OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
APRIL 1, 2022
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
FOODIES
RESTAURANT WEEK RETURN Several eateries around Ocean City to showcase top entrées and deals for annual event– Page 20
FREE
County pinpoints sports complex site Public hearing on property purchase set to take place at Decatur High on April 19 By Jack Chavez and Mallory Panuska Staff Writers (April 1, 2022) At long last, Worcester County is zeroing in on a property to purchase as a site for a sports complex, a project county officials hope will bring a new and steady revenue stream and economic boon to the community. The parcel, 95.5-acres of farmland, sits west of and adjacent to Stephen Decatur High School, directly behind Tractor Supply Co. on Old Ocean City Boulevard. “We looked at several different properties. We graded them and this one and the one on (Route) 589 had the highest grades,” County Commissioner President Joe Mitrecic said. “The one on 589 came with issues of traffic that we don’t think will be present at the spot we picked.” In a statement released Tuesday, the county announced plans for a public hearing on April 19 at Stephen Decatur High School to discuss the potential purchase. See LAND Page 3
IMAGE COURTESY GOOGLE MAPS
Worcester County announced that it intends to purchase 95 acres of farmland adjacent to Stephen Decatur High School to be turned into an athletic complex, a project that the county has had in its crosshairs for years. Supporters hope that it will be an economic boon for the area, while detractors fear it’ll be another burden on taxpayers.
OC budget up $10 mil. in FY ’23 Covid relief grant, more room tax money to offset higher general fund total By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (April 1, 2022) With more room tax money and a covid relief grant, Ocean City’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget should be sufficiently stacked to cover a cluster of new employees, raises for the current ones
and an array of other new expenses. “This budget focuses on our most important asset, our employees,” City Manager Terry McGean said during a budget overview hearing on March 23. The city is projecting a roughly $10 million increase from last year in the general fund, from $90.6 million to more than $101.5 million. The overall expenses, which include the capital improvement plan and other funds, came out to about $156
million in the new budget proposal. The employee projections for the year beginning July 1 include 13 new full-time positions and 15 conversions of existing part-time workers to full-time. McGean said three new part-time positions are also part of the total. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said the added personnel will cost about $1.4 million. The budget also calls for raises of See SALARIES Page 6
Wor. school board defends allocation to bus contractors By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (April 1, 2022) The Worcester County Board of Education gave its FY23 budget proposal to the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday, with representatives from the Worcester County Bus Contractors Association in attendance. See BUS Page 4
PAGE 2
Ocean City Today
APRIL 1, 2022
APRIL 1, 2022
PAGE 3
Ocean City Today
Land for proposed athletic complex right next to SDHS Continued from Page 1 The county will use a portion of its FY23 general obligation bond funds, which total about $11.2 million. “The main purpose for the sports complex … is to provide county residents and guests with more recreational programming and event opportunities by providing additional field space,” the statement read. “Conceptual plans for this project include multi-purpose fields, with restrooms, parking, and concessions for recreation and travel sports. Additional park amenities would include walking trails, ponds, and a playground.” Added Mitrecic, “I’m excited for the people of Worcester County. It’ll be a huge benefit for everyone and it will certainly be an economic benefit for the county.” The majority of Ocean City Council members are also backing the proposed land purchase for the complex. At a work session Tuesday, Mayor Rick Meehan read the contents of the news release announcing the upcoming public hearing, and asked his colleagues to support the efforts. “What I would like to ask of the council, if you’re willing to do so, to go ahead and vote to support the purchase of this property and to support the bond issue and make it official that the Town of Ocean City supports this complex, supports the purchase of the property and it being part of the bond issue in FY23,” Meehan said. The elected officials voted 6-1 to support the request, with Council President Matt James opposed. James explained that while he is in favor of construction of the complex, he did not believe he had enough informa-
tion about the specific property and sale details to vote for it Tuesday. “I support a sports complex project, I just I would like to see more details,” he said. “We talked about it for three minutes just now. I know we talked about it for five years but I would like more details before I just blindly support it. That’s why I voted against it today. Council members also voted Tuesday to support a request from City Manager Terry McGean to direct the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to update an economic study previously performed for the complex, and complete a master plan and cost estimate for the project. He said the request will cost the town about $50,000 and that Tuesday’s approval would allow the state board to take it up at its next meeting set April 5. Council members voted unanimously in favor of the request, which included a clause that the money will come out of the advertising department’s budget. But not everyone is happy about the plans to move along with the complex. County Commissioners Jim Bunting and Chip Bertino, for instance, attempted to block multiple motions to move the project forward over the last year. Reasoning against the plan has largely been skepticism that a complex will produce the cash flow that supporters envision, that it’ll worsen existing traffic problems and that if the county pursues a complex, it should be built in the more economically challenged lower county. Ocean City resident and former city See ATHLETIC Page 4
Ocean City Today As members of the MarylandDelaware-D.C. Press Association, we subscribe to the following code of ethics: • Seek the truth and report it. • Minimize harm. Treat sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public with respect.
