City of Crisfield

Minutes for Public Meetings

Minutes for Regular Meeting: July 12, 2006

The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tawes Museum.

PRESENT

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

Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order. He welcomed those in attendance

and made reference to the change in the meeting location and time. Mayor Purnell

led those in attendance in the Lord’s Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. He also noted

that Councilman Dize would be late due to jury duty.

Mayor Purnell also noted that the meeting would also consist of two public

input sessions as well as Power Point presentations for the public to follow.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Purnell presented six sets of minutes from previous meetings of July 3,

2006, Absentee results, June 23, 2006, Municipal Election, June 21, 2006, Regular

meeting June 14, 2006, and the Department Head meeting, June 14, 2006. Council-

man Lawson made a motion to approve the six sets of minutes as written. Motion

seconded by Councilwoman Johnson, and carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Purnell made reference to a discussion regarding the relationship with

Crisfield Associates.

Councilman Lawson made reference to his, as well as Councilman Dize’

position during the forum, that the City will need an SRP of some type. He noted that

during his 1990-1994 term, there was very little attendance of City meetings and

thanked the previous administration for sparking public interest. Councilman Lawson

went on to advise that the City needs to move forward, but not with a private partner.

At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion that, concerning the Public-Private

Partnership Agreement executed on the 29th day of March, 2006 by and between the

City of Crisfield, and Crisfield Associates, LLC, a Maryland limited liability com-

pany; Now, therefore, under Section VII, page 8, the City of Crisfield gives written

notice that under Section b, the City of Crisfield will terminate this agreement to

take effect in 60 (sixty) days of receipt of notice. Said notice to be executed by

Robin Cockey, City Solicitor, under the provisions stipulated in Section VIII of

said agreement. Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and carried unanimously

by Council Vice President Anderson and Councilwoman LaVerne Johnson. Council-

man Dize was not present during this time, but arrived later in the meeting.

Mayor Purnell made reference to a lease agreement with the American Legion

in order to re-open Wellington Tawes Beach. He advised that this would be a one

year lease. After a brief discussion, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion

to enter into a one year lease agreement with the American Legion in order to restore

and recommence operations of Wellington Tawes Beach. Motion seconded by

Councilman Lawson and carried unanimously.

1ST SESSION – PUBLIC INPUT

Mrs. Valerie Guetens addressed the Mayor and City Council concerning

Saturday burning permits. She stated that it is unhealthy and annoying and feels that

the Mayor and Council should look into banning burning in the City as there is no

way to check with City Hall on Saturday to see if a permit has been obtained.

Mayor Purnell advised that the matter would be taken into consideration.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Purnell made reference to an event application from Mr. Greg Cox to

hold a religious service in the Housing Authority on Saturday, July 29, 2006. The

Mayor noted that Mr. Cox has his certificate of liability insurance.

At this time, Councilman Riggin made a motion to approve the event application request of Mr. Cox. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Councilman Lawson made reference to the need for hiring three paid ambulance

personnel positions. He noted that the expenditure was approve in the 2006-

2007 budget. Councilman Lawson noted that funds the squad receives only cover

costs of the building and equipment. He advised that it would cost $114,000 for

three paid personnel who would be City employees, with the cost of $57,000 split

between the City and County. Councilman Lawson advised that to fund this cost,

the City would be placing a charge of $2.50 on monthly utility bills beginning in

August. He advised that the City is still in discussion with the County regarding their

position on Ambulance Squad exceptions

Mayor Purnell made reference to another issue concerning the City’s sewer

capacity issue and the problem of inflow and infiltration. He made reference recent

heavy rains, during which time, sewage had to be stored. Mayor Purnell advised that

the largest part of the problem is due to inflow on the western side of town and down-

town. The Mayor advised that the problem is caused by approximately 150,000 gallons

of sea water per day that comes in through the 36 sewer line and that Davis,

Bowen and Friedel are preparing plans to replace this line. He advised that the City is

working with MDE to obtain grants and loans and can get $100 – 150 K this fiscal

year. A second option is to meet with USDA to see if any funds are available.

