City of Crisfield
Minutes for Public Meetings
Minutes for Regular Meeting: October 11, 2006
The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on
Wednesday, October, 11, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in the Immanuel Church
hall.
PRESENT
Percy J. Purnell, Jr., Mayor
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; 1st Sgt. Rudy Hancock. See copy of list of others in
attendance. Council Vice President Anderson was absent due
to illness.
Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order opening
with the Lord’s Prayer and the pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Purnell opened with the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of
Allegiance. The Mayor went on to review the agenda for tonight’s
meeting.
At this time, Mayor Purnell made reference to the termination of
Chief Bell and advised those in attendance that Ernie Leatherbury,
Jr., Maryland State Police, will be in command at the Crisfield
Police Department beginning Monday, the 16th. The Mayor advised that
the search for a new police chief would begin in the next two
months.
Mayor Purnell commended First Sergeant Rudy Hancock for the
excellent job he had done serving as acting chief.
At this time, Mayor Purnell reviewed tonight’s Agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Purnell requested review and approval of the minutes
from last month’s meetings which included the Special Meetings
of September 20, 2006, the Closed Meeting of September 20, 2006
and the Regular Meeting of September 27, 2006.
At this time, Councilman Riggin made a motion to approve the
minutes as referenced. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Johnson
and carried unanimously.
First Session of Public Input
No public input was offered at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
The first item of old business was a request for an EDU from
David Turco of Homes by David Edward, for parcel 821 on Stouty
Sterling road. The Council concurred that this request would be
deferred for consideration at the next regular meeting on
October 25, 2006. Mayor Purnell made reference to the next
agenda item, Public Facilities Impact Fees, and asked for public
comment. Mr. Phil Goldsborough inquired as to what determines
“affordable”. Mayor Purnell advised that a fee schedule would
have to be created. Mr. Cockey advised that the policy could be
adopted by Resolution so that it could be adjusted as necessary.
Mayor Purnell advised that he would request Council action at
the next meeting concerning this Ordinance and requested that
the public submit input.
Mayor Purnell went on to review the amended Food Lion agreement.
Mr. Rick Evans advised that he did not like the “flavor” of the
agreement stating that it “feels like the City doesn’t want them
(Food Lion)” with the language of the construction date and the
penalty imposed. He advised that the owner wants a Food Lion
sign constructed and put in place immediately. Councilman Lawson
advised that language was needed to protect the citizenry and
relieve the obligation of taking something back. Mayor
Purnell added that the City would have re-purchased the property
if they didn’t want Food Lion. He also noted that the City is
hearing rumors that they are not coming. The Mayor advised that
he wants them to get a building permit and move forward with
construction.
Mr. Evans advised that Food Lion only builds 7 stores a year and
due to the hold-up with the “buy back” clause, the Crisfield store
may not be on the agenda for this year, even though he feels that it
will be. Mayor Purnell advised that the City was trying to “push”
the store’s construction along by adding the construction dates. Mr.
Evans commented that if the store is not on the agenda this year, it
is because the City “drug their feet”. Mayor Purnell advised
that the City needs assurance that the store will move forward.
After further discussion, Councilman Lawson commented that the
contract was intended as a position action to move the project
forward and made a motion to accept the amended Food Lion contract
as written to move forward with the Food Lion store in the
community. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Johnson and carried
unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Purnell made reference to the K-9 Agreement and
resolution. Mayor Purnell briefed those in attendance regarding
the termination of the K-9. He advised that ECI and MSP have
volunteered K-9 service to the City when needed. Mayor Purnell
advised that Officer Scudder has offered to take the dog for the
City.
After further brief discussion, Councilman Dize made a motion to
accept the resolution and agreement pertaining to the K-9 dog.
Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and carried unanimously.
Mayor Purnell made reference to the next item of New Business
regarding a request from Sherwin-Williams/Rubberset for renewal
of their lease for five additional one year options. He noted
that they provide all of the maintenance to the building.
At this time, Councilman Lawson presented a brief history of the
Sherwin-Williams Company in Crisfield beginning with the closing
of His-Nibs factory, then to Rubberset and now Sherwin-Williams.
He advised that they have been a good tenant for 40 years.
Mrs. Morgan noted that they don’t pay rent, but do pay water and
sewer. At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion that,
in light of the fact that the City will do all in its power to
maintain jobs in Crisfield, the lease of the building for the
Sherwin-Williams --Rubberset Company be renewed for a five year
period. Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and carried
unanimously.
The next item to be addressed was event applications requests
for a Christmas Parade on December 9th. At this time,
Councilman Riggin made a motion to approve the event
application, contingent upon receipt of a liability insurance
certificate. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Johnson and
carried unanimously.
Mayor Purnell also made reference to the other two event
application requests; from the Ministerial Association for a
Christmas Choir at the depot on December 9th and also from
Shiloh Church for a worship service on October 29th to be held
on 4th and Locust.
At this time, Councilman Dize made a motion to approve these
event applications, contingent upon receiving Certificates of
Liability Insurance. Motion seconded by Mr. Riggin and carried
unanimously.
