Legislative Session — Salisbury, MD
Date: 2026-03-02

SPECIAL MEETING
 MEETING MINUTES
 MARCH 2, 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
CALL TO ORDER

The City Council convened in Special Legislative Session on March 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the
Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street.
WELCOME/ANNOUCEMENTS/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 - Pastor Greg Morris - Parkway Church of God

Pastor Greg Morris from Parkway Church of God was called forward to provide the Invocation

PROCLAMATION - Black History Month

President Jackson presented the Wicomico NAACP with a proclamation. Ms. Monica Brooks
introduced her executive committee members and thanked the council for their continued support.
PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

City Clerk Julie English presented the legislative agenda.

President Jackson called for a motion and a second to adopt the legislative agenda as presented.
Michele R. Gregory motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.

CONSENT AGENDA

Ms. English presented the Consent Agenda items. The items were as follows:

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

 • Youth Development Advisory Committee Reappointment

 Resolution No. 3456 - Reappointment of Briana Curtis to the Youth Development
 Advisory Committee for term ending February 2029

 • Youth Development Advisory Committee Reappointment

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 Resolution No. 3457 - Reappointment of David Thompson to the Youth Development
 Advisory Committee for term ending February 2029
 • Youth Development Advisory Committee Appointment

 Resolution No. 3458 - Appointment of Byron Colbourn to the Youth Development
 Advisory Committee for term ending February 2029

 • Sustainability Advisory Committee Appointment

 Resolution No. 3459 - Appointment of Karen Cooper to the Sustainability Advisory
 Committee for term ending February 2029

 • Parks and Recreation Committee Appointment

 Resolution No. 3460 - Reappointment of Rick Konrad to the Youth Parks and
 Recreation Committee for term ending February 2029
PUBLIC HEARING

 President Jackson directed anyone wishing to comment during the public hearing to stand and
 be sworn in by the City Clerk. No members of the public were sworn in. President Jackson
 opened the public hearing at 6:15 p.m. Having no comments, the hearing was closed at 6:15
 p.m.
 • Resolution to Amend SC7-25 - 2nd Reading

 Charter Amendment Resolution No. 2026-1 - to amend SC7-25 of the charter of the City
 of Salisbury to change the signatures and authorizations requirements for disbursements.

 Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.

ORDINANCES

Presented by Ms. Bosche

 • Sanitation & Streets Budget Amendment - 2nd Reading

 Ordinance No. 2975 - Approving a budget amendment of the FY2026 general fund budget to
 appropriate funds to the department of Field Operations budget. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned
 and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Additional Funds Request for Part-Time Zoo Staffing - 2nd reading

 Ordinance No. 2976 - Amending the fiscal year 2026 annual budget to provide additional
 appropriations for the Salisbury Zoo part-time staffing needs. Angela M. Blake motioned
 and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Amending Ordinance No. 2675 – Reallocation of 2021 Tax-Exempt Bond Proceeds for 112
 W. Church Street – City Hall - 2nd Reading
 Ordinance No. 2977 - Amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 2675, passed by the council
 2
 on July 26, 2021, approved by the Mayor of the City of Salisbury (the "city") on July 26, 2021
 and effective on July 26, 2021 ("ordinance no. 2675), in order to (1) authorize and empower the
 city to use and apply a portion of the principal amount of the $8, 965,000 city of Salisbury tax-
 exempt public improvement and refunding bonds of 2021 issued on September 1, 2021 (the "2021
 tax-exempt bonds") to the project identified herein as "112 W. Church Street - City Hall," and (2)
 identify such additional project as a "project" for all purposes of ordinance no. 2675 (as amended
 and supplemented); providing that this title is a fair statement of the substance of this ordinance;
 authorizing certain city officials to take certain actions in connection with the transactions
 contemplated by this ordinance; providing that the provisions of this ordinance shall be liberally
 construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds of the 2021 tax-exempt bonds.
 Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Amending Use of 2019 Bond Proceeds to Add 112 W. Church Street – City Hall Project -
 2nd Reading
 Ordinance No. 2978 - Amending and supplementing ordinance no. 2554, passed by the council
 on August 26, 2019, approved by the mayor of the City of Salisbury (the "city") on August 27,
 2019 and effective on August 27, 2019 ("ordinance no. 2554"), as amended and supplemented to
 date, in order to (1) authorize and empower the city to use and apply a portion of the principal
 amount of the $11,225,000 city of Salisbury public improvement bonds of 2019 issued on October
 8, 2019 (the "2019 bonds") to the project identified herein as "112 W. Church Street - city hall,"
 and (2) identify such additional project as a "project" for all purposes of ordinance no. 2554 (as
 amended and supplemented); providing that this title is a fair statement of the substance of this
 ordinance; authorizing certain city officials to take certain actions in connection with the
 transactions contemplated by this ordinance; providing that the provisions of this ordinance shall
 be liberally construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds of the 2019 bonds.
 Michele R. Gregory motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.
BOND RESOLUTIONS

