Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 5, 2026 PUBLIC OFFICIALS Present: Council President Angela M. Blake, Council Vice President April R. Jackson, Councilwoman Michele R. Gregory, Councilwoman Sharon C. Dashiell and Councilwoman Melissa D. Holland IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Randy Taylor, City Administrator Nick Rice, Deputy City Administrator Allen Swiger, Assistant City Administrator Tom Stevenson, City Clerk Julie English CALL TO ORDER The City Council convened in a Goal Setting Session on January 5, 2026 at 4:32 p.m. in the Government Office Building Council Chambers, Room 301, located at 125 N. Division Street. President Blake welcomed everyone to the meeting and provided the emergency exit instructions. COUNCIL DISCUSSION • City Council Retreat Council reviewed their 2025 legislative achievements, highlighting major successes including funding for North Prong Park, the establishment of the Salisbury Planning Commission, significant water treatment plant funding, multiple park improvements, street projects, and updates to council rules. They discussed ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects such as Fitzwater Street and continued North Prong remediation. Ms. Dashiell noted overlap between 2024 retreat goals and 2026 priorities and suggested reviewing departmental updates before finalizing the “20 for 2026” list. Mr. Swiger discussed strengthening the City’s Housing First Program through a tiered model supporting individuals from initial stabilization to long-term independence while maintaining financial sustainability. Ms. Jackson emphasized collaborating with Wicomico County and local service providers. Council noted that key considerations for the program should include operational costs, grant requirements, accountability measures, and structured programming such as mental health and addiction services. Regarding affordable housing, members discussed challenges including rising development costs due to new state regulations and the difficulty of requiring developers to include affordable units without discouraging participation. Strategies considered included clear affordability definitions, tiered pricing models, creative local solutions such as receivership properties, tax abatements for nonprofit housing partners, HUD collaboration, and expanding existing programs. The conversation shifted to public safety and Council highlighted the recent approval and installation of the Flock camera system to address crime hotspots and improve real-time response and investigative capabilities.  Council emphasized the value of regular departmental updates, quarterly public safety reports and community education on new technology. Ms. Jackson raised concerns about discriminatory law enforcement. Training transparency and structured community-police engagement were recommended. A town hall was suggested to provide education, accountability discussions, and improved communication between law enforcement and the community. Ms. Blake noted major progress in water and sewer infrastructure, including the fully funded PFAS filtration project and ongoing coordination with the County on water and wastewater planning tied to Naylor Mill Road expansion. They also discussed potential changes to annexation agreements to allow the City to generate revenue from newly served areas and reinvest in infrastructure improvements. Mayor Taylor shared infrastructure successes which included repaving neighborhoods such as Schumaker Manor, Spring Chase, and areas along Carroll and Market Streets. He also shared that there were flood mitigation improvements near Fitzwater and Ms. Jackson shared concerns about heavy truck traffic contributing to road deterioration on Main Street and Lake Street. Administration discussed plans to renovate the old City Hall for improved IT operations. Members emphasized the importance of stronger communication and promotion of positive city initiatives, improvements to accessibility including ADA ramps and sidewalk connectivity, and prioritizing practical alternatives for projects like bike lanes and the rail trail. Homelessness was identified as the top shared priority, followed by infrastructure, parks, and housing-related concerns, with election reform and the council appointment process also emphasized. Town halls were discussed to gather community input, with debates on timing, format, and outreach strategies. A public survey was planned to guide discussion topics ahead of the March town hall. Thoughtful planning, broad engagement, and clear follow-up steps were stressed. Council agreed to conduct an election reform survey with 3–5 yes or no questions and one comment box for feedback. Survey distribution was targeted for Monday and adjustments to the 2026 meeting calendar were made. The Council discussed boards and commissions including clarifying roles and expectations for Council liaisons, committee members, chairs, and staff liaisons. They reviewed committee assignments and emphasized the importance of defining available resources, budget awareness and procedural guidance. The Council supported continued evaluation and standardization of boards and commissions to improve effectiveness, accountability, and alignment with legislative intent. ADJOURNMENT The Goal Setting Session was adjourned at 7:06 p.m. _________________________________ City Clerk _________________________________ Council President