Melinda Stafford

The council conducted a work session to review the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, covering multiple departments and city funds. Discussions centered on financing capital improvements, including a new ambulance and a street sweeper, and addressing salary adjustments across departments. The session included debates regarding legislative travel stipends, public works staffing allocations, and the update of holiday decorations. Furthermore, the council explored initiatives for the Great Pocomoke Fair, economic development strategies, tax reduction opportunities, and the need for a thorough review of existing solar panel agreements and municipal fee structures.

The council discussed and approved the bill list, tabled an event request for the Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center due to the absence of representatives, and granted a conditional special one-day alcohol permit for the same organization. The Council also voted to adopt Resolution 2026-R-14, which finalizes the budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Furthermore, the meeting included reports from council members regarding hazardous waste ordinances and community events, the acknowledgment of new personnel, the Mayor's announcement concerning the reinstitution of the three-minute public comment rule, and a transition into a closed session.

The work session focused on financial and policy discussions for the City. Key topics included the presentation of FY 2027 tax rate options for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties, with a consensus reached to maintain current rates. The Council also reviewed the annual tax abatement list, specifically debating the inclusion of certain properties. A decision was made to remove three specific properties from the abatement list, requiring them to pay full property taxes due to their utilization of city services.

The meeting covered various agenda items, including the approval of a bill list, the swearing in of a new Election Board member, and the approval of special one-day alcohol permits. The council discussed policy regarding business owner eligibility for city committees and commissions, and approved a community yard sale and resource day contingent upon required signatures. Legislative actions included referring a nonconforming use time period issue to the Planning Commission, and the first readings of an ordinance to amend the zoning map, a resolution supporting a task force to modernize municipal revenue sources, resolutions setting tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year, and a resolution for tax abatements. Additionally, updates were provided on city infrastructure projects, capital improvement planning, and parking enforcement.

The meeting initiated with procedural discussions, notably tabling the approval of previous meeting minutes due to a commission member shortage. The agenda was reordered to address Item 4 (Concept Review) before Item 3. The primary discussion focused on the concept plan for a proposed Wawa convenience store and gas station at the southeast corner of Stockton Road and Ocean Highway. Key project details included the 5,915 square foot building, an eight-pump dispenser gas station, proposed parking, and the relocation and piping of an existing agricultural ditch/stream. Concerns were raised regarding traffic flow, including the addition of a right turn lane on Stockton Road, which is coordinated with existing state highway signalized improvements. The annexation process for the property was also detailed, which must occur before final approvals for conditional uses, such as underground storage tanks. City Manager project updates included progress on Drawbridge Vistas (footers and foundation complete), roof repair at 153 Market Street (delayed by weather), concept plan approval for a mixed-use development at 153 Market Street, and scheduling the solar farm project (1124 Ocean Highway) for the next meeting. A boundary line adjustment for Dewey Bay was tabled to the next session, and Cypress Grove LLC was added to the next agenda.