Calendar ..........................32 Classifieds ........................36 Commentary ....................52 Crossword Puzzle ..............28 Entertainment ..................27 Obituaries ........................60 Public Notices ..................38 Service Directory ..............49 Sports ..............................61
• Act Independently. The primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public.
Editor: sdobson@oceancitytoday.net News: editor@oceancitytoday.net Sales: sales@oceancitytoday.net Classifieds: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net Phone: 410-723-6397
• Be Accountable and Transparent. Reporters must take responsibility for the accuracy of their work and respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.
www.oceancitytoday.com and at Facebook/Ocean City Today Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Available by subscription at $150 a year.
Atlantic Dental would like to help make 2022 your healthiest smile yet! Family Dentistry & Smile Enhancements Invisalign® • Implant Restorations • Full Mouth Restoration
Accepting New Patients Many traditional insurances taken. Plus, third party financing available.
Kristen Mazzei, DMD
Emergency Services Available For Existing Patients
ATLANTIC DENTAL
Lawrence Michnick, DDS
COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 410-213-7575
12308 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6 Ocean City, Maryland, 21842 DENTIST - Dr. Michnick
DENTIST - Dr. Takacs
www.atlanticdental.com
WORCESTER COUNTY DENTAL PRACTICE
Christopher Takacs, DMD
PAGE 4
Ocean City Today
APRIL 1, 2022
Bus contractors refute Board of Ed rationale Continued from Page 1 Overall, the budget request totals $3.98 million more than FY22, an increase of 4.1 percent. The increase is largely represented by the difference between requests for an increase of $5.64 million for “personnel services” and $503,296 for “maintenance and services” and a decrease of $1.98 million for “interfund charges” and $273,015 for “other charges.” The bus contractors have spent the last few weeks rallying support among the commissioners to aid its pursuit of increasing contractor compensation far above what the board is offering for FY23. Their argument cites the ever-increasing costs associated with maintaining a school bus — the responsibility of the driver — and rising fuel costs. The commissioners heard impassioned testimony from acting WCBCA secretary Lori Thompson during their March 15 meeting and on Tuesday, Vincent Tolbert, chief finance officer for Worcester County Public Schools, shed light on the board’s side of the negotiation. “Their initial ask was $1.5 million, which is about a 25 percent increase,” Tolbert said. “I said at the time that was a huge ask for one year and it probably would not happen. Our initial proposal was $180,000, a 4 percent increase on mileage, hourly rates and PVA (per vehicle allotment). After having several more meetings with our bus contractor representatives ... the Board of Ed amended our proposal and increased it to $247,876.” Tolbert added that, based on those proposed rates, the average bus contract in FY23 would total $76,080. Contracts include five hours and 100 miles per day, plus the PVA and an administration fee. It does not include field trips, athletics, summer school or aftercare. The proposal amounts to about a 4.6 percent increase over FY22 contracts. Further, Tolbert compared Worcester’s rates with rates in Dorchester, Wicomico and Somerset counties and showed that Worcester contracts are anywhere from around $8,500 or
JACK CHAVEZ/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Worcester County Public Schools Chief Finance Officer Vince Tolbert presents the Board of Education’s FY23 budget to the County Commissioners on Tuesday. County school bus contractors also attended the meeting and offered rebuttals to claims the board has made in contract discussions.