Mayor Purnell advised that if the City has to borrow the money to make the

1.5 million dollar repair, it will cost $86,000 per year to repay it. He went on to ad-

vise that another alternative would be to increase Front Footage by 95 cents.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the offer from Mr. Shaw to replace the line

at no cost to the City if they are allotted 150 EDU’s, with them paying all of the other

related impact and hook up fees. He also presented a breakdown of the cost, if front

footage fees were increased; $4.14 – Hammock Point, $4.20 – Heron Way and $1.05

for other areas in the City.

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

MR. CALVIN DIZE, CITY MANAGER, presented his monthly report high-

lighting its contents. He made reference to a draft ordinance which would make the

Crisfield Fire Department the City’s Official fire department.

Mr. Dize also noted that he had spoken with Mr. Keller of MDE, in reference

to the 36 sewer line, and he advised that the City would be receiving $100,000 or

more in re-capture funds.

Mr. Dize noted that the Coast Guard has offered to provide the Mayor and

City Council with a tour of the harbor.

Mr. Dize also noted that Mr. Cockey, City Solicitor, has advised that there

should be a 30 day escape clause in the Wellington Beach lease.

Mr. Dize also advised that in reference to the fence easement of M & A,

Mr. Cockey has noted that some of the wording should be struck.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS CONTINUED

MR. JOHN ANDREWS, OF M&A CONSTRUCTION, appeared before the

Mayor and City Council to follow up on a previous request for permission to construct

a fence on City property at the Water’s Edge development. Mr. Andrews presented

a power point presentation photograph of how the property would look with

the fencing and sidewalk.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the former Council’s objection to giving

away City property.

Mr. Andrews noted that there would be an access to City sewer and that M &

A would be responsible for taking the fence down if a sewer problem occurred.

Councilman Lawson commented that he has always been an advocate of curb,

gutter and sidewalk. He also suggested that industrial grade of highway standards be

installed.

During further discussion, Councilman Lawson inquired if M & A is willing

to install curb, guttering and sidewalk in the next section of construction. Mr.

Andrews advised that they will complete this section once the fence is finished.

Councilman Riggin also noted that M & A should make sure that the Water’s

Edge residents continue with the Public Works agreement in the future.

Following further brief discussion, Mayor Purnell requested that the matter

be tabled for a decision at the next meeting.

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS CONTINUED

CLARENCE BELL, CHIEF OF POLICE, presented his monthly report, high-

lighting its contents through a power point presentation.

The Chief also noted other miscellaneous items, including a $100 donation

from Emma Kato, for the National Night Out event as well as $12,000 from CSAFE.

WILLIAM MISTER, INSPECTOR, presented his monthly report, high-

lighting its contents through a power point presentation.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the issue regarding burning permits. Mr.

Mister advised that his department has one resident who obtains a permit weekly and

but few others obtain permits. He advised that many burn illegally, but it is difficult to monitor.

Mayor Purnell advised that the list of those with permits should be given to

the police department on Friday, with officers issuing citations to those in violation.

Mr. Mister went on to review various items from his report. Mayor Purnell

also inquired about a way to write the Code to re-classify fees.

Mr. Cockey noted that Impact Fees must be related to the City’s actual cost,

but this change could be made. He advised that he would research the matter.

Mayor Purnell added that the intent of Impact Fees was to cover the cost of large

projects. Mr. Mister noted that these fees present a hardship to first time home

buyers. Mr. Mister also advised that property maintenance issues also need to be

discussed. Mayor Purnell advised that input could be taken at the next meeting to

see what public standards are.

Mr. Mister also noted the letter of recommendation from the Planning Com-

mission to rezone Handy property to Tourist Maritime. Mayor Purnell advised that

the presentation regarding this issue could be made at the next meeting.

Councilman Lawson commented that meetings last year with the Handy

Company as well as attempts by the Economic Development Commission to find

property for them to relocate were not very fruitful since the Company feels that

the only viable place for relocation is the City owned property on Collins Street.

Prior the 2nd session of Public Input, Mayor Purnell made reference to

the Strategic Revitalization Plan. He advised that he is collecting information from

other Cities. Mayor Purnell advised that he had spoken to Secretary Audrey Scott,

advising her of plans to have the RFP ready for comment in 60 days. This will be

done in-house.

Mayor Purnell reviewed a power point presentation of 2006-2007 expenses

of the City of Crisfield. He noted that expenses for the police department are the

largest, but not out of line with other municipalities, with the next largest expense

being O & E for the Water and Sewer department.

Mayor Purnell noted that this presentation would be sent to the City’s

Web page.

