Work Session — Salisbury, MD
Date: 2025-07-14

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.

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 • 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

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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




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