The Pocomoke City Beautification Commission met for its first organizational session on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at City Hall, with members discussing the group’s purpose, structure, and potential priorities for improving the city’s appearance.
Rules and Leadership Tabled
The meeting opened with acknowledgment that several current members are new to serving on a commission. Discussion of formal rules and procedures was tabled while staff determine whether any guidelines from the previous beautification committee remain in place.
The commission also postponed the appointment of a chair and vice chair until its next meeting. Members agreed they would benefit from additional discussion before selecting leadership.
Defining “Beautification”
Much of the meeting centered on what beautification should mean for Pocomoke City.
Several members said they joined with the expectation that the committee would address visible property conditions, litter, and overall community pride.
One member recalled earlier conversations in which it was said that Pocomoke “was not a nice place for someone to want to move to or live in because of how the things were the community.” She described a property where furniture remained in a yard for months, saying it was visible “for October… for Thanksgiving… until Christmas.”
Others echoed concerns about trash, bulk items left out for extended periods, and litter blowing between neighboring properties. One member said, “How do you make people want to care?” while another emphasized that beautification “shouldn’t be something nice; we’re gonna clean it up,” but should address larger issues of upkeep throughout the city.
City staff noted that code enforcement already addresses grass height, improper outdoor storage, and other violations, and encouraged commission members to report general areas of concern so they can be reviewed.
At the same time, at least one member expressed discomfort with the idea of personally identifying specific properties. She suggested a general letter to residents about spring cleanup and expectations for property upkeep.
Positive Engagement and Community Events
The conversation also turned toward proactive and community-building ideas.
One member suggested shifting focus toward positive recognition and friendly competition. She proposed ideas such as district-based contests for best flower beds or seasonal decorations, as well as social media engagement to highlight residents who take pride in their properties.
Members discussed organizing an Earth Day cleanup event, potentially focusing on areas such as Cypress Park, the nature trail, or rotating streets throughout the city.
There was also interest in partnering with local schools, particularly since students often need volunteer service hours.
“We could tie some schools in with that,” one member said, suggesting broader participation across the community.
Downtown and Citywide Vision
Commissioners expressed a desire to look beyond seasonal decorations and address broader visual improvements, including storefront appearance, sidewalks, and general downtown aesthetics.
One member said she wants “Pocomoke City to look like it used to,” adding that older photographs of downtown show a different image than what exists today.
Others stressed that beautification must include the entire city, not just Market Street.
Mayor Encourages Long-Term Planning
Mayor Todd Nock addressed the commission during public comments, thanking members for their willingness to serve and encouraging them to frame the direction of the committee moving forward.
He noted that past infrastructure issues have required significant budget allocations, diverting time and funding from aesthetic improvements. He referenced $500,000 allocated in the current fiscal year for sidewalks, explaining that the mayor and council can approve budgets, but implementation depends on city operations.
The mayor urged members to document concerns, bring them forward at meetings, and remain engaged.
“This is the second time that we’ve had the beautification committee,” he said, noting that COVID-19 disrupted its earlier iteration. “You all will literally be framing how this will go.”
He also emphasized that beautification efforts must extend citywide, including the southern end of Market Street and residential neighborhoods.
Membership and Training
The commission confirmed it needs at least five members to maintain full standing and a quorum of three to conduct meetings. Members were encouraged to recruit additional residents who live within city limits.
The group also discussed Open Meetings Act training requirements. At least one member must complete the training, though staff will circulate the link so all members may participate.
Next Steps
The commission agreed to:
- Consider earlier meeting times, potentially 6:00 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m.
- Develop individual plans or proposals to bring to the next meeting.
- Revisit appointment of a chair and vice chair.
- Explore spring and Earth Day cleanup initiatives.
- Begin outlining a broader beautification strategy that balances code compliance, community engagement, and positive recognition.
The meeting adjourned following a unanimous vote.