$12,800 more lucrative. “I think that shows our rates are very competitive and we’re very fair with our bus contractors based on those comparisons,” Tolbert said. Commissioner Ted Elder, himself a former bus contractor and president of the WCBCA, crunched some numbers that showed, regardless of the board’s proposed increase for the contractors, the overall share of the budget it represents has consistently decreased over the last few years. “I’ve got the 2019 budget here and (the contractors were) 6.04 percent of the budget in 2019,” Elder said. “In 2023, your proposal now is only 5.4 percent of the budget. For comparison, we have instructional salaries that increased 17 percent over that time. Administration costs have increased 18.5 percent. At the same time, transportation (which included the contractors) has only increased 13 percent. So there definitely is a problem and there’s a reason the bus contractors have been here and we need to straighten that stuff out.” Thompson, who was in attendance, came before the commissioners after Tolbert to offer feedback on the budget put forth, aiming especially at the PVA and comparison to neighboring counties. Thompson said that the $300,000 PVA that the board demonstrated is inaccurate because it’s based on a bus life of 15 years when in reality buses are in service on average for 12 years. The dif-
ference, when coupled with monthly bus loan payments which can total as much as $2,000 per month, can equal as much as $84,000 out of a contractor’s pockets — before retirement investment. “So the PVA isn’t as beautiful as it seems,” Thompson told the commissioners. “And for us to sit here and (for the board to) act like we have blinders on and we’re not listening, we’re in a critical position and you guys are the ones who make or break this decision because I can promise you that next year and the year after that and the year after that, these guys are going to be coming to you asking for $17 million, $20 million, $30 million because you’ve left — you’ve absolutely left — a
program that has run in this county for years on the backs of these people who have worked 20, 30, 40 years to transport our students. You’re willing to just turn a blind eye to it and not respond appropriately.” Thompson even invoked the concept of “ethical fading” in describing negotiations with the board thus far, a term that describes the action of an individual or organization failing to see the unethical impact of their choices. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but quite frankly, saying that we’re better than Somerset or Wicomico is like saying we’re the best horse in the glue factory. And that’s the reality. If you let this go, you’re saying that, too,” Thompson said.
Athletic complex site selected Continued from Page 3 councilmember Vince Gisriel pointed out in the past that one study concluded that the Mid-Atlantic region is oversaturated with such facilities. Thus, to be viable a project, one here would likely require a government subsidy by as much as 25 percent. Last week, however, Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) said there’s hope in this year’s session that a bill will pass that would give the MSA $200 million to spend on new projects around the state, and that, in turn, could be used
to help fund the complex. Of course, the land off of Route 589 that Mitrecic alluded to also was once highly regarded by the county before that plan fell through. That experience demonstrates that while the county is again high on this property, it is not a done deal. “Certainly, they’re still out there,” Mitrecic said when asked if there are other properties the county has looked at. “We’re moving forward with the purchase of this one and certainly it’s the preferred property.”
APRIL 1, 2022
PAGE 5
Ocean City Today
OVER $80 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2021 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203
NANCY REITHER-SMITH
#1 AGENT COLDWELL BANKER Realty 2021 Sales Volume, Listings & Closed Units Ocean City and DE Beaches
Realtor® • Licensed in MD & DE Office: 410-524-1203 Direct: 410-723-8574 / Cell: 410-603-5050 Email: nreither@cbmove.com
#1 LISTING AGENT FOR COLDWELL BANKER REALTY MID ATLANTIC REGION OPEN HOUSE • SUNDAY, APRIL 3 • 11AM-1PM
TERNS LANDING
7 ALTON POINT • OCEAN PINES • $1,150,000 Stunning 4BR/3BA/2HBA 3,900 sq.ft waterfront home in Ocean Pines is located on the canal w/direct bay access. Open floor plan w/lots of natural light and upgraded kitchen. Oversized primary bedroom w/luxurious bathroom. Second master bedroom has full bath and 2 add’l. bedrooms w/a Jack and Jill bath. If you work from home, you will love the home office. Lg playroom or 2nd family room on 1st level. 2-oversized garages, one opens on water side for easy access in and out. Sizeable decks front and back w/breathtaking bay views plus an outside fireplace. Bulkheaded property w/water hookup at dock. Property has bonus of being alongside an association-maintained park. Ocean Pines amenities include: 5 swimming pools, Yacht Club/restaurant, marina, golf course w/clubhouse, Community Center, multiple playgrounds and parks, tennis basketball and pickleball courts, skateboard park, walking/biking trails, community police/fire departments and beach club on ocean w/ocean front pool, and more! Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLSMDWO2004546 OCEAN REEF
