Legislative Session — Salisbury, MD
Date: 2026-03-23

LEGISLATIVE SESSION
 MEETING MINUTES
 MARCH 23, 2026



 PUBLIC OFFICIALS

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

Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, Deputy City Clerk Hannah Long, City Solicitor
Laura Ryan
CALL TO ORDER

The City Council convened in Legislative Session on March 23, 2026 at 6:26 p.m. in the
Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street.
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS/PLEDGE

President Jackson welcomed everyone to the meeting and provided the emergency exit instructions. She
then asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION - Rev. Howard Travers - Nu-Lyfe Church

Reverend Howard Travers from Nu-Lyfe Church was called forward to provide the Invocation.

PROCLAMATION

 • Endometriosis Awareness Month Proclamation

 Councilwoman Holland presented a proclamation proclaiming March as Endometriosis
 Awareness Month.

 • Developmental Disabilities Month Proclamation

 Councilwoman Gregory presented a proclamation to Lower Shore Autism Community
 proclaiming March as Developmental Disabilities Month. The president of the Lower Shore
 Autism Community spoke about the organization’s focus on inclusion and support, highlighting
 monthly family meetings, teen and young adult social skills programs, and community activities.
PRESENTATIONS

 • Citizen Award - Presented by Mayor Taylor

 Mayor Taylor presented Gregory Schenk of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
 for heroic actions, rescuing six hunters stranded on the Nanticoke River under severe winter
 conditions.
PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Ms. Long presented the legislative agenda.

President Jackson called for a motion and a second to adopt the legislative agenda as presented. Angela
M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.
CONSENT AGENDA

Ms. Long presented the Consent Agenda items. The items were as follows:
 • Meeting Minutes

 January 5, 2026 Goal Setting Session
 January 12, 2026 Legislative Session
 January 12, 2026 Work Session
 February 2, 2026 Closed Session
 February 2, 2026 Legislative Session
 February 2, 2026 Work Session
 February 9, 2026 Legislative Session

President Jackson called for a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. Michele R.
Gregory motioned and Angela M. Blake seconded. The vote was 5-0.

AWARD OF BIDS

Mr. Lowe presented the following:
 • Award of Bids
 ITB A-26-115 Citywide HVAC Services
 ITB A-26-112 Citywide Electric Repair Services
 ITB A-26-104 Generator Maintenance

President Jackson asked for a motion and second to approve the award of bids. Sharon C. Dashiell
motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.

DECLARATION OF SURPLUS

Mr. Lowe presented the following items for surplus:

 • Declaration of Surplus
 25 Motorola Radios SFD
 1 Motorola Radio SPD
 1 Service K-9 SPD
 1 Service Weapon SPD
 2012 Chevrolet Caprice SPD
 2014 Ford Explorer SPD

President Jackson asked for a motion and second to approve the declaration of surplus. Sharon C.
Dashiell motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0.

RESOLUTION

Ms. Ryan presented the resolution below.
 • Resolution Acceptance and Surplus of Forfeited Vehicles

 Resolution No. 3466 - to accept and declare as surplus two (2) forfeited vehicles. Angela M.
 Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING

Ms. Ryan presented the following ordinance for public hearing and second reading.

 • Specialty Shop Ordinance - 2nd Reading

 Ordinance No. 2983 - Amending Chapter 04.120 of the Salisbury City code to revise the definition
 of a "specialty" shop.

 President Jackson directed anyone wishing to comment during the public hearing to stand and be
 sworn in by the Deputy City Clerk. No members of the public were sworn in. President Jackson
 opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m. Having no comments, the hearing was closed at 6:58 p.m.
 The vote was 5-0 in favor.

ORDINANCES

Ms. Ryan presented the following ordinances.

