional healing process.
“In the past, a victim of child abuse or sexual abuse would first be taken out of school by a social worker, interviewed by the police, returned to school, then taken for a medical exam, probably interviewed by another police officer and then somebody from the state’s attorney’s office to begin the prosecution process,” said Cricket Center Program Manager Wendy Myers this week. “What we found out was that the system in place was, in most cases, re-traumatizing the victim. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. That’s just the way the system was set up.”
To that end, Worcester County’s Cricket Center, and similar child advocacy centers all over the state and across the country, combines all of the needed resources under one roof, easing the burden on the victims and their families with a comprehensive approach.
“It’s a safe environment where child victims and their families can speak with social workers, tell their stories to law enforcement officials and prosecutors, get the medical attention they need, meet with a SAFE nurse and Life Crisis officials all under one roof,” said Myers. “It provides an environment where they feel safe and can get the help they need without being dragged all over the county to the different resources. It’s a one-stop shop, kind of the Wal-Mart for child abuse.”
Myers said victim interviews are recorded and are admissible in court, often preventing the victims telling and retelling their stories, which can cause them to relive the trauma sometimes months later when the cases go to trial. In some cases, the fear of testifying against the accused is a deterrent to coming forward in the first place.
“There are often times when the kids don’t even have to take the stand,” said Myers. “Not always, because a defendant has a right to face his or her accuser in Maryland, but we can often prevent a child from going to court and testifying against their abuser.”
“We were all warned about the scary stranger in the bushes, but most of the time, it’s someone the child knows and often closely,” said Myers. “It might be the boyfriend or girlfriend of a parent, someone who lives in the house or even an aunt or uncle.”
All of the services provided by the Cricket Center are free to the victims and their families, but finding the funding to sustain the program has become increasingly difficult. Worcester County’s Cricket Center, and similar programs across Maryland are mandated by the state, yet the state does not provide a dedicated funding source.
“We are not a line item on any budget,” said Myers. “We did get some financial support from the county for the physical building, but there are no funds dedicated for the daily operation. We do receive some grant money, but otherwise, we are completely supported by community donations. The community has been extremely generous, and without the support of the residents of Worcester County, we honestly could never make it.”
To that end, the Cricket Center is constantly battling to stay ahead of the funding curve with a series of fundraisers throughout the year.
The program’s next significant event is the Crickets on the Bay scheduled for next Sunday, Oct. 9, at Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill from 4-9 p.m. The $50 admission price includes dinner and an open bar along with live music from “Bad Mojo.” The highlight of the evening will likely be a chance for participants to win a diamond valued at $3,500 donated by Park Place Jewelers. The event replaces the Cricket Center’s more formal black-tie gala held each year.
Tickets will not be sold at the door, although they can be purchased in advance as late as the day before the event. For more information, contact the Cricket Center at 410-641-0097, ext. 4204, or visit www.thecricketcenter.com for more information about the event.
Kids Empowerment Team
Some Worcester County citizens may not be aware that there is a center for children that have been traumatized by physical or sexual abuse. The Cricket Center provides a much needed safe environment for these children at a time when their whole world seems to be falling apart.
The Cricket Center could use the publics support.
BERLIN -- Worcester County’s Cricket Center, created five years ago to advocate on behalf of victims of child physical and sexual abuse, is making a difference for the most vulnerable in the community, but the program continues to rely on the generosity of area residents to perpetuate the unfunded mandate.
The county’s Child Advocacy Center, or Cricket Center, housed in a satellite office on the Atlantic General Hospital campus, provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the growing problem of child physical and sexual abuse in the community. Using a “one-stop shopping” approach, the Cricket Center includes child protection workers, medical and mental health professionals, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, AGH and Life Crisis staff all under one roof with the goal of easing the trauma of the young victims and their family members and facilitating the emotional healing process.
“In the past, a victim of child abuse or sexual abuse would first be taken out of school by a social worker, interviewed by the police, returned to school, then taken for a medical exam, probably interviewed by another police officer and then somebody from the state’s attorney’s office to begin the prosecution process,” said Cricket Center Program Manager Wendy Myers this week. “What we found out was that the system in place was, in most cases, re-traumatizing the victim. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. That’s just the way the system was set up.”
To that end, Worcester County’s Cricket Center, and similar child advocacy centers all over the state and across the country, combines all of the needed resources under one roof, easing the burden on the victims and their families with a comprehensive approach.
