Legislative Session

SPECIAL MEETING MEETING MINUTES MARCH 2, 2026 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: President April R. Jackson, Council Vice President Sharon C. Dashiell, Councilwoman Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory and Councilwoman Melissa D. Holland CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Special Legislative Session on March 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. WELCOME/ANNOUCEMENTS/PLEDGE President Jackson welcomed everyone to the meeting and provided the emergency exit instructions. She then asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION - Pastor Greg Morris - Parkway Church of God Pastor Greg Morris from Parkway Church of God was called forward to provide the Invocation PROCLAMATION - Black History Month President Jackson presented the Wicomico NAACP with a proclamation. Ms. Monica Brooks introduced her executive committee members and thanked the council for their continued support. PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA City Clerk Julie English presented the legislative agenda. President Jackson called for a motion and a second to adopt the legislative agenda as presented. Michele R. Gregory motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. CONSENT AGENDA Ms. English presented the Consent Agenda items. The items were as follows: President Jackson called for a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. Angela M. Blake motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Youth Development Advisory Committee Reappointment Resolution No. 3456 - Reappointment of Briana Curtis to the Youth Development Advisory Committee for term ending February 2029 • Youth Development Advisory Committee Reappointment 1  Resolution No. 3457 - Reappointment of David Thompson to the Youth Development Advisory Committee for term ending February 2029 • Youth Development Advisory Committee Appointment Resolution No. 3458 - Appointment of Byron Colbourn to the Youth Development Advisory Committee for term ending February 2029 • Sustainability Advisory Committee Appointment Resolution No. 3459 - Appointment of Karen Cooper to the Sustainability Advisory Committee for term ending February 2029 • Parks and Recreation Committee Appointment Resolution No. 3460 - Reappointment of Rick Konrad to the Youth Parks and Recreation Committee for term ending February 2029 PUBLIC HEARING President Jackson directed anyone wishing to comment during the public hearing to stand and be sworn in by the City Clerk. No members of the public were sworn in. President Jackson opened the public hearing at 6:15 p.m. Having no comments, the hearing was closed at 6:15 p.m. • Resolution to Amend SC7-25 - 2nd Reading Charter Amendment Resolution No. 2026-1 - to amend SC7-25 of the charter of the City of Salisbury to change the signatures and authorizations requirements for disbursements. Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. ORDINANCES Presented by Ms. Bosche • Sanitation & Streets Budget Amendment - 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2975 - Approving a budget amendment of the FY2026 general fund budget to appropriate funds to the department of Field Operations budget. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Additional Funds Request for Part-Time Zoo Staffing - 2nd reading Ordinance No. 2976 - Amending the fiscal year 2026 annual budget to provide additional appropriations for the Salisbury Zoo part-time staffing needs. Angela M. Blake motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Amending Ordinance No. 2675 – Reallocation of 2021 Tax-Exempt Bond Proceeds for 112 W. Church Street – City Hall - 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2977 - Amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 2675, passed by the council 2  on July 26, 2021, approved by the Mayor of the City of Salisbury (the "city") on July 26, 2021 and effective on July 26, 2021 ("ordinance no. 2675), in order to (1) authorize and empower the city to use and apply a portion of the principal amount of the $8, 965,000 city of Salisbury tax- exempt public improvement and refunding bonds of 2021 issued on September 1, 2021 (the "2021 tax-exempt bonds") to the project identified herein as "112 W. Church Street - City Hall," and (2) identify such additional project as a "project" for all purposes of ordinance no. 2675 (as amended and supplemented); providing that this title is a fair statement of the substance of this ordinance; authorizing certain city officials to take certain actions in connection with the transactions contemplated by this ordinance; providing that the provisions of this ordinance shall be liberally construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds of the 2021 tax-exempt bonds. Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Amending Use of 2019 Bond Proceeds to Add 112 W. Church Street – City Hall Project - 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2978 - Amending and supplementing ordinance no. 2554, passed by the council on August 26, 2019, approved by the mayor of the City of Salisbury (the "city") on August 27, 2019 and effective on August 27, 2019 ("ordinance no. 2554"), as amended and supplemented to date, in order to (1) authorize and empower the city to use and apply a portion of the principal amount of the $11,225,000 city of Salisbury public improvement bonds of 2019 issued on October 8, 2019 (the "2019 bonds") to the project identified herein as "112 W. Church Street - city hall," and (2) identify such additional project as a "project" for all purposes of ordinance no. 2554 (as amended and supplemented); providing that this title is a fair statement of the substance of this ordinance; authorizing certain city officials to take certain actions in connection with the