On Your Side

Charter Amendment - FAQ's

2011-10-20T11:38:00.003-04:00

"CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE"

Safe Streets Audio to Come

2011-02-02T09:54:00.002-05:00

On January 27, 2011, the Salisbury City Council discussed Mayor Jim Ireton's "Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislative Package" on the official public record for the first time.

The audio will be available soon under this site's Audio Files section in the column at the right of the page. However, the upload tool vendor is having technical difficulties. When that problem is fixed, the audio will become available here.

We apologize for the inconvenience. The audio is also available on CD-ROM from the city clerk's office for a cost of $5 to cover administrative time and supplies.

Second Anti-Crime Public Dialogue Oct. 12

2010-09-29T15:50:00.003-04:00

A second public dialogue meeting on the Salisbury Safe Streets anti-crime legislation package is set for Tuesday, October 12, 6:30 p.m., in the training room of Fire Station 16 Headquarters on Cypress Street, Salisbury City Council Members Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen announced today.

After a packed-house public meeting on the proposals was held September 15 in council chambers downtown, the two officials chose a site with more seating capacity and accessibility to the Westside, with a different week night to accommodate additional members of the public.

“In the wake of this week’s shooting spree, it is vital that we keep public engagement moving forward on these and related issues,” Cohen said. “Some of this legislation disappeared four years ago, and our police officers are furloughed while lesser priorities are funded. The public has a key role in overcoming these impasses.”

“Our previous meeting showed that Salisbury can have a productive dialogue about tough issues,” Campbell stated. “We received input and questions from a variety of stakeholders, so this meeting on October 12 will give us an opportunity to address those matters and allow others to weigh in when they couldn’t due to the size of the crowd.”

As reported in the Daily Times, local landlords dominated the first meeting. A show of hands among the landlords, tenants, homeowners and students in attendance indicated that landlords as a whole opposed the package in its entirety, while most city residents either supported the entire package or supported it in part.

Campbell and Cohen said they would soon release details of the format for this meeting to ensure that the process takes a forward direction and the public benefits from accurate information. In the meantime, they again encouraged the public to read the actual text of the anti-crime proposals, which address one segment of crime reduction through better housing practices and property management.

The legislation can be found under the link “Neighborhood Legislation Pkg” on the city website homepage at left, www.ci.salisbury.md.us, and on the website the two council members share, www.OnYourSideSBY.blogspot.com. Hard copies can be obtained by calling the city clerk’s office at 410-548-3140.

A three-hour audio recording of the first public dialogue meeting is available for free download or online listening from Campbell and Cohen’s website, or on CD from the city clerk’s office for $5, which covers the office’s cost of production. For additional questions or comments, contact Debbie Cambpell, 410-860-0893 and debbiescampbell@comcast.net, or Terry Cohen, 410-845-0296 and Terry@TerryCohen.com.

2010 Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislative Act

2010-08-11T06:57:00.004-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen

On Monday, August 2, 2010, Mayor Jim Ireton released a package of legislation as part of the Maryland Safe Streets Program crime initiative, a partnership with the State of Maryland in which Salisbury became the second city (Annapolis being the first) to become a Maryland Safe Streets City.

My op-ed on the subject appears in today's Daily Times to inform the public about the history of this program and clarify my involvement. Later this week, I will repost that op-ed.

For now, I think it is most important that citizens have access to the actual proposals themselves. In the coming weeks, posts will be made here to clarify the process, correct misconceptions of the public and media, and stimulate productive debate.

Six items are new. The seventh is actually existing code that the mayor intends to "re-activate" through administrative enforcement. You can click the links in this post to view the documents now or download them for later reference. Note: the ordinance names may vary slightly in different media. Descriptive names are used here.

- Repeated Calls for Service
- Crime-free Lease Addendum
- Tenants' Rights
- Equitable Relief from Prostitution
- Amend BZA Procedures
- Amortization of Nonconforming Uses
- Periodic Area Search (current code to be "re-activated")

For those who checked this site earlier, thank you for your patience while we resolved uploader problems.

Important Information About Council Audio Files

2010-08-05T13:52:00.013-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen

Some of the most important discussion Salisbury's city council has on any given issue takes place at its work sessions, which are not televised on public access cable channel PAC14 or streamed over the Internet at PAC14.org's website, as are the Monday night legislative sessions. Council Member Campbell and I have suggested to council that work sessions be taped for later broadcast so that the public would have a better understanding of issues, some of which do not make it to the legislative agendas. We did not receive support from any other council member.

