The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council worked through a crowded agenda the night of Tuesday, December 2nd, debating whether to release closed-session minutes, putting a pause on the current site for the proposed Family Life Center, approving several financial and infrastructure items, and hearing pointed concerns from both the police chief and a councilmember about crime, travel spending, and staffing.
Debate Over Releasing September Closed-Session Minutes
A significant early discussion centered on a request from Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott for both the open and closed-session minutes from the council’s September 15, 2025 meeting.
City Attorney Andrew Illuminati explained that under the Maryland Open Meetings Act, closed-session minutes remain closed unless the body votes to release them. He noted this was the first such request he had seen in five or six years of representing Pocomoke City and other public bodies.
Councilmembers expressed mixed feelings:
- Several members said they had “nothing to hide” and were inclined toward transparency.
- Others questioned why Commissioner Abbott wanted the full closed-session minutes without identifying a specific topic, and whether the request related to contracts or other sensitive business discussed that night.
- There was discussion about whether it was fair to other parties involved in those closed-session negotiations to release the minutes now.
Illuminati outlined three options: vote to release, vote to deny, or table the request (with the risk of a complaint to the state ombudsman for delay).
The council voted on a motion “to approve the release of the closed session minutes from September 15th.” The voice vote was recorded as opposed 3-2, with Councilmen Holland and Marshall in favor.
Bill List Approved Over One Dissent
The council approved the bill list with one “nay” vote from Councilman Holland. No specific line items were debated on the record before the vote.
Honoring Retiring Police Captain Brian Craven
A proclamation recognized Captain Craven for approximately 30 years of service with the Pocomoke City Police Department. The proclamation noted:
- He was hired in August 1995.
- He was promoted to patrolman first class in 1996 and later promoted to captain in 2021, serving as assistant police chief.
- He helped revamp the department’s written directives and investigative procedures.
- He completed his career with no true disciplinary action on his record, according to the proclamation.
The mayor and council presented the proclamation and shared lighthearted remarks about Craven’s early ID photo and long tenure, before thanking him and wishing him well in retirement.
Family Life Center Contract Put on Hold Pending Possible New Site
On Item 6, Mayor Todd Nock asked the council to table the contract award for the Pocomoke Family Life Center.
Key points from the discussion:
- Nock said he is still waiting for Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Annette Wallace to schedule a joint site visit with him and school board President Todd Ferrante at an alternate location near the middle school.
- He described growing public support for moving the facility from the current proposed site to school-owned property close to Pocomoke Middle School.
- Dr. Wallace, he said, had originally believed citizens wanted the center behind the middle school; Nock clarified that the preferred location is a different school property, which would still require school board approval.
- Options such as leasing, purchasing, or donation of the school property would require legal review between the school board’s attorney and City Attorney Illuminati.
- The mayor argued that placing the Family Life Center adjacent to the middle school could:
- Reduce after-school transportation barriers, allowing students to walk directly to the center.
- Potentially reduce some negative activity in that area by creating a stronger supervised presence.
City Manager Brandy Matthews reminded the council that:
- A key grant award decision (from DHCD) is scheduled for December 15, and
- The grant documentation anticipates contract award within approximately 150 days of that date, though it was unclear during the meeting whether the award is location-specific.
The council voted to table the contract award until a future date, with the mayor suggesting that March may be more realistic than January, especially if a new site and design are pursued. Councilmembers also called for another work session before any new contract is awarded so they can review updated designs and citizen feedback.
Bond Counsel Change for CIPP Phase 2
Under Item 7, the council approved Funk & Bolton as bond counsel for the second portion of funding for the city’s ongoing CIPP Phase 2 infrastructure project.
City Manager Matthews explained that the city’s usual bond counsel, McKennon, could not serve because it also represents the Maryland Department of the Environment, creating a conflict of interest. Funk & Bolton will now handle the bond work and reimbursement close-out for this phase.
GMB Approved to Manage New Street & Sidewalk Work
On Item 8, the council approved using GMB to complete design, bidding, and contractor selection for a new round of street and sidewalk improvements.
