[0:05] Good evening and welcome to the May 12th, 2025 legislative session of the Salisbury City Council. In the event of an emergency, we ask that everyone please remain calm. Exit through the double doors you came in, make a right and proceed to the stairwell. If that hallways blocked, then please exit to the left, around the corner and down the stairs. Please note, use the elevator and let us know if you need any assistance. At this time we do ask everyone please silence your cell phones. And if you are able to, please stand and join us for the pledge of allegiance.

[0:35] I

[0:40] pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:56] Thank you.

[0:57] Well, I would like to invite up Reverend Howard Travers from New Life Church to give our city invocation from Travers.

[1:03] Council,

[1:10] staff, chamber guests, would you join together with me in prayer.

[1:15] Almighty God, creator and sustainer of all life, we thank you for the gift of liberty and

[1:22] responsibility.

[1:27] This evening we look to you to guide words and actions here that discernment be wise

[1:33] over the difficult issues faced, grant strength to persevere in the ways that make for peace.

[1:40] Open eyes to see the goodness in what is done here in this room.

[1:45] Open ears that they may hear you,

[1:50] that they might be kind and compassionate in responses

[1:53] and in what is done here, enter wisdom and direction to know the right decisions to make.

[2:01] Franchor strength to resist that which draws away from unity and good and fair judge.

[2:08] As that you strengthen courage, strengthen resolve to stand up in defense of those difficult

[2:13] issues known to be just in accordance with your word.

[2:24] Our great city, honors our state, makes proud our families.

[2:35] Thank you, Reverend Travers, for your invocation.

[2:37] This time we'll turn to our city clerk Miss English to review tonight's agenda.

[2:42] Miss English?

[2:44] Good evening.

[2:47] This evening's agenda has several meeting minutes for approval.

[2:53] And one, two, three, four, five resolutions, and we have seven

[3:05] ordinances followed by public comment and adjournment.

[3:09] Thank you Miss English.

[3:11] This time I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda as presented.

[3:15] Second.

[3:16] Any proposed changes or amendments to the agenda?

[3:20] Hearing none, all those in favor of adopting the agenda as presented, please signify by saying aye.

[3:25] Aye.

[3:25] Any opposed?

[3:26] first. Hearing none, the Chair votes aye and the agenda is adopted. Ms. English will

[3:32] turn to you again to present the consent agenda. I will entertain a motion to, I'm sorry,

[3:38] Ms. English, can you present the consent agenda? First resolution is resolution number 3382

[3:45] to annex certain land to be known as Pineway, Bohenka-Kia annexation, as described in the

[3:56] Consisting of 2.954 acres more or less into the city of Salisbury and to provide for the terms and conditions of the annexation.

[4:06] Miss English just the contingent the contingent to present the contingent. I'm so sorry. It's been a long day.

[4:13] Consent agenda consists of meeting minutes for approval. They are as follows.

[4:19] October 21st, 2024, work session, November 4th, 2024, work session, November 12th, 2024, legislative session, November 18th, 2024, work session, November 25th, 2024, legislative session, and December 2nd, 2024, work session, we have been very busy.

[4:42] Seeing.

[4:42] Thank you.

[4:43] English.

[4:44] I will continue motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.

[4:47] Second.

[4:49] All right.

[4:49] The motion on the floor is to approve the consent agenda.

[4:53] All those in favor.

[4:53] Please signify by saying aye.

[4:55] Aye.

[4:55] Any opposed?

[4:57] Hearing none.

[4:57] The Chair votes aye.

[4:58] And the consent agenda has been.

[5:00] Approved.

[5:03] This time, we will turn to resolution number 3382. Who's English? If you want to read that for the record one more time. I will do it one more time. Resolution number 3382 to annex. Certainly, and to be known as Pineway, pohanka, Kia annexation, as described in the property description and annexation plat. Attached and incorporated as exhibits herein consisting of 2.954 acres more or less into the city of Salisbury.

[5:32] to provide for the terms and conditions of the annexation.

[5:36] Interimation of motion 2, a pro-resolution number 3382 has presented.

[5:41] So moved.

[5:41] Second.

[5:42] Any questions or discussion from the council?

[5:44] No.

[5:46] All right.

[5:46] Here none.

[5:47] The motion of the floor is to approve resolution number 3382.

[5:49] All those in favor.

[5:50] Please signify by saying aye.

[5:51] Aye.

[5:52] Any opposed?

[5:53] Here none.

[5:54] The Chair votes aye.

[5:55] Resolution number 3382 is approved.

[5:57] Approved.

[5:58] I will entertain a motion to approve resolution number 3395.

[6:02] I moved.

[6:04] Second.

[6:05] Go ahead.

[6:05] Is English?

[6:07] Resolution number 3395 is appointing Brad Phillips to the zoo commission for term ending May

[6:14] 2028.

[6:15] Any questions or discussion from the council?

[6:18] No.

[6:18] Motion of the floor.

[6:19] Resolution number 3395.

[6:21] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[6:23] Aye.

[6:24] Any opposed?

[6:25] First. Hearing none, the Chair votes aye. Resolution number 3395 is approved.

[6:31] I will introduce an motion to approve. Resolution number 3396.

[6:35] So moved.

[6:37] In a second.

[6:38] Second.

[6:41] Resolution number 3396 is appointing Brett Murphy to the zoo commission for term ending

[6:48] May 2028.

[6:50] Questions or discussion from the council?

[6:52] motion the floor is to approve resolution number 3396. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[7:00] Aye.

[7:01] Any opposed? Hearing none, the Chair vote aye. Resolution number 3396 is approved.

[7:06] I will entertain a motion to approve resolution number 3397.

[7:10] So moved.

[7:13] Is English?

[7:14] Resolution number 3397 is to reappoint Elise Trulligan to the Sustainability Advisory Committee for term ending

[7:23] May 20, 28.

[7:28] Are there any questions or discussion from the council?

[7:31] Motion of the floor is to approve resolution number 3397.

[7:34] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[7:36] Aye.

[7:37] Any opposed?

[7:38] Hearing none, the chair votes aye.

[7:42] I will initiate a motion to approve resolution number 3398.

[7:45] Second.

[7:47] Any English?

[7:48] Resolution number 3398 is to approve the city's action plan

[7:52] for Community Development, Block, Grant, or CDBG Program Year 2025.

[8:00] Any questions or discussion from the Council?

[8:03] Motion of the floor is to approve resolution number 3398.

[8:06] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[8:08] Aye.

[8:09] Any opposed?

[8:10] Hearing none, the Chair votes aye.

[8:12] Resolution number 3398 has been approved.

[8:14] This time, we'll pivot to our ordinances.

[8:16] I will entertain a motion to approve ordinance number 2929 for second reading.

[8:23] So move.

[8:24] Second.

[8:24] Ms. Walshay.

[8:25] Good evening, everyone.

[8:26] 4 December 2929.

[8:28] This is an ordinance authorizing the mayor to appropriate funds for the park well, field

[8:33] raw water line replacement project.

[8:36] As you mentioned before you for second reading, new changes are amendments.

[8:39] Thank you.

[8:40] Thank you, Ms. Walshay.

[8:42] Are there any questions or discussion from the council?

[8:45] It's very well needed.

[8:48] The motion on the floor is to approve ordinance number 2929, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[8:54] Aye.

[8:55] Any opposed?

[8:56] Hearing none, the Chair votes aye.

[8:58] The motion passes and ordinance number 2929 is adopted.

[9:04] I will entertain a motion to approve ordinance number 2930 for second reading.

[9:09] So moved.

[9:10] Second.

[9:10] 20th number 2930. This is an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with the Maryland State Arts Council for the purpose of accepting grant funds in the amount of $10,000 and to approve a budget amendment to the grant fund to appropriate these funds for expenses associated with the planning process for a new art installation in the city park again before you for a second reading. No changes are amendments since first.

[9:34] Thank you. Thank you Ms. Bolsheh. Any questions or discussion from the council?

[9:42] Motion of the

[9:42] floor is to approve ordinance number 2930. All those in favor, please say goodbye by saying aye.

[9:48] Aye.

[9:49] Any opposed? Hearing none, the Chair votes aye. The motion passes and ordinance number 2930 is adopted.

[9:56] it. I want to stay in the motion to approve, or is number 290-

[10:00] 3-3 for first reading. The move. Second. Board is number 2933. This is an ordinance approving a budget amendment of the FY 2025 General Fund budget to appropriate funds to the Swalsbury Fire Department's operating budget. After the city has been reimbursed, 1863 dollars in five cents from insurance proceeds for repairs to the assistant chief's vehicle. This is before you for first reading, no changes since the presentation during work session. Thank you. Are there any questions or discussion from the

[10:29] the council.

