City of Crisfield

Minutes for Public Meetings

Minutes for Regular Meeting: April 25, 2007

The Mayor and City Council and Department Heads held their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tawes Museum.

PRESENT

Percy J. Purnell, Jr., Mayor
Raymond D. Anderson, Council Vice President
Roger R. Riggin, Jr., Councilman
Kimberly B. Lawson, Councilman
Barry Dize, Councilman
LaVerne Johnson, Councilwoman
Calvin Dize, City Manager
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer

Also in attendance; Mike Tabor, Chief of Police, Harold W. Frock, Sr.,
Superintendent of Public Utilities; Rick Lord, Superintendent of Public Works;
William Mister, Inspector; Valerie Swift, Secretary; Anne Mayer; Lori Mayer; Mike
Milbourne; Doug Crockett; David Price; Phillip Goldsborough; Bobby Golds-
borough; Vanessa Ward; Susan Sterling; Tom Farina; L. Dorman; Linda Mister;
Richard Crumbacker; Liz Holland; Sue & Eddie Heath; LaVerne Sterling; Barbara
Miles; Kye Coleman.

Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order, opening with the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. At this time, Mayor Purnell reviewed the Agenda and noted that both the Sidewalk Ordinance and the Small Boat Harbor Policy would be held for adoption until the May 9th meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

After reviewing the minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 11, 2007, Councilman Dize made a motion for their approval, as written. Motion seconded by
Councilman Riggin and carried unanimously.

1st SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT

Councilman Lawson commented that he appreciates the public input that is offered and the conduct of the citizens.

Linda Mister thanked the public works department for their courtesy in how
they had handled her garbage can, taking time to put the lid back on.

Mayor Purnell commented that since the garbage policy had been enforced, the cost to the landfill is down 25%.

OLD BUSINESS

Mayor Purnell made reference to the Sidewalk Ordinance. He advised that
it passed for First Reader. He advised that this ordinance is only in effect when
property is transferred. Mayor Purnell advised that the Ordinance would be revised
to spell out the major and minor collector streets. He also advised that it would be
adopted for 2nd Reader at the May 9th meeting. The Mayor reiterated that this
only happens when property is sold.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the Small Boat Harbor Policy. He advised
that this would be available for public review between now and the meeting on May
9th. He noted that Mr. Cockey has approved the policy.

At this time, Mayor Purnell reviewed the policy and exceptions. He noted
that the purpose is to retain the Small Boat Harbor for watermen.

Councilman Lawson noted that he would like the language “in writing” added
to the sentences in C (Exceptions) A & B.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Purnell made reference to an Event Application request to hold a Little
League Parade on Saturday, May 5th at 8:30 a.m. At this time, Councilman Riggin
made a motion to approve the requested Event Application. Motion seconded by
Council Vice President Anderson and carried unanimously.

Mayor Purnell made reference to an Event Application request to hold the
Annual Soft Shell Spring Fair on Sunday, May 27th. At this time, Council Vice
President Anderson made a motion to approve the requested Event Application,
with the stipulation that they obtain a liability insurance certificate. Motion seconded
by Councilman Riggin and carried unanimously.

Mayor Purnell made reference to an Event Application request to hold the
Curley Byrd Music Festival on Saturday, July 7th. At this time, Councilwoman
Johnson made a motion to approve the event application with the stipulation that they
obtain a liability insurance certificate. Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and
carried unanimously.

Councilman Lawson inquired of Mr. Coleman as to the reason for calling
it the Curley Byrd Music Festival. Mr. Coleman advised that the purpose was to
accentuate the museum exhibit and the fact that Curley was a native son of Crisfield.

Councilman Lawson also noted that this was also the 135th year of the City Charter
and suggested that this also be promoted during the festival.

Mayor Purnell presented the next item of New Business, pertaining to water
meters at the Housing Authority. He made reference to the meeting with the Housing
Authority on February 6th and the request to install six meters, with the cost divided
among units. Mayor Purnell advised that the purpose of installing the meters at the
Housing Authority was to meet HUD requirements for reduction of utility costs and
monitoring usage. He noted that there would be no savings to the City or cost to the
occupant, but simply to meet HUD requirements.

At this time, Councilman Riggin made a motion to approve the installation of
the water meters at the Housing Authority. Motion seconded by Council Vice Presi-
dent Anderson. Councilman Lawson requested discussion and commented that he
does not object to the installation of the meters, but wants to make sure that this is
the only exception.

Mr. Dize, City Manager, advised that the Housing Authority has guaranteed
no loss of revenue to the City.

Councilman Lawson advised that he would accept the installation of the
meters as part of the HUD agreement, but not to be used in other situations.

At this time, Mayor Purnell requested that the matter be tabled to allow
Mr. Goldsborough present documentation regarding the need for the meters.

The next order of New Business pertained to the potential funding proposal
for the SRP. Mayor Purnell reviewed the potential funding sources and requested
approval to award the contract per the SRP Committee.

Councilman Lawson made reference to last year’s campaign issue; a
Public/Private Partnership as well as the need for a Comp Plan and an SRP.

He advised that the City has to make a commitment, even if the funding falls
through and the SRP would have to be funded from the City’s Budget.

Councilman Lawson commented that the City has tried to create a reserve.
Councilman Dize commended the SRP Committed on all of their hard
work and efforts to move forward.

Following further brief discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion to
proceed with the award of the SRP Contract. Motion seconded by Councilman Rig-
gin and carried unanimously.

In other New Business, Mayor Purnell reminded everyone about the Mayor’s
Prayer Breakfast on May 3rd at the Asbury Church.