SANDPIPER DUNES
9508 HARBOR LIGHTS DRIVE BERLIN $924,900 4BR/3.5BA new construction home by RBR Homes in West Ocean City on a cul-de-sac lot. Professionally landscaped w/irrigation system. Grand dbl front doors and open floor plan, family room is spacious w/gas fireplace. Gourmet kitchen w/upgrades. First floor has a spectacular primary bedroom suite complete w/custom bath and walk-in closets. Primary bath has custom-tiled shower and free-standing soaking tub. There is also a half bath and a full-size laundry room on the 1st floor. 3BR/2BA + loft area w/second fireplace and large balcony on 2nd floor. Also on the second floor is an additional finished room that could be used as a home office, playroom, home theater, or fifth bedroom. Home has 3-car garage and plenty of closet/storage space. Designed to maximize the utilization of space and take advantage of the lot. Optional pool membership available with/$285 annual fee. Approximately 1.5 miles to the Ocean City beach, less than 6 miles to 6 golf courses, 1 mile to the Ocean City airport, 10.5 miles to Assateague Island, 1.5 miles to Sunset Marina, and less than 2 miles to fabulous restaurants and shopping. You and your family and friends are sure to make memories to last a lifetime here. MLS MDWO2006280
PRIME LOCATION
5801 ATLANTIC AVENUE UNIT 502 $529,900 2BR/2BA condo has a great open floor plan w/a beautiful kitchen that's sure to please the chef in your family. Living area has plenty of natural light and there's a glass slider that leads to a spacious south facing balcony w/ocean views. Spacious primary bedroom also has glass slider to the balcony. Direct oceanfront bldg makes it easy to go to the beach and come up for lunch and then go back down to the beach for a swim or a walk on the beach. Ready for immediate enjoyment and sold furnished. There is a lg outdoor pool and 2-assigned parking spaces. Building has a handicap access ramp, 3 elevators and lg parking area. Come take a look today and start making your own memories year after year at the beach! MLS MDWO2006578
1403 CHATEAU DRIVE SALISBURY $289,900 3BR/2.5BA home on a quiet cul-de-sac conveniently located off Nanticoke Road. Home is spacious and has a great floor plan. Kitchen has plenty of cabinet space and an abundance of natural light. Family room is off the kitchen and leads to a beautiful deck. Fenced yard for kids at play or allowing your dogs freedom to run. Laundry room and half bath on the first floor. On the second floor there is an oversized primary bedroom and master bath, and a finished home office area. There are also two more large bedrooms and another full bath. There is a one car garage and long driveway. The home has been priced to sell quickly. Come take a look and get in before the interest rates increase. MLS MDWC2003926
PRIME LOCATION!!!
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
INDIAN CREEK
MALLARD LAKES
36992 DUPONT BLVD SELBYVILLE • $2,615,000
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $1,099,900
WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD • $270,000
6509 HAMPTON RD, #LOT 18 BERLIN • $649,900
37862 EAGLE LANE #336 SELBYVILLE, DE • $289,700
If you are an investor, builder, or developer looking for the optimal location look no further! This choice commercial property has unlimited development potential with prime frontage on Rt 113 and Rt 54 in Selbyville. These 2 parcels totaling 47.5 acres are being sold together and are within the town limits. Located 1 mile from the Maryland State line and 10 miles from Ocean City & Fenwick Island. Come take a look before it's SOLD! Drone photos to follow of the parcels and site location. MLS DESU185186
Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLSDESU184528
Prime 3.61 Acres Property hits the market! It's all out the location & visibility w/high traffic density. Conveniently located on Route 113 & Hamond Road. It is diagonally across from the former Emings BBQ. Owner financing is available w/acceptable contract. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! Possibilities are endless. MLS MDWO113680
Need a home office or maybe even 2? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Well here it is, 5+ acres in cul-de-sac in community of Indian Creek ready & waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this & 2 golf courses within 2 miles and Assateague Island is 3 miles away. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk & restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO100390
Rarely available for sale, this unit is in Mallard Lakes is only 2.5 miles to the beach. The chef in your family will love the spacious kitchen and the dining room. The floor plan is very open. The dining room flows into the family room which has an electric fireplace for chilly winter nights. There is a sunroom off the family room w/a water view and a patio. On the second level is an oversized primary bedroom overlooking the pond. Second bedroom provides comfort and plenty of room for your guests. There is a full bath on this level. The community has two outdoor pools, tennis, volleyball, a playground, and kayak storage. It is close to everything, including restaurants, shopping, and the beaches of Ocean City and Fenwick Island. This unit is sold partially furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. MLS DESU2016032
