City of Crisfield

Minutes for Public Meetings

Minutes for Regular Meeting: March 28, 2007

The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 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
Mike Tabor, Chief of Police
Harold W. Frock, Sr., Superintendent of Public Utilities
Rick Lord, Superintendent of Public Works
Bill Mister, Inspector

Also in attendance; Valerie Swift, Secretary
See list for others in attendance.

Mayor Purnell called the meeting to order opening with the Lord’s Prayer and
the Pledge of Allegiance. He noted that tonight’s meeting was for the purpose of
presentations by the department heads.

At this time, Mayor Purnell reviewed the agenda.
Mayor Purnell also noted that the items he had for discussion had been
addressed by Mr. Cockey and would be brought up at the next regular meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

At this time, Mayor Purnell requested approval of the minutes from the
meeting of March 14, 2007. Approval so moved by Councilman Riggin,
seconded by Council Vice President Anderson and carried unanimously.

1st SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT
No public input was offered during this session.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT

Chief Mike Tabor presented the monthly report for the police department,
briefly highlighting its contents. He noted that surveillance cameras will be installed on CHS next Thursday. Chief Tabor also noted that Cpl. Parkinson is now the
school resource officer. Chief Tabor noted that he had received increased complaints
concerning drugs and noted that he has an open door policy. He advised that people
have been responsive and also presented pictures of drugs from raids. Chief Tabor
also noted the hiring of Brian Byrnes.

APPOINTMENTS

Dean Goldsborough appeared before the Mayor and City Council concerning
the sharing of bills at the Salvation Army Youth Club.

Mayor Purnell noted that the City of Crisfield will have the lease on the
armory building until December 1st, 2007. The National Guard can ether consider
selling the building to the City for $1.00 or put it out for bids. Mayor Purnell noted
that the building is in a residential neighborhood and the zoning classification would
not be changed for other uses. Mayor Purnell urged interested parties to write to
their local representatives as a campaign for the City to get the building.

Mayor Purnell commented that it had been a rough winter for the building
as far as expenses for fuel and repairs, with about $3,000 invested by the City.

He advised that a policy needs to be established regarding bill paying.
Mr. Goldsborough advised that the Youth Club would take the expenses
of fuel and electricity if they could take over the building. He made reference to
plans for a music room as well as tutoring done by UMES students.

Mayor Purnell also noted that the City had taken out a 2M liability rider
policy.

Mayor Purnell advised Mr. Goldsborough to let the City acquire the
building, getting through the lease period to December, then getting through
the hurdles with the State as well. Then plans could be made for an economic
way to heat the building.

Mr. Goldsborough also made reference to the skateboard park. Mayor
Purnell advised that Mr. Jack Paul is looking into Open Space money, but the
stipulation is that it could not be moved or abandoned.

Ms. Darlene Taylor, from “It Takes A Village” also made reference to plans
for a full day, all day summer program.

Mr. Goldsborough also advised that parking is now available behind the
building. He also noted that they have been unable to turn the outside lights on
and would like for them to be on a sensor.

Dr. Mike Atkins inquired as to what to ask the State reps. Mayor Purnell
advised that they should be urged to sell the building to the City for $1.00 keeping
in mind that the building will remain zoned as Residential.

CLERK TREASURER’S REPORT

Mrs. Joyce Morgan, Clerk-Treasurer, presented her monthly report,
reviewing the 8 month budget of the Police Department from 7/06 to 2/07.

PUBLIC UTILITIES REPORT

Mr. Harold Frock, Superintendent of Public Utilities, presented his monthly
report, highlighting its contents.

Mr. Frock noted that additional personnel would need to be hired in June,
preferably with a plumbers license. He also noted that the funding for the forklift
had not been resolved and an appeal would be filed with MDE.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the sewer vac and advised Mr. Frock
to come back with details at the next meeting.

Mr. Dize, City Manager, also noted that the City is waiting for money for
the lift station, and will have to go to Annapolis.

Councilman Lawson made reference to storage of these items in the
Broadway water tower compound. He made reference to a committee comprised of

Mr. Mister, Mr. Frock, Mr. Lord, Councilman Riggin with Mr. Calvin
Dize as Chairman, to look into having blueprints prepared by inmates at ECI,
once approval to do so is given by the Warden.

At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion to approve the formation
of the aforementioned committee to meet and submit a plan regarding the
construction of a storage facility at the Broadway water tower, to ECI, for
preparation of a blue print. Motion seconded by Councilman Dize and
carried unanimously.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. Calvin Dize, City Manager, presented his monthly report, highlighting
its contents.

