Legislative Session

LEGISLATIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 9, 2026 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: President April R. Jackson, Council Vice President Sharon C. Dashiell, Councilwoman Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory and Councilwoman Melissa D. Holland IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Legislative Session on March 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS/PLEDGE President Jackson welcomed everyone to the meeting and provided the emergency exit instructions. She then asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION - Bishop Andre Alexander - New Dimensions Family Ministries Ms. Jackson called for a moment of silence in lieu of the invocation. PRESENTATIONS • Presidential Citizen Scholars - Westside Community Center Professor Ryan Weaver and students from Salisbury University’s Presidential Citizen Scholars program presented findings from their community-based research project focused on the west side of Salisbury, where no community center currently exists. Through surveys and outreach at local events, churches, and public spaces, the students gathered input highlighting strong community interest in arts and cultural programming, academic support, senior services, and family support initiatives. They emphasized the importance of increasing access to social, educational, and health resources, particularly for underserved and non-English speaking populations. The group also shared data suggesting that community centers may contribute to reductions in crime and improved community well-being. In response to identified healthcare gaps, the students organized a free community health fair at the Newton Community Center. Additionally, a separate project introduced an online Wicomico County Housing and Resource Guide designed to provide up-to- date information on housing and essential services. Council members expressed strong appreciation for the students’ work, noting its value in guiding future planning efforts, particularly as the City moved forward with developing a west side community center. PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 1 Ms. English presented the legislative agenda. President Jackson called for a motion to adopt the legislative agenda as presented. Angela M. Blake motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. CONSENT AGENDA Ms. English presented the Consent Agenda items. The items were as follows: • Manufacturing Exemption - Smiths Interconnect Americas, Inc . • Board of Appeals President Jackson called for a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 3-2 with Ms. Gregory and Ms. Blake voting nay. RESOLUTIONS Presented by Ms. Bosche • Resolution Declaring Official Intent to Reimburse Project Costs – Westside Community Center Resolution No. 3464 - Making a declaration of official intent regarding reasonable expectation to reimburse from proceeds of a future borrowing project expenditures made in connection with a project generally identified as Westside Community Center. Ms. Bosche recommended revisions to clarify that the resolution included funding for the acquisition of the Westside Community Center property on Parsons Road. Additional language would specify that project expenditures included property acquisition costs, and a separate ordinance to authorize the purchase would be introduced at the next work session. Angela M. Blake motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Approval of Substantial Amendment to FY2020 CDBG-CV Annual Action Plan Resolution No. 3465 - to approve the City's Substantial Amendment for Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds for CDBG-CV FY2020. Angela M. Blake motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. ORDINANCES Presented by Ms. Bosche • Authorization of General Obligation Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes, and Refunding Bonds FY2026 Capital Projects Ordinance No. 2979 - Authorization of General Obligation Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes, and Refunding Bonds FY2026 Capital Projects. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Electrical Permit Ordinance - 1st Reading Ordinance No. 2980 - To require the acquisition of an electrical permit through the City of 2  Salisbury prior to conducting work on electrical systems, equipment or connections. Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Accept Donation from Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore - 1st Reading Ordinance No. 2981 - Approving a budget amendment of the City's budget to accept and appropriate donated funds from the City Park Pedestrian bridge restoration. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Pollinator Pathways Ordinance No. 2982 - to accept funds received from Sustainable Maryland in the amount of $20,000 as awarded to enact the Pollinator Pathways Program in the City of Salisbury. Sharon C. Dashiell motioned and Angela M. Blake seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Specialty Shop Ordinance - 1st Reading Ordinance No. 2983 - Amending 4.120 of the Salisbury City Code to revise the definition of "specialty shop" Angela M. Blake motioned and Melissa D. Holland seconded. The vote was 5- 0. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION Ms. Jackson presented Ms. Monica Brooks with a Certificate of Recognition for Women's History Month. Ms. Jackson highlighted the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to the council and community, acknowledging those who had paved the way for future generations. She noted this was the first year of the recognition and expressed a desire to expand it in the future. PUBLIC COMMENT The following public comments were heard: Speaker #1 requested his Public Art Master Plan amendment be discussed at a work session, emphasizing the need for broader input on public art decisions, and asked the Mayor about plans for Black Lives Matter Boulevard. Speaker #2 commended the City's snow removal team, raised concerns about impacts from the City Park water main project, and urged opposition to House Bill 1518 due to potential revenue loss. Speaker #3 asked whether the city had reached out regarding the Viscon Air closure, noting the loss of approximately 50 jobs. Speaker #4 encouraged stronger enforcement of housing laws, support for seniors and vulnerable residents, and consideration of measures like rent stabilization to help those struggling with homelessness and high living costs. Speaker #5 supported routine code inspections, commended Councilwoman Jackson for efficient meetings, clarified the council president’s limited role, and advocated annexing the west side to boost revenue and civic engagement. 3 ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Rice provided an update noting that the Waterside Park construction had begun, the pedestrian bridge renovations near the amphitheater were complete, and new equipment at Woodcock Park had arrived with work expected to finish by the end of the week. Mayor Taylor provided updates on Viscon Air’s out-of-state consolidation and efforts to secure a new operator, tenant-requested inspections without landlord permission, progress on the Westside Community Center, and annexation plans to increase city revenue. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Holland commended the ACE Mentoring Program students for their outstanding unhoused shelter project presentation and announced a Truth Committee community session at the Truitt Street Community Center, encouraging public participation. Ms. Gregory attended the Habitat for Humanity gala and encouraged donations. She also promoted the Women’s Empowerment Summit at Salisbury University. Ms. Dashiell highlighted the ACE student's presentation, noted progress at Woodcock Park, shared airport expansion updates, and promoted Earth Day at the Zoo and the Mission of Mercy health fair. Ms. Blake thanked attendees for coming, emphasized the importance of community engagement, and acknowledged the presence of many women in celebration of Women’s History Month. Ms. Jackson expressed her excitement about the West Salisbury Community Center, highlighting its importance for children, families, and the broader community. She noted plans for future community improvements, including potential playgrounds, and thanked the Mayor, administration, and council for making the project possible. She also promoted a Vietnam Veterans Day celebration at the Delmar VFW, honoring veterans and their stories. ADJOURNMENT The Legislative Session adjourned at 7:11 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President 4