“It’s a safe environment where child victims and their families can speak with social workers, tell their stories to law enforcement officials and prosecutors, get the medical attention they need, meet with a SAFE nurse and Life Crisis officials all under one roof,” said Myers. “It provides an environment where they feel safe and can get the help they need without being dragged all over the county to the different resources. It’s a one-stop shop, kind of the Wal-Mart for child abuse.”
Myers said victim interviews are recorded and are admissible in court, often preventing the victims telling and retelling their stories, which can cause them to relive the trauma sometimes months later when the cases go to trial. In some cases, the fear of testifying against the accused is a deterrent to coming forward in the first place.
“There are often times when the kids don’t even have to take the stand,” said Myers. “Not always, because a defendant has a right to face his or her accuser in Maryland, but we can often prevent a child from going to court and testifying against their abuser.”
Child physical abuse and sexual abuse is a growing problem, but more often than not, the accused is someone familiar to the young victim. Statistics show 80 percent of the time the accused is someone with whom the child has a relationship of some sort.
“We were all warned about the scary stranger in the bushes, but most of the time, it’s someone the child knows and often closely,” said Myers. “It might be the boyfriend or girlfriend of a parent, someone who lives in the house or even an aunt or uncle.”
All of the services provided by the Cricket Center are free to the victims and their families, but finding the funding to sustain the program has become increasingly difficult. Worcester County’s Cricket Center, and similar programs across Maryland are mandated by the state, yet the state does not provide a dedicated funding source.
“We are not a line item on any budget,” said Myers. “We did get some financial support from the county for the physical building, but there are no funds dedicated for the daily operation. We do receive some grant money, but otherwise, we are completely supported by community donations. The community has been extremely generous, and without the support of the residents of Worcester County, we honestly could never make it.”
To that end, the Cricket Center is constantly battling to stay ahead of the funding curve with a series of fundraisers throughout the year.
The program’s next significant event is the Crickets on the Bay scheduled for next Sunday, Oct. 9, at Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill from 4-9 p.m. The $50 admission price includes dinner and an open bar along with live music from “Bad Mojo.” The highlight of the evening will likely be a chance for participants to win a diamond valued at $3,500 donated by Park Place Jewelers. The event replaces the Cricket Center’s more formal black-tie gala held each year.
Store Owner and Employee Charged With Possession and Distribution
(Sept. 30, 2011) Following an Ocean City Police raid at the Boardwalk shop May Talk, Fransisco Rico Hernandez, the shop’s owner, and store worker Blen Giday Berhani have been charged with possessing and distributing synthetic marijuana and paraphernalia.According to the police report, Hernandez, 48, was present when Berhani, 24, sold and explained the use of a glass pipe and K-2 synthetic marijuana to an undercover police officer during a compliance check at the store on Sept. 13.
When police returned with a search and seizure warrant on Sept. 15, several contraband items seized by Ocean City Police included saliva divinorum, K-2, Bath Salts, controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia and several fixed blade fighting knives. Bath salts, also known as the drug MDPV, are stimulants that imitate the effects of amphetamines.
Hernandez was charged with possession of salvia, possession and distribution of a cannabimimetic agent, and possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana paraphernalia, according to the police report.
Giday was charged with possession and distribution of a cannabimimetic agent, and possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana paraphernalia, the police report said.
Both Hernandez and Berhani are scheduled to appear in Ocean City District Court for a preliminary inquiry on Oct. 14.
Source; http://www.oceancitytoday.net/news/2011-09-30/Police/May_Talk_charged_for_contraband.html
Source; http://www.oceancitytoday.net/news/2011-09-30/Police/May_Talk_charged_for_contraband.html
Friends of the Eastern Shore Public Library Looking For Books
The Friends of the Eastern Shore Public Library are looking for books in very good condition to be donated for the group's October book sale. Especially needed are books on these topics: Eastern Shore history, cooking, gardening, children's books, and best sellers in pristine condition.
Donations can be brought to the library at 23610 Front St. in Accomac during operating hours and marked as contributions for the Friends' Book Sale.
No textbooks, encyclopedias or condensed books, please.
**The Friends' July 4 Firecracker book sale raised a record of nearly $900.**
Don't Miss The 3rd Annual Delmarva's Got Talent Contest
3rd Annual
Delmarva's Got Talent Competition
FRIDAY NIGHT IS SEMI FINALS NIGHT
SATURDAY IS FINALS NIGHT!!
