James N. "Jim" Mathias Jr.
mayor · active 1996–2006 (mayor)
Mayor of Ocean City from 1996 to 2006, presiding over the resort's All-America City award and its post-9/11 season in 2001; succeeded by Richard W. Meehan, he went on to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates and State Senate for the lower Eastern Shore.
In the record (65)
1990 · 1990-10-18
Roland Powell was re-elected mayor 1,598 to 511 over Steve Johansen, Jim Mathias led the council poll with 1,283, Buck Mann and Hank Westfall took the other two seats, and incumbents George Feehley and Glenn Steckman lost; Rick Meehan became council president
At the organizational meeting of 18 October 1990 Catherine Smith, secretary of the Board of Supervisors of Elections, read the results: "For Mayor, the totals were Steve Johansen: 511. Roland E. Powell: 1598. For Council, Brent Ashley: 161. James Dembeck: 738. Rudy DiDio: 165. George W. Feehley: 815. Charney L. Harris, Senior: 339. Walter Buck Mann: 1,090. James N. Mathias: 1283. Glenn Steckman: 810. And Henry Hank Westfall: 864." The agenda carried the oaths of office for Mayor Roland E. Powell and "Councilmembers A. James N. Mathias, Jr. B. Walter C. Mann C. Henry B. Westfall", then the election of a Council President and Secretary; the 5 November minutes are headed by "President Meehan" with Councilmen Mann, Mathias and Westfall sitting. Council President George Hurley had not stood - on 15 October Steckman "wished him well in his bid for county election" - and on 24 July Hurley had said "I won't be here to worry about the budget next year." Steckman on 15 October "took this opportunity to thank everyone on the staff and Council for his past four years."
Roland E. "Fish" PowellRick Meehan
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1991 · 1991-03-18
After a letter from Sergeant Ed O'Brien in Dhahran named all five city employees serving in Desert Storm, the council voted to make them honorary grand marshals of the Springfest parade on the Boardwalk
At the regular meeting of 18 March 1991 (item 10), Councilman Mathias read excerpts of a letter dated 4 March from Sergeant Ed O'Brien, a city police officer with a military police unit in Saudi Arabia: "As far as I know, all five of the Ocean City employees involved in Operation Desert Storm are safe and secure. Charlie Zukas, who is also in my unit, has been on a mission near the Saudi Arabian/Kuwait border since before the ground war started ... I saw John Mears of the public works department in Fort Meade before we were shipped over ... Kathy Braeuninger is attached to a field hospital with the Second Marine Division ... So Kathy is probably in Kuwait or even in Iraq right now. Mike Levy has been flying back and forth between Saudi Arabia and Dover Air Force Base. I was in Dhahran near the military barracks that was struck by an Iraqi Scud missile last week ... My wife, Mary, was ecstatic when she received the news about the supplemental pay ... I hate to think I might miss the summer of 1991 in Ocean City." Mathias then asked "if the Council would consider having these men and women of Ocean City as the honorary grand marshals of our Springfest parade down the Boardwalk." Councilman Hall moved it, Councilman Mann seconded ("Yes, most assuredly"), and the vote was unanimous. The supplemental pay was the council's pay differential for employees called to active duty; on 15 April Mathias moved to extend it "past the original 90 days," and on 28 May Councilman Gisriel had the four employees who had returned honored at the Fourth of July fireworks, "perhaps two at each location."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1991 · 1991-10-07
A month after the cable company priced televising council meetings at $40,000, radio station WETT got unanimous leave to broadcast them live at no cost to the town, as it had in 1988
On 3 September 1991 Brian Lynch of United Artists Cable told the council that putting meetings on cable would "initially cost the Town $40K"; with no budget allocation and the new chambers unfinished, "it was decided to contemplate it at a future date" (synopsis item 15). At the regular meeting of 7 October (item 6), Wayne Cannon of WETT: "Basically what we're asking you is nothing new because we've broadcast the one before you back in 1988 ... you voted seven, zero to have us do that. And it worked out very well. We did it I guess about four or five months. The clarity was great ... WETT, as you know, is sort of the fiber of Ocean City for many years. We've covered a lot of the hurricanes and storms. And the Mayor can remember, as a fireman, when there was a fire whistle would go off, everybody'd turn to WETT to find out where it was. And fishermen would come in on the Inlet where - honing in on the signal there with WETT." He added that the station would simulcast over United Cable's Channel 41, that "the Rick Meehan reports" ran down the agenda after every meeting, that the City Manager would have a monthly show called Focus on Ocean City, and that from that Thursday "the Governor of the State of Maryland will be a part of WETT ... broadcasting live from the State House" in a phone-in every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:00. "The City would incur no expense ... a well-run, well-produced show starting exactly at 7:30." Councilman Mathias moved to accept, Councilman Hall seconded, and the vote was unanimous with Councilman Westfall absent; broadcasts were to begin with the next meeting.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1993 · 1993-03-15
The council gave $3,500 toward two local men's five-month jet-ski circumnavigation of the United States for children's charities, on condition the Ocean City flag flew from the skis through 97 cities
Gary Frick, president of Frick Electric, and Mark Sens presented "Coast-to-Coast for Kids" on 15 March 1993: a 5,040-mile trip leaving the water at Lubec, Maine, rounding the coast to Boca Chica, Texas, trucking to Imperial Beach, California and ending at Seattle in September - "97 cities for 130 days" - with Kawasaki skis, sponsorship talks with Molson and Budweiser, a $45,000 budget of which Frick was putting up $25,000 himself, visits to children's hospitals, and two Guinness applications, "one for the longest trip, 5,040 miles ... the other one would be for the first to ... circumnavigate the United States by jet ski." Six of twenty coastal governors had written in support, "and of course we already have one from our own Governor Schaefer." They asked the town to split the $14,400 fuel bill at $1,500 a month against receipts, $7,500 in all, and for a letter inviting MTV to the Memorial Weekend jet-ski qualifiers at the Convention Center. Councilman Westfall: "I have been in Arizona. It would seem to me it's gonna get awful dry driving through that sand out there on one of these things." Councilman Mathias moved $3,500 "not to exceed" as a one-time grant, Councilman Duggan confirmed the flags came with the lower figure, and the vote was unanimous. Councilman Westfall: "Where do we get the $3500? Whose budget does that come out of?"
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1993 · 1993-07-19
The Winterfest of Lights was financed as a new project in July 1993, with a performance bond required and the Chamber of Commerce pledging half the cost over three to five years, and its first ceremony was announced that November
Synopsis of the regular meeting of 19 July 1993, item 8: "At the previous work session discussion had taken place regarding financing the Winterfest of Lights project which had been rescheduled for tonight's meeting for more input. City Manager Dare informed the Council that the deadline had been extended until the next day. Martha Bennett provided options as to how the financing could be transacted. Everyone agreed that a performance bond should be required. Councilman Mathias moved to have the proper documents executed with the least exposure of risk for the Town. Councilman Westfall seconded. Louise Gulyas, representing the Chamber of Commerce, assured the Mayor and Council that the Chamber's commitment was solid in that over a three-to-five-year period, they will provide 50%. The motion was amended to include an executed document from the Chamber of Commerce. The vote was 6-0 with Councilman Duggan absent." On 1 November Jim Whittemore, requesting the 11th annual Christmas parade, "commented on the Winterfest of Lights in that it should be a worthwhile addition to the Town's festivities"; the 15 November index carries "ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS CEREMONY" and the 6 December index "PRESENTATION OF CHECK FOR WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS" and "COMMENTS REGARDING WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS." The word 'Winterfest' does not occur in any 1993 document before July. The cost figure is on transcript pages missing from the text layer.