transactions contemplated by this ordinance; providing that the provisions of this ordinance shall be liberally construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds of the 2019 bonds. Michele R. Gregory motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. BOND RESOLUTIONS Presented by Ms. Bosche • Amending Resolution No. 2972 – Reallocation of 2019 Bond Proceeds for 112 W. Church Street (City Hall) Resolution No. 3461 - Amending and supplementing resolution no. 2972, adopted by the council on September 9, 2019, approved by the mayor on September 9, 2019 and effective on September 9, 2019 ("resolution no. 2972"), as amended and supplemented to date, in order to (1) authorize and empower city of Salisbury (the "city") to use and apply a portion of the principal amount of the $11,225,000 city of Salisbury public improvement bonds of 2019 issued on October 8, 2019 (the "2019 bonds"), together with a portion of the net original issue premium received by the city in connection with the sale of the 2019 bonds, if applicable, to a project identified herein as "112 W. Church Street - city hall" in addition to the prior authorized projects identified herein, and (2) identify such additional project as a "project" for all purposes of resolution no. 2972, as amended and supplemented; authorizing and empowering city officials and employees to take certain actions with respect to the 2019 bonds; providing that the provisions of this resolution shall be liberally construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds of the 2019 bonds. Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Amending Resolution No. 3117 – Reallocation of 2021 Tax-Exempt Bond Proceeds for 112 W. 3  Church Street (City Hall) Resolution No. 3462 - Amending and supplementing resolution no. 3117, adopted by the council on August 9, 2021, approved by the mayor on August 10, 2021 and effective on August 10, 2021 ("resolution no. 3117"), in order to (1) authorize and empower city of Salisbury (the "city") to use and apply a portion of the principal amount of the $8,965,000 city of Salisbury tax-exempt public improvement and refunding bonds of 2021 issued on September 1, 2021 (the "2021 tax-exempt bonds"), together with a portion of the net original issue premium received by the city in connection with the sale of the 2021 tax-exempt bonds, if applicable, to a project identified herein as "112 W. Church St. - City hall" in addition to the 2021 new money projects identified in resolution no. 3117, and (2) identify such additional project as a "2021 new money project" for all purposes of resolution no. 3117; authorizing and empowering city officials and employees to take certain actions with respect to the 2021 tax -exempt bonds; providing that the provisions of this resolution shall be liberally construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds of the 2021 tax-exempt bonds. Michele R. Gregory motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENT The following public comments were heard: • Speaker #1 commended City workers for effective snow and debris removal and recommended improved enforcement to property owners regarding sidewalk clearing responsibilities to address ongoing compliance issues. • Speaker #2 expressed concerns about significant and preventable environmental damage to trees, soil, and parkland caused by the City Park water main replacement project. • Speaker #3 echoed concerns about damage from the City Park water main project, citing lack of communication about the project and suggested improved transparency and a clear restoration plan moving forward. • Speaker #4 highlighted the importance of community partnerships in improving public spaces, while urging stronger enforcement and accountability measures for landlords to address unsafe and substandard housing conditions within the city. • Speaker #5 criticized past and current city leadership and government practices, raising concerns about transparency, political influence, and election processes. ADJOURNMENT/CONVENE IN WORK SESSION The Legislative Session was adjourned at 6:42 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President 4 PIPELINE PROJECT COLLATERAL DAMAGE in SALISBURY CITY PARK The water main replacement project in Salisbury City Park is past the halfway point. The pipeline trench excavation includes from Memorial Plaza to the Waterworks building, within a few feet of Beaverdam Creek. Its on the Civic Center side of the Park right on top of the main Greenway Trail. This will give the City a much-needed new water main serving the nine wells in City Park. The old pipeline, installed about 100 years ago, must be renewed to use these wells for our water supply. BUT extensive, preventable damage to many City park trees has occurred in this project. Thousands of square feet of topsoil have been disturbed, under the trees canopies, affecting their root systems. Heavy equipment maneuvering has scarred their trunks and broken off branches. Oaks, hollies, and pines have been damaged. These are magnificent specimens about 100 years old, and much appreciated by park users. Since the first week of January, citizen observers have voiced environmental concerns to relevant leadership of the City Government. I personally have emailed the three department directors- Waterworks, DID, Field Operations and the mayor, at least weekly. They did communicate with me, fairly promptly. Responses I got were – we will get key people in a room and meet about it. Actions taken, though, NONE observed in my walking the project area almost daily. NO industry-standard tree protection was performed to prevent severe tree damage. And heavy equipment carelessly created erosion of topsoil, especially on the hillside leading down to and including the 100 - year floodplain. Weds. Feb. 