City of Crisfield
Minutes for Public Meetings
Minutes for Regular Meeting:
August 9, 2006
The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Wednesday,
August 9, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tawes Museum.
PRESENT
Percy J. Purnell, Jr., Mayor
Raymond 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
Robin Cockey, City Solicitor
Also in attendance; Valerie Swift, Secretary; Clarence Bell, Chief
of Police;
William Mister, Inspector. See copy of sign-in sheet for others in
attendance.
Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order and welcomed those in
attendance.
The Mayor requested a moment of silence for the late Tony Bruce.
At this time Mayor Purnell led those in attendance in the Lord’s
Prayer and
the Pledge of Allegiance.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Purnell addressed the agenda item regarding skateboarding. He
called
several of the youth in attendance forward, along with Mr. Jim
Dodson, who
requested that the Mayor and Council consider a skateboard park.
Mrs. Janie Dryden,
parent of one of the youth in attendance, advised that she has a
waiver form in
reference to liability.
Mayor Purnell advised that the City had recently met with a LGIT
representa-
tive, who advised that this would not be covered under standard
insurance and would
need a policy rider.
Mr. Dodson also noted that the kids could conduct fund raisers to
offset the
cost.
Mayor Purnell made reference to leasing the Armory and advised that
the City
would look into an area there. Mr. Phil Parks, Youth Club Director,
advised that he
would put a program together for the skateboarders.
Councilman Lawson advised the youth that they have legitimate
concerns
and asked that they sign up to serve as youth representatives for
the City.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
At this time, Mayor Purnell requested approval of the minutes from
the meet-
ing of July 26, 2006.
Council Vice President Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes
from
the meeting of July 26, 2006 as written. Motion seconded by
Councilwoman
Johnson and carried unanimously.
1ST SESSION – PUBLIC INPUT
Councilwoman Johnson expressed her concerns about speeders and asked
that
the Police Department look at monitoring the areas that are posted
“Slow –Children
Playing”.
NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
Mayor Purnell addressed the next order of business concerning the
Food Lion
Property purchase contract.
He advised that Food Lion has requested that the clause allowing the
City
to re-purchase the property be removed.
Mayor Purnell suggested that the new agreement state that the
developer will
clear the property and begin improvements in 120 days. He also
advised that the
developer is ready to begin demo of the buildings.
Mr. Rick Evans, Realtor, advised that Mr. Reynolds is ready to begin
the
demo in 30 days. Mr. Mister noted that he will need to obtain a site
plan of the
property for Critical Area review.
Mayor Purnell advised that he would like to see the Council make a
motion to
move forward and advise Mr. Cockey of the necessary modifications.
Councilman Lawson advised that he is concerned that the developer
will de-
molish the existing buildings but not put a commercial building
back. He advised
that he wants the plan to be for a commercial development, not
townhouses.
Mr. Cockey advised that residential development is not allowed in a
C-2 area
unless it is rezoned with the proper procedure. Councilman Lawson
advised that he
would like this included in the amendment. Councilman Dize advised
that he would
also like included a timeframe that building would begin. He also
made reference to
the need for a sound buffer for refrigeration units. Mr. Cockey
noted that use of such
units are permitted in the C-2 zone.
Councilman Riggin commented that for almost two years, nothing has
been
done and advised that he wants to see a time frame with a date to
start and finish.
Councilwoman Johnson concurred that she would also like to see a
time frame
imposed.
Mr. Cockey advise that he would draft a revision with the
Council’s
modifications, along with Mr. Dize and forward a copy to Mr. Rick
Evans for his
review.
Mayor Purnell requested that the Council make a motion, contingent
upon
the draft of a new contract by Mr. Cockey addressing the issues as
noted by the
Council.
Mr. Evans advised that he feels 120 days is reasonable but noted
that Food
Lion has done a lot in a year considering that they had a title
issue to resolve.
At this time, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion to
approve pro-
ceding with the demolition of the buildings on the proposed Food
Lion property con-
tingent upon a new agreement being prepared by Mr. Cockey. Motion
seconded
by Councilwoman Johnson and carried unanimously.