In the spirit of compromise and increased transparency, we then suggested that the audio from council sessions be placed on the City website, which is why the audio of each current Monday legislative session is now on the site (thanks to City Clerk Brenda Colegrove and Assistant City Clerk Kim Nichols). However, only the one current legislative session is posted at a time.

After a public input session we held in 2007, we suggested that work session audios also be posted on the City's website. We did not received support from any other council member.

Therefore, when we started this site, we decided that, for the public's information and convenience, it would have links to the audio of these sessions, maintaining a history for as long as space permitted.

The 2010 audio files from May, June, July and August to date have been posted now. As time permits, we will post the previous sessions for 2010.

You can look in the right column of this page, scrolling down to find the link to the session you want. Depending on your own computer's settings, a simple click on a link will allow you to save the file to your computer for later listening and/or allow you to listen to the session of choice immediately with your computer's media playing software.

With the limitations local media have in covering issues, we hope these files will be useful to our citizens when they want to understand more fully what is taking place. With the number of additional work sessions being held, mostly scheduled during City office hours when it is difficult for the majority of the public to attend, we feel this affords the public an opportunity that they may not have had otherwise, at least not without inconvenience or cost to obtain a CD from the city clerk's office.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the information you hear. Thank you for taking time to stay abreast of issues in Salisbury that affect you.

Last Comprehensive Plan Meeting, Thurs., May 13, 6 p.m.

2010-05-12T20:01:00.004-04:00

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION
2010 Draft City of Salisbury Comprehensive Plan

The City of Salisbury will host a community information session on Thursday, May 13, 2010, starting at 6:00 P.M. in the training center of the Salisbury Fire Headquarters – Station 16, 325 Cypress Street, Salisbury, Maryland.

Over the past 22-months the City has conducted over thirty meetings open to the public to receive feedback about the various elements included in the Draft Plan. As part of the plan adoption process, State agencies had the opportunity to review the Draft Plan. The State review comments received to date are very positive and encouraging. Additionally as part of the plan adoption process, the Salisbury Planning Commission and the City Council have recently held Public Hearings to receive comments from the public. Both hearings had positive outcomes, with appropriate clarification included.

The Mayor and City Council encourage all members of the public with final questions and comments to join staff at this upcoming meeting to learn more about the final draft Plan. Prior to the meeting, we recommend reviewing the latest version of the final draft Plan, which is located on the City of Salisbury website at
http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/SalisburyComprehensivePlan/tabid/621/Default.aspx.

Copies of the draft Plan are also available to the public in the following locations:
• City of Salisbury, City Clerk’s Office, Government Office Building, Room 305;
• Salisbury – Wicomico County Department of Planning, Zoning & Community Development, Government Office Building, Room 203; and
• The Wicomico Public Library, 122 South Division Street, Salisbury, Maryland.

Public input is an integral component of any comprehensive planning process.

If you are unable to attend the community information session or would like to schedule an individual meeting to learn more about the Draft 2010 City of Salisbury Comprehensive Plan, contact Keith D. Hall, Long-Range/Transportation Planner, Salisbury – Wicomico County Department of Planning, Zoning & Community Development at (410) 548-4860 or via e-mail Khall@wicomicocounty.org.

# # #

Dump Truck Is Matter of Public Trust

2010-03-07T09:02:00.014-05:00

Statement of Terry E. Cohen, Salisbury City Councilmember
Feb. 22, 2010
“The Public Trust”
Updated Feb. 24, 2010

Last Thursday (Feb. 18) in council work session, council and administration discussed the budget amendment needed for the acquisition of a 3-ton dump truck. The question was asked of me what it would take to move the amendment forward.

As of Dec. 21, 2009, I had been willing to move the budget amendments forward. That changed when I learned the truck had or may have been ordered without a budget amendment to legally appropriate the money, despite my having raised the issue the day after the award of bids and before the truck was ordered.

At the Feb. 18 work session, I was personally attacked for insisting that parties responsible be held accountable in some way because I think the City Charter and State Law are both clear about not making contracts for which the money is not appropriated. When I said I felt this had been a violation of the public trust, the response was laughter from a member of the council majority saying, “What public trust?”

To some, this may be a technicality or about one dump truck. It's really about the law and the public trust.

