City of Crisfield

Minutes for Public Meetings

Minutes for Regular Meeting: March 14, 2007

The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tawes Museum.

PRESENT

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

Absent due to illness; Councilman Barry Dize

Also in attendance; Valerie Swift, Secretary; Bill Mister, Inspector; John
Schultz; Alex Ryan; John Phoebus; Doug & Judy Crockett; Louis Hickman; Paul
Emely; Eddie & Sue Heath; Newell Volk; Susan Sterling; Tom Farina; Bill Reynolds;
Pat Carson; Freddie McKee; LaDell Dorman; John P. Tawes, III; David Price;
James H. Lane and Timmy Carson.

PRAYER, PLEDGE AND REVIEW OF AGENDA

Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order, opening with the Lord’s
Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Purnell went on to review this evenings’ agenda.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Purnell requested approval of the minutes from the regular meeting
of February 28, 2007.

After a brief discussion regarding some minor corrections, Councilman
Riggin made a motion for their approval. Motion seconded by Council Vice-
President Anderson and carried unanimously.

First Session of Public Input
No public input was offered at this session.

OLD BUSINESS

Mayor Purnell noted that the next step regarding the Comp Plan was to
schedule a public hearing. It was determined that this hearing would be held on
Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Dize also noted that SRP’s are due this Friday.

NEW BUSINESS – APPOINTMENTS

William Reynolds, Chief and Louis Hickman, President, of the Crisfield
Fire Department appeared before the Mayor and Council to allow Chief Reynolds
to introduce himself.

President Hickman thanked the Mayor and Council for all of their help. He
also advised that he would like to request a custodian to clean the fire hall two or
three days a week. Mayor Purnell advised that the City may combine the services
of the current custodian who cleans City Hall and CPD, as well as including the
Armory.

Chief Reynolds briefed the Mayor and Council regarding grant money
that the Fire Department had received. He also advised that they are working
on obtaining another grant.

Mayor Purnell advised that he is in total admiration of the Fire Department
and the job that they do.

President Hickman also noted that the Department is working on imple-
menting a Cadet Program.

Councilman Lawson noted that Mr. Hickman has served as president since
85 or 86. He also commended Mr. Reynolds on becoming fire chief.

President Hickman also requested help from the City in the form of labor, to
paint the inside of the fire hall. He advised that the Fire Department would provide
the paint.

Paul Emely appeared before the Mayor and Council to follow up on the
Watermen’s Memorial for the depot. He advised that he is trying to get the project
back on track. Mr. Emely advised that he would like the memorial to be located at
a 10 x 6 area at the end of the depot deck. He also advised that he would like the
memorial to be portable and would be moveable by a crane, as it would be
made of granite. Mr. Emely advised that he would solicit funds from Crisfield,
Tangier and Smith Island and Crisfield. He also made reference to possible memorial
donations from families who would like their family members name engraved.

After a brief discussion and review of Mr. Emely’s current plan for the
memorial, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion to approve the location
for the memorial. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Johnson and carried unani-
mously.

Mr. John Phoebus appeared before the Mayor and City Council
representing Mr. Tim Howard. Mr. Phoebus reviewed the preliminary steps
that Mr. Howard had completed regarding his proposed 39 unit condo development
at Maryland Crab Meat at Spruce Street.

Mayor Purnell advised that he had reviewed the previous use of water at
the crab house and found that water is available for 39 condo units, but the delay is
due completion of the SRP.

Mr. John Schultz appeared before the Mayor and City Council regarding
letters of request from Mr. Scott Tawes concerning 609 W. Main Street.

Mayor Purnell reviewed the letter from Mr. Tawes, requesting one com-
mercial EDU for 609 W. Main Street to be used for the new location of the
Somerset County Liquor Board.

At this time, Councilman Riggin made a motion to grant Mr. Tawes
one EDU. Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and carried unanimously.

