CITY OF SALISBURY, MARYLAND
#19 MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2000
PRESENT
Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman Council Vice President Joe Scott
Council President Lavonzella Siggers Councilman William Stacey
Councilwoman Rachel Polk Councilman C. T. Webster
IN ATTENDANCE
Executive Office Associate Mary Church, Executive Officer John Pick, Attorney Newt Jackson, Fire Chief William Higgins, Finance Director John Cawley, Public Works Director John Jacobs, Director of Procurement & Parking Carol Turner, C.P.M., CPPB, Chief Allan Webster and interested Citizens and Members of the press.
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CONVENING - ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The Mayor and Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Council President Siggers called the meeting to order. The Lord's Prayer was repeated and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Ms. Siggers asked that Ordinance 1783, referring to a General Obligation Bond, be added to the end of the meeting as an emergency item. On a motion by Ms. Polk and seconded by Mr. Webster, Ordinance 1783 was added to the end of the agenda as an emergency item on a 3-2 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted nay).
On a motion by Ms. Polk and seconded by Mr. Scott, the agenda was adopted with a 3-2 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted nay).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve the September 11, 2000 minutes. All voted in favor of approving the September 11, 2000 minutes except Mr. Stacey who did not vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 1780 - 2nd READING - EXTENDING MORATORIUM FOR GROUP DOMICILIARY CARE FACILITIES TO DECEMBER 31, 2000
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance 1780, extending the moratorium for group domiciliary care facilities to December 31, 2000. Attorney Newt Jackson stated he had no further information to be added. Mayor Tilghman noted that this is a much litigated field and that the City has to be sure it is in a defensible position in case any type of litigation is involved at a future date. It went before the Planning Commission on September 21, 2000.
All voted in favor of Ordinance No. 1780 for second reading except Mr. Stacey who voted nay.
ORDINANCE NO. 1781 - 2nd READING - BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING FUNDS RECEIVED FROM WICOMICO COUNTY TO PURCHASE AMBULANCE EQUIPMENT
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1781, a FY01 budget amendment appropriating funds of $14,887 received from Wicomico County to purchase ambulance equipment. Fire Chief William Higgins explained that a check had been sent to Finance in the amount of $14,887.40 to equip the Paramedic Unit-4. Chief Higgins requested that the monies be transferred to the EMS account.
Ordinance No. 1781 for second reading passed unanimously.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Ms. Siggers recognized Cub Scout Pack #478 from the Moose Lodge who were attending the meeting earning their citizenship pin.
ORDINANCE NO. 1782 - 2ND READING - BUDGET AMENDMENT PROVIDING FOR THE DEPOSIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST CLAIMS CHECK FOR REPAIR TO LIGHT TOWER UNIT ON SQUAD 1
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1782, a FY01 budget amendment providing for the deposit of Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) claims check ($6,866) for repair to the Light Tower Unit on Squad 1. Fire Chief Higgins reported that LGIT has provided a check ($6,866) to Finance. Chief Higgins requested that the monies be transferred to the vehicle account for Squad 1.
After a brief discussion, Ordinance No. 1782 for second reading passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF THE EAST SIDE MEN'S CLUB TAX CREDIT REQUEST
Mr. Webster moved and Mr. Stacey seconded to approve the East Side Men's Club tax credit request for $3,025.93. Mr. Leo Welch, President of East Side Men's Club, reported that the club is required to go before Council, unlike other charitable clubs that are on a national scale.
After a brief discussion, the East Side Men's Club Tax Credit was denied on a 1-4 vote (Mr. Stacey voted aye).
Mr. Webster was unclear on the action taken and requested a revote. A discussion ensued regarding the $26,000 donations when the club took in over $400,000. Mr. Welch reported that it takes $30,000 a month to run the club. Ms. Siggers inquired if the club had been turned down before. Mr. Pick believed it had been turned down once before. Mr. Stacey moved to bring it back to the floor for approval and Mr. Webster seconded. The East Side Men's Club Tax Credit was denied on a 2-3 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted aye).
