The Snow Hill Police Department announces the launch of several new initiatives.
The Chief’s Advisory Board was implemented in early 2021. The formation of the Board was prompted by discussions with Snow Hill United, a group working on issues of racial justice in Snow Hill. Following the racial uprisings of 2020, Chief Andy McGee met with Snow Hill United and other concerned citizens to explore ways the Snow Hill Police Department could better serve the community and the Chief’s Advisory Board was formed out of those initial meetings. The Chief’s Advisory Board is made up of a cross-section of Snow Hill residents, including health care workers, business owners, military vets, historical society members, Snow Hill United members, ministry members and a youth representative. The purpose of the Snow Hill Police Department Chief’s Advisory Board (CAB) is to provide feedback on critical topics and activities, such as policing policies, practices, and training programs, community outreach, and leadership and accountability as well as expand the lines of communication and collaboration between the Police Department and the community for the aim of enhancing trust, communication, and collaboration between the Snow Hill community and the Police Department. The Board meets quarterly and advises the Chief of Police and Staff on concerns from the community, youth initiatives, and crime concerns. The Chief of Police also shares with the Board what programs the department is working on, Policy and Procedures feedback, Training Programs, Staffing and Hiring Initiatives and Police Reform Bills. The Board can then take this information out into the Community and address some of the concerns that citizens have right away. Following the second meeting, two new initiatives were discussed and are being implemented as a direct result of the Advisory Board input and feedback. Check on a Veteran Program- As part of the Community Policing initiatives, The Snow Hill Police Department will launch the “Check on a Veteran” program, where officers will conduct checks on our local veterans from time to time. Chief McGee stated, “We are blessed to have several Veterans who live in our community and are valued members of our town”. This program will give our officers a chance to interact with our Veteran’s in a positive way. We owe it to our Veterans to make sure they are remembered and taken care of. They have sacrificed so much for our country, so this is just one way we can say thank you. As part of the officers’ patrol duties, officers will stop in and check on our identified veterans. With established partnerships with the Worcester County Health Departments, local Veteran organizations, and mental health providers, the Police Department will be able assist our Veterans, should they need anything. Ms. Deborah Baines, a Chief’s Advisory Board member and an Army National Guard member, who was the first woman to retire from the 115th Infantry Military Police Batillion in Salisbury, brings a unique perspective and vision for the program. Ms. Baines brought this idea to the Advisory Board and her expertise and experience with her unit has proven vital to getting this program up and running. Prescription Delivery The second project that will be implemented soon is a “Prescription Delivery” in partnership with Apple Drugs for our older residents in town. The program will serve those 60 and older who may not have the capabilities of picking up their prescriptions due to health concerns or limitations in transportation. The Police Department, as part of their Community Policing program, will pick up and deliver prescriptions one to two days a week and deliver to residents within town limits. An adult must be on-site to receive the delivery and no monies will be handled by the Police Department. If you know of someone who may benefit from either program, please reach out to Chief McGee at 410-632-2444 or [email protected] or visit our Facebook Page” Snow Hill Police Department” and send us a message.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021 Town of Snow Hill Announces Official Election Results: Councilperson Melisa Weidner keeps the Central District Council Seat Snow Hill, Maryland: The Town of Snow Hill and the Snow Hill Board of Elections have announced the official results of their 2021 General Election for the Central District Council seat: incumbent Melisa Weidner has won the election. The Town of Snow Hill held their general election in-person on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The office of Central District Council was on the ballot and there were two candidates: current Council member, Melisa Weidner and candidate Jon Myers. The Snow Hill Board of Elections first announced the unofficial results on their Election Day, May 4th. Jon Myers received 50 votes, and Melisa Weidner, received 57 votes and was determined to be the unofficial winner. Because there were 10 absentee ballot applications mailed to voters and one Provisional ballot cast still awaiting count, the Board of Elections, per the charter, announced their final count to be held on the last Wednesday in the month of the election, May 26, 2021, when the official results would be determined. After the Snow Hill Board of Elections counted all absentee ballots received that were postmarked by or before May 4, 2021, the Chairperson of the Snow Hill Board of Elections announced the official results on May 26, 2021. Councilperson Melisa Weidner will be officially sworn in for her second term at the Town’s June 8th regular meeting. A very close election indeed, Councilperson Weidner won by 2 votes. For more information call Margot Resto at Town Hall at 410-632-2080. LOCAL INDOOR MASK MANDATE LIFTED
