The February 25, 2008, Salisbury City Council meeting began with a simple, but meaningful request by Councilwoman Campbell to add an item to the agenda to discuss changing the council’s budget process from its “program level” review and approval to the more detailed line-item level.
It’s important to note that Mrs. Campbell was not asking the council to actually make that decision with their votes on the motion, only to add discussion of it to the agenda, at which time a decision might be made, deferred to a work session, or addressed in another manner. The need to bring it up that night is due to the department heads already being in the midst of developing their FY09 budgets.
I seconded the motion, and it failed in a vote of 2 to 3, with Smith, Comegys and Shields voting “nay.” I should have raised discussion on the motion, and for not doing so, I apologize to the constituents. I made the point in another motion-to-amend discussion that, there seems to be no record of official action or consensus taken by the council to stop reviewing at a line-item level and begin approving the budget at a “program level.”
Last year during budget deliberations, council did discuss some areas in line-item detail, but some were more rushed through because it was a “program level” budget. This year, we have scheduled some day-long budget work sessions to approach the budget with greater detail and oversight – now especially important in light of the revelations from the city audit and the current issues involving corruption in a portion of county government. Yet, this does not guarantee a line-item process and approval.
If the result is still just a council “program level” budget with a listing of limited line-items changed, packaged with the mayor’s budget message, then the ability to monitor compliance with the line-items is impaired. As well, the public is given very little detail about how their tax dollars are being spent without great effort on their part.
I am disappointed that the remainder of the council didn’t join me in supporting Mrs. Campbell’s modest request to amend the agenda to at least discuss the issue. If we, as a council, are going to demand accountability, fiscal responsibility, and government in the sunshine from the administration, then we should, as a council, at least be willing to discuss demanding it of ourselves as well – especially at a time when such discussion is becoming time-critical and the public trust has been shaken by city and county events.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Message from Councilwoman Cohen in Follow Up to the Public Input Meeting Feb. 21
As promised to the constituents who attended the public input meeting on increasing transparency in Salisbury city government, below this message is an outline recap of the meeting, held Feb. 21, 2008 at Las Palmas Restaurant. The delay in getting this up today is due to ensuring that we had provided this same information to the other city council members first. Councilwoman Campbell and I will also share this with the city administration, as well as county counterparts.
Further, as promised, we requested council colleagues' feedback on the information and invited them to work with us to provide a requested informal "town meeting" for constituents. We await their response.
There is much to be developed from just this information thus far. We are also responding to constituent desires for a follow up meeting to the one at Las Palmas by scheduling a workgroup-style meeting Tues., March 25, 6:30 - 8:30, Meeting Room 1(basement) of the Wicomico County Free Library. More on that as the agenda develops.
In follow up to issues raised by the audit process, and in advance of tonight's council meeting, Councilwoman Campbell circulated a proposed charter change to all members of council re: the Transfer of Funds, Section 7-27, to provide clarity and consistency with state law in assuring fund transfers receive council approval. She moved to add the change to the agenda for discussion, and I seconded the motion. The motion to amend the agenda failed in a vote of 2 to 3, with council members Smith, Comegys and Shields voting "nay." Further information about the meeting will be shared tomorrow.
Thank you to all who attended Feb. 21 and to the gracious owner of Las Palmas for providing avenue for an important dialog in the truest sense of democracy.
And now, the recap outline:
Further, as promised, we requested council colleagues' feedback on the information and invited them to work with us to provide a requested informal "town meeting" for constituents. We await their response.
There is much to be developed from just this information thus far. We are also responding to constituent desires for a follow up meeting to the one at Las Palmas by scheduling a workgroup-style meeting Tues., March 25, 6:30 - 8:30, Meeting Room 1(basement) of the Wicomico County Free Library. More on that as the agenda develops.
In follow up to issues raised by the audit process, and in advance of tonight's council meeting, Councilwoman Campbell circulated a proposed charter change to all members of council re: the Transfer of Funds, Section 7-27, to provide clarity and consistency with state law in assuring fund transfers receive council approval. She moved to add the change to the agenda for discussion, and I seconded the motion. The motion to amend the agenda failed in a vote of 2 to 3, with council members Smith, Comegys and Shields voting "nay." Further information about the meeting will be shared tomorrow.
Thank you to all who attended Feb. 21 and to the gracious owner of Las Palmas for providing avenue for an important dialog in the truest sense of democracy.