Show starts: 7:00 PM
Admission:
$10.00 adults ~ $5.00 children
*~ DON'T MISS THE FUN ~*
Shore Beef and BBQ
**TREAT YOURSELF TO LUNCH**
FRIDAY SPECIAL
Pit beef sandwich w/ side
Drink ** $7.50
*~YARD SALE~*
Saturday October 1, 2011
8:00 AM UNTIL ???
Worcester County Arts Council Welcomes Brian Garrett As Board Member
Brian is the Executive Director for the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City.
A graduate of Snow Hill High School he later attended the University of Maryland Baltimore County receiving his degree in Fine Arts and Art History.
He comes to the Discovery Center with over 10 years of experience working in the Museum Services industry. During which time he provided project management and consulting to Museum,Galleries and Private Collectors across the US.
“I have always appreciated the arts and want to contribute my efforts in supporting the Arts in Worcester County,” Brian says.
He is interested in focusing on public arts events and the relationships between arts as a means to document the unique ecological and cultural heritage of Delmarva. His personal areas of interests are paintings, sculpture, and music.
Source; http://www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org/
Community Spirited VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed.... Please ask a friend to volunteer with you. If you are a member of an organization get your group involved in this worthy cause. Let's keep this trail growing......
WANTED
The Nature Trail Committee is looking for public spirited people!
Volunteers are needed to work with the Nature Trail Committee in continuing the trail extension of the Nature Trail.
To refresh your memories, The Nature Trail is located in the back of Cypress Park. The trail began as a boarded walk through a maze of Cypress trees, fern and other woodsy growth continuing over towards Stevenson's Pond. Benches were provided along the walkway for relaxing and observing those magnificent Cypress trees, birds and wildlife.
Through the years the Nature Trail has taken many twists and turns and now actually runs from Stevenson's Pond to the banks of the scenic Pocomoke River. The newer extensions connect to the original trail and wind their way through the more dense swamp. The trail is also handicap accessible.
Here is where volunteers are needed!! YOUR HELP is needed -as Friends of the Nature Trail- with continuing this dream and keeping the Nature Trail alive. More work needs to be done.
If you are an adult and you love the outdoors but can't seem to pull yourself away from the recliner to take a walk here is your excuse to get out into the fresh air! If you have experience in carpentry I'm sure your assistance would be appreciated in this rewarding work. You don't have to have experience - just be a volunteer.
Ask others in your church, your local organizations, or ask your neightbor to volunteer with you.
Let's see this dream that the Nature Trail Committee began a few years ago goes even farther than they ever thought possible.
I'll have another post in a couple of days giving you information on who to contact. But until then let's see how many wonderful Pocomoke people we can get to volunteer.
A "Stay Sober" Pill?
Next time you get a little too drunk, blame it on your immune system, not so much on the alcohol.New research from the University of Adelaide highlights that alcohol affects an immune response in the brain, whose cells affect muscles that control walking and talking, according to a recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology on Sept. 28.
Scientists already knew alcohol affects nerve cells in the brain; the findings suggest our response to alcohol is both neuronal and immunological.
And a new 'stay sober pill' might be on its way to curb the negative effects of alcohol on a person's behavior. A pill, researchers say, that could benefit binge drinkers and alcoholics, The Herald Sun reports.
Initial tests on mice show that mice that were given alcohol and the pill, which essentially turns off the immune response, did not display signs of drunkenness, the study states.
Mice that were genetically altered to automatically block the receptors also had reduced responses to the liquor.
"Medications targeting Toll-like receptor 4 may prove beneficial in treating alcohol dependence and acute overdoses," Dr. Mark Hutchinson, the study's lead researcher, stated in a press release.
Knowing that the receptors are responsible for how the body reacts "could help detect the people at greater risk to develop brain damage from drinking," FOX News reports.
The findings might explain why people react differently to the same amount of alcohol, The Telegraph points out.
"It's amazing to think that despite 10,000 years of using alcohol, and several decades of investigation into the way that alcohol affects the nerve cells in our brain, we are still trying to figure out exactly how it works," Hutchinson said in a statement.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Buddy's Electronics and Signs Company Has MOVED
In case you didn't know......