Ocean City Chamber of CommerceDennis W. Dare
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1993 · 1993-08-16
When the Wicomico and Caroline Street beach-stand franchisee defaulted in August 1993, the neighbouring operators bought the rest of the season for $75 and $86, and the defaulter was barred from ever bidding again
Synopsis of 16 August 1993, item 13: "With the recent default of the beachstand franchise holder for Wicomico and Caroline Streets, offer was made to the adjacent franchise holders to bid for the remainder of the season. For Caroline Street the high bid of 75 from Ken Edmunds and for Wicomico Street the high bid of $86 from Paul Stock was asked to be accepted. Councilman Mathias moved to accept; seconded by Councilman Hall. The vote was 6-1 with President Meehan opposed. Mayor and Council were informed that the confiscated boxes were stored at the 65th Street impound lot. The defaulted franchise operator may not bid for any beach stands in the future."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1993 · 1993-09-07
The Beach Boys played a Sunday-afternoon concert on the Ocean City beach in late August 1993 before a crowd the council put at 10,000 - "the first time anything like that has ever been held on the beach"
At the regular meeting of 7 September 1993 Nancy Howard came to the microphone: "the Beach Boys concert was only what? two weekends ago ... I've only lived here 18 years, but it was one of the most spectacular days I've ever seen in Ocean City." Mayor Powell: "you're the ones that really made the decision to bring the Beach Boys to Ocean City. I think it was a very wise decision. I don't know whether we actually made any money as far as the City coffers are concerned. But as I sat there that afternoon and enjoyed the music ... there were many, many people on the beach that Sunday afternoon, local people, I mean from Cape Charles to Wilmington, Delaware, to the Bay Bridge ... It's the first time anything like that has ever been held on the beach. You really didn't know whether it was gonna be a great show or a flop." Councilman Mann, chairman of the Tourism Commission: "we put 10,000 people there in an enclosed area and we had absolutely no problems with control, disorderliness ... To me it's an indication that we have a new venue for a big production here in Ocean City." Councilman Feehley reported that downtown businesses had been apprehensive beforehand, "but after it was over, everything was positive." Councilman Mathias, during the bid awards: "Of course, Ford paid for the Beach Boys, too." A Columbia Cellular representative had told the council on 21 June that "this year you guys are having two concerts on the beach." The Beach Boys are otherwise absent from the 1993 text: no booking, contract or date appears in the searchable minutes.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1993 · 1993-10-04
The owner of the Alaska Stand won leave to put "Please do not feed the birds" cards on his Boardwalk picnic tables over the mayor's objection that feeding the gulls was part of a vacationer's enjoyment
Synopsis of 4 October 1993, item 6: "Rob Cole, owner of the Alaska Stand at Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk, made an appearance to request allowance of table tent signs on his picnic tables that would say 'Please do not feed the birds.' Mr. Cole's tables are on City property at the head of Wicomico Street and he pays the City a per-table fee for that area with the agreement that he is to maintain the area and keep it clean. He voiced concern that people feeding the seagulls primarily in that area attract them in droves and some occasionally become nasty. ... Councilman Feehley moved to allow the request only on the subject tables; seconded by Councilman Mann. Councilman Mathias took the position that the tables are on City property and felt this would set a standard for the Town. Mayor Powell agreed and stated feeding the gulls are part of the vacationers' enjoyment. Lengthy discussion followed and most members of the Council agreed a problem exists. The vote was 6-1 with Councilman Mathias opposed."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1994 · 1994-08-15
A four-month-old Boy Scout troop of fourteen boys won the soft-drink concession at the Beach Boys beach concert for 10% of sales, after the city solicitor confirmed they could not go on the payroll and a councilman said he did not want the mayor to go to jail
Regular session of 15 August 1994. City Manager Dare first reported that 3,500 of the 6,500 chairs for the concert had sold by Friday with close to 500 general admissions, and that the 1993 concert - "the quarter million dollar endeavor" - had returned about $6,500 from 20% of the artists' T-shirt sales and about $4,800 from the single Pepsi stand. Tom Anton, scoutmaster of Troop 225, "a brand new scout troop. We just chartered back in April", asked to staff that stand: the boys would wear uniforms, it would count toward Eagle Scout service hours, and the troop's 1994-95 budget was "approximately $7,000. And as of right now, I've been dipping into the parents' pockets every month"; a car wash at Delmarva Power on 83rd Street had already been spent on a camping trip to Assateague. He offered to work for 10% where restaurants ran at 15% payroll. Councilman Westfall: "How old will the young fellows be?" - "Average age of 12, some are 14; some are 11" - "Will we have any problem with child labor laws and minimum wages?" City Solicitor Ayres: "We can't put 'em on the City's payroll or you definitely do have a problem", but as a group donation it was probably fine. Westfall: "I don't want the Mayor to go to jail." Councilman Mathias warned it sounded like a good idea "until the Girl Scouts come in and the American Cancer Society comes in" and that the Boardwalk businesses "that live for those 100 days" should get a lottery for the concession in future. The vote was 6-0 with Councilman Mann absent, the stand to sit "behind the mixer board" where nobody sat anyway.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1994 · 1994-12-19
St George Greek Orthodox Church's request for a Sunday school in a house on East Biscayne Drive and a parking lot on the vacant lot beside it went back to the Planning Commission, because the commission had cut the lot by two-thirds at a morning deliberation the neighbours never heard about
Regular session of 19 December 1994, item 11, conditional use PZ 780 for lots 17 and 18 at 8804 and 8806 East Biscayne Drive. Zoning Administrator Blaine Smith explained that the Planning Commission, deliberating "Thursday morning" rather than on the night of its 6 December hearing, had restricted parking to the part of lot 17 behind the house and barred any drive onto East Biscayne Drive; asked by Councilman Mann "Is the public aware of that change?" he answered "No. No ... the public did not have any input at that time." Councilman Mathias: "the people that testified overwhelmingly said that they did not have a problem with the Sunday School but they had a problem with the parking lot ... I can support the church, the Sunday School, but I have a real problem even with the limited scope of the parking lot." Councilman Gisriel noted the church "admitted in evidence that it wasn't needed. They admitted that they borrow some spots from a nearby bank." Smith on the Sunday school's use: "your normal, Sunday morning Sunday School hour. They will have study and counseling at random during the week, but it's very seldom." Mathias moved to approve the Sunday school and deny the lot; Hall wanted a drawing; Betty Phillips said from the floor that the deliberation had been "a closed session and not legal", which the city solicitor denied; the motions were withdrawn and the case remanded to the Planning Commission for a revised site plan, unanimously.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1995 · 1995-03-20
Almost half a mile of Ocean City's torn-up Boardwalk was given to the Jenkins Creek Environmental Research Center and hauled to Crisfield by the National Guard to cross a salt marsh
Mike Apperti told the regular meeting of 20 March 1995 (item 7D): "I'm just here really to thank those of you who don't know about a donation you made to the Jenkins Creek Environmental Research Center. Recently I saw something in the paper about you getting rid of your old boardwalk and having it renewed. And I called the Town to find out if I could get some of the used lumber. Jenkins Creek is in the process of putting a boardwalk in across a salt marsh that we just purchased to build an education and research center ... We just bought 300 acres of salt marsh and we're going to manage Jane's Island State Park ... And the boardwalk, almost a half a mile of it, was donated to us. I was lucky enough to get the National Guard to pick it up and move it. And it's in Crisfield now." He presented a Certificate of Appreciation, which Councilman Duggan told him to "give it to the Mayor there," and promised a signed print from the wildlife artist Jack Schroeder. President Feehley: "we're into recycling. So I'm glad to hear we can recycle our boardwalk." On 21 August Councilman Mathias suggested milling the remaining old lumber into souvenir pieces for the Chamber of Commerce and the hotel-motel-restaurant association to give away.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1995 · 1995-06-13
Two young men were permitted to keep two boa constrictors, two royal pythons, two iguanas, two geckos, two dragons and two horned frogs in an Ocean City apartment, by a 5-2 vote, after a supporter pointed out that a steakhouse had been allowed two crocodiles as marketing objects
At the work session of 13 June 1995 (item 4) "Steve Kasper and Steve Clark made an appearance to request permission to house their non-domesticated pets which are snakes, reptiles and frogs. The animals are kept caged and are well cared for. They have even been used by several schools for educational purposes." Their filed list: 2 Red Tail Boas, 2 Green Iguanas, 2 Royal Pythons, 2 Leopard Geckos, 1 Bearded Dragon, 1 Chinese Water Dragon, 2 Chacoan Albino Horned Frogs. Their letter: "Some people have the same passion for dogs, cats, and horses. Ours just happens to be for reptiles ... The reptiles we own have never been responsible for any death or serious injury to a human. Tragically we cannot say the same thing about dogs, horses, or in all honesty, some household appliances." A neighbour, Vikki Johnson, wrote: "If the Mayor and City Council can give permission to Croc's Sports Steakhouse to keep two Caymen Crocodiles as marketing objects, then certainly Mr. Clark ... should be given the same consideration ... if I had a choice between meeting an intoxicated June Bug in a dark alley or a Boa Constrictor, I would choose Mr. Clark's snakes in a heartbeat." Councilman Mathias moved to allow the pets; "Mayor Powell asked what his role was if this motion passed as he did not favor it; that is if he could veto it." The permission was limited to these animals at this address, revocable at once on any problem, with sticker notices at the doors. "The vote was 5-2 with Councilmen Gisriel and Duggan opposed."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1995 · 1995-08-21
A Seaweed Lane resident who had kept a Burmese python for years was given retroactive permission for it, on condition of warning signs front and back, and the mayor complained the council was becoming lenient about exotic animals
Regular meeting of 21 August 1995, item 7: "Laura Sanders of 602A Seaweed Lane requested permission to house a Burmese python. Ms. Sanders has had the snake for a number of years with no problems but it had recently come to pass that no formal permission had been requested. Councilman Mathias moved to permit the snake with certain conditions; those being that a sign be posted on the front and back of the house alerting outsiders that the snake was on the premises and that if any complaints arose, the Mayor and Council would review this immediately." Councilman Meehan had the permit limited to this one snake at these premises; "Mayor Powell voiced concern that the Council was becoming lenient on this topic and that Animal Control should be reminded about code restrictions." A further amendment required the owner to report at once if the snake got loose. "The vote was 4-2 with Councilmen Gisriel and Duggan opposed and Councilman Mann absent." Two weeks earlier (7 August, item 8) the council had approved a potbellied pig for a Delaware Association of Realtors fundraiser at the Princess Royale, the special-event permit being unnecessary on private property but the non-domesticated animal needing the council's leave.