Thinking of Selling? Buyer Demand is STRONG! Now is the OPTIMAL TIME TO LIST. Let's connect to discuss how you can put your house on the MARKET TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
PAGE 6
Ocean City Today
APRIL 1, 2022
Salaries, advertising funds, contracts lead to increase Continued from Page 1 3.7 percent on average for all general employees for a total nearly $493,000. The pay rate for part-time employees is also going up. Contract negotiations were completed as well with members of the International Association of Firefighters to raise their pay by 3.19 percent for a total $93,175. Negotiations with members of the Fraternal Order of Police were also finalized this week, McGean said. Preliminary estimates show a proposed 5.77 percent increase in departmental salaries for a total nearly $460,000. Knapp said the budgeted amount for pay increases is about $1.8 million. Other operating expenses that
would see a jump from fiscal 2022 to ’23 included about $2.1 million for advertising, $954,548 for debt service, money for body camera contracts in the police budget, and other contract, equipment and insurance costs. Along with receiving more money than expected from room tax, parking fees and similar sources, the city received a $3.4-million American Rescue Plan Act grant that significantly helped keep finances in the black, Knapp said. Without that covid relief money, she said, the budget would have been presented with a $2 million deficit. Some residents’ property tax bills may also be lower this year if council members vote to keep the state-calculated constant yield.
“We Measure Each Job With A Golden Rule”
LUXURY VINYL PLANK CARPET • TILE HARDWOOD WINDOW TREATMENTS ACT QUICKLY TO HAVE YOUR HOME READY FOR THE SEASON
All too often business will use words like these in order to gain the trust of their customers. We would like to elaborate...
PHILOSOPHY
We believe that strong ethical and moral principals are essential for the success and growth of any organization. You will realize this the minute you walk through our door.
Our Experienced Project Managers will work with you to best fit your needs and budget. Serving Delmarva Since 1996
HONESTY, DEPENDABILITY, PROFESSIONALISM, PRIDE, QUALITY
GOAL
Our Goal is to provide you with the personalized service you deserve at a fair price. We will listen to your needs and tailor our services to meet them.
INVITATION
If you desire moral and ethical customer service, coupled with professionalism and quality, we encourage you to call on us!
Ocean Bay Plaza, Fenwick Island, De 1-800-298-9470 • 302-537-1899
mikesflooringanddesigncenter.com HOURS: Monday – Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-4 • Closed Sundays
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City council members got their first look last week at the budget projections for fiscal 2023, which include more money for employees, salaries, advertising and other expenses covered in part by a covid relief grant and higher-than-expected tourism dollars.
The new rate for fiscal 2023 would be 45.26 cents per $100 of assessed value, as opposed to the current rate of 45.63 cents. Knapp said anyone whose assessment stayed the same will see a decrease, while owners who saw an assessment increase will likely be paying the same amount in property taxes. The city’s overall tax base is calculated at about $9.4 billion, which was an increase from last year’s roughly $9.25 billion. The constant yield will adjust for the difference. Last year, the city collected about $42.25 million in tax revenue, while the projection for the coming fiscal year is roughly $42.5 million. The proposed fiscal 2023 budget also includes a change to the city’s reserve amounts. The chunk of money is not allocated for any specific needs and available for things like unforeseen emergencies, nonrecurring unplanned expenses, and unexpected service cost increases.
Under city policy, 15 percent of the general fund is required to be set aside in the fund. The fiscal 2023 budget calls for that percentage to be bumped up to 20 percent. The fund presently has nearly $16 million more than the required 15 percent, and the change would lower that slush money to about $11.5 million. Within the budget, about $1.6 million of that total is already appropriated, which would whittle the total available down a little more. Council members discussed the change from 15 to 20 percent in January, but decided not to take action until after budget talks. When discussing the proposal last week, Councilman John Gehrig asked if the extra nearly $5 million could be used to help pay off debts or fund other expenses instead of just setting it aside. While some projects cannot be paid off, McGean said he would look into all of the options and present the information to council members during budget wrap-up before they approve the final numbers.