AWARD OF BIDS
The following items were presented for approval by Director of Procurement & Parking Carol Turner:
1. Declaration of Surplus...............................................................................................................................................-0-
2. Surplus Fire Engine
#203 Volunteers, Station #2......................................................................................................................+$15,000.00
3. Trailer for Hauling Sewage Sludge
(601-4101-533.70-25)
HA DeHart Truck Equipment......................................................................................................................$15,900.00
4. Trailer Rental
Salisbury Zoo & Salisbury Zoo Commission
Allied Trailers..............................................................................................................................................$17,320.00
5. Professional Services
(001-1701-515.33-01)
Paul D. Wilber.............................................................................................................................................$17,509.94
6. Reallocation of Funds
Clearing Diffuser in Wicomico River (WWTP)
(601-4101-533.30-23)
Crofton Diving corporation..........................................................................................................................$60,000.00
Mr. Stacey moved to approve each of the above items individually and Mr. Webster seconded. It was unanimous to take each item separately. After discussion, items 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were unanimously approved.
After discussion, Mr. Stacey moved and Mr. Webster seconded to table item 2 for the next work session. The vote was unanimous to table. Mrs. Turner pointed out that the next work session would be after the bid time frame. Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Webster seconded to extend the bid beyond the September 28 deadline. All voted in favor of the motion.
ORDINANCE NO. 1783 - 1ST READING - AUTHORIZING AND EMPOWERING THE CITY TO ISSUE AND SELL A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1783, an ordinance authorizing and empowering the City of Salisbury to issue and sell upon its full faith and credit one fully registered General Obligation Bond in the aggregate principal amount of $102,000 for the purchase of land upon which a Fire Department building will be constructed.
Attorney Jackson reported that the bond would be through Bank of America. The Bank of America would buy the bond back and the City would pay a lower rate. The advantage to Bank of America would be that the interest would be tax free. Bond Counsel would provide the City with a Bond Ordinance and Resolution. The contract deadline is September 30, 2000, however, there may be a title problem and possibly environmental problems.
Mr. Stacey did not think it would be a good idea to move forward with spending taxpayer dollars on a bond at this point. The City is still waiting for the results of the soil samples for the site. He reminded the Council that they should be cautious since the site had been a cranberry bog.
After much discussion, Ordinance No. 1783 was passed for the first reading on a 3-2 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted nay).
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Tilghman commented on the following:
- October 1 meeting to discuss the neighborhoods relationship to the Zoo;
- Follow-up on the Camden neighborhood meeting will be held on October 10;
- Compact meeting at Salisbury State will be beginning again on October 11. The meetings will be held every second Wednesday of each month in the Manokin Room at Salisbury State.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mr. Webster reported that Peninsula Regional Hospital gave him and his family great service. He thanked everyone for the hundreds of get well cards, well wishes, and enough fruit to start a store.
Mr. Stacey stated he was glad to see Mr. Webster back at the council meeting. Mr. Stacey reiterated that he was glad to see the scouts and hoped they would keep going to become Eagle Scouts.
Ms. Polk congratulated Mr. Webster and the audience for coming out in the rain to the council meeting.
Mr. Scott was glad to see Mr. Webster back, even when there is disagreement.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. James Trader was upset that the parking garage still leaked and questioned when it would be fixed.
Ms. Julia Hancock stated she was glad to see Mr. Webster back and commented on her inability to hear Ms. Siggers and Ms. Polk.
Mr. Robert Taylor was disappointed in the Council not wanting to have Mr. Webster attend by telephone.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT WRAP-UP
Council President Siggers commented on the following:
- Glad to see Councilman Webster back with the Council;
- Mayor Tilghman's birthday;
- Council is working on finalizing its Rules of Order and should be bringing it before the public soon;
- Extended appreciation to the public, on behalf of the firemen, on making their muster a success again this year;
- Extended thanks to the Council for considering the Harbor Pointe issue at the last council meeting.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
Executive Office Associate
Council President
As amended on October 9, 2000
CITY OF SALISBURY, MARYLAND
#19 MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2000
PRESENT
Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman Council Vice President Joe Scott
Council President Lavonzella Siggers Councilman William Stacey
Councilwoman Rachel Polk Councilman C. T. Webster
IN ATTENDANCE
Executive Office Associate Mary Church, Executive Officer John Pick, Attorney Newt Jackson, Fire Chief William Higgins, Finance Director John Cawley, Public Works Director John Jacobs, Director of Procurement & Parking Carol Turner, C.P.M., CPPB, Chief Allan Webster and interested Citizens and Members of the press.
