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North Worcester County News
OC considers outdoor display regs for Boardwalk, downtown
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Ocean City is in the process of adopting new regulations and standards for the outdoor display of merchandise for all properties fronting the Boardwalk.
The mayor and Ocean City Council presented a series of recommendations regarding changes to the regulations for outdoor displays of merchandise.
On Dec. 21 the Ocean City Town Council introduced an ordinance to establish standards for outdoor display of merchandise.
The new regulations would apply to properties in the downtown and upper downtown overlay zones and another to change provisions for lots fronting the Boardwalk.
The outdoor display of merchandise related to businesses is permitted by special exception in the town, except along the Boardwalk and in the downtown overlay districts.
Published: December 23, 2009
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Resort hikes inlet parking fees to boost revenue
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Having saved millions this year, Ocean City officials are now turning their attention to cost cutting measures for fiscal year 2010-11 that include increasing inlet lot parking rates and leasing the Boardwalk information cottage.
The Ocean City Council approved new flat rates of $1.50 per hour during the off season and $2.25 per hour for in season parking from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the inlet lot. The rate increase is expected to generate $2.29 million or an additional $461,939 in revenue.
Published: December 13, 2009
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Cabanas to be offered on the resort beach
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Cabanas are coming to the Ocean City beach this summer. The Ocean City Council has granted permission for a beach stand operator to begin offering a limited number per block the new form of shade to beach-goers.
Beach operator Jonathan Layton made a request to add cabanas to equipment that beach operators may rent. He offered up two different sizes, one 87 inch wide by 58 inch high by 68 inch deep and a smaller version that is 59 inch wide by 44 inch high by 48 inch deep.
Published: December 13, 2009
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Ocean City police department seeks to expand technology
Rota L. Knott
Editor
The Ocean City Police Department is aiming to improve its efficiency through the use of additional technology and equipment that will allow officers to spend more time in the community and less at a desk or in the classroom.
The purchase of several new pieces of equipment, including a license plate recognition system, laserfische document storage, in-car training system and replacement of laptops has all been funded by grants.
Published: December 13, 2009
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Route 90 bridge open to traffic following structural repairs
Rota L. Knott
Editor
The Route 90 bridge into north Ocean City has been re-opened to traffic following structural repairs by the State Highway Administration.
The bridge was opened back up to motorists on Nov. 24 just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday rush to the resort. The bridge was originally scheduled to open mid-December.
SHA District 1 Engineer Donnie Drewer praised the contractors for this emergency maintenance project, McLean Contracting, Co. of Glen Burnie and High Steel Structures, Inc. of Lancaster, Pa., for their timely and efficient work.
Published: November 28, 2009
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Town of Berlin increases fees for wastewater service, connection
Rota L. Knott
Editor
In an effort to reduce water and wastewater fees for residents, the Town of Berlin plans to seek additional grant funds to help pay for nearly $16 million new infrastructure that is under construction. In the meantime, the mayor and Town Council are reviewing new fees for service that need to be in place in case additional grant funds are not available.
During a Nov. 23 meeting the Town Council approved a resolution establishing the new wastewater fees that include a hefty hike for users. Rate payers will experience a 6.5 percent increase in their bills beginning next year, but the increase will be spread over 18 months instead of 12 in order to reduce the financial impact.
Published: November 28, 2009
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Berlin revises residential energy credit program
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Berlin residents who make energy efficient improvements to their homes are eligible for a credit of up to 50 percent for the first $500 they spend on labor and materials.
Berlin has started an energy audit program for customers of its electric utility in an effort to save money for both residents and the town.
At no cost to Berlin town residents, the electric utility home energy auditors will visit homes in the Town of Berlin by appointment and using various non-invasive techniques and equipment, conduct a home energy audit to help individuals determine where improvements can be made to lower their energy costs. This past summer, two electric utility employees underwent training and received certification as home energy auditors.
Published: November 28, 2009
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Ocean City bond sale realizes savings in future debt service
Rota L. Knott
Editor
The Town of Ocean City will realize a savings of more than $670,938 in future debt service for its wastewater, water and general funds. The town on Nov. 19 sold $12.7 million in general obligation municipal purpose and refunding bonds.
Using PARITY, an electronic bid submission system, the town accepted bids online and attracted national interest in the municipal market with six prominent underwriters competing for the bonds. The bids ranged from the low 2.63 percent to 3.13 percent.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan awarded the bid to Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. The town’s financial advisor for the sale, Samuel Ketterman, of Davenport & Company, said the interest rate compared very favorably with municipal market indices for the day.
Published: November 28, 2009
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County declines involvement with kayak and canoe launch
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Refusing to accept liability for any accidents that could occur at the site, Worcester County officials have rejected a request to endorse plans for the conversion of a former landfill in West Ocean City to a nature park including a kayak and canoe launch. The commissioners in a 4-3 vote opted not to take on the responsibility for liability insurance for the proposal facility.
Dave Wilson and Roman Jessian of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program approached the commissioners on Nov. 3 with a request for the county to assume liability so the project can move forward.
The cost of the construction is estimated to be $49,000 and will be borne through a water trails grant from the Maryland State Highway Administration under a National Recreational Trail Grant. MCBP has been in contact with SHA and the grant would be available to an entity that owns the property or possess a permanent easement and pending required permits and would serve as project sponsor. Wilson said the SHA has threatened to withdraw funding designated for the
Published: November 13, 2009
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Berlin drops plan to ban farm animals
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Following pleas from residents not to kick out critters that are considered farm animals, the Berlin mayor and Town Council have decided to abandon a proposed ordinance that would have banned poultry, cows, goats and the like from within municipal limits.
Town officials held a public hearing on the proposed ban, which was prompted by complaints about resident’s posse of poultry, on Nov. 9.
Several residents spoke out in opposition to the ordinance, saying Berlin was originally and has always been a farming-based community. They argue that banning farm animals is not in keeping with the character of the town.
The ordinance did make some exceptions for agricultural properties that may be located within the town. But residents argued that was not enough.
The proposed ordinance would have amended the existing town code to include farm animals and poultry as prohibited under the animal control law. The ordinance was being introduced to clarify the town code with regard to what animals are prohibited within the municipal limits.
The ordinance was suggested by town staff as a way to address concerns about poultry on one resident’s property. The town’s planning and zoning department has been working to have several violations corrected on a property on Ann Drive. Among those violations was the presence of poultry, which town staff deemed to be prohibited.
The zoning director determined that the poultry on the property was in violation of the town code. The property owner did not agree and appealed the staff decision to the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals for consideration. The BZA sided with the town’s staff, but the mayor and Town Council disagreed and dropped the ordinance.
Published: November 13, 2009
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