Legislative Session

LEGISLATIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 23, 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 IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, Deputy City Clerk Hannah Long, City Solicitor Laura Ryan CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Legislative Session on March 23, 2026 at 6:26 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS/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 - Rev. Howard Travers - Nu-Lyfe Church Reverend Howard Travers from Nu-Lyfe Church was called forward to provide the Invocation. PROCLAMATION • Endometriosis Awareness Month Proclamation Councilwoman Holland presented a proclamation proclaiming March as Endometriosis Awareness Month. • Developmental Disabilities Month Proclamation Councilwoman Gregory presented a proclamation to Lower Shore Autism Community proclaiming March as Developmental Disabilities Month. The president of the Lower Shore Autism Community spoke about the organization’s focus on inclusion and support, highlighting monthly family meetings, teen and young adult social skills programs, and community activities. PRESENTATIONS • Citizen Award - Presented by Mayor Taylor Mayor Taylor presented Gregory Schenk of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for heroic actions, rescuing six hunters stranded on the Nanticoke River under severe winter conditions. PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Ms. Long presented the legislative agenda. President Jackson called for a motion and a second to adopt the legislative agenda as presented. Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. CONSENT AGENDA Ms. Long presented the Consent Agenda items. The items were as follows: • Meeting Minutes January 5, 2026 Goal Setting Session January 12, 2026 Legislative Session January 12, 2026 Work Session February 2, 2026 Closed Session February 2, 2026 Legislative Session February 2, 2026 Work Session February 9, 2026 Legislative Session President Jackson called for a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. Michele R. Gregory motioned and Angela M. Blake seconded. The vote was 5-0. AWARD OF BIDS Mr. Lowe presented the following: • Award of Bids ITB A-26-115 Citywide HVAC Services ITB A-26-112 Citywide Electric Repair Services ITB A-26-104 Generator Maintenance President Jackson asked for a motion and second to approve the award of bids. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. DECLARATION OF SURPLUS Mr. Lowe presented the following items for surplus: • Declaration of Surplus 25 Motorola Radios SFD 1 Motorola Radio SPD 1 Service K-9 SPD 1 Service Weapon SPD 2012 Chevrolet Caprice SPD 2014 Ford Explorer SPD President Jackson asked for a motion and second to approve the declaration of surplus. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. RESOLUTION Ms. Ryan presented the resolution below.  • Resolution Acceptance and Surplus of Forfeited Vehicles Resolution No. 3466 - to accept and declare as surplus two (2) forfeited vehicles. Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING Ms. Ryan presented the following ordinance for public hearing and second reading. • Specialty Shop Ordinance - 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2983 - Amending Chapter 04.120 of the Salisbury City code to revise the definition of a "specialty" shop. President Jackson directed anyone wishing to comment during the public hearing to stand and be sworn in by the Deputy City Clerk. No members of the public were sworn in. President Jackson opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m. Having no comments, the hearing was closed at 6:58 p.m. The vote was 5-0 in favor. ORDINANCES Ms. Ryan presented the following ordinances. • Authorization of General Obligation Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes, and Refunding Bonds FY2026 Capital Projects -2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2979 - Authorization of General Obligation Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes, and Refunding Bonds, FY2026 Capital Projects Melissa D. Holland motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Electrical Permit Ordinance - 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2980 - To require the acquisition of a permit through the City of Salisbury prior to conducting work on electrical systems, equipment, or connections. Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Accept Donation from Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore - 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2981 - Approving a budget amendment of the City's budget to accept and appropriate donated funds from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to support the cost of Salisbury City Park pedestrian bridge restoration. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Pollinator Pathways - 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2982 - To accept funds received from Sustainable Maryland in the amount of $20,000 as awarded to enact the Pollinator Pathways Program. Melissa D. Holland motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Requisition of 303 Lake Street - 1st Reading Ordinance No. 2984 - To purchase improved real property located at 303 Lake Street, Salisbury, Maryland for a public purpose. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.  • Requisition of 1123 Parsons Road - 1st Reading Ordinance No. 2985 - To purchase improved real property located at 1124 Parsons Road, Salisbury, Maryland for a public purpose. Melissa D. Holland motioned and Angela M. Blake seconded. The vote was 5-0. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION Councilwoman Blake presented Dr. Clara Small, an educator of over 40 years at Salisbury University, with a Certificate of Recognition for Women's History Month. Vice President Dashiell presented Debra Rossi, the Executive Director of H.O.P.E., with a Certificate of Recognition for Women's History Month. President Jackson presented Cheryl Meadows, the Executive Director of Salisbury Neighborhood Housing, with a Certificate of Recognition for Women's History Month. PUBLIC COMMENT The following public comments were heard: • Speaker #1 inquired about permit requirements for minor electrical work. • Speaker #2 suggested agendas provide more detail on ordinances, like funding breakdowns, while reducing boilerplate, noting no state law required full readings. • Speaker #3 recommended the Council align city code with state law, allowing large family childcare homes by right. She criticized city delays and lack of communication, highlighting the impact on families, and said she would continue legal action until compliance. • Speaker #4 highlighted the T.R.U.T.H. committees' mission to promote racial unity, healing, and accountability, and invited the public to participate in monthly meetings. ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Rice highlighted the recent Woodcock Park ribbon-cutting, noting the new playground and strong community turnout, marking his first ribbon-cutting experience with the City. Mayor Taylor noted upcoming events, including Dueling Pianos at the amphitheater, Hops on the River, and a joint promotion featuring the band Great Train Robbery. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Blake asked for updates on the marina, ongoing city litigation, and the $4 million Lot 10 grant. She also requested a presentation from Todd Knock regarding MML’s tax differential progress and legislative support, and gave an update on the Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Tax Abatement Bill. Ms. Dashiell attended Salisbury University’s State of the University Address, noting their strategic plan running through May. She also attended a PAC 14 meeting and commended city staff for their participation in community events. Lastly, she invited residents to attend the Citizen Police Academy, a 10-week program offering insight into police work. Ms. Gregory acknowledged the Mayor’s participation in the Disability Advisory Committee and commended Christine Chestnutt for her role during the Célèbrez La Femme event. She urged the council to oppose state disability service cuts, shared an upcoming event at Poplar Hill Mansion and a “Future of Disability Rights” forum. Ms. Holland shared her experience in attending the Young Men Thriving program at the YMCA, noted the Green Team’s upcoming outreach on pollinator habitat signage at community events, and encouraged residents to enjoy the city and warmer weather. President Jackson shared the upcoming Market Street ribbon cutting, expressed condolences to Peggy Taylor’s family, highlighted the upcoming Vietnam Veterans War Day, and discussed summer youth initiatives. ADJOURNMENT The Legislative Session adjourned at 7:34 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President