City of Crisfield
Minutes
The Mayor and City Council and City Department Heads met in
regular session on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 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 Lawson, Councilman
Barry Dize, Councilman
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer
Absent due to illness – Councilwoman LaVerne Johnson. Also in
attendance; Valerie Swift, Secretary; Bill Mister, Inspector; Mike
Tabor, Chief of Police; Harold Frock, Superintendent; Rick
Lord, Superintendent of Public Works (see sign in sheet for others
in attendance)
Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order with the Lord’s Prayer
and the Pledge of Allegiance. At this time, Mayor Purnell reviewed
the agenda for this evening’s meeting
READING OF PROCLAMATION
Mayor Purnell read aloud a proclamation designating Saturday,
January 26, 2008 as Dale “Britt” Brittingham day in Crisfield.
At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion that the proclamation
be adopted. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and
carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Lawson noted a correction on page 2 of the minutes
from the workshop on January 9, 2008.
At this time, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion to
accept the minutes from the December 12, 2007 and the January 9,
2008 meeting, with the necesarry corrections. Motion seconded by
Councilman Riggin and carried unanimously.
1ST SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT
Mr. Bobby Goldsborough made reference to the need for making the
upstairs of the fire department handicap accessible and requested
that the City look into an elevator.
CRISFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT,
PRESENTATION AND PROMOTIONS
At this time, Chief Tabor presented his monthly report,
highlighting its contents. Chief Tabor presented the bullet proof
vest purchased for the department from Homeland Security funding and
thanked Mr. Steve Marshall, Director of Emergency Services for his
assistance in obtaining the vests. Mr. Marshall advised that he was
glad to be of assistance.
At this time, Chief Tabor promoted Stan Harmon to 1st Sergeant
Criminal Investigation Support Services, Lonnie Luedtke to 1st
Sergeant Narcotics and Intelligence Division and Kevin Goepfert to
Corporal – Squad Leader.
Mr. Harold Frock, Superintendent of Public Utilities, presented
his report,highlighting its contents.
Councilman Lawson made reference to notification to the Sanitary
District concerning a new fluoride mandate from MDE and asked that
Mr. Cockey check with MDE to see if it applies to the City. Mr.
Cockey advised that the City couldn’t be bound by a Somerset County
Sanitary District consent order, but he would check to be cautious.
Mr. Rick Lord, Superintendent of Public Works, presented his monthly
report highlighting its contents.
Mayor Purnell advised that paving of Somerset Avenue would begin in
the Spring. He also noted that the Councilman Riggin had been
obtaining prices for putting lights on the water towers.
Mayor Purnell also made reference to the recent office
renovations/rearrangement in City Hall.
Mrs. Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer, presented the Budget Report
for Profit and Loss from 7/07 to 12/07. She also presented
electricity cost comparison and noted that costs have increased 60%
in two years. Mayor Purnell advised that the City is looking into
wind turbines to be used at the sewage treatment plant.
Mr. Bill Mister, Inspector, presented his monthly report. He
noted that issuance of building permits has been slow. Mr. Mister
also advised that he had received a call today from a Food Lion rep
who would be coming to City Hall tomorrow.
2ND SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT
Mr. Phil Goldsborough made reference to use of reverse osmosis with
regards to fluoride levels and advised that this requires more water
and removes all minerals. Mr. Austin Cox, Sr., expressed concern
about the contractor doing the 36 sewer not having a
de-watering permit. Mayor Purnell advised that the contractor should
have the permit shortly, but he would look into the matter.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Dize congratulated the Police Department on the
promotions but expressed concern that he would like to keep the
Department from being a training ground for officers to come
and go.
Mayor Purnell advised that Councilman Riggin had resigned
effective February 1st and added that he feels responsible. He
stated that Councilman Riggin had been focusing on streets and
roads, working 30 hours a week.
Councilman Riggin advised that he is resigning for personal reasons
and thanked everyone for their support. Council Vice President
Anderson advised that he has been trying to persuade Councilman
Riggin to remain on the Council.
Mayor Purnell noted that Councilwoman Johnson was absent due to
illness. Councilman Lawson made reference to the Speak Out concerning
the condition of Somerset Avenue, which will be paved. He also made
reference to the meeting with Secretary Sullivan with a cross
section of the business community. Councilman Lawson asked that
the press publicize that residents need to file for their Homestead
Tax Credits. Councilman Lawson made reference to the tax
increase of businesses located on the waterfront due to
speculation of growth that exceeds the value of the property.
Mayor Purnell noted that legislation concerning this increase is being
drafted at this time. There being no further business for
discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by
Council Vice President Anderson and carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce L. Morgan,Clerk-Treasurer
Prepared by Valerie Swift, Secretary
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