[10:32] Motion of the floor is to approve on its number 2933. All those in favor

[10:37] please say aye. Any opposed? Hearing none. The Chair votes aye. Emotion passes.

[10:44] Ones number 2933 is approved. I have an entertainer motion to approve. Ones number 2934 for first

[10:52] reading. Move. Second. Ones number 2934 is an

[10:56] authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with the Department of Housing and Community Development for the purpose of accepting grant funds and the amount of 250,000 dollars, authorizing the mayor to enter into a sub-recipient agreement with the Railroad Avenue Investments LLC and to approve a budget amendment to the grant fund to appropriate the aforementioned funds to be used for eligible expenses associated with the Union Railway Station Stabilization Project before you first reading.

[11:22] Are

[11:26] there any questions or discussion from the council?

[11:29] I just want to make sure that everyone is clear that these are, this is a grant for

[11:33] a particular project.

[11:35] It can't be used for anything else.

[11:37] And once we enter into an agreement, it's an agreement to use for that project, correct?

[11:42] Is that how I read it?

[11:43] And understand it?

[11:45] That was a good point, council, Vice President.

[11:49] My question was going to be eligible expenses.

[11:52] Did we, I know there's been some discussion before, have we gone through and made sure that

[11:57] we are in alignment with, yes, the, yeah, so they submit a subrecipiment agreement with

[12:04] eligible expenses and it's verified by us, it is a reimbursement grant as well.

[12:08] So it has to be an eligible expenditure, we'll go through that with our grants administrator

[12:14] and then move forward.

[12:16] Thank you for that, Mr. Council.

[12:18] Any other questions?

[12:19] Any questions or discussion?

[12:20] I'm Council.

[12:21] All right.

[12:21] Motion on the floor is to approve.

[12:23] Ones number 2934.

[12:26] All those in favor, please think about by saying aye.

[12:28] Aye.

[12:29] Any opposed?

[12:30] Hearing none.

[12:31] The Chair votes aye.

[12:32] And orders number 2934 has been approved.

[12:36] I will entertain a motion to approve.

[12:37] Ones number 2934.

[12:39] I'm sorry.

[12:41] 2934 has been approved.

[12:42] I will entertain a motion to approve.

[12:43] Ones number 2935 for first reading.

[12:47] This is the FY 2026 budget ordinance, ordinance number 2935, which would appropriate 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, the parking authority, City Marina, and storm water funds.

[13:13] Any questions or discussion from the council?

[13:18] I think we've really went through that budget pretty good.

[13:22] Yes.

[13:22] Don't you think?

[13:24] Motion from the floor is to approve ordinance number 2935.

[13:28] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[13:30] Aye.

[13:31] Any opposed?

[13:32] Hearing none, the travel to aye and ordinance number 2935 is approved.

[13:37] I would just need a motion to approve ordinance number 2936 for first reading.

[13:41] second.

[13:43] Board of the number 2936 this is the FY 2026 water sewer rates at the mayor level.

[13:50] Specifically, it's to amend water and sewer rates to increase by 6% and making changes

[13:55] effective for all bills dated October 1, 2025 and thereafter and lessen until subsequently

[14:01] revised or changed before you first read it.

[14:04] Thank you.

[14:05] Any questions or discussion from the council?

[14:07] I have a point of discussion for this.

[14:09] I would just like we talked about it during the budget several times, but make it clear

[14:14] from the administration's office the detail of reasons for the increase rate and the

[14:21] explanation for the pending and current expenses with the things that we need to develop

[14:28] going forward.

[14:29] I don't know if you want to do it through a media bliss, the Facebook thing, but just like

[14:34] kind of really go out there and educate the public about this increase.

[14:39] Yeah, I covered it in my budget letter, but yeah, I agree.

[14:42] It's primarily from the debt that we're having to take for the PFAS.

[14:45] Some marginal increases in cost as well, but that's where we are.

[14:51] Thank you for that.

[14:52] Yeah, I know we underscored that during budgets.

[14:53] So thank you, Council Vice President, for not scoring that as well.

[14:56] I think it's important for the public to see.

[15:00] Item 4 is to approve, ordinance number 293, 6. Are all those in favor, please stand by by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?

[15:08] Hearing none, the chair votes aye. And ordinance number 2936 is approved. I want to name motion to approve, ordinance number 2937 for first reading.

[15:17] So moved. Second.

[15:18] Board is number 2937. This is the 2026 fee ordinance, and it's to set fees for FY 2026, and they're after a lesson until subsequently revised or changed.

[15:30] Are there any questions or discussion from the council?

[15:33] Through that with a fine tooth gum, so I think we really did a good job with that I think.

[15:38] The most shown the floor is to approve ordinance number 2937. All is in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[15:44] Hi.

[15:45] Any opposed?

[15:46] No.

[15:47] The Chair votes aye.

[15:48] Ones number 2937 is approved.

[15:51] Thank you, Ms. Boucher.

[15:51] Thank you, Council.

[15:52] This time we'll pivot to the public comments portion of the agenda.

[15:56] Those who wish to speak tonight may do so by entering going to the podium.

[16:01] You have three minutes to speak on any topic for the legislative session.

[16:05] And we'll start with just as to you just announce your name and if you are a city resident.

[16:10] We look forward to hearing from you.

[16:16] If you want to go to the podium.

[16:18] Thank you so much Susan Holt and I'm a resident of Salisbury

[16:24] Thank you for letting me speak

[16:27] The City of Salisbury Public Art Committee of which I'm the chair is composed of community members and our

[16:34] Professionals right now. There we are. Thank you so much. Yes. Okay

[16:40] The

[16:44] City of Salisbury Public Art Committee is composed of community members and our professionals

[16:49] It was established in the fall of 2023 as recommended by the city's public art master plan.

[16:57] The PAC serves to review, prioritize and recommend proposals for public art from city agencies and the public.

[17:07] We oppose the unilateral removal of a popular community sponsored crosswalk which celebrates diversity.

[17:16] For more than a year, we have voiced our disagreement with the mayor's plan to remove

[17:23] or replace the crosswalk.

[17:26] Since its inception, the PAC has recognized the need to establish procedures and guidelines

[17:34] for the removal or modification of public art.

[17:38] With the guidance of the author of the Salisbury Public Art Master Plan, a draft amendment

[17:44] to clarify policies is nearing completion and will be submitted to the city for review

[17:51] and ratification as soon as possible.

[17:55] Until such time that comprehensive procedures are adopted to remove existing public art,

[18:03] it is the PAC's strong recommendation that the RFP for the crosswalk canvas at the proposed

[18:11] location be designated to another intersection in the city or withdrawn. Thank you.

[18:19] Thank you Miss Hope. We appreciate your service to the Public Arts Committee.

[18:32] All right my name is Casey. I'm a city resident and I agree with Susan Hope, obviously.

[18:39] Exactly one year ago I stood right here and I warned you exactly what was going to happen.

[18:44] I warned you of his cultural war that was going to happen and here we are in the middle of it.

[18:50] The mayor's continued crusade against the LGBTQ community by erasing the pride

[18:54] crawl swalcs, and by using the very same executive actions he has been

[18:59] extremely critical of, past mayor's using, as well as bypassing the process

[19:03] as described in our public art master plan, may rise to the level of misfeasants.

[19:10] I just learned that word, which the city charter defines as the improper doing of

[19:16] an act which a person might lawfully do.

[19:20] After hearing a recent interview with Don Rush on Del Marguer Public Radio, he has made

[19:25] it abundantly clear that he intends on Eurasian Black Lives Matter Boulevard.

[19:32] The city is a melting pot of a wide variety of cultures that are that all deserve to be

[19:38] seen, celebrated, and made to feel welcome in a city that promotes all our welcome here.

[19:45] Mr.

[19:48] Mayor, your RFP, with a $3,000 stipend attached to it, to find a qualified artist as defined by our public art master plan, is frankly insulting to Mr. Mayor.

[20:00] Artists as a whole. You are clearly not very well informed on what the cost of time, quality, materials, labor, and maintenance are to create a piece of public art. At $3,000, you would be asking an artist to pay the remaining cost of installing the piece out of pocket. As you consulted with the arts professionals on the public art committee, you would have known the proper cost associated with contracting a qualified artist to design and install a piece of public art.

