OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Ocean City Mayor and City Council Regular Meeting – March 2, 2026

Mayor and City Council & Boards — Monday, March 2, 2026
BodyOcean City, Maryland
SessionMayor and City Council & Boards
DateMonday, March 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:02:00

Transcript — Verbatim
0:14

All right, good evening, everyone.

0:16

Welcome to this regular mayor and city council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 2nd, 2026 at 6 p.m.

0:22

First, we uh have our prayer and pledge, and Councilmember Yates will lead us in both.

0:30

Good evening, everyone.

0:31

Um let us pray, please.

0:33

Lord, we thank you for another opportunity to come together to do your work, the work of the people of our beautiful city, and your creation.

0:41

Let us be polite, thoughtful, and respectful of each other, and then there are options.

0:46

Guide us if we make the right decisions for the right reasons.

0:49

Lord, let us rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer.

0:55

Amen.

0:56

Thank you.

1:02

And to the Republic for which it stands.

1:05

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

1:10

Thank you.

1:12

Thank you, Larry.

1:15

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

1:19

Prior to the open session of the mayor and city council being held today.

1:23

Uh at 5 15 here at City Hall, we had a closed session.

1:28

Topics of discussion were legal matters.

1:30

Persons present were Deputy City Manager J.R.

1:32

Harmon, Mayor Rick Meehan, Council President Matt James, Council Secretary Will Savage, Council Members John Gehrig, Larry Yates, Jake Metressic, and Carol Proctor, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, our Chief of Police, Ray Austin, Director of Tourism and Business Development, Tom Perlazzo, City Clerk Diana Chavis.

1:50

There was no action taken.

1:52

I had a motion from Secretary Savage, seconded by Councilmember Proctor to close the closed session.

1:58

That passed with six in favor at 6 p.m.

2:01

Next, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Councilmember Gehrig.

2:04

We have a proclamation recognizing March as Sportsmanship Month in Ocean City.

2:16

Okay, well, I'm thank you, Mr.

2:18

Mayor, for asking me to do this.

2:20

I'm uh the chair, I guess, of the recreation and parks committee, so I'm honored to to uh present this to Kate.

2:28

Kate, come on up.

2:29

Kate Gaddis, our director of recreation parks.

2:34

I get to read all the whereas statements.

2:41

All right.

2:44

What Kate does before I read this, and I'll always go off script here.

2:48

But it's just incredible what um the service Kate and her team provides to our team.

2:55

Oh my god, oh yeah.

2:57

Come on out.

2:57

All of you come up.

2:58

I don't want to take that for really fun thank you.

3:08

So what this entire crew does here is developing the programs, and we think about the youth, but it's really all ages.

3:19

So when you go up there, it's I play up there, my kids play up there, my father plays up there, it really is all generations for all of our residents.

3:27

Facilities are amazing, the team is amazing.

3:30

Uh still go back to what we did during COVID and just keeping our community active.

3:37

Um, and that just persists each and every day, what you do what you guys do is full of passion and love, and we appreciate that very much.

3:45

Thank you.

3:46

So now I'll get back to this.

3:48

Then I'll let you speak.

3:51

Whereas Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department continues to encourage area youth to be positive and display the characteristics of sportsmanship through our sportsmanship counts program, and whereas showing respect by treating others the way you wish to be treated by being considerate of the feelings of others, and whereas showing fairness by playing by the rules, taking turns and sharing, being open-minded, and whereas showing integrity by playing with honor, being truthful, trustworthy, having the courage to do the right thing, and whereas taking responsibility by doing what you're supposed to do, thinking before you act, accepting the rules of the game, and whereas showing perseverance by always doing your best, by continuing to try, by being persistent and never giving up.

4:40

And whereas the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department recognizes the value of good sportsmanship brings to our youth and our community.

4:49

Now therefore, I, John Garrett, going to be here on behalf of Mayor Rigmian and the entire city council, the town of Ocean City, uh, do hereby proclaim the month of March to be sportsmanship month in Ocean City.

5:00

Uh do hereby proclaim the month of March to be sportsmanship month in Ocean City.

5:05

Thank you very much.

5:06

Congratulations.

5:07

Thank you.

5:13

Let's get in front of them.

5:19

Do you want to go here?

5:43

I'd just like to take a minute to thank the mayor and council, J.R.

5:46

and Terry.

5:47

Um we feel really fortunate to work in a place where you value recreation and parks, and I think you all support us so well and um really support the initiatives that we do, like the sportsmanship program.

