OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Ocean City Mayor and Council Regular Meeting - February 2, 2026

Mayor and City Council & Boards — Monday, February 2, 2026
BodyOcean City, Maryland
SessionMayor and City Council & Boards
DateMonday, February 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:36:30

Transcript — Verbatim
0:20

Good evening, everyone.

0:22

Welcome to this regular council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 2nd, 2026, just after 6 p.m.

0:29

First, I have the prayer and the pledge, and Councilmember Metressic will lead us in both.

0:39

Lord, we thank you for this day.

0:40

We thank you for this opportunity to serve our community and make it better.

0:45

We pray that the things that we do today would glorify your people every day.

0:50

And Lord, we pray that you would be with the families of the folks that were lost in the fire and in Parsonsburg and uh the Ocean City Fireman who was injured uh attempting to save them.

1:01

Uh amen.

1:02

Amen.

1:05

Pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which you stand.

1:11

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:21

Thank you, Jake.

1:25

Next on the agenda, we have the notice and report on closed session.

1:28

Prior to the mayor and city council open session being held this evening at 6 p.m., there was a closed session today beginning at 5 p.m.

1:35

here at City Hall.

1:36

Topics of discussion were personnel matters.

1:39

Persons present were Mayor Rick Mehan, City Manager Terry McGean, Deputy City Manager J.R.

1:44

Harmon, Council President Matt James, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, Councilmembers Will Savage, Larry Yates, John Garrick, Jake Metressic, and Carol Proctor, and City Solicitor Heather Stansbury.

1:55

There was no action taken.

1:57

We did have a motion from Secretary DeLuca, seconded by Councilmember Proctor to close the closed session.

2:01

That passed with seven in favor at 5 59 p.m.

2:07

Next we have item four, uh the appointment recommendation of Joshua Bunting to serve as the fire chief.

2:12

I'll turn it over to the city manager.

2:13

Yes, uh, thank you.

2:15

First, I am extremely proud to recommend Josh Bunning for the position of Ocean City Fire Chief.

2:22

I understand that there have been some concerns raised about the process surrounding this recommendation.

2:28

So I'd like to uh hopefully set the record straight.

2:32

When Josh retired in December, I hoped he would reapply, but there was no guarantee that he would.

2:38

And frankly, there was no guarantee that it would get that he would get the job if he did.

2:44

Although, based on his performance during uh the eight months he spent as acting chief, he was certainly going to be the front runner.

2:52

We advertise the fire chief position externally and internally, including in trade publications.

2:58

We received 54 applications, which were reviewed by our HR department.

3:04

They forwarded the top 11 candidates' resumes to me for review, and per our memorandum of understanding with the volunteer fire company.

3:13

I met with volunteer chief Jester and President Steve Price, and we each went over a le all 11 of the applicants, including Josh Bunnings.

3:24

After doing so, all three of us agreed that Josh was head and shoulders above the rest.

3:31

His combination of technical skills, education, training, his command experience as both a paid and volunteer member of the fire department, and his local and state network connections made him our clear and obvious choice.

3:48

To bring in another candidate from out of town for a one-hour interview would have been a waste of our time and theirs.

4:11

Secretary DeLuca.

4:13

Motion to confirm the nomination of Joshua Bunting as fire chief of the Ocean City Fire Department.

4:21

Councilmember Savage?

4:22

Second the motion.

4:24

Thank you.

4:24

I've got a motion from Secretary DeLuca, seconded by Councilmember Savage to confirm the nomination of Joshua Bunting as the fire chief for the Town of Ocean City's Fire Department.

4:33

Any discussion?

4:35

All those in favor?

4:36

Aye.

4:36

All right.

4:37

The motion carries with seven in favor.

4:39

Congratulations and thank you.

4:41

Mayor, will you do the honor?

4:42

Absolutely.

4:53

You want any budget first?

5:00

Like Terry said, it is an honor to be standing here and to uh swear Josh Bunning in as our as our new fire chief.

5:07

And uh Josh, I know you're gonna do a terrific job for the town of Ocean City.

5:11

I'm very proud to be standing here with you this evening.

5:14

So to make it quick and do it.

5:15

Please raise your right hand.

5:17

Say your name where I say mine and repeat after them.

5:21

Hi, Josh.