Matthews and council discussed the plan in some detail:
- The city and GMB evaluated streets and sidewalks with an emphasis on:
- Finishing partially completed sections, and
- Doing complete areas (streets and sidewalks) rather than fragmented stretches.
- Phase 1 is planned to:
- Finish a section of Winter Quarters (on the city side of the highway).
- Address parts of Bonneville, Bishop Isaac Jenkins Moore, and 5th Street.
- Start work in the Heights neighborhood with a “core middle” section, with an outer loop to follow in a later phase.
- One section of Snow Hill Road in the Heights, identified in purple on GMB’s maps, will be more expensive because it must be completely pulled up.
- A deep sinkhole on Payne and the width of Central must be addressed before certain streets can be paved.
- Councilmembers questioned why some Heights streets were grouped together and asked for reassurance that this was not just to declare “the Heights is done.” Matthews said the grouping is driven by mobilization costs and efficiency, not optics.
There was also an update on the Market Street CIPP work:
- The contractor has missed its substantial completion date.
- Matthews said the city is now accruing daily penalties (reductions in the contract amount) starting from early November until all connections are off bypass and the project is substantially complete.
- A progress meeting with GMB and the contractor is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. at City Hall.
The council voted to authorize GMB to prepare the RFP, manage bidding, and recommend a contractor under the city’s existing procurement arrangement with the firm.
Police to Purchase Used Charger from Fruitland
On Item 9, Police Chief Hancock presented a proposal to buy a fully outfitted 2021 white Dodge Charger from the City of Fruitland Police Department for $25,000.
According to Hancock’s report:
- The car has about 47,000 miles and is currently unmarked.
- Kelley Blue Book private-party value is approximately $28,307, based on his packet.
- The installed emergency equipment, including a license plate reader (LPR), is valued at more than $30,000.
- Fruitland is cycling out Chargers and standardizing on Tahoes, funded by its speed camera revenue.
Hancock plans to:
- Use the Fruitland Charger as his admin vehicle, replacing his current 11-year-old car, rather than buying a new $50–60k vehicle.
- Take a 2023 black Dodge Charger the department recently acquired (about 6,000 miles) and mark it for patrol use.
- Continue his strategy of selling cars while they still have value; he reported $21,900 in vehicle sale proceeds since February.
He said the purchase would be funded with SAP grant funds and that the department would remain in a positive balance afterward.
The council voted to approve the purchase.
Pocomoke Joins Sustainable Maryland Certification Effort
Under Item 10, the council held a public hearing and then unanimously passed Resolution 2026-R-07, supporting Pocomoke City’s participation in the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal Certification Program.
City Manager Matthews read the resolution summary, which:
- Defines a sustainable community as one that balances environmental, economic, and social objectives.
- States that Pocomoke City aims to:
- Save tax dollars,
- Protect clean land, air, and water, and
- Improve working and living environments.
- Commits the city to explore and adopt sustainable, economically sound local government practices.
- Formally designates City Manager Brandy R. Matthews, MBA as the city’s agent for the certification process.
Mayor Nock supported the initiative but cautioned against letting the effort rest with a single staff member. He recommended:
- Creating a five-member team including:
- A council liaison,
- A city employee (not necessarily the city manager), and
- Several community members.
- Asking Matthews to post information online so residents can see the qualifications and volunteer.
- Providing council with education on what the program entails before they select a liaison.
Matthews noted that examples and ideas for Pocomoke were discussed at an MML session she attended with Councilmember Tull and said some of the recommended practices align with what the city already does.
First Reading: Ordinance on Lodgers, Roomers, and Boarders
For Item 11, the council heard the first reading (by summary) of Ordinance 2026-O-3. The ordinance would:
- Amend multiple sections of the zoning code to eliminate the keeping of lodgers, roomers, or boarders by a resident family as an accessory use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts.
- Add new definitions for:
- “Family or housing unit,”
- “Lodger,” and
- “Roomer or boarder.”
- Implement recommendations from the Planning Commission, which held a public hearing on July 17, 2025, after receiving complaints about single-family properties renting out rooms in ways that disturbed neighborhood peace and tranquility.
