Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council – February 17, 2026
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council – February 17, 2026
The regular meeting of the Ocean City Mayor and City Council was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Rick Meehan presided. The meeting included a closed session report, proclamations, petition results, consent agenda, multiple ordinance readings and votes, police commission recommendations, and public comments spanning short-term rental policies, zoning changes, parking fines, sports complex funding, and community unity.
Closed Session Report
The council reported on a closed session held from 5:15 to 6:00 PM to discuss real estate matters. Persons present included Mayor Meehan, City Manager McGean, Deputy City Manager Harman, Council President James, Council Secretary Savage, Council Members Yates, Gehrig, Metresic, Proctor, City Clerk Chavis, City Solicitor Stansbury, and Legal Representative Cropper. No action was taken. The closed session was approved by a 6-0 vote.
Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month
Mayor Meehan read a proclamation designating February as Black History Month in Ocean City. He noted the passing of civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson earlier that day and offered thoughts and prayers to his family. The proclamation honored African American contributions to the nation, state, and local community.
Petition to Referendum – Ordinance 2025-28 (Short-Term Rental Moratorium)
City Clerk Diana Chavis presented the results of the petition to referendum on Ordinance 2025-28, which imposed a moratorium on short-term rental licenses in R-1 and MH districts. The Board of Supervisors of Elections verified 1,159 valid signatures out of 1,257 submitted (98 invalid). The required threshold was 990 signatures (40% of 2,476 voters in the November 2024 election). The petition was successful. On a motion by Councilmember Proctor, seconded by Council Secretary Savage, the council voted 6-0 to accept the results. Subsequently, Councilmember Proctor moved to rescind Ordinance 2025-28, seconded by Councilmember Metresic. Council Secretary Savage expressed agreement. The motion passed 6-0, lifting the moratorium effective immediately. Mayor Meehan thanked the Board of Elections for their timely work.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda included approval of minutes from the February 4, 2026 special session, acknowledgment of standing committee reports (Transportation Committee canceled, Recreation and Parks Committee February 5), acknowledgment of the Pension Committee draft agenda for February 18, and private event approvals for the St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 14), OCMD St. Patrick's Day Boardwalk 5K (March 14), and Cruisin' Ocean City (April 30–May 3). Councilmember Yates moved to approve, seconded by Council Secretary Savage. The vote was 6-0.
Police Commission Report
Councilmember Proctor presented the recommendations from the Police Commission meeting of February 9, 2026. Two recommendations were forwarded to the full council: (1) revisions to the taxi ordinance (Chapter 102) to clarify denial/suspension criteria, drug testing, medical fitness, and conviction terminology; and (2) extension of permitted bicycle hours on the Boardwalk from midnight–noon to midnight–2:00 PM (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Second Reading – Ordinance 2026-02 (Waterways – Board of Port Wardens)
This ordinance amended Chapter 106 based on Port Wardens’ recommendations. Councilmember Metresic expressed concern that marine contractors had not yet met with City Engineer Hal to review design changes and cost implications. He moved to table the matter, seconded by Councilmember Proctor. The motion passed 6-0.
Second Reading – Ordinance 2026-03 (Driveway Aprons for Townhouses)
This ordinance amended Chapter 110 to require a 5-foot wide driveway apron or recessed garage design for townhouses on lots over 50 feet wide. Public comments included support from developer Palmer Gillis (South Canal Street), who argued it improves functionality and life safety, and opposition from developer Nolan Graves (11615 B Coastal Hwy), who claimed it would push development back to high-density elevated buildings. Council discussion noted design concerns, fire lane access, and turning radius. Councilmember Metresic moved adoption, seconded by Councilmember Yates. The vote was 2-4 (Metresic and Yates in favor; President James, Secretary Savage, Gehrig, Proctor opposed), so the motion failed.
Second Reading – Ordinance 2026-04 (Parking Violation Fines During Special Events)
This ordinance amended Chapter 90 to double parking violation fines when violations occur during designated special events. Public comment from Vincent Gizrael (1190 Landing Road) requested tabling to allow a first‑violation warning. Council Secretary Savage explained the intent is to encourage compliance, not a money grab. The council voted 6-0 to adopt the ordinance.
First Reading – Ordinance 2026-05 (Hotel Rental Tax for Sports Complex)
This ordinance amended the expenditure of hotel rental tax monies to allow funds currently used for advertising to also be used for a sports complex. Council Secretary Savage clarified it is not site‑specific. Public comment from Vincent Gizrael argued the ordinance would allow spending without a bond vote and criticized the supporting studies. Councilmember Gehrig rebutted, stating the room tax increase was always presented as funding for sports tourism and that property taxes will not be used. Mayor Meehan added that this is enabling legislation only. The motion to approve on first reading passed 6-0.
First Reading – Ordinance 2026-06 (Vehicles for Hire)
This ordinance amended Chapter 102 based on Police Commission recommendations to clarify denial/suspension criteria, drug testing, medical fitness, and conviction terminology. The motion from Councilmember Yates, seconded by Councilmember Proctor, passed 6-0 on first reading.
Resolution 2026-05 (Boardwalk Bicycle Hours)
This resolution extended permitted bicycle (and other non‑motorized devices) hours on the Boardwalk from midnight–noon to midnight–2:00 PM, as recommended by the Police Commission. Councilmember Proctor opposed, citing safety concerns with congestion. The vote was 5-1 (Proctor dissenting). The resolution passed.
Public Comments
The council heard public comments on a variety of topics:
- Father Christopher Xantos (St. George Greek Orthodox Church) requested an annual mayoral proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day on March 25.