Berlin house fire claims life of beloved Burton family dog (April 1, 2022) Multiple fire units responded Saturday to a house fire at 10016 Carey Road in Berlin that took the life of a beloved canine. The fire also claimed the home and personal possessions of residents Julie and Jeffrey Burton, who operate Surfside Rooster in West Ocean City. The Berlin Volunteer Fire Company was alerted to the fire at 10:29 a.m., with the first units on the scene reporting fire and smoke coming from the attic of the home. A search of the residence resulted in locating two family dogs, one of which perished as a result of the fire. Firefighters navigated through smoke and flames to pull both pets from the structure. Resuscitation efforts revived Boh but could not save Ali, who suffered from smoke inhala-
tion. No other injuries were reported. Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and apparently originated in a clothes dryer. Berlin was assisted by Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Showell, Bishopville and Selbyville Volunteer Fire Departments. As news of the tragedy spread, family friend Michael Agnew organized a GoFundMe page, which as of Wednesday had raised nearly $2,000 of a $10,000 goal. To help the Burton family, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/let s-give-one-of-ocs-best-ahand?utm_campaign=p_cfshareflow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&ut m_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR3 4bFYJcQtKWSOpySC2r79bE5kLNed VsdXLR_TtAc2d5VB5elbW5YZDHys
APRIL 1, 2022
PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
Council to discuss deputy manager position By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (April 1, 2022) After nearly three months as city manager, Terry McGean has decided he needs a number two. At a budget work session on March 23, the city’s newly minted administrative chief presented plans to hire a deputy city manager to help oversee some of the city’s departments. Under the current makeup, McGean as city manager oversees all 16 of the city’s department heads with the help of one assistant.
“It is too much for one person,” he said during the meeting, pointing out that he has found himself being more reactive than proactive because of the workload since his hire in late December. The proposed change would put five departments — recreation, risk, grants and special projects, IT, and community development — under the purview of the deputy city manager. “There are different departments under that position,” McGean said. “I thought some needed to stay as direct report, others would fall under the
deputy manager.” The new employee would allow McGean to concentrate more on the departments that he said needs to stay under the city manager’s wing “I feel very strongly that public works, police and fire always need to be direct reports to the city manager,” he said. The deputy city manager would be hired as a grade 130, which McGean said is the same as a department head. In fiscal 2023, McGean budgeted a little more than $151,000 for the new employee’s salary and benefits.
McGean also said this week that he has no candidates in mind yet for the position and the council members are set to talk about the position details at a work session on April 12. Mayor Rick Meehan commended McGean during last week’s meeting for his decision to include the position in the budget. “I think you put a lot of thought into it,” Meehan said. “And I think it is good that you sat up here for a while and actually saw some of those departments and how essential they are to what you do on a daily basis.”
LIKE US ON
Neighbors Serving Neighbors - One Home at a Time 410-208-9200 • 800-337-7368 • 11065 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines • 8202 Coastal Highway, Ocean City • 410-723-9450 Licensed in MD, DE
• www.hilemanrealestate.com • e-mail: hilemanre@aol.com
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Greg
Tim
Ulrich
Nohe
REALtOR®
Licensed in MD & DE
NEW LISTING!