And now, the recap outline:
Recap from Public Input Meeting on Increasing Transparency in Salisbury City Government
Meeting held Feb. 21, 2008
Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen
1. What issues concerning open government are of interest to you?
a. The policy about raising questions at council meetings and the public is interested in the answers. (Cohen noted new tracking by city clerk/response by administration letter effort.)
Options:
1. Post answers online.
2. Not all questions are answered to satisfaction of constituent.
3. Also has been a problem in the County.
4. Question asked in a public forum should be answered in a public forum.
5. Constituents unhappy that when they write all of the council, they only hear back from Campbell and Cohen, not all members.
Solutions:
1. Council or Administration should answer right at meeting when possible; when not possible, recap and answer at next meeting (Q&A’s)
2. Provide complete answers to all questions.
3. Online is an okay idea, but it isn’t available to many who don’t have computers.
4. Why not use the kiosk is front of City Hall? Could post Q&A there.
2. Open Meetings/PIA – What are the impediments to Open Govt.?
a. Tools (not right ones, not enough staff, etc.)
b. Embarrassment (“people will find out our mistakes and give us even more grief”).
c. Corruption
d. Constituent voiced opposition to requiring official minutes and recording of this meeting if third council member showed as an “act of intimidation” since it’s not a council meeting to conduct business, but an informal exchange.
3. Burdens on the Taxpayers
a. People want to understand, what is the philosophical justification (of the decisions each council member makes, why they vote as they do)?
Example – Zoo: It’s on City Property, but should City Taxpayers pay at the current level.
Example – Playgrounds: Lake Street partnerships, new funding for Doverdale (Shields)
Solutions:
i. Charge for zoo parking; downside is forcing parking to residential streets as happens with university.
ii. Tri-County funding for operations.
iii. Volunteerism and private donations for parks (establish a program).
iv. Form group like the San Diego Citizens Budget Project (Campbell).
4. General Brainstorming About Meetings & Flow of Information
a. Zoo Commission meets at noon, not a convenient time of day for citizens to attend.
b. Are meetings announced well enough?
c. Audio of meetings online.
d. Would the Daily Times run agendas as public service announcements?
e. Put meeting notices on the Homepage of city website.
f. Change site design of city website for easier navigation.
g. Constituent knows of software for $30 for handling audio/video online.
h. Add link to Planning & Zoning meetings and agendas.
i. Make committee minutes available online.
j. Fuller information about boards, committees and commissions online.
k. Are we doing a good enough job of making it convenient to apply/notifying public so they’ll know when there will be an opening on committees, boards and commissions.
l. Alternative for those who want to participate outside of city system/citizen-based task forces on various issues (Cohen-expanded version of San Diego project).
5. How are decisions made by council? (Understanding deliberations involved.)
a. Work sessions give insight – put audios online or get video on PAC14.
b. Brenda Colegrove mentioned she and city administrator are exploring video streaming on city website.
c. PAC14 has videostreaming now, so non-cable users can watch council meetings there.
d. Compliments went to city for having briefing books available for download, the landlord licensing registry online, the audit financials, and other materials.
6. Constituents have a sense of disenfranchisement because council members can’t speak directly to staff.
a. Council members should be able to ask questions of any department head and any member’s question should be supported by all members.
b. Sometimes there seems to be exclusivity (in access to information).
c. Council members should be able ask question of a department head and there should be a protocol that the answer is shared with administration and all council members.
d. Perhaps the protocol needs to be clarified as it was done in the Greenbelt model (differentiating between asking for information vs. “directing” staff-Cohen).
7. LLC’s and Other Entities Need to Disclose (Council expressed openness to concept based on getting additional information. Campbell has been actively researching what is done in other communities).
a. Any entity doing business with city (including related holdings corps. or trusteeships) should disclose owners/beneficial owners (Cohen is researching mechanism in context of other legal requirements. Apply to campaign financing as well?)
b. Constituent raised example of could have 3 LLCs owned by same principal involved in same bidding process, i.e., bidding against self to heighten chance of entering successful bid.
8. Financial Information and the Internal Services Department
a. Should Finance and Purchasing be split back into two departments?
i. Since staff has to be added, initial desired benefit of cost-savings isn’t met, so restore checks and balances with a split.
b. Why do we re-inspect HUD properties if their standards are more stringent? Skip inspections on these to free up manpower for inspecting other properties. (Shields)
c. Bring in outside analyst to review each department, not just Internal Services.
d. Constituents disturbed by information from audit and have many questions about numbers.