No vote was taken; this was strictly the first reading.
First Reading: Bond Ordinance for Water Tank Mixers
Under Item 12, the council heard the first reading of Ordinance 2026-O-7, a general obligation bond ordinance related to the city’s water tank mixer project.
Matthews explained that:
- The project, begun in 2023, involved installing THM removal and mixing equipment in two water towers (604 Yonge Street and 1928 Pocomoke Beltway).
- Funding came from a combination of CDBG, MDE, and a USDA loan/grant package.
- The USDA loan portion was initiated earlier but never formally brought to council via a bond ordinance, a step required to request reimbursement.
- The original USDA loan ceiling was $463,000, but because of contract reductions and delays, the actual closing amount is now “a little over $300,000,” with the ordinance written not to exceed $463,000.
The summary describes the bond as a full faith and credit obligation of Pocomoke City for up to $463,000 to finance and refinance the project costs. No vote was taken at this meeting.
One-Day Alcohol Permits Approved for December Events
Under Item 13, the council approved two special one-day alcohol permits at the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company Community Center:
- Park Retirement Party – December 13, 2025 (5–9 p.m.).
- Anderson Birthday Party – December 27, 2025 (4–9 p.m., beer, wine, and liquor).
The mayor confirmed that Worcester County now requires a letter rather than the old permit form, and that the letter must be submitted about one month before the event. Staff reported that county officials advised them to seek council approval and then submit the requests for the upcoming December dates, even though the timing is tight.
Later in public comments, Tara Bourne, director of the PCVFC Community Center, said she had submitted five events but only two appeared on the agenda. Councilmembers agreed that:
- All pending applications should be placed on the January agenda.
- If applications are timely and straightforward, Bourne will not have to attend each meeting in person unless additional questions arise.
Councilmember Holland Raises Travel, Staffing, and HR Concerns
During council comments, members offered holiday greetings and thanks to parade organizers, public works, volunteers, and police. Councilmember Scott Holland used his time to raise a series of concerns:
- He praised:
- Public Works for quick post-parade cleanup,
- Parade organizers and volunteers (including Dockside owners who volunteered rather than opening their business),
- The police department, and
- Captain Craven’s service and retirement celebration, including turkey donations funded by T-shirt sales.
- He suggested that future turkey giveaways be held at a centralized location (such as the police department or fire hall) to give residents a chance to meet officers.
Holland then turned to crime and state policy, saying:
- Pocomoke’s biggest issue is crime, much of it involving youth.
- In his view, the police department’s hands are often tied by state-level decisions on sentencing and releases.
- He urged residents to pay attention to Senate Bill 422, which he described as legislation from Prince George’s County that would automatically require people aged 14–18 to be tried as juveniles regardless of the crime.
- He also questioned several internal city issues with Vacancies and HR Holland asked about the city’s plan for filling:
- The event coordinator position,
- The finance director position, and
- A dedicated HR role.
He pointed out that one person (City Manager Matthews) currently covers city management, finance, and de facto HR responsibilities, which he described as a conflict of interest and a burden on employees seeking HR support.
- Vehicles and Travel Spending
Holland said he supported earlier vehicle purchases when they were the only option for particular grant funds, but now wants to know:- The plan for selling or reassigning “extra” vehicles.
- How much is being spent on travel, especially out-of-state conferences.
- Why he was not notified about trips, such as a Florida conference last year and the recent National League of Cities (NLC) conference in Utah.
He noted:
- He has been unable to obtain a detailed financial report on travel costs.
- The council’s travel budget was increased to $7,000 per member (total $35,000) in the current fiscal year.
- His own preference is to spend little or none of his travel allocation and have any unused portion returned to the general fund, not reassigned to others.
Holland also referenced:
- Past discussions about travel spending when the city did not have the three months of operating reserves it is required to maintain.
- His concern that travel should be scrutinized before any consideration of tax increases.
- Council Compensation and Travel Pay
Holland said he has noticed increased amounts on council pay checks described as “travel”, and questioned:- Whether this amounts to a pay raise that was never formally voted on.
