Ocean City Mayor and City Council Regular Meeting – October 20, 2025

The Ocean City Mayor and City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Key actions included approval of most consent agenda items, first readings of several ordinances, extensive public testimony on short-term rental regulations, and a decision to explore a scaled-back Baltimore Avenue improvement plan.

Consent Calendar

• Items A and B (Work Session minutes and standing committee reports) were approved 6-1, with Councilmember Savage opposed.
• Item C – Ocean City Jeep Week (May 27-31, 2026) was pulled for separate discussion. After debate about past weather impacts and organizational challenges, a motion to disapprove failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion to approve the event failed 3-4 (Savage, Gehrig, James in favor; DeLuca, Metressic, Yates, Garrett, Proctor opposed). The event was therefore not approved.

Miscellaneous Reports & Presentations

• Ocean City Criterium (March 28, 2026) – A one-day bicycle race at West Ocean City Park & Ride. Approved unanimously (7-0). The promoter noted potential expansion into a multi-day event tied to the Maryland Cycling Classic.
• Northside Park Playground Phase II – Sole Source Contract – Awarded to GameTime for equipment and installation up to $268,000, funded partly by grants. Approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Hearing: Baltimore Avenue Right-of-Way Conveyance

A public hearing was held on the proposed conveyance of excess right-of-way (approximately 31 feet) to adjacent property owners as part of the Baltimore Avenue improvement project (North Division to 15th Street). Multiple speakers, including representatives from the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and Beacon Institute, testified in favor of the project, citing pedestrian safety, economic benefits, and historic fairness. Council discussion focused on cost uncertainties (estimated $40–50 million), federal grant deadlines (September 30, 2027), and alternative scopes. Councilmember Gehrig motioned to explore a scaled-back option (undergrounding utilities within the existing footprint) at a future work session. The motion passed 7-0. The public hearing was closed before the vote.

First Readings – Ordinances & Resolution

• Ordinance 2025-26 – Amends Chapter 90 (Bicycles, Skateboards, etc.) to prohibit bicycles on sidewalks except where permitted by resolution. Passed 7-0.
• Ordinance 2025-27 – Increases maximum municipal fines to $5,000 and cleans up code for consistency. Passed 7-0.
• Ordinance 2025-28 – Extends the moratorium on new short-term rental (STR) licenses in R-1 and MH districts through January 3, 2027. Passed 4-3 (DeLuca, Metressic, Yates, and one other in favor; James, Garrett, Gehrig, Proctor opposed). The vote followed extensive public comment and council debate about the need for time to craft permanent regulations.
• Ordinance 2025-29 – Removes antiquated terms “tourist courts” and “tourist homes” from zoning code, replacing them with “rooming house” and “boarding house.” Passed 6-0 (Councilmember Proctor absent).
• Resolution 2025-26 – Authorizes disposal of surplus personal property. Passed 6-0 (Councilmember Proctor absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Short-Term Rental Moratorium – Numerous residents and property owners spoke on both sides. Supporters of the moratorium (e.g., Martin Brannigan, Jeffrey Matthias, Al Harrison, Michael Payne) cited neighborhood disruption, safety concerns, and zoning protections. Opponents (e.g., Brian Yakimovich, Eric Clun, Neil Scully, Robert Canauer) argued the moratorium devalues property, disenfranchises non-resident owners, and ignores the “no” vote in the July referendum. Several speakers urged compromise and a path forward for new licenses.
• Tram Discontinuation – Martin Brannigan expressed disappointment, requesting reconsideration for elderly and disabled visitors. The Mayor acknowledged the difficulty of compliance with state highway regulations but noted alternative options are being explored.
• Event Safety – A speaker raised security concerns at large events like Oceans Calling, emphasizing the need to prioritize public safety in confined spaces.

Key Outcomes

• Jeep Week event not approved (motion failed 3-4).
• Criterium event approved (7-0).
• Northside Park playground contract approved (7-0).
• Baltimore Avenue project – Council directed staff to prepare a work session on a scaled-back plan (undergrounding utilities within existing footprint), rejecting the broader right-of-way conveyance for now (7-0).
• Four first-reading ordinances passed (2025-26, 27, 28, 29) and one resolution. The STR moratorium extension passed narrowly (4-3).
• Upcoming work session scheduled for October 28, 2025, including a closed session, financial reports, and discussion of Baltimore Avenue options, business license amendments, and other items.