Work Session — Salisbury, MD
Date: 2025-09-08

WORK SESSION
 MEETING MINUTES
 SEPTEMBER 8, 2025


 PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Present: Council Vice President Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman April R. Jackson and
Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell

Absent: Council President D'Shawn M. Doughty and Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory

 IN ATTENDANCE

Mayor Randy Taylor, Deputy City Administrator Allen Swiger, Community Relations Manager Rachel
Manning, Director of Housing and Community Development Muir Boda, City Clerk Julie English,
City Solicitor Ashley Bosche
CALL TO ORDER

The City Council convened in Work Session on September 8, 2025 at 6:55 p.m. in the
Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street.
PRESENTATION

Ms. Blake called Ms. Manning forward to present the Summer Youth Program Recap.

 • Summer Youth Program Recap

 Ms. Manning highlighted a successful summer youth program. The program included: the first
 Youth Business Fair (12 entrepreneurs), the Newton Community Center drop-in program (650
 visits), gardening and cooking activities, arts and crafts, and a field trip to the zoo. The new
 “Game On” program at Lake Street Playground drew 10–25 kids daily, with free lunches
 provided. The Summer Youth Employment Program hired 11 high school students in various city
 departments. She noted that the summer would conclude with the upcoming Parkfest event, which
 offered free games, food, and activities for the community.
RESOLUTION

 • Charter Amendment - Updating SC5-1 to increase the maximum fines for misdemeanors
 and municipal infractions

 Mr. Boda presented a charter amendment for the purpose of updating fines and municipal
 infractions. The idea was to create an annual fine schedule to avoid frequent code updates. An
 alternative to creating the annual schedule was to reference state law for simplicity and clarity.
 Vice President Blake asked Ms. English for this option to be presented at the next Work Session.
 Consensus was reached to move the amendment forward.
ORDINANCE

 • Ordinance to add the International Property Maintenance Code to Title 15 of the Salisbury
 City Code
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 Mr. Boda presented an ordinance to amend Title 15 of the Salisbury City Code for the purpose
 of referencing the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. He explained that this aligned
 with the code used in trainings and certifications taken by the housing inspectors and code
 enforcement officers. Consensus was reached to move the ordinance forward.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION

 • Boards and Commissions – Vice President Blake tabled this conversation. No vote was taken.

PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only)

The following public comments were heard:

 Speaker # 1 encouraged more proactive code enforcement, criticizing the current complaint-
 driven system and cited a case where rental inspectors would not act without a court order.
 Speaker #2 backed the simple charter change and recommended the Planning Commission
 exclude council members to avoid bias.
 Speaker #3 requested monthly accountability updates from council members on boards
 and commissions and highlighted ongoing playground maintenance issues.

ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS

Mr. Swiger thanked Ms. Manning for her outstanding work on the summer youth program, her
leadership in the Summer Youth Employment Program, and the hiring of a young participant for the
events team.

Mayor Taylor thanked the council for advancing the City Administrator. He also emphasized
proactive city responses to issues and reminded residents about the upcoming Folk Festival.
COUNCIL COMMENTS

Ms. Dashiell highlighted several local events and developments. She also announced new airport
initiatives including a $59 Orlando flight and the recent opening of the aviation maintenance school.

Ms. Jackson addressed community topics and offered condolences to the family of the young man who
was found in the Wicomico River.

Ms. Blake reflected on recent home blessings and shared that her grandmother attended Salisbury
University in 1929. She appreciated the Council’s reporting on community events.
ADJOURNMENT

The Work Session adjourned at 7:57 p.m.


_________________________________
City Clerk


_________________________________
Council President
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