Roland E. "Fish" PowellRick Meehan
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1995 · 1995-10-10
The owner of Shock Value Body Piercing at Baltimore and Dorchester wrote the standards the council adopted for body-piercing establishments, 5-2, after a councilman raised the Rehoboth Beach rule requiring a physician
At the regular meeting of 2 October 1995 Melissa Adams appeared under "Discussion of Tattoo Ordinance with request for changes and Standards for Body Piercing Establishments": "I'm a resident here in Ocean City. I also own Shock Value Body Piercing which is on the corner of Baltimore and Dorchester ... I have been piercing for about four years. I'm a member of the Alliance and Professional Tattooists ... I also feel that there should be some standards on body piercing ... But I think they should be reasonable, enforceable and reasonable." Her guidelines: a permit issued only on a Health Department certificate of inspection, "an autoclave is a must," all instruments sterilised before use on any patron, sharps containers. The town's Chapter 61A, adopted 1 July 1985 as Ordinance 1985-18, allowed a tattoo establishment only to a licensed physician or osteopath. At the work session of 10 October (item 17): "Councilman Hall moved to adopt the recommendations provided at that meeting by Melissa Adams, owner of a body piercing establishment, and to incorporate this as an amendment to the code. Councilman Gisriel voiced concern over the issue, especially relative to genital piercing, and referred to the Rehoboth Beach ordinance where a physician or osteopath is required. Councilman Mathias seconded the motion and felt this should come under the Health Department's revue. Councilman Duggan added that a progressive fine schedule should be added. The vote was 5-2 with Councilmen Feehley and Gisriel opposed."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1996 · 1996-03-18
The council refused both a drafted body-piercing ordinance and a motion to regulate piercing like tattooing, and voted instead to ask the State to write the rules, after the shop owner told them "the last time I checked my ears are connected to my body"
A draft ordinance negotiated since February between the City Solicitor, shop owner Melissa Adams and the Health Department came to the regular meeting of 18 March 1996 (item 17). Councilman Duggan moved instead "to see body piercing on the same regulations and guidelines as tattoo ordinance that we have locally", which would have required a physician on the premises. Adams: "I started this business last year ... spent $40-50,000 getting my shop opened, started; spent $11,000 in advertising. And simply because I came to you instead of going to the state, you're now gonna put me out of business ... The Health Department sat in here last week and said ... it will make it more dangerous ... because it will put it underground. It will put it in backrooms. It will put it in kitchens ... Body piercing is body piercing. And the last time I checked my ears are connected to my body." President Feehley: "a high school dropout could put themselves in business." Duggan's motion failed 3-4 (Gisriel, Duggan and Feehley for; Mann, Hall, Mathias and Meehan against). Mayor Powell said he would support neither the motion nor the ordinance: "We are not a medical board of review. I don't think we have the expertise to put this ordinance together" and that passing it "will give a feeling of security to the people who may go to these ... body piercing shops." Councilman Mathias then moved to ask the State to regulate; the City Solicitor advised that a moratorium on new licences "would create a monopoly for the two known businesses and would be illegal"; the vote was unanimous.
Roland E. "Fish" PowellGuy R. Ayres III
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1996 · 1996-08-19
The Sister City Committee reported that thirteen visitors from Finale Ligure, Italy, led by its mayor, would arrive on 14 September for a two-week stay and a signing ceremony, and the council voted city buses, the Sunset Room and up to $400 for punch and finger food
Jim Pescetto for the Sister City Committee at the regular meeting of 19 August 1996 (item 6): "We're in the windup stages of our sister city. They're arriving here on September 14th. Sixteen - until I got a letter today that we've had some injuries there, in Finale Ligure. There's three less coming, so it'll be thirteen. But the mayor and his wife are coming ... the mayor will be here five days staying from the 14th to the 20th because he must lay a wreath for the Unknown Sailor in Finale Ligure. And - but the rest of the group will be here til the 28th. And the mayor will be here for Sunfest, for the opening of Sunfest." The committee had "about $1000 in our treasury" and asked for bus service within Worcester County and the Sunset Room for two hours: "a half hour for the ceremony and the other hour-and-a-half for a small luncheon, no booze; punch and some finger food. That's all we can afford." Councilman Gisriel moved to provide the buses and "a modest refreshment"; Councilman Duggan seconded with a cap, set at $400. Councilman Mathias, recalling the reception for the Governor in the Sunset Room the previous Thursday that "was like a candy land", asked whether the Italian restaurants in town might donate the food; Pescetto: "I don't think we'd get it free." The motion passed unanimously as "the use of the city buses within Worcester County; the use of the Sunset Room; and if nothing else can be worked out, the city will furnish food up to $400." Pescetto: "I hope everyone is coming to the signing ceremony ... It's a two-year project that we've been working on." Two host families who had gone to Italy were giving the visitors "thanksgiving" dinners.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1996 · 1996-10-17
The October 1996 election results were read into the record on 17 October: James Mathias 1,424 for mayor against George Feehley 664, John Staley 456 and Margaret Pillas 364, and Nancy Howard led the council poll with 1,684, so that the elections chairman opened with "this'll be the last time I'll be saying gentlemen"
Special session of 17 October 1996, the organizational meeting, chaired by Council Secretary Hall because "Council President Feehley resigned his seat to run for Mayor and his resignation takes effect the day after the election." Mary Adeline Bradford, chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Elections: "For Mayor: George Feehley 664; James Mathias 1424; Margaret Pillas 364; John Staley 456. The winner for Mayor, James Mathias. For Council: Seymour Bridge 254; Douglas Cymek 561; Leroy Duggan 1571; Jim S. Hall 1465; Joseph T. Hall 750; Nancy Howard 1684; Lloyd Martin 961; Richard Meehan 1516; Stanley Rodman 259; Pat Sadowski 966; Kyle Sandler 142; Glenn Steckman 1287; Henry Westfall 946. Those elected for full four-year terms: Nancy Howard, Leroy Duggan, Richard Meehan, Jim S. Hall. And elected to fill the remaining two years of Councilman Mathias's term: Glenn Steckman." Councilman Gisriel questioned why poll watchers were sent out at 7 p.m. before the count (the board "took 'may' to mean 'may' and not 'shall'") and learned that "five or six" absentee ballots marked with a check instead of the X the Charter requires had been disallowed on the City Solicitor's reading. Feehley, without a vote: "I was asked to send in a letter of resignation this time which I thought was not necessary because up to now, a Councilman stayed a Councilman until the next group was sworn in." The results were accepted on Mann's motion, Meehan seconding. Richard Meehan was council president by the next regular meeting on 21 October.
Rick MeehanVincent Gisriel Jr.Guy R. Ayres III
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1997 · 1997-01-06
The Worcester County Performing Arts Society asked the council on 6 January 1997 to back an Ocean City symphony orchestra, on a $60,000 start-up budget and $17,000 of special-event money the town already spent on musicians
Connie Meadows, for the Worcester County Performing Arts Society, brought Don Buxton, conductor of the Dover Symphony Orchestra, to the regular meeting of 6 January 1997 as the proposed conductor. She asked for "your moral support and your confirmation that you believe the formation of a symphony orchestra in this area would be of economic benefit to the city," for rehearsal, performance and storage space, and for the town to "give it a name ... Whether it would be the Ocean City Symphony or the Mid-Atlantic Regional Symphony." The proposal carried "a $60,000 proposed budget for starting up" with $15,000 hoped from corporate support, and pencilled the town in at $17,000 - the sum Recreation and Parks had spent the previous summer on the July 4th beach concert ($10,000, per Tom Perlozzo) and Sundaes in the Park ($7,000). She read the council a meeting-planners' magazine: "Vegetating on beaches is out. Stimulating the senses is in." Dr. Tom Elliott, conductor of the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, came to the microphone to say his orchestra had been working eleven years for a place in Ocean City and "we'd love to be part of it too." Council President Meehan: "I personally think your time has come." Councilwoman Howard: "things like a symphony orchestra, the art museum, the art gallery, these are the heart of Ocean City." Perlozzo's memo of the same day agreed "in this fiscal year only" to use the orchestra at Arts Atlantica and July 4th, with "reservations committing year after year." The matter was sent to the Tourism Commission, meeting 16 January.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1997 · 1997-02-25
Baltimore County Executive C. A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger walked into the 25 February 1997 work session in the middle of a presentation on rebuilding the concrete Boardwalk, and the meeting stopped to welcome him
The clerk's synopsis of the work session of 25 February 1997: Jerry Marsten of Wallace, Roberts and Todd was presenting four surface patterns for the concrete portion of the Boardwalk - "The material has a life expectancy of 30 years. The costs would range from $2.2 to $3.7 million" - when "The presentation was interrupted for a few minutes upon the arrival of Baltimore County Executive 'Dutch' Ruppersberger. Mayor Mathias welcomed him to Ocean City." The presentation then continued, and "traditionalism surfaced with most members leaning to a wooden promenade." Six weeks earlier Senator Mikulski had dropped in on a January work session the same way.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1997 · 1997-03-03
Ocean City hosted a delegation of Siberian legislators over the first weekend of March 1997, and the mayor reported that people who live at ten degrees had enjoyed the beach
Mayor Mathias, in his comments at the close of the regular meeting of 3 March 1997: "We were the hosts this weekend to some Siberian legislators ... And they, they came to town Saturday, Sunday. They left today. They were very impressed. They were from the Departments of Education, Health. They enjoyed it here. As you know - I don't know if you've read - but their typical climate is about 10 degrees. And they, they work with about 50 inches of snow every day. But to them ..." - the transcript page ends there and the next is missing from the text layer. The agenda index lists the item as "Comments from Mayor Mathias on visit from Siberian legislators, wedding anniversary wishes, and announcement of Cancer Society breakfast on March 19th."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1997 · 1997-04-21
The Play It Safe committee told the council on 21 April 1997 it would print 65,000 drug-and-alcohol-free booklets for every high-school senior in Maryland and, new that June, hold Sunday-night dances on the beach south of the pier