Presented by Ms. Bosche

 • Amending Resolution No. 2972 – Reallocation of 2019 Bond Proceeds for 112 W. Church
 Street (City Hall)
 Resolution No. 3461 - Amending and supplementing resolution no. 2972, adopted by the council
 on September 9, 2019, approved by the mayor on September 9, 2019 and effective on September
 9, 2019 ("resolution no. 2972"), as amended and supplemented to date, in order to (1) authorize
 and empower city of Salisbury (the "city") to use and apply a portion of the principal amount of
 the $11,225,000 city of Salisbury public improvement bonds of 2019 issued on October 8, 2019
 (the "2019 bonds"), together with a portion of the net original issue premium received by the city
 in connection with the sale of the 2019 bonds, if applicable, to a project identified herein as "112
 W. Church Street - city hall" in addition to the prior authorized projects identified herein, and (2)
 identify such additional project as a "project" for all purposes of resolution no. 2972, as amended
 and supplemented; authorizing and empowering city officials and employees to take certain
 actions with respect to the 2019 bonds; providing that the provisions of this resolution shall be
 liberally construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds of the 2019 bonds.
 Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0.

 • Amending Resolution No. 3117 – Reallocation of 2021 Tax-Exempt Bond Proceeds for 112 W.

 3
 Church Street (City Hall)

 Resolution No. 3462 - Amending and supplementing resolution no. 3117, adopted by the council
 on August 9, 2021, approved by the mayor on August 10, 2021 and effective on August 10, 2021
 ("resolution no. 3117"), in order to (1) authorize and empower city of Salisbury (the "city") to use
 and apply a portion of the principal amount of the $8,965,000 city of Salisbury tax-exempt public
 improvement and refunding bonds of 2021 issued on September 1, 2021 (the "2021 tax-exempt
 bonds"), together with a portion of the net original issue premium received by the city in
 connection with the sale of the 2021 tax-exempt bonds, if applicable, to a project identified
 herein as "112 W. Church St. - City hall" in addition to the 2021 new money projects identified in
 resolution no. 3117, and (2) identify such additional project as a "2021 new money project" for
 all purposes of resolution no. 3117; authorizing and empowering city officials and employees to
 take certain actions with respect to the 2021 tax -exempt bonds; providing that the provisions of
 this resolution shall be liberally construed; and otherwise generally relating to the use of proceeds
 of the 2021 tax-exempt bonds. Michele R. Gregory motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded.
 The vote was 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following public comments were heard:

 • Speaker #1 commended City workers for effective snow and debris removal and
 recommended improved enforcement to property owners regarding sidewalk clearing
 responsibilities to address ongoing compliance issues.
 • Speaker #2 expressed concerns about significant and preventable environmental damage to
 trees, soil, and parkland caused by the City Park water main replacement project.
 • Speaker #3 echoed concerns about damage from the City Park water main project, citing
 lack of communication about the project and suggested improved transparency and a clear
 restoration plan moving forward.
 • Speaker #4 highlighted the importance of community partnerships in improving public spaces,
 while urging stronger enforcement and accountability measures for landlords to address
 unsafe and substandard housing conditions within the city.
 • Speaker #5 criticized past and current city leadership and government practices, raising concerns
 about transparency, political influence, and election processes.
ADJOURNMENT/CONVENE IN WORK SESSION

The Legislative Session was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.




_________________________________
City Clerk



_________________________________
Council President

 4
PIPELINE PROJECT COLLATERAL DAMAGE in SALISBURY CITY PARK

The water main replacement project in Salisbury City Park is past the halfway point. The
pipeline trench excavation includes from Memorial Plaza to the Waterworks building, within a
few feet of Beaverdam Creek. Its on the Civic Center side of the Park right on top of the main
Greenway Trail.

This will give the City a much-needed new water main serving the nine wells in City Park. The
old pipeline, installed about 100 years ago, must be renewed to use these wells for our water
supply.

BUT extensive, preventable damage to many City park trees has occurred in this project.
Thousands of square feet of topsoil have been disturbed, under the trees canopies, affecting
their root systems. Heavy equipment maneuvering has scarred their trunks and broken off
branches. Oaks, hollies, and pines have been damaged. These are magnificent specimens
about 100 years old, and much appreciated by park users.

Since the first week of January, citizen observers have voiced environmental concerns to
relevant leadership of the City Government. I personally have emailed the three department
directors- Waterworks, DID, Field Operations and the mayor, at least weekly. They did
communicate with me, fairly promptly. Responses I got were – we will get key people in a
room and meet about it. Actions taken, though, NONE observed in my walking the project area
almost daily.

NO industry-standard tree protection was performed to prevent severe tree damage. And
heavy equipment carelessly created erosion of topsoil, especially on the hillside leading down
to and including the 100 - year floodplain.

