Ocean City Mayor and City Council Work Session – September 9, 2025

The Ocean City Mayor and City Council held a work session on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM following a closed session (12:00–1:00 PM) to discuss legal matters. The meeting covered bid openings, approvals, and discussions on capital projects, right-of-way abandonment, municipal infraction fines, and a proposed macro cell tower. All votes were unanimous with seven members in favor (Councilmember Metresic absent).

Consent Calendar

• Bid Opening – Eagles Landing Golf Course Tidal Flood Remediation: Three bids were received: McDonald & Sons Inc. ($3,356,017), Bridges Land Management Inc. ($3,655,309), and Landscapes Unlimited ($4,181,977). The budget was $2.3 million. Council voted to remand the bids to staff for review. Motion carried 7–0.
• Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting #15 dated September 2, 2025, was approved. Motion carried 7–0.
• Acknowledgement of Standing Committee Report: The Motor Event Task Force meeting held September 3, 2025, was noted without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• North Division Street Entrance Sign: Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo presented a design for a welcome sign at the head of North Division Street on Baltimore Avenue. The sign will be illuminated by landscaping uplights and will be funded by deferred revenue from C3 concerts. Council approved the design and directed staff to proceed with the bid process. Motion carried 7–0.
• Projects for Inclusion in Upcoming Bond Sale: Finance Director Chuck Bireley presented a $51 million capital bond package (not to exceed), including the Boardwalk signs, wastewater, water, and golf course projects. The bond sale is tentatively scheduled for December 4, 2025. Debt service estimates were provided (e.g., wastewater $3,068,928/year; golf course $168,156/year; general fund $203,238/year; all at 4% interest, 20-year amortization except signs at 10 years). Council approved the projects and directed the first reading of the ordinance on September 15, 2025. Motion carried 7–0.
• Baltimore Avenue Right-of-Way: City Manager Terry McGean, Public Works Director Hal Adkins, and City Solicitor Heather Stansbury presented the project scope (Baltimore Avenue from North Division to 15th Street, including side streets), design status (90% complete, currently being updated to state highway standards), and a timeline. The project includes undergrounding utilities, widening sidewalks, storm drain improvements, and right-of-way abandonment (from 75 ft to 55 ft, with 20 ft deeded to adjacent property owners). The federal grant is $20 million, with a total project cost estimate of $40 million. The grant must be obligated by September 30, 2027. Council voted to move the right-of-way abandonment to a public hearing. Motion carried 7–0. Discussion included concerns about cost estimates, timeline, regulatory hurdles (NEPA, critical areas commission), and the feasibility of adding bike lanes. Staff noted that the project is on an optimistic schedule but faces significant challenges.
• Municipal Infraction Fines and Penalties: City Solicitor Heather Stansbury reviewed a chart of code sections with current penalties. The recommendation is to align most penalties with state law ($5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment for misdemeanors; $5,000 for infractions). Some specific penalties (e.g., improper recycling, dockless ride-share, election code) were deferred to department heads or council. Council approved the recommendations as presented, with a direction to bring back deferred items for first reading. Motion carried 7–0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Items: All routine approvals (bids, minutes, committee report, sign design) passed unanimously.
• Bond Sale Authorization: Council approved the list of projects and directed the first reading of the bond ordinance on September 15, 2025.
• Baltimore Avenue Right-of-Way: Council voted to initiate the abandonment process by moving it to a public hearing. Staff will proceed with design, NEPA, and property owner meetings.
• Municipal Infraction Fines: Council adopted the recommended penalty changes, with specific items to be revisited at first reading.
• Macro Cell Tower Discussion: Councilmember DeLuca requested a future work session discussion on placing a macro cell tower in Northside Park or another location to address cellular connectivity issues in the Montego Bay area. Council agreed that the Montego Bay community association should formally request the item. No vote was taken.