The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council approved several infrastructure and event-related items Monday night, May 4th, while residents raised concerns about dust from the fairgrounds track, loud vehicles, trash collection practices, and long-standing property maintenance issues across the city.
Mayor Todd Nock opened the May 4 meeting by emphasizing the need for better follow-through on city projects and stronger accountability for both residents and municipal operations.
Market Street CIPP Project Closed Out Below Budget
Council approved a balancing change order for the CIPP Phase 2 sewer lining project completed by Mainlining America LLC. A representative from GMB said the final adjustment reduced the contract amount by $57,903.73, bringing the total project cost from approximately $1.73 million down to about $1.68 million.
Councilman Marshall joked that it was “the kind of change orders I like.”
The GMB representative confirmed the project work itself is already complete and that the remaining steps are administrative closeout and final payment processing.
Mayor’s Safe Paths Initiative Moves Forward
Council also approved awarding the city’s street improvement project contract to Mike Houck Construction for $523,335.97 after receiving three bids.
According to an official statement released by Mayor Nock after the meeting, the project is part of the city’s “Mayor’s Safe Paths Initiative” and represents what he described as “real, lasting improvements across Pocomoke.”
The city received the following bids:
- Mike Houck Construction, LLC — $523,335.97
- Terra Firma of Delmarva, Inc. — $557,569.00
- Asphalt Maintenance, LLC — $594,677.00
Mayor Nock stated that Mike Houck Construction submitted the “lowest responsible bid” while meeting all project requirements.
The project will include milling and repaving nearly 23,000 square yards of roadway, installing new asphalt surfaces, replacing damaged curbs, sidewalks and driveways, adding ADA-compliant ramps, and performing targeted base repairs beneath roadways.
During the meeting, Nock questioned project timelines and contractor accountability, referencing frustrations residents experienced during prior infrastructure work on Market Street.
GMB explained the contractor would be subject to liquidated damages if work extends beyond the contract timeline without justification. The city also stressed that residents must receive at least 72 hours notice before road closures or utility disruptions.
Nock directed that future contractor notices clearly identify outsourced companies rather than appearing to come directly from city public works staff. The mayor also stated during the meeting that he expects the project completed before July 1. An announcement identifying streets included in Phase 1 is expected later this week, according to the mayor’s statement.
Alcohol Permit Discussions Spark Debate
Council approved four separate one-day alcohol permits for private events at the community center, including a baby shower, wedding reception, quinceañera, and birthday party.
Several of the discussions became lighthearted but also drew commentary from Mayor Nock, who repeatedly questioned the appropriateness of alcohol at events involving children or teens. Discussing the quinceañera permit, Nock said, “I’m not telling y’all to deny it. I just don’t understand the notion of having alcohol at a child’s party.”
Council ultimately approved all requested permits.
Fairgrounds Events Approved
Council approved three upcoming fairgrounds events:
- Zerbini Family Circus
- Fireman’s Muster
- Food Truck Festival
Fairgrounds representatives said the circus setup and cleanup are generally handled entirely by the touring company. The Fireman’s Muster prompted discussion about conditions at the grandstand bleachers, with Nock calling them “disgusting” due to limestone dust and bird droppings and urging improvements before the event.
The upcoming food truck festival will be the fairgrounds’ first such event. Organizers said participating vendors are expected to secure required county health permits.
Ordinances Introduced on Code Enforcement and Critical Area Regulations
Council held first readings for two ordinances.
Ordinance 2026-O-10
The proposed ordinance would allow unpaid municipal code enforcement fines to be transferred onto municipal utility bills after 60 days of nonpayment. Mayor Nock later referenced the ordinance during broader comments about abandoned properties and enforcement challenges, saying the city “has to hold people accountable.”
Ordinance 2026-O-11
The second ordinance would amend the city’s Critical Area Program code following comments from the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission after adoption of previous legislation. The changes include updates to enforcement procedures, appeals processes, variance standards, and definitions required for state compliance.
Residents Raise Concerns About Fairgrounds Dust and Noise
During public comments, a resident described severe dust conditions caused by horse track dragging activities at the fairgrounds. The resident said she walked outside that morning “to a mouthful of dust,” adding that similar issues have persisted for years.
Mayor Nock confirmed the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) visited City Hall that morning after receiving complaints. He said the city and fair board would need to hold a work session to address ongoing operational concerns at the track.
Council members discussed requiring track watering before use, limiting operating hours, installing cameras, and improving accountability for horse owners using the facility. City Manager Brandy Matthews later announced new proposed rules limiting track dragging hours to 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. and requiring track wetting prior to use.
Trash Collection and Neighborhood Concerns Discussed
Another resident raised concerns about subcontractors performing fiber optic work without proper notification or identification and also criticized public works trash collection practices. Councilwoman Diane Downing agreed that trash cans are sometimes left in roadways after collection, creating hazards and interfering with mail delivery.
The discussion expanded into a broader debate about whether mandatory trash receptacles would unfairly burden residents if the city does not replace damaged containers. Mayor Nock said the city would need to carefully evaluate any future receptacle requirements and associated costs.
Wawa, Solar Farms and Downtown Development Discussed
Residents also asked for updates on several long-discussed development projects.
Councilman Marshall said the proposed WaWa project continues moving through annexation and planning stages, though additional state review recently delayed portions of the process. Mayor Nock said the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) briefly requested additional review of the annexation plan before later allowing the process to continue.
The mayor also criticized existing solar farm agreements, calling them “one of the worst decisions that our predecessors made,” citing ongoing financial obligations tied to the projects.
Mayor Calls for Greater Accountability and Neighborhood Improvements
In extended closing remarks, Mayor Nock described walking more than eight miles around the city the previous evening and observing abandoned homes, poor lighting, deteriorated sidewalks, and other neglected conditions.
He referenced a complaint involving a sidewalk allegedly torn up by the city four years ago and never repaired. “We have to leave this city better than what we found it,” Nock said.
He also urged more aggressive code enforcement, improved follow-through on city maintenance issues, and stronger communication between departments and residents.
The mayor further addressed ongoing discussions involving the Delmarva Discovery Museum, stating that both the city and county support keeping the museum in downtown Pocomoke but continue requesting a formal business plan before providing additional assistance.
Council then entered closed session to discuss a real property matter under Maryland General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(3).