As of September 19th -
Buddy's Electronics and Sign Company has MOVED!You will find them in their new location at
14th Street and Market Street
(the old A.J. Gray Building)
in Pocomoke.
Buddy's will still offer all their current sign services
HOURS: Mon. thru Fri. 9 - 5 ~ Saturday 9 -2
CLOSED SUNDAY
The Verizon business has been sold to Verizon retailer and will reopen after an awesome make-over. The new store will be a Verizon Premium Retailer with a new look to better serve customers.
Our current staff will still be at the new store to service your Verizon needs. The new store will also carry the iPhone!
We thank all of our Verizon customers over the past 20+ years and wish you the best with the new store. Buddy's Electronics
We wish you the very best of luck. PPE
TIME MACHINE Preview ... Pocomoke High
PHS... Something New, Something Old- something you may not have been aware of that could have changed the course of Pocomoke High School history!
It's 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!
It's 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!
Blessing of the Animals Service
JENKINS BRIDGE -- To honor the many creatures in our lives, a Blessing of the Animals Service will be held at
10:30 a.m. Oct. 2, 2011
at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Jenkins Bridge.
Reminder: 2nd Annual Poker Run To Benefit Courtney Bloxom
2nd ANNUAL COURTNEY BLOXOM POKER RUN
Saturday, October 1, 2011
11:30am - 2:30pm
CYCLE CREATIONS
CYCLE CREATIONS
NEW CHURCH VA
NO BIKE ? NO WORRIES ~
COME OUT GRAB SOME FOOD ~
HANG OUT AND JUST HAVE FUN
COME OUT GRAB SOME FOOD ~
HANG OUT AND JUST HAVE FUN
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
SIGN UPS FOR THE RUN WILL START @
11:30 AM TILL 1:30PM .
FIRST BIKE OUT WILL BE AT 12:00PM
WITH THE LAST BIKE IN AT 4:30 PM.
PIG ROAST WITH ALL THE FIXINGS.
LIVE MUSIC
50/50
PIG ROAST $1O
$2 BEER ALL DAY/NIGHT
A CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
WITH $100 TO THE WINNERS
50/50
$100 FOR THE BEST HAND ON THE RUN
THE COST FOR A RIDER WILL BE $10
PASSENGER WILL BE $5
EXTRA CARD $5
PASSENGER WILL BE $5
EXTRA CARD $5
PIG ROAST $1O
$2 BEER ALL DAY/NIGHT
As always, please keep Courtney and her family in your prayers....................
Shore Beef and BBQ
THURSDAY LUNCH AND DINNER SPECIALS
LUNCH SPECIAL ~ ALL DAY
Beef Brisket sandwich w/ side
Drink ~ &7.50
DINNER SPECIAL
Full Rack w/ 2 sides
$17.50
CHECK OUT SHORE BEEF AND BBQ
~~ ON SATURDAY ~~
YARD SALE
OCTOBER 1, 2011
8:00 UNTIL ?????
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
"See You At The Pole" Event This Morning
See You at the Pole, the annual student-initiated prayer event was held at schools on Virginia's Eastern Shore and across the nation this morning.
Photo above-Pastor Jonathan Carpenter of Exmore Baptist Church leads a time of prayer at Shore Christian Academy at the See You At The Pole event this morning.
Source; shoredailynews.com
History for See You At The Pole:
A small group of teenagers in Burleson, Texas, came together for a DiscipleNow weekend in early 1990. They came seeking God and little did they know how powerfully He was about to move. On Saturday night their hearts were penetrated like never before, when they became broken before God and burdened for their friends. Compelled to pray, they drove to three different schools that night. Not knowing exactly what to do, they went to the school flagpoles and prayed for their friends, schools, and leaders. Those students had no idea how God would use their obedience.
God used what He did among those teenagers and others who were holding similar prayer meetings at their schools to birth a vision in the hearts of youth leaders across Texas. The vision was that students throughout Texas would follow these examples and meet at their school flagpoles to pray simultaneously. The challenge was namedSee You at the Pole™ at a brainstorming session during a meeting of key youth leaders. The vision was shared with 20,000 students in June 1990 at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas.
Mar-Va Theater This Weekend
3rd Annual
Delmarva's Got Talent Competition
FRIDAY NIGHT IS SEMI FINALS NIGHT
SATURDAY IS FINALS NIGHT!!
