Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 24, 2025 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: Interim 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, Assistant Secretary of Homelessness Solutions Danielle Meister, CEO Healthcare for the Homeless Kevin Lindamood, Director of Infrastructure and Development Nick Voitiuc, Project Engineer Travis Huff, Associate Planner Zack White, City Planner Betsy Jackson, Human Resources Director Meg Caton, Special Counsel Daniel Altchek, Deputy City Administrator Allen Swiger, Housing and Community Development Director Muir Boda, Assistant Director Mike Thomason, City Clerk Julie English, City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Work Session on November 24, 2025 at 7:22 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. PRESENTATION • Homelessness Data and Best Practices Ms. Meister highlighted the state’s success in reducing homelessness through permanent supportive housing and a housing-first approach. She noted that many chronically homeless individuals earn under $1,000 per month, making affordability and supportive services essential. She added that recent federal HUD cuts of over $1 million to the lower shore make local investment critical, and she praised Salisbury for its rare locally funded program. Mr. Lindamood emphasized that homelessness is fundamentally a housing problem and that stable housing improved health, reduced emergency service use, and enabled long-term stability. Their program supported 850 people with a 95% retention rate, showing that coordinated efforts between state, local, and healthcare organizations can expand permanent supportive housing and improve community outcomes. Councilmembers expressed deep concern about homelessness in Salisbury, noting that many individuals repeatedly return to shelters, including those with criminal records, mental illness, and financial instability. They emphasized the need for a strategic, data- driven evaluation of available resources to create a long-term plan. Ms. Meister and Mr. Lindamood highlighted state and nonprofit efforts to help those with criminal backgrounds access housing. They stressed that permanent supportive housing is the most effective solution, while acknowledging the need for a full spectrum of interventions and broader policy changes to address affordability, healthcare access, and employment. Councilmembers agreed on the importance of collecting and analyzing local data, coordinating resources, and receiving technical assistance to develop targeted, effective programs for Salisbury’s homeless population. RESOLUTION • The North Prong Park Project Mr. Huff presented a $500,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources to remediate industrial sites on Lake Street for the North Prong Park Project. The project will remove contaminated soil and replace it with clean soil to make the area safe for a playground. Councilmembers acknowledged the long-awaited project. Ms. Jackson raised concerns about the historic oil spill and related health impacts. Mr. Huff confirmed that the project details were available on the city website under the “brownfields” section and that the Army Corps of Engineers had deemed the site safe. Council gave consensus to move forward with the resolution. • Annexation Zoning for N. Schumaker Dr. Associate Planner Zack White reviewed the project’s history, noting prior presentations, Planning Commission recommendations, and staff’s zoning analysis. The Planning Commission recommended R10A zoning, which slightly reduced density compared to R8A but remains higher than the city’s 2010 comprehensive plan’s low-density designation. Developers emphasized their intent to provide affordable, community-focused housing and confirmed they would follow the submitted plan. Councilmembers acknowledged the need for housing, supported moving forward with the Planning Commission’s recommendation, and agreed future annexations should follow updated guidelines. After discussion, consensus was reached to proceed with the project using R10A zoning, while noting the city should address annexation and comprehensive plan updates for future developments. ORDINANCE • Labor Code Amendment Ms. Caton and Mr. Altchek reviewed proposed amendments to the labor code, aimed at updating bargaining timelines, arbitration rules, and related definitions. While there was general agreement that adjusting the bargaining timeline to better align with the budget process made sense, significant concerns were raised about changes limiting arbitration authority and setting caps on wage and benefit negotiations. Several councilmembers emphasized the city’s difficulty retaining staff and the need to fairly compensate employees, opposing provisions that reduced union leverage. Ultimately, the council reached consensus to move forward only with the timeline adjustment and minor definitional changes. Council asked staff to return with a revised ordinance reflecting that limited scope. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • Gas Blowers within City Limits The council discussed regulating the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and similar equipment under the city’s noise ordinance. Current code restricted their use between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., but concerns were raised about excessive noise during daytime hours. One option was aligning blower restrictions with construction noise hours, which are more limited and structured by day and time. Consideration was also given to seasonal flexibility to avoid negatively impacting  landscaping businesses. Enforcement would fall to the police department, prompting interest in consulting the police chief to assess feasibility and staffing impacts. The issue was raised in response to resident complaints, and further discussion was recommended before any changes were proposed. • Dog Barking Chronic Concerns The council discussed chronic dog barking complaints and enforcement under the existing animal control code. It was noted that animal control already had authority to address nuisance barking through a progressive enforcement process. While concerns were raised by residents in certain districts, staff indicated the code was clear and comprehensive, covering both indoor and outdoor barking and other animal related nuisances. Council agreed to review the issue further if additional concerns arose. PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only) The following public comments were heard: • Speaker #1 criticized the city for unrealistic expectations around homelessness, recommended careful review of labor contracts, and argued that council should listen to city staff over the developers. • Speaker #2 was in favor to limiting gas blower hours. • Speaker #3 called for shared community responsibility on homelessness and taxes, supported higher-density housing for affordability, and raised concerns about gas blower noise impacting quality of life. • Speaker #4 emphasized that youth homelessness is being overlooked and urged the council to focus on facts and include vulnerable children and teens in homelessness solutions. • Speaker #5 said affordable homes still existed in Salisbury, but buying required saving, sacrifice, and commitment. • Speaker #6 emphasized the need for North Prong Park and recommended faith-based organizations play a role in supporting the homeless. ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS There were no administration comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Jackson discussed efforts to improve Pemberton Manor and senior housing and announced the Salisbury City Police Thanksgiving giveaway. Ms. Dashiell highlighted community events and the cold weather shelter opening. Ms. Gregory reminded everyone about cold and flu season and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Ms. Blake wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session adjourned at 9:40 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President