Some say it's just an honest mistake, but the question was raised before the truck was ordered and should have been resolved before the order was placed. A mistake had been made with a second truck as an accounting matter, but this truck is about more than an accounting matter. Expediency is not an excuse. “The ends justify the means” is not part of the sections of law I cite.

This is another instance in a pattern of moving forward without appropriate action being taken first. Without accountability, the pattern will continue, and the checks and balances legally in place to protect the public's money will fail when we most need them to work.

A chronology. the two sections of law and the contract signature page follow or are attached.

Oct. 26, 2009 – Council approves award of bid for dump truck. (An award of bid designates who the contract goes to. It does not authorize a purchase. An appropriation authorizes a purchase.)

Oct. 27, 2009 – Councilmember Cohen sends email to City Administrator John Pick, copied to Mayor Ireton and Director of Internal Services Pam Oland. (“Last night Pam said the S-3 vote was required because the purchase was not budgeted. Do we not, then, need a budget amendment? I realize the lease is already appropriated money, but the money was appropriated for another purpose....Thanks for looking into these questions and whether we need to make a budget amendment promptly....”)

Oct. 27, 2009 – Purchase order is cut.

Oct. 28, 2009 – Contract Agreement date.

Oct. 28 – Nov. 4, 2009 – Contract signatures obtained.

Nov. 6, 2009 – Executed contract and purchase order provided to vendor.

Nov. 16, 2009 – Email from Pick to Cohen that the budget needed to be amended two ways: 1. to accommodate new accounting rules and 2. to move appropriation from Sanitation division to Streets division. (First amendment was to have been presented at Nov. 30, 2009, work session, which was canceled.)

Dec. 21, 2009 – Budget amendment to adjust for accounting change discussed and consensus reached to move forward. However, no mention was made that the trucks were already ordered by those present who had signed the contract.

Jan. 11, 2010 – Budget amendment to adjust for accounting change brought for legislative vote. Cohen asked when the truck was ordered. Oland responded that she did not have the date on hand. Cohen asked if both trucks were ordered together. Oland responded she did not know. Councilmember Debbie Campbell asked, regardless of the date, if the truck had been ordered. Oland replied she did not have the answer to that question. No one present who had signed the contract mentioned that the trucks had already been ordered.

Feb. 12, 2010 – Date of Invoice to City.

Feb. 16, 2010 – Date of Actual Delivery to City (received)

Feb. 17, 2010 – Vehicle Tagged

Maryland Annotated Code Article 31, Section 3.
§ 3. Contracts not authorized by appropriation prohibited. An officer or agent of any county, township or municipal corporation who is charged or entrusted with the construction, improvement or keeping in repair of any building or work of any kind, or with the management or providing for any public institution, shall not make any contract binding or purporting to bind the county, township or municipal corporation to pay any sum of money not previously appropriated for the purpose for which such contract is made, and remaining unexpended, and applicable to such purpose, such officer or agent who wilfully or knowingly makes or participates in making a contract without such appropriation or authority, shall be personally liable thereon, and the county, township or municipal corporation in whose name or behalf the same was made shall be not liable thereon.

§ SC7-29. Overexpenditure forbidden.
No office, department or agency shall during any budget year expend or contract to expend
any money or incur any liability or enter into any contract which by its terms involves the expenditure of money, for any purpose, in excess of the amounts appropriated for that general classification of expenditure pursuant to this Charter. Any contract, verbal or written, made in violation of this Charter shall be null and void. Any officer or employee of the city who shall violate this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall cease to hold his office or employment. Nothing in this section, however, shall prevent the making of contracts or the spending of money for capital improvements to be financed in whole or in part by the issuance of bonds or the making of contracts of lease or for services for a period exceeding the budget year in which such contract is made, when such contract is permitted by law.
[1959 Code, sec. 365. ch. 534, sec. 84] [Renumbered 1-11-99 by Res. No. 629]

A Fuller Discussion on “The Bricks” – Part 3

2009-11-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

Due to illness and travel, posting of the remainder of this series was delayed. We apologize for any inconvenience.

(Editorial Note: Debbie Campbell works for a financial network that funds affordable housing of various economic models throughout the country. Terry Cohen’s prior legislative advocacy efforts included programs focused on increasing economic self-sufficiency of women, families and lower income individuals.)