**********************************************************************************************
CONVENING - ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The Mayor and Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Council President Siggers called the meeting to order. The Lord's Prayer was repeated and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Ms. Siggers asked that Ordinance 1783, referring to a General Obligation Bond, be added to the end of the meeting as an emergency item. On a motion by Ms. Polk and seconded by Mr. Webster, Ordinance 1783 was added to the end of the agenda as an emergency item on a 3-2 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted nay).
On a motion by Ms. Polk and seconded by Mr. Scott, the agenda was adopted with a 3-2 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted nay).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve the September 11, 2000 minutes. All voted in favor of approving the September 11, 2000 minutes except Mr. Stacey who did not vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 1780 - 2nd READING - EXTENDING MORATORIUM FOR GROUP DOMICILIARY CARE FACILITIES TO DECEMBER 31, 2000
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance 1780, extending the moratorium for group domiciliary care facilities to December 31, 2000. Attorney Newt Jackson stated he had no further information to be added. Mayor Tilghman noted that this is a much litigated field and that the City has to be sure it is in a defensible position in case any type of litigation is involved at a future date. It went before the Planning Commission on September 21, 2000.
All voted in favor of Ordinance No. 1780 for second reading except Mr. Stacey who voted nay.
ORDINANCE NO. 1781 - 2nd READING - BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING FUNDS RECEIVED FROM WICOMICO COUNTY TO PURCHASE AMBULANCE EQUIPMENT
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1781, a FY01 budget amendment appropriating funds of $14,887 received from Wicomico County to purchase ambulance equipment. Fire Chief William Higgins explained that a check had been sent to Finance in the amount of $14,887.40 to equip the Paramedic Unit-4. Chief Higgins requested that the monies be transferred to the EMS account.
Ordinance No. 1781 for second reading passed unanimously.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Ms. Siggers recognized Cub Scout Pack #478 from the Moose Lodge who were attending the meeting earning their citizenship pin.
ORDINANCE NO. 1782 - 2ND READING - BUDGET AMENDMENT PROVIDING FOR THE DEPOSIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST CLAIMS CHECK FOR REPAIR TO LIGHT TOWER UNIT ON SQUAD 1
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1782, a FY01 budget amendment providing for the deposit of Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) claims check ($6,866) for repair to the Light Tower Unit on Squad 1. Fire Chief Higgins reported that LGIT has provided a check ($6,866) to Finance. Chief Higgins requested that the monies be transferred to the vehicle account for Squad 1.
After a brief discussion, Ordinance No. 1782 for second reading passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF THE EAST SIDE MEN'S CLUB TAX CREDIT REQUEST
Mr. Webster moved and Mr. Stacey seconded to approve the East Side Men's Club tax credit request for $3,025.93. Mr. Leo Welch, President of East Side Men's Club, reported that the club is required to go before Council, unlike other charitable clubs that are on a national scale.
After a brief discussion, the East Side Men's Club Tax Credit was denied on a 1-4 vote (Mr. Stacey voted aye).
Mr. Webster was unclear on the action taken and requested a revote. A discussion ensued regarding the $26,000 donations when the club took in over $400,000. Mr. Welch reported that it takes $30,000 a month to run the club. Ms. Siggers inquired if the club had been turned down before. Mr. Pick believed it had been turned down once before. Mr. Stacey moved to bring it back to the floor for approval and Mr. Webster seconded. The East Side Men's Club Tax Credit was denied on a 2-3 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted aye).
