Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 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 Mayor Randy Taylor, Acting City Administrator Tom Stevenson, Associate Planner Zack White, Department of Infrastructure and Development Director Nick Voitiuc, Captain John Felts, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Work Session on September 22, 2025 at 6:43 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. RESOLUTION • Annexation Zoning for N. Schumaker Dr. Mr. White and Mr. Voitiuc presented the proposed annexation of a 12.465 -acre parcel on North Schumaker Drive for a 60-townhome project. They added that the process became complicated because three different zoning options—R8A, R10S, and R10A—were presented. Councilmembers expressed confusion about the process and emphasized the need for clear affordable housing requirements before approving new development. They also stated they needed more information before moving the annexation forward. President Doughty called for a motion and a second to table annexation decision. April R. Jackson motioned and Michele R. Gregory seconded. The vote was 5-0. • Schumaker Landing Annexation Mr. White shared that Schumaker Landing Management LLC was seeking an annexation of a 7.58- acre parcel on Schumaker Drive to build five three-story apartment buildings with 132 units. They requested Planned Residential Development (PRD) zoning to allow 20 units per acre, but Mr. White noted that the proposal did not meet PRD requirements and suggested using an existing residential zone or expanding the project. Council requested a full developer presentation at a future work session. ORDINANCE • Ordinance - Burton Street Closure 1  Captain Felts proposed an ordinance to close a 14,047 sq. ft. portion of Burton Street east of Delaware Avenue. He noted it was currently unused for public access and primarily serving the police department. He expressed that the closure was intended to improve safety for employees and secure the area for future police use. He stated that representatives from the adjacent property had no objections. Council reached consensus to move the ordinance forward. • Correction to Ordinance No. 2883 – Budget Amendment for Truitt Street Community Center Expansion Ms. Green presented an ordinance to correct a funding error in Ordinance 2883 for the Truitt Street Community Center expansion. She explained that the $55,325 that was originally allocated from bond interest was not eligible and that the funds would instead be reallocated from the City’s general fund interest. Council gave consensus to move forward with the ordinance. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • Council Representatives - Boards and Commissions Council discussed board and commission assignments. Councilmembers Jackson and Blake confirmed a switch on the Youth Development Advisory Board due to work conflicts. Councilwoman Jackson would remain on Wicomico Parks & Recreation but leave the T.R.U.T.H. Committee because of overlapping Wednesday meetings. Ms. Dashiell volunteered to serve on the T.R.U.T.H Committee to fill the vacancy. President Doughty asked to serve as the city representative for the Tri-County Council. Ms. English reviewed all updated assignments. • Immigration and Nationality Act - 287g Program Council discussed the Mayor’s press release regarding potential cooperation with Wicomico County on the 287(g) program. Concerns were raised about unclear processes and potential public fear caused by the announcement. Council emphasized that the city could not implement 287(g) due to charter limitations, lack of a detention facility, and existing police staffing constraints. The majority of council opposed city involvement, stating the county could handle immigration enforcement and that the city should remain neutral. Councilmembers stressed the importance of clear communication and avoiding public alarm. • Lot 10 Subrecipient Agreement Council discussed the revised Lot 10 subrecipient agreement, which largely followed the City’s standard template with project- specific clauses and a four-phase disbursement schedule. Legal confirmed discussions with the developer’s attorney and city departments, emphasizing that reimbursements required receipts and departmental approval. Council reviewed the schedule, noted procedural differences from typical grants, and asked legal to draft a resolution approving the agreement for the next meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only) The following public comments were heard: • Speaker #1 was not in favor of 287g and encouraged residents to address concerns to the County Executive who oversees such agreements. • Speaker #2 argued that a local ICE partnership would harm public safety by discouraging immigrant communities from reporting crime. 2  • Speaker #3 was not in favor of 287g stating that it was not the city’s job and harmed public safety. • Speaker #4 encouraged the city to recognize immigrants’ positive contributions. • Speaker #5 was not in favor of annexing properties before the affordable housing situation was addressed. • Speaker #6 raised concerns about affordability, density, and funding for Lot 10 without firm developer plans. • Speaker #7 expressed pride in the City’s diversity and was not in favor of 287g. • Speaker #8 believed affordable housing should have guidelines and asked council to listen to both sides - residents and developers. • Speaker #9 highlighted the Maryland Folk Festival and was not in favor of 287g • Speaker #10 was not in favor of 287g and encouraged officials to approach immigration issues with compassion. • Speaker #11 believed the N. Schumaker annexation should be put on hold until the City's planning commission was assembled. • Speaker #12 was concerned that the comprehensive plan was not done yet and was not in favor of 287g. • Speaker #13 believed 287g was profiling and racial. ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Stevenson mentioned that this would be his last meeting because the new City Administrator would be starting before the next meeting. Mayor Taylor stated that his motivation for supporting the County with the 287g was for safer streets. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Jackson invited the Council to tour Pemberton Apartments to see the poor living conditions, encouraged people to attend the Waterside neighborhood walk and to join City boards and commissions. Ms. Dashiell highlighted a somber 9/11 memorial, the aviation maintenance tech school ribbon-cutting, and the groundbreaking of a Tidal Health Family Medicine Residency Clinic. Ms. Gregory thanked everyone who attended and spoke on behalf of the immigrant community and expressed gratitude for outreach regarding her son. Ms. Blake thanked attendees and city staff for the Folk Festival and suggested learning from Crisfield’s housing initiatives, and requested a clear breakdown of the $9 million infrastructure spending. President Doughty highlighted a recent bike and pedestrian safety ride and acknowledged Councilwoman Jackson’s work on North Prong Park. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session adjourned at 8:49 p.m. 3 ______________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President 4