Mr. Evans also noted that the original design was for a 29,000 sq.
ft. store
but the market study indicated that it should be 26,000 sq. ft.
which would best suit
our area.
Mayor Purnell advised that all that will be left after the demo is
the well and
tower and McDonalds.
Mr. Evans advised that the permit process should be done in January
and the
store should be open in the late spring to early summer of 2007.
Mayor Purnell advised that the next item to be addressed was event
applica-
tions and sign requests for the boat docking and skiff races held
Labor Day
weekend. Councilman Lawson made a motion to approve the requested
event
applications and banners. Motion seconded by Council Vice President
Anderson and
carried unanimously.
Mayor Purnell made reference to the next agenda item – a request for
“No
Parking” and removal of the curb stop in front of the Cable Office
adjacent to the
City Hall parking lot. A rather lengthy discussion followed
regarding a solution to
make the location ADA compliant, such as installing a ramp or
providing a call-bell
so handicapped customers can be served, as well as the issue of the
door facing the
City Hall parking lot and the fact that this was a poor relocation
for the CATV office.
Following this discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion that the
curb
stop be removed subject to a lease of the parking space with the
owner in the amount
of $15.00 per 30 day period, blocking the parking space as long as
Charter occupies
the building. The motion died due to lack of a second.
Mayor Purnell made reference to the next agenda item – “Release of
letter of
Credit for Crisfield Associates.” The Mayor requested Mr. Cockey’s
opinion on
this matter. Mr. Cockey advised that the purpose of the letter of
credit was to secure
any debts to the City of Crisfield, but now that the agreement has
been terminated, it
is permissible to issue the release. At this time, Councilman Riggin
made a motion to
approve the release of the letter of credit for Crisfield
Associates. Motion seconded
by Council Vice President Anderson and carried unanimously.
Mayor Purnell made reference to the MOU regarding the ambulance
squad,
which was signed at the last meeting authorizing $2.50 to be applied
to monthly
water & sewer bills in October. Mayor Purnell advised that the
ambulance squad is
not comfortable with this agreement.
At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to hold on the
collection of
$2.50, at this time, until negotiations are complete. Motion
seconded by Councilman
Dize and carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Purnell made reference to the continuing issue regarding
options con-
cerning the 1936 sewer line. Mayor Purnell reviewed the options
through power
point presentation as well as the proposals made by Jim Shaw and
Annemessex
Trading Company. The Mayor also made reference to the previous
workshop held
last Thursday. (attachments of workshop information and proposals
included in
minutes) as well as plans for another workshop to be held next
Tuesday.
Mr. Terry Pehan requested that the proposals be placed on the City’s
web
page. Councilman Lawson also advised that at the next work session,
citizens would
be requested to put their concerns in writing.
Mayor Purnell went on to review a power point presentation regarding
the
MOU with the State of Maryland. Mr. Cockey advised that the City
should advise
the State that a Termination for Convenience Clause needs to be
added for the City as
well.
At this time, the Mayor requested a motion from the Council to
approve the
MOU, contingent upon Mr. Cockey’s recommendation. So moved by
Councilman
Riggin, seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and carried
unanimously.
Councilman Lawson made reference to recent analysis of water and
sewer
billing with regard to cost versus income and net loss. He reviewed
the figures
regarding inside and outside customers and advised that the total
collected from
both was $824,181. Councilman Lawson advised that the annual long
term debt
per year from water is $50,213 and sewer is $99,319. He advised that
the total
water and sewer operating expense last year was $741,195, not
including health
and pension. Councilman Lawson noted that 31% of the total budget
goes toward
water and sewer with a net annual operating loss of $100,000.
At this time, Councilman Lawson proposed a motion for first reader
that the
sewer fee increase from $16.00 to $20.00 per month to be applied to
the October 31st
billing. Councilman Lawson advised that this would generate
additional revenue of
$76,512 inside City limits and $50,112 outside.
Councilman Lawson advised that the reason for increasing the sewer
is that
there is a negative cash flow in that area.