5:22

Do you swear?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████27%
Short Term Rentals████████████████████████24%
Zoning And Land Use███████████████15%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Parking Management███████7%
Nonconformity█████5%
Downtown Redevelopment███3%
Tourism Development███3%
Special Event Permitting██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Ocean City Mayor and Council Regular Meeting - February 2, 2026

The Ocean City Mayor and Council held their regular meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a closed session for personnel matters, the appointment of a new fire chief, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, first readings of several ordinances, public comments, and updates from the city manager and council.

Appointment of Fire Chief

  • The council confirmed the nomination of Joshua Bunting as Fire Chief of the Ocean City Fire Department. The motion, made by Secretary DeLuca and seconded by Councilmember Savage, passed unanimously with seven votes in favor. Chief Bunting was sworn in by the Mayor and expressed his gratitude.

Consent Calendar

  • Item A: Approved minutes from the January 13 and January 27, 2026 work sessions.
  • Item B: Acknowledged standing committee draft agendas (Police Commission – Feb 9; Transportation Committee – Feb 10; Recreation and Parks Committee – Feb 5; Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – Feb 18; others not meeting).
  • Item C: Acknowledged standing committee report from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (Jan 21).
  • Item D: Approved private event request for We Build You Play Beach Volleyball Tournaments (May 23–24, June 6–7, June 20–21, 2026).
  • Item E: Approved private event request for White Marlin Open Marlin Fest (Aug 3–8, 2026).
  • Item F: Approved private event request for Ocean City Jeep Fest (Aug 27–30, 2026).
  • Item G: Approved private event request for Ocean City Running Festival (Nov 14, 2026).

All consent agenda items were approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

2025 Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Review and Update (Public Hearing):

  • Gordon Kretzer (1529 Teal Drive, individual capacity) expressed support for the plan’s language addressing short-term rentals (STRs) in residential neighborhoods, citing 18 specific quotes from the plan and stating that the issue has been methodically considered over many years.
  • Vince Gizrael (1408 Sailing Road, individual capacity) opposed the characterization of STRs as having an adverse impact on neighborhoods, arguing that the language would linger for 10 years and should be removed. He shared data from door-to-door petition efforts showing 71% support among residents he contacted.
  • Terry Miller (116 Bering Road, individual capacity) opposed restrictions on STRs, stating that all neighborhoods are residential and should be treated equally. She argued that enforcement of existing rules is sufficient and that the town should not create different classes of citizens.
  • Peter Boois (Williams & Moore, representing downtown business and property owners) raised concerns about the plan’s treatment of nonconformity, arguing that it recasts nonconformity as a problem to be solved rather than a tool for redevelopment. He requested the language be softened.
  • Zach Bankert (Executive Director of OCDC) voiced support for continuing the practice of nonconformity, calling it the most successful incentive for downtown redevelopment. He cautioned against eliminating nonconformity without a strong parking plan.

General Public Comments:

  • Vince Gizrael (again) clarified that a successful petition would stay the ordinance and urged correction of a TV graphic. He requested that STR language be toned down.
  • Terry Looney (304 4th Street) questioned the purpose of increasing parking rates during special events, arguing it penalizes visitors who already spend money.
  • Brad Hoffman (14302 Laurel Avenue) invited council to the launch of “Evolution,” a new event focusing on sustainability, health, and technology (including TEDx and a flying car display) scheduled for September 18-20, 2026 at the Convention Center.
  • Adrian Nimmett (603 St. Louis Avenue, on behalf of Oceanside Partners) requested raising the 50% cap on beach franchise ownership, noting that Oceanside Partners is at the limit and cannot bid on the next parcel due Feb 11. He asked the council to consider a higher threshold for stability.
  • Terry Miller (116 Bering Road) reported that a petition with 1,257 signatures was submitted on January 20, asserting that residents do not want more STR restrictions. She also formally requested verification of Councilmember DeLuca’s residency.

Discussion Items

2025 Comprehensive Plan (Ordinance 2026-01):

  • Following the public hearing, council members discussed the plan, particularly the language on nonconformity and short-term rentals. Mayor Mehan suggested softening the nonconformity language to recognize its value as a redevelopment tool. Councilmember Garrick noted the need for more public input and proposed returning the ordinance to a work session. Councilmember Proctor agreed that the plan needed further work. A motion to move Ordinance 2026-01 to a work session was made by Councilmember Proctor, seconded by Councilmember Savage, and passed unanimously (7-0).

