CITY OF SALISBURY, MARYLAND
SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 7, 2005
PRESENT
Council President Michael P. Dunn Council Vice President Michael H. Day
Councilwoman Lynn B. Cathcart Councilman Gary A. Comegys
Councilwoman Lavonzella Siggers Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
IN ATTENDANCE
City Clerk Brenda Colegrove, CMC, City Administrator John Pick, ICMA-CM, City Solicitor Paul Wilber, and interested Citizens and Members of the Press.
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The City Council and Mayor convened in a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room 305 of the City/County Government Office Building. Council President Dunn called the meeting to order.
Council President Dunn explained that Mayor Tilghman called for the special meeting for the sole purpose of considering Ordinance No. 1930 for first reading establishing a moratorium on development of the north prong of the Wicomico River.
Mr. Comegys moved and Mr. Day seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1930 for first reading. City Solicitor Paul Wilber provided an overview of the Ordinance which suspends the issuance of zoning certificates, building permits, approval of site plans, and new commercial/industrial uses in that portion of the Riverfront Redevelopment Multi-Use District, Chapter 17.104, and General Commercial District, Chapter 17.36, bounded by Isabella Street, Mill Street, U.S. Route 50 and Lake Street, for a 60-day period to allow for study and revision of zoning provisions.
Mr. Charlie Dolbey acknowledged that he has a lease with a tenant that wishes to operate a recycling facility. He wanted to see the north prong developed, but until that point he needed to rent the property to generate income. Mr. Tom Maloney, attorney representing the property owner, believed the City was contacted last fall on the proposed use of this property and received correspondence from the City that it was an approved use within that area. The property is intended to be used as a recycling facility and not a junk yard. They were willing to work with the City in order to be able to move forward.
Mrs. Cathcart voiced concerns with the property being used as a car crusher facility. Mr. Day questioned the type of trucks to be used and the amount of truck traffic that would be
generated in that area. Mr. Comegys viewed the 60-day period as an opportunity to receive public input.
Director of Planning & Zoning Jack Lenox reported that the 60 days would allow the
Planning & Zoning Commission to conduct a public hearing and forward a recommendation to the Council. In his opinion, it was appropriate to impose the moratorium.
Council President Dunn introduced and welcomed the following guests from Tartu, Estonia:
Ms. Laine Jänes Mayor, City of Tartu
Mr. Jüri Molder City Secretary, City of Tartu
Mr. Jaak Kangilaski Vice Rector, University of Tartu
Mr. Siim Läänelaid Chief Specialist Foreign Relations Service, City of Tartu
Mr. Karl Altau Managing Director, Joint Baltic American National Committee
After further discussion, Ordinance No. 1930 for first reading passed unanimously.
The special meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.
City Clerk
Council President