Work Session — Salisbury, MD
Date: 2025-12-08

WORK SESSION
 MEETING MINUTES
 DECEMBER 8, 2025



 PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Present: Council President Angela M. Blake, Council Vice President April R. Jackson,
Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory, Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell and Councilwoman Melissa
D. Holland

 IN ATTENDANCE

Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, Deputy City Administrator, Zoo Director
Chuck Eicholz, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche
CALL TO ORDER

The City Council convened in Work Session on December 8, 2025 at 7:41 p.m. in the
Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street.
PRESENTATION

President Blake called the Parks Committee forward to provide an update.

 • Parks Committee Update

 The Parks Committee outlined proposals for a sensory trail and expanded adaptive recreation
 opportunities, which had been developed in collaboration with Team 360, United Needs and
 Abilities, and the Lower Shore Autism Community. Members shared firsthand experiences
 demonstrating the physical and mental health benefits of sensory gardens and adaptive trails for
 children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, and emphasized the value of inclusive design
 that benefitted the broader community.

 The committee also identified systemwide needs, including improved park signage, sidewalks,
 crosswalks, traffic calming near parks, lighting, safety equipment visibility, and regular
 communication with surrounding neighborhoods. Additional concerns included underserved areas
 that lacked nearby parks, limited after-hours access to school playgrounds, and the need for long-
 term planning through a comprehensive parks system master plan. City administration responded
 by highlighting recent and completed park improvements, available capital funds for smaller
 projects, and its willingness to work with the committee on a prioritized punch list. Council
 members and staff thanked the committee for its thorough work, community engagement, and
 commitment to improving accessibility, safety, and quality across the city’s parks system.

President Blake noted on the record that the Enterprise Zone Eligibility for 201 Marvel Road was
removed from the agenda.

 • Salisbury Zoo Commission Transition Presentation

 Director Chuck Eicholz reviewed significant improvements over the past year, including
 renovated animal habitats, upgraded facilities, new exhibits, and rare medical procedures, all
 supporting the zoo’s pursuit of the AZA accreditation and enhancing guest experiences. He
 highlighted collaborations with volunteers, sponsors, and the community, which helped
 complete projects efficiently and cost-effectively.

 The history of the zoo commission was also noted. Established in 1967 as an advisory board, it
 became an official nonprofit in 1983, focusing on day-to-day zoo operations. In 2009, the
 Delmarva Zoological Society was created to manage capital campaigns and major
 improvements. In 2023, the society dissolved, transferring assets to the Salisbury Zoo
 Commission, which, with city support, has since taken greater ownership of zoo operations.

 The commission proposed renaming itself the Salisbury Zoo Foundation to focus on supporting
 capital improvements and educational programming. Council praised the zoo’s
 accomplishments, the effective use of funds, and the foundation’s role in future projects and
 fundraising.

PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only)

The following public comment was heard:

 • Speaker #1 highlighted that College Park Apartments was underserved, noted recent
 sewer and sidewalk improvements, and suggested using a nearby triangular lot for a
 safe neighborhood playground.
ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS

Mr. Rice recognized his office admin for organizing an outstanding Christmas party and shared
enjoyment of judging the well-attended Christmas parade with over 90 floats.

Mayor Taylor thanked everyone for attending the tree lighting and welcomed Ms. Holland to the
council.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Ms. Dashiell welcomed Ms. Holland and noted community efforts, including Thanksgiving dinners at
Hope Outreach, the city Christmas party and parade, and the Hands and Hearts shelter serving 36 men
during cold months. She also asked for a list of all the city parks.

Ms. Jackson welcomed Ms. Holland to the council, highlighted upcoming community events, and
stressed working together for the benefit of the city and its citizens.

Ms. Holland thanked supporters, expressed a commitment to transparency and unity on the council
and emphasized prioritizing the city’s needs.

Ms. Gregory praised the parade, highlighting the impressive school bus float, and encouraged support
for local businesses by attending the downtown Christmas bar crawl.

President Blake outlined 20 key priorities for 2026. She also emphasized involving youth in community
events, recognized the hard work of the Christmas parade organizers, and expressed excitement to
collaborate with the council to advance their goals.
ADJOURNMENT

The Work Session adjourned at 8:50 p.m.




_________________________________
City Clerk



_________________________________
Council President