Michael Bojokles, MayorMarch 18, 2010

2009 State of the Town ReportNorth Beach, Maryland

As your Mayor, I’m proud to say that the State of our Town is strong, fiscally sound, and well positioned for economic growth and new environmental development.

Although the national economic downturn intensified in 2009, the town’s financial position improved significantly. Moreover, 2009 will be marked as a year when major capital improvements were made and/or approved.

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Administrative 2009

Parking study

Comprehensive Plan

Continued and improved bi-monthly newsletter

Issued new ID / beach passes to all residents during

the summer

Made town yard available on Saturday mornings for

residents to dispose of bulk items

Our experienced administrative staff manages the day-to-day operations of the town and acts as the public face to the residents of our community. Staff members strive to provide friendly and efficient service in all the areas of their responsibility.

Looking Ahead The hiring of a parking attendant position is planned to assist with enforcement of

parking and traffic-related issues. 3

Financial 2009

General fund ending balance for 2009 was $1,651,848 million compared to $1,440,059 in 2008, an increase of $211K or 14.7%

Increase in general fund balance was achieved with NO tax increase.

Refinanced debt service on the following bonds at a combined taxpayer savings of $244,202.

A & B rated bonds from 5.875% to 4.590% Infrastructure bond from 6.929% to 3.92% Retirement system from 8.0% to 5.86%

Financing of Town Hall bond from BB&T 20-year term to SunTrust 15-year term resulted in cost savings of $291,448.

Raised $18,873 from 2009 season for Economic Development fund.

For another consecutive year, prudent financial management resulted in a significant increase in the balance of the general fund without reliance on a tax increase. The town’s financial position was further strengthened by refinancing our debt service.

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Financial 2009 – cont. Received grant awards of $30,000 for trails program and $1,500 for Farmers Market. Donation of $5,000 received from Comcast for spring “Plant the Town”.

Donations made to Calvert Memorial Hospital, North Beach Children’s Fund, and the Beach Trolley Fund.

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Capital Improvements 2009

Boardwalk replacement via a bond/grant for $250K.

Town Hall contract bid for $1.834 million, less a $500K bond/grant and match, resulting in financing of $1.334 million.

Upgrade of Town Hall IT infrastructure with purchase of new server, desk top and laptop computers.

Purchase of new beach pass and parking ID software system.

New sewer line and upgrade to the Chesapeake Ave. sewer station (details provided in DPW section ahead).

Storm water drain improvements (details provided in DPW section ahead).

Continual upgrades and improvements to the town’s infrastructure are imperative to ensure that essential services are provided to our community. This past year was a landmark year for capital improvements, including a successful conclusion to the Town Hall building approval.

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Waterfront 2009What’s Important to Know – The boardwalk and public beach area are a focal point for our community and contribute to our town’s identity in the public’s mind. Visitors also provide an important economic benefit to local businesses. Keeping the waterfront attractive, clean and safe is therefore essential. Strong management has brought recognition to the town and more visitors to the beach in peak season.

Key Actions

Bay Weekly readers voted North Beach:• Best Bay Beach• Best Fishing Hole• Best Bay Festival (Bayfest)

Welcomed 37,000 guests to the beach over a four month period—an increase of 6,000 over the same period in 2008.

Disseminated over 20,000 town brochures throughout the county and state.

Installed attractive public information kiosk on Bay Ave. in front of Senior Center.

The “Best of the Bay” voting results validate our town’s efforts to create a positive, family-oriented beach environment that attracts an increasing number of desirable visitors.

Increase in number of guests provided the town with an additional $54,000 in revenue over 2008 and an economic boost to local businesses.

New economic development initiative to make information about the town available to a broader public audience.

Kiosk provides helpful information to visitors about town events, local businesses, the trolley schedule, and House and Garden Club information.

Impact / Benefits

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Waterfront 2009 – cont.Key Actions

Implemented a new ID system for

beach passes that creates a multi-use data base for property owners and renters.