[20:28] you do not have the support for this, please drop it. However, if you want to do a community

[20:34] canvas which I think is actually a really brilliant idea, please leave it to the professionals

[20:41] on the Public Art Committee and please choose another location or let us help you choose

[20:47] another location. Thank you. Thank you, KTM. Appreciate your service to the Public Arts Committee.

[20:52] Good afternoon.

[20:55] David James, City resident.

[20:58] I just have a concern, and that's on permits.

[21:02] About a month or so back, my church,

[21:05] we had got a permit through the mayor to do a praise in the park,

[21:09] and at the same time, unknowing to the mayor,

[21:12] there was also a permit for a rally.

[21:15] Not to say what kind of rally it is, but it was a rally.

[21:19] Both sides did cooperate.

[21:21] Both sides did not have a problem.

[21:23] However, law enforcement there even said the rally and the fact that we were a

[21:29] Christian organization could have went in a different direction if we weren't

[21:33] actually people who would get along. So if we can, please not have two people or two

[21:38] different places given permits because conflicting sides sometimes can cause a lot

[21:43] of problems. Thank you.

[21:46] I think if

[21:50] administration is tracking that, thank you for your concern.

[21:54] Good evening. First of all, I'm not a city resident. I'm a city business person.

[21:59] Do I still able to speak? Yes, the term is just if you are a city resident.

[22:02] I'm going to give this if you want to give it to the clerk the moment

[22:05] for that. There's nothing for everyone. Okay.

[22:10] Thank you so much. Thank you.

[22:12] My name is Don D. Aquila. I have the property down to 25 Cypress Street,

[22:17] just down the street from this property, just down the street from the police department.

[22:20] it's come to my attention on several occasions that you know our police

[22:25] department does not have take home cars and the reason I'm here tonight

[22:30] speaking strictly for myself I'm not been solicited for anybody but let me just

[22:35] go down my list officer retention is certainly huge all the municipalities

[22:40] that I'm familiar with locally have take home cars okay now additional benefits

[22:46] associated with the take home cars beyond officer retention is the vehicles equipped with

[22:53] the individual officer's work items in the area in which is immediately available.

[22:57] Response and inventory is key. Looking for anything associated with policing raises safety

[23:04] concern for the officers and the people being served. Sometimes seconds make a difference.

[23:12] Having a take home vehicle, you will find that maintenance costs are absolutely reduced.

[23:16] You can ask any municipality that question.

[23:19] You can ask the state police that question.

[23:21] You can ask the sheriff's department that question.

[23:24] Individual officer's vehicle makes them responsible for making sure that the vehicle is maintained

[23:28] properly, thus reducing cost of maintenance.

[23:31] Keeping the vehicle in top mechanical and appearance, again reduces cost, adds to the vehicle life

[23:37] and adds to the officer's readiness and public safety.

[23:41] Example an officer in a rotating ship vehicle uses the last cost and tape, the last flared.

[23:47] It doesn't feel the vehicle would feel fails to report a maintenance issue, and the next officer

[23:51] starts the ship with its shipability, the above items.

[23:54] There's a compromise to being able to do the job efficiently, professionally, and safely.

[24:00] The officer considers the vehicle as theirs and takes care of it accordingly.

[24:05] If you watch any TV program, you say they say my vehicle.

[24:10] Abuse of vehicles is unlikely due to the vehicle being used to travel to and from headquarters.

[24:17] Response time will be better.

[24:19] Neighborhood visibility, I would think that bad behavior doesn't happen as often in a neighborhood where there's an officer with a police vehicle in the driveway.

[24:27] The cost of training an officer in my opinion, you would know better than myself, but I think I'm pretty close.

[24:33] Probably as close to $100,000 to lose a well-trained officer to a surrounding agency because

[24:39] of a take home vehicle should not have to be a reason for the officer leaving.

[24:44] I'm currently a tow provider for the city of Salisbury. I'm very familiar with our Salisbury

[24:48] Police Department. They work hard, they are dedicated to serving our great city,

[24:54] and we have to do what it takes to give them the tools they need to safely and professionally

[25:00] Form, their duties. Additionally, I am of the opinion that the city of Salis-Bernick's residents

[25:05] will see the positive results and support them. And do what it takes to improve our police

[25:11] department and able them to perform their jobs to the highest of standards. If I can be

[25:17] of any assistance in helping the police department with maximizing the department's maintenance

[25:21] and procurement cost, I have 50 plus years of automotive experience and business experience.

[25:26] I would be glad to volunteer to assist.

[25:30] Thank you.

[25:30] You're so welcome.

[25:32] And you were pretty close.

[25:33] I think the last numbers were about 80 to 88,000 in the training officer.

[25:37] And while the mayor's office did not propose any new vehicles, the mayor's office did see

[25:41] fit to add seven more vehicles to their fleet, so we're trying to get close to a number.

[25:44] But thank you for your comment, sir.

[25:47] Joe Schifino, Sal's very resident.

[25:50] I just want to take a minute and address an issue that affects too many Maryland counties

[25:55] and cities.

[25:56] It's a massive conflict of interest, in my opinion.

[26:00] The Ycomical County Council recently rectified this, and I'd urge this Council to follow

[26:06] a suit and do likewise.

[26:07] I'm referring to local ethics commissions.

[26:10] I did some investigating, and I found that a majority of Maryland's cities and counties

[26:17] use the City and County solicitor also for an ethics commission.

[26:23] In my opinion, that represents a huge conflict of interest.

[26:27] During an ethics investigation, the solicitor is being asked to pass judgment on and advise

[26:34] an ethics commission if a violation is occurred and should it be further investigated.

[26:39] This puts the solicitor in a potentially compromised position.

[26:44] How can the public have confidence in a procedure that is done confidentially and advised by the

[26:51] same solicitor who was hired by and works for the people that they are supposedly investigating.

[27:02] Hiding behind the confidentiality cloak, the Ethics Commission will not provide any

[27:06] reasons for dismissing an Ethics complaint. Further, there's no way for the public to know if a

[27:14] member of an Ethics Commission is a personal friend of the elected official being investigated.

[27:22] Again, it's a conflict of interest hidden from the public view.

[27:27] Maryland that this commission's as they set up now, in my opinion, only act as protection

[27:32] or acted for the elected officials it's supposed to be investigating, therefore I don't have

[27:38] any confidence that they're functioning as envisioned by the public.

[27:42] In order to help restore some confidence in the ethics complaint process, I would urge

[27:47] this council to follow the lead of the white comical county council, and allow the ethics

[27:52] commission to hire its own council as needed, preferably from outside the city or the

[27:58] county.

[27:59] Thank you.

[28:00] Thank you.

[28:13] Anything cold?

[28:14] Not yet.

[28:17] 30 pounds.

[28:18] Time's short.

[28:19] I'm sorry.

[28:20] I'm sorry.

[28:23] I'm sorry.

[28:24] I'm sorry.

[28:25] Anything cold.

[28:27] Anything cold.

[28:28] And as part of the LGBTQ community sense, it makes sound ironic that I am not for the

[28:36] crosswalk.

[28:37] But at the same time, as soon as you can see all sides of topics and come in technical

[28:46] feelings, I'm highly against getting rid of it.

[28:49] I would imagine that it would, I assume, come out city money and time to get rid of something

[28:56] that was free to the community. Not to mention, we've talked about numerous times just 100 feet

[29:04] a little more away from the crosswalk, the absence of a railing for protection that needs to be done,

[29:12] not tripping an upright down, but that's something that should be done can be there something that

[29:16] should be reversed real close. And I can see where I think one is coming from with having more

[29:26] But equality to it, because the LGBT crosswalk there supports the LGBT community but no other

[29:34] community.

[29:35] Okay, sure.

[29:36] So what I would suggest maybe is finding a crosswalk, there's at least a few, at least three

[29:44] different intersections downtown.

[29:47] Suggest to any other demographic, any other group was you would like to paint a crosswalk

[29:52] down town and maybe if you want to get down town next to the hippodrome in Baltimore have a zipper.

[30:00] Something more artistic. Something that shows more enthusiasm for other arts and other groups of people. I get it may seem like we're kind of excluding LGBT or we'll have to, we can put other groups and other intersections. That's all it is, we're done to make it equal after all. Of course they can volunteer to paint the role in intersection without getting rid of any others and reversing what is considered social priority.

[30:29] us. That's all I got to say toward that statement. Thank you. Thank you.

