City of Crisfield
Minutes
The Mayor and City Council and City Department
Heads met in regular session on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 6:00
p.m. in the meeting room in City Hall.
PRESENT
Percy J. Purnell, Jr.,
Mayor
Kimberly B. Lawson, Councilman
Barry Dize, Councilman
LaVerne Johnson, Councilwoman
Mike Atkins, Councilman
Calvin Dize, City Manager
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer
Harold W. Frock, Sr., Superintendent of Public Utilities
Richard Lord, Superintendent of Public Works
Also in attendance; Valerie Swift, Secretary;
John Phoebus; Tom Farina; Roger Riggin, Jr.; Austin Cox, Sr.; Andrew
Wilkins; Lenny Ward; Kathleen Sheeran; Doug Crockett; Margo
Green-Gale; Lamount Potter; Eddie Heath; Ashlyn Heath; Pat
Stackhouse; Beth Schauffert; Ladell Dorman;
Absent – Council Vice President Raymond Anderson
– due to prior engagement.
Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order and
opened with the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
At this time, Mayor Purnell reviewed the agenda
for this evening’s meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Purnell requested approval of the minutes from the meetings of
March.At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to approve the
minutes from the Regular meeting of March 12, 2008 and the Special
meeting of March 12, 2008. Motion second by Councilman Dize and
carried unanimously.
1ST SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT
Mrs. Margo Green-Gale made reference to an observation she had made
concerning the 4-way stop signs on 4th & Main. She advised that she
is afraid there will be an accident there, as some people don’t
stop. Mrs. Green-Gale suggested considering a pedestal light. She
also commented that the diagonal parking was a good idea, but some
of the larger vehicles make it difficult to pass through the street.
Mayor Purnell made reference to putting one side of the street
back to parking as before. He advised that he agrees that the
diagonal parking has narrowed the street and made reference to a
suggestion from Mr. Roger Riggin to reduce the width of the
sidewalks. He added that the businesses on Main Street are doing
well.
Councilman Dize agreed with making one side parallel. Mr. Austin
Cox suggested no parking for commercial vehicles.
Mr. Lenny Ward commented concerning the lack of recreation after
school for Crisfield youth. He made reference to drug problems at
CHS and advised that youth need dances and festivals.
Mayor Purnell commented that the Salvation Army has been making
an attempt to have youth programs, but for them to be able to have
some of the other programs they would like to have, the City needs
to own the building.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer, presented the Profit Loss Budget
from July 2007 to February 2008. She also noted the large increase
in the WWTP Electric Bill and advised that the sewer rate may have
to be raised.
Mr. Cox made reference to the use of wind
power. Mayor Purnell advised that he had met with representatives
concerning the matter. He advised that installing the wind turbines
is a 2M investment.
Harold W. Frock, Sr., Superintendent of Public
Utilities presented and reviewed his monthly report. He noted that
the ENR problem is still not resolved.
Mayor Purnell also made reference to the large
amounts of inflow collected after a recent rain.
Mr. Frock also noted that his department had
received their sewer vac.
Councilwoman Johnson made reference to the flow
transducer as mentioned in Mr. Frock’s report. Mr. Frock advised that
they usually last around two years.
Richard Lord, Superintendent of Public Works,
presented his monthly report , highlighting its contents. He also
noted that trash tonnage has decreased.
Mr. Calvin Dize, City Manager, presented his
monthly report, highlighting its contents. He noted that the 36 sewer
construction team has run out of well points and are also waiting on
receipt of the dewatering permit.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
REQUEST FOR BILLIARD TABLES
Mayor Purnell made reference to the request for billiard tables from
Mr. Farina. Mr. John Phoebus, Mr. Farina’s attorney, advised that
he had reviewed the proposed Ordinance.
At this time, several revisions for the proposed Ordinance were
discussed.
Mayor Purnell then recommended that the Council review the
proposed Ordinance with any changes, for first reader at the April
meeting. He advised scheduling a meeting beforehand, if necessary.
Councilman Lawson also suggested adding from the Alcohol Beverage
Law,
the section that it be disapproved if it disturbs the peace of the
neighborhood.
REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF IMPACT FEE 7 E. MAIN
STREET
Councilman Lawson noted that the property owners had purchased a
burned house and commented that the gentleman is a builder. He
stated that their building permit fee is based on the home costing
$70,000. He also commented that the sidewalk in front of the home
was destroyed during demolition. Councilman Lawson also stated that
at the last meeting, the Council had requested the presence of the
owners.
Mayor Purnell advised that the property owners
are aware that they have to replace the sidewalk. He also advised
the Council that he had spoken to one of the owners and had advised
her that she would not need to attend the meeting, due to the
distance that would have to be traveled and time they would have to
take off from work.
