The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council met Monday, August 4, 2025, at City Hall, approving routine business, recognizing a longtime county education leader, and addressing multiple infrastructure and zoning matters.
Louis H. Taylor Recognized for Service to Community
Mayor Todd Nock presented a proclamation honoring retired Worcester County Superintendent Louis H. Taylor for over four decades of service to county schools. Taylor, who helped establish the Worcester County Education Foundation and the Stephen Decatur High School Alumni Association, thanked the council for the recognition.
Wastewater Equipment Purchases Approved
Council unanimously approved four wastewater-related expenditures:
- Air Compressors: Replacement at the wastewater treatment plant, awarding the $34,390 bid to Cummings Wagner for full installation, warranty, and local service.
- Hydromatic Pump: Replacement for the Woodland Manor Pump Station at $13,950.
- Ebara Pump: Replacement for the Jenkins Orchard Pump Station at $10,138.
- Low Flow Pump: Payment of $6,794.77 for emergency repair to the Main Pump Station backup unit.
Hunting Permits Granted
Archery and game hunting permits were approved for Robert Telford (Industrial Park), Major East and Mark Speta (properties on Dunn Swamp Road and Old Virginia Road), and Aaron Bew (Sheephouse Road).
One-Day Alcohol Permits Approved
Five permits were granted for weddings and private events between September and November 2025 at the Pocomoke Community Center.
First Readings of Major Ordinances
The council held first readings, no votes, on eight legislative items, including:
- Rezoning 74.17 city-owned acres on Old Virginia Road to a Planned Redevelopment District (PRD).
- Amendments to building permit timelines.
- Adoption of Chesapeake Bay Critical Area zoning regulations.
- Urban design and architectural compatibility standards.
- Mural and signage guidelines.
- A temporary moratorium on certain Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals actions until a Planning and Zoning Director is hired.
- Approval of grant applications for the Community Legacy Program ($100,000) and Maryland Façade Improvement Program ($60,000).
Mayor Nock expressed concern over the “extremely wordy” ordinances being presented directly to a public meeting without prior work sessions, noting that some measures dated back two years, though several of these items have already been discussed at length in open meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Surplus Property Declared
Following a public hearing, the council voted to declare parcel Map 0402 Grid 009 Parcel 1487 ID 01-028464 on Cedar Street as surplus for private sale. This property, transferred from Jayce and Sheila Lee to the city in 1979, is adjacent to an apparent right of way for the recently announced Cedar Ridge development. Map image source: https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/
Community & Event Updates
Council members praised volunteers for the ongoing Great Pocomoke Fair and urged public support. Mayor Nock highlighted progress toward creating a downtown Welcome Center. Deputy City Manager Brandy Matthews announced multiple upcoming events, including National Night Out (Aug. 5), Riverfest Committee meeting (Aug. 12), Monster Truck Show (Aug. 15–16), Pocomoke Boat Docking Challenge (Aug. 16), Community Class Reunion in Cypress Park on September 13th, citywide revival in Cypress Park (Sept. 26–27), and a sickle cell blood drive at the Pocomoke Community Center (Sept. 28).
Infrastructure Planning
Discussion emphasized that sidewalk repairs must precede street paving to ensure proper grading, and that infrastructure condition will guide prioritization. Officials acknowledged a public need for street replacement, but that sidewalks have to be done first. Matthews and Councilman Marshall discussed sidewalks in the area of Cedar Street at the high school. Officials reiterated enforcement of the prohibition on parking on sidewalks.
Public Comment
Fair volunteer Jo Ellen Carey called for unity and volunteer participation, particularly in support of the Great Pocomoke Fair, urging the community to “come back together” as in years past.