Donna Greenwood of the Ocean City Drug and Alcohol Prevention Committee, with Polk Miles of the Worcester County Health Department, at the regular meeting of 21 April 1997: "The Play It Safe Committee publishes 65,000 booklets to be distributed ... to all the high school seniors throughout all the counties in the State of Maryland. This is done with a $10,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention." The police would carry the booklets to seniors in Virginia and Pennsylvania; the State Highway Administration would put Play It Safe on its message boards along Route 50; "We are now on the Internet." There would be "more than 17 fun-filled, drug-and-alcohol-free events" - volleyball challenges on the beach, the human gyroscope, a new inflatable Surf Machine, midnight bowling at Ocean Lanes, kayak races, a fishing tournament from Bahia Marina, the car track at Jolly Roger - and "something new that we would like to try this year would be dances on the beach south of the pier. And that would be on Sunday evenings," with the Sunset Room as the rain date. The committee had raised almost $3,000 beyond the town's $2,500. The mayor proclaimed June Play It Safe Month and said the beach dances were "really a great addition"; the dances were set to end at midnight. Councilman Hall moved approval; the vote was unanimous.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1997 · 1997-07-07
Ordinance 1997-8, signed the night it passed on 7 July 1997, let street performers work anywhere in town but confined First Amendment merchandise tables to two ten-block Boardwalk zones rotated daily by a calendar kept by the City Clerk
At first reading on 16 June 1997 the ordinance amending Chapter 72, Peddling and Soliciting, proposed two areas "comprising approximately 10 blocks each" that "would rotate on a daily basis" - Area 1 from 12th Street south to 2nd, Area 2 from 2nd to South Division - with "First Amendment activists that offer merchandise ... limited to one table each in the daily designated block." "Richard Hobbs, an entertainer whose activities include comedy and balloon sculpting, voiced concern over rotation stating that many patrons know where he sets up and look for him." Saul Porecki of One World said the change "was seemingly based on competition complaints"; several Boardwalk merchants favoured it. Councilman Gisriel asked whether street performers should carry insurance like vendors. At second reading on 7 July, City Solicitor Ayres, having "been reviewing numerous cases," recommended "repealing and reenacting Section 5.1 that would allow street performers free movement throughout the Town and limit First Amendment activities to the two rotating areas discussed previously with the City Clerk maintaining a calendar of which blocks are allowed on a particular day." The vote was unanimous and "Mayor Mathias announced he was signing the ordinance that moment and it would be in effect the next day." Hobbs then came back to the microphone to introduce his helper Glenn Murphy, "an accomplished weight lifter," and suggest the town hold weight-lifting events.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1997 · 1997-10-06
A $42,534 bid from the Greene Turtle's owner and the Balmoral condominium board for the city's canal-side lot on Jamestown Road brought Balmoral's own owners to a 6 October 1997 hearing to say the twenty-five-year-old park was not "no longer needed for public use," and the sale was put off sixty days
Bids opened at the work session of 29 July 1997 for "the advertised property on the northerly side of Jamestown Road" were Nolan Graves $30,000 and James Park Joint Venture $42,534; the council accepted the high bid 6-1 and set a hearing, Councilman Gisriel objecting because "there has been public opposition" and the price was low against "recent expenditures to repair the bulkhead." At the hearing of 6 October the joint venture was identified as "Steve Pappas, owner of the Green Turtle, and the Balmoral Condominium Association"; Albert Fasulo, the association's president, said pier owners wanted "a few more slips." Five Balmoral owners spoke against, with neighbours from Shipwreck Road, Fountainhead Towers and 94th Street; "the major thrusts of opposition were the activity, traffic, noise, and possible expansion coincidental with the Greene Turtle and the removal of the park-like, community setting." Doris Crabtree's filed letter: "Did the children who fish and crab from the property say they no longer need it? did the many residents from the neighborhood who walk their dogs on the property say they no longer need it? ... And now we learn there is a budget surplus of $750K. The reason for selling the property in the first place no longer exists." Robert Lester, an original Balmoral owner since August 1972, called the statutory finding "contrary to fact - preposterously so." Gisriel's motion to keep the lot as park space found no second; Mayor Mathias "recognized the division of the neighborhood"; Councilman Steckman's motion to postpone sixty days, with first reading on 1 December advertised in the legals and on the government channel, passed 4-2.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1997 · 1997-11-17
Eddie Moss's approaching hundredth birthday moved the mayor on 17 November 1997 to start announcing residents' milestone birthdays on the town's public-access cable channel
From the Comments from the Mayor at the regular meeting of 17 November 1997: "Mayor Mathias wished a speedy recovery to John Tilghman who recently had knee surgery. Mayor Mathias commented on the upcoming 100th birthday for Eddie Moss and the fact that it had been suggested to put these milestone birthday announcements on the Public Access channel. This will be implemented with the announcement for Mr. Moss." The same evening he read a proclamation "in appreciation of Lillian Teta for her many volunteer efforts in the community," thanked everyone involved in the kick-off of the Winterfest of Lights, and asked that the New Year's Day open house at City Hall, tried the year before, be made annual - "Council agreed that it was a great success and should be continued annually."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1998 · 1998-02-17
After the nor'easter of 4-5 February 1998 and its extreme high tides, the mayor read a proclamation thanking every city department and the volunteers and handed copies to each department
The first item of the regular session of 17 February 1998 (Regular Session #4) was headed "Proclamation of Recognition of Assistance During Recent Storms": "Mayor Mathias related the sequence of events brought on by the February 4th and 5th nor' easter with its extreme high tides and recognized all the city departments, members and volunteers, who participated during the storm and its aftermath. With heartfelt thanks, Mayor Mathias read a proclamation declaring these efforts and presented copies to the relevant departments." A week earlier, at the work session of 10 February, he had "thanked everyone involved for the coordinated efforts during the past two nor' easters" and reminded the council that bids for the spring dredging, "an $ 8. 9 million price tag", had been advertised.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1998 · 1998-03-02
The presidential helicopter took shelter at the Ocean City airport during the February nor'easter, and the mayor reported its passengers' thanks for the town's hospitality
Under Comments from the Mayor at the regular session of 2 March 1998 (Regular Session #5), after asking the council to stay firm on beach replenishment, Mayor Mathias turned to the airport: "Addressing the airport, Mayor Mathias commented on the presidential helicopter seeking safe haven during the recent nor' easter and the passengers' acknowledgement of the Town' s hospitality." The storm was the nor'easter of 4-5 February, for which the mayor had read a proclamation of thanks on 17 February. The minutes do not say who was aboard or where the aircraft was bound.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1998 · 1998-06-09
The council voted unanimously to get a price on a study of whether Ocean City's taxpayers were getting a fair return on what they paid the county
Also at the work session of 9 June 1998: Councilman Steckman said "a study should be done by InterGovernmental Services at the University of Maryland to ascertain if the taxpayers in the Town of Ocean City are getting a fair return compared to what they pay the county". Councilman Hall moved that it be formulated by City Solicitor Ayres, Mayor Mathias and Councilman Steckman and that an estimate be obtained from IGS; seconded by Councilman Mann; the vote was unanimous. What the town gets back from the county is among the oldest questions in this record and is usually asked rhetorically. Here it is asked as a procurement.
Source · checked 2026-09-04
1998 · 1998-07-28
The mayor opened the last work session of July 1998 with a moment of silence and a prayer for the two police officers killed at the United States Capitol four days earlier, 'as well as for an incident here in Ocean City'
The work session of 28 July 1998 opened: "President Meehan called the work session to order at 1: 05 p. m. and turned the floor over to the Mayor. With the recent loss of lives of two police officers on Capitol Hill, Mayor Mathias asked for a moment of silence and offered a prayer in their memory as well as for an incident here in Ocean City." The Capitol shooting, in which officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson died, was on 24 July 1998; the minutes do not say what the Ocean City incident was. Business then resumed with bids for Boardwalk wood preservative, ICI Paints/Glidden of Ocean City low at $11.97 a gallon.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1998 · 1998-08-17
The mayor introduced Stephen Decatur High School's principal as Maryland's Principal of the Year, and the council voted the last $1,200 to send the school's Naval Junior ROTC colour guard to the commissioning of the USS Decatur in Portland, Oregon
At the regular session of 17 August 1998 (Regular Session #16): "Mr. Lou Taylor, Principal of Stephen Decatur High School, was introduced by Mayor Mathias noting his selection as Principal of the Year for the State of Maryland. In turn, Mr. Taylor introduced his administrative staff stating this award could not have been earned without their assistance as well as his parents and many other citizens in the area. In addition, Mr. Taylor related the Naval Junior ROTC Color Guard from Stephen Decatur has been invited to Portland, Oregon, for the commissioning of the USS Decatur on August 29th. Thus far, 7300 has been raised to cover the costs of the trip; however, $ 1200 is still needed. Councilman Mann moved to approve the $ 1200; seconded by Councilman Hall. The vote was unanimous." On 2 November the mayor reported "a thank- you note from the Color Guard of the Stephen Decatur High School Naval Junior ROTC" with "a commemorative book and commissioning coin of the event which Mayor Mathias stated would be available to view in his office."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1999 · 1999-01-12
A council hearing on hydraulic clam dredging heard that Ocean City had no sea-grass beds before 1991 and now had beds a thousand feet wide, and a councilman called the coastal bays "our little pond in the back yard and it's fished out"
For the work session of 12 January 1999 the council invited Dr Donald Boesch of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, DNR biologists, the National Park Service and the Natural Resources Police, "precipitated", President Meehan said, by "the continual fishing and dredging in the bay ... year round". Boesch: "in 1990 and before, as best we have records, you didn't have grass beds here along Ocean City ... they've only begun to return since 1991 and ... every year we see a slight expansion of those grass beds." Aerial photographs showed scarring in the beds from boat propellers and clam dredges; DNR's Lee Carr said the bed off the convention centre ran "over 1,000 feet out in some areas", and the Natural Resources Police confirmed dredging was lawful anywhere more than 300 feet from shore - "300 feet is a city block," City Manager Dare put in. Councilman Hall: "This is our little pond in the back yard and it's fished out. There's nothing left in it. We need help." Bill Outten of DNR said the delineation task force had 23 members, "like 6 of 'em are watermen". Mayor Mathias closed by rejecting "closure, banning, prohibiting" in favour of "a balanced program", and County Commission president Jeanne Lynch, in the audience, said the county would take the same subject up the following Tuesday.
