City of Crisfield

Minutes for Public Meetings

Minutes for Regular Meeting: November 8, 2006

The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, November 8, 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
LaVerne Johnson, Councilwoman
Calvin Dize, City Manager
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer

Absent due to illness; Barry Dize, Councilman; Robin Cockey, City Solicitor

See signature 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.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mayor Purnell requested approval of the minutes from the regular meeting

of October 25, 2006 and the closed meeting of October 23rd 2006. Councilman

Lawson advised that he would like an addition to the minutes of the regular meeting

of October 25, 2006 expressing his concern about replacement of Handy’s 7 ½ acres

of Industrial Property somewhere else in the City.

At this time, Councilman Riggin made a motion to approve the sets of minutes

with the noted addition. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and

carried unanimously.

First Session of Public Input

Mrs. Catherine Brown made reference to blinking signs not being allowed in

the City, according to the Code. Council Vice President Anderson noted that he

would advise Fast Gas.

OLD BUSINESS

At this time, Mayor Purnell read aloud the letter which had been sent to

Annemessex Trading and Jim Shaw. Mayor Purnell advised that he had not heard

from Shaw but had received a letter from Annemessex Trading advising that they

will be responding sometime in November.

The next item of old business for consideration was the 2nd reader of the

Impact Fee ordinance. Mayor Purnell advised that this allows the Council to vary

impact fees through negotiations as per the sections that site the reasons applicable

for consideration.

After a brief discussion, Councilman Lawson made a motion to adopt the

Impact Fee Ordinance for 2nd Reader. Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and

carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Purnell presented Mr. Joseph Ward with a Resolution of Congratula-

tions upon his retirement for his many years of service to the State of Maryland

Park Service.

Councilman Lawson read the Resolution aloud and also commended Mr.

Ward regarding his stewardship at the Park and the improvements that had been

made there as well as his dedicated service to the Lower Somerset Ambulance and

Rescue Squad.

The next agenda item of New Business was an Event Application request

for the “Circle of Support” around Woodson School. Approval so moved by

Councilman Riggin, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson and carried unanimously.

Councilman Lawson made reference to his concern that Impact fees should be

paid prior to a building permit being issued, or held in abeyance until a waiver is

granted, before the permit is issued.

A rather lengthy discussion followed regarding the need for a fair process

of checks and balances. Mayor Purnell concluded that a building permit should

not be issued if a waiver is needed by the applicant. If the applicant wants a waiver,

they must go before the Mayor and Council, but if a building permit is issued, they

cannot get a waiver.

Mayor Purnell also noted that the Public Hearing for the Handy’s rezoning

will be held on December 6th at 6:00 p.m. in the meeting room in City Hall.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

lighting its contents. He also noted that SHA will be in town tomorrow to look

at areas concerning tidal flooding.

Mr. Rick Evans, in the audience, thanked the Mayor and Council on

behalf of Brantley Tilman, Food Lion. He noted that Food Lion is moving

forward and entering into a lease.

Mr. Phil Goldsborough noted that the vault at the Marina should be

checked as it also causes flooding.

Councilwoman Johnson noted that the tidal flooding in the area of the

Shiloh Church has been relieved.

ACTING POLICE CHIEF, ERNIE LEATHERBURY, JR., presented the

police department’s report, briefly highlighting different areas. He noted that he

is conducting an internal investigation of the department as well as updating

policies. Chief Leatherbury also noted that he will be using different strategies

to combat problems. He urged citizens to report any issues or concerns to the

department.

MR. BILL MISTER, INSPECTOR, presented his monthly report, high-

lighting its contents.

2nd Session – Public Input

Mr. Lamount Potter inquired if the burning at the #3 school was legal.

Mr. Mister advised that the contractor obtained the appropriate commercial

burning permit.

Mr. Andre Dorman inquired if Impact Fees apply to additions. Mr.

Mister advised that they apply only to totally new construction.

Mr. Dorman also commented that he feels the new Ordinance will

cause a lot of problems when determining what is affordable housing and what

constitutes undue hardship.

Mayor Purnell advised that the original intent of the Ordinance was to

encourage contractors to build affordable housing as well as housing for the

elderly. He advised that it will be taken on a case-by-case basis. He also advised

that there is no intent to make it an “every application” procedure.

Mr. Dorman made reference to the impact of a single family dwelling

versus condos.

Councilman Lawson stated that the previous Mayor and Council increased

Impact Fees to cover costs for adequate public facilities, for example, fire trucks. He

also made reference to the fact that most municipal governments in the State allo-

cate a percentage of their budget for recreation. He advised that it is the Council’s

responsibility to address impact issues as well as balance the budget.

Mr. Phil Johnson made reference to the letters to the developers and the

75 foot from the water set back requirement.

Mayor Purnell advised that this was intended to give the public free and

clear access to the water. Mr. Johnson commented that he feels this is eminent

domain.

Mayor Purnell advised that this does not apply to private homes but would

apply to other developers and would be included in the SRP.

Mr. Mister noted that Forbush Hardware has requested temporary storage

for their oil tank outside of the building in the parking lot. He advised that they will

be upgrading to current code.

Mayor Purnell requested a written request.

At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to allow Mr. Mister,

Inspector, to do the necessary research and handle the request within the City Code

requirements. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and carried

unanimously.

Councilman Riggin expressed concern about leakage. Mr. Mister advised

that all rules will be applied.

Mr. Mark Good commented that he is opposed to taking 25 feet of his

property. (letter to developer states 20).

Mr. Mister advised that Critical Area does not allow development in that

area.

Mayor Purnell advised that the letters to the developers were part of the

process to negotiate.

Mr. Sam Davis, BZA member, noted that nothing gets built without setback

requirements being met.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BY THE COUNCIL

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BY COUNCIL

Councilwoman Johnson commented that in light of recent “Grapevine”

Comments, the issues in the letters are negotiable. She advised that the Mayor and

Council is working to do the best job for everyone.

Councilman Riggin advised Mr. Mister to research any problems before

he presents them to the Mayor and Council.

Councilman Riggin advised those in the audience to stop the arguing because

in reference to the letters to the developers, nothing is etched in stone.

Council Vice President Anderson made reference to a meeting with the

Businessmen’s Association and advised that the City would be working to get the

36 sewer done first.

Councilwoman Johnson advised that she also met with them. She advised that

the City does not have the money to make the repairs and are trying to negotiate to

prevent having to pass the cost on to residents.

Mr. Warren Pruitt commented that all negotiations begin with offers.

Mayor Purnell made reference to public comments made months ago about

being “walled off” from the water. He advised that the set-back requirement is an

attempt to address this issue and maintain public thoroughfare.

Councilman Lawson noted that Charles McClenahan was an advocate of the

promenade for the waterfront 25 years ago. He added that the letters are negotiable.

Councilman Lawson made reference to demolition of property in the City

which amounts to $28,000 in uncollected fees. He advised that during tax sale,

liens for the demolition should be placed on these properties.

Mayor Purnell advised that the City Charter would be amended that these

properties be sold by the City, not the County, as currently stated.

ADJOURNMENT

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 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer

Prepared by Valerie Swift, Secretary

Minutes for Public Meetings