2nd Session – Public Input

Mr. Alison Milbourne, addressed the Mayor and Council regarding repair of

street lights, in particular, a light in front of the Masonic Temple.

Mr. Milbourne also made reference to tall grass at the former Whittington Primary

school. Mayor Purnell advised that the County still owns the school.

Mr. David Thomas made reference to the proposed repair of the 36 sewer line

and inquired as to how many EDU’s would be gained with this repair. Mayor Purnell

advised that over 600 EDU’s would be gained, but noted that there are problems with

infiltration in other areas.

Mr. Thomas made reference to the proposal of Mr. Shaw and asked that the

Mayor and Council also consider small developers who would need EDU’s.

Mrs. Guetens inquired that if the City accepts the proposal of Mr. Shaw,

he will be guaranteed the development that he is proposing.

Mayor Purnell advised that if MDE/USDA grant funding comes through, the

proposal of Mr. Shaw would not be considered, but if accepted, it would have to be

negotiated.

Mrs. Catherine Brown made reference to the proposed fence at the Water’s

Edge development. She advised that the land belongs to the public and that they

should give something back to the public by allowing dawn to dusk use of their

boardwalk.

Mayor Purnell commented that the proposed sidewalk and curb is one con-

cession that the City has received, but Mrs. Brown’s suggestion is a good idea.

Mrs. Brown also noted that there is no access to the small portion of beach

on the other side of the City boardwalk.

Mr. Phil Goldsborough made reference to the status of the Marina

Management study. Mayor Purnell advised that he had met with Secretary Franks

and that the State has the money to do the study.

Mr. Goldsborough also noted that the STOP team would be willing to help

the City. Mayor Purnell also advised that Secretary Franks is ready to come back

to the City with a solution.

Mrs. Pat Carson commented that her faith in man has been restored and also

noted that the web page needs to be updated.

Mayor Purnell also noted that Council Vice President Anderson has resigned

from the Board of Zoning Appeals. He also noted that Mrs. Tillie Doyle (Lawson)

will be resigning from the Ethics and Planning Commission.

The Mayor also noted that Councilwoman Johnson would be resigning from

the Planning Commission once the Comprehensive Plan is complete.

Councilman Dize apologized for his lateness due to jury duty and thanked

the previous Council for their work..

Councilman Riggin advised the public to report street lights out to the City

Secretary. He also requested that the Inspector address the issue of lawn clippings

being thrown into City storm drains.

Council Vice President Anderson advised that it was a pleasure to serve the

public and advised that he would be glad to help anyone.

Councilman Lawson addressed the public with several points for input.

1) Planning for the future with coordination of workshops with the Maryland

Municipal League as far as “grants that are out there” .

2) Respect for all citizens, residents or non-residents, since all are residents

of Somerset County with valuable input.

3) Congratulations to longtime employees Joyce Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer

and Valerie Swift, Secretary.

Councilman Lawson made reference to a suggestion of possible committees

lead by Department Heads or Council with public volunteers.

1) Water and Sewer Department – Mayor Purnell, Councilman Riggin,

Councilman Lawson

2) Sources of Revenue, energize new ideas – Councilman Lawson

3) Public Safety – Police and Fire Department

4) Operation of City Hall – Clerk-Treasurer and City Manager

5) City Planning Commission - Comprehensive Plan and RFP for SRP

6) Legal Affairs – ethics, ordinance, code

7) Building Code and Engineering, Modifications for Planning and Zoning –

Building Inspector and City Manager

8) Community Recreation – need for “Green Space’ or money to develop

parks in other places.

9) Historic District – the preservation of the seafood industry and waterfront.

Councilman Lawson urged those in attendance to sign up to serve on these

Committees.

Councilwoman Johnson commented that she is glad to see the large attendance

and is happy to see former Council Vice President Brown and Councilman

Thompson in attendance. She advised that she is an advocate of both residents and

non-residents.

Mayor Purnell advised that Councilman Dize would be working with City

fuel consumption and the Wellington Beach, Councilman Riggin would overseeing

the Airport, streets and roads, Councilman Lawson and Council Vice President

Anderson would serve in any area as needed and Councilwoman Johnson would

serve as Housing Authority representative.

There being no further business for discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer
Prepared by Valerie Swift, Secretary

Minutes for Public Meetings