Effective immediately, the use of masks in indoor public spaces will be at the discretion of the business or establishment. Otherwise, the use of face masks will be voluntary in indoor public spaces in the Town of Snow Hill. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks indoors. We are excited that many restrictions are being lifted and that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We respect each individuals’ rights and are so thankful that our citizens respect our desire to keep our business owners, visitors, and citizens safe. If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall at 410-632-2080 or [email protected]. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
EFFECTIVE SATURDAY, MAY 1:
VACCINE EQUITY TASK FORCE. The Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force has now completed 232 missions and is adding dozens of clinics each week, including a new clinic opening Friday, April 30, at Morgan State University. NO ARM LEFT BEHIND. Individuals in need of additional assistance to get vaccinated—including homebound patients and those in need of transportation—can call Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). The call center is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2021 Town of Snow Hill Announces May Election and next Mayor Snow Hill, Maryland – The Town of Snow Hill will hold their general election in-person on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Up for election this year were the offices of Mayor, Central District Council and Western District Council. Dr. Jennifer Jewell ran unopposed and is slated to become the next Mayor of Snow Hill, to be sworn in June. Also running unopposed was incumbent Council member, Regina Blake, whose term will be renewed for two years in June. The Central District Council seat, held for the last two years by incumbent Melisa Weidner, is challenged by new candidate, Jon Myers. This is the only office that will be on the ballot in the election this year. However, also on the ballot will be a referendum vote for salary raises for Mayor and Council. Originally passed and adopted by the Mayor and Council in 2019, the vote was left off of the ballot in error. The current Mayor and Council are finishing old business of a previous administration and will include this on the ballot for 2021 voters. New this year is the polling place, the Old Fire Hall on Green Street, Snow Hill. Mayor Simpson states, “the Train Station has been our location for many years, but in order to observe COVID-19 safety protocols, we chose the Old Fire Hall as the polling place this year. It’s a larger space to allow for proper distancing. We will be enforcing mask-wearing for all who enter the building and hand-sanitizing stations will be readily available. We want to assure our citizens that we will put safety first as they exercise their right to make their voice heard.” Those who wish to vote by absentee ballot can call Town Hall or email Margot Resto at [email protected] to request an absentee ballot application. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot application is Friday, April 23, 2021. For more information call Margot Resto at Town Hall at 410-632-2080. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3-17-2021 SNOW HILL- The Town of Snow Hill is currently seeking applications for the position of Town Manager. Town Hall staff, Margot Resto, states that “the Town Manager must have experience in Town Management and possess skills in myriad areas. It is a unique skill set that requires both detailed business acumen and creative, out-of-the box thinking. Snow Hill is experiencing a lot of positive growth recently, including the end of March arrival of their new acquisition, the Black-Eyed Susan Riverboat, and the ground-breaking of its new, 50-home development, Huntingfields, to name just a few projects. The Town Manager will need to be able to handle not just the day-to-day operations of keeping a Town running smoothly and solvently, during a pandemic, but also keep the Town’s Strategic Plan in sight and stay on track, while maintaining a productive relationship with the Mayor and Council.” Gary Weber, current Interim Town Manager, has been serving the Town in this position for almost two years. He was originally elected as Mayor in 2019. At that time, the Town Manager position was vacant, and Weber served simultaneously as Mayor and Acting Town Manager until a suitable candidate could be hired, for one full year, unpaid. Candidates who applied during that year were either asking for a higher salary than the Town could afford, or they didn’t possess desired qualifications. After a year in the position, Mr. Weber then decided to formally apply. After