Below this post are the first two installments that chronicled the timeline of events concerning “The Bricks,” a property in the Church Street area accepted by the city as a donation. A number of citizens have expressed concern that $1.8 million dollars of state money may be spent on less than 10 units of affordable rental housing units and question whether governments should be landlords. Others are concerned about putting more rentals into a neighborhood already distressed by a serious lack of homeownership and job opportunity.

In our efforts to promote meaningful discussion on these issues, rehabilitation of the Bricks has moved forward without what we believe to be the requisite oversight and transparency by elected representatives that citizens expect and deserve. The timeline picks up after the October 6, 2008, work session where consensus was not taken on how to move forward with the Bricks.

October 7, 2008 – Daily Times article reports on October 6, 2008, work session (“Bricks to become temp housing”), erroneously stating that “The City Council agreed that they want to see ‘The Bricks’ turned into temporary housing to prepare low-income renters for homeownership.” No consensus was taken by Council President Smith to that effect, and one council member actually expressed concern about “incubators” (housing intended to prepare residents for the next step in self-sufficient housing).

December 17, 2008 – City administrator emails copies of proposed Bricks RFP and Lease Agreement to council with a request for comments by December 30. (NOTE: The request to supply this information to council was where the October 6, 2008, work session ended, not with a consensus to move the RFP forward. For differing reasons, neither of us had seen the email with the documents. If we had, we would have supplied comments or at least responded that we had none. Either way, it was our belief that Council President Smith would bring the RFP and lease for discussion and consensus prior to any official action, since council had not acted as a body on it yet.

Post December 17, 2008 – We heard nothing for months, but given the long lapses of information to council on the Bricks previously, this did not seem all that unusual. However, come summer, the silence did seem odd and inquiries resumed.

June 12, 2009 – Campbell emails Mayor Ireton and asks for a status report on the Bricks because an update on the Bricks is scheduled for a CSAFE neighborhood meeting. No response was received.

June 25, 2009 - Campbell emails Mayor Ireton again for an update on the Bricks. Mayor Ireton responds he will check with City Administrator John Pick and have him follow up.

August 4, 2009 – Assistant City Administrator Loré Chambers sends email to Council President Smith and Vice President Comegys about mapping revitalization plans for Church, including the Bricks, advising that Homes for America, Inc. is “proceeding with environmental assessment.” Mayor Ireton and City Administrator John Pick are copied on email. Mayor Ireton adds to email and asks that the email thread be copied to council.

August 4, 2009 – Chambers forwards email to three remaining council members, with copies to the mayor and Pick. Campbell sends a “Reply All” email to Chambers requesting that an update on the Bricks be put on a work session agenda. (Smith and Comegys accidentally not included on this email because they were not on recipient list of one sent by Chambers.) Chambers emails reply only to Campbell that she will ask Pick to get the update on an upcoming work session agenda.

August 8, 2009 – Chambers makes update presentation on the Bricks at CSAFE neighborhood meeting.

Post August 8, 2009 – The Bricks does not come to a work session agenda. The next council hears about the Bricks, a request comes in September 25, 2009, to place a resolution on the September 28, 2009, legislative session agenda as an “emergency item” to allow Homes for America to submit a grant application to the state on behalf of the City for funding predevelopment costs on rehabilitating the Bricks.

As you can see from this installment, the summer of 2009 was the first real indication for council as a whole that something was moving with the Bricks and that it was Mayor Ireton who started the information sharing after he received Councilwoman Campbell’s inquiries.

In our next post on the Bricks, we’ll start with the September 25, 2009, request to add the Bricks as an “emergency item.” This was when we learned what had transpired while council as a body received no updates.

A Fuller Discussion on “The Bricks” – Part 2

2009-11-02T12:18:00.006-05:00

(Editorial Note: Debbie Campbell works for a financial network that funds affordable housing of various economic models throughout the country. Terry Cohen’s prior legislative advocacy efforts included programs focused on increasing economic self-sufficiency of women, families and lower income individuals.)

In our previous post (below) on “The Bricks,” the Church Street area property that the City accepted as a donation, we started a timeline of what was considered in making that acceptance. Although we are both strong supporters of affordable housing, we had a variety of concerns about what was proposed by the Tilghman administration.

This is a building in need of serious rehabilitation in a neighborhood desperately in need of the stability that comes from home ownership and business. What would be its most beneficial use and using what public-private model? What would be the best use of taxpayer dollars and should any be involved? How could we limit or eliminate liability for the City?