Mayor Purnell note that groups are now in the process of reviewing the
proposals for the SRP.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT

Mr. Rick Lord, Superintendent of Public Works, presented his monthly
report, highlighting its contents.

Mayor Purnell inquired about the enforcement of garbage collection
regulations. Mr. Lord advised that he had been working well with the police
department regarding this matter.

Mayor Purnell made reference to offering City residents the 96 gallon
cans, at a cost of $60.00. He advised that purchase of the cans is not mandatory
at this time, but the City wants to move toward the automated collection system.

A rather lengthy discussion followed regarding these cans. Mayor Purnell
advised that they could be paid for up front or through installments. Councilman
Lawson inquired if Public Works personnel would be able to remove the trash
without injury. Mr. Lord advised that the men are able.

Councilman Lawson inquired if the City is ready to purchase a $300K
truck. Mr. Lord advised that the City would need some type of new garbage
truck in at least two years and having the cans would begin the process.

Councilman Lawson commented that he feels this is “putting the cart before
the horse”. He advised that a proposal for the truck is needed, as well as the con-
sideration of the “wishlist” for every other department.

Councilman Lawson added that he wants to see a finance proposal, but is not
against the plan. He advised Mr. Lord to have a proposal by the next meeting.

Councilman Dize requested that Mr. Lord also get the price on a regular
garbage truck as well as the cost of manpower.

Mr. Lord noted that the automated truck is much safer that the regular truck.

INSPECTION DEPARTMENT REPORT

Mr. Bill Mister, Inspector, presented his monthly report, highlighting its
contents.

He made reference to a request from the Chamber of Commerce to erect
a new Welcome to Crisfield sign at the Marina.

After a brief discussion, Council Vice President Anderson made a motion to
approve the request for the sign. Motion seconded by Councilman Riggin and
carried unanimously.

Councilman Lawson inquired about the demo situation regarding the
derelict houses. Mr. Mister advised that concerning two of the houses, no
response for a plan had been submitted. Plans for one of the houses had been
submitted, however they were not sufficient.

Councilman Lawson noted that the Pastuszak house was an extreme fire
hazard.

MAYOR’S DISCUSSION

Mayor Purnell advised that he had three issues for review by the Council;
sidewalks; the Small Boat Harbor; and EDU’s.

He asked that the Council review the materials provided for the next
meeting.

Councilman Lawson requested that a one hour public work-session be
scheduled.

Mayor Purnell made reference to the adoption of the 2007 Comp Plan for the
City of Crisfield.

At this time, Councilman Lawson made a motion that the 2007 Compre-
hensive Plan be adopted as the groundwork document for moving forward with the
Strategic Revitalization Plan. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Anderson
and carried unanimously.

2nd SESSION OF PUBLIC INPUT

Mrs. Catherine Brown commented that, regarding sidewalks, people don’t
even walk on the good sidewalk that is available.

Mr.Phil Goldsborough noted that the National Guard building is on the
Historic Registry and made reference to addressing that department concerning the
City keeping the building.

Councilman Lawson noted that the City has an Historic District, but needs
the strategy to preserve these buildings.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

Council Vice President Anderson thanked everyone for attending. He
also thanked the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for their
many months of hard work in completing the Comp Plan. Council Vice President
Anderson also thanked all of the City Employees for all of their hard work.

Councilwoman Johnson made reference to the artist rendering of the last
Mayor and Council meeting. She also made reference to the sewage containment
device on Broadway. Mr. Frock advised that this is being maintained by the City.
Mayor Purnell noted that the City would be getting Block Grant funds for the force
Main.

Councilman Riggin thanked everyone for attending and advised them to
continue with public participation.

Councilman Lawson made reference to the need for an independent attorney
for the Planning Commission, as stated in the City Code.

Mr. Chip Macleod, attorney for Funk & Bolton, noted that the trend is for
a separate Counsel, as the Planning Commission and the Mayor and Council may
have different views.

Mayor Purnell suggested that this be addressed during Budget planning and
the process begun to find an attorney.

Councilman Lawson noted that commissions are needed; Budget and
Recreation; Historic District Requirements and Street Commission. Mayor Purnell
advised that Councilman Lawson could serve as Chairman of the Organizational
Committee.

Councilwoman Johnson commended Chief Tabor on the work he had done so
far.

Councilman Dize advised that he would serve as head of the Recreation
Committee.

With no further business for discussion, Councilman Dize made a motion to
adjourn, seconded by Councilman Riggin 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