reviewing all viable applications received, the Town Council voted to hire Mr. Weber as Interim Town Manager on a one-year contractual basis, and Weber resigned as Mayor. Weber asked for a salary $13,000 less than the budgeted amount for the position, and declined the offered benefits, which saved the town approximately $35,000 overall for that year. Council then followed Charter stipulations and appointed current Interim Mayor, Tammy Simpson, to finish Weber’s term. It is now coming up on the Town’s next General Election on May 4th for the offices of Mayor, Central District Council, and Western District Council. Per the Town’s charter and the Council’s agreed upon vote, the next Mayor will review the Town Manager applications received and provide the Council with his or her choice(s). It is then the Council’s decision to make the final vote on hiring the Town Manager. Interim Town Manager, Gary Weber’s application will be reviewed alongside all other viable applications. For more information on the job description and qualifications, visit: https://www.snowhillmd.gov/uploads/1/3/0/7/130726217/town_manager_ad_combo_2021.pdf . The application deadline is April 12. Interested applicants may send a letter and resumé to: [email protected]. Questions: call Margot Resto at 410-632-2080, ext. 102. ATTENTION SNOW HILL RESIDENTS:
BULK TRASH PICKUP DAY Wednesday, May 12th! The Mayor and Council of Snow Hill are offering a scheduled pick-up of regularly discarded bulk materials, appliances, mattresses, box springs and furniture, in keeping with the below description of amount and type of items, at no cost to you. Please keep in mind that due to the cost associated with the landfill it is mandatory that we limit the number of large household items collected. You must limit your discarded items to:
All items must be placed curb side no EARLIER than 5:00pm TUESDAY, May 11th and no LATER than 6:00am, WEDNESDAY, May 12th. Feel free to contact Town Hall at 410-632-2080 with any questions! Two (2) lots for sale in Town of Snow Hill. Lot 3: Covington St., MAP 0201, Grid 0008, Parcel 0232, $8K. Lot 4: 412 Covington Street, Map 0201, Grid 0008, Parcel 0231 (w/ water hook-up), $12K. Inquire via email [email protected]. Or call Town Hall @ 410-632-2080.
TO: Local Media
FROM: Town of Snow Hill DATE: February 18, 2021 FOR RELEASE: Immediately TOPIC: Advisory Issued for Pocomoke River in the Vicinity of Snow Hill, Maryland CONTACT: Russell Harrison, Water/Wastewater Superintendent at (410) 632-2080 Advisory Issued for Pocomoke River in the Vicinity of Snow Hill, Maryland Snow Hill, MD (February 18, 2021) – As a result of prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, the Town of Snow Hill reported to the Maryland Department of the Environment and Worcester County Environmental Programs (WCEP) that there has been a combined sewer overflow (CSO) from the Snow Hill wastewater treatment plant of more than 500,000 gallons. A CSO is an overflow event from a combined sewer system that also collects stormwater. WCEP is advising that, as a precaution, public contact with the Pocomoke River waters in the vicinity of Snow Hill should be avoided for the next seven days. “We are advising the public to avoid contact with the river due to potential contaminants,” WCEP Director Bob Mitchell said. “Fishing, swimming, wading or other contact with the waterways should not be conducted until this rain event has concluded and this advisory is lifted. Those who do come into contact with the river should wash the area of skin thoroughly with soap and water. If the contacted area has any open wounds or sores, seek immediate advice from a healthcare provider.” With the high-volume stream flow, rapid dilution of the sewage is expected. The high volume of stream flow has contributed mightily to the rapid dilution of the combined stormwater/sewage overflow. WCEP has posted this advisory at the State Park in Shad Landing and along the waterfront in Snow Hill. TO: Local Media
FROM: The Town of Snow Hill DATE: February 3, 2020 FOR RELEASE: Immediately TOPIC: Riverwalk Riverwalk at Sturgis and Gateway Parks Snow Hill, Maryland- (February 3, 2020): Phase one of the new Riverwalk has begun. Brick pavers have been installed in front of the Pocomoke River Canoe Company and the crosswalk at the municipal lot entrance. This section, along with the crosswalk already across Route 12 is the first step that will connect Gateway, Sturgis and Byrd Parks. The Riverwalk will continue to Sturgis Park, along the rear perimeter of the soon to be renovated, River Heritage Visitor Center, formerly PNC Bank. The Riverwalk will lead to the gangway of the highly anticipated Black-Eyed Susan paddlewheel riverboat. The completed Riverwalk will connect Downtown to the river via the Bank Street corridor, then onto Market Street passed the Julia A. Purnell Museum to the loop through Byrd Park back out to Market Street and down Dighton Avenue. The addition of the Shad Landing/Snow Hill Hiking-Biking Trail currently being pursued by the Department of Natural Resources, will enable connectivity from Downtown Snow Hill to Shad Landing and points of interest in between, such as Town Hall and many of Snow Hill’s historic homes. |