Weds. Feb. 18 supposedly one key department head actually visited the project and is now
getting more involved. It is painfully obvious that there has been a serious lack of
communication and coordination among the departments. Park Operations, DID and the Park
& Rec Committee reportedly have been excluded until now. This has proven tragic for the City
Park’s natural areas and trails.

Trees and topsoil are invaluable resources and key to City Park’s quality existence. Granted, a
few trees are expected to be damaged running an average 20 inch diameter pipeline through
the floodplain, however, based on various opinions, this project went rogue, over-reached and
disregarded the surroundings.

So--How many more trees will be permanently scarred or their root systems damaged? What
will be done to restore the Park, its trails, trees and open spaces, once its completed? Acres of
nature were disrupted and many trees will be weakened, and come to an early demise. Sadly
the collateral damage of the project now includes park visitors; present and future generations.


Nancyroisum/CC comment 0210232026 CP PIPELINE PROJECT TREE DAMAGE
 Outlook


City Park Water Main Replacement - Public Works Project Viewer Call to Action

From Michael Piorunski <michael.piorunski@gmail.com>
Date Mon 2/16/2026 8:32 PM
To All City Council Members <allcitycouncilmembers@salisbury.md>
Cc Mayor Email Distribution List <mayor@salisbury.md>


________________________________
 WARNING: This message was sent from an external source. Please verify the source before clicking any links or opening any attachments. NEVER provide account
credentials or sensitive data unless the source has been 100% verified as legitimate.
________________________________




Good evening city council members,
I have received several emails regarding the water main replacement project ongoing in the city park. I am sure you all have received similar emails.
The concerns are warranted, as the section of the greenway and surrounding environment between Memorial Plaza and Beaverdam Drive has undergone what
appears to many residents to be an unforeseen transformation. To say communication was lacking about the environmental impacts of this project, and disruption
to park use, is an understatement. I won’t rehash the concerns others have raised regarding the lack of oversight or site protection and management practices.

I do however want to ask that - as council members - you dig into these details as the projects/ funding approvals come before council. The council (YOU) - along
with our stakeholder groups - are the best asset the city has to communicate important information to the public.

A quick checklist may suffice:
- Where is the permitted work area
- If/ How have we informed nearby residents of the pending project
- What potential impact will this project have on surrounding neighborhoods and city property
- How have city officials addressed environmental/ site protection protocols with the vendor
- Who is responsible for remediation of damage to the site
- How will the city communicate to the public if access to public land is limited or restricted
- What is the duration of the project/ project timeline

Moreover, I have asked repeatedly for the city to provide a public facing tool for citizens to view up to date and ongoing public works projects. I’ve proposed
using the GIS mapping resources that can include links to project costs, funding information, project vendors/ contractors, city contact for questions/ inquiries,
project timeline etc…

This tool would help to assuage citizen concerns about communication and transparency when public works projects impact their community. It would utilize
resources and information the city already has and provide important information about how tax dollars are put to use in our neighborhoods. As taxpayers in
2026, we ought to have easy access to information about how dollars are spent. The city has the resources to do this, just needs someone to champion the
project.

I would be happy to walk the project site with anyone this week. The parks committee and other stakeholders must be included in all discussions about
remediation plans.

Thank you for your consideration and have a great week!

Michael Piorunski
443.421.0043
 Outlook


Fwd: Water Main Construction

From Michael Piorunski <michael.piorunski@gmail.com>
Date Thu 2/19/2026 1:51 PM
To Julie English <jenglish@salisbury.md>




WARNING: This message was sent from an external source. Please verify the source before clicking
any links or opening any attachments. NEVER provide account credentials or sensitive data unless the
source has been 100% verified as legitimate.




Mrs English -
I also wanted to pass along this email to Mr Swiger regarding this project.

Thank you.

Michael Piorunski

Begin forwarded message:


 From: Michael Piorunski <michael.piorunski@gmail.com>
 Date: February 16, 2026 at 8:56:26 AM EST
 To: Allen Swiger <aswiger@salisbury.md>
 Subject: Water Main Construction


 Hi Allen!
 As I’m sure you’re aware, there is some concern regarding the extent of damage to park
 assets as a result of the water main replacement work.

 I walked through the work area yesterday afternoon and did not see any tree protection in
 place between Beaverdam Dr and Memorial Plaza - despite lots of damage to trees.

 Moreover the contractor is staging pipe in a way that uses the trees for support. (Along
 the former ball field.)

 Lots of damage to the entire work area; trails, trees, understory areas/ soil, disc golf course
 baskets/ tee markers, and damage to a historic pump house. There’s also trash throughout
 the work area.

 It also looks like there has been work in and around the invasive bamboo.
What exactly have city officials communicated to the water main contractor and/ or
another vendor about remediation plans after the project is completed? Can you share
any internal plans/ budget regarding biodiversity and trail remediation?

I understand the work requires heavy equipment and all that comes with it, but site
protection measures along with clear communication about next steps is needed here. The
project - while necessary to the water infrastructure - has had a significant impact on this
sensitive park area, and will continue to burden other park areas.

Thank you.

Michael Piorunski