Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 14, 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 Ms. Jackson via Zoom, Mayor Randy Taylor, Acting City Administrator Tom Stevenson, Fire Marshal Eric Cramer, Fire Chief Rob Frampton, Homeless Services Manager Christine Chesnutt, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Laura Ryan, City Solicitor Heather Konyar CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Work Session on July 14, 2025 at 6:47 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. ORDINANCE • Amending Chapter 8.11 "The Fire Prevention Code" Mr. Cramer presented a proposed ordinance updating the fire prevention code to align with KOMAR regulations, specifically changing permit language for consumer fireworks to “ground-based sparkling devices.” Council gave consensus to move the ordinance forward • Community Needs Grant for Anne Street Village Ms. Chestnutt shared that a $500 Community Needs Grant was used to plant vegetables and herbs in 24 downtown flowerpots, with community members and students helping during a work night. She also highlighted successes in moving residents into permanent housing, while noting ongoing challenges with housing affordability and community support for new residents. Council gave consensus to move the ordinance forward. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • Lot 10 Subrecipient Agreement Discussion Ms. Konyar gave an update on the Lot 10 project and the subrecipient agreement with Mentis Lot 10 LLC. She reviewed the project’s history, grant funding, and the need for council guidance on the reimbursement schedule. Administration noted that they had discussion with the developers about site plans, parking solutions, and potential land buybacks affecting project scope and funding. Emphasis was placed ensuring all expenses were eligible under state guidelines. Ms. Konyar and city staff would continue refining the agreement and coordination with the state, with updates expected at upcoming meetings. 1  • Salisbury Planning Commission The Council discussed the formation of the new Salisbury Planning Commission, focusing on membership and residency requirements. Ms. Ryan reviewed that at least three members must reside within the city’s municipal boundaries, with remaining members drawn from residents living in the 21801 and 21804 zip code. She noted that the commission would establish its own rules of procedure. Council acknowledged the urgency of establishing the commission before the county’s dissolution of the existing joint commission, and consensus was reached to move the ordinance forward to the next legislative session so staff could begin accepting applications from the public. PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only) The following public comments were heard: • Speaker #1 expressed concerns about having seven members on the new Salisbury Planning Commission, suggesting a five-member commission with a majority city residents to ensure local representation. • Speaker #2 urged the Salisbury Planning Commission change to five members. • Speaker #3 hoped that the Salisbury Planning Commission would maintain a strong voice and prioritize local transportation projects, specifically the six point intersection study. ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Stevenson noted that he sat in the same chair for nine years and was now back. The Mayor shared his participation in Friday Night Lights and commended Wicomico Clean and partners for their impactful downtown and river cleanup efforts. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Jackson provided an update on the “Game On” playground program, highlighted the upcoming Salisbury Truth Committee meeting and Unity Day at the VFW. She encouraged council members and community members to participate and support these initiatives. Ms. Gregory asked that businesses receive information on the downtown ambassador program. She thanked staff for collaborating on park accessibility improvements, and requested a follow up on the art committee’s document edits. Ms. Dashiell shared highlights from a tour of The Ross, praised the Salisbury Fire Department’s graduation and Junior Fire Academy programs, and announced two positive developments at Wicomico County Airport - Breeze Airways flights to Orlando and the launch of an aviation maintenance tech school with 23 students. Ms. Blake was pleased with the city’s community projects, including the Anne Street program, summer activities, and the new trash truck. She requested an update on the $12 million Vision Zero safety funding and asked that committees give reports to the council for purposes of tracking volunteer efforts. She also requested updates on city initiatives and the Westside Community Center master plan. President Doughty emphasized maintaining structured council committee involvement. He highlighted 2 Ms. English for her recognition through the Maryland Municipal Clerk's Association, as well as Zach Bridges from the Salisbury Fire Department for his national achievements. He announced his election as President of the Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities and District One Vice President for Maryland Municipal League. Lastly, he highlighted ongoing efforts to address regional tax issues and representation of local interests in Annapolis. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President 3