9. Desired Follow Ups
a. Have a follow up to this meeting – more questions, areas, and ideas to discuss.
b. Have a meeting with department heads, administrators and Mayor.
c. Have the whole council meet with constituents like this (town meeting, informal).
d. Share information from this meeting with rest of council, and what does rest of council think of tonight’s information. Let constituents know.
e. Pursue ideas and legislative changes brought up tonight.
Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen
1. What issues concerning open government are of interest to you?
a. The policy about raising questions at council meetings and the public is interested in the answers. (Cohen noted new tracking by city clerk/response by administration letter effort.)
Options:
1. Post answers online.
2. Not all questions are answered to satisfaction of constituent.
3. Also has been a problem in the County.
4. Question asked in a public forum should be answered in a public forum.
5. Constituents unhappy that when they write all of the council, they only hear back from Campbell and Cohen, not all members.
Solutions:
1. Council or Administration should answer right at meeting when possible; when not possible, recap and answer at next meeting (Q&A’s)
2. Provide complete answers to all questions.
3. Online is an okay idea, but it isn’t available to many who don’t have computers.
4. Why not use the kiosk is front of City Hall? Could post Q&A there.
2. Open Meetings/PIA – What are the impediments to Open Govt.?
a. Tools (not right ones, not enough staff, etc.)
b. Embarrassment (“people will find out our mistakes and give us even more grief”).
c. Corruption
d. Constituent voiced opposition to requiring official minutes and recording of this meeting if third council member showed as an “act of intimidation” since it’s not a council meeting to conduct business, but an informal exchange.
3. Burdens on the Taxpayers
a. People want to understand, what is the philosophical justification (of the decisions each council member makes, why they vote as they do)?
Example – Zoo: It’s on City Property, but should City Taxpayers pay at the current level.
Example – Playgrounds: Lake Street partnerships, new funding for Doverdale (Shields)
Solutions:
i. Charge for zoo parking; downside is forcing parking to residential streets as happens with university.
ii. Tri-County funding for operations.
iii. Volunteerism and private donations for parks (establish a program).
iv. Form group like the San Diego Citizens Budget Project (Campbell).
4. General Brainstorming About Meetings & Flow of Information
a. Zoo Commission meets at noon, not a convenient time of day for citizens to attend.
b. Are meetings announced well enough?
c. Audio of meetings online.
d. Would the Daily Times run agendas as public service announcements?
e. Put meeting notices on the Homepage of city website.
f. Change site design of city website for easier navigation.
g. Constituent knows of software for $30 for handling audio/video online.
h. Add link to Planning & Zoning meetings and agendas.
i. Make committee minutes available online.
j. Fuller information about boards, committees and commissions online.
k. Are we doing a good enough job of making it convenient to apply/notifying public so they’ll know when there will be an opening on committees, boards and commissions.
l. Alternative for those who want to participate outside of city system/citizen-based task forces on various issues (Cohen-expanded version of San Diego project).
5. How are decisions made by council? (Understanding deliberations involved.)
a. Work sessions give insight – put audios online or get video on PAC14.
b. Brenda Colegrove mentioned she and city administrator are exploring video streaming on city website.
c. PAC14 has videostreaming now, so non-cable users can watch council meetings there.
d. Compliments went to city for having briefing books available for download, the landlord licensing registry online, the audit financials, and other materials.
6. Constituents have a sense of disenfranchisement because council members can’t speak directly to staff.
a. Council members should be able to ask questions of any department head and any member’s question should be supported by all members.
b. Sometimes there seems to be exclusivity (in access to information).
c. Council members should be able ask question of a department head and there should be a protocol that the answer is shared with administration and all council members.
d. Perhaps the protocol needs to be clarified as it was done in the Greenbelt model (differentiating between asking for information vs. “directing” staff-Cohen).
7. LLC’s and Other Entities Need to Disclose (Council expressed openness to concept based on getting additional information. Campbell has been actively researching what is done in other communities).
a. Any entity doing business with city (including related holdings corps. or trusteeships) should disclose owners/beneficial owners (Cohen is researching mechanism in context of other legal requirements. Apply to campaign financing as well?)
b. Constituent raised example of could have 3 LLCs owned by same principal involved in same bidding process, i.e., bidding against self to heighten chance of entering successful bid.
