Ocean City Mayor and Council Regular Meeting - December 1, 2025

The Ocean City Mayor and City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Key agenda items included a public hearing on a charter amendment increasing misdemeanor fines, a request to extend the police department's Axon technology contract, and a second reading of an ordinance extending the moratorium on new short-term rental licenses in R-1 and MH districts. The meeting featured extensive public comment, particularly on the rental moratorium, and concluded with several votes.

Consent Calendar

• A. Acknowledgement of Standing Committee Draft Agenda – The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025, was noted. No other committee meetings in December.
• B. Private Event Approval – Request for the "King of the Wind Ocean City Kite Festival" (September 17-20, 2026) was approved. Both items passed unanimously (6-0).

Public Hearing

• Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-02 – Proposed amendment to §C-1406 (Misdemeanors) to increase maximum fine from an unspecified amount to $5,000 and maximum imprisonment to 6 months, aligning with state law. Two members of the public spoke in opposition, arguing the fines were excessive. The hearing was closed and the resolution later adopted (6-0).

Discussion Items

Axon Technology Contract Extension

• Chief Raymond Austin presented a request to extend and modify the existing Axon contract for body cameras, tasers, software, and other technology. The five-year proposal totals $4,907,717, offset by ~$4.48 million in savings from standard list pricing. Includes:
  • Fleet 3 in-car cameras with ALPR and GPS tracking
  • Interview room cameras
  • FUSIS intelligence-sharing platform
  • Taser 10 (10-shot capacity, 45-foot range, lower voltage)
  • AI-powered report writing (Draft One, showing 58% time savings in trials)
  • Live translation (57 languages)
  • D-Drone detection system for special events
• The current contract runs through July 1, 2027; the new contract would start immediately, with ~$174,000 credited back. A $479,211 hardware purchase would come from fund balance (not budgeted). Annual costs would rise from $431,088 to $885,701 in FY27, but the five-year difference compared to waiting is ~$260,000.
• Council debated the surprise nature of the expense and lack of work session review. Several members expressed support but noted it should have been workshopped. The motion passed 6-0.

Ordinance 2025-31 (Second Reading) – Sewerage Treatment Agreement Amendment

• To increase allocated capacity for West Ocean City by 170,000 GPD and approve amended Eagles Landing Golf Course Spray Irrigation MOU. Passed 6-0.

Ordinance 2025-32 (First Reading) – Reward for Information

• Increases maximum reward from $5,000 to $10,000. Passed 6-0.

Resolution 2025-31 – Wastewater Laboratory Test Fees

• Establishes fees effective March 1, 2026 (last updated July 1, 2012). Passed 6-0.

Resolution 2025-32 – Surplus Personal Property Disposition

• Authorizes disposal of surplus property. Passed 6-0.

Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-02 (Final Adoption)

• Adopted by 6-0.

Ordinance 2025-28 (Second Reading) – Moratorium Extension on Short-Term Rental Licenses in R-1 and MH Districts

• Extends the moratorium (originally enacted via Ordinances 2025-05/06) through January 3, 2027. The ordinance was given second reading after being approved at the October 14 work session.
• Public Comments: 25 individuals signed up; many spoke for and against the extension.
  • Opponents of extension cited the July 2025 referendum (834-800 vote against previous restrictions), argued there is no evidence of problems (police data showed only 4 noise complaints and 13 disorderly conduct calls in R-1/MH areas over 12 months), and said the moratorium harms property rights and tourism.
  • Supporters of extension emphasized the need for more time to study impacts, develop comprehensive plan updates, and craft balanced regulations. They argued short-term rentals erode neighborhood character and quality of life.
• Council Debate:
  • Councilmember Proctor argued the data does not justify a moratorium and that existing regulations (parking, occupancy, local agent requirements) already address concerns.
  • Councilmember Garrett stated he does not support a ban but wants controls, noting hotels do not belong in neighborhoods; he proposed ending the moratorium on April 30, 2026, but no amendment was offered.
  • Councilmember Savage supported the full extension, citing the need for more research and consensus.
  • Councilmember Yates supported extension with a goal to finish early.
• Vote: Motion to adopt the ordinance (extend moratorium to January 3, 2027) passed 4-2 (Councilmembers Proctor and Yates opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0.
• Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-02: Public hearing held; adopted 6-0.
• Axon Contract Extension: Approved 6-0, subject to legal review. Funding of $479,211 this year from fund balance; future annual costs of $885,701.
• Ordinance 2025-31 (Sewer Agreement): Adopted 6-0.
• Ordinance 2025-32 (Reward Increase): First reading passed 6-0.
• Resolution 2025-31 (Lab Fees): Adopted 6-0.
• Resolution 2025-32 (Surplus Property): Adopted 6-0.
• Ordinance 2025-28 (Rental Moratorium Extension): Adopted 4-2.
• Next Steps: City Manager noted upcoming work session on December 9, 2025, with items including bridge lighting, EV charging stations, park mobile, Baltimore Avenue right-of-way, cell connectivity, and budget amendment.

Other Public Comments

• A resident raised concerns about an increasing fox population in the Kane Woods area, asking the city to engage DNR for humane trapping.
• A resident requested that the city offer subsidized bus passes for full-time residents under age 60, noting 36 out of 40 surveyed supported the idea. The City Manager responded that the Transportation Commission had previously given an unfavorable recommendation but offered to revisit.