Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 15, 2025 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: Council President Angela M. Blake, Council Vice President April R. Jackson, Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory, Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell and Councilwoman Mellissa D. Holland IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, Finance Director Sandy Green, Housing and Community Development Director Muir Boda, Fire Chief Rob Frampton, Department of Infrastructure and Development Director Nick Voitiuc, Deputy Director Judy Kuntz, City Planner Betsy Jackson, City Clerk Julie English and City Solicitor Ashley Bosche CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in Work Session on December 15, 2025 at 6:29 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. PRESENTATION President Blake called forward Ms. Green and SB & Company, LLC for the presentation of the financial audit. • Presentation of FY 2025 Financial Statement Audit – SB & Company, LLC The City’s independent auditors presented the results of the fiscal year 2025 audit and reported that they planned to issue an unmodified (clean) opinion. The auditor reported no instances of fraud, no audit adjustments, and no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls. Total assets increased by approximately $2 million, total liabilities decreased by approximately $7 million, and the City’s net position increased by approximately $9 million. Revenues increased by approximately 11 percent, or $9 million, while expenses increased from $76.5 million to $82.4 million. The net cost of services was fully funded by property and income tax revenues. Ms. Green noted that the General Fund surplus of approximately $4 million was primarily attributable to one-time revenues, including increased interest earnings, county EMS funding, and a transfer from the Water and Sewer Fund, and that further discussion of these items would occur during the budget process. ORDINANCE • Budget Amendment Bless Our Children Donation for Santa's Winter Wonderland Mr. Boda reported on the annual Santa’s Winter Wonderland drive-through event held on the plaza. Remaining gifts were donated to Glen Avenue Elementary School through a partnership supported by a $1,500 contribution from Bless Our Children. Mr. Boda acknowledged support from Toys for Tots, Cloverland Dairy, the Arts, Business and Culture Department, Field Operations, the Salisbury Police Department, and volunteers. In response to Council questions, Mr. Boda stated that Glen Avenue was the only school partnered with this year due to limited resources, with plans to rotate schools in future years. Council gave consensus to move forward with the budget amendment.  • Grant Acceptance Chief Frampton reported that the Fire Department applied for and was awarded a $2,000 mini- grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to support the SWIFT Team’s transportation voucher program for residents needing access to medical appointments, social services, and essential resources. Council gave consensus to move the ordinance forward. • Tidal Health Road Closures Mr. Voitiuc and Ms. Jackson presented a proposed road closure requested by Tidal Health for several nonfunctioning streets within its campus area. The request included the closure of Royal Street, a portion of West Vine Street between West Vine and Newton Street, and a portion of Center Street between Mitchell and Newton Street, as shown on the re-subdivision plat. Ms. Jackson noted that the streets had not functioned as roadways for an extended period and that an ordinance was required to proceed. Council reached consensus to move the item forward. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • City Council Meetings Council held a discussion regarding the City Council meeting schedule, including a proposal to return to weekly meetings with separate Work Sessions and Legislative Sessions. Mr. Rice and the Mayor noted that the current format resulted in lengthy meetings and increased staff overtime. He noted that separating meetings could improve efficiency and reduce staffing impacts. Council discussed meeting start times and the potential reinstatement of Zoom participation to expand public access. Consensus was reached to further explore these changes and to consider amendments to the Council Rules at a future work session. PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Items Only) The following public comments were heard: • Speaker #1 spoke in support of weekly Council meetings, citing increased opportunities for public engagement and the benefit of consistent meeting times. • Speaker #2 supported weekly Monday meetings at 6:00 p.m. and thanked Council for ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities. • Speaker #3 supported weekly meetings and recommended reinstating secure Zoom access to improve public participation. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session adjourned at 7:08 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President