In this installment, our timeline picks up in October 2008:

October 6, 2008 – Daily Times pre-work session article

October 6, 2008 – Work session on how to move forward with the Bricks.

Assistant City Administrator Loré Chambers did the presentation and informed us she met with Homes for America, Inc., in May of 2008 for ideas on what to do with the building. (Homes for America, Inc., is a non-profit developer of affordable housing, which has done other projects in Salisbury.)

Mrs. Chambers presented three options to council:
1. Turnkey project turned over to a developer
2. Long-term lease for a company to manage
3. Combination of one and two, similar to Mitchell Landing (the only city-owned affordable housing complex, 24 units started as new construction about 20 years ago).

She covered specifics about the condition of the building and said that the administration wanted council to approve Option 3. (NOTE: Council took no action.)

Homes for America, Inc., provided cost estimates in the range of $1.8 million. Mrs. Chambers said that a representative from the Department of Housing and Community Development had visited the site and felt it was a $2 million project. The building would have to be reconfigured in order to accommodate about 10 units.

The council still had not reached consensus about how to proceed or what the best and highest use of the property would be.

While it was good to learn the costs and ideas associated with the concept the administration was pushing, it drove the focus away from a richer discussion about options for the Bricks. Instead of considering possibilities such as a mixed use of residential and commercial, government use rolling over into private sale, selling outright to a for-profit enterprise or non-profit, etc., the discussion centered around a long-term, city-owned affordable housing complex with a price tag of $1.8 million as if it were an actual proposal.

Although we raised important issues about liability and other logistical considerations, Council President Smith asked Mrs. Chambers if the matter was time-sensitive. Mrs. Chambers said “no” but that the administration wanted to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP).

Campbell said it would be helpful to see the RFP and lease being proposed.

Council President Smith typically takes a straw vote poll to establish if consensus was reached to take a next interim step or to move something forward.

That did not happen.

Smith closed by asking the administration to get the documents back to council and said, “That’ll push it right along.”

In our next post, we’ll pick up the timeline from this point since October 6, 2008 was the last time council met to discuss the Bricks until council learned in late September 2009 that a contract to move ahead with development of “The Bricks” and two change orders had been signed by Mrs. Smith in her capacity as council president.

A Fuller Discussion on “The Bricks” – Part 1

2009-11-01T11:52:00.001-05:00

(Editorial Note: Debbie Campbell works for a financial network that funds affordable housing of various economic models throughout the country. Terry Cohen’s prior legislative advocacy efforts included programs focused on increasing economic self-sufficiency of women, families and lower income individuals.)

As noted in today’s Daily Times, we are presenting a full discussion on “The Bricks” since Op-Eds have been limited to 500 words. The discussion is multi-faceted, so we were only able to touch on a few highlights in the newspaper space allowed.

Our first post on “The Bricks,” a property located at 502 E. Isabella St. (intersection with Church Street) provides some earlier background and timeline information to help citizens understand the discussions about what to do with the property and the context for later events. Because the information is extensive, additional posts will follow either today, tomorrow, or both, to make for more digestible reading.

Both of us are committed to stimulating sustainable affordable housing efforts, as demonstrated in many council discussions, such as ensuring affordable housing needs are addressed in annexation agreements. Like growth, however, how and where affordable housing is developed is critical to its success.

For example, we asked questions about zoning standards in November 2007. The issue of parking for nine apartment units still has not been properly vetted.

Prior to November 2007 – Various discussions, including administration talks with then-property owner Gee Dunsten about property donation and Cathedral of Love about making the building affordable housing (discussions as noted by then-Mayor Tilghman at November 26, 2007 legislative meeting).

November 5, 2007 – Council discusses donation of the Bricks at its work session. General discussion about City’s role in ownership, working with developers and/or non-profit agencies, and zoning questions, including setbacks and parking.

November 26, 2007 – Council unanimously passes Resolution 1598 as amended. The amendment, moved by Campbell and seconded by Cohen, stated that the City “will endeavor to partner with a housing nonprofit for renovation, management and ownership."

