Chesapeake Beach Town Councilman Patrick J. “Irish” Mahoney observed that Mayor Bruce Wahl has not missed many meetings in his many years of experience as a municipal official. On Thursday, March 20, Mahoney—the vice president of the Chesapeake Beach Town Council—filled in for the ailing mayor. Wahl is recovering from a life-threatening medical episode that occurred two weeks ago while he was working in Northern Virginia.
Prior to the start of the meeting, Mahoney read a statement from Wahl, who thanked town residents and staff for their prayers and well-wishes.
During the mayor’s report segment, Mahoney expressed gratitude to town staff and councilmembers “for pulling together in the best interest of the town.”
The March meeting had one lengthy portion that ended in a majority of the council opting to delay a decision on an ordinance to amend the town code’s chapter on “vehicles and parking.” The ordinance would amend the article “parking restrictions, abandoned vehicles,” and would impose certain restrictions and/or limitations on parking oversized vehicles on town streets and roads. Those vehicles would include large commercial vehicles, boats and trailers that are 23 feet in length, 8 feet in height and 7 feet in width. The amended measure would also put a one-hour limit on the time an “oversized vehicle” could be stopped, standing or parked on a street or right-of-way.
“This is a good thing,” said town resident Nancy Feuerle during the public hearing, adding that the ordinance modifications would be especially welcome in sections of town with narrow streets and no sidewalks.
“This ordinance causes a great deal of discomfort,” said Councilman Robert Carpenter, who subsequently made a motion to table the issue until next month.
Councilman Jeffrey Krahling noted many town residents who work in service industries drive their work trucks and vans home.
“There are a lot of people with boats around here,” stated Councilman Eric Reinhardt.
Two attempts to amend the proposal both failed, and initially so did Carpenter’s motion to table the decision.
Noting the confusion, Mahoney announced a five-minute recess.
When the meeting resumed, Carpenter’s motion to table the issue passed on a 4-to-2 vote.
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