443-413-3077 Archangelnohe @gmail.com
Brenda
Nohe
REALtOR®
Licensed in MD & DE
410-493-3847 BrendaSG1944 @icloud.com
BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT DEAL ISLAND
Large Loft, BR/2BA. Experience Island Living, Rare Navigable Waterfront w/180 Ft. Bulkhead. Breathtaking Sunrises and Sunsets! Main Floor has Open Floor Plan - Living Room, Kitchen, w/New Granite Counters! Upper-Level Loft has 2 Spacious Rooms w/Fabulous Water Views of Tangier Sound!! Watch Boaters Sail by from the Marina. Home has Laundry Room, Double Car Garage w/High Bay Doors to Store Extra Large Items! Public Boat Ramp Less than 5 Minutes! Bring Your Boat, Jet Skis, Kayaks, Canoes. Owner Has More Renovations to Complete and will Work with Buyers to Choose Some Renovations of Their Choice! All Negotiations thru Listing Agent. Don't Let This Pass You By!! New Price! $390,000
WHITE HORSE PARK
Cindy
Crockett REALtOR®, GRI Licensed in MD
410-430-0587 Cell Cindy@HilemanReal Estate.com
Sonia
Zaffiris Associate Broker GRI, CRS
Licensed in MD, DE
410-251-6217 soniasez@aol.com
offers the most affordable vacation homes in the area! Beautiful, large corner lot with views of the swimming pool! This furnished home has newer HVAC and Roof & a Spacious, bright sunroom. Numerous amenities such as gated entry, marina, boat ramp, boat storage, picnic areas, playground, and more! Low monthly fees. NO ground rent! $139,900
Heselbach Associate Broker GRI, RSPS
Licensed in MD & DE
301-501-2463 Cell kheselbachHRE @gmail.com
GORGEOUS HOME with In-Deck 10x20 Heated Swimming Pool! Hardwood Flooring, Andersen Windows, Gas Heat. French Doors lead from Primary BR to Sun Room. Tiled Kitchen, Foyer, Sun Room & Baths. Kitchen has Center Island and Granite Counter Tops. Two sided Gas FP, Large Garden Tub and Separate 4' Shower. Concrete Drive. $449,900
$399,900
WELL MAINTAINED AND UPDATED
D L O S
w/tasteful coastal decor is waiting for you. 2BR/1BA unit on first floor just steps away from outdoor pool. Located near everything Ocean City has to offer. World famous boardwalk, beach, restaurants, mini golf, amusements, and shopping all just a short distance away. New living room furniture and updated bedding. Great rental investment or keep for yourself to enjoy the beach lifestyle. $240,000
Debora E.
Hileman OWNER/BROKER GRI & CRS Licensed in MD, DE
443-235-5982 Cell Debbie@Hileman RealEstate.com
NEW LISTING!
Oceanfront Living w/Million Dollar Views. Breathtaking sunrises and steps away from the beach to enjoy this 2BR/1BA. This unit has plenty of room for everyone, w/an updated community pool, off-street parking, and extra storage. One Virginia Avenue Building has been renovated and is well maintained. This property could be a great source of income rental during the summer vacations. Nice location, walking distance to restaurants, shops, and downtown Rehoboth Beach. $845,000
BRIGHT, OPEN HOME
on a cul-de-sac street that backs to parkland! Cathedral ceiling, ceiling fans, gas fireplace, breakfast bar Three large bedrooms on the first level, and a Bonus Room upstairs. Spacious Screened Porch with Soaring Ceiling, open deck, front porch, 2 storage sheds. One year home warranty included.
Kevin D.
Located in Worcester County near schools and shopping. Great summer home or full-time home located on 2+private wooded acres. Redone w/new windows, roof, kitchen, bathroom, doors, well pump and pump house, flooring, water softener, whole house filter, P tac heating/AC system and much more. Hugh fenced in yard 2nd trailer on property used for storage. $179,000
Associate Broker 410-422-1441 Cell timrealestate9 @gmail.com
Lynette
Bridges-Catha CRS, PMN, GREEN, SRES
Licensed in MD, DE
443-497-3128 Cell Smilin4shore@comcast.net
Terri
Bradford Associate Broker, GRI
GREAT OPPORTUNITY!
This 9.75-acre lot located next to the Mill Pond community offers wooded and cleared grounds. Part of the lot is in town limits of Selbyville which allows to connect to public water and sewer. Possibly subdividable. $549,900
WATERFRONT LIVING!
Waterfront living w/stunning views and private dock w/boat slips! Located in Rumbley, a quaint area surrounded by water and a marina. This 4BR/2BA home is located on over half an acre. Open floor plan showcases great room/dining area w/hardwood flooring and double doors leading to front deck, kitchen w/tile backsplash, stainless appliances, and tile flooring. Water views from almost every room. 1st floor bedroom would make a perfect home office. 2nd floor includes 3 additional bedrooms with bamboo hardwood flooring, large bath w/jetted tub, separate shower, and dual sink vanity. Two of the bedrooms upstairs have vaulted ceilings and one offers custom cabinetry and lg closet. Additional features include front deck w/pergola, screened-in porch, two storage sheds, one is currently being used as a wood workshop complete w/electric heat and a/c! Solar panels make for low utility bills. Owners have installed a new tankless water heater. Short distance to Goose Creek Pit & Pub, marina and Rumbley boat ramp. Come and tour today!
$385,000
Bethany
Drew
Associate Broker, GRI
Licensed in MD, DE
terri: 410-430-6875 Bethany: 410-430-2602 www.PO2team.com Powerof2@PO2team.com