The amendment, which opened up options for the City to put the Bricks into an ownership opportunity for a private entity, passed with votes of support from Campbell, Cohen and Smith. Campbell and Cohen raised possibilities of working with Salisbury Neighborhood Housing (SNHS) and/or Habitat for Humanity, either to create an “incubator” for home ownership in the Church Street area or placing it in their ownership for rental or ownership opportunities. (Editorial note: ownership opportunities would include, for example, owner-occupied condo units, with or without commercial space on the first floor.)

Shields and Comegys abstained from voting for the amendment. Shields raised concerns about SNHS, and Comegys said council was there to accept a donation, not discuss what was planned for the building.

April 11, 2008 – Appraisal puts value of the Bricks, now in City ownership, at $227,000.

October 6, 2008 – The Daily Times publishes pre-council work session article, stating that then-Mayor Tilghman said the building could serve as transitional homes for first-time homebuyers who might later move into Habitat for Humanity homes.

(Note: In an email dated September 29, 2009, Assistant City Administrator stated that Habitat does not have an active role in the project. Therefore, it is speculated that individuals from the project might be eligible for home ownership through Habitat or SNHS, but there is no current plan in place nor does there appear to be any meaningful discussions yet held for encouraging that to happen.)

In our next post, we’ll start with the October 6, 2008, work session discussion. Please feel free to call us or email us with any questions using the links and contact information on the right side of this web page.

"The Bricks" Information Coming at Noon

2009-11-01T08:41:00.000-05:00

In coordination with our Op-Ed in today's Daily Times, we will be posting more information about the Church Street area property known as "The Bricks" at noon today. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes early morning readers.

Thank you for your patience.

Debbie Campbell's Full Comment to the Daily Times

2009-09-13T12:43:00.001-04:00

"Against my objections and the caution of countless citizens, the council majority has been determined to borrow and spend for years. They did so with little regard for the burden being placed on the average taxpayer. As an example, millions of dollars in developer reimbursements (subsidies) were paid for with borrowed money - adding the additional expense of interest.

"Meaningful operating cuts that will result in long-term savings need to be
made. At the same time we must maintain our infrastructure and provide
core services at the most efficient level possible. We need to create a 5-year budget forecast to use as a road map and live within our means as a community.

"As the economy rebounds we need to pay down debt and rebuild the financial
strength of the city."

Special Trash Pickup Sept 14 thru Sept 18

2009-09-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

This week, on your regular trash pickup day, the city will collect large
items that would normally require paying an additional fee, such as
furniture and the like. No appliances, automotive stuff or construction
waste. To take advantage of this twice yearly offer, Salisbury Public Works
must be notified of your request. Just call (410) 548-3170 and leave a
message before your trash pickup day comes to get on the list. Put your
stuff on the curb the night before and breathe a sigh of relief as it leaves
your life the next morning.

Debbie Campbell Press Conference

2009-09-11T14:24:00.002-04:00

Debbie Campbell held a press conference Thursday, September 10, 2009 in the lobby at the Government Office building.

Debbie Campbell on Bill Reddish Show

2009-09-11T14:20:00.002-04:00

Debbie Campbell is interviewed by WICO Morning Show host, Bill Reddish. Hear the interview in it's entirety. Click Here

COUNCILWOMAN DEBBIE CAMPBELL RESPONDS TO POLITICAL ATTACKS

2009-09-10T20:27:00.000-04:00

SALISBURY, MD – Salisbury City Councilwoman Debbie Campbell held a press conference this afternoon to respond to the baseless, manufactured, charges lobbed at her by political detractors:

“In an attempt to put some of this foolishness to rest, I am here today to answer questions regarding this matter. I have decided to stand up for myself and refute the false accusations and half-truths that the Daily Times feels are worthy of multiple front page stories. I am confident that my answers will allow the public to gain a better understanding of the lengths to which some groups will go to avoid honest, civil debate AND to prevent meaningful change for Salisbury and her citizens.”

Campbell responded to false allegations that she was in possession of a surveillance by categorically stating:

“I do not have this surveillance tape in my possession. I have never seen this tape. I do not even know that such a tape exists.”

Campbell attributed these malicious and fabricated attacks to a desire to intimidate her and put a stop to positive change for Salisbury and her citizens:

“Are we getting close enough to substantive, positive change in Salisbury that those who oppose reform have nothing left but to resort to these types of attacks?”