Maryland Coastal Bays ProgramRick MeehanDennis W. Dare
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1999 · 1999-07-19
Three months after the shooting, the lacrosse team from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado came to play at Northside Park, and the mayor asked the town to give them a warm welcome
Under Comments from the Mayor at the regular session of 19 July 1999: "Mayor Mathias announced the lacrosse team from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, would be playing at Northside Park and encouraged everyone giving them a warm welcome." The minutes say nothing about why the name would mean something to the room; the shooting at the school had been on 20 April. The team came for the Northside Park lacrosse tournament that Steve Pappas and Rob Sartorio told the council on 27 July "has been scheduled at Northside Park for the past four years", for which the Town had budgeted $7,200.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1999 · 1999-07-19
The Salisbury Symphony played patriotic selections on the beach on the Fourth of July 1999, and the mayor asked the council to find money to have them back since it had not been in the budget
Comments from the Mayor, regular session of 19 July 1999: "Mayor Mathias addressed the Salisbury Symphony's performance on the beach on the 4th of July. Because funding for their participation was not included in this year's budget, Mayor Mathias asked for reconsideration as he has heard a lot of positive comments regarding their patriotic selections. In another patriotic vein, Mayor Mathias presented a proclamation from the American Legion to the Members of the Council in recognition of the support for their poppy program." On 20 September he asked again "if the Salisbury Symphony will be performing" the next year and was told "several entertainment options are being weighed".
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1999 · 1999-08-16
Faced with the first application for a tattoo parlour in the town's history, the council passed an emergency ordinance in six days requiring that a physician do the tattooing, with $5 million of insurance, a $500 licence and a $1,000 fine
At the work session of 10 August 1999 "Mayor Mathias addressed the recent submission of an application to establish a tattoo parlor in town, noting if it got approved, it would be the first. Also, a pawn shop has opened here ... Members of the Police Commission had met prior to this meeting and fully support exploring every avenue to deny the application." The City Solicitor and City Planner "were instructed to investigate ways to deny the application as soon as possible." Six days later, at the regular session of 16 August, Ordinance 1999-27 amended Chapter 61A, Licensed Tattoo Establishments: "the major amendments stipulate the person performing the tattoo must be a physician or osteopath, the medical malpractice and liability insurance increases to $5 million, the license fee increases to $500, and the fine for a convicted violation increases to $1,000." Councilman Gisriel objected that the ordinance "was too hastily prepared without considerable study and leaves the Town vulnerable for litigation whereby the existing ordinance has been in the code since 1985 with no applicants"; Ayres said it was modelled on a New York City ordinance upheld on appeal. The applicant, Michael Copley of Wind Chimes Tattoo, "stated he has been practicing this art for 20 years with no complaints" and that the ordinance was unfair since his application "had already been filed and met the current test". It passed 5-2 on first reading and 5-1-1 as an emergency ordinance, with the mayor's concurrence. In May the City Manager had already answered an Orlando firm proposing to sell tattoos carrying "messages" under the peddling exemption: "we do not understand what you are proposing."
Vincent Gisriel Jr.Guy R. Ayres IIIDennis W. Dare
Source · checked 2026-09-10
1999 · 1999-09-28
When the fire company and city crews washed the salt off the power lines after Hurricane Dennis, the town's 800 MHz radios were jammed, and the cause turned out to be Nextel's equipment on the 41st Street water tower
Work session synopsis, 28 September 1999, item 8: "Dick Malone, Projects Coordinator for Public Works, led a discussion on a recent problem the Town experienced with its radio system. It seems frequency interference was encountered when the Fire Company and city staff were washing the power lines after Hurricane Dennis. It was then found the interference was caused by Nextel's equipment, by contract with the Town, located on the 41st Street water tower. Clay Stamp, Communications Director, stated their frequency is very close to that of our 800 MHz and is permitted through their FCC license ... They would like to use all the city's water towers and they plan to install more networks throughout Delmarva which could cause problems in the future." The council voted 6-0 to write to the state delegation "explaining the concern for public safety". At the same meeting the mayor, citing "the recent power outages in Baltimore resulting from Hurricane Floyd", asked for a proposal to put the town's utilities underground. Dennis had stalled off the Carolinas at the end of August and Floyd passed on 16 September; neither storm is otherwise described in the year's readable minutes (the 24 and 31 August minutes are scans with no text layer).
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2000 · 2000-04-25
The council voted $20,000 to dedicate the rebuilt Boardwalk in 2000, $15,000 of it for a five-minute Fire Art fireworks display like the one on New Year's Eve, and the mayor asked that the plaque by the arch thank the visitors and residents
At the work session of 25 April 2000, "City Manager Dare addressed the Boardwalk dedication. Special Events Coordinator John Sullivan presented a sketch of the seating arrangement. Negotiations have been confirmed with Fire Art to do a five-minute fireworks display, similar to that on New Year's Eve, at a cost of $15,000. Request was made to allow a total of $20,000 for the dedication. Councilman Duggan moved to approve; seconded by Councilman Hall. The vote was 6-1 with Councilman Gisriel opposed. Mayor Mathias commented on the plaque that will be hung near the arch and requested another line be added thanking the visitors and residents. City Engineer Terry McGean will look into this." On 6 March the mayor had passed on "the appreciative comments he has heard regarding the Boardwalk renovations."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2000 · 2000-06-05
The Paramedic Foundation bought Ocean City its first three automated external defibrillators in 2000, for the golf course, the convention centre and Northside Park, and paramedics demonstrated one to the council
At the regular meeting of 5 June 2000, under New Business, "Emergency Management Director Clay Stamp related at the March 28th work session, he had stated the Paramedic Foundation intended to purchase three Automated External Defibrillators to be used at the golf course, convention center, and Northside Park. Since that time these units have been purchased and training at those facilities is expected to begin by June 15th. Dr. Robert Adkins, President of the Paramedic Foundation, noted there are only eight minutes to save patients once they have collapsed and these units will help immensely while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. A demonstration was provided by EMS Lts. [the OCR reads Lis.] Chuck Barton, Dawn Epperson, and Thomas Kane." Mayor Mathias had raised the idea at the 6 March meeting after reading an article suggesting defibrillators for places of assembly, and asked that it be researched for the budget hearings.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2000 · 2000-06-13
By June 2000 the summer's foreign student workers were crowding the Ocean City library's computers to e-mail home, and the mayor asked the business community to help relieve the demand
At the work session of 13 June 2000, "Mayor Mathias also related a problem has arisen at the library because of heavy demand for computers in order to access e-mail, especially foreign students here for the season wanting to contact their homes. Mayor Mathias requested the business sector be contacted to help alleviate this demand." The same meeting heard his complaints from handicapped users who felt they should not have to pay at the new Inlet lot, and that its ticket mechanism was slow enough to back cars up. A week later Joe Hall of the Downtown Association told the council seasonal housing was "the current critical issue" with "no immediate solution," and Councilman Hall suggested new construction be encouraged to include employee housing.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2000 · 2000-06-19
A fire truck was stolen from an Ocean City fire station one June weekend and recovered; the ambulance crew had gone out at 5 a.m. and believed they had shut the door behind them
Under Comments from the Mayor at the regular meeting of 19 June 2000, held in the community room at Northside Park, "Mayor Mathias thanked all agencies involved in the recovery of the fire truck that had been stolen this past weekend." Council Member Fitzsimmons then "requested a briefing on the fire truck theft be provided to the Mayor and Council. Emergency Services Director Clay Stamp related an ambulance had gone out at 5:00 a.m. and shut the door behind them; therefore, to their knowledge the station was secure. However, there are meetings scheduled with fire house personnel to fine tune security regulations." The minutes do not say which station, who took the truck, or where it was found.
Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2000 · 2000-10-17
Mayor Mathias was re-elected on 17 October 2000 with 2,030 votes to Bonita Gisriel's 692, four council seats went to Meehan, Howard, Joe Hall and Jim Hall, and the first of two ballot questions lost by 31 votes
At a special session on 19 October 2000 Mary Adeline Bradford, chair of the Board of Election Supervisors, "presented the results of the election held on Tuesday, October 17, 2000. With 2,828 people voting, the results were as follows: For Mayor - Bonita Gisriel 692, James Mathias 2,030. For Council - George Feehley 1,124, James S. Hall 1,266, Joseph T. Hall II 1,299, Nancy Howard 1,476, James McGinniss 674, Richard Meehan 1,536, Joseph Mitrecic 1,232, Margaret Pillas 1,036, Paul Stewart 319. The successful candidates were: Mayor Mathias, Richard Meehan, Nancy Howard, Joseph Hall, and James Hall. Ballot Question #1 - 1,134 votes In Favor; 1,165 votes Against. Ballot Question #2 - 1,344 votes In Favor; 764 votes Against." Steven Hales, Clerk of the Circuit Court, swore in the winners; Joe Hall took his seat beside the incumbents. Meehan was re-elected council president without opposition, and Jim Hall beat Erin Fitzsimmons 5-3 for council secretary, the mayor casting a vote. The work session of 12 September had identified the two questions as "collective bargaining/binding arbitration and purchase of property as part of airport flight safety zone," to be placed "in the order the petitions were received"; the minutes do not say which was Question 1. Councilman Lee Duggan did not stand - at the 16 October meeting a citizen "wished Councilman Duggan well wishes in his retirement." Councilman Vincent Gisriel, Jr., whose seat was not up, stayed on the council; the minutes do not state the mayoral challenger's relationship to him.
Rick MeehanVincent Gisriel Jr.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2001
Ocean City is named a 2001 All-America City by the National Civic League.
Announced Saturday evening at the close of the competition in Atlanta, Ocean City was one of 10 winners chosen from 30 finalists nationwide. The town's presentation featured three community projects: the RAAM (Reducing Availability of Alcohol to Minors) program with Play It Safe, special-needs housing (Children's House by the Sea on 66th Street — the only pediatric respite house of its kind in the country — and Diakonia), and the Maryland Coastal Bays program. "The Town of Ocean City is extremely proud to be an All-America City," said Mayor Jim Mathias. The town celebrated with the 'Daewoo Presents Ocean City's All-America City 2001 Celebration Laser Show' with fireworks over Labor Day weekend.
The Commissioners of Ocean City
Source · checked 2026-08-06
2001 · 2001-03-19
The council rewrote the Holiday Inn's 1997 overlay ordinance to name kinds of shops instead of named tenants, restoring Hale Harrison's original promise of no T-shirt shops, tattoo parlors, 99-cent stores or 'honky tonk style stores' on the 17th Street Boardwalk frontage
The Harrison Group's lawyer wrote to the town in January 2001 that Ordinance 1997-3, approving the Planned Overlay District for the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at 17th Street and the Boardwalk, "provides that the uses of the retail areas shall be limited to specific named tenants," when the intent had been "the type of stores and the quality of the stores" - "by virtue of the obvious error in this matter" he asked to correct it. Attached was Hale Harrison's letter of 21 April 1997 offering, "in order to deviate the concern of our neighbors as to what quality of stores the Harrison Group would have," a written list. Stores the Harrison Group would rent to: Wockenfuss Candies, a jewelry store, bike rental, ice cream shop, apparel, gift shop, South Moon Under, Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, Sea Quest Fashions. Stores it would not rent to: "T-shirt shops, Bar/Nightclub, Surfshops, Arcade, 99 Cent Store, Honky tonk style stores, Sunsations style shop, Souvenir gift shops, Tattoo/body piercing shops, Carnival type stores (games of chance)." Ordinance 2001-05, "removing specifically named retail stores and inserting allowable types of stores at this location," passed second reading on 19 March 2001, 6-1 with Councilman Gisriel opposed. At the 20 February hearing Mayor Mathias called the Harrisons "one of the most responsible groups of people that I've met here in 25 years."
Ocean City BoardwalkG. Hale Harrison
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2001 · 2001-03-19
The Defense Department tested the Patriot missile at the Ocean City airport early in 2001 and sent the mayor certificates of appreciation, which he asked to have hung 'in an area of prominence'
From the minutes of the regular session of 19 March 2001, under Items Presented by the Mayor and City Council: "In conjunction with the recent testing of the Patriot missile at the Ocean City Airport, Mayor Mathias related he had received Certificates of Appreciation from the defense department. Mayor Mathias presented the tribute to the Council and requested the plaque be hung in an area of prominence. In addition a framed letter of appreciation had been received recognizing Airport Manager Kurt Klima and his staff for their participation. Mayor Mathias presented this to Mr. Klima." The minutes say nothing more about what the test involved; it is the only trace of it in the year's council record (searched 'Patriot' and 'missile' across all 2001 documents).
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2001 · 2001-09-11
The council's regular Tuesday work session went ahead on the afternoon of 11 September 2001; its last item was a moment of silence for the victims of that morning's attacks and a briefing from the emergency management director
The synopsis of the work session of 11 September 2001 runs through its ordinary agenda - City Hall renovations $100,000 over budget, a position statement on water-efficient plumbing, the solicitor named resident agent, free Park and Ride for Sunfest weekend - before item 13: "With this morning's terrorist attacks, Mayor Mathias asked for a moment of silence for the victims of these tragedies. Emergency Management Director Clay Stamp summarized the events that had happened so far and what measures have been done within the Town." Item 12, minutes earlier, records the town agreeing to join the Lower Shore's free-transit Friday and "to allow free Park and Ride use for Sunfest Weekend." The next trace of the attacks in the minutes is 3 December, when the mayor read into the record a letter from Sean Carson, a 14-year-old from Belfast who had visited the resort and enclosed a cash donation for the New York relief fund.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2002 · 2002-05-06
After the La Plata tornado, Ocean City sent a disaster relief team to Charles County and the mayor told the council the town had been the first to arrive
The regular session of 6 May 2002 opened with an item headed Report on Disaster Assistance in Charles County, MD: "Citing the severe tornado and weather devastation that wreaked havoc in La Plata and surrounding areas of Charles County, Mayor Mathias commended and thanked the disaster relief team that was allowed to travel there to assist its citizens, adding the Town of Ocean City was the first to arrive. The county also provided a large piece of equipment that was appreciated. Emergency Services Director Clay Stamp provided an overview and PowerPoint presentation of what the team had accomplished." The city manager listed "recognition of the city workers who participated in the Charles County relief effort" for the work session of 14 May. The La Plata tornado struck on 28 April 2002.
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2002 · 2002-08-19
During the Maryland Association of Counties convention in August, Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan told the mayor his county wanted to copy Ocean City's pedestrian safety campaign
Comments from the Mayor, regular session of 19 August 2002: "Mayor Mathias commented on the MACo (Maryland Association of Counties) convention being in Town this past week. Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan had commented on the success of the Pedestrian Safety Campaign here as his county is looking for improvements." Duncan was then in his third term running the state's largest county. The same week the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation's bronze osprey went up in front of the convention center for a MACo press conference, on its way to a permanent home at Sunset Park.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2002 · 2002-10-15
In the October 2002 election 2,219 people voted, Mayor Mathias was returned with 1,605, Vincent Gisriel topped the council poll with 1,444, and incumbents Erin Fitzsimmons and Glenn Steckman lost their seats to Lloyd Martin and Joseph Mitrecic
Special session of 17 October 2002, Presentation of Election Results: "Mary Adeline Bradford, Chair Person of the Board of Election Supervisors of the Town of Ocean City, presented the results of the election held on Tuesday, October 15, 2002. With 2,219 people voting, the results were as follows: For Mayor - James Mathias 1605. For Council - Justin Bowen 186, Erin Fitzsimmons 811, Vincent Gisriel, Jr. 1444, Lloyd Martin 944, Joseph Mitrecic 1082, Glenn Steckman 926, Albert Warner 389. The successful candidates were: Mayor Mathias, Vincent Gisriel, Jr., Lloyd Martin, and Joseph Mitrecic. Ballot Question #1 - 1,090 votes In Favor; 927 votes Against." Fitzsimmons had carried the town's environmental arguments all year and Steckman had chaired the Tourism Commission; Martin had come before the council in February for the Caine Woods bull roast. On 21 October Council Member Howard, "addressing her recent comments regarding the low voter turnout in the city's election", asked for free bus service to the polls for the November general election.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2002 · 2002-10-21
Ocean City's first offshore wind proposal - 850 turbines at two sites three and a half miles out - was turned away 5-2 in October 2002 with a motion to refuse the cable any landfall in the town
New Business, regular session of 21 October 2002: "Representing Winergy LLC, Bob Link presented a proposal to allow wind farms at two different sites in federal waters 3.5 miles off the shoreline of Ocean City. The wind farms would consist of approximately 850 wind turbines that would generate energy. Winergy has applied for permits with the Army Corps of Engineers which probably will take up to five years, and the Town would have to allow permission for the cable hookup on land. Mr. Link showed a video of a wind farm in operation off the coast of Denmark. Although acknowledging alternative methods for energy production are needed, Mayor Mathias and several Council Members voiced concern over these turbines being off Ocean City's shoreline. Councilman Jim Hall moved to deny the request and not allow the cable to make landfall in any part of the Town; seconded by Council Member Howard. The vote was 5-2 with Councilmen Joe Hall and Martin opposed." The agenda had listed the item as a presentation by "Matthew Meares, Wind Energy Engineer". Nineteen years later the town was still objecting, to turbines thirteen miles out.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2002 · 2002-11-26
With Verizon about to charge $78,000 a year for the town's 105 public payphones instead of paying commissions on them, the council agreed in principle to remove 75, the mayor worrying about rentals with no phone and foreign students without cell phones
Work session of 26 November 2002, item 27: "Internal Auditor Susan Childs presented a recommendation concerning public pay phones. In February 2003 the contract with Verizon Public Communications will expire. At that time Verizon will begin charging for payphones rather than the previous paying of commissions on them. If the Town were to keep all its present payphones (105), this would cost us $78,000. In reviewing all the locations of the present phones attributed to the city, recommendation was to eliminate 75 of them. An alternative was offered by another company who would provide service but the Town would pay $45 per month and allow them to advertise on the panels ... Even though cell phones predominate this medium, Mayor Mathias voiced concern over some rentals which do not provide phone service and the number of foreign students here during the season who do not own cell phones. He suggested contact be made with corporate Verizon to consider the public safety aspect of removal of certain phone locations. Councilman Jim Hall moved to accept the concept but to have Ms. Childs contact Verizon with that approach, contact the Police Department to fine tune certain location removals; seconded by Councilman Joe Hall. The vote was 5-1 with Councilman Gisriel opposed and Councilman Martin absent." On 16 December the owner of Popeye's Joke Shop asked the council to reconsider removing the downtown phones.