Mayor Purnell made reference to Mr. Tawes letter of request for waiver
of the Impact Fees related to the rehab of 609 W. Main Street.

Mayor Purnell noted that the revised ordinance allows the Council to deter-
mine if a waiver is applicable.

Councilman Lawson commended Mr. Schultz and Mr. Jay Tawes for the
revitalization of 605 W. Main Street.

After a brief discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion to waive all
Impact Fees associated with the property at 609 W. Main Street. Motion seconded
by Council Vice President Anderson and carried unanimously.

Mr. Schultz commented that the $5500 hook up fee is unfair considering the
small amount of work that was done by the City, and stated that he was unaware of
this fee or would have had separate meters installed.

Mayor Purnell advised that the fee is established in the City Charter for
anyone who hooks into the sewer system, regardless of the amount of work done
by the City. He advised that the fee was set up to cover future capital funds.

Mayor Purnell stated that when the last EDU is used, the next request will cost the
City $15 Million.

The next order of New Business was the introduction of Resolution pro-
viding for a planner for consultation of the Planning Commission.

Mayor Purnell inquired of Mr. Cockey whether or not a request for a
planner should have been put out on bids. Mr. Cockey advised that the City
could go with the qualifications of the applicant and does not have to be bid
out.

Councilman Lawson made reference to the extensive plans in the Inspector’s
office and the overwhelming task of reviewing them. He advised that someone is
needed that can evaluate the plans in the beginning, at the cost of the developer. This
would relieve the Planning Commission from having to have so many meetings, since
the planner could refer recommendations to the Planning Commission.

Councilman Lawson advised that anything greater than a duplex would have
to go to the planner.

After a brief discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion to adopt a
resolution establishing Jakubiak and Associates as the Planner for the City of
Crisfield.

Motion seconded by Councilwoman Johnson and carried unanimously.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

Mayor Purnell advised that there were four items that needed to be
discussed by the Council; the Small Boat Harbor, Replacement of Sidewalk
whenever there is a change of property ownership, request for renewal of
EDU’s and the selection of a Commercial/Industrial land appraiser.

Mayor Purnell opened the discussion regarding the Small Boat Harbor.
He advised that he feels there won’t be any watermen there in five years, as they
are selling their rights. Mayor Purnell posed the question as to whether or not
the City should legislate the boat harbor and no longer grant permits of ingress/
egress unless they are for working watermen.

Mr. Cockey advised that this is within the Mayor and City Council’s dis-
cretion.

Councilman Lawson stated that there has been ongoing discussion regarding
the opportunities for pleasure boat access all over the City, but only one place for
the working waterman; the Small Boat Harbor. Councilman Lawson noted that
there are currently 35 working watermen there and that the City needs to try to
maintain the Small Boat Harbor as a watermen’s community.

Councilwoman Johnson concurred that the matter needs to be addressed
right away.

Councilman Lawson suggested sending letters to the tax paying slip
holders inquiring if they want the boat harbor to remain a waterman’s com-
munity, any constriction on buying or selling, and any suggestions that they
may have, as well as scheduling a meeting.

Mayor Purnell noted that the Small Boat Harbor was set aside for
watermen. He added that once it is gone, it’s gone for ever.

Mayor Purnell went on to the next item; the replacement of sidewalk
when property changes hands. He advised that he does not want to force the
issue, however feels if a property is sold, the buyer or seller should either install
sidewalk or replace it, if necessary. Council Vice President Anderson concurred
that this was a good idea.

Councilman Lawson commented that a set of standards for each street,
per location is needed as well as a Roads Committee.

Mr. Mister, Inspector, noted that the County specifications are 4 feet
wide, 4 inches thick with a mix of 35 PSI.

Mr. John Phoebus commented that even though this would be a chance
to get a sidewalk, there may be problems elsewhere that are worse.

Mayor Purnell commented that the City needs to make a move in some
direction in situations where property is sold and there are either no sidewalk
or sidewalk that needs to be replaced.