After further discussion, Councilman Dize made a
motion to approve the waiver of the Impact Fee for 7 E. Main Street.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Johnson. Motion opposed by Councilman
Lawson. Motion carried with ayes from Councilman Dize, Councilwoman
Johnson and Councilman Atkins.
Mayor Purnell noted that water and sewer is there
and available for hookup.
At this time, Councilman Dize made a motion to
waive the water and sewer hook up fees for 7 E. Main Street. Motion
seconded by Councilman Atkins. Motion opposed by Councilman Lawson.
Motion carried with ayes from Councilman Dize, Councilwoman Johnson
and Councilman Atkins.
RFP – SURPLUS PROPERTY
Councilman Lawson requested that language be added that 50% of the
proposed parcels be available for non-restricted acquisition or Deed
transfer and that all sites be developed on a proposed plan.
The
Council concurred with these additions.
NEW BUSINESS
REQUEST FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE AT N. FIRST
STREET
Mayor Purnell made reference to a request from Henry Wilson to place
a single family manufactured home on N. First Street, map 101,
parcel 1269.
After a brief discussion, Councilwoman Johnson made a motion to
table this request for further information regarding the proposed
plans. Motion seconded by
Councilman Dize and carried unanimously.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Wilkins, of Wilkins Land Surveyors, appeared before the Mayor
and Council concerning the recommendation from the Planning
Commission for Mr. Greg Cox to construct a subdivision at Broadway
Alley, map 103, parcel 1371, with a 35 foot radius cul de sac and
curb and guttering.
Mr. Wilkins advised that two building lots
would be created.
Councilman Lawson made reference to a drainage
pipe that Mr. Cox had previously destroyed back there when
cleaning out a ditch noting that this must be replaced.
Mayor Purnell suggested approving the Planning
Commission’s recommendation for the two lots.
Councilman Lawson requested that Mr. Cox post a
surety bond based on the cost of curb, gutter and blacktop, per City
specs, which can be installed after construction of the houses.
After further discussion, Councilman Lawson made
a motion to approve the subdivision request per the recommendation of
the Planning Commission, and that the City require Mr. Cox to post a
surety bond after the City obtains an estimate for curb, gutter, and
type 2 PCC, and that this be finished upon completion of
construction.
Motion seconded by Councilman Dize and carried
unanimously.
EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST
Mayor Purnell made reference to an event application request from
Crisfield Little League to hold a parade on Saturday, April 19. He
noted that they have provided a copy of their liability insurance
policy.
At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to approve the
event application. Motion
seconded by Councilman Dize and carried unanimously.
REQUEST FROM LITTLE LEAGUE FOR WAIVER OF SEWER
HOOK-UP FEE
Mayor Purnell made reference to a request for a waiver of the sewer
hook-up fee from the Crisfield Little League for construction of a
restroom.
After a brief discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion to
grant the waiver of the sewer hook-up fee for the Crisfield Little
League. Motion seconded by Councilwoman
Johnson and carried unanimously.
2ND SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT
No public input was offered at this time.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORT
Councilwoman Johnson advised that she agrees there needs to be some
type of stoplight at 4th and Main Street. She also agreed that
there needs to be youth activities.Councilwoman Johnson made
reference to the proposed Pool Table Ordinance and advised that she
feels more comfortable with the age allowed being 18.
Councilman Lawson made reference to the stoplight issue and
advised that streetscape should be a priority, focusing on the
corner and intersection. In reference to lack of youth activities,
Councilman Lawson commented that the City would have a movie theater
and bowling alley if it could afford it. He also paid compliment to
all of the volunteers who do work with youth under the age of 17.
Councilman Lawson also furnished Mr. Rick Lord and Mr. Harold
Frock with a list of streets and requested that they take the 5
longest and the 10 shortest and evaluate them as far as water and
sewer lines, manholes, and storm water management so an engineering
study can be done as far as plans for future paving.
He advised that the City should be able to commit $100K this year
for paving.Councilman Lawson also made reference to the Phragmites
on Collins Street. Mr. Lord advised that he has the herbicide which
will be applied in the fall.
Councilman Dize made reference to the width of Somerset Avenue
and advised that more streets could be paved at the regular width.
Councilman Atkins had nothing to report.
Mayor Purnell advised that he is still attending meetings in
Annapolis, working on the Tax Issue, trying to get the “Homestead
Act” for businesses.
Mayor Purnell also advised that he is still working with the
County on the EMT issue, and advertisement for paramedics will
soon be going out.
Mayor Purnell advised that the wind turbines are in the process.
He also noted that the City had a second appraisal on the Industrial
park property today.
He also commented that he is hopeful that the sewer project won’t
extend into the summer months.
In reference to Charter Communications, Mayor
Purnell advised that the City will refer complaints, but cannot
change the franchise until it expires.
There being no further business for discussion,
Councilwoman Johnson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman
Dize and carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce L. Morgan,Clerk-Treasurer
Prepared by Valerie Swift, Secretary
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