- Why the city is still paying for travel directly if councilmembers are also receiving a travel stipend.
He further stated that:
- He has struggled to get answers to multiple emails.
- He has had difficulty obtaining closed-session recordings or notes, even for sessions he participated in.
- There have been instances in closed session where he felt he was “cussed out,” with no subsequent apology.
Holland concluded that, until there is improved communication, transparency, and an explanation of the travel and stipend issues, he will vote against the bill list.
Mayor Nock directed City Manager Matthews not to respond immediately but instead to:
- Review the recording of Holland’s comments,
- Prepare written responses to each of his questions, and
- Present them at the next council meeting.
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Mayor Highlights NLC Takeaways and Calls for Crime Suppression Plan
In his comments, Mayor Todd Nock reported on his trip to the National League of Cities (NLC) City Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. He noted that:
- His participation was covered as part of his role as president of the Maryland Municipal League (MML).
- He attended six educational sessions.
One session on public health and safety strategies to prevent violence presented a framework for an annual crime suppression and violence prevention plan built on six pillars:
- High-visibility foot patrol and presence
- Technology, data, and intelligence
- Focused deterrence and strong cases
- Youth prevention and community healing
- Neighborhood watch and resident partnerships
- Environment, blight, and safe spaces
Nock said he did not believe Pocomoke currently has a formal written plan structured around those pillars and asked Chief Hancock and the council to consider developing one.
He also:
- Reflected on the question “What is your city’s culture?” from another session and suggested that Pocomoke’s identity is closely tied to its river, which the city has not fully leveraged.
- Mentioned receiving a call from someone outside Pocomoke proposing that Pocomoke, Berlin, and Snow Hill establish separate police commissions. Nock said he wanted more information on what such commissions would actually do before endorsing the idea.
- Echoed Holland’s concerns about state-level criminal justice and juvenile policy, urging that any such proposals be examined closely.
- Called for stronger relationships with businesses outside downtown, noting that many residents interact daily with businesses like Subway, Top Tech, and other non-downtown locations but may never visit Market Street. He wants to resume quarterly business roundtables that include all sectors.
- Thanked the Pocomoke Area Faith Community Coalition for recent efforts, including collecting and distributing baby formula.
- Praised the Pocomoke Christmas Parade, calling it one of the best he has been part of and crediting it with helping him through a personally difficult time of year.
He also mentioned a planned mobile mammogram bus and health fair in partnership with TidalHealth, tentatively targeted for April 18, and later connected with Community Center Director Tara Bourne about possibly using the community center as a host site.
Chief Hancock: “The City Deserves the Right to Feel Safe”
Police Chief Hancock used the public comment period to respond to recent concerns and outline steps he is taking.
On Relationships with State’s Attorney and Report Quality
Hancock said he has a strong working relationship with State’s Attorney Kris Heiser and has repeatedly asked her office for feedback on:
- Police reports,
- Body camera video handling, and
- PBK submissions.
He told the council that he has consistently been told they are doing well and that any problems would be brought directly to him. He contrasted this with longstanding general claims he has heard that Pocomoke’s reports are “bad” and said he relies on direct feedback from Heiser’s office to gauge performance.
He also noted the department recently received its annual community policing report from the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission and that:
- The department was found to be in 100% compliance, and
- Its community policing practices were recognized as “best practices” suitable for Pocomoke’s needs.
On Crime, Youth Violence, and “Small Stuff”
Hancock acknowledged:
- Recent months have been difficult for the department, including the loss of Captain Craven to retirement.
- He previously told officials that the department’s hands were “tied” on certain shooting cases, but now believes there is more they can do at the local level.
He emphasized a renewed focus on quality-of-life issues, telling officers not to ignore:
- Bicycles left on sidewalks for days,
- Abandoned shopping carts,
- Untagged vehicles, and
- Other visible blight.
He described these as elements of “broken window syndrome” and said addressing small issues consistently is part of preventing larger crimes. He held an internal meeting to reset expectations and expressed that the city deserves the right to feel safe. Our community and our citizens deserve that right, and it’s our job to provide it, whether we have 18 officers or five dedicated ones.