8. Financial Information and the Internal Services Department
a. Should Finance and Purchasing be split back into two departments?
i. Since staff has to be added, initial desired benefit of cost-savings isn’t met, so restore checks and balances with a split.
b. Why do we re-inspect HUD properties if their standards are more stringent? Skip inspections on these to free up manpower for inspecting other properties. (Shields)
c. Bring in outside analyst to review each department, not just Internal Services.
d. Constituents disturbed by information from audit and have many questions about numbers.
9. Desired Follow Ups
a. Have a follow up to this meeting – more questions, areas, and ideas to discuss.
b. Have a meeting with department heads, administrators and Mayor.
c. Have the whole council meet with constituents like this (town meeting, informal).
d. Share information from this meeting with rest of council, and what does rest of council think of tonight’s information. Let constituents know.
e. Pursue ideas and legislative changes brought up tonight.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Green Communities - Grant Funds Now Available
Grant Funds up to $50,000 per Project
Now Available for Developers Committed to Providing Green* Affordable Housing
Applications must be received online by April 11
Awards are expected to be made by the last week of June
Grant guidelines and application available at www.greencommunitiesonline.org
*Please note that Enterprise and its partners have updated the Green Communities Criteria. Before starting the application please make sure to request the new Criteria at: http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/criteria/request.asp
The updated Criteria is labeled throughout the document as Green Communities Criteria 2008. The application forms available online reflect changes made to the Criteria.
For information related to the application, call 410.715.7433 or email greencommunities@enterprisecommunity.org
Please note that Northwest applications are administered on a rolling basis.
You are invited to join us on
Thursday, March 5 at 2 p.m. EST
for an online meeting to review the application process. Information on joining the meeting can be found at
www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/training/
Enterprise would like to thank and recognize the leading national funders of Green Communities for their generous support of this initiative: Citigroup Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation and The Kresge Foundation.
For more information on our partners go to:
www.greencommunitiesonline.org/about-partners.asp
Now Available for Developers Committed to Providing Green* Affordable Housing
Applications must be received online by April 11
Awards are expected to be made by the last week of June
Grant guidelines and application available at www.greencommunitiesonline.org
*Please note that Enterprise and its partners have updated the Green Communities Criteria. Before starting the application please make sure to request the new Criteria at: http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/criteria/request.asp
The updated Criteria is labeled throughout the document as Green Communities Criteria 2008. The application forms available online reflect changes made to the Criteria.
For information related to the application, call 410.715.7433 or email greencommunities@enterprisecommunity.org
Please note that Northwest applications are administered on a rolling basis.
You are invited to join us on
Thursday, March 5 at 2 p.m. EST
for an online meeting to review the application process. Information on joining the meeting can be found at
www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/training/
Enterprise would like to thank and recognize the leading national funders of Green Communities for their generous support of this initiative: Citigroup Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation and The Kresge Foundation.
For more information on our partners go to:
www.greencommunitiesonline.org/about-partners.asp
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 25, 2008
Meeting #4 - FEBRUARY 25, 2008 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008 MINUTES 1
6:09 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland 2
6:20 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
• Resolution No. 1631 - appointment to City Park Committee 3a
• Resolution No. 1632 - adopting FY09-FY13 Capital Improvement Plan 3b
• Resolution No. 1633 - accepting the donation of animal oxygen
masks for use by the Salisbury Fire Department 3c
• Resolution No. 1634 - repealing tax deferral plan (Resolution No. 1435) and granting a PILOT for Victoria Park at Sassafras Meadows 3d
7:05 p.m. UPDATE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORK PROGRAM – Planning, Zoning and Community Development Director Jack Lenox 4
7:20 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7:30 p.m. ADJOURN
CLOSED SESSION
Following the conclusion of the regular meeting
As permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland Sections 10-508(a)(3)(7)
To download a copy of the Briefing Book for the meeting (Adobe Acrobat Reader required): http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/cityclerk/BriefingBook/Briefing_Book.pdf
Copies of the agenda items are available for review
in the City Clerk’s Office
Room 305 - City/County Government Office Building
