The Mayor and Council met Tuesday evening, September 2nd, rescheduled due to Labor Day, to handle routine approvals before turning to proclamations, resolutions, and major announcements about city leadership and infrastructure.
Routine Business
The meeting opened with the Pledge, prayer, and call to order. Minutes and the bill list were approved, and the mayor was authorized to sign a mutual aid agreement (MOU) for the Pocomoke City Police Department to assist other local law enforcement agencies.
Proclamation
A proclamation designated Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 as the Junior Women’s Club International Day of Service to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, coinciding with the club’s community carnival benefiting the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. Club leaders Amber Hall and Amanda Krantz were on hand to receive the proclamation from Mayor Nock.
GFWC Junior Woman’s Club Receives Proclamation
Resolutions
- Resolution 2026-R-02 (Second Reading). Council advanced a resolution placing a temporary moratorium on site plan approvals, rezonings, and annexations before the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. The measure cites the vacancy of the Planning & Zoning Director, suspends statutory time requirements, and would remain in effect until Nov. 3, 2025, subject to monthly review. A public hearing will be held at the next council meeting.
- Resolution 2026-R-03 (Second Reading). Council approved moving forward with a Community Legacy grant application seeking up to $100,000 in state financing for revitalization efforts. Public hearing: next meeting.
- Resolution 2026-R-04 (Second Reading). A companion resolution endorses the Maryland Façade Improvement Program, requesting up to $60,000 in grant funding for downtown façade projects. Public hearing: next meeting.
Leadership Announcement
Mayor Todd Nock announced that Brandy Matthews has accepted the position of City Manager following a national search. Matthews will continue assisting in Finance until a replacement is decided.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Nock pressed staff on the lack of visible progress on streets and sidewalks since the July 1 budget adoption, calling it “unacceptable.” He urged immediate action on sidewalks, stormwater fixes in White Oaks, and cooperation from the State of Maryland on Market Street repairs.
He also highlighted upcoming projects:
- Nature Trail repair day set for Oct. 10, led and funded by Dr. Shoemaker and volunteers.
- CIPP lining project (Phase 2) beginning next week, with substantial completion due by October 30 and all work cleared before the Christmas parade in December.
- Emphasis on stormwater management requirements for all future developments.
- The urgent need for shoreline restoration at Cypress Park, with grant applications underway.
Deputy City Manager’s Report
Matthews detailed plans to tackle sidewalks in-house, contracting out only larger sections. She stressed Cypress Park flood mitigation as a priority and confirmed the CIPP project timeline.
Public Safety & Communications
Corporal Laverty presented a new city mobile app featuring emergency push notifications, a direct “Call Police” button, and a feed of city press releases. The app is expected to be available within 30 days after app-store review.
Public Comments
- Residents raised concerns about water discoloration and staining on Winter Quarters Drive and in White Oaks/Homewood. Matthews encouraged residents to request no-cost water testing and reminded homeowners to assess private laterals.
- Lynn Duffy, resident and business owner, urged the city to adopt developer agreements and conduct background checks on developers to protect the community.
- Junior Women’s Club representatives promoted the Sept. 27 carnival (1–3 p.m., location TBD) and called for donations including diapers, wipes, bedding, and gift cards.