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2003 · 2003-01-21
The National Aquarium's marine mammal programme handed out twelve certificates at a council meeting to the people who recovered a right whale off Ocean City the previous summer
At the regular session of 21 January 2003, under new business, David Schofield of the National Aquarium Marine Mammal Research Program, with Cindy Perry, gave a PowerPoint on "rescues and recoveries of stranded mammals that took place in this area this past season" and showed renderings of a sponsors' kiosk proposed for Sunset Park. The minutes then record: "Certificates of Acknowledgment were presented to the following for their involvement in the recovery of the right whale this past summer: Mike Hill, Carl Zimmerman, Jack Kuhmer (sp?), Dale Dickerson, Dick Malone, Dennis Dare, Brian Tinkler, Ward Kovacs, Dell Baker, Hugh Hummel, Mark Sampson, and Larry Sackadorf." Mayor Mathias used the occasion to repeat a two-year-old request that the National Aquarium acknowledge Ocean City's partnership in Baltimore; Schofield said he would reintroduce the subject.
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2003 · 2003-05-05
Forty-four children from three elementary schools entered the town's recycling poster contest, and the winners took home savings bonds of $100, $75 and $50
At the 5 May 2003 regular session "Mayor Mathias recognized the following winners of the Ocean City Recycling Program poster contest: First Prize, a $100 savings bond to Laurel Rolleston, a fourth grade student at Ocean City Elementary School; Second Prize, a $75 savings bond to Caryn Swistak, a third grade student at Showell Elementary School; Third Prize, a $50 savings bond to Amara Canfield ... at Showell Elementary School; and Fourth Prize, a $50 savings bond to Taylor Frederick, a second grade student at Buckingham Elementary School. A total of 44 entries were submitted from the three area elementary schools." The same night the Mayor and Elks Lodge 2645 presented a United States flag and an All-America City pin to Mac Baldwin, an eighth grader at Worcester Preparatory School, whose essay "What Does Freedom Mean to Me" had won the state competition from 67 local entries.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2003 · 2003-06-16
Steve Hales was inducted into the Maryland State Firemen's Association Hall of Fame, and Clay Stamp and Bo Duke received the Golden Cup of Heroism for saving a life at the Siesta Village fire
Under comments from the Mayor at the 16 June 2003 regular session: "Mayor Mathias noted that Steve Hales had been inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Maryland State Firemen's Association for his many years of service and that Clay Stamp and Bo Duke had received the Golden Cup of Heroism Award for their efforts in the saving of a life at a fire at Siesta Village last year." Stamp was the town's Emergency Services Director; later in the year he wrote the Hurricane Isabel wrap-up and was invited with the Mayor to Estonia.
Maryland State Firemen's AssociationOcean City Volunteer Fire Department
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2003 · 2003-08-06
Delaware's US Senator Tom Carper attended a town meeting with commercial and recreational fishermen at Bahia Marina on 6 August, and the Mayor asked that it become an annual event
Under comments from the Mayor at the 18 August 2003 regular session: "Mayor Mathias commented on the Town Meeting held at Bahia Marina on August 6th where US Senator Carper of Delaware, federal, state, and local officials, and commercial and recreational fishermen had been in attendance. Mayor Mathias stated it was a positive meeting and requested the Coastal Resources Committee members accept the task of conducting the same type meeting annually." The same night the Mayor noted "the recent successful MACo convention here and how many legislators, including the Governor and Lt. Governor, had been in town."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2003 · 2003-08-18
Pete Richardson, the auctioneer who had sold the town's beach-stand parcels that spring for an $800 fee, died in August and the council dedicated Sunfest to his memory
At the 18 August 2003 regular session Arthur Trabert of St. Louis Avenue "commented on the passing of Pete Richardson and how much he will be missed," and under comments from the Mayor: "Mayor Mathias addressed the recent passing of Pete Richardson and requested this year's Sunfest be dedicated in his memory and provide an appropriate tribute there. Council Member Howard moved to dedicate Sunfest and to provide a tribute: seconded by Councilman Joe Hall. The vote was unanimous." Richardson had been the town's auctioneer for the beach equipment rental franchise: on 17 March City Manager Dare told the council the mid-section beach parcels, 28th to 84th Streets, would go to open auction on 2 April 2003 and "The services of auctioneer Pete Richardson will be used for the fee of $800," and on 25 February Councilman Joe Hall had noted he "had provided auctioneer services at a very good rate." The Sunfest that was to carry the tribute was then cancelled by Hurricane Isabel.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2003 · 2003-09-15
The Mayor gave proclamations to ten named summer workers from nine countries - Bulgaria, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Turkey - with shirts donated by Popeye's Joke Shop
At the 15 September 2003 regular session "Mayor Mathias recognized Mike Meyer and Nick Campagnoli of International Student Services for their efforts in working with the young men and women who have lived and worked in the Town of Ocean City. Shirts had been presented courtesy of Popeye's Joke Shop and proclamations from Mayor Mathias were presented to the following foreign students who participated in the program in 2003: Bozhidar Grigorov of Bulgaria; Olga Lauder of Estonia; Kiara Mullaney of Ireland; Dmitry Prohorov of Latvia; Donata Dauksaite of Lithuania; Marta Gnaidy of Poland; Monica Geruia of Romania; Lucia Gottlieberova of Slovakia; Sirin Sofuoglu of Turkey; and Stephen Roman of the United States." A month earlier, on 18 August, the Mayor had "commented on the number of foreign students who stay in the downtown area and suggested harmoniously working together with them while they are here."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2004 · 2004-02-02
Mayor Mathias and the hotel association's president came home from Pärnu, Estonia, with a signed cooperation agreement and a slide show, and the council formed a standing friendship committee with Shawn Harman as its chairman
Items Presented by the Mayor and City Council, regular session of 2 February 2004: "Mayor Mathias and Shawn Harman, President of the Hotel/Motel/Restaurant Association, commented on their recent trip to Parnu, Estonia. A pictorial presentation of that trip was provided. It was pointed out that Parnu is very similar to Ocean City in its physical layout and economic interests. After the presentation, gifts and original copies of the cooperation agreement were presented to the members of the Council. Mayor Mathias then requested an on-going friendship committee be formed and suggested Shawn Harman be appointed as chairman. Council Member Howard moved to approve; seconded by Councilman Martin." The thread ran through the year: on 19 July the Mayor "stated a delegation from Estonia would be arriving tomorrow", and on 7 September he "related Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin would be traveling to Estonia as part of a trip being assembled by the Governor."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2004 · 2004-09-20
Sixteen guests from the sister city of Finale Ligure were due on the Thursday after the 20 September meeting, and the Beautification Committee member who briefed the council on their itinerary was handed a Key to the City because she was leaving for South Carolina
Regular session of 20 September 2004, after the Beauty Spot Awards: "Mayor Mathias then introduced Betty Heckman, a Beautification Committee member as well as a Sister City member, and requested she provide information on an upcoming event. Mrs. Heckman related on Thursday, 16 guests would be arriving from Ocean City's Sister City, Finale Ligure in Italy, and gave an overview of their itinerary while here. Mayor Mathias also related Mrs. Heckman would soon be moving to South Carolina and presented her with a Key to the City." Heckman had been thanked in April for being "very instrumental" in moving the library relocation forward. The Italian sister city had sent thirteen visitors in 1996.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2004 · 2004-10-21
Councilman Gisriel resigned his seat to run for Mayor and lost to Mathias 1,633 to 1,331 in an election of 3,034 voters, while Rick Meehan topped the council poll with 1,749 and newcomer Jay Hancock took a seat
Work session of 14 September 2004, item 14: "Following the procedures outlined in Section 506(B) of the Charter, Councilman Gisriel resigned his position as Councilman, effective October 20, 2004, as he will be pursuing the office of Mayor of the Town of Ocean City." Special session of 21 October 2004: "Mary Adeline Bradford, Chair Person of the Board of Election Supervisors ... presented the results of the election held on Tuesday, October 19, 2004. With 3,034 people voting, the results were as follows: Candidates for Mayor - Vincent D. Gisriel, Jr. 1331; James N. Mathias, Jr. 1633." For council the clerk's two-column table reads Richard W. Meehan 1749, Jim S. Hall 1573, James 'Jay' Hancock III 1277, Nancy L. Howard 1218, Joseph T. Hall II 1183, Margaret L. Pillas 1133, Richard Garzony 1112, Joe Coleman 1062, Jim E. McGinniss 865, Mary P. Knight 828, Sarah J. Conway 405, Seymour C. Bridge 314, Norma R. Flicop 178 and Mary D. Kanely 165. "Those earning four-year seats were: Richard Meehan, Jim Hall, Jay Hancock, and Nancy Howard. The two-year unexpired term was awarded to Joe Hall." Steve Hales, Clerk of the Circuit Court, swore them in; Meehan was re-elected Council President and Jim Hall Council Secretary, and Meehan "gave special thanks to former Councilman Gisriel whose resignation was effective yesterday." The 2002 turnout had been 2,219.
