Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: Council Vice President Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman April R. Jackson and Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell Absent: Council President D'Shawn M. Doughty and Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Randy Taylor, Deputy City Administrator Allen Swiger, Community Relations Manager Rachel Manning, Director of Housing and Community Development Muir Boda, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Work Session on September 8, 2025 at 6:55 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. PRESENTATION Ms. Blake called Ms. Manning forward to present the Summer Youth Program Recap. • Summer Youth Program Recap Ms. Manning highlighted a successful summer youth program. The program included: the first Youth Business Fair (12 entrepreneurs), the Newton Community Center drop-in program (650 visits), gardening and cooking activities, arts and crafts, and a field trip to the zoo. The new “Game On” program at Lake Street Playground drew 10–25 kids daily, with free lunches provided. The Summer Youth Employment Program hired 11 high school students in various city departments. She noted that the summer would conclude with the upcoming Parkfest event, which offered free games, food, and activities for the community. RESOLUTION • Charter Amendment - Updating SC5-1 to increase the maximum fines for misdemeanors and municipal infractions Mr. Boda presented a charter amendment for the purpose of updating fines and municipal infractions. The idea was to create an annual fine schedule to avoid frequent code updates. An alternative to creating the annual schedule was to reference state law for simplicity and clarity. Vice President Blake asked Ms. English for this option to be presented at the next Work Session. Consensus was reached to move the amendment forward. ORDINANCE • Ordinance to add the International Property Maintenance Code to Title 15 of the Salisbury City Code 1  Mr. Boda presented an ordinance to amend Title 15 of the Salisbury City Code for the purpose of referencing the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. He explained that this aligned with the code used in trainings and certifications taken by the housing inspectors and code enforcement officers. Consensus was reached to move the ordinance forward. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • Boards and Commissions – Vice President Blake tabled this conversation. No vote was taken. PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only) The following public comments were heard: Speaker # 1 encouraged more proactive code enforcement, criticizing the current complaint- driven system and cited a case where rental inspectors would not act without a court order. Speaker #2 backed the simple charter change and recommended the Planning Commission exclude council members to avoid bias. Speaker #3 requested monthly accountability updates from council members on boards and commissions and highlighted ongoing playground maintenance issues. ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Swiger thanked Ms. Manning for her outstanding work on the summer youth program, her leadership in the Summer Youth Employment Program, and the hiring of a young participant for the events team. Mayor Taylor thanked the council for advancing the City Administrator. He also emphasized proactive city responses to issues and reminded residents about the upcoming Folk Festival. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Dashiell highlighted several local events and developments. She also announced new airport initiatives including a $59 Orlando flight and the recent opening of the aviation maintenance school. Ms. Jackson addressed community topics and offered condolences to the family of the young man who was found in the Wicomico River. Ms. Blake reflected on recent home blessings and shared that her grandmother attended Salisbury University in 1929. She appreciated the Council’s reporting on community events. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session adjourned at 7:57 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President 2