Work Session — Salisbury, MD
Date: 2025-09-22

WORK SESSION
 MEETING MINUTES
 SEPTEMBER 22, 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

Mayor Randy Taylor, Acting City Administrator Tom Stevenson, Associate Planner Zack White,
Department of Infrastructure and Development Director Nick Voitiuc, Captain John Felts, City Clerk
Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche
CALL TO ORDER

The City Council convened in Work Session on September 22, 2025 at 6:43 p.m. in the
Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street.

RESOLUTION

 • Annexation Zoning for N. Schumaker Dr.

 Mr. White and Mr. Voitiuc presented the proposed annexation of a 12.465 -acre parcel on North
 Schumaker Drive for a 60-townhome project. They added that the process became complicated
 because three different zoning options—R8A, R10S, and R10A—were presented.
 Councilmembers expressed confusion about the process and emphasized the need for clear
 affordable housing requirements before approving new development. They also stated they
 needed more information before moving the annexation forward.
 President Doughty called for a motion and a second to table annexation decision. April R.
 Jackson motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Schumaker Landing Annexation

 Mr. White shared that Schumaker Landing Management LLC was seeking an annexation of a
 7.58- acre parcel on Schumaker Drive to build five three-story apartment buildings with 132 units.
 They requested Planned Residential Development (PRD) zoning to allow 20 units per acre, but
 Mr. White noted that the proposal did not meet PRD requirements and suggested using an existing
 residential zone or expanding the project. Council requested a full developer presentation at a
 future work session.
ORDINANCE

 • Ordinance - Burton Street Closure
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 Captain Felts proposed an ordinance to close a 14,047 sq. ft. portion of Burton Street east of
 Delaware Avenue. He noted it was currently unused for public access and primarily serving the
 police department. He expressed that the closure was intended to improve safety for employees
 and secure the area for future police use. He stated that representatives from the adjacent
 property had no objections. Council reached consensus to move the ordinance forward.

 • Correction to Ordinance No. 2883 – Budget Amendment for Truitt Street Community
 Center Expansion

 Ms. Green presented an ordinance to correct a funding error in Ordinance 2883 for the Truitt
 Street Community Center expansion. She explained that the $55,325 that was originally allocated
 from bond interest was not eligible and that the funds would instead be reallocated from the
 City’s general fund interest. Council gave consensus to move forward with the ordinance.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION

 • Council Representatives - Boards and Commissions

 Council discussed board and commission assignments. Councilmembers Jackson and Blake
 confirmed a switch on the Youth Development Advisory Board due to work conflicts.
 Councilwoman Jackson would remain on Wicomico Parks & Recreation but leave the T.R.U.T.H.
 Committee because of overlapping Wednesday meetings. Ms. Dashiell volunteered to serve on
 the T.R.U.T.H Committee to fill the vacancy. President Doughty asked to serve as the city
 representative for the Tri-County Council. Ms. English reviewed all updated assignments.
 • Immigration and Nationality Act - 287g Program

 Council discussed the Mayor’s press release regarding potential cooperation with Wicomico
 County on the 287(g) program. Concerns were raised about unclear processes and potential
 public fear caused by the announcement. Council emphasized that the city could not implement
 287(g) due to charter limitations, lack of a detention facility, and existing police staffing
 constraints. The majority of council opposed city involvement, stating the county could handle
 immigration enforcement and that the city should remain neutral. Councilmembers stressed the
 importance of clear communication and avoiding public alarm.
 • Lot 10 Subrecipient Agreement

 Council discussed the revised Lot 10 subrecipient agreement, which largely followed the City’s
 standard template with project- specific clauses and a four-phase disbursement schedule. Legal
 confirmed discussions with the developer’s attorney and city departments, emphasizing that
 reimbursements required receipts and departmental approval. Council reviewed the schedule,
 noted procedural differences from typical grants, and asked legal to draft a resolution approving
 the agreement for the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only)

The following public comments were heard:

 • Speaker #1 was not in favor of 287g and encouraged residents to address concerns to the
 County Executive who oversees such agreements.
 • Speaker #2 argued that a local ICE partnership would harm public safety by discouraging
 immigrant communities from reporting crime.
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 • Speaker #3 was not in favor of 287g stating that it was not the city’s job and harmed public
 safety.
 • Speaker #4 encouraged the city to recognize immigrants’ positive contributions.
 • Speaker #5 was not in favor of annexing properties before the affordable housing
 situation was addressed.
 • Speaker #6 raised concerns about affordability, density, and funding for Lot 10 without firm
 developer plans.
 • Speaker #7 expressed pride in the City’s diversity and was not in favor of 287g.
 • Speaker #8 believed affordable housing should have guidelines and asked council to listen to
 both sides - residents and developers.
 • Speaker #9 highlighted the Maryland Folk Festival and was not in favor of 287g
 • Speaker #10 was not in favor of 287g and encouraged officials to approach immigration
 issues with compassion.
 • Speaker #11 believed the N. Schumaker annexation should be put on hold until the City's
 planning commission was assembled.
 • Speaker #12 was concerned that the comprehensive plan was not done yet and was not in favor of
 287g.
 • Speaker #13 believed 287g was profiling and racial.

ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS

Mr. Stevenson mentioned that this would be his last meeting because the new City Administrator
would be starting before the next meeting.

Mayor Taylor stated that his motivation for supporting the County with the 287g was for safer streets.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Ms. Jackson invited the Council to tour Pemberton Apartments to see the poor living
conditions, encouraged people to attend the Waterside neighborhood walk and to join City
boards and commissions.

Ms. Dashiell highlighted a somber 9/11 memorial, the aviation maintenance tech school ribbon-cutting,
and the groundbreaking of a Tidal Health Family Medicine Residency Clinic.

Ms. Gregory thanked everyone who attended and spoke on behalf of the immigrant community
and expressed gratitude for outreach regarding her son.

Ms. Blake thanked attendees and city staff for the Folk Festival and suggested learning from
Crisfield’s housing initiatives, and requested a clear breakdown of the $9 million infrastructure
spending.

President Doughty highlighted a recent bike and pedestrian safety ride and
acknowledged Councilwoman Jackson’s work on North Prong Park.
ADJOURNMENT

The Work Session adjourned at 8:49 p.m.




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______________________________
City Clerk



_________________________________
Council President




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