Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2025 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: Council Vice President Angela M. Blake, Councilwoman April R. Jackson, Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory and Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, Fire Chief Rob Frampton, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Work Session on November 10, 2025 at 6:57 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. PRESENTATION Ms. Blake called forward Chief Frampton to present the SFD 3rd Quarter update. • 3rd Qtr. 2025 Statistical Update of the SFD Chief Frampton shared that the Salisbury Fire Department experienced a 5.1% increase in calls during the first three quarters of 2025 while staffing has remained unchanged since 2022. He noted that most of the increase occurred outside city limits, highlighting the need for continued county funding discussions. The department responded to 188 cardiac arrests, successfully returning 26 patients to the community, more than double the national survival rate. Opioid-related calls had stabilized due to state-funded programs and the Swift Team, which served 35 weekly patients. He added that EMS billing totaled $7.3 million with $1.6 million collected to date. The Fire Marshal’s Office saved $12.1 million in property value, conducted 115 plan reviews, inspected over 1,700 buildings, and investigated 29 fires. The department reported two civilian fire deaths and three injuries outside city limits. Community programs, including the cadet program, Fire Prevention Week, opioid education for students, and outreach events, remained strong and well received. Overall, the department continued to operate effectively despite rising demands. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • 112 W Main Street Acquisition - Council Discussion Mr. Rice explained that the city was pursuing the purchase of the building at 112 West Main Street (formerly City Hall) using bond reallocation. He added that the current Information Systems (IS) building needed significant renovations and that the new building would provide more space and parking for the department. He expressed that the move would improve operational efficiency, consolidate downtown services, and support downtown revitalization. PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only) There were no public comments. ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Rice thanked all veterans for their service and shared insights from the new-hire trolley tour. He also noted that two Salisbury Police officers would be honored in Annapolis with a life-saving award for rescuing a citizen. Mayor Taylor called for unity and to move past personal attacks. He highlighted upcoming community events including the Wild Vibes Festival and Third Friday. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Dashiell reported progress on the airport’s plans, reviewed the Comcast franchise agreement, and highlighted upcoming community events like the Wild Vibes fundraiser and Hands and Hearts homelessness meals. She also noted plans to address the towing ordinance, noise regulations, and assemble a housing task force. Ms. Jackson commended an officer at SPD for helping the young adults from the tragic event over the weekend and emphasized treating the homeless with compassion by safeguarding their belongings. Ms. Gregory expressed concerns about tenant and LGBTQ+ issues and raised the issue of the mayor's parking space. After heated discussion, Ms. Blake suggested resolving the conflict offline. Ms. Blake highlighted ongoing city projects and upcoming initiatives and recognized community efforts and contributions. She also expressed optimism for the city’s progress. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session adjourned at 7:43 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President