Councilman Lawson advised that he has been working with Mr. Mister
and Mr. Dize, City Manager, doing street evaluations.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the next item, concerning the renewal
of EDU’s and the need for a uniform policy. He noted that the current policy
has a one year expiration period for EDU’s. Mayor Purnell commented that there
are at least 200 unused EDU’s that have been granted.

Mr. Cockey advised that the policy does not provide for renewal of EDU’s.
Property owners must begin construction within one year or they must re-apply.

He advised that for “renewal”, a policy must be adopted, as this would
violate the existing policy requiring one year for substantial construction.

A lengthy discussion followed, during which time Councilman Lawson
suggested that the City consider extending EDU’s with a deadline and the appli-
cant be required to pay the base water, sewer and bay restoration charges.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the next item regarding the selection of
commercial/industrial land appraisers.

Councilman Lawson made reference to them working with EDC for Industrial
Park land acquisition.

After a brief discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion that the City
hire a commercial/industrial land appraiser who also meets State Block Grant
Criteria. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and carried unani-
mously.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the MML convention beginning on
June 25, 2007 and advised that he would like the City to have a booth there.

He noted that the cost to set up the booth would be $185.00.

Mayor Purnell advised that this year he would like all of the Council to
attend these workshops .

Mayor Purnell requested a motion authorizing the City’s participation
in the Maryland Municipal League convention by setting up a booth and attending
the workshops, at a cost of approximately $1200.

At this time, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion authorizing
the City’s participation in the MML Convention. Motion seconded by Council-
woman Johnson and carried unanimously.

Council Vice President Anderson also made a motion authorizing a
booth for the City of Crisfield at the MML Convention. Motion seconded by

Councilwoman Johnson and carried unanimously.

2ND SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. Ladell Dorman made reference to the sidewalk issue and commented
that in many areas, there is no sidewalk, however, if construction upon sale of
property is enforced, the City may end up with a hodgepodge of various sidewalks.

Mr. Dorman also commented regarding the issue of EDU’s as far as inside
and outside the City. Mayor Purnell commented that the City’s policy gives one
year before expiration.

During further discussion, Mayor Purnell commented that the City cannot
hold EDU’s and prevent development.

Mr. John Phoebus commented regarding the ADC project and stated
that he believes they have completed substantial construction as well as have
a public works agreement.

Mr. Elmer Barclay inquired about the upkeep of rental properties.
Mayor Purnell advised Mr. Barclay to contact Mr. Mister’s office regarding
any complaints.

Questions and Answers by Council

Councilwoman Johnson advised that she had received complaints
regarding parking on Main Street due to the opening of Curves.

Mayor Purnell commented that Main Street is regulated by two hour
parking and made reference to installing meters or marking tires, or the need for
diagonal parking.

Councilwoman Johnson made reference to posting the area in front
of the drugstore for their customers only.

Councilman Lawson noted that Public Works employee, Larry Abbott
had suffered a heart attack.

Councilman Lawson made reference to information from Charles
McClenahan regarding demolition of houses, where interested parties could make
application to receive a tax break.

Councilman Lawson advised that street evaluation is ongoing.
He also made reference to the Historic District not being included in the
City Code.

Councilman Lawson congratulated Mayor Purnell regarding efforts to
acquire an “Open Space” grant for the Salvation Army.

Mayor Purnell commented that he had instructed Jack Paul to make initial
inquiries.

Councilman Riggin thanked everyone for attending.
Council Vice President Anderson also thanked everyone for attending
and reminded everyone to attend the Comp Plan Public Hearing on March 22nd.

Mayor Purnell noted that the Open Space money was for a skateboard
park at the Armory, however the City needs clearance on the property. Presently it is
only a lease. It must be a permanent location owned by the City.
There being no further business for discussion, Councilman Riggin made
a motion to adjourn, seconded by Council Vice President Anderson 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