410-548-3140 or on the City’s web site http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us
The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted
under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)
Proposed agenda items for March 10, 2008 (subject to change)
• Ordinances – 1st reading – adult establishments (zoning and licensing)
• Ordinance – 1st reading – adoption of 2006 State Fire Prevention Code
• Resolution – approving residential permit parking on Somerset Avenue
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008 MINUTES 1
6:09 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland 2
6:20 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
• Resolution No. 1631 - appointment to City Park Committee 3a
• Resolution No. 1632 - adopting FY09-FY13 Capital Improvement Plan 3b
• Resolution No. 1633 - accepting the donation of animal oxygen
masks for use by the Salisbury Fire Department 3c
• Resolution No. 1634 - repealing tax deferral plan (Resolution No. 1435) and granting a PILOT for Victoria Park at Sassafras Meadows 3d
7:05 p.m. UPDATE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORK PROGRAM – Planning, Zoning and Community Development Director Jack Lenox 4
7:20 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7:30 p.m. ADJOURN
CLOSED SESSION
Following the conclusion of the regular meeting
As permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland Sections 10-508(a)(3)(7)
To download a copy of the Briefing Book for the meeting (Adobe Acrobat Reader required): http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/cityclerk/BriefingBook/Briefing_Book.pdf
Copies of the agenda items are available for review
in the City Clerk’s Office
Room 305 - City/County Government Office Building
410-548-3140 or on the City’s web site http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us
The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted
under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)
Proposed agenda items for March 10, 2008 (subject to change)
• Ordinances – 1st reading – adult establishments (zoning and licensing)
• Ordinance – 1st reading – adoption of 2006 State Fire Prevention Code
• Resolution – approving residential permit parking on Somerset Avenue
Public Input Meeting on Open Government UPDATE
First, we'd like to thank everyone who braved the cold (and threat of "wintry mix") who came out to Las Palmas Restaurant in Goliath Shopping Center Feb. 21. We'd also like to thank the restaurant's owner for her graciousness in providing a place where citizens could meet with us informally and talk about their ideas and concerns.
A number of good comments and suggestions came forward, from making audio of the meetings accessible from the city website to restoring checks and balances to city financial operations -- and much in between! Many recommendations wouldn't cost a penny. We'll compile this information over the weekend to provide to the council, government counterparts and the public on Monday.
We'd also like to thank the many people who couldn't come, but let their interest be known, and those who have shown such great support and interest in our newsletter as well. We've been asked how often we'll update the site. We'll strive for at least once a week, but if warranted and time permits, we'll update more often. We are in the process of scheduling a follow up to this meeting and a later meeting concerning the FY09 budget.
A number of good comments and suggestions came forward, from making audio of the meetings accessible from the city website to restoring checks and balances to city financial operations -- and much in between! Many recommendations wouldn't cost a penny. We'll compile this information over the weekend to provide to the council, government counterparts and the public on Monday.
We'd also like to thank the many people who couldn't come, but let their interest be known, and those who have shown such great support and interest in our newsletter as well. We've been asked how often we'll update the site. We'll strive for at least once a week, but if warranted and time permits, we'll update more often. We are in the process of scheduling a follow up to this meeting and a later meeting concerning the FY09 budget.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Mark Your Calendar - Join Our Brown Bag Lunch - March 6, 2008 Noon-3:00 pm
Local Builders and Developers are Cordially Invited
to Participate in a Unique and Exciting Forum!
Come Join our Brown Bag Lunch!
Discover How State Programs and Resources can be used locally
for affordable multifamily and single-family housing development.
What a great opportunity to meet key CDA staff
and "green" practitioners!
For further information
Download PDF here
Yellow Ribbon Night Sponsorships
The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program DelMarVa Chapter is partnering with the Shorebirds for an Awareness Night for Suicide Prevention on June 21, 2008. This is a Fireworks night. The program for the night is an "Academic All Stars" theme. Over 10, 400 high school students and their families are going to receive the offer for two free tickets for the game night. Certainly, to do a program night like this, sponsors are needed.
The following are sponsorships available:
First
Two $1,000.00 game night sponsors (or one $2,000.00 sponsor)
There were four sponsorships available, but two have all ready been 'taken'.
