CITY OF SALISBURY, MARYLAND
#14 MEETING JULY 26, 2004
PRESENT
Council President Michael P. Dunn Council Vice President Michael H. Day
Councilman Gary A. Comegys Councilwoman Lavonzella Siggers
Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
ABSENT
Councilwoman Lynn Cathcart
IN ATTENDANCE
City Clerk Brenda Colegrove, CMC, Executive Officer John Pick, ICMA-CM, City Solicitor Paul Wilber, Fire Chief David See, Director of Procurement & Parking Carol Turner, CPPB, C.P.M., Police Chief Allan Webster, and interested Citizens and Members of the Press.
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CONVENING - ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The City Council and Mayor met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Council President Dunn called the meeting to order. Rev. Harvey Dixon led the audience in The Lord's Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Day moved and Mr. Comegys seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Comegys moved to amend the agenda by removing Ordinance No. 1910, Signs which may be erected in any districts, for discussion in a future work session. Mr. Day seconded and the amendment passed unanimously. The agenda, as amended, was unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF JULY 12, 2004 MINUTES
The July 12, 2004 minutes were unanimously approved on a motion and a second by Mr. Day and Mr. Comegys, respectively.
AWARD OF BIDS
On a motion by Mr. Comegys and seconded by Mr. Day, the following item was unanimously approved as presented by Director of Procurement Carol Turner:
1. Heating/Air Conditioning System for Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,812.00
(47000-577030; unbudgeted capital outlay)
Buddy Lloyd & Sons, HVAC, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. 1140 - AUTHORIZING DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY IN EXECUTING A CONTRACT FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Mr. Comegys moved and Mr. Day seconded to approve Resolution No. 1140. Executive Officer John Pick presented Resolution No. 1140 authorizing the Director of Procurement, Carol M. Turner, to act on behalf of the City in executing a contract for electricity supply.
Resolution No. 1140 was unanimously approved.
CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Mayor Tilghman, along with Police Chief Allan Webster and Cpl. Brian Beaver, presented Certificates of Appreciation to Shameka Bryant, Lashawna Langley and Kaleena Mahaney. The three University of Maryland Eastern Shore students assisted in the identification and conviction of a robbery (purse snatching) suspect.
PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE NO. 1909 - AMENDING CHAPTER 2.16, FIRE DEPARTMENT, OF THE SALISBURY MUNICIPAL CODE
Fire Chief David See explained that the proposed revision to the Code identifies the roles and responsibilities of the Fire Department and its staff of career and volunteer professionals and will permit the department to function legally and responsibly.
Twelve members of the public voiced their comments, pro and con, on the proposed legislation. Highlights of those comments included:
• supported the Code revisions
• not a volunteer vs. career issue
• believed in a unified Fire Department under one leader
• proposal may solve some problems, but create others
• eliminates older volunteers from holding office or administrative involvement
• eliminates handicapped persons regardless of their specialized skills
• City failed to seek counsel, guidance or assistance from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association
• opposed Ordinance No. 1909 as presented
• did not believe consultant’s 2001 report had been approved by the City Council
• third legal challenge could arise if Ordinance No. 1909 was approved
• asked Council to support the adoption of a separate fire district for Station #2 in those portions of the county now served by Station #2
• could be the beginning of the end of volunteer companies
• issue of safety vs. danger
• volunteer companies wanted input on the Code revisions
• questioned legality of a tax exempt municipality’s control of a 501(c)(3) non profitable corporation
• concern that the ordinance gives the Fire Chief absolute control over every aspect of firefighting, thereby eliminating the volunteer fire companies’ autonomy
• mentioned that Salisbury Fire Company #2 Inc. donated land to the City – City could keep the firehouse as long as the volunteers could use it to fight fires in the City of Salisbury
• urged Council to appoint a commission to receive input, study the issue, and evaluate the consequences before adopting the ordinance
• questioned why the City didn’t purchase a rescue truck for Station #16 rather than take the rescue truck from Station #2
• Station #2 volunteers willing to have their books reviewed by anyone to see how their money is spent
• City should use more volunteers to save money
• proposed ordinance, because it is so restrictive, will lead to the devastation of volunteer provision of emergency services
• urged the Council to tread slowly and work with all parties to formulate and finalize a plan that will recognize the needs of the community
• ordinance as written in violation of State Law – City doesn’t have authority to enact legislation involving areas outside the City
• believed the legislation was placing a blockade against PRMC
• did not have any concerns with the proposed legislation
• may have to work out some legal issues – intent of the provisions was not to control any department/entity outside of the City or create a blockade against PRMC
• suggested that modifications be made to page 4, item 10, regarding supplies and page 7 concerning corporate officers
• need change to provide safety and efficient service in the Fire Department.
Council President Dunn encouraged Attorney Robin Cockey and Attorney Michael Farlow to formally present their legal concerns to City Solicitor Paul Wilber so they could be addressed. Councilman Day asked that comments or suggestions be sent to the Council as soon as possible. Councilwoman Siggers appreciated all the comments and opined that the ordinance was not representative of all the interested parties. She hoped a more comprehensive look would be given to the legislation before moving forward.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
City Clerk
Council President