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