Sponsorship benefits/elements:
- ability to set-up marketing display tables on the main concourse
- ability to hand out information to fans as they enter or exit the ballpark
- Name and/or logo in the Shorebirds PLAYBALL Magazine for that edition as a sponsor of Academic All-Stars
- Recognition as Academic All-star sponsor on all tickets & flyers distributed to students
- Recognition on Shorebirds Website with web links to 3rd party sites on the “community page”
- A minimum of (3) :20 second Public address reads with logo on the video board on the night of the game
Secondly
Concourse Table Sponsorships $350.00 - ability to set-up marketing display table on the main concourse
Thirdly
"GIVE AWAY" Sponsorship-$2,500.00 - The first 1000 fans to enter that night gets a "free" insulated bag with your sponsorship information on it
Finally
Silent Auction Donations - We will be conducting a Silent Auction during the game and we need items/certificates for the auction
For More Information Contact Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program at
443 235 9493 or yrsppofdmv@yahoo.com or PO Box 96 Berlin, MD 21811-0096
The following are sponsorships available:
First
Two $1,000.00 game night sponsors (or one $2,000.00 sponsor)
There were four sponsorships available, but two have all ready been 'taken'.
Sponsorship benefits/elements:
- ability to set-up marketing display tables on the main concourse
- ability to hand out information to fans as they enter or exit the ballpark
- Name and/or logo in the Shorebirds PLAYBALL Magazine for that edition as a sponsor of Academic All-Stars
- Recognition as Academic All-star sponsor on all tickets & flyers distributed to students
- Recognition on Shorebirds Website with web links to 3rd party sites on the “community page”
- A minimum of (3) :20 second Public address reads with logo on the video board on the night of the game
Secondly
Concourse Table Sponsorships $350.00 - ability to set-up marketing display table on the main concourse
Thirdly
"GIVE AWAY" Sponsorship-$2,500.00 - The first 1000 fans to enter that night gets a "free" insulated bag with your sponsorship information on it
Finally
Silent Auction Donations - We will be conducting a Silent Auction during the game and we need items/certificates for the auction
For More Information Contact Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program at
443 235 9493 or yrsppofdmv@yahoo.com or PO Box 96 Berlin, MD 21811-0096
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Thursday, Feb. 21, 7-9 p.m. Las Palmas Restaurant Goliath Shopping Center, Roland St. (next to Giant Shopping Center)
Public Input Meeting on
Increasing Transparency in Salisbury Government
In response to ongoing constituent input regarding open government, Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen invite the public to share their ideas and concerns about increasing transparency in Salisbury Government, from how meetings are conducted to gaining access to various types of information.
Bring a friend!
Seating is first-come, first-served.
Important City Matters Now Pending
Before the Planning & Zoning Commission
At its meeting on Thursday, February 21, the Salisbury-Wicomico County Planning & Zoning Commission has scheduled several matters involving property in the City or that may soon be annexed into the City, including the following:
PUBLIC HEARING – TEXT AMENDMENT – Add a new Code section and definitions regarding Adult Entertainment Uses – #SP-0803 (J. Lenox)
REVISED SIGN PLAN/BUILDING COLORS/TIRE & BATTERY STORAGE EXPANSION – WalMart Store #1890 - 2702 N. Salisbury Blvd. – General Commercial District – SP-9112-08Y; M-29, P-507-4, G-5 (G. Smith)
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Shopping Center – Bayside Real Estate, Inc., represented by Thomas W. Hayes – 1303 South Salisbury Blvd. – General Commercial District - #SP-0802; M-117, P- 3119, G-3, (G. Smith)
FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN SUBMISSION - EXTENSION OF TIME - Village at Salisbury Lake PRD #11 – Salisbury Mall Associates, LLC – Civic Avenue, Glen Avenue, Beaglin Park Drive, St. Albans Drive and Mt. Hermon Road -- #SP-0611; M-109, P-2505, 2518, 2520, 2581, 2582, 2581, Pad 8, Block D, and 2581, Pad 9, Block D, G-2 (G. Smith)
SALISBURY – SOUTH DIVISION STREET/CAREY ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 1.0 Acres; M-48, P-221 & 222, G-8 (G. Smith)
REVISED SIGN PLAN – Beaglin Park Plaza Condominiums, represented by Michael Weisner – Mt. Hermon Road – Light Business and Institutional District – #SP-8606-08C - M-121, P-2574, G-21
In addition, the Zoning Director, Jack Lenox, will present an update on the formulation of a new Comprehensive Plan.
The meeting will be held in the “Council Chambers” (Room 301) on the Third Floor of the Government Office Building, beginning at 1:30 PM.
If you want more information on any of these matters, please call the Planning and Zoning office at (410) 548-4860.
