Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2025 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: Council President D'Shawn M. Doughty, Council Vice President Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman April R. Jackson, Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory and Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell IN ATTENDANCE City Administrator Andy Kitzrow, Economic Development Manager Derek Jarmon, Brad Gillis, Dave Ryan, Water Works Director Cori Cameron, Colonel Howard Drewer, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Work Session on June 9, 2025 at 7:33 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. RESOLUTION • Enterprise Zone Eligibility - 200 Cypress St • Enterprise Zone Eligibility - Westwood Commerce LLC at 1610 Westwood • Enterprise Zone Eligibility - Westwood Commerce LLC at 1630 Westwood Mr. Jarmon introduced the applications for the Enterprise Zone tax credits for 200 Cypress Street and two Westwood Drive properties. He relayed that the program offers up to 10 years of property tax breaks for investment and job creation. Both owners were asked to share why they applied to receive the tax credit. Mr. Gillis highlighted property upgrades, including a youth center, and Mr. Ryan discussed industrial development and job growth. Council reached consensus to move forward with the two applicants. ORDINANCE • Budget Ordinance - Naylor Mill Water Main Extension Ms. Cameron spoke about a budget amendment to move $60,000 from the water plant’s chemical account to the Naylor Mill water main project. She explained that the funds would cover installing a 16-inch gate valve, tees, and valve boxes to support future development and avoid re-digging the road. She noted that while the main project is funded by an MDE grant, this addition was a city expense to plan for growth and expand water access to nearby areas. Council reached consensus to move this forward to legislative session. • Acceptance of BJAG Grant Funding from GOCCP 1  Colonel Drewer presented an ordinance to accept a $20,000 BJAG grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. He explained the funds would expand the city’s camera system to cover the downtown plaza. This would reduce the need for portable units and building on previous projects, including an $80,000 garage camera upgrade. Council gave consensus to move the ordinance forward to legislative session. • Budget Amendment to increase funding for Attorney Fees for Special Counsel Mr. Kitzrow presented a budget amendment to increase the FY26 general fund allocation for attorney fees, primarily for special counsel related to union negotiations and pending litigation. He noted higher-than-expected bills, especially from CBM, and explained that funds had been shifted earlier to cover arbitration costs. He added that while the request was initially for $60,000, the final amount was expected to be lower due to avoiding multiple arbitration cases. Council gave consensus to move forward with the ordinance. PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only) There were no public comments. ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Kitzrow thanked the council for adopting a balanced budget and supporting the amendment, stating it would strengthen the office’s work on complex projects. He appreciated avoiding tax increases but warned rising costs and union salaries could strain future budgets. He noted the one-time $1.5 million fire service payment helped this year but would not recur. He noted that this was his last budget process for Salisbury and thanked the Council. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Jackson praised city staff for their quick response to a pipe burst at the Lodges at Naylor Mill and stressed the need for fiscal responsibility. She suggested a work session to review spending and ensure taxpayer dollars were used wisely. Ms. Dashiell thanked Delegate Barry Beauchamp for attending the meeting, highlighted a successful ribbon-cutting event at Doverdale, and encouraged residents to share their feedback on city expenditures. She also reminded the public about the final comprehensive plan input session on Thursday at the fire department, focusing on long-term planning. Ms. Gregory reported that the Green Team continued to maintain the Boundless Garden and encouraged community participation. She updated the Council on the Public Art Committee, which was preparing an accessible park art project and working to ensure it accommodated individuals with mobility challenges. Ms. Blake provided committee updates. She noted that the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee was waiting on funding before proceeding on bike signage. She added that the Human Rights Advisory Committee finalized a survey for the city website to gather resident feedback. 2 President Doughty discussed upcoming housing topics, including ADUs and affordable housing mandates. He reported on the following community initiatives: participation in the Green Team meeting, an Adopt-a-Road program to address litter, and his attendance at Glenn Avenue’s career day to engage students in city government. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President 3