[30:40] Good evening, Robert Taylor,

[30:42] Salisbury resident. I didn't come here to speak to the take home police car matter but I think

[30:48] that might be worth considering. I did come to speak about affordable housing and I've

[30:54] like the gentleman said earlier a year ago I stood at this podium and talked about that,

[30:59] That said, the same thing.

[31:00] When are we going to do something about it?

[31:02] The council, former mayor, have been talking about those for years.

[31:07] Nothing's been done.

[31:09] There was a series of meetings at the new fire headquarters station over the last six

[31:15] or eight months.

[31:16] I think President Dowdy arranged those meetings to discuss the housing situation.

[31:22] There was some discussion of requiring developers when they do a subdivision to provide so much affordable housing.

[31:33] That's a good idea I suggested that a year ago. We know other places do it. It can be done. It's not the hardest thing in the world to do.

[31:41] It takes some ordinances, but they're fairly commonplace. In addition to that, there's other things we can do.

[31:49] So we have these tax giveaway programs I'm speaking primarily of the Horizon Program up

[31:57] to a 20-year tax waiver.

[32:00] If people want tax waivers, they should be required to provide affordable housing.

[32:05] For example, we now have 20 years under the Horizon Program, frankly, I think that should

[32:10] be reduced to 10, but that's a different matter.

[32:13] But if somebody wants any of that horizon program,

[32:18] let's say 25% affordable housing requirement for the first five years.

[32:25] They want to extend it beyond that. They've got to up that.

[32:28] If they want to go another five years, say they've got to go to 30% affordable housing.

[32:32] If they want to go to 15 years, they've got to go to 35. If they want the full 20%, 40%.

[32:38] And I mean really serious affordable housing, where it's dedicated, it's in the land records, it can't be just dissolved and done away with if the developer flips the property to somebody else.

[32:52] We need to form a workgroup and get started on this. We've talked about it for years, including this council for months now.

[33:01] And it's time to get going on it.

[33:03] As I say, the horizon of week, other things, here is home.

[33:07] Pilot programs, anything we're doing, tips if we ever get into those.

[33:12] They should be required to provide affordable housing at a reasonable rate.

[33:18] And that would be, for example, 60% of area median income.

[33:23] Not 95% real affordable housing.

[33:27] And if we're not going to do anything about it,

[33:29] Let's stop talking about it.

[33:31] Good night.

[33:32] Thank you.

[33:33] I agree, Mr. Taylor.

[33:34] We have, we pause on that because the, the suggestion was to make sure it was part of the

[33:39] conference and plan review which that is going on but also there are a few developments

[33:43] that are part of the process now that have been grandfathered in with pilots and here's

[33:47] home and they are not receiving those benefits so it wouldn't be prudent of us to continue

[33:51] with ordinances and resolutions that would honor those, that would guarantee those if that

[33:57] I'm not being honored at the administrative level, so Councilfully support it, but it has to be done on both legislative and administrative side, so we would do it, but if we legislate it, it has to be done administratively.

[34:15] I'll remember that, Mr. Taylor, sorry.

[34:18] That's okay.

[34:19] Hi, my name is Liza Mackinty.

[34:21] I was actually not planning on speaking at all tonight, and then two things happened on my way here that are now motivating me to come up to the podium.

[34:28] So some of you may know my name from an email chain that I've started with.

[34:32] Some of you regarding a littering problem that I'm having with DR Horton construction, they

[34:40] I reside near Pemberton Elementary.

[34:43] They are rapidly putting up houses in my neighborhood and are being extremely irresponsible with

[34:49] their construction garbage.

[34:50] I have found dead wildlife tangled up in plastic sheeting, it's been a mess.

[34:56] I reached out to them many times, they completely ignored me.

[35:00] They did not start responding to me until I got the city involved, and then suddenly they wanted to talk. So I do really appreciate the response. From the city, when I reached out, I'm very grateful for the initial action that was taken on that. I do want to point out, unfortunately, the problem is continuing. They are continuing to ignore me. They are continuing to not control their site. They are leaving overflowing dumpsters,

[35:29] uncovered with lightweight trash that is not contained in bags. It's just blowing all over the place.

[35:35] They're well aware that it's a high wind site and they just don't seem interested in responding to me or

[35:41] addressing the problem. Tonight I got a text from a neighbor of mine that she was walking her dog in the

[35:49] neighborhood and found a like bag of concrete in the pond that had blown in there and it was right near

[35:58] on my way here, one of the contractor trucks that was in front of me was driving through the neighborhood and nails were like just pouring out of the back of the truck and are now all over the road.

[36:12] So, ultimately, I don't know what has been done thus far to address DR Horton and other developers that are irresponsible in their site management and their trash management.

[36:23] but it is disrupting local communities, other homeowners, and it is harming wildlife.

[36:30] It is such an easily addressable problem. These are grown adults who are perfectly capable

[36:36] of cleaning up after themselves, and yet do not seem interested in doing so. I don't know

[36:41] if fines have been levied against them, but frankly, I think that hitting them in the wallet

[36:47] is maybe the only way that they might actually listen to this issue and address it.

[36:51] I know that there's been a big movement lately to keep Sal's very clean, keep it litter-free.

[36:56] I know there are fines that can be levied.

[36:59] This is such a fixable problem.

[37:01] It's so simple.

[37:02] I can't believe I even have to get up here and talk about it.

[37:06] They need to be responsible for their trash, and so I just wanted to bring that additionally

[37:10] to the city's attention, so that while life are not harmed, communities are not disrupted,

[37:15] and that new development coming in knows that they are going to be held to account by the city

[37:18] to be responsible for their debris. Thank you.

[37:21] Thank you so much for coming and making that comment.

[37:25] I was going to let you know that I was going to go out there myself so I can see it.

[37:29] But you mentioned about the nails and I don't want to buy for brand news.

[37:33] But I miss English. Can you make a note for me to check into that?

[37:37] Because this is a second concern not only from contractors but from general public

[37:41] about trash and trash compactors and management.

[37:44] So I think we need to look into legislating that so that we can

[37:47] and our code enforcement officers and our DHCD team

[37:49] can actually hope people accountable.

[37:51] So thank you.

[37:52] We did go out there, and we've done two follow-ups.

[37:56] We haven't issued any fines yet,

[37:58] but every day is another day for them to make a mess.

[38:01] So it's one of these things we're gonna have to stay on it.

[38:03] And that's what we're gonna have to do,

[38:04] is we're gonna have to do 30 days, 30 days, whatever it takes.

[38:07] But we can get their attention, I can assure you.

[38:09] I appreciate it.

[38:10] I find that we will be able to do it, and thank you.

[38:13] It is.

[38:20] So Lynn Bratton, good evening, and I do have a kind thing to say, congratulations to

[38:28] our one of my former students on a wonderful promotion and an exit.

[38:33] Maybe I'm shaking somebody's thunder, but I'm very proud to say that he was a James and

[38:39] Bennett graduate under my time there, and I wish him only the best and the most successful

[38:44] career possible.

[38:46] I'll miss having you around here at some point and the second I actually I actually went to

[38:53] Eastern after I after 20 years I crossed the Bay Bridge all by myself the other day drove

[39:00] it myself and I treated myself to ice cream at a lovely little store in Eastern checking out your

[39:05] did exactly that. But I'm here today to just make a commercial for our community

[39:14] players of Salisbury. On Friday night, we are producing heroes of the Eastern Shore

[39:21] a World War II presentation written by Matt Bogden, who is the president of community

[39:28] players and a retired English teacher from Pokemon. He has done several stories,

[39:37] storytelling series out there that have been amazing. This one is being offered

[39:43] free of charge to anyone who wants to come through a grant that Matt was able to

[39:49] get from the Beach to Bay Heritage Foundation and it's also going to be taken on

[39:55] The first one will be Friday night at 7.30.

[40:00] At our center on letters crossroad, we have a burgeoning new, I think that's a word, theater that we're putting together. And we would invite anyone that would like to see it firsthand to come out and enjoy an evening of theater and fellowship, particularly if you have anyone who is a retired military or anyone in your families who served. These are first person stories that Matt has researched. And we would love to have others added to it.

[40:29] as time goes on. He of course could only get so much into one show. So we're not looking

[40:36] to hurt anyone's feelings by being not. We're looking for expanding experiences through

[40:42] camaraderie and discussion. After that we're going to be at the American Legion in Princess

[40:47] Ann, the American Legion in Easton, the American Legion in Ocean City, the American Legion

[40:53] and in Salisbury and the VFW in Cambridge.

[40:57] And I'm sure next year, I guess I can't talk for anybody else.