Show starts: 7:00 PM
Admission:
$10.00 adults ~ $5.00 children
*~ DON'T MISS THE FUN ~*
Pocomoke Mayor & Council - Minutes From Meeting 8/8/11
August 8, 2011
The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Tuesday, August 8, 2011. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison
Council Members: Tracey Cottman,
Rob Clarke, Diane Downing,
Bob Hawkins, Donald L. Malloy
City Attorney Pete Golba
City Manager Russell W. Blake
City Clerk Carol L. Justice
Review Minutes:
In a motion (Malloy, Hawkins passed), to approve the minutes of July 5, 2011.
Review Bills:
In a motion (Hawkins, Downing passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).
Ambulance Department Director Mike Thornton to present twelve month status report:
Director Mike Thornton gave an update on in town and out of town calls and transports to PRMC, McCready, and Atlantic General Hospitals. He stated that the department has seven (7) full time personnel and 40 part-time personnel. The part-time employees are on call as needed to fill in when the staff is on vacation, and they also take second and third run calls. He expressed his gratitude for the new ambulance garage and how much he appreciates it being so close. It makes for quicker response time for the third call.
City Manager Blake stated that the City will get more money this year from the County than last year. He stated that the Ambulance membership renewal notice has gone out and we are receiving membership fees. Also, as of January 2012, the insurance companies will be paying us directly, rather than paying the patients. This is the result of a new state law passed in April 2011.
Mayor Morrison stated that he had met with lower county commissioners about changing the formula on how they pay for each transport because Pocomoke Ambulance Department drives further for a transport to the hospital but receives the same amount of money for each transport as Berlin’s department receives.
Review of bids for Ambulance Department power lift stretcher. (Bid opening 11:00 A.M. August 8, 2011):
City Manager Blake stated that we received two bids: one from Ferno Washington, Inc in the amount of $7,860.50 each and the other from Stryker in the amount of $14,553.34. He suggested that the City purchase two for that price from Ferno because the budget amount was $15,000.
Mr. Thornton stated that this power lift would reduce back injuries and that one person would be able to lift the patient into the ambulance.
Councilwoman Downing stated that the ICS (Integrated Chargins System) was not included and asked if it could be included.
City Manager Blake stated that he would check on it.
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to purchase two power lift stretchers at a cost of $7,860.50 each for a total cost of $15, 621 from Ferno Washington, Inc.
Res. # 450 to authorize lease purchase from John Deere Inc. for the purchase of aerator with ¾” tine holders and tines. (Budget amount $9,000):
In a motion (Hawkins, Cottman passed) to adopt Resolution #450 as an emergency Resolution to enter into a lease-purchase agreement with John Deere for the purchase of aerator with ¾ “tine holders and tines bid price is $8,759.32. Roll call: Hawkins aye; Downing aye; Malloy aye; Clarke aye; Cottman aye.
Mayor Morrison introduced Congressman Andy Harris of the 1st District of Maryland.
Congressman Harris spoke briefly concerning Standard and Poor’s down- grading of the U.S. credit status. He stated that it would take years to regain the status back. He stated that he voted against raising the debt ceiling because he didn’t think budget cuts went far enough.
Authorize requests for bids:
- Police Department building improvements at 1400 Market Street:
City Manager Blake stated that Becker Morgan group has completed the design for the new police building located at 1400 Market Street. If the plans are approved tonight an ad will placed in Sunday’s paper to advertise for bids for renovation.
Councilwoman Cottman asked Chief Ervin if he was pleased with the building improvements as designed.
Chief Ervin stated that he was.
In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed) to begin advertisement for bids to renovate 1400 Market Street for new police building.
- Supplies for extension of water mains to Water Treatment Plant on Quinn Ave.:
City Manager Blake stated that this extension would be give us an eight (8) inch line that will feed into the water treatment plant. With this improvement, we will be assured that we can always provide water to our customers if another water main should be out of service. The total cost for valve and pipes would be around $18,500.
In a motion (Downing, Hawkins passed) to waive the normal bidding process and take the lowest bid for valves and pipes which would be Dover Plumbing in the amount of $10,153.52 (valves) and Belair Road Supply in the amount of $8,320.00 (pipes).