6:00

Um it's really Kim Kinsey and the whole recreation uh division over here that are leading the day to day, leading by example, and you know, bringing it home every day how important sportsmanship is and how important it is that you treat others from as you said, the youngest in our programs right up through the oldest in our programs, and we really are you know asking the public to do that and enforcing it and being consistent with that every day.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████████30%
Public Engagement███████████████████████████27%
Real Estate Acquisition██████████████████18%
Zoning And Land Use██████████████14%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Parks and Recreation█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Ocean City Mayor and City Council Regular Meeting – March 2, 2026

The Ocean City Mayor and City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a closed session from 5:15-6:00 PM to discuss legal matters, a proclamation recognizing March as Sportsmanship Month, a public hearing on an alley conveyance, approval of several ordinances and resolutions, public comments, and appointments to city commissions. All actions were taken with six members present.

Proclamation

  • Councilmember John Gehrig presented a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Sportsmanship Month in Ocean City, recognizing the Recreation and Parks Department's sportsmanship program. Kate Gaddis, Director of Recreation and Parks, accepted on behalf of the department and thanked the council for their support.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (6-0) the following consent items:
    • Approval of minutes from Regular Meeting #3 (February 17, 2026).
    • Acknowledgment of Pension Committee report (February 18, 2026).
    • Acknowledgment of draft agendas for Police Commission (March 9), Tourism Commission (March 9), Transportation Committee (March 10), Recreation and Parks Committee (May 14), Green Team (March 11), and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (March 18).
    • Private event approvals: Easter Sunrise Service (April 5), Maryland International Kite Expo (April 24-26), Stephen Decatur High School Class of 2026 Graduation Procession (May 20), and Council of Ravens Roosts Parade (May 30).

Public Hearing – Alley Closure (26th–27th Street)

  • Purpose: To consider abandonment, closure, and conveyance of a 16' x 50' (800 sq. ft.) portion of an alley between 26th and 27th Street, separating Lots 3 and 10 in Block 79N.
  • Applicant/Proponent: Joseph Moore, representing the Harrison family (owners of the Flagship Hotel and the adjacent lots). He argued the alley has no public purpose because it dead-ends into the hotel's parking lot, has never been used by the public, and is surrounded by Harrison property. The alley closure is needed for redevelopment of the site into a 135-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott, which will include a restaurant and a new driveway connecting 26th and 27th Street for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
  • Witness for Applicant: Hal Atkins, Public Works Director (42 years with the city), testified that the alley portion has no public need—no utilities, too narrow to turn around, and effectively private. He supported the closure under City Code §414.
  • Witness for Applicant: G. Hill Harrison (Harrison Group) confirmed plans for redevelopment and stated the alley closure is necessary for the approved site plan. He noted the new hotel will increase the tax base and that the public will benefit from the through-driveway.
  • Public Comment: Trisha Williams, a resident at 2608 Baltimore Avenue (adjacent property), expressed concerns about lack of notification, trash truck access, safety for children, and construction impacts. Hal Atkins responded that trash service will continue via the existing alley and that the alley will not be completely walled off; the city will retain access. He assured that construction will be managed with advance notice.
  • Close of Hearing: The public hearing was closed after no further testimony.

Discussion Items

  • Harrison Hall Sign Replacement (Baltimore Avenue Unimproved Right-of-Way): George Bendler, Planning and Community Development Director, presented a request to replace a pylon sign that fell during a winter storm. The sign was originally placed in the city right-of-way in the 1980s but is now non-conforming. Staff cannot approve it administratively; council approval is needed. The Harrison Group wants to place the sign in approximately the same location. Councilmember Gehrig moved to allow replacement, subject to an agreement that the sign will be removed at the owner's expense if the city ever needs to improve the right-of-way. The motion carried 6-0. Council President James suggested adding a work session to amend the code so future similar approvals can be handled by staff.

  • Second Reading – Ordinance 2026-05 (Hotel Rental Tax for Sports Complex): Adopted 6-0 without discussion.

  • Second Reading – Ordinance 2026-06 (Vehicles for Hire – Denial, Suspension, Drug Testing, etc.): Adopted 6-0 without discussion.

  • First Reading – Ordinance 2026-01 (2025 Comprehensive Plan – 10-year update): Adopted 6-0 on first reading. Secretary Savage noted minor changes.

  • First Reading – Ordinance 2026-07 (Alley Closure Authorization): Adopted 6-0 on first reading, following the public hearing.

  • First Reading – Ordinance 2026-08 (Zoning Amendments – Setbacks in LC-1 and SC-1 Districts): Adopted 5-1 on first reading. Councilmember Gehrig opposed, stating the amendment is inconsistent because not all commercial properties have front parking lots, and the issue of porches and stairs extending to sidewalks remains unresolved.

  • Resolution 2026-06 (MTA Grant Application for Annual Transportation Plan): Adopted 6-0.

