Ocean City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocean City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cancellation of November 2 regular session
The November 2 council meeting is canceled due to a light agenda. Council Member Proctor objected, saying canceled meetings cut into the public's chance to speak.
Nor'easter Storm Response Recognition
Council and staff praised Public Works, police, fire and DNR partners for rapid beach cleanup before the Country Calling festival.
Coca-Cola Beverage Franchise Renewal
The town's exclusive beverage deal with Coca-Cola Consolidated nets at least $400,000 over five years. Council renewed it for another five years, just before the contractual September 30 notice deadline.
2026 Beauty Spot Awards
The Beautification Committee honored homeowners, businesses, hotels, restaurants and condos for keeping properties attractive, including the Believe in Tomorrow House for children with cancer.
Determination of Nonconformity process
The zoning administrator is now regularly reporting legal nonconformity determinations — official recognition that a property's existing use predates current rules. Two were issued this summer for the Kokomo Hotel and Ocean Gem Apartments. It's paperwork, but it documents which properties hold grandfathered status.
Minor setback relief for Assawoman Drive renovation
A Teal Drive family needed a small setback exception to fit a dining room addition for their growing household. The Board granted it because a nearby house already sits legally even closer to the street.
Coastal Highway Bank Building Conversion to Dental Office
An existing bank building at 12910 Coastal Highway would become a dental office under a site plan revision. This adds a medical service use to the Coastal Highway corridor in an R-3A zone.
Assawoman Drive Duplex Lot Split
A property owner wants to divide the lot at 12709 Assawoman Drive, which holds an existing duplex, into two separate parcels. This could allow the two units to be owned or sold separately.
Harbour Island bulkhead replacement timeline
A 2,750-linear-foot bulkhead replacement across the Harbour Island condo association's waterfront needed a longer runway than the standard 18 months. The board tied its approval to the state and federal permit clock, running to May 11, 2030.
Water Tank Painting Bids
Four bids came in for repainting the 1st and 100th Street water tanks — all under the $1.16 million budget. Staff will review before an award.
Employee Relationship Disclosure and Reporting Policy
HR Director Katie Callan proposed a policy requiring city employees to disclose and report workplace relationships. It's aimed at avoiding conflicts of interest and favoritism claims.
Downtown parking and EV fleet suggestions
A resident praised the relocated supervisor vehicles for freeing up street parking, praised the new unmarked police Explorer, and suggested the city buy small used electric cars for its fleet now that federal EV tax credits are gone.
Greene Turtle 50th anniversary street-side event
The Greene Turtle can use seven of its 45 required parking spaces for a one-day anniversary party on June 18, with outdoor seating and a band inside. Conditions keep the drive aisle open and the town's pump station area clear of parking.
Ocean Pines Beach Club rezoning rescheduled
The June 2 public hearing on the Ocean Pines Beach Club rezoning will be cancelled and moved at the applicant's request — a notable delay for a bigger application.
National Safe Boating Week
The mayor proclaimed May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week, honoring the Ocean City Power Squadron's 40+ years of boating safety education and free vessel checks.
USPS mail delays in Ocean City
A resident told the council that letters mailed in Ocean City sit overnight — going out once daily at 5 a.m. through Easton and Baltimore — and called it unacceptable for what will soon be Maryland's second-largest city.
Battalion chief pay and shift alignment
The fire department fixed a quirk where battalion chiefs earned comp time on 40-hour pay while working 24-hour shifts, forcing expensive backfilling. They'll now be paid for 45 hours, matching the contract structure.
Ocean City University graduation
Twenty-six residents finished the 30-hour civics program teaching how city government works; some also earned master's or doctorate credits via the Citizen Police Academy and CERT programs. All business requiring a vote was postponed for lack of a quorum.
Arbor Day recognition and Tree City USA
Ocean City is celebrating its 34th straight Tree City USA award. The Beautification Committee plants tulips, jonquils and planters around town and hosts an Arbor Day event with second-graders at Ocean City Elementary on April 24.