[41:02] You never assume, but hopefully it will be an ongoing program

[41:06] that he will continue to expand and that we

[41:09] through the Community Players Association in Salisbury

[41:12] can offer to the public as a service recognizing our heroes.

[41:17] Thank you.

[41:18] Thank you.

[41:26] Public comments.

[41:35] Seeing none.

[41:38] Seeing none, this, I do adjourn this meeting and we will transition to our work session time

[41:43] is now 6.41.

[41:45] We will start tonight's work session with an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter

[41:49] to a contract with DNR Waterway Improvement Fund from some members of our fire department.

[41:55] So we welcome you and if you can just state your name and title for the record, we're glad

[41:59] to hear from you tonight.

[42:03] Hello, everybody done.

[42:04] Good.

[42:05] I'm Deputy Chief Chris O'Barsky.

[42:07] I'm Deputy Chief Chris Truett.

[42:10] You can't get us wrong.

[42:11] Chris calls Chris who I answer.

[42:12] It makes it easy.

[42:15] If I can ask, we have four items to go over this evening.

[42:20] Is it okay that if we're up here, we can go over all four.

[42:23] Let's do it.

[42:24] Just let me.

[42:24] Okay.

[42:25] One of them will cross off the list.

[42:27] Thank you.

[42:28] It'll be one, two, four, and five.

[42:30] Oh, and I knew which one.

[42:31] I just wouldn't know this one.

[42:31] I'll state which ones it would be.

[42:33] I mean, say on track here.

[42:34] Thank you.

[42:34] Okay, so the grant funds for the DNR boat motor.

[42:38] So you may remember last year, we received a grant

[42:41] for a little bit larger boat motor for our skiff,

[42:48] which is about a 16-foot skiff.

[42:51] This year, last year was a 50-50 grant.

[42:55] We had to pay, I think the total cost was around 12,000.

[42:57] And we had to pay half of that.

[42:59] And then this year I wrote for a smaller boat motor for our John boat, which is a 14-foot

[43:07] John boat, to replace a rather old and aging and highly maintenance boat motor.

[43:15] It was started out as a 50-50 grand, however, as the year went on, the state said they had

[43:24] some money that they could pay for the whole motor.

[43:27] So it actually switched in the middle, everything.

[43:31] So the original grant was for half, however it switched

[43:35] and became full.

[43:37] So that's why it's 2,156 versus what was going to be half.

[43:43] I'm sorry.

[43:47] The wind of order counts as, no.

[43:54] and then it's a reimbursement grant so they will reimburse us the money so

[43:59] that process has already started. Excellent. You need to add.

[44:04] I don't have any questions.

[44:07] I'm going to go home for the next one in the

[44:10] election. We have consensus. Yes, all right, perfect.

[44:15] No, that isn't really good for the state to offer that up. I'm not sure if you

[44:19] all solicited that but that is good. We appreciate it. Yeah, no, I did not solicit

[44:22] that they actually reached out to me right before Christmas and the state of

[44:27] Greece said that they would have wanted from a different

[44:29] grant to cover it. So then we had to go that route. So we're

[44:32] having it.

[44:35] Next. Next is you. Is this filming? Yeah, it's you for

[44:39] the rich man. Oh, for what? I thought you all figured this out

[44:41] before he. Now we have the budget amendment. I'm sorry. I didn't know

[44:51] that was me because I didn't wait for it.

[44:55] The next is an ordinance offer us in the Mayor's

[44:58] enter to a contract with Title Hall for the-

[45:00] Purpose of accepting the subgranate funds in the amount of $74,740, and this is to be used for the partial salary and benefits for the SWIFT community paramedic. This has been going on now for a couple of years. And this is just to continue that grant for that SWIFT program.

[45:22] Okay, anything that's changed with this. I know that, if I remember correctly from last year,

[45:28] portion of this covers the actual medical professionals or my mixness up with

[45:33] something else. So this covers the MDC and paramedics. So this is yeah gosh

[45:37] these are the the the accurate. Yeah this doesn't I don't know if you were

[45:41] thinking it covered the nurse practitioners. I think that was the yes. Yeah no it

[45:44] doesn't. I'll cover them. Okay. Right. No. Perfect. Thank you. All right council

[45:50] any other questions moving forward? No. I'm good. We have a consistent move this

[45:54] forward. Yes. Thank you. So next we'll talk about we had a recent sale of some surplus

[46:05] radios and we lumped it all together it was radios lapel microphones and belt clips just

[46:11] under 19,000 and we would like this to be allocated to our medical supplies account. We've been

[46:18] pushing off the replacement of our video luringoscopes for quite a while now and we have

[46:23] a few that have some crack screens and things like that. And starting July 1, it's going

[46:27] to be moved from an optional to a mandated thing for the state. And we've had these video

[46:33] scopes for a while. But these newer ones will be a lot more user-friendly. The folks seem

[46:38] to like the hands-on a little bit more. And yeah, the old cameras are about 10 years old,

[46:43] so the batteries are not lasting. What's going to be the, so how many cameras will these

[46:50] This will allow us to outfit all six transport units.

[46:54] That's all I need to know, okay, good, yeah.

[46:56] We approve.

[46:57] Yeah.

[46:59] It does matter, it matters.

[47:00] It does.

[47:01] No, I was, so I just, I know that we, you know, Council did approve for, or we were in

[47:09] support of, you know, the new radio, especially when it didn't know about, you know, the new

[47:13] radio's worse, but this is a, you know, a good, if it's going from something that is not

[47:16] optional to mandate it, and this is going to cover the feeble scope, I think that's

[47:19] something good.

[47:19] Just want to make sure we just make that known there. So we have consensus council. Yes, fantastic next item is true. All right

[47:28] So talking about sir pluses. We also had a few heart monitors that we were no longer able to be utilized

[47:38] Put them out on gov deals and we're able to sell them

[47:43] just over $6,000 and we'd like this to be moved over to our vehicle's account as well as the building account.

[47:51] The breakdown is in the actual ordinance if you need it.

[47:55] It is $2

[47:59] ,141 into the vehicle's account and building account by $4,000.

[48:05] And we recently have had some unexpected calls since our older staff vehicles.

[48:10] one of the fire marshal trucks had an airbag sensor recall and evidently Ford

[48:15] doesn't make that airbag sensor anymore so it was quite the laborious effort

[48:20] trying to find the replacement for that. Mr. Don, back there, he offered up his

[48:24] service here so no I don't know if he could find it, but I'm gonna hit him up

[48:29] and he's laughing, I'm serious. It is safe now, it's replaced and we also had to

[48:37] Replace an entry door at fire station one. Okay. It was if somebody ever tried to get into that

[48:44] You had to really like wrench on the door to get in and out

[48:46] So we were able to replace both of those, but again, fortunately this amount will offset that

[48:53] Perfect. I can't see any any questions

[48:55] No, can just to move forward. Yes, yes fantastic. Thank you all. Thank you very much. Yes, appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you for

[49:02] So, thank you for accumulating all this money.

[49:05] This is wonderful.

[49:06] This is wonderful.

[49:06] Right there in budget season.

[49:08] Yeah, no, no, no.

[49:09] Next we'll move to an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter to a contract for the Maryland

[49:14] Arts Council and we'll invite up the events and culture manager, Caroline Ohher.

[49:18] There she is.

[49:19] Yes.

[49:24] Good evening, Ms. Ohher.

[49:26] Good evening.

[49:27] Hello.

[49:27] So we were very happy to find that we were awarded a $5,000 grant to support a roster artist

[49:40] from the Maryland State Arts Council, so that is going to help us supplement some of

[49:46] the artist's fee costs as well as some of the back line and whatnot.

[49:53] We're very excited.

[49:53] Wonderful.

[49:54] That is very nice.

[49:56] Can you mention which artists we'll cover?

[50:00] That's actually going to cover Trump City Junction, and they are going, we had such a good time last year. They are going to do a square dance for us. So we're going to bring that back. In the beginning last year, it was me in, I think, four or five other people, and then about 10 minutes in a couple hundred or at least maybe not participating, but definitely a couple hundred watching.

[50:29] and and dozens and dozens participating so we have some footage of that as well.

[50:33] Yes, but that's good. Thank you for that. And if you're going to get and I think Beyoncé's

[50:37] on try to move we're going to try to get Beyoncé to solve that. Yeah, she's definitely.

[50:40] Yeah, well then that's good. Thank you for that. Council, any questions or comments? No,

[50:46] we appreciate that in that partnership with the Mental Arts Council is good. So thank you for that.

