Legislative Session

SPECIAL MEETING MEETING MINUTES JUNE 2, 2025 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: Council President D'Shawn M. Doughty, Council Vice President Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman April R. Jackson, Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory and Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Andy Kitzrow, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in a Special Legislative Session on June 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. WELCOME President Doughty welcomed everyone to the meeting and provided the emergency exit instructions. He then asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA City Clerk Julie English presented the legislative agenda. President Doughty called for a motion to adopt the legislative agenda as presented. April R. Jackson motioned and Sharon C. Dashiell seconded. The vote was 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING President Doughty directed anyone wishing to comment during the public hearing to stand and be sworn in by the City Clerk. Several members of the public were sworn in. • FY2026 Budget Ordinance - Public Hearing Ordinance No. 2935 – appropriating the necessary funds for the operation of the government and administration for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, establishing the levy for the General Fund for the same fiscal period and establishing the appropriation for the Water and Sewer, Parking Authority, City Marina, and Storm Water Funds President Doughty opened the public hearing at 6:04 p.m. The following public comment was heard: 1  Speaker #1 commended the Mayor for holding taxes steady but raised concerns about council spending, including clothing and questioned the need for more staff. The hearing was closed at 6:09 p.m. • FY2026 Water Sewer Rates- Mayor Level - Public Hearing Ordinance No. 2936 – to amend Water and Sewer rates to increase by 6% and making said changes effective for all bills dated October 1, 2025 and thereafter, unless and until subsequently revised or changed. President Doughty opened the public hearing at 6:10 p.m. The following public comments were heard: Speaker #1 expressed concern about steadily rising sewer rates and suggested providing relief based on household size. Speaker #2 was speaking for others and voiced concern about repeated utility and tax increases and advocated for better long-term planning. Speaker #3 urged the city to close the tax gap by requiring businesses outside the city limits to pay their share of utilities, and help reduce future rate increases. The hearing was closed at 6:18 p.m. • FY2026 Fee Ordinance - Public Hearing Ordinance No. 2937 – to set fees for FY2026 and thereafter unless and until subsequently revised or changed President Doughty opened the public hearing at 6:19 p.m. The following public comment was heard: Speaker #1 urged the city to keep fees reasonable and to consider the needs and hardships of all residents when setting rates. The hearing was closed at 6:20 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT The following public comments were heard: Speaker #1 began by questioning legal costs related to the new Town Center Lawsuit and was opposed to the removal of the “4-2” rule. Additionally, the protection of neighborhoods and having more affordable housing in new developments was emphasized. Speaker #2 requested limiting hours of use or banning gas-powered leaf blowers. Speaker # 3 opposed removing the “4-2” rule, emphasizing its role in preserving historic neighborhoods and property values. Speaker #4 supported the homeless and appreciated the care taken with the placement of liquor and dispensary locations. Speaker #5 noted that city fees and taxes had risen about $380 over five years, urging the Council to carefully consider the budget. COUNCIL COMMENTS 2  Ms. Jackson praised the hometown hero banners on Eastern Shore Drive and encouraged their permanent display. She encouraged community engagement through tree- planting events at Wateride Park. There was further discussion about hometown hero banner locations. Ms. Dashiell highlighted upcoming and recent youth programs, including flag football and the Junior Fire Academy. She requested a council work session to discuss attainable housing requirements for builders. Ms. Gregory recognized National Zoo and Aquarium Month. She also recognized the Salisbury Zoo by highlighting their new animals, upcoming Summer camps and fundraisers, and encouraged community support for them. Mayor Taylor explained that water, sewer and trash increases were due to debt, operational costs, and county fees. He would also exercise careful consideration before modifying the “4-2” occupancy rule. Ms. Dashiell encouraged the community to support Ms. Jackson’s Relay for Life team for the American Cancer Society at Winter Place Park. Ms. Blake thanked Councilwoman Jackson for the hometown hero's project, recommended having a presentation to explain the 6% water/sewer increase, and requested brief summer updates from city boards and commissions. President Doughty highlighted the return of the summer playground program and the new Water Incentive Program to assist residents with their water bills. There was discussion on the Unity Square fountain and the Carroll Street project. ADJOURNMENT The Special Legislative Session was adjourned at 6:57 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President 3  Outlook Ordinance No. 2936 From Carolyn Wohlgemuth <carolynwo@gmail.com> Date Sun 6/1/2025 5:28 PM To All City Council Members <allcitycouncilmembers@salisbury.md> Cc Julie English <jenglish@salisbury.md> WARNING: This message was sent from an external source. Please verify the source before clicking any links or opening any attachments. NEVER provide account credentials or sensitive data unless the source has been 100% verified as legitimate. Please include my comments in the meeting minutes for the Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2936! City Council: Another increase (6%) in water and sewer rates may be necessary; HOWEVER, city residents should not be required to bear that burden! Amount of increase needed should be divided amongst non-city residents and non-city businesses who access those amenities but DO NOT PAY CITY TAXES!! Increase the rates for non-city entities ONLY! Carolyn Wohlgemuth Salisbury Resident