Before the Planning & Zoning Commission
At its meeting on Thursday, February 21, the Salisbury-Wicomico County Planning & Zoning Commission has scheduled several matters involving property in the City or that may soon be annexed into the City, including the following:
PUBLIC HEARING – TEXT AMENDMENT – Add a new Code section and definitions regarding Adult Entertainment Uses – #SP-0803 (J. Lenox)
REVISED SIGN PLAN/BUILDING COLORS/TIRE & BATTERY STORAGE EXPANSION – WalMart Store #1890 - 2702 N. Salisbury Blvd. – General Commercial District – SP-9112-08Y; M-29, P-507-4, G-5 (G. Smith)
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Shopping Center – Bayside Real Estate, Inc., represented by Thomas W. Hayes – 1303 South Salisbury Blvd. – General Commercial District - #SP-0802; M-117, P- 3119, G-3, (G. Smith)
FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN SUBMISSION - EXTENSION OF TIME - Village at Salisbury Lake PRD #11 – Salisbury Mall Associates, LLC – Civic Avenue, Glen Avenue, Beaglin Park Drive, St. Albans Drive and Mt. Hermon Road -- #SP-0611; M-109, P-2505, 2518, 2520, 2581, 2582, 2581, Pad 8, Block D, and 2581, Pad 9, Block D, G-2 (G. Smith)
SALISBURY – SOUTH DIVISION STREET/CAREY ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 1.0 Acres; M-48, P-221 & 222, G-8 (G. Smith)
REVISED SIGN PLAN – Beaglin Park Plaza Condominiums, represented by Michael Weisner – Mt. Hermon Road – Light Business and Institutional District – #SP-8606-08C - M-121, P-2574, G-21
In addition, the Zoning Director, Jack Lenox, will present an update on the formulation of a new Comprehensive Plan.
The meeting will be held in the “Council Chambers” (Room 301) on the Third Floor of the Government Office Building, beginning at 1:30 PM.
If you want more information on any of these matters, please call the Planning and Zoning office at (410) 548-4860.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Good News About Bad News from the Audit Report: Driving Positive Change
After years of late city audits and limited discussion about them, Debbie Campbell’s dedication to the importance of an audit and sound management of taxpayer money has paid off, aided by Terry Cohen’s added voice of fiscal responsibility and accountability on the council. Here, Campbell and Cohen discuss their specific efforts to bring about positive change. February 14 found our hard work on behalf of the citizens and taxpayers of Salisbury paying off. Council had a productive work session that arrived at consensus on a number of important next steps toward rectifying the growing financial mismanagement of our city that has escalated in recent years, according to our audit reports.
1. We responded to the administration’s request for staffing in the Internal Services Department without unsoundly throwing bodies or money at a problem before we’ve determined its root cause. In the short term, the current auditor will provide personnel to bring up to date delinquent reconciliations as far back as August 2007
2. We successfully advocated for bidding the services of a regional auditor to examine the city’s financial status, as well as the long-term staffing needs for efficient and reliable operation of our city’s financial department. This will result in recommendations to remedy the financial mismanagement that has plagued the city for years.
3. We ensured that the 5-year competitive bid process provided for in the charter was honored with a decision to bid out the annual audit.
The city still has funds illegally deposited in an uninsured/uncollateralized account. Unfortunately, the council president adjourned the meeting early, before we could address charter changes needed to increase accountability and restore checks and balances. We will continue to pursue these important components to ensure the health, efficiency and soundness of our financial and governmental operations.
“The City did not prepare timely, accurate, and complete reconciliations of all cash and investment accounts….The lack of timely reconciliations and reviews…has impaired the City’s ability to report reliable financial data.”
-- Trice Geary & Myers LLC
Certified Public Accountants/Business Consultants
To read more, contact Campbell debbiescampbell@comcast.net or Cohen Terry@TerryCohen.com for copies of the audit communications or internal control letter.
1. We responded to the administration’s request for staffing in the Internal Services Department without unsoundly throwing bodies or money at a problem before we’ve determined its root cause. In the short term, the current auditor will provide personnel to bring up to date delinquent reconciliations as far back as August 2007
2. We successfully advocated for bidding the services of a regional auditor to examine the city’s financial status, as well as the long-term staffing needs for efficient and reliable operation of our city’s financial department. This will result in recommendations to remedy the financial mismanagement that has plagued the city for years.