Following further brief discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion
for
first reader amending the City ordinance regarding sewer fees to
change the rate
from $16.00 to $20.00. Motion seconded by Council Vice President
Anderson and
carried unanimously.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Calvin Dize, City Manager, presented his monthly activity
report, high-
lighting its contents. (see attached.)
Mayor Purnell made reference to the water quality report for Brick
Kiln which
shows bacteria content. Mr. Dize noted that another sample was taken
on Monday,
but the beach should remain closed until the test result is in.
Mayor Purnell noted that the bacteria is coming from agricultural
areas.
Mayor Purnell made reference to the Enterprize Zone as noted in Mr.
Dize’
report which provides a tax break for businesses. Mr. Dize noted
that the Zone had
been extended up the 413 corridor to the Holland’s Crossing area.
Mr. Danny
Thompson, EDC Director, noted that the amended application only
extends to 667.
Mayor Purnell also made reference to the Armory, noting that when
the
building is released to the City, there will be office space
available to use as well as
lease.
Mayor Purnell also noted that the Public Works agreement for Messick
and
Andrews is being drafted.
Clarence Bell, Chief of Police, presented his monthly report,
highlighting its’
contents. The Chief also noted that a new officer, Andy Crockett,
was recently sworn
in. Chief Bell advised that he had also instructed his officer’s to
remain vigilant
regarding drug issues.
Councilman Lawson addressed Chief Bell regarding parking at Subway.
He
asked that the Chief meet with Mandy Massey, owner, regarding
posting the lot or
permit parking.
William Mister, Inspector, presented his monthly report,
highlighting its con-
tents. He noted that only a few residents obtain burning permits on
a weekly basis.
2nd Session – Public Input
Mrs. Catherine Brown made reference to youth trespassing at the
former
Ward’s Crossing Market. Mayor Purnell advised Rick Evans to have the
building
secured. Chief Bell noted that he had previously arrested
trespassers in that area.
Mrs. Pat Carson made reference to a complaint she had received about
traffic
at the Pines Motel and at the back gate. Mayor Purnell advised that
he had recently
spoken with Chief Bell regarding this issue and the Chief will be
addressing it.
Mr. James Lane thanked the Police Department for the National Night
Out
event and issued a special “thanks” to Sgt. Griffin-Johnson for the
fine job she had
done.
Mrs. Val Guetens thanked the Mayor and Council for having the
proposals
available on power point.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Councilwoman Johnson advised that she had no problems or concerns to
address at this time.
Council Vice President Anderson advised that he would like citizens’
input
regarding the 1936 sewer line proposals and requested that they put
their concerns on
paper.
Councilman Riggin made reference to the continuing issue of grass
being
thrown from lawn mowers onto City streets where is goes into the
storm drain
system. Mayor Purnell advised that the Police Department needs to
report this and
cite the violators.
Councilman Dize also requested that citizens put their concerns on
paper.
Councilman Dize also requested an individual email account with the
City’s web
server.
Councilman Dize advised that he would like to propose a City
Employee and
family picnic to be held once a year and then made a motion stating
same. Motion
seconded by Councilman Riggin and carried unanimously.
Mayor Purnell advised that he is looking into increasing accrued
vacation to
two weeks after the first year of work. He also noted that he is
considering five days
of maternity leave for new fathers.
Councilman Lawson made reference to the Fire Department Ordinance
which
had not yet been adopted.
Councilman Lawson also apologized to Mr. Cockey regarding his
comment
with reference to the Sanitary District.
Councilman Lawson advised that he had observed and reported to
Secretary
Swift 21 lights that are either out or need to be changed.
Councilman Lawson also
reminded those interested to continue to sign up on committee lists.
Councilman Lawson made reference to attending the funeral of Mr.
Tony
Bruce today, and commented that this was a great loss to the
community.
He also advised that he would like to recommend that Mayor Purnell
appoint
Mr. John Phoebus to serve on the Economic Development Commission.
Councilman Lawson also made reference to the upcoming Tawes Nursing
Home Fund Drive and urged citizens to sign up to serve on this
committee.
There being no further business for discussion, Council Vice
President Ander-
son made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Dize and
carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer
Prepared by Valerie Swift, Secretary
Minutes for Public Meetings
|
