The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council took a major step toward bringing the long-planned Family Life Center to life during a work session on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The meeting, held at City Hall, focused entirely on reviewing 11 bids submitted for the design and engineering of the new community facility.
The work session was not a voting meeting; instead, the council discussed each proposal in detail and agreed to identify a shortlist of firms for further review. Public feedback and further review planned before final selection.
Council narrows to four leading contenders
After several hours of discussion, the council reached a general consensus on the top firms to move forward. The leading contenders include Becker Morgan, George, Miles & Buhr (GMB), and Wheeler Goodman & Masek (WGM). A fourth spot remains under consideration, with David D. Quillin and Jonathan Selway Architects receiving strong mentions.
Council members praised the range of proposals but agreed that more clarity was needed before making any commitments. Mayor Todd Nock emphasized that the city would continue to operate on consensus until final votes are scheduled.
“We’re not voting tonight — this is about understanding what’s on the table and what best serves the community,” Nock said during the discussion.
Proposals reviewed in depth
Each proposal received a detailed review led by Deputy City Manager Brandy Matthews, who summarized the strengths and weaknesses of every bid.
- Becker Morgan was noted for its strong municipal experience and phased design proposal. However, questions remained about construction administration costs and whether the fee structure was based on budget or square footage.
- David D. Quillin earned points for transparency and an affordable design fee but included a $22,000 traffic study that some considered unnecessary for the Maple Street site.
- Fisher Architecture, a familiar name in Pocomoke, was commended for its budget-tracking methods but criticized for omitting a total project cost.
- GMB stood out for its clear timeline, local familiarity, and competitive pricing, though members questioned who would handle bidding and procurement.
- Jonathan Selway Architects offered a design that reflected Pocomoke’s character, drawing inspiration from downtown landmarks and churches. However, the firm’s suggested 8,000-square-foot layout was smaller than desired.
- Wheeler Goodman & Masek (WGM) emerged as a strong favorite, praised for clear visuals, cost control, and options for both “design-bid-build” and “design-build” methods. Their proposal included flexible multi-purpose rooms, a gym, and a small fitness area.
Other firms, including Manns Woodward and Moya Design Partners, were ruled out for exceeding budget limits or lacking sufficient detail.
Balancing design, budget, and community use
Council members agreed that the project must balance ambition with affordability. The total construction budget is $5 million, with the city planning to seek up to $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Several priorities emerged during the discussion:
- A multi-use gymnasium suitable for basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer.
- A warming kitchen—not a commercial one—suitable for catered events and community programs.
- Flexible room dividers to allow multiple uses and rentals at once.
- Consideration for energy efficiency and potential rebates through Delmarva Power and Constellation partnerships.
- A design that complements nearby structures, including the upcoming Worcester County Library.
Council also discussed parking and traffic flow, noting that the Maple Street lot’s narrow layout may limit on-site parking. The idea of sharing spaces with Salem United Methodist Church was floated as a potential solution.
Next steps and public engagement
The council directed staff to prepare the bid materials for public release once sensitive information is redacted. The intent is to publish all four finalist proposals online and invite community feedback before a final decision.
Members also expressed interest in inviting the finalist firms back to Pocomoke for recorded site walk-throughs, giving residents a clearer picture of each design concept.
Staff will confirm timelines with grant administrators, but a decision on the winning firm is expected by the first council meeting in November to keep the city’s grant application on schedule.
The CDBG grant is expected to be awarded in December, with a two-year spending window once funds are received.
The meeting concluded with the council expressing optimism about the Family Life Center’s progress and a commitment to keep the public informed.
“This is one of the biggest projects we’ve taken on in years,” said one councilperson. “We just want to make sure we get it right—for the community and for the generations who’ll use it.”
