City of Crisfield

Minutes for Public Meetings

Minutes for Regular Meeting:  December 13, 2006

The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, December
13, 2006 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
Robin R. Cockey, City Solicitor

Also in attendance; Valerie Swift, Secretary; William Mister, Inspector;

Harold W. Frock, Sr., Superintendent of Public Utilities; Richard Lord, Superinten-

dent. Please see copy of list of 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.

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION

At this time, Mayor Purnell presented Certificates of Appreciation to Frank

Rhodes, Courtney Flaherty and Mary Beth Bradshaw (absent at the time), Christmas

Parade Chairpersons, for their work in organizing an outstanding parade.

Mayor Purnell also presented Certificates of Appreciation to John & Jenny

Tawes for their organization of the highly successful MacTavish’s Ole Towne

Market.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

At this time, Mayor Purnell requested approval of the seven sets of minutes

from previous meetings; regular meeting of 11/8/06, closed meeting of 11/20/06,

closed meeting of 11/29/06, closed meeting of 12/2/06, closed meeting of 12/6/06,

public hearing of 12/6/06, and the closed meeting of 12/11/06.

Councilman Lawson noted a correction on page 4 of the minutes from 11/8/06

and also requested clarification on page 7 of the same set regarding tax sale

properties.

At this time, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion to approve the

seven sets of minutes with the necessary correction. Motion seconded by Council-

man Riggin and carried unanimously.

Councilman Lawson also noted a correction on page 2 of the closed meeting

of 12/6/06.

At this time, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Mrs. Mary Beth

Bradshaw, who had just arrived, for her efforts in coordinating the Christmas Parade.
 

First Session of Public Input 

Mayor Purnell called for Public Input. At this time, no comments were made.


 

OLD BUSINESS 

DECISION REGARDING REZONING OF HANDY PROPERTY

Mayor Purnell advised that the next order of business pertained to the

request for rezoning from Handy’s International, Inc. He noted that a public

hearing was held on December 6th to hear public comments regarding the request

to rezone from I-2 to TM.

At this time, Mayor Purnell requested Council comments. He also noted that

the Planning Commission had made recommendation to the Mayor and City Council

for the rezoning 7 months ago.

Councilman Lawson noted that the Dryden property and Rubberset are also

zoned I-2. He commented that currently, Handy’s is a conforming business, but if

rezoned, would need a special exception. Councilman Lawson cited that the loss

of the I-2 property and non-conforming use are the reasons that he is opposed to

the property being rezoned.

With no other Council comment, Mayor Purnell called for a vote.

At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to reject that application from

Handy’s International, Inc., to be rezoned from I-2 to Tourist Maritime. Motion

seconded by Councilman Dize and carried unanimously.

Mr. Cockey noted that Councilman Lawson did not feel that the application

justifies a change in the character of the neighborhood. He advised that he will be

preparing a “Finding of Fact”. He also advised that once the Mayor and City Council

adopts their written decision, Handy’s can file an appeal.
 

36 SEWER LINE

Mayor Purnell made reference to the next item of Old Business, the Thirty

Six Sewer. He reviewed, on Power Point, the timetable through USDA loans as per

the letter from Davis, Bowen and Friedel. The Mayor made reference to meetings

that had been held and advised that at the proper time, plans will be made public.

He noted that closed meetings are held as a courtesy to the developer. Mayor

Purnell advised that negotiations center around the Somers Cove Motel, the

former Steuart property and the downtown parking lot. He noted that it is im-

portant to complete a feasible business deal and the task is not easy.

ARMORY ACQUISITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Mayor Purnell advised that the State has leased the Armory building to the

City for one year, which takes effect December 15, 2006.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RELEASE OF DRAFT RFP FOR SRP

Mayor Purnell also announced that the draft RFP for the SRP was released

on November 22nd and twenty three planners have been issued the RFP packet.

Mayor Purnell also noted that Mr. Corrado has advised he will provide

the plans from his planner for the City, to be included in the SRP.

Mayor Purnell emphasized that the City will be in charge of making any

zoning decisions. He also noted that the City will be applying for a grant to

obtain money to pay for the cost of the SRP and will try to keep costs

down.

PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED WATER AND SEWER AND IMPACT FEE VARIANCES

Mayor Purnell made reference to a previously discussed water & sewer hook-

up and impact fee variance request from Mr. Bauman at 37 Wynfall Avenue.

Mr. Frock noted that there is a water and sewer connection at that location.

Mayor Purnell advised that the City could charge the Impact fee, charge the

water and sewer connection fees or waive either of those two items.

Following further discussion, Councilman Lawson excused himself from the

meeting table, due to conflict of interest.

At this time, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion to charge

Mr. & Mrs. Bauman the $5,500 water and sewer connection fee and waive the

Impact Fee charge. Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and carried, with

abstention from Councilman Lawson.

