Mayor and City Council Work Session – February 24, 2026

The Ocean City Mayor and City Council held a work session on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, beginning at 1:38 PM (delayed from the scheduled 1:00 PM start). The meeting included a closed session from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, public comments, and discussions on the OC Air Dot Show contract, the 2026 Rock and Ride event, a proposed zoning ordinance amendment, the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, and a three-year audit contract extension. The meeting adjourned at 3:36 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes (Work Session of February 10, 2026) – Approved unanimously with six votes in favor.
• Standing Committee Report – Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (February 18, 2026) acknowledged with no questions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ruth Waters (Harrison Group, 1801 Philadelphia Ave; President of the Hospitality Association) – Expressed strong support for the Bike Fest (Rock and Ride) event, stating that motorcyclists are good guests who dine in restaurants, stay in hotels, and do not bring coolers. She urged the council not to lose both Boardwalk Rock and this event.
• Susan Jones (OCMD Hospitality Association, 5700 Coastal Highway) – Spoke in support of Bike Fest, noting that hotel occupancy rose from the mid-60s in 2011–2013 to 72% as the event grew. She emphasized that attendees dine out frequently, stay in groups, and support hospitality jobs. She praised the local promoter and urged the council to embrace the event.

Discussion Items

• OC Air Dot Show Contract (2026–2028) – Event Manager Steve Webster presented a new three-year agreement. Dates: 2026 – June 13–14; 2027 – June 19–20; 2028 – primary June 10–11, secondary June 17–18 (due to two-year-out scheduling for jet teams). Changes: Starting 2027, the air show will contribute $2 per ticket to the town; beach footprint expanded from 13th–17½th Streets to 11th–17½th Streets to accommodate ticket holders from the 2025 show which was weathered out. Insurance limits remained at $5 M/$10 M. Council questioned the status of the $1 per ticket share from 2025 – the town did not receive it last year because the promoter honored tickets for 2026; it will be collected this year. A motion to approve terms as presented passed unanimously (6-0).
• 2026 Rock and Ride Event – Promoters Matt and Tyler Odachowski (Kickin Events LLC) and their legal counsel presented requests. The council approved several items:
  • Waiver of fees (lease fees at Convention Center and Inlet) for 2026 only – Motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Metressic opposed). The City Solicitor noted potential issues with the Maryland Stadium Authority regarding the Convention Center.
  • Music curfew extension – Alcohol sales stop at 10:30 PM, music stops at 11:00 PM, event cleared by 11:30 PM. Motion passed unanimously (6-0).
  • Contract term – The council agreed to a three-year contract (2026–2028) with a kick-out clause for both parties, but did not waive fees beyond 2026. The motion passed.
  • Alcohol sponsorship policy – Discussion was tabled for further staff input on whether to treat cannabis/CBD advertising similarly to alcohol/gambling.
  • Load-in logistics – Staff will work with promoters to provide additional space for stage setup on Monday of Labor Day weekend, subject to noise ordinance.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Setbacks in Commercial Districts) – Planning Director George Bendler presented a proposal to amend Chapter 110 to require residential setbacks (10-foot side yard, 20-foot front yard, etc.) when residential uses are developed in LC-1, SC-1, and BMUD districts, instead of commercial setbacks. Current code allows 5-foot side setbacks, leading to design issues (e.g., utilities and trash placed in tight spaces). Council debated whether the change addresses the real problem versus site plan review. Councilmember Proctor supported the amendment as a way to avoid past problematic townhouse developments. No vote was taken; the item was presented for discussion.
• 2025 Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Review – Staff presented revisions based on public hearing comments. Key changes:
  • Page 87 (Short-term rentals) – A motion to remove the phrase “adverse impacts” and keep only new language about management through licensing and enforcement failed 2-4. The language as drafted stands.
  • Page 88 (Mixed-use development) – Council voted 6-0 to restore the sentence “encourage all uses to reduce nonconformity through redevelopment” and remove the word “eliminate”.
  • Page 92 (Off-street parking) – Council voted 6-0 to merge bullets 4 and 5, stating that off-street parking must be provided for new or redeveloped residential uses, but existing nonconformity may continue as permitted by town code.
  • Page 93 (Parking standards) – The phrase “establish modified minimum parking standards for non‑conforming structures” was struck; members agreed that existing language (consider reduction under limited conditions) was sufficient.
  • The council moved the revised plan to a first reading of Ordinance 2026-01 (previously tabled at first reading).
• Auditor Contract Extension – Finance Director Chuck Bireley and Assistant Finance Director Shawn Bunting recommended a three-year extension with SB & Company at $1,000 annual increases. The firm has served the town for 17 years; they were the top-ranked of ten proposals five years ago and were the third lowest bid. The council approved the extension unanimously (6-0).

Key Outcomes

• Air Show Contract – Approved for 2026–2028 with $2/ticket contribution starting 2027 and expanded beach footprint.
• Rock and Ride 2026 – Fees waived for 2026; music curfew set; three-year contract with kick-out clause approved.
• Comprehensive Plan – Revised language accepted and forwarded to first reading of Ordinance 2026-01.
• Audit Services – Three-year extension with SB & Company approved.
• Board Appointment – Anita Chavis confirmed to the Board of Elections (motion carried 6-0).
• IT Issue – Council requested IT to investigate recurring audio/video issues with the meeting broadcast system.
• City Manager Appreciation – Council expressed thanks for the city’s response to the recent snowstorm, noting that public works performed exceptionally well.