  • Resolution 2026-07 (Disposition of Surplus Personal Property): Adopted 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Andrew Sanderson (14306 North Ocean City): For the third time, he requested a bus pass program for all full-time residents (ages 16-59), noting the infrastructure already exists for seniors (60+ pay $7/year). He suggested a tiered fee ($25-$100/year) and asked why the transportation committee has not acted. Council President James stated the issue was briefly discussed at a previous transportation committee meeting and promised to bring it back to the March 10 committee meeting for a definitive answer.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved: Proclamation for Sportsmanship Month; consent agenda items A–G; replacement of Harrison Hall sign with removal condition; first readings of Ordinances 2026-01, 2026-07, and 2026-08 (5-1); second readings of Ordinances 2026-05 and 2026-06; Resolutions 2026-06 and 2026-07.
  • Appointments: Council Secretary Savage appointed to the Police Commission; Councilmember Proctor appointed to the Tourism Commission; Councilmember Metressic appointed to the Transportation Committee. Motion carried 6-0.
  • Next Steps: The bus pass issue will be revisited at the Transportation Committee meeting on March 10, 2026. The alley closure ordinance will proceed to second reading. The sign replacement agreement will be finalized. A work session on amending the sign code may be scheduled.

City Manager Comments

  • City Manager reviewed the upcoming work session agenda for March 10, 2026 (1:00 PM), including a closed session at 12:00 PM for legal and personnel matters, acknowledgment of the Oath of Office for the Board of Candidates, retirement recognition for Heavy Equipment Operator Clifton Henry Sr. (50 years of service), approval of minutes, a review of the Ocean City Life Saving Museum Boardwalk expansion concept, and a proposed ordinance for a pedicab franchise.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good evening, everyone. Welcome to this regular mayor and city council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 2nd, 2026 at 6 p.m. First, we uh have our prayer and pledge, and Councilmember Yates will lead us in both. Good evening, everyone. Um let us pray, please. Lord, we thank you for another opportunity to come together to do your work, the work of the people of our beautiful city, and your creation. Let us be polite, thoughtful, and respectful of each other, and then there are options. Guide us if we make the right decisions for the right reasons. Lord, let us rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. Amen. Thank you. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Thank you, Larry. Next on the agenda, we have our closed session notice and report. Prior to the open session of the mayor and city council being held today. Uh at 5 15 here at City Hall, we had a closed session. Topics of discussion were legal matters. Persons present were Deputy City Manager J.R. Harmon, Mayor Rick Meehan, Council President Matt James, Council Secretary Will Savage, Council Members John Gehrig, Larry Yates, Jake Metressic, and Carol Proctor, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, our Chief of Police, Ray Austin, Director of Tourism and Business Development, Tom Perlazzo, City Clerk Diana Chavis. There was no action taken. I had a motion from Secretary Savage, seconded by Councilmember Proctor to close the closed session. That passed with six in favor at 6 p.m. Next, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Councilmember Gehrig. We have a proclamation recognizing March as Sportsmanship Month in Ocean City. Okay, well, I'm thank you, Mr. Mayor, for asking me to do this. I'm uh the chair, I guess, of the recreation and parks committee, so I'm honored to to uh present this to Kate. Kate, come on up. Kate Gaddis, our director of recreation parks. I get to read all the whereas statements. All right. What Kate does before I read this, and I'll always go off script here. But it's just incredible what um the service Kate and her team provides to our team. Oh my god, oh yeah. Come on out. All of you come up. I don't want to take that for really fun thank you. So what this entire crew does here is developing the programs, and we think about the youth, but it's really all ages. So when you go up there, it's I play up there, my kids play up there, my father plays up there, it really is all generations for all of our residents. Facilities are amazing, the team is amazing. Uh still go back to what we did during COVID and just keeping our community active. Um, and that just persists each and every day, what you do what you guys do is full of passion and love, and we appreciate that very much. Thank you. So now I'll get back to this. Then I'll let you speak. Whereas Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department continues to encourage area youth to be positive and display the characteristics of sportsmanship through our sportsmanship counts program, and whereas showing respect by treating others the way you wish to be treated by being considerate of the feelings of others, and whereas showing fairness by playing by the rules, taking turns and sharing, being open-minded, and whereas showing integrity by playing with honor, being truthful, trustworthy, having the courage to do the right thing, and whereas taking responsibility by doing what you're supposed to do, thinking before you act, accepting the rules of the game, and whereas showing perseverance by always doing your best, by continuing to try, by being persistent and never giving up. And whereas the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department recognizes the value of good sportsmanship brings to our youth and our community. Now therefore, I, John Garrett, going to be here on behalf of Mayor Rigmian and the entire city council, the town of Ocean City, uh, do hereby proclaim the month of March to be sportsmanship month in Ocean City.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com