Authorize City Manager to submit application for Community Parks and Playground (CPP) grant funding. (DNR):
City Manager Blake stated that he would like to submit three CP&P grants this year for golf course improvements to include: paving cart paths #2 and #9; a new maintenance shop; and HVAC for the Log Cabin. The total for this project would be approximately $90,000 and the application is due August 18. The City would need to contribute 10% to 15% if the applications are granted.
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to authorize City Manager Blake to submit application for Community Parks and Playground funding as proposed.
Housing Repairs/Demolition:
- Recommended repair or demolish: 705 Second Street, owner Donna Joseph; 523 Young Street, owner Allen B. Blount, Jr; 618 Clarke Ave., owner Joyace Dale.
In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to send the owners a notice to repair/demolish these three houses.
- House previously ordered to be repaired or demolished:
707 Clarke Ave., owner Sodoria Wallop (date June 15, 2010).
In a motion (Hawkins, Cottman passed) to have the house at 707 Clarke Ave burned by the Fire Department or get quotes to demolish the house.
City Manager to discuss recent CDBG grant award for Housing Rehabilitation projects:
City Manager Blake stated that he was happy to announce that the City received a letter from Community Development Block Grant that the City was awarded a $250,000 grant to rehab homes. The City has been participating in this program since 1976.
Authorize Mayor to sign agreement with DDC and UMES:
Mayor Morrison stated that this Letter of Agreement is to transfer the DDC property to UMES. The University of Maryland System Board will meet in late September, and they would like to have an agreement signed so they know that the City is serious about the transfer and willing to work with them.
City Manager Blake stated that this is the preliminary step that will lead to a contract for sale in the future.
In a motion (Hawkins, Downing passed) to authorize Mayor to sign the Letter of Agreement to transfer DDC property to UMES.
Review proposed FY2012 renewal of agreement with Maryland Environmental Services:
City Manager Blake stated that MES is not a state agency but they contract with local governments in monitoring and laboratory services. ECI and City of Cambridge also use MES services. We use them as on-call staff. We ask them for recommendations and rely on them for backup, as necessary.
In a motion (Cottman, Malloy passed) to renew Maryland Environmental Services for FY2012.
Comments from Council:
Councilman Clarke stated that a life ring was missing at the docks, and there are potholes near the curb at 8th and Cedar Street and at McDonald’s. He also stated that Donna was working with Brian at the Discovery Center with art work on the docks. He would have more on that in the future.
Councilman Malloy stated that Ed Weilbacher received a letter regarding tall grass at a lot on 4th Street. Mr. Weilbacher Code book states 10 inches, but the letter stated 8 inches as the maximum height.
City Manager Blake stated that the Code was updated recently and changed to 8” maximum..
Councilman Malloy also stated that Chapter 98-2, Maintenance of sidewalk, curb and gutter area states, “property owners, occupants or persons in control of any lot or land located in Pocomoke City shall maintain their respective curb, gutter and sidewalk bordering their parcels of land in such condition as to be clear of all growth of grass and weed within the curb, gutter and sidewalk.” So why is Pocomoke City spending money on weed control?
City Manager Blake stated that over the years the City has taken over that responsibility.
Councilman Clarke stated that the curb and gutter should be taken care of by the City.
City Manager Blake stated that the Code could be revised.
Mayor Morrison asked if someone could call State Highway Administration (SHA) concerning the entrance to our City. The grass and trees need to be taken care of.
Councilwoman Cottman asked about the 8th Street project concerning the flooding in that area. When was SHA going to have their study completed?
City Manager Blake stated that he will be meeting with the SHA engineer on Thursday of this week.
Comments from the Audience:
Rev. George Tasker asked if sale of DDS to UMES would affect the restaurant.
Mayor Morrison stated that it would not.
Rev. George Tasker thanked the Mayor and Council for their donation to Family Connection and asked how they should go about getting their donation.
Mayor Morrison stated that they would need to send a letter requesting the donation.
Following a motion by Councilwoman Cottman and seconded by Councilman Malloy, the Council voted to meet in a closed session at 8:50 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Present were Mayor Bruce Morrison. Councilman Hawkins, Councilman Clarke, Councilman Malloy, Councilwoman Downing, City Manager Blake, City Attorney Golba, and City Clerk Carol Justice. Personnel issues were discussed.
With no further discussion a motion was made by Councilman Hawkins and seconded by Councilwoman Cottman to adjourn at 9:10 PM
Approved:_________________2011
__________________________________
Carol L. Justice
City Clerk