Vincent Gisriel Jr.Rick Meehan
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2005 · 2005-06-20
Seymour Bridge of Montego Bay, the citizen who spoke at nearly every 2005 council meeting, announced he was leaving the area, asked to photograph the Mayor and Council, and was given an Ocean City flag and pin
Comments from citizens, regular meeting of 20 June 2005: Bridge "commented on the recent pedestrian accidental death on Coastal Highway and maintained his position that a fence should be placed in the median along Coastal Highway," suggested pedestrian bridges over the highway and "the Bourbon Street atmosphere in New Orleans might be a good addition for Somerset Plaza. Finally, he announced he would be leaving the area next week and requested he be allowed to take a picture of the Mayor and Council. Mayor Mathias presented Mr. Bridge with an Ocean City flag and pin and wished him well in his new location." In the preceding months the minutes record him on the marathon, the para-transit vans, the crab-soup cook-off, the $2.50 tram fare, the ambulance charges and the events on Somerset Street; on 16 May he had first said he "would be leaving the area in the near future."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2005 · 2005-08-15
Governor Ehrlich brought his cabinet to Ocean City's council chambers for a meeting during the county association's summer conference, the mayor told the council on 15 August 2005
Under comments from the Mayor at the regular meeting of 15 August 2005: "Governor Ehrlich would be holding a cabinet meeting here in the Council Chambers on Wednesday evening while the MACo conference is in town." The same remarks gave the week's programme - entries for the FAM-tastic contest closing that evening, "the Beach Boys would be in town for Labor Day and the Poor Girls Open would take place this weekend." MACo is the Maryland Association of Counties, in town for its summer conference. It is the only mention in the 2005 clerk's minutes of the state's governor coming to the building at 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue; the same meeting's transit-centre hearing had residents asking that 'a letter be sent to Governor Ehrlich requesting an extension of the grant time line.'
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2005 · 2005-09-06
A week after Hurricane Katrina the state asked Ocean City for people, and Mayor Mathias and ten city and fire-company members were deployed to Louisiana, where the team helped run six field clinics that treated 1,600 patients
The regular meeting of 6 September 2005 opened with a "Special Update" from Emergency Services Director Joseph Theobald on "the Hurricane Katrina after effects. Formal notification has been received from the state advising the State of Louisiana has requested special resources and personnel from the Town of Ocean City. Ten members from various city departments and the fire company as well as Mayor Mathias have been deployed to the gulf region and will remain there for 7-to-10 days after which a second team will be deployed." Donations were to be made to the Ocean City Disaster Relief Fund, with Pat Anthony chairing the committee "once again"; the Little Salisbury Civic Association and Caine Keys II each gave $500 direct to a New Orleans shelter. The prayer that night was offered by Reverend William Sterling; the mayor was absent from the whole meeting, and the emergency ordinance on stick-built homes waited for "the Mayor's concurrence and signature when he returns to the city." At the work session of 13 September Mathias, "who had just returned from Jefferson Parish, Louisiana," reported that "a unified group was able to establish six medical field operations where 1600 patients have been treated to date," thanked David Cropper for his leadership, and said the next team would leave that Thursday; on 19 September Theobald confirmed the second team had gone.
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2005 · 2005-11-07
Members of the Ocean City Sister City group visited Finale Ligure, Italy, in late September 2005 and brought Mayor Mathias a gift from its Mayor Pasqua
Items presented by the Mayor and City Council, regular meeting of 7 November 2005: "Robert Caradonna, President of the Ocean City Sister City group, informed the Mayor and Council that members of the organization had visited Finale Liguare [sic], Italy, Ocean City's sister city, in late September. Mr. Caradonna stated the hospitality was wonderful, and he presented Mayor Mathias with a gift from Mayor Pasqua of Finale Liguare." A month later, on 5 December, the mayor addressed the town's other overseas tie, with Parnu, Estonia, "of which local media has announced no longer exists," and was authorised to write "reaffirming the friendship agreement."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2006 · 2006-02-14
Ocean City's $25,000 Hurricane Katrina gift to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, for indigent care was answered by a thank-you letter from the parish president and then a proclamation of gratitude and a videotape of the parish council honouring the town
At the work session of 14 February 2006 Mayor Mathias introduced Susan Jones of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, who "has been chairing the Ocean City Disaster Relief effort where recently the Town had donated $25,000 to Jefferson Parish Louisiana to help with specific efforts to provide indigent care for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. A thank you letter from Parish President Aaron Broussard was read into the record." On 20 March the mayor "stated a Proclamation of Appreciation and Gratitude had been received recently accompanied by a VHF tape of the council meeting of February 22, 2006, from Jefferson Parish Louisiana where the Town of Ocean City had been recognized for its efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Mayor Mathias suggested playing the tape at an upcoming work session."
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2006 · 2006-06-12
Mayor Jim Mathias resigned on 12 June 2006 to fill the late Delegate Bennett Bozman's seat in the House of Delegates, and Council President Rick Meehan was sworn in as mayor the same evening
The packet for the special session of Monday, 12 June 2006 carries three items - "NOTICE OF RESIGNATION OF MAYOR JAMES N. MATHIAS, JR.", "OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED MAYOR RICHARD W. MEEHAN" and the election of a new council president and secretary - together with Mathias's letter to the City Clerk of that date: "The unfortunate death of our Maryland State Delegate Bennett Bozman has left a vacancy in our legislative district which, by Maryland State Constitution must be filled ... I, James N. Mathias, Jr., have received the unified nomination of both the Wicomico and Worcester County Democratic State Central Committees and my nomination has been affirmed by Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Pursuant to the Constitution of Maryland Declaration of Rights, Article 35, that no one shall hold two publicly elected offices simultaneously, I hereby tender my resignation as Mayor of Ocean City, Maryland effective upon the oath of office for Delegate to the Maryland House of Delegates for District 38B being administered." The clerk's covering letter to the Maryland Municipal League adds that "Council President, Richard W. Meehan will be sworn in as Mayor at a Special Meeting this evening to begin at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers." The clerk's minutes of the special session survive only as a blank scan, but the regular session of 19 June 2006 opens with "Mayor Richard Meehan" presiding over "Council President Jim Hall", and records Berlin's Mayor Thomas Cardinale congratulating "Mayor and Council for the recent changes in leadership".
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2011 · 2011-11-01
State Senator Jim Mathias and Delegate Mike McDermott came to the council chamber in November 2011 to present commendations to five retiring Ocean City police officers, whose outdated pistols were then sold to serving officers at $250 apiece
Work session of 1 November 2011, item 2: "Mayor/Interim City Manager Rick Meehan, Maryland State Senator Jim Mathias, Maryland State Delegate Mike McDermott and Police Chief Bernadette DiPino presented commendations to Ocean City Police Officer Retirees Victor Bunting, Robert Noll, Charles Bean Jr., Brasure Lynch and Barry Neeb." Item 3 followed directly: "Chief Bernadette DiPino requested permission to: (1) sell outdated pistols @ $250.00 a piece to patrol officers within the Department; and (2) use the proceeds of this sale to purchase new weapons for incoming officers. She explained that traditionally, the Department allows retirees to keep their weapons as retirement gifts." Bunting, as a captain, had asked the council on 14 June for legislation letting the department review criminal histories of taxi and tow drivers. Mathias is the same senator the council had voted on 11 January to ask, by letter from the mayor, "to re-district Ocean City to the Baltimore Sector rather than the Hampton Roads Sector (for future federal port protection grant opportunities)."
Ocean City Police DepartmentRick Meehan
Source · checked 2026-09-10
2015 · 2015-01-20
The mayor thanked Comptroller Peter Franchot, Senator Jim Mathias, Delegate Mary Beth Carozza and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger for attending the grand opening of the Performing Arts Center, and reported that Governor-elect Larry Hogan had signed the school-after-Labor-Day petition
Comments from the Mayor and City Council, regular meeting of 20 January 2015: Mayor Meehan "advised that while at a press conference in Annapolis about the School-After Labor Day initiative, Governor-Elect Larry Hogan signed the petition. Thirdly, he thanked all who attended the Grand Opening of the Performing Art Center including Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot, Senator Jim Mathias, State Delegate Mary Pat [sic] Carozza, and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. He also thanked City Engineer Terry McGean, Convention Center Director Larry Noccolino, Becker Morgan, Whiting Turner and the Maryland Stadium Authority for their hard work and dedication." The opening itself had been announced at the 5 January meeting: "the Grand Opening of the Performing Arts Center, featuring the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, on Friday, January 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m." - and on 5 January the mayor had also said he would stand "in front of the State Treasury Building" with Franchot on 7 January "to acknowledge receipt of a petition with 10,000 signatures in support of the School-After-Labor-Day initiative."
Source · checked 2026-09-10