Purchased recycling containers in July after piloting at Welcome Center and Pavilion area. Recycled 236 bags of trash in six months.

Negotiations to purchase Walton Beach Nature Preserve (beach area) for $155K are continuing.

New ID system will save money since cards for residents are good for five years. Data base is used for parking stickers of car owners and pictures can be used to identify lost children.

Represents an important green initiative for the town that heightens awareness to recycle throughout the community. Will greatly reduce the 6,000 bags of of co-mingled trash and will provide the town with data to apply for recycling grants.

Expands the town’s public property and ensures that this area will never be commercially developed. A DNR living shoreline restoration is planned that will have larger benefits for the wetlands restoration project.

Impact / Benefits

Looking Ahead The purchase of Walton Beach Nature Preserve also doubles as the town’s mandatory 40% capital funding contribution to the Corps of Engineers wetlands restoration project. This project will examine ways to prevent tidal flooding of the Walton Beach Nature Preserve beach area, including installation of additional culverts to improve drainage, etc. Balance of remaining funding (60%) for acting on the study’s recommendations will be solicited from Senator Mikulski.

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Public Works 2009What’s Important to Know – Public Works projects that maintain and improve our town’s infrastructure continue to be a high priority. The scope and funding of these projects is significantly greater than was possible in the past. Other budget lineitems do not take precedence over these critical projects. Better management andstaff training have dramatically improved standards.

Key Actions

Installed 260 ft. of new sewer line on 5th

St. and replaced 350 ft. of old sewer line on 1st St. between Dayton and Chesapeake Avenues.

Installed several hundred feet of new storm drain pipe in various locations throughout town, including new catch basin grates and other equipment.

Installed connection to existing sewer main at the Chesapeake Ave. sewer station for a portable pump that would bypass existing pumps in the event of a failure and keep the line flowing.

Boardwalk was replaced with new composite decking during summer months with minimal disruption to residents and waterfront visitors.

Saved town $1,000 per month to clear backups in the area of 5th and Chesapeake and correct ongoing problems with the section of sewer line on 1st St. No problems have occurred since repairs were made.

Significant reduction in storm water drainage issues has already occurred.

Minimized chances of a sewer spill from the Chesapeake Ave. sewer pumping station. New boardwalk offers greater safety

and beautiful appearance. It also comes with a 25-year guarantee due to the use of composite materials, thereby eliminating annual maintenance costs.

Impact / Benefits

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Public Works 2009 – cont.Key Actions

Unit price contracts were put in place for road paving and concrete repair work. They were used to build new ramps from the boardwalk to the beach for maintenance access and for concrete repair work throughout town.

The old sewer treatment plant, which had been an eyesore and safety hazard for years, was demolished and removed from the DPW yard.

Built new salt storage building on DPW lot with recycled material from old boardwalk Successfully negotiated with BG&E for ownership of light poles along Bay Ave.

Results in material and labor cost savings by buying at a negotiated price per square yard based on need estimates. Also eliminates multiple contract bids.

The grounds of the old treatment plant are being further improved by reseeding the area. Plan is to build a new pole building for DPW equipment.

Salt storage building constructed with minimal cost and will improve handling of this important emergency resource.

Poles were obtained for no charge and will allow the town to have control over the poles and what is placed on them, i.e., banners, holiday decorations, etc.

Impact / Benefits

Looking Ahead Recurring flooding in the 5th St. and Bay Ave. area has been a difficult and persistent problem that has received ongoing study and analysis over the past year. The issues creating this situation have now been identified and a solution developed. A new mechanical design is out for bid, which should prevent or greatly reduce future flooding.

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Code Enforcement 2009What’s Important to Know – Town codes are important for ensuring that health and safety standards of residential and commercial properties are maintained and to control new building expansion. Code enforcement activities continue to improve.

Key Actions

Added new Civicall software program that provides real-time recordkeeping for work order items, code issues and permit approvals.

Coordinating state-mandated training with Calvert County for Planning Commission and Board of Appeals.