3. We ensured that the 5-year competitive bid process provided for in the charter was honored with a decision to bid out the annual audit.
The city still has funds illegally deposited in an uninsured/uncollateralized account. Unfortunately, the council president adjourned the meeting early, before we could address charter changes needed to increase accountability and restore checks and balances. We will continue to pursue these important components to ensure the health, efficiency and soundness of our financial and governmental operations.
“The City did not prepare timely, accurate, and complete reconciliations of all cash and investment accounts….The lack of timely reconciliations and reviews…has impaired the City’s ability to report reliable financial data.”
-- Trice Geary & Myers LLC
Certified Public Accountants/Business Consultants
To read more, contact Campbell debbiescampbell@comcast.net or Cohen Terry@TerryCohen.com for copies of the audit communications or internal control letter.
Tenants, Homeowners Can Benefit from Rental Registration Information Now Online
Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen both urged the posting of current rental unit registration and landlord licensing information online. Tenants and homeowners alike are excited about the easy access to information that should assist in assuring safe, code-complaint rental units in the city.
Go to: http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/Departments/NeighborhoodServicesandCodeCompliance/tabid/536/Default.aspx
Go to: http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/Departments/NeighborhoodServicesandCodeCompliance/tabid/536/Default.aspx
Moving Annexation Policy Forward with Affordable Housing
Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen have continued their efforts to improve annexation policy in Salisbury. They requested a special council meeting, held on December 12, with the city's annexation consultant, Chris Jakubiak. During this meeting, language advocated by both councilwomen was tightened for the protection of the city and its citizens. A change in contract process recommended by Cohen was added.
Out of this meeting came a request for Campbell to provide a list of resources for affordable housing. Campbell explained that, in the process of obtaining the most current information regarding state resources, an opportunity evolved to bring the state’s experts to Salisbury for a forum with developers interested in providing affordable and workforce housing for the citizens of Salisbury. Additionally, Campbell shared a vision of how to significantly leverage developer contributions from the annexation process.
The model would provide a continuous financing mechanism in perpetuity for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in the city, without the duplication of, or competition with, already successful and available non-profit services and resources in the city that would be encountered with the formation of a city-owned/managed community development corporation (CDC). The model also maximizes the developer contributions for their intended purposes and could attract additional outside resources. Campbell credits a diverse group of volunteers with thinking through the mechanism needed to make the model a reality for the city. She is also convening an affordable housing forum for local developers on March 6.
Out of this meeting came a request for Campbell to provide a list of resources for affordable housing. Campbell explained that, in the process of obtaining the most current information regarding state resources, an opportunity evolved to bring the state’s experts to Salisbury for a forum with developers interested in providing affordable and workforce housing for the citizens of Salisbury. Additionally, Campbell shared a vision of how to significantly leverage developer contributions from the annexation process.
The model would provide a continuous financing mechanism in perpetuity for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in the city, without the duplication of, or competition with, already successful and available non-profit services and resources in the city that would be encountered with the formation of a city-owned/managed community development corporation (CDC). The model also maximizes the developer contributions for their intended purposes and could attract additional outside resources. Campbell credits a diverse group of volunteers with thinking through the mechanism needed to make the model a reality for the city. She is also convening an affordable housing forum for local developers on March 6.
A Special Note for Homeowners About the Homeowners Tax Credit
A change in state law now requires homeowners to apply to get their Homeowners Tax Credit, instead of receiving it automatically. The application form is enclosed in your Maryland property tax assessment notice mailed this month. To be eligible, your home must be your primary residence in which you resided at least six (6) months of the year including July 1 of the year for which the credit is applicable. This is a ONE-TIME application, but it must be
filed by April 1, 2008.
To file electronically, go to: http://www.dat.state.md.us/.
Look on left side of the website under property owners for additional information.
Homestead Tax Credit Questions:
www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/Homestead_app.htm
Homestead Eligibility Application:
https://sdathtc.resiusa.org/homestead/
Also remember on your Maryland tax return to note that you live within the incorporated limits of Salisbury.
filed by April 1, 2008.
To file electronically, go to: http://www.dat.state.md.us/.
Look on left side of the website under property owners for additional information.
Homestead Tax Credit Questions:
www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/Homestead_app.htm
Homestead Eligibility Application:
https://sdathtc.resiusa.org/homestead/
Also remember on your Maryland tax return to note that you live within the incorporated limits of Salisbury.
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