Councilman Lawson advised that no permit should be granted until all fees

are paid in full. The applicant must pay the fee before the permit is issued, or must

request to come before the Mayor and Council if they are requesting a waiver from

fees, but not after construction has begun.

Mayor Purnell reiterated that no building permit should be issued, if the ap-

plicant is planning on requesting a waiver from any of the applicable fees.

NEW BUSINESS

APPOINTMENTS

NANCY RIMBY AND CAROL GRIER, of the Somerset County

Humane Society, appeared before the Mayor and City Council to obtain support

from the City regarding plans to construct an animal shelter at the industrial park in

Princess Anne to be used by the City and County.

Ms. Grier advised that they had appeared before the County Commissioners

regarding the piece of property, which would cost $20,000. The County advised them

to also appear before the Mayor and Council.

Mrs. Rimby advised that they have$80,000 to use for the building, but need

money to purchase the land. Ms. Grier advised that they are looking for semi-com-

mitment.

Mayor Purnell advised that the City will begin working on the 2007-2008

budget in May, and would need a letter of request for funding from them. He advised

that he feels the shelter is a great idea, but the City wouldn’t have a dollar figure until

May or June.

MARINA ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND FIRST MEETING

Mayor Purnell advised that he had appointed 6 people to the Marina Advisory

Board – Casey Todd, James Lane, Eddie Heath, Ladell Dorman, Mike Atkins, Mark

Good and also Del. Page Elmore.

RECOGNITION – CHARLIE ADAMS

Councilman Lawson made reference to his previous term on the Council from

1990 to 1994, when the issue came up of demolishing the Ward home place and the

sale of the Ward Museum. He made reference to a story done by Richard Crum-

backer on the heritage of Crisfield. Councilman Lawson made reference to a story on

page 2 of this weeks’ Crisfield Times, announcing the retirement of Charlie Adams.

At this time, Councilman Lawson read aloud a Resolution declaring Charlie Adams

as a Crisfield Heritage Icon and also declaring December 20th as “Charlie Adams

Day”. He also advised that the Mayor and Council would have a bronze tab-

let erected on Charlie’s corner.

Councilman Lawson then made a motion to adopt the aforementioned resolu-

tion. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and carried unani-

mously.

LATEST FOOD LION DRAWING

Mayor Purnell presented that latest drawing of the proposed Food Lion layout.
 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

RICK LORD, SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, presented his

monthly report, highlighting its contents. Mr. Mister, Inspector, made reference to

the need to revamp the Special Pick up charges for limbs.

Councilman Lawson advised that the City should try to keep from charging

the public in order to keep the City clean.

Mr. Lord also noted that Public Works cleaned up after the Christmas parade

and replaced the bumpers at the City dock. He advised that his department is also

working on cleaning catch basins and repairing potholes. Mr. Lord thanked Council-

man Riggin for all of his help.

HAROLD W. FROCK, SR., SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES,

made reference to proposed new technology to read water meters with a radio reader.

At this time, Mr. Tran presented a power point demonstration regarding the reader.

He noted that the cost per meter is $180.00 and advised that they will work under

water.

Councilman Lawson also advised Mr. Frock that the Mayor and Council

would need well studies, with regards to the 36 sewer.

JOYCE L. MORGAN, CLERK-TREASURER, presented her monthly

report, which was July to October summary.

2nd Session – Public Input

Mrs. Catherine Brown inquired if the City was still flushing the hydrants at

Heron Way. Mr. Frock advised that this is done once a month. Mrs. Brown in-

quired about having her water tested.

During further discussion, it was determined that hydrants would be flushed

at Heron Way and Hammock Point every two weeks.

Councilman Lawson commented that unlike other towns, Crisfield does not

have a water plant and that water is taken from wells and treated with chlorine.
 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BY THE COUNCIL

Councilwoman Johnson noted that they are working hard to make the best

decision for everyone concerning the 36 sewer. She also wished everyone a Merry

Christmas.

Councilman Lawson made reference to constructing a bulkhead under the

water tower where City materials are stored. He commented that this had been a

tough year with the election and the election of a new Mayor and Council. With

reference to this being the last meeting in 06, Councilman Lawson commented

that he feels good about what the Mayor and Council are working on. Council-

man Lawson advised that he would like to hold two or three public input meetings

in January with the people who signed up to serve in various areas. He also ad-

vised that he would like to see a Community Foundation in the City. Council-

man Lawson made reference to raising the funds to build a new nursing home.

He also made reference to the need for a Recreation Commission, Promotion

Commission, Historic District and Street Advisory Board. Councilman Lawson

wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thanked every-

one for their support.

Council Vice President Anderson and Councilman Riggin also wished

everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Councilman Dize commended the Parade Chairmen for the excellent

Christmas Parade. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy

New Year.
 

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Purnell wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New

Year and requested a motion to adjourn. So moved by Councilman Riggin,

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

Minutes for Public Meetings

 

Website designed by Lowershore.net.  © Copyright 2005 - 2007 by the City of Crisfield.  All Rights Reserved.