Number of rental and business inspections completed with better availability of hours on nights and weekends.

Improved coordination with Sheriff’s department, Animal Control, and county government regarding zoning and permits via the Hanson system.

Pat Nutter appointed to Calvert County Green Council to explore alternative energy and building programs that can be supported by new building codes and regulations.

New software provides a powerful management tool that will improve customer service and maintain precise data on business and citizen information. Also gives the town insight into future recommendations concerning town business operations.

Cost savings over the town managing training requirements by itself.

Greater convenience for residents

Allows for better tracking and timely services for citizens who have dealings with the county.

Another example that demonstrates the town’s leadership and commitment to green initiatives.

Impact / Benefits

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Special Events 2009

A new web site, NorthBeachEvents.com, was launched and received nearly 12,000 visits in its first year.

The North Beach Friday Night Farmers’ Market and Cruise-Ins had a banner second year with larger crowds, more vendors, and accolades from far and wide. We worked with our State Delegation to enact special legislation enabling Calvert County wineries to attend.

Successful “Welcome Back to the Beach” festival, Bayfest, “End of Summer Blast” and Polar Bear Swim.

Summer concert series continued with old favorites and new artists.

“Movies on the Beach” series continued and drew large numbers of people of all ages.

Held second annual “National Night Out” in August to support community crime prevention.

The broad offering of community events over the entire calendar year enhancesthe quality of life for our citizens, helps create a strong sense of community and supports business development by promoting “buy local”.

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Special Events 2009 – cont.

Held “Campfires on the Beach” for elementary age children that were well attended by hundreds of families.

Continued with our traditional Santa on the Beach and Holiday Parade (despite very adverse weather conditions in 2009).

Looking Ahead

A new “Health and Wellness” event will be held in June at the beach to help educate people on healthy choice options available today and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

The “Movies on the Beach” series will be expanded with a great line up of movies.

A 2010 centennial celebration for North Beach is being planned for the community. 13

Town Council 2009

Mayor, Council and staff attended the Maryland Municipal League training, annual convention, committees and legislative conference

Gregg Dotson serves as Vice President of the Southern Maryland Municipal Association

Jane Hagen and Gregg Dotson represent the Town of North Beach as part of the Maryland Municipal League. Jane serves on the Legislative Committee and Gregg serves on the Board of Directors.

Economic Development fund established

Randy Hummel kept Board of County Commissioners apprised of town developments

Approved replacement of the boardwalk and contract to build a new Town Hall

Lynn Striegel and Gwen Schiada serve as liaisons to the town’s Economic Development Committee

Bud Hunt and Jane Hagen graduated from the Maryland Municipal League’s Academy of Excellence

Council members have continued to work hard for the betterment of our community and have been active in representing North Beach across a broadspectrum of important constituencies.

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Mayor 2009

Chairman of the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium.

Continued meetings and correspondence with federal, state and county delegations for the benefit of North Beach.

Member of the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Advisory Council.

Testified before Congress on the effects of rising sea levels on the Chesapeake Bay.

Coordinated volunteer efforts for flower bed planting and maintenance.

Farmers’ Market Manager.

Serve on the Twin Beaches Cable Advisory Committee.

Your Mayor continued to pro-actively engage key delegations at all levels of government for the benefit of the town while representing North Beach as a member of various historical and civic organizations.

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Bay Weekly 2009 “Best of the Bay” Awards The record number of accolades that our town received from Bay Weekly readers in the 2009 annual “Best of the Bay” survey is a wonderful testament to all that our town offers and the quality of life we enjoy. It is also a reflection of the hard work of our town administrative staff, council members, and the invaluable efforts of many volunteers.

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Best Art Gallery: Artworks@7th

Best Antique Store: Nice ‘n Fleazy

Best Ladies Boutique: Chez Elle Boutique

Best Bakery: Sweet Sue’s

Best Bay Beach: North Beach

Best Fishing Hole: North Beach

Best Festival: North Beach “Bayfest”