18 supposedly one key department head actually visited the project and is now getting more involved. It is painfully obvious that there has been a serious lack of communication and coordination among the departments. Park Operations, DID and the Park & Rec Committee reportedly have been excluded until now. This has proven tragic for the City Park’s natural areas and trails. Trees and topsoil are invaluable resources and key to City Park’s quality existence. Granted, a few trees are expected to be damaged running an average 20 inch diameter pipeline through the floodplain, however, based on various opinions, this project went rogue, over-reached and disregarded the surroundings. So--How many more trees will be permanently scarred or their root systems damaged? What will be done to restore the Park, its trails, trees and open spaces, once its completed? Acres of nature were disrupted and many trees will be weakened, and come to an early demise. Sadly the collateral damage of the project now includes park visitors; present and future generations. Nancyroisum/CC comment 0210232026 CP PIPELINE PROJECT TREE DAMAGE  Outlook City Park Water Main Replacement - Public Works Project Viewer Call to Action From Michael Piorunski <michael.piorunski@gmail.com> Date Mon 2/16/2026 8:32 PM To All City Council Members <allcitycouncilmembers@salisbury.md> Cc Mayor Email Distribution List <mayor@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. ________________________________ Good evening city council members, I have received several emails regarding the water main replacement project ongoing in the city park. I am sure you all have received similar emails. The concerns are warranted, as the section of the greenway and surrounding environment between Memorial Plaza and Beaverdam Drive has undergone what appears to many residents to be an unforeseen transformation. To say communication was lacking about the environmental impacts of this project, and disruption to park use, is an understatement. I won’t rehash the concerns others have raised regarding the lack of oversight or site protection and management practices. I do however want to ask that - as council members - you dig into these details as the projects/ funding approvals come before council. The council (YOU) - along with our stakeholder groups - are the best asset the city has to communicate important information to the public. A quick checklist may suffice: - Where is the permitted work area - If/ How have we informed nearby residents of the pending project - What potential impact will this project have on surrounding neighborhoods and city property - How have city officials addressed environmental/ site protection protocols with the vendor - Who is responsible for remediation of damage to the site - How will the city communicate to the public if access to public land is limited or restricted - What is the duration of the project/ project timeline Moreover, I have asked repeatedly for the city to provide a public facing tool for citizens to view up to date and ongoing public works projects. I’ve proposed using the GIS mapping resources that can include links to project costs, funding information, project vendors/ contractors, city contact for questions/ inquiries, project timeline etc… This tool would help to assuage citizen concerns about communication and transparency when public works projects impact their community. It would utilize resources and information the city already has and provide important information about how tax dollars are put to use in our neighborhoods. As taxpayers in 2026, we ought to have easy access to information about how dollars are spent. The city has the resources to do this, just needs someone to champion the project. I would be happy to walk the project site with anyone this week. The parks committee and other stakeholders must be included in all discussions about remediation plans. Thank you for your consideration and have a great week! Michael Piorunski 443.421.0043  Outlook Fwd: Water Main Construction From Michael Piorunski <michael.piorunski@gmail.com> Date Thu 2/19/2026 1:51 PM To 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. Mrs English - I also wanted to pass along this email to Mr Swiger regarding this project. Thank you. Michael Piorunski Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Piorunski <michael.piorunski@gmail.com> Date: February 16, 2026 at 8:56:26 AM EST To: Allen Swiger <aswiger@salisbury.md> Subject: Water Main Construction Hi Allen! As I’m sure you’re aware, there is some concern regarding the extent of damage to park assets as a result of the water main replacement work. I walked through the work area yesterday afternoon and did not see any tree protection in place between Beaverdam Dr and Memorial Plaza - despite lots of damage to trees. Moreover the contractor is staging pipe in a way that uses the trees for support. (Along the former ball field.) Lots of damage to the entire work area; trails, trees, understory areas/ soil, disc golf course baskets/ tee markers, and damage to a historic pump house. There’s also trash throughout the work area. It also looks like there has been work in and around the invasive bamboo. What exactly have city officials communicated to the water main contractor and/ or another vendor about remediation plans after the project is completed? Can you share any internal plans/ budget regarding biodiversity and trail remediation? I understand the work requires heavy equipment and all that comes with it, but site protection measures along with clear communication about next steps is needed here. The project - while necessary to the water infrastructure - has had a significant impact on this sensitive park area, and will continue to burden other park areas. Thank you. Michael Piorunski