 • Authorization of General Obligation Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes, and Refunding
 Bonds FY2026 Capital Projects -2nd Reading
 Ordinance No. 2979 - Authorization of General Obligation Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes, and
 Refunding Bonds, FY2026 Capital Projects Melissa D. Holland motioned and Michele R. Gregory
 seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Electrical Permit Ordinance - 2nd Reading

 Ordinance No. 2980 - To require the acquisition of a permit through the City of Salisbury prior
 to conducting work on electrical systems, equipment, or connections. Angela M. Blake motioned
 and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.
 • Accept Donation from Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore - 2nd Reading

 Ordinance No. 2981 - Approving a budget amendment of the City's budget to accept and
 appropriate donated funds from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to support
 the cost of Salisbury City Park pedestrian bridge restoration. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and
 Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Pollinator Pathways - 2nd Reading

 Ordinance No. 2982 - To accept funds received from Sustainable Maryland in the amount of
 $20,000 as awarded to enact the Pollinator Pathways Program. Melissa D. Holland motioned and
 Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Requisition of 303 Lake Street - 1st Reading

 Ordinance No. 2984 - To purchase improved real property located at 303 Lake Street, Salisbury,
 Maryland for a public purpose. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded.
 The vote was 5-0.
 • Requisition of 1123 Parsons Road - 1st Reading

 Ordinance No. 2985 - To purchase improved real property located at 1124 Parsons Road,
 Salisbury, Maryland for a public purpose. Melissa D. Holland motioned and Angela M. Blake
 seconded. The vote was 5-0.

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION

Councilwoman Blake presented Dr. Clara Small, an educator of over 40 years at Salisbury University,
with a Certificate of Recognition for Women's History Month.

Vice President Dashiell presented Debra Rossi, the Executive Director of H.O.P.E., with a Certificate
of Recognition for Women's History Month.

President Jackson presented Cheryl Meadows, the Executive Director of Salisbury Neighborhood
Housing, with a Certificate of Recognition for Women's History Month.
PUBLIC COMMENT

The following public comments were heard:

 • Speaker #1 inquired about permit requirements for minor electrical work.
 • Speaker #2 suggested agendas provide more detail on ordinances, like funding
 breakdowns, while reducing boilerplate, noting no state law required full readings.
 • Speaker #3 recommended the Council align city code with state law, allowing large family
 childcare homes by right. She criticized city delays and lack of communication, highlighting
 the impact on families, and said she would continue legal action until compliance.
 • Speaker #4 highlighted the T.R.U.T.H. committees' mission to promote racial unity,
 healing, and accountability, and invited the public to participate in monthly meetings.
ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS

Mr. Rice highlighted the recent Woodcock Park ribbon-cutting, noting the new playground and
strong community turnout, marking his first ribbon-cutting experience with the City.

Mayor Taylor noted upcoming events, including Dueling Pianos at the amphitheater, Hops on the River,
and a joint promotion featuring the band Great Train Robbery.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Ms. Blake asked for updates on the marina, ongoing city litigation, and the $4 million Lot 10 grant. She
also requested a presentation from Todd Knock regarding MML’s tax differential progress and
legislative support, and gave an update on the Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Tax Abatement Bill.

Ms. Dashiell attended Salisbury University’s State of the University Address, noting their strategic plan
running through May. She also attended a PAC 14 meeting and commended city staff for their
participation in community events. Lastly, she invited residents to attend the Citizen Police Academy, a
10-week program offering insight into police work.
Ms. Gregory acknowledged the Mayor’s participation in the Disability Advisory Committee and
commended Christine Chestnutt for her role during the Célèbrez La Femme event. She urged the
council to oppose state disability service cuts, shared an upcoming event at Poplar Hill Mansion and a
“Future of Disability Rights” forum.

Ms. Holland shared her experience in attending the Young Men Thriving program at the YMCA,
noted the Green Team’s upcoming outreach on pollinator habitat signage at community events, and
encouraged residents to enjoy the city and warmer weather.

President Jackson shared the upcoming Market Street ribbon cutting, expressed condolences to Peggy
Taylor’s family, highlighted the upcoming Vietnam Veterans War Day, and discussed summer youth
initiatives.

ADJOURNMENT

The Legislative Session adjourned at 7:34 p.m.


_________________________________
City Clerk



_________________________________
Council President