AWARD OF BIDS
The following items were presented for approval by Director of Procurement & Parking Carol Turner:
1. Declaration of Surplus...............................................................................................................................................-0-
2. Surplus Fire Engine
#203 Volunteers, Station #2......................................................................................................................+$15,000.00
3. Trailer for Hauling Sewage Sludge
(601-4101-533.70-25)
HA DeHart Truck Equipment......................................................................................................................$15,900.00
4. Trailer Rental
Salisbury Zoo & Salisbury Zoo Commission
Allied Trailers..............................................................................................................................................$17,320.00
5. Professional Services
(001-1701-515.33-01)
Paul D. Wilber.............................................................................................................................................$17,509.94
6. Reallocation of Funds
Clearing Diffuser in Wicomico River (WWTP)
(601-4101-533.30-23)
Crofton Diving corporation..........................................................................................................................$60,000.00
Mr. Stacey moved to approve each of the above items individually and Mr. Webster seconded. It was unanimous to take each item separately. After discussion, items 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were unanimously approved.
After discussion, Mr. Stacey moved and Mr. Webster seconded to table item 2 for the next work session. The vote was unanimous to table. Mrs. Turner pointed out that the next work session would be after the bid time frame. Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Webster seconded to extend the bid beyond the September 28 deadline. All voted in favor of the motion.
ORDINANCE NO. 1783 - 1ST READING - AUTHORIZING AND EMPOWERING THE CITY TO ISSUE AND SELL A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND
Ms. Polk moved and Mr. Scott seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1783, an ordinance authorizing and empowering the City of Salisbury to issue and sell upon its full faith and credit one fully registered General Obligation Bond in the aggregate principal amount of $102,000 for the purchase of land upon which a Fire Department building will be constructed.
Attorney Jackson reported that the bond would be through Bank of America. The Bank of America would buy the bond back and the City would pay a lower rate. The advantage to Bank of America would be that the interest would be tax free. Bond Counsel would provide the City with a Bond Ordinance and Resolution. The contract deadline is September 30, 2000, however, there may be a title problem and possibly environmental problems.
Mr. Stacey did not think it would be a good idea to move forward with spending taxpayer dollars on a bond at this point. The City is still waiting for the results of the soil samples for the site. He reminded the Council that they should be cautious since the site had been a cranberry bog.
After much discussion, Ordinance No. 1783 was passed for the first reading on a 3-2 vote (Mr. Stacey and Mr. Webster voted nay).
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Tilghman commented on the following:
- October 1 meeting to discuss the neighborhoods relationship to the Zoo;
- Follow-up on the Camden neighborhood meeting will be held on October 10;
- Compact meeting at Salisbury State will be beginning again on October 11. The meetings will be held every second Wednesday of each month in the Manokin Room at Salisbury State.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mr. Webster reported that Peninsula Regional Hospital gave him and his family great service. He thanked everyone for the hundreds of get well cards, well wishes, and enough fruit to start a store.
Mr. Stacey stated he was glad to see Mr. Webster back at the council meeting. Mr. Stacey reiterated that he was glad to see the scouts and hoped they would keep going to become Eagle Scouts.
Ms. Polk congratulated Mr. Webster and the audience for coming out in the rain to the council meeting.
Mr. Scott was glad to see Mr. Webster back, even when there is disagreement.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. James Trader was upset that the parking garage still leaked and questioned when it would be fixed.
Ms. Julia Hancock stated she was glad to see Mr. Webster back and commented on her inability to hear Ms. Siggers and Ms. Polk.
Mr. Robert Taylor was disappointed in the Council not wanting to have Mr. Webster attend by telephone.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT WRAP-UP
Council President Siggers commented on the following:
- Glad to see Councilman Webster back with the Council;
- Mayor Tilghman's birthday;
- Council is working on finalizing its Rules of Order and should be bringing it before the public soon;
- Extended appreciation to the public, on behalf of the firemen, on making their muster a success again this year;
- Extended thanks to the Council for considering the Harbor Pointe issue at the last council meeting.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
Executive Office Associate
Council President