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Credit to: Coastal Point, Susan Canfora
The Ocean View Town Council, at their Tuesday, Nov. 12 meeting, passed on first reading an ordinance to prohibit smoking on public property in Ocean View — indoors and outdoors.
No one spoke during a public hearing to comment on the ordinance.
A second reading of the ordinance is expected to be on the agenda at the Tuesday, Dec. 10, meeting.
The ordinance was first discussed at the Sept. 12 council meeting, when Police Chief Kenneth McLaughlin, while presenting the monthly report, said the goal is to be “able to control all kinds of smoking — any kind.”
“It’s not that we have a big problem, but we do have a problem from time to time. Now, we have signs posted but no ordinance, so we want to have that for enforcement,” McLaughlin had previously told the Coastal Point. “We’re not looking to fine anybody. At the most, it would probably be a ticket. I hope we never have to even issue a ticket, but we’ve had more and more complaints about it. If there’s an ordinance passed, we can move people out of the park if they’re smoking. We’re doing more and more events in the park, and here lately we’ve had more complaints about vaping.”
“We have had signs up saying ‘No Smoking,’ but we can’t do anything about it because of not having an ordinance,” Mayor John Reddington had previously told the Coastal Point.
“We’ve had some people complaining about people at the park, walking their dogs, vaping and smoking. John West Park is for everyone. We want to make sure children have a clean, healthy environment,” Reddington said.
“Every now and then, we do get complaints — in the park, primarily. Not that much. Most people have been respectful, but this ordinance is in light of some of the changes to keep our park inviting for everyone. This would be a good opportunity to do so,” Town Manager Carol Houck said.
“Some of the concerns recently were legalization of recreational marijuana, that people would want to smoke that,” McLaughlin said. “We had an issue two years ago at Cops & Goblins, with an older gentleman smoking one of those big stinky cigars and he was walking around blowing that smoke everywhere. It was disgusting. If we’re having a concert in the park or if we’re having Cops & Goblins, smoking, vaping — that is not something we want to have outside, in the park,” McLaughlin said.
Extra Mile Day proclaimed
Reddington designated Tuesday, Nov. 12, Extra Mile Day in Ocean View and read the Town’s proclamation.
The purpose of Extra Mile Day is to thank those who “not only ‘go the extra mile in his or her own endeavors, but to also acknowledge all those who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to make their organizations, families, community, country or world a better place,” the proclamation states.
It highlights the Ocean View Community Emergency Response Team, known as CERT, “for the dedication of its members toward education, can-do spirit, and taking action and responsibility on behalf of our community.”
The proclamation praises Ocean View for being “a community which acknowledges that a special vibrancy exists within the entire community.”
Police report
McLaughlin, while presenting his monthly report, said those who volunteer at the police station logged 188 hours in October.
Police training last month included in department policies, driving-under-the-influence enforcement, health and wellness, less-lethal tools and restraints. Officers also attended a homicide conference in Harrington.
McLaughlin met with the Assisting Bicycle Commuters ministry at Mariner’s Bethel Global Methodist Church in Ocean View. The police department partners with the organization to provide bicycles and bicycle-safety training for foreign students working in town during the summer.
The police department installed a new Virtra V100 use-of-force simulator. The cost, $80,000, was paid by a grant. A use-of-force simulator trains officers in a safe environment on how to respond to real-life scenarios.
McLaughlin said the ninth annual Cops & Goblins Halloween celebration at John West Park on Oct. 26 was successful, with hundreds of free hotdogs, hamburgers and slices of pizza served, plus complimentary bottles of water, as well as Rita’s Ice and ice cream.
“We had a good turnout. The weather was good, and we appreciate all the town’s assistance,” McLaughlin said.
He announced that House Bill 287, signed into law by Gov. John Carney, provides a $1,500 annual stipend to cover veterinary bills for retired police K9s.
“Previously, the law only covered expenses for retired State-owned police service dogs. Cpl. Justin Hopkins from the Ocean View Police Department and Sgt. Jerrad Haddock from the Laurel Police Department collaborated with Rep. Tim Dukes to ensure the inclusion of municipal and county police K9s in the updated legislation,” McLaughlin told the Coastal Point.
Town manager’s report
Houck, while presenting her monthly report, told the council that holiday decorations will soon be hung around town. The Old Town Holiday Market & Tree Lighting is planned for Saturday, Nov. 30.
The annual Fire & Ice Festival will be held Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2025, throughout the area, including in Ocean View.
More arts for Ocean View on hold
Houck told the council that the idea of collaborating with the Delaware Art Museum’s Delarts Sails South program and bring more arts and culture to Ocean View is on hold, because, for the time being, only lectures are planned by the museum.
Several weeks ago, Houck had said she and Reddington had met with the director of the museum and were talking about ideas including an arts and jazz festival that could replace Ocean View’s annual Spring Fling.
“Nothing has been decided yet, but we are talking about an arts festival next year. We are talking to the Delaware Art Museum, and they might want to be involved in something like that. It’s very much at the beginning stages, but it will be exciting if we can partner with the Delaware Art Museum,” Houck said at the time.
Showers at administration building to be repaired
The council approved a recommendation by Houck to enter into a contract with Coastal Bath in Delmar, Del., for $12,000 to improve two shower stalls at the administration building on Central Avenue.
She said improvements are needed to fix leaking that is causing water to flow into the locker room area.
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