By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(March 15, 2018) The Pocomoke City Council discussed the following items during a public meeting last Monday.

Beer and wine license

The council unanimously approved a beer and wine license request for two events: The Great Pocomoke Fair on Aug. 4 and a Bike Week Block Party, Sept. 14.

Downtown Coordinator Karah Lacey said organizers were trying to revive the Pocomoke Fair this year by adding rides, additional food vendors and games. She asked for a beer and wine license on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 6-10 p.m.

Lacey said participants during Bike Week this year could get their books stamped at Mallards restaurant. She is also organizing a Bike Week Block Party from 5-8 p.m. at the corner of Front Street and Market Street, with live music, contests, food, and beer and wine sales.

New custodian

The council unanimously approved a bid for a new City Hall custodian.

City Manager Bobby Cowger said the previous custodian stopped work at the end of January. The proposal was advertised for three weeks and awarded to the low bidder – also the only bidder, Cowger said.

Event denied

The City Council denied a request by the Assateague People of Delmarva to use Cypress Park for an event scheduled to run on May 17-21.

The request had been on several previous agendas, but was tabled several times because of concerns regarding town resources.

Councilman George Tasker moved to deny the request and a vote was unanimous. Cowger said he would deliver the news via letter.

Financing approved

Hebron Savings Bank will provide a line of credit for interim financing for improvements to the Pocomoke wastewater treatment plant.

Cowger said the funding would help bridge the gap between contractor’s bills and grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said there would not be any additional cost to the town.

Ordinance update

Planning Director Dan Brandewie said 80-90 properties have been identified as a result of a recently approved blighted building ordinance.

He said property owners would be asked to register with the city and develop a property maintenance schedule.

The ordinance became effective on Jan. 8 and Brandewie said letters went out last week.

Street talk

The council tabled a request by Drawbridge Villas to close Riverside Drive permanently and install new fencing to become a gated community. In a related move, Cowger said the town wanted to install gas and diesel tanks at Riverside.

City Attorney Roscoe Leslie said fencing off the area would make it a taxable private property. The matter was tabled so Cowger could contact to the property owners and let them know.

Propane out to bid

Cowger said the city had not bid out its propane supplier for some time and rates were likely lower than what was being paid.

He said the Pocomoke Fire Company asked to piggyback on the search. According to Cowger, the most recent firehouse propane bill was $10,000.

The City Council unanimously approved rebidding the service.

Not yet nonprofit

Neelam Strom, representing the Downtown Community Garden, asked for assistance to secure nonprofit status.

She said the designation would help obtain grant funding and asked for a letter of support.

Leslie said the process of filing was somewhat cumbersome and offered to help, and the matter was tabled after Cowger said he would ask Finance Director Janet Wilson if she could also assist.