[50:49] Consisting forward? Yes, definitely, definitely. Thank you.

[50:52] You see?

[50:53] Councilwoman Jackson said that she'll, she will dub

[50:56] as Beyonce and put on a wig.

[50:57] So we have that.

[50:58] Oh my goodness.

[50:58] Free of charge, I think that is.

[51:00] So that, yeah.

[51:00] No, I can't.

[51:01] And the fundraiser, right?

[51:02] I'll sing beyond.

[51:03] I'm like, now baby, I'll move her.

[51:07] We have a spot on the local stage.

[51:09] You could like to.

[51:09] Thank you, miss her over here.

[51:11] Oh, goodness.

[51:12] Save the local.

[51:12] Oh, that is.

[51:13] That'll be funny.

[51:14] Scarlett.

[51:16] All right.

[51:16] Perfect.

[51:17] I love it.

[51:17] All right.

[51:19] That is any of the items or accessories?

[51:22] Perfect.

[51:22] All right.

[51:23] Seeing none, we'll pivot to the public comment section

[51:25] of the agenda.

[51:26] If you have any comments on the above items,

[51:30] you are invited to the podium to speak for three minutes.

[51:32] We'll just ask you to mention your name

[51:33] and if you are a city resident.

[51:40] It's twice.

[51:41] All right, thank you all.

[51:42] Seeing no public comments,

[51:43] we'll pivot to administration comments.

[51:45] We'll pivot to you, Mr. Kitzro.

[51:47] Thank you.

[51:48] Yes, the news is out.

[51:50] I am moving career pass to Tanavi.

[51:54] So now I have my final remarks, that my final meeting on June 23rd, so you just stuck

[51:59] with me for a few more times, but yeah, a lot more to be said there.

[52:06] Another third Friday coming up this Friday, so please come one out of the weather pending,

[52:10] and then to all of the mothers around this table, happy, belated mothers day, whether you've

[52:16] got little ones, big ones, or furry ones, happy mothers day to all of you.

[52:22] That's it.

[52:22] Thank you, Mr. Kittsrow.

[52:23] So thank you.

[52:25] Mr. Mayor.

[52:25] Yeah, I just want to speak to the folks that spoke on the topic of the crosswalks tonight.

[52:31] You know, I had a good meeting with Mark Lancy on Friday night and we talked about a few

[52:35] things.

[52:35] I think maybe that may be a reconnection on that topic.

[52:38] You know, I think, again, I am, you know, I am properly, I resent this idea that I'm doing

[52:47] something that's any gay or anything, any pride, you know, viewpoint discrimination is a problem

[52:53] And, you know, from a governmental perspective, and doing it in triplicator and duplicate

[52:59] isn't helping.

[53:00] So, I thought this was a very, this approach was a very easy way to transition from what

[53:06] I believe to be in a violation of our covenant as a municipality.

[53:10] So, that's all I'm trying to do here, and this idea of indicating me or making me seem

[53:16] to come something that I'm not is really a disservice, you know, upsetting to me, but it's

[53:21] you for that. If you're doing that, that's not what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to do what I'm

[53:26] supposed to do as a mayor in terms of this issue. You say, well, we can do more crosswalks and

[53:32] more indication of more subjects and promote more things, but that's more of the same. And so we've

[53:38] got to get, I think this might be a solution way of mitigating it and doing a community-based design

[53:43] and I'm hoping that we'll move forward that and that's talking you at the step behind. There's a

[53:47] the community. Thank you.

[53:51] Council, any comments or discussion?

[53:55] Yes. Councilman Jackson. I know hers is probably a little bit more.

[54:00] But the White House of County and WACP will be hosting May the 19th.

[54:04] They will have Dr. Stephen Leonard CEO of Title Health. So you'll learn more about the new

[54:10] Title Health that is coming in the church street area. So I would love to see some of you

[54:17] there because I am definitely going to try to make it there myself and it's at 6 p.m.

[54:23] St. James on Mac Avenue.

[54:25] You say the 19th?

[54:27] The 19th.

[54:27] And it's on the new one that's going to be on the west side?

[54:29] Yeah.

[54:29] The new community center?

[54:31] No.

[54:31] It's not a community center.

[54:33] It's the health.

[54:34] It's the health.

[54:34] Oh, yeah.

[54:35] Getting the health center.

[54:37] Okay.

[54:38] Church Street area.

[54:39] At 6 o'clock?

[54:40] It's six.

[54:40] And also, I host a VW-101-5-9 Waqamiko County Memorial hosted a homeless feeding and hunger feeding, and it was phenomenal.

[54:54] It was really phenomenal, and I would like to thank everyone who participated, donated, just...

[55:00] Praise for us. It was really a nice turnout. We had 40, but 40 is a good number for us just doing starting this. And hopefully we'll be doing this. I'm continuously each month. I'm hoping to be doing this once a month. But it was a very nice program and we had a lot of help. And I'm going to tell you we had plenty of clothes, shoes, everything, and plenty of food.

[55:28] So, you know, when I announce it the next time to take part and see what's being done, it's good to help, it's always good to help others and the community, that's what we should be doing, helping out community thrive.

[55:44] Thank you.

[55:44] Thank you, Councilman Jackson.

[55:48] And yes, I appreciate that the meeting, it is on the new one that's going to be on Moore Street, the new community clinic that's going to be on Moore Street.

[55:56] The new one on the west side, title health is a new community center on the west side of town, they're doing the same thing, similar thing as the church street one on the west side of town.

[56:04] It's really going to be really good, so this is going to highlight that.

[56:06] That's what it cleaned the line.

[56:08] Yes, yes, that's what makes sure we, yeah, it's another one they're doing too.

[56:11] Yep, so really good.

[56:13] May 19th, 6 o'clock at St. James, AMA.

[56:16] From someone to show.

[56:16] A couple of things for those of you that graduated from SU, they are going to be, they've

[56:25] already initiated it, but in September they'll be starting to celebrate with lots of activities

[56:31] a centennial celebration.

[56:33] And the one thing that I live near college students is a lot of you know, and they become friends

[56:40] and they also become problems sometimes, but we work it out.

[56:43] The athletic department at SU as of last couple of weeks have given 9,000 hours to the community.

[56:54] I think that's a huge credit to the younger generation I'm thrilled with that.

[56:58] As you well know, we've had two focus groups for feedback on the comprehensive plan.

[57:05] There'll be two more. Thank you for the fire department for hosting that.

[57:09] And there are two more coming up.

[57:12] The other thing that really warms my heart, because I've been involved with it for quite

[57:18] a few years, is hope, which is housed in the basement of the Presbyterian Church.

[57:24] And it stands for help and outreach point of entry.

[57:27] And they make it birth certificates, IDs, things like that, all available for people that

[57:33] have lost them or need them.

[57:35] And just so that you know, they are now feeding 100 plus people a lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

[57:45] That's a lot of manpower, it's also a lot of input.

[57:50] And they held a shout out for Debbie Rossi who is in charge of hope right now

[57:56] that a community resource fair last weekend, and they had 22 representatives from different agencies,

[58:04] available to anyone that needed any help, title health, care first. You had public health,

[58:13] hate focus point, housing, health insurance, different things like that. So they did a great,

[58:18] great job with that. And now I can announce that the airport breeze airways will be coming

[58:25] to the airport. They will be flying to Orlando International Airport twice a week,

[58:31] Monday and Friday, starting October 1st, and they are initiating a new route in other

[58:38] airports in Salisbury seemed to be, got the most hits this way.

[58:44] And finally, I would like to follow up on what, with a affordable housing, because you know

[58:50] that's been a pet peeve of mine, that we need housing.

[58:54] Renting is one thing, but there are also people that would like to purchase a home.

[59:00] And I think that's another piece we forget when we say we need affordable housing.

[59:05] Yes, we need it for renting, but we also need it for people who would like to have what we used

[59:10] to call a starter home, and I think that needs to be thought about in inventory as well.

[59:16] So, President Dow, if you don't mind, if we could set up a work session regardless of your comment

[59:23] with, you know, administration, if we as a council could set up a work session to put some guidelines

[59:29] in place for developers moving forward and I appreciate Bob, I like Bob Taylor, I like

[59:36] to your recommendation of percentages and I will write those down and put that fill

[59:43] that in so that moving forward we at least have taken a stand on what we expect for affordable

[59:49] housing requirements. So thank you.

