The Mayor and Council moved a slate of zoning and design ordinances across the finish line Monday night, September 15th, and formally approved Brandy Matthews as City Manager, while pressing pause on a proposed deep cleaning of the horse barn to seek additional bids.
Fairgrounds horse barn
- Deep cleaning (est. ~$22,000–$23,000): After discussion about cost, responsibility for ongoing maintenance, and procurement, the Council tabled the item until the next meeting to solicit more price-competitive options. Multiple members stressed the need for a maintenance plan and city inspections so conditions don’t regress.
- Electrical upgrades: The Council approved a quote from Stone Electric for $9,500 to add a 200-amp service and outlets, addressing unsafe use of extension cords. Members noted cleaning should occur before electrical work proceeds.
Street paving program (“Safe Paths” Initiative)
- Road list presented totaling ~$528,023 for multiple streets by Bozman Paving. Because the package approaches a half-million dollars, the Council agreed the work must be formally advertised; staff will bid the project (likely as a single package) and bring results back, with the intent to have bids before the first October meeting.
- The streets were selected by Public Works Director Bill East. He selected the Heights because the water lines have been repaired and the roads would not need to be cut into again. Other locations include 15-20 locations around town, prioritizing streets that don’t require infrastructure to be replaced underneath. Councilman Marshall requested Cedar Street be paved in the next paving cycle. Mayor Nock named 5th, 6th, Bishop Isaac Jenkins, Bonneville, and areas around 14th and 15th Street in the Heights, as well as a section of Winter Quarters Drive.
Proclamation
- September recognized as Sickle Cell Awareness Month in Pocomoke City.
Ordinances; second readings and votes
All items below were adopted by voice vote with no audible opposition.
- 2026-O-1 — Zoning Map Amendment (PRD) for City-owned 74.17 acres on Old Virginia Road.
Rezones from M-1 (Industrial) and B-2 (General Business) to PRD (Planned Redevelopment District) to enable flexible, mixed-use redevelopment consistent with the comprehensive plan. - 2026-O-2 — Permit timelines in Chapters 101 & 230.
Standardizes application/permit expiration at 180 days unless a written extension with justifiable cause is granted; aligns with state-recognized code frameworks. - 2026-O-4 — Critical Area Program (new Chapter 206) and map adoption.
Establishes local Critical Area standards, processes, enforcement, and mapping consistent with state law and MD DNR guidance. - 2026-O-5 — Urban Design Standards (minimum architectural requirements).
Amended on the floor to correct internal references from §230-82 to §230-84, then adopted. Creates neighborhood-compatibility standards applicable to infill, modular, and manufactured homes to maintain streetscape character while supporting affordability. - 2026-O-6 — Murals & Signage Standards (§230.83).
Differentiates public-art murals from signage; sets design, placement, maintenance, and review guidelines to encourage art while preventing visual clutter.
Administration
- City Manager: Council formally approved Brandy Matthews as City Manager to satisfy documentation requirements tied to recent bond actions.
Public comment & adjournment
- No council, mayor, or city manager reports of note; no audience comments were offered. The body voted to enter closed session under GP §3-305(b)(4), (7), and (8) for business recruitment and legal consultation.
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