Ordinance 2026-02 (Waterways Amendment):

  • First reading approved unanimously (7-0).

Ordinance 2026-03 (Driveway Apron Requirements for Townhouses):

  • A public commenter (name not provided) objected, stating the ordinance undermines a previous compromise and makes townhouse development less feasible. The first reading passed 4-3, with Council President James and Councilmembers Savage and Proctor opposed.

Ordinance 2026-04 (Increased Parking Violation Fines During Special Events):

  • First reading approved unanimously (7-0).

Resolutions:

  • Resolution 2026-02 (Bicycles on Certain Sidewalks): Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Resolution 2026-03 (Surplus Personal Property Disposition): Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Resolution 2026-04 (2026 Special Event Dates for Enhanced Parking): Approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

  • Joshua Bunting confirmed as Fire Chief (7-0).
  • Consent agenda approved (7-0).
  • Ordinance 2026-01 (Comprehensive Plan) moved to a future work session for further discussion (7-0).
  • Ordinance 2026-02 passed on first reading (7-0).
  • Ordinance 2026-03 passed on first reading (4-3).
  • Ordinance 2026-04 passed on first reading (7-0).
  • Resolutions 2026-02, 2026-03, and 2026-04 all adopted (7-0 each).
  • Council agreed to place the beach franchise cap issue on a work session and instructed staff to re-schedule the bid deadline to allow for possible ordinance changes.
  • City Manager reviewed upcoming special session (Feb 4) on council member disqualification petition and work session (Feb 10) including STR management discussion.
  • Mayor and Council recognized recent community losses (Sue Shockley and John Lynch).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to this regular council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 2nd, 2026, just after 6 p.m. First, I have the prayer and the pledge, and Councilmember Metressic will lead us in both. Lord, we thank you for this day. We thank you for this opportunity to serve our community and make it better. We pray that the things that we do today would glorify your people every day. And Lord, we pray that you would be with the families of the folks that were lost in the fire and in Parsonsburg and uh the Ocean City Fireman who was injured uh attempting to save them. Uh amen. Amen. Pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which you stand. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Jake. Next on the agenda, we have the notice and report on closed session. Prior to the mayor and city council open session being held this evening at 6 p.m., there was a closed session today beginning at 5 p.m. here at City Hall. Topics of discussion were personnel matters. Persons present were Mayor Rick Mehan, City Manager Terry McGean, Deputy City Manager J.R. Harmon, Council President Matt James, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, Councilmembers Will Savage, Larry Yates, John Garrick, Jake Metressic, and Carol Proctor, and City Solicitor Heather Stansbury. There was no action taken. We did have a motion from Secretary DeLuca, seconded by Councilmember Proctor to close the closed session. That passed with seven in favor at 5 59 p.m. Next we have item four, uh the appointment recommendation of Joshua Bunting to serve as the fire chief. I'll turn it over to the city manager. Yes, uh, thank you. First, I am extremely proud to recommend Josh Bunning for the position of Ocean City Fire Chief. I understand that there have been some concerns raised about the process surrounding this recommendation. So I'd like to uh hopefully set the record straight. When Josh retired in December, I hoped he would reapply, but there was no guarantee that he would. And frankly, there was no guarantee that it would get that he would get the job if he did. Although, based on his performance during uh the eight months he spent as acting chief, he was certainly going to be the front runner. We advertise the fire chief position externally and internally, including in trade publications. We received 54 applications, which were reviewed by our HR department. They forwarded the top 11 candidates' resumes to me for review, and per our memorandum of understanding with the volunteer fire company. I met with volunteer chief Jester and President Steve Price, and we each went over a le all 11 of the applicants, including Josh Bunnings. After doing so, all three of us agreed that Josh was head and shoulders above the rest. His combination of technical skills, education, training, his command experience as both a paid and volunteer member of the fire department, and his local and state network connections made him our clear and obvious choice. To bring in another candidate from out of town for a one-hour interview would have been a waste of our time and theirs. Secretary DeLuca. Motion to confirm the nomination of Joshua Bunting as fire chief of the Ocean City Fire Department. Councilmember Savage? Second the motion. Thank you. I've got a motion from Secretary DeLuca, seconded by Councilmember Savage to confirm the nomination of Joshua Bunting as the fire chief for the Town of Ocean City's Fire Department. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. All right. The motion carries with seven in favor. Congratulations and thank you. Mayor, will you do the honor?

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