[59:51] Sure, yeah, I welcome that conversation but I still stand by what I said that we can create

[59:57] a stack of legislation, but if it is not followed through in administrative

[1:00:00] Level, we are wasting our time. So I want to make that abundantly clear that I support it, but administration has to follow through. So we can get to work at, I will, we will bring that back up. So thank you for underscoring that councilman to show any of my council members on this side. Yeah. First of all, last week I got to meet with green team. I just wanted to check in with the administration. They've been trying to get some information from some of the department heads just to make informed decisions on things on projects they want to work on and gathering data information.

[1:00:29] So if I can connect with you after the meeting and we can get them the info they're asking for, that would be great.

[1:00:36] Most specifically to do water works and the water department and things like that.

[1:00:41] So if we can get them the data that they're looking for, that would be fantastic.

[1:00:45] Just want to reiterate what our exiting city administrator is highlighted and that's a third Friday, this Friday at downtown.

[1:00:59] The theme is paw prints. I do have a new puppy who I cannot promise will be on her best behavior, but she will be on behavior.

[1:01:07] She's learning. She's very friendly. We'll see how she does. This will be her first trial in a very busy public setting.

[1:01:16] This is when we can do the council. If we're gonna do our council dog. Yeah, we need to do it.

[1:01:20] I got one for you.

[1:01:22] She has four. I have four.

[1:01:25] My marks and everybody.

[1:01:28] I'm the only one who doesn't have an animal.

[1:01:30] We'll have you one.

[1:01:32] So we have some despair all of us do.

[1:01:36] Yeah, so just bring your puppies out. Come check out what's going on.

[1:01:41] I also want to highlight that Atlantis tattoo the 16th through the 18th.

[1:01:45] They're going to be doing a flash tattoo fundraiser for the Salisbury Zoo.

[1:01:49] They've done this before.

[1:01:50] They have some really cute little line design tattoos.

[1:01:53] Are you thinking about getting one?

[1:01:54] I have none.

[1:01:55] I have none.

[1:01:57] I'm not.

[1:01:58] I am.

[1:01:59] I don't do needles very easily.

[1:02:01] So that's not my jam, but they've done this before.

[1:02:04] And it was really successful last time.

[1:02:06] So I'm hoping that this one does well as well.

[1:02:10] So that's all I've got.

[1:02:11] Thank you, Councilwoman Gregory.

[1:02:14] I didn't want to ask one question.

[1:02:18] Now affordable, attainable housing is always brought to the city, but does anybody ever

[1:02:24] take it to the county because I want to say this.

[1:02:27] In my district, we have multiple affordable housing developments.

[1:02:36] That's your landing.

[1:02:37] We have been cutting.

[1:02:37] Mitchell Landing is one villager Mitchell Pond is one

[1:02:42] Rivers-Ed

[1:02:45] Gateway

[1:02:48] Westbrook

[1:02:49] Westbrook Commons

[1:02:51] St. Leonard's these are Linda's apartments leg view apartments. These places are affordable now

[1:02:58] Right now as far as a building more. I don't have a problem with I'd love to see him

[1:03:04] But what I love to see right now is the ones that

[1:03:08] have been mismanaged be revitalized and renovated up to the standards. Now if

[1:03:17] somebody wants to go about building another one I would love to see it be affordable

[1:03:21] but I would love to see it to be attainable where parents wouldn't have to work

[1:03:26] two and three jobs to make sure that their children are safe at home because a

[1:03:32] a lot of times people are actually working two or three jobs to maintain their houses or

[1:03:39] their apartments today.

[1:03:41] So this much question was, have we gone to the county because there is only one place

[1:03:47] in the county that I can actually say that it's affordable and that's stone growth on

[1:03:58] Booster Street. That's the only one that I can say this in the county actually in the county.

[1:04:04] And that should be a question for us to ask the county why aren't they building more

[1:04:10] affordable houses? It's always the city, but we're in the city, we're in the county, but the

[1:04:15] county needs to be putting something out in their county. In the county.

[1:04:21] Excuse me.

[1:04:23] You can give it to me after the meeting. Yeah.

[1:04:28] Well, it needs to be Councilman Jackson is that the city what the one you just referred to does that it's in the county

[1:04:34] Does that city water and soon they have a okay because the EU's yeah, but we would have to there's a face to that could happen for that

[1:04:40] They need to give it EU's which is

[1:04:43] But it's still counting

[1:04:45] Yeah, they have but they have access to

[1:04:47] Mr.

[1:04:48] Get your own all we can't have you okay never mind

[1:04:52] And his dad been knowing him for how many yes, Andy yes

[1:04:55] from the county, from the county to the city.

[1:05:00] And I hate to see you leave. Yes. Thank you, Councilman Jackson. Yeah.

[1:05:07] This one next. I'll just be coming up with that podium and having some. Oh, man. It's the same.

[1:05:14] Yeah, behave yourself. Council, raise president in comments. Yes, several. Thank you. I would like to highlight a couple different things about affordable housing. The city did just open up middle landing, which was the

[1:05:29] repair and restoration of many units for affordable housing.

[1:05:34] There was some delay in regards to the process on the administration side, but we've worked

[1:05:40] through that and got that done.

[1:05:42] So we have affordable housing opened up at Mitchell Landing, and that also includes the

[1:05:46] senior citizen side over Riverside Drive in the Wacomico Senior—I don't want to say

[1:05:52] seniors on it, Senator.

[1:05:54] But—

[1:05:54] It's over a minute.

[1:05:55] It's over a minute.

[1:05:56] Thank you.

[1:05:57] You're over a minute.

[1:05:57] So the city has roughly restored and reopened those just last week.

[1:06:06] So we've made some progress in that way.

[1:06:08] And like I said, there were some delays on the administration side,

[1:06:12] but we had worked through them and pushed through them,

[1:06:14] and the council was able to get some of that done.

[1:06:18] So in regards to other developers,

[1:06:21] it depends on if the administration has been deciding

[1:06:25] to actually give the permits.

[1:06:30] If the administration decides to not give permits,

[1:06:34] then that holds up other people, other developers processes.

[1:06:37] And it holds up the fact that other developers don't want to come here and develop.

[1:06:41] And so, and that would go into like the $40 million lawsuit.

[1:06:46] And then just another notice that we got from another developer

[1:06:51] regarding a potential suit in regards to not being able to attain the permits

[1:06:56] that were rightfully granted by the council and had contract for projects.

[1:07:02] Councilman Blakey did you have speaking correct?

[1:07:05] You did think correct.

[1:07:06] Mayor, I'm speaking.

[1:07:07] I'm speaking.

[1:07:08] I'm speaking.

[1:07:09] I'm speaking.

[1:07:10] What I'm speaking, I'm speaking.

[1:07:12] When you speak, you speak.

[1:07:13] We can disagree.

[1:07:14] It's okay to disagree.

[1:07:16] I don't have to agree with you, Randy.

[1:07:18] I don't have to agree with you.

[1:07:19] You don't have to agree with me.

[1:07:19] You say what you want to say, and Angela Blake is going to say what she wants to say.

[1:07:24] The $40 million lawsuit and the notice for intent to sue, they are, it's clear language

[1:07:32] what's in those documents, that's plain English, anyone can read them, their public information,

[1:07:37] anyone can read those documents.

[1:07:39] I encourage you, Mr. Mayor, if you want to just, you know, I think the council is responding.

[1:07:44] I think it's responding.

[1:07:45] I know, Mr. Mayor.

[1:07:46] My turn to speak.

[1:07:48] Hold on, hold on.

[1:07:48] And I think we all hold on, we all have our chains to speak, so just if we can hold back

[1:07:53] from interrupting Mr. Mayor, I think we know we, so if you want to, you can do a wrap-up.

[1:07:59] Yes, you can have all the floor after the council-based president has done.

[1:08:03] Yes.

[1:08:04] So the documents to speak for themselves, and so it's not that Angela Blake is speaking

[1:08:09] these, the multiple lawyers that are bringing the documents to one that bring these things

[1:08:13] to one, and this is what's putting off a lot of development, and a lot of developers not really

[1:08:18] We want to look to do the follow through with some things that may be in the pipeline or to go ahead and bring in some other things.

[1:08:23] So that's something that we are trying to balance and the midst of also trying to get a hold

[1:08:33] on hold on hold on.

[1:08:35] Let's make Councilman vice president a public again.

[1:08:40] We would love to hear hold on a second hold on if we could just refrain from, if we could refrain from that, I would greatly appreciate that.

[1:08:49] Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Vice President, you have the floor.