- Vincent Gizrael (1408 Sailing Road) engaged with Councilmember Gehrig about past accusations of lying; they agreed to disagree and set aside differences.
- Robert Conor (1321 Peachtree Road) thanked the council for ending the short‑term rental moratorium, urged unity, and expressed hope for collaborative problem‑solving.
- Tammy Johnson (101 C Breeze Drive) thanked the council for rental inspections and praised the petition victory, but criticized the lack of compromise from the council. She offered to volunteer and stated that OCMD Property Rights will continue to advocate for homeowners.
- Scott Marks (210 Worcester Street) thanked the mayor for the Black History Month proclamation and for recognizing Jesse Jackson. He criticized the council’s handling of candidate eligibility issues (citing the charter) and called for simpler rules based on voter registration.
- James Norman Mathias Jr. (1523 Teal Drive), Director of Government Relations at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, thanked the council for the Black History Month proclamation and for recognizing UMES’s 140 years. He requested the council continue studying the impact of short‑term rentals and consider accountability measures. He also urged unity and peace.
City Manager Comments
City Manager Terry McGean reviewed the draft work session agenda for February 24, 2026, which includes a closed session (legal/personnel), retirement recognition for heavy equipment operator Cliff Henry (50 years), approval of meeting minutes, reports, discussion of OC Rock and Ride, 2026 OC Airshow contract, Boardwalk expansion around the museum, a proposed ordinance on yard setbacks, further comprehensive plan discussion, and a contract extension with auditors SB & Company.
Council Comments and Adjournment
Council Secretary Will Savage asked about the April 21 special election filing deadline. It was noted that the typical deadline is at least 30 days prior, with more details available the next day. Mayor Meehan thanked speakers and urged continued collaboration. A motion to adjourn by Secretary Savage, seconded by Councilmember Yates, passed 6-0 at 8:33 PM.
Meeting Transcript
All right, good evening, everyone. Welcome to this regular meeting. Uh regular meeting of the mayor and city council being held Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 at 6 p.m. I apologize we did run a little long and uh we're running late here in open session. First on the agenda, I have a prayer and pledge, and uh Councilmember Metresick will lead us in both. Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to live another day. We thank you for the opportunities that you give us every day to make our ourselves and uh our town and the people around us better, and let us never uh let that never be far from our hearts and our minds, Lord. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Jake. Next we have a notice and closed session, our notice and report of the closed session. Prior to the mayor and city council open session being held at 6 p.m. on February 17th. There was a closed session beginning at City Hall beginning at 5 15 p.m. here at City Hall. Topics of discussion are real estate matters. Persons present were Mayor Rick Mean, City Manager Terry McGean, Deputy City Manager Jair Harman, Council President Matt James, Council Secretary Will Savage, Council Members Larry Yates, John Gehrig, Jake Metressic, Carol Proctor, City Clerk Diana Chavis, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, and Legal Representative Representation Mark Cropper. There was no action taken. I had a motion from Councilmember Yates, seconded by Councilmember Proctor to close the closed session, and that passed with six in favor. Moving on, we have items presented by the mayor and city council. Item A is a proclamation recognizing Black History Month. Thank you, Mr. President. Every year the town of Ocean City is proud to do a proclamation recognizing February's Black History Month. And today, before I read that proclamation, I would like to recognize somebody that's very important, I think, as far as Black history is concerned, and that is the Reverend Jesse Jackson, who fortunately passed away today. And Reverend Jackson was a was Jackson was a civil rights activist. He was a politician and he was an ordained minister. I think we can all recall Reverend Jackson as we watched him during the marches as he ran for office, and he always stood strong to support I think everybody in this country, the black community as well, and look for everybody to be treated equal and justice for all. And I think we send our thoughts and prayers to his family, and we thank Reverend Jackson for his contributions to our communities and to our country. And with that, I will read this proclamation, which is really dedicated to all the citizens of Ocean City, so I'm presenting it here for all of us. And it says, whereas Black History Month, it's time to honor and celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and countless contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation, our state, and our community. Whereas African Americans have played a vital role in the history and development of Ocean City and the Eastern Shore through leadership, entrepreneurship, public service, art, education, and civic engagement. Whereas the observant of Black History Month originated in 1926 as Negro History Week through the efforts of historian Dr. Carter C. Woodson, and has grown into a national celebration, recognizing the achievements and the resilience of black African Americans. Whereas the town of Ocean City values the diversity of its residents and visitors and recognizes that our community is strengthened by embracing different voices, experiences, and perspectives. The Town of Ocean City is proud to honor history and contributions of African Americans in our community, Worcester County, our state, and our nation. Now, therefore, I Mayor Rick Meehan, the mayor of town of Ocean City, along with our city council, to hereby proclaim the month of February as Black History Month in Ocean City, and we encourage all residents and visitors to reflect on the achievements of African Americans. This is presented to everybody here and to everybody in our community. Thank you, Mr. President. Mayor. Next on the agenda, we have item 4b results of the petition to referendum ordinance 2025-08, the moratorium and issuance of short-term rental license in R1 and MH districts. On behalf of the Board of Elections and Mary Adeline, who is a chairperson of the Board of Elections, there are two items to discuss tonight. Number one is due to the resignation of Tony De Luca, the Board of Supervisors of Elections has set an election date of April 21st. Second item is the petition results. Dear Mayor and Council members, the Board of Supervisors of Elections met on February the 11th, 2026 to verify the referenced petition in the following 1,257 petitioners, 98 invalid petitioners, and 1,159 valid petitioners. 40% of the signatures from the qualified registered voters of the most recent general election are required. There were two 2,476 voters in the November 2024 election. So 990 qualified signatures are required to have a successful petition for referendum.
openpublica.com