Mayor Purnell also noted the leasing of the Armory building by
the City for $1.00 per year. He advised that the Council could
review the lease and also consider the cost of operations, for
the next meeting.
The next items for consideration were requests for permits of
ingress/egress for the small boat harbor, from Mark Milbourne
for the dock at 329B and Mike Kaufman for the dock at 329A. Both
had provided their Bill of Sale for the property transactions.
Following a brief discussion, Councilman Riggin made a motion to
grant both requests. Motion seconded by Councilman Dize and
carried unanimously.
At this time, Mayor Purnell briefed those in attendance
regarding the City’s Health Insurance benefits. He advised that
the City would be changing over to a new Blue Choice plan which
would be of great savings to the employees.
At this time, Mayor Purnell requested a 10 minutes recess.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Mr. Harold Frock, Superintendent of Public Utilities,
highlighted his monthly report. He also noted that the City had
stored 600,000 gallons of sewer this weekend due to high tide.
Mr. Frock made reference to the need to quickly address the 36
sewer issue.
Mayor Purnell advised the Council that he wanted their input
regarding the 36 sewer this week. Mr. Frock went on to
highlight other areas of his report, including the request for a
forklift in the upgrade and also a request for City standards
for roads, manholes and street width.
Councilman Dize inquired if the roof had been repaired at
Broadway. Mr. Frock advised that it was completed.
Councilman Lawson made reference to the temporary piping done
for Mrs. Louise Tawes. Mr. Frock advised that the piping took
care of the problem.
First Sgt. Rudy Hancock, highlighted the police
department’s monthly report. He also noted successful close outs
of thefts. Sgt. Hancock noted that he had started as a cadet at
CPD in 1991and was honored to have served as the Acting Chief.
Mayor Purnell highlighted the contents of Mr. Calvin Dize,
City Manager’s report.
Mr. William Mister, Inspector, presented his monthly
report, highlighting its contents.
At this time, Mayor Purnell deferred to Mr. Richard Bauman, who
had purchased property at 37 Wynfall Avenue. Mr. Bauman advised
that he had purchased the property to demolish the home , but
now faced new Impact and sewer hook-up fees.
Mr. Mister advised that this is an example of three similar
situations. Mr. Cockey advised that in his opinion, the fee is
due, under the existing Ordinance, but the City can reduce or
eliminate the fee if it presents “undue” hardship.
At this time, Councilman Lawson recused himself due to the fact
that his wife was the agent that sold this property to Mr.
Bauman. Mayor Purnell advised that this matter would be deferred
until the next meeting.
Mr. Mister also made reference to a request from a local Church
for a waiver from the Impact Fees for their building permit as
well as a request for a waiver of building permit from the
American Legion for construction of a revetment and pier. Mayor
Purnell advised that this matter would also be tabled until the
next meeting.
Mr. Mister also made reference to the Planning Commission’s
recommendation of the construction of a 24’ x 36’ shanty at the
Small Boat Harbor. He noted that no water or sewer would be
connected to the Shanty. He also made reference to a request for
expansion of the ballfield between Somerset and Gandy and
advised that due to disturbance of wetlands, a Public Hearing
will be needed.
At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to approve the
recommendation of the Planning Commission for construction of
the shanty at the Small Boat Harbor, noting that no water or
sewer would be connected. Motion seconded by Councilman Dize and
carried unanimously.
2nd Session – Public Input
Mr. Phil Goldsborough requested clarification of the City’s
zoning map. Mayor Purnell advised that the City would be working
on this. Councilman Dize requested that a Closed Meeting be
scheduled as soon as possible concerning the 36 sewer line.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BY THE COUNCIL
Councilwoman Johnson noted that she is not against Food Lion
in any way and advised that the language in the amendment is for
the City’s protection.
Councilman Lawson made reference to the SRP and advised that it
will be necessary to form a Street Committee and a Historic
Committee.
Councilman Lawson also made reference to City owned property
under the water tower where junk is stored and proposed
constructing a bunker to store sand and stone.
Councilman Lawson made reference to the City Code and commented
that the Planning Commission should be able to make a decision
by using the Code Book, without having to have the approval of
the Mayor and City Council.
Councilman Riggin advised that it would cost approximately $900
to make the necessary repairs on Maple Street in front of Jesse
Carmine’s property, to fix the drainage problem.
At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to approve the
spending of $900 to make these repairs. Motion seconded by
Councilman Dize and carried unanimously.
Councilman Riggin also stated that he wants the Food Lion to
come here. Councilman Dize commended Ms. Valerie Mason on
the fine job she does for the Chamber. He also advised that he
appreciates the work done by Mr. Dize, to get the roof repaired
on the Broadway Well building.
Mr. Dize also made reference to the disrepair of the property at
26 W. Main Street. Mayor Purnell advised that the City is trying
to recoup money by selling tax sale properties, in order to
demolish properties such as this.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for discussion, Councilman Riggin
made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Dize and carried
unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer
Prepared by Valerie Swift, Secretary
Minutes for Public Meetings
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