[1:08:53] Here are the facts. It's public information. I invite anybody to get their copy of the facts. It's right here.

[1:09:02] I'll give it to you.

[1:09:03] So, it'll be the same facts. So, again, the point of order and the point of the way we do point of order is the council's adopted it, so we're going to follow it.

[1:09:14] So when someone is speaking, no one else is speaking, and if you want to say something different, it's totally okay to disagree.

[1:09:21] It's totally okay. I don't expect our points of view to be the same, and that's okay.

[1:09:27] I'm just saying what I'm saying, and that also goes to, I will pivot from the paperwork to the crosswalk.

[1:09:38] On September the 4th of 2024, the Human Rights Committee did hold a meeting and did talk

[1:09:46] in depth about the crosswalk and there was also some comments in regards to not only

[1:09:57] the Pride Crosswalk, but the Black Lives Matter Cross.

[1:10:00] Crosswalk. And I think the human rights committee will speak for themselves as a committee, but as the liaison, I can tell you that there has been a movement even before Mayor Taylor took office that he wanted to paint over that crosswalk. And we have had discussions about that before in council meetings and chambers and in other meetings that I have, and our viewpoints differ. And it's okay that they differ. Again, Angela Blake is speaking

[1:10:28] for what her experiences and what she has heard from the mayor. The mayor can say whatever

[1:10:34] he wants to say. It's okay. It can be different. It doesn't matter. I'm saying what I want

[1:10:39] to say about it. So I do, I do not agree with anybody touching or removing that crosswalk

[1:10:47] and I'm going to personally do everything I can. I'm always speaking for myself and not

[1:10:51] the rest of the council, but everything I can preserve and keep that masterpiece.

[1:10:58] I do want to thank, oh, I guess the third Friday, I wanted to get back and talk to the

[1:11:05] third Friday again about the polls.

[1:11:07] I hope to be down there with, I don't know if I'll have all four of my puppies down there,

[1:11:11] but I may have one or two, but I'm looking forward to going down there.

[1:11:15] I think that's it at the moment and if anyone else can reserve their right to speak back, I would like to reserve my right to speak back.

[1:11:23] Thank you.

[1:11:24] Thank you.

[1:11:24] Vice President.

[1:11:26] Yeah, this is a couple of things.

[1:11:28] The project is referring to is marine landing.

[1:11:31] And marine landing is a rental product, which is, I hope we don't...

[1:11:34] I'm sorry.

[1:11:34] I want to make sure... I know many people can make sure we don't cross any.

[1:11:38] No, we're not.

[1:11:39] So, it's all part of the record.

[1:11:40] Okay, but it's not affordable products number one it's it's just a market-grade product which is fine

[1:11:48] But it's not affordable products. It's not that the administration is doing to squelch

[1:11:52] Mr.

[1:11:53] I know I know I know I know I know I'm interrupting you but we are we are there's potential litigation

[1:12:01] I just don't want this to be used for but but and almost and I know I know I know I'm interrupting

[1:12:06] I'm going to get flack work, but we are potential litigation.

[1:12:08] I don't want to get the city in any more trouble, and this can be used as evidence.

[1:12:12] So I just don't, I really don't want that to be used.

[1:12:16] I really want to get the time to talk, but that is so that that's issue one right here.

[1:12:20] I would concur with okay.

[1:12:22] I would just

[1:12:23] Yeah, one of the housing that's not a part of us that said, I can say a lot more.

[1:12:27] I think I think a part of the record and that would not damage at all.

[1:12:31] Okay, so your version of me talking is really the version you're talking.

[1:12:36] So it's okay. It's okay. You're going to go ahead and maintain the position you're going to use as it relates to the crosswalks.

[1:12:42] I told you before viewpoint discrimination is well documented at the Supreme Court level,

[1:12:46] it's got nothing to do with rainy tailors of you and I've never been it.

[1:12:50] If I had had a real push that those crosswalks to be covered up,

[1:12:55] guess what they'd be? They'd be covered up right now.

[1:12:57] I'm trying to find a cooperative way to transition from a viewpoint discrimination case.

[1:13:03] So, that's all I'm doing, that's all I'm doing.

[1:13:06] Thank you.

[1:13:07] Thank you.

[1:13:07] All right.

[1:13:09] Again, thank you all, thank you all to those who came out and speak.

[1:13:13] We appreciate you.

[1:13:14] Thank you for underscoring that.

[1:13:15] Thank you.

[1:13:16] I appreciate hearing about how we can collaborate needs and how we can further help you all.

[1:13:22] Because so keep emailing, keep calling, keep showing up.

[1:13:25] We really appreciate so that you all were exchanging contact.

[1:13:27] So thank you for that, Mr. Don.

[1:13:29] on just going over a few things.

[1:13:31] I know that the council has already underscored a few items,

[1:13:33] but just pertaining to the new Canvas program

[1:13:37] and with the crosswalks that we have in our city,

[1:13:41] I told the mayor of this in our meeting last week

[1:13:44] that again, I think the program is a good initiative,

[1:13:46] but I think the follow-through could use some adjustment

[1:13:49] and that our different committees,

[1:13:52] the public arts committee and the human rights

[1:13:53] advisory committee has voiced their opinions

[1:13:57] on how they are not in support of this.

[1:13:59] I think it's a time when we have to listen to our committees and make sure that we are supporting our residents and so

[1:14:05] Thank you for voicing concern. I think you know while these things may seem minuscule to some people

[1:14:11] I remember that's how I first got involved with community

[1:14:15] Advocacy was it was the black last matter of painting

[1:14:18] That's the first time that I remember speaking publicly and I remember the the feeling and community

[1:14:25] The impact that it means that the community of bringing folks together. So

[1:14:29] I'm honored that it's still here while some cities have done away with them.

[1:14:35] I'm honored that it's still here as Black or African-American individual, and I appreciate that.

[1:14:40] So I can concur with how, even the talks of those things being removed to a city, how it can feel to the community.

[1:14:48] So thank you for voicing that, and I myself will do everything to make sure that we help to preserve those items and

[1:14:55] to different alternatives to how we can, you know, display public R and R.

[1:15:00] So thank you all for that. Again, thank you for bringing up affordable housing. But I stand by what I say one more time is that we will bring it back. You'll see some discussions from council about how we can legislate and mandate safe affordable and attainable housing. But right now, there is a new project that has been pushed back for about a year and some months to go on the west side of town, new build of 50 units that they are just awaiting projects. And so again, council legislated for the pilot program for that.

[1:15:29] which it's all attainable in affordable housing projects have that across the country they're just waiting for permits and then they can get started

[1:15:36] But we've gone a year and a half of those houses 50 units not being online

[1:15:41] Because they have not been approved and not never going forward

[1:15:45] So these are the things where we have to make sure that if we legislate they have to be done on the other on the other end

[1:15:50] Same token to thank you all for the fire department for bringing forth the grant funding and bring for new funding

[1:15:57] But right now and the council has legislated and has supported the lot in development and of bringing in a four million dollars of grant funding, which is this unheard of from the state and they are willing to give us money right now.

[1:16:11] And if we don't use these funds, if we don't use these funds in the manner that they were given to us, that is going to affect us getting funds to help support our fire, EMS, police and other forces.

[1:16:24] water and sewer where it's going to cost the city millions upon millions of dollars and we're looking

[1:16:29] to the state and federal level to make sure that they can subsidize that. So with four million dollars

[1:16:33] not being used correctly and there are state agencies, state officials right now who have been calling

[1:16:37] and emailing us concerned because they've heard buzz that we're going to move those funds. We will

[1:16:42] jeopardize our relationship with how we use funds and that's going to affect. Street repair,

[1:16:46] we're everything else. So we have to just take a moment to dial back and make sure we're doing

[1:16:51] things correctly while we may all agree on the intent right now but it can affect Salisbury's future and that's what we have to do.

[1:17:00] I think that is all that I have. Like I said, again, thank you all for coming. Thank you for your support.

[1:17:06] We look forward to continuing to hear from you. With that being said, I do call this meeting as now adjourned.

[1:17:13] We're pivoted and I will call for a motion to convene in a closed session to consult with legal to obtain a legal advice on a matter

[1:17:20] and to consult with staff, consultants, and other individuals about pending or potential

[1:17:24] litigation as authorized by State Government Articles, Section 3-305, B, Subjection

[1:17:29] 7-8.

[1:17:32] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[1:17:34] Aye.

[1:17:35] In the Chair votes, aye.

[1:17:36] Thank you all.

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