Work Session — Salisbury, MD
Date: 2025-11-24

WORK SESSION
 MEETING MINUTES
 NOVEMBER 24, 2025



 PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Present: Interim President Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman April R. Jackson, Councilwoman
Michele R. Gregory and Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell

 IN ATTENDANCE

Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, Assistant Secretary of Homelessness Solutions
Danielle Meister, CEO Healthcare for the Homeless Kevin Lindamood, Director of Infrastructure
and Development Nick Voitiuc, Project Engineer Travis Huff, Associate Planner Zack White, City
Planner Betsy Jackson, Human Resources Director Meg Caton, Special Counsel Daniel Altchek,
Deputy City Administrator Allen Swiger, Housing and Community Development Director Muir
Boda, Assistant Director Mike Thomason, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche
CALL TO ORDER

The City Council convened in Work Session on November 24, 2025 at 7:22 p.m. in the Government
Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street.

PRESENTATION

 • Homelessness Data and Best Practices

 Ms. Meister highlighted the state’s success in reducing homelessness through permanent
 supportive housing and a housing-first approach. She noted that many chronically homeless
 individuals earn under $1,000 per month, making affordability and supportive services essential.
 She added that recent federal HUD cuts of over $1 million to the lower shore make local
 investment critical, and she praised Salisbury for its rare locally funded program. Mr. Lindamood
 emphasized that homelessness is fundamentally a housing problem and that stable housing
 improved health, reduced emergency service use, and enabled long-term stability. Their program
 supported 850 people with a 95% retention rate, showing that coordinated efforts between state,
 local, and healthcare organizations can expand permanent supportive housing and improve
 community outcomes.

 Councilmembers expressed deep concern about homelessness in Salisbury, noting that many
 individuals repeatedly return to shelters, including those with criminal records, mental illness,
 and financial instability. They emphasized the need for a strategic, data- driven evaluation of
 available resources to create a long-term plan. Ms. Meister and Mr. Lindamood highlighted state
 and nonprofit efforts to help those with criminal backgrounds access housing. They stressed that
 permanent supportive housing is the most effective solution, while acknowledging the need for a
 full spectrum of interventions and broader policy changes to address affordability, healthcare
 access, and employment. Councilmembers agreed on the importance of collecting and analyzing
 local data, coordinating resources, and receiving technical assistance to develop targeted,
 effective programs for Salisbury’s homeless population.
RESOLUTION

 • The North Prong Park Project

 Mr. Huff presented a $500,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources to remediate
 industrial sites on Lake Street for the North Prong Park Project. The project will remove
 contaminated soil and replace it with clean soil to make the area safe for a playground.
 Councilmembers acknowledged the long-awaited project. Ms. Jackson raised concerns about the
 historic oil spill and related health impacts. Mr. Huff confirmed that the project details were
 available on the city website under the “brownfields” section and that the Army Corps of
 Engineers had deemed the site safe. Council gave consensus to move forward with the resolution.

 • Annexation Zoning for N. Schumaker Dr.

 Associate Planner Zack White reviewed the project’s history, noting prior presentations, Planning
 Commission recommendations, and staff’s zoning analysis. The Planning Commission
 recommended R10A zoning, which slightly reduced density compared to R8A but remains higher
 than the city’s 2010 comprehensive plan’s low-density designation.

 Developers emphasized their intent to provide affordable, community-focused housing and
 confirmed they would follow the submitted plan. Councilmembers acknowledged the need for
 housing, supported moving forward with the Planning Commission’s recommendation, and
 agreed future annexations should follow updated guidelines. After discussion, consensus was
 reached to proceed with the project using R10A zoning, while noting the city should address
 annexation and comprehensive plan updates for future developments.
ORDINANCE

 • Labor Code Amendment

 Ms. Caton and Mr. Altchek reviewed proposed amendments to the labor code, aimed at updating
 bargaining timelines, arbitration rules, and related definitions. While there was general
 agreement that adjusting the bargaining timeline to better align with the budget process made
 sense, significant concerns were raised about changes limiting arbitration authority and setting
 caps on wage and benefit negotiations. Several councilmembers emphasized the city’s difficulty
 retaining staff and the need to fairly compensate employees, opposing provisions that reduced
 union leverage. Ultimately, the council reached consensus to move forward only with the
 timeline adjustment and minor definitional changes. Council asked staff to return with a revised
 ordinance reflecting that limited scope.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

 • Gas Blowers within City Limits

 The council discussed regulating the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and similar equipment under
 the city’s noise ordinance. Current code restricted their use between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., but
 concerns were raised about excessive noise during daytime hours. One option was aligning blower
 restrictions with construction noise hours, which are more limited and structured by day and time.
 Consideration was also given to seasonal flexibility to avoid negatively impacting
 landscaping businesses. Enforcement would fall to the police department, prompting interest in
 consulting the police chief to assess feasibility and staffing impacts. The issue was raised in
 response to resident complaints, and further discussion was recommended before any changes
 were proposed.

 • Dog Barking Chronic Concerns

 The council discussed chronic dog barking complaints and enforcement under the existing
 animal control code. It was noted that animal control already had authority to address nuisance
 barking through a progressive enforcement process. While concerns were raised by residents in
 certain districts, staff indicated the code was clear and comprehensive, covering both indoor and
 outdoor barking and other animal related nuisances. Council agreed to review the issue further if
 additional concerns arose.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only)

The following public comments were heard:

 • Speaker #1 criticized the city for unrealistic expectations around homelessness, recommended
 careful review of labor contracts, and argued that council should listen to city staff over the
 developers.
 • Speaker #2 was in favor to limiting gas blower hours.
 • Speaker #3 called for shared community responsibility on homelessness and taxes, supported
 higher-density housing for affordability, and raised concerns about gas blower noise impacting
 quality of life.
 • Speaker #4 emphasized that youth homelessness is being overlooked and urged the council to
 focus on facts and include vulnerable children and teens in homelessness solutions.
 • Speaker #5 said affordable homes still existed in Salisbury, but buying required saving,
 sacrifice, and commitment.
 • Speaker #6 emphasized the need for North Prong Park and recommended faith-based
 organizations play a role in supporting the homeless.



ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS

There were no administration comments.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Ms. Jackson discussed efforts to improve Pemberton Manor and senior housing and announced the
Salisbury City Police Thanksgiving giveaway.

Ms. Dashiell highlighted community events and the cold weather shelter opening.

Ms. Gregory reminded everyone about cold and flu season and wished everyone a happy
Thanksgiving.

Ms. Blake wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
ADJOURNMENT

The Work Session adjourned at 9:40 p.m.




_________________________________
City Clerk



_________________________________
Council President