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Chief Mike Tabor presented his monthly report highlighting its contents.
He advised that the power point illustrated stats from March, but he would also be
highlighting April’s stats. The Chief made reference to the robbery of Family
Dollar by Brad Ward, who is suspected of hiding in the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Chief Tabor also highlighted other areas of his report. He made reference to
the upcoming Chief’s Challenge concerning Seat Belt and Safety Seat enforce-
ment and advised that the Department will be stopping vehicles. Chief Tabor
advised everyone to make sure they are buckled up as well as all passengers seated
by car doors.

Chief Tabor advised that the response to the survey has been good with
the main problem cited as being drugs.

Chief Tabor also presented slides of drugs, money and paraphernalia which
had been confiscated.

Chief Tabor advised that the Department has also formed the NET (Nar-
cotics Enforcement Team) comprised of himself and other officers. He also
advised that the Department has also implemented the use of confidential infor-
mants. The Chief closed by advising that anyone with complaints should see
him.

Mrs. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer, noted that confiscated drug money goes into
an evidence fund where it is held until released by the State’s Attorney. It then goes
into the City’s General Fund.

Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer, presented her monthly report,
highlighting the Water and Sewer operating budget. Mrs. Morgan noted that
paperwork is now being done concerning the upcoming Budget process.

Harold W. Frock, Sr., Superintendent of Public Utilities, reviewed
the contents of his monthly report. He noted that during the recent rainstorm,
the Plant had to store an additional 500 thousand gallons of rainwater, with
close to 75% being inflow from the County.

Councilman Lawson advised that an engineering study needs to be done
when considering future development.

Mr. Frock advised that part of the problem should be eliminated once the
36 sewer is repaired, then the peripheral area could be measured.

Mayor Purnell advised that the City is working with DNR concerning
drainage and control of tide water in the Gerald Ditch. He advised that this
should eliminate the flooding problem on Cove Street. The Mayor also advised
that the tide gate behind Eddie Heath’s property would also be addressed. He
added that the problem at the Shiloh Church had been corrected and that the City
is working on these flooding/drainage problems one issue at a time.

Mr. Frock also noted that the outfall manhole at the Plant was found to
have a crack, which had been repaired. He advised that this would help with
the flooding on 7th Street.

Mr. Frock also advised that payment for the forklift is being re-evaluated by
MDE.

Mr. Calvin Dize, City Manager, presented his monthly report, highlighting
its contents. He noted that the City is working with the County concerning a tax
rebate and lower taxes.

Mr. Rick Lord, Superintendent of Public Works, presented his monthly
report, highlighting its contents.

Mr. Lord presented slides of the diagonal parking proposal for Main Street.
Councilman Lawson commented that the proposal needed pedestrian
consideration and streetscape design.

Mr. Phil Goldsborough, member of the SRP Committee, suggested waiting
until the SRP is completed to make the design.

Mr. Lord went on to review information concerning the proposed automated
trash truck. He noted that the truck that the City has now was $76 K.

Mr. Lord advised that he would like to phase in the automated system by
purchasing the cans first.

Mr. William Mister, Inspector, presented his monthly report, highlighting
its contents. He advised that two of the three abandoned houses have had building
permits issued and the third is under contract.

Councilman Riggin and Council Vice President Anderson advised Mr.
Mister to make sure 107 Richardson Avenue was also addressed.

Mr. Mister also made reference to pending demo of the old City Restaurant
building and an action letter regarding the Saltz building.

Mr. Mister also presented a power point illustration of the site resurfacing on
William Street.

Councilman Lawson made reference to the grassy area.
Mr. Phil Goldsborough noted that this area needs to be reinforced to allow
fire apparatus to draw from the river when necessary.

Councilman Lawson noted that the City must make sure other street ends are
accessible for fire apparatus.

Mr. Mister also made reference to the request for Impact Fee waiver from
Mrs. Denise Ajello, as far as what would be considered a suitable drawing and
timetable.

After a brief discussion, Mayor Purnell advised that Mrs. Ajello be sent
a letter advising her that no Impact Fee waiver would be granted on a 30 month
time schedule and that the City must know what she proposes to construct.

Mr. Mister also noted that the upcoming Planning Commission with Mr.
Jakubiak will iron out the Planning Commission’s issues.

2ND SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT

No input was offered from the public at this time.

Mayor and Council Report

Councilman Dize commented that he was glad to see growth of new business
on Main Street create the need for diagonal parking. He also commended the Police
Department for getting loiterers off of the streets.

Councilman Dize commended Mayor Purnell on all of his time and effort
adding that he was proud of him.

Councilman Riggin thanked the departments for their hard work. He also
thanked everyone for attending.

Council Vice President Anderson thanked everyone as well and noted that
the past months have been a learning experience.

Councilwoman Johnson commended Mayor Purnell and added that he has
over-extended himself. She made reference to the hard work that goes on in the
offices at City Hall and urged citizens to come to meetings and share their input.

Councilman Lawson commented, as a member of the EDC, regarding a
letter from Harry Gemmel presented at a recent EDC meeting, concerning hardship
placed upon Mr. Tom Farina due to the City’s denial of his EDU’s.

Mr. Farina commented that he has been trying to annex properties for three
years but has run into sub-division issues.

Mr. Mister commented that this issue will also be addressed at the meeting
with Mr. Jakubiak and the Planning Commission.

There being no further business for discussion, Council Vice President
Anderson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Riggin and
carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer

Prepared by Valerie Swift, Secretary

Minutes for Public Meetings