OC Today
LIFESTYLE
KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE Seventh annual run and walk to take place on the Ocean City Boardwalk this Saturday – Page 45
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APRIL 13, 2018
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OC: should WOC get free marketing ride? Tourism Commission discusses how and if it might exclude it
By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (April 13, 2018) The merits of focusing marketing to distinguish Ocean City from unincorporated West Ocean City on the other side of the Route 50 bridge were debated during the Ocean City Tourism Commission meeting on Monday. Councilman Matt James broached the topic after learning from County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic that room tax revenues have spiked recently in West Ocean City. “I wanted to discuss … how we differentiate … being in Ocean City or near Ocean
City,” he said. Mitrecic provided the council a quarterly update on March 19 where he Matt James noted unincorporated room taxes were expected to grow by about $325,000 during fiscal 2019. “That’s from the new hotels across the bridge which your advertising dollars help to promote,” Mitrecic told the council. Councilwoman Mary Knight said she had talked to postal officials about the possibility of assigning West Ocean City its own zip code to separate the areas. “It’s very difficult [and] based on need,” she said. See COMMISSION Page 4
KARA HALLISSEY/OCEAN CITY TODAY
SHEAR DEDICATION Professional shearer Joel “Jay” Mariacher, center, removes enough wool from an alpaca to produce a bundle at the Nuevo Mundo Farm in Selbyville, Delaware, on Wednesday morning. See story page 14.
Smoking ban could expand Mitrecic teases OC Police Commission wonders how to treat medical marijuana
By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (April 13, 2018) With medical cannabis dispensaries opening in northern Worcester County, Ocean City will examine the legal ramifications of expanding the Boardwalk smoking ordinance to include non-tobacco combustibles. Councilman Wayne Hartman broached the subject during the Police Commission meeting on Monday. “The big thing that … may be different this year is medical marijuana shops nearby,” he said. “Have we
Wayne Hartman
Ross Buzzuro
put any thought into how that could impact us as a resort.” Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said adhering to state guidelines are advisable in most instances “When you deviate from what has been established by the state … there could be some legal issues,” he said. While Ocean City issues $100 fines for smoking tobacco products or vaping on the Boardwalk, Buzzuro said
a comparable infraction involving cannabis could garner a maximum fine of $100 for possession of less than 10 grams. Technically, however, it is not prohibited by the smoking ordinance. “It’s a civil citation that’s enforceable by a fine that … doesn’t exceed $100 for the first offense,” he said. “It does rise beyond that [for subsequent offenses.]” Councilman Dennis Dare said the smoking ordinance needs clearer delineation. “I think a lot of it comes down to the definition,” he said. “If you go up and smoke parsley on the Boardwalk does it violate the ordinance?” Hartman asked if decrimSee BOARDWALK Page 6
exit from Worcester
By Brian Gilliland Associate Editor (April 13, 2018) During the discussion of the Sheriff’s Office overtime line item in its budget review session before the county commissioners this week, Ocean City’s Commissioner Joe Mitrecic revealed the resort is considering breaking away from Worcester County. “I’ve sat here every year and we seem to blame Ocean City for our overtime woes. The last time I looked Ocean City is still part of this county,” he said. As part of Worcester County it’s entitled to pro-
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tection by the Sheriff’s Office, Mitrecic continued. “We have [blamed Ocean City], and we continue to do so, and it’s very offensive to me. Again Ocean City, as far as I know, is still part of this county,” Mitrecic said. “Now, they may change that shortly if they can, but until they do, it’s our duty in this budget to protect Ocean City.” Asked to explain during a break in the meeting, Mitrecic said he spoke based on rumors he heard. “That’s the scuttlebutt,” he said. Ocean City Mayor Rick See OFFICIAL Page 3
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