PRESENT
Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
Council President Robert Cannon*
Council Vice President Frank Himelright
Councilwoman Lavonzella Siggers
Councilman Palmer Gillis
Councilman William Stacey
* arrived 7:08 p.m.
The Mayor and Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Council Vice President Frank Himelright called the meeting to order. The Lord's Prayer was repeated and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mr. Stacey moved to approve the minutes of September 13, 1999. Upon a second by Mr. Gillis, the minutes were unanimously approved.
Mayor Barrie Tilghman proclaimed September 28, 1999 as "SSU Men's Lacrosse Day" in recognition of Salisbury State University's Lacrosse Team winning the Division III NCAA Championship. Coach Jim Berkman and team members accepted the proclamation.
Mr. Gillis moved and Ms. Siggers seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1735 to bring it on the floor for discussion. City Solicitor Paul Wilber gave an overview of Ordinance No. 1735 which provides for the indemnification of City employees in certain instances of criminal prosecution. Civil suits are covered by the City's insurance policy through LGIT, but not criminal charges.
Mr. Himelright suggested handling on a case-by-case basis rather than adopting an ordinance. Mr. Cannon expressed concern that this policy could set a precedent, and other criminal acts employees might be charged with outside the scope of their job could be construed to be covered. Ms. Siggers was not in favor of adopting this policy because she felt it barred the opportunity of having an investigation or inquiry.
On the vote to approve Ordinance No. 1735, Mr. Stacey voted aye. Ms. Siggers, Mr. Gillis, Mr. Himelright and Mr. Cannon voted nay. Ordinance No. 1735 for second reading failed to pass.
Mr. Gillis moved and Ms. Siggers seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1736 to bring it on the floor for discussion. Public Works Director Wil Elliott introduced Ordinance No. 1736 which amends Section 8.16.020 of the Salisbury Municipal Code to permit weekly collection of residential refuse instead of twice a week. Once a week collection will help offset the cost of recycling. If the Ordinance passes for second reading on October 11, 1999, once a week trash collection will begin on October 25, 1999 and will be scheduled on a quadrant system.
Ms. Siggers related her concern that multi-units were not initially provided a sufficient number of trash containers and noted that only one person had called her in opposition to once a week trash pick up. Mr. Himelright suggested that SAPOA purchase more trash cans for their rental properties and requested that Council revisit once a week trash collection in about three months to see how it is working.
After further discussion, Ordinance No. 1736 for first reading passed unanimously.
Mr. Stacey moved and Ms. Siggers seconded to add to the agenda, as an emergency item, the discussion of the City's health insurance for employees. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Siggers moved and Mr. Stacey seconded to bring the City's health insurance coverage on the floor for discussion.
Mayor Tilghman reported on American Medical Security's notice of an additional 28% rate increase effective November 1, 1999 and recommended piggybacking on Wicomico County's plan with BlueCross BlueShield (package includes medical, dental, prescription and vision) through August 31, 2000. Mayor Tilghman suggested an 85/60 split (City paying 85% for employee coverage and 60% for dependent coverage).
Council discussed the cost factors and received input from many City employees voicing their concern with having to pick up the additional cost burden. After discussion, Messrs. Cannon, Gillis and Himelright favored an 85/40 split. Ms. Siggers and Mr. Stacey favored an 85/50 split.
The consensus was an 85/40 split with piggybacking on the County's BlueCross BlueShield insurance plan.
Resolution No. 665, as introduced by City Solicitor Paul Wilber, approves Comcast cable rates for limited basic service, equipment and installation charges as proposed in their July 30, 1999 filing. Comcast was entitled to a $.54 increase in limited basic service rate, but they did not request any changes in the rates at this time.
Mr. Gillis moved and Ms. Siggers seconded to approve Resolution No. 665 to bring it on the floor for discussion. After a brief discussion, Resolution No. 665 passed on a 4-1 vote. Mr. Stacey voted nay.
Mayor Tilghman presented Resolution No. 666 and recommended the following individuals to serve on the Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals:
Term Ending
Bruce Williams September 2004
Maurice Ngwaba September 2003
Buddy Lloyd September 2002
Don Spice (Alternate) September 2002
Ms. Siggers moved and Mr. Himelright seconded to approve Resolution No. 666 to bring it on the floor for discussion. After a brief discussion, Resolution No. 666 passed unanimously.
Mr. Himelright moved and Ms. Siggers seconded to approve Resolution No. 667 to bring it on the floor for discussion. Mr. Ray Miccichi gave an overview of Resolution No. 667 which adopts a Y2K Compliance Plan for the City of Salisbury.
After a brief discussion, Resolution No. 667 passed unanimously.
Mr. Leo Welch, President of the East Side Men's Club, presented the Club's request for relief on their 1999 property and corporation taxes (approximately $5,000). According to State of Maryland legislation, the Club must apply before October 1st of each year.
After discussion, Ms. Siggers, Mr. Stacey and Mr. Cannon voted in favor of granting the request. Mr. Gillis and Mr. Himelright voted nay. The tax credit request was granted to East Side Men's Club on a 3-2 vote.
The following items were presented for approval by Director of Procurement and Parking CarolTurner, C.P.M., CPPB:
1. Declaration of Surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-0-
2. Professional Services (001-1701-505.33-01)
Paul Wilber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,428.81
3. Mower - P.W. (001-5510-552.70-30)
Turf Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,900.00
4. Contract No. 110-00
Trailer Mounted Diesel Generators (601-3701-532.70-30)
Curtis Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,600.00
Item #1 - All voted in favor of item #1 with the exception of Ms. Siggers who voted nay.
Item #2 - All voted in favor of item #2 with the exception of Ms. Siggers who did not vote.
Item #3 - Mr. Stacey and Mr. Gillis voted in favor of awarding to Turf Equipment. Mr.
Himelright and Mr. Cannon voted nay. Ms. Siggers did not vote. Mr. Himelright moved and
Ms. Siggers seconded to accept the low bid from Pilchard Brothers (New Holland) rather than
Turf Equipment as recommended. All voted in favor with the exception of Mr. Stacey who voted
nay.
Item #4 - Item #4 was unanimously approved.
Mayor Tilghman commented on the newest neighborhood association, Princeton Homes.
Council Vice President related that the Salisbury Zoo has been accredited again.
Officer Amelia Bowling reported that the Citizens Police Academy will begin a new session October 13 through December 10, 1999.
Mr. Jack Powell recommended that the City Manager form of government proposal be submitted to the citizens of Salisbury for their input through a petition.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
City Clerk
(notes provided by Ms. Deborah Stam)
Council President