He also said he wants to start a weekly “Coffee with a Cop” program, but stressed that it will only be successful if residents participate. He noted that the most recent Crime Watch meeting drew only one community member.
Request to Avoid Undermining Local Command
Hancock asked that:
- Any meetings with the sheriff’s office or other law enforcement agencies about Pocomoke policing include him when possible, or at least not be held in ways that undermine his role as chief.
- He be allowed to “weather the storm” and make operational decisions while remaining accountable to the council.
Proposed Police App and Website Redesign
Hancock updated the council on efforts to develop a Pocomoke City Police Department app:
- He said internal efforts over the past several months hit a roadblock because the city’s IT staff had difficulty dealing with Apple’s app store requirements.
- He proposed contracting with OCV LLC, a company that specializes in public safety apps and websites and also serves Wicomico and Worcester Sheriffs and other Eastern Shore agencies.
According to Hancock’s presentation, OCV would:
- Develop a new PD app and redesign the city’s website within about 12 weeks.
- Provide features such as:
- Push alerts,
- Tip submission,
- Links to social media and PD contacts,
- Warrants and summons information,
- Sex offender information (optional),
- City Hall events, and
- Slots for Public Works and EMS to post road closures or service alerts.
Cost:
- First-year cost: $15,978.75 (largely development).
- Annual renewal: $6,900.
Hancock said he could fund the first year without using taxpayer funds by:
- Using approximately $13,745.18 in existing balances under police accounts, and
- Adding about $2,300 from surplus vehicle sale proceeds.
Councilmembers indicated consensus for him to proceed, and City Manager Matthews agreed. The mayor asked whether removing the sex-offender component would lower the cost; Hancock said it likely would not reduce the price significantly.
Hancock also described plans to add QR codes to marked patrol vehicles so residents can scan them and download the app directly.
Concern About Blighted Properties
Hancock drew a connection between crime and abandoned or derelict properties, saying:
- There are 22 such properties in a small area between Clarke Avenue and Bishop Isaac Jenkins Street, 18 of them clustered there.
- These properties can become locations for drug activity, firearms, and squatting.
He praised Code Enforcement Officer Mike Wyatt as “fantastic” to work with and emphasized that his comments were not a criticism of staff performance. Instead, he asked whether the city government could do more to speed up enforcement or legal action against chronic problem properties.
Mayor Nock linked this request back to the proposed crime suppression plan and reminded the room that some properties have complicated ownership (multiple names on title, fines that cannot be collected) and have been difficult to address, but agreed that abandoned houses and squatting are a continuing priority.
Audience Concerns: Travel Policy and Brown Water
During public comments:
- Former Councilmember Esther Troost:
- Thanked the council and said she will continue to attend meetings as a resident.
- Asked that 11th Street be considered for future street repairs, noting multiple potholes and sections that appear to be caving in.
- Recalled that a prior council passed legislation limiting out-of-state travel unless approved by the sitting council, and suggested the National League of Cities conferences offer less value to Pocomoke taxpayers than the in-state MML conference.
- Community Center Director Tara Bourne:
- Thanked the council for approving two December special permits.
- Explained confusion about why only two of five submitted events were on the agenda.
- Confirmed that her scanner issues had been resolved and future applications will be provided as physical forms.
- Offered the Pocomoke Community Center as a venue for future police-led community events, such as turkey giveaways or health fairs.
- Becky Jones and tenant Raven Giddens:
- Reported ongoing brown water problems at 1403 Market Street.
- Giddens said white laundry comes out brown and she must buy bottled water for daily use.
- Jones said the service line from the sidewalk to the house has already been replaced but the problem persists.
- Matthews said Public Works will flush hydrants and lines near the property and follow up, and Councilmember Holland noted that multi-phase SIPP water system upgrades are underway and are expected to improve water quality over time.
Next Steps
The council closed the public portion of the meeting and voted to move into closed session under:
- General Provisions §3-305(b)(4): to consider a business or industrial proposal to locate, expand, or remain in the state, and
- §3-305(b)(8): to consult with staff or other individuals about pending or potential litigation.