Today, Laura D'Alessandro of the Daily Times contacted Campbell and accused her of lying and criminal conduct. Campbell responded to the allegation:

“According to her (D'Alessandro), Mark Tyler of the Salisbury Police Department claims to have handed over the tape to me. Let me be perfectly clear about this. Mark Tyler never gave me any tape at any time whatsoever. I have not seen the April 3, 2009 memo in which Capt. Tyler allegedly makes the statement, though my attorney has requested a copy from the reporter. Because I have not seen the memo, or heard Capt. Tyler make such a statement, I can only hope that the reporter is mistaken, or has misinterpreted the memo, because it would have very, very serious implications if a member of the police department misrepresented the truth concerning an investigation or official police matter.”

Campbell, serving her second term as a Salisbury council member and representing District 2, was reelected by a 2 – to – 1 margin this past spring. During her tenure on council she has been a relentless advocate for her constituents, particularly in the areas of crime, neighborhood blight, lower taxes, and financial accountability.

To view a copy of Campbell’s prepared remarks as well as the supporting documents, Click Here

Cohen on Reddish Monday Aug 17

2009-08-16T21:50:00.002-04:00

Terry Cohen will be a guest on The Morning Show with Bill Reddish on WICO 1320 AM at 8:10. Many topics will be covered.

CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

2009-07-13T12:23:00.002-04:00

Meeting #14 July 13, 2009 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301
Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:06 p.m. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr.
• Recognizing the Maryland Municipal League-Police Executives
Association “2009 TOP COP” award recipient
• Recognizing Wicomico EXILE award recipients

6:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove

• June 22, 2009 minutes 1a
• Resolution No. 1801- accepting Maryland Energy Administration EmPower Energy Grant funds 1b
6:20 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland 2

6:30 p.m. MANUFACTURING EXEMPTION REQUEST – Internal Services Director Pam Oland
• Delmarva Printing, Inc. 3

7:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – Attorney Skip Cornbrooks 4
• Ordinance No. 2080 - amending Chapter 15.32, Plumbing Standards,
of the Salisbury Municipal Code to adopt fats, oils and grease regulations

7:30 p.m. ORDINANCE – Attorney Skip Cornbrooks 5
• Ordinance No. 2081 - 1st reading – reallocation of 2003 Series A
Infrastructure Bond proceeds

7:45 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
• Resolution No. 1802 - amending the tax deferral plan awarded to Salisbury Housing II, LLC for Gateway Village, to reflect a change in the name of the ownership entity 6a

• Resolution No. 1803 – accepting funds awarded through a grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for the Church Street/Doverdale CSAFE areas 6b

8:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

8:30 p.m. ADJOURN

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
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 July 27, 2009 (subject to change)
• Resolution – supporting Community Legacy application (Downtown Master
Plan design)
• Public Hearing – reallocation of bond proceeds Ordinance
• Ordinance No. 2080 – 2nd reading – amending Chapter 15.32, Plumbing Standards,
of the Salisbury Municipal Code to adopt fats, oil and grease regulations

COHEN CORRECTS AND CLARIFIES DAILY TIMES ARTICLE REGARDING CHIEF WEBSTER

2009-07-10T18:41:00.001-04:00

PRESS STATEMENT BY
TERRY E. COHEN, SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
JULY 10, 2009

COHEN CORRECTS AND CLARIFIES
DAILY TIMES ARTICLE REGARDING CHIEF WEBSTER

The Daily Times today did another disservice to the citizens of Salisbury by crafting a front-page of alleged news out of the newspaper’s speculation about vague rumors. This drains time, resources and attention away from important work and issues of the City, including crime, blight, and problems at the wastewater treatment plant.

Today, I hope to correct and clarify information about actions of which I have direct knowledge in an effort to maintain the public trust with transparency to the greatest possible degree allowed by law.

First, I did not collaborate with Council Member Debbie Campbell on any document concerning Salisbury Police Chief Alan Webster. I cannot speak for what Councilwoman Campbell may or may not have done, but can only speak for my own actions.

I wrote (under my own signature alone) and hand-delivered to Mayor Jim Ireton a letter reporting concerns raised in a meeting with constituents about crime, law enforcement and quality of life issues. The letter also addressed other citizen complaints. It included issues raised at the Mayor’s Crime Task Force open meeting, which I attended in June. I advised the Daily Times reporter of these facts.

Some details in the letter constitute personnel issues. Therefore, I cannot answer questions about them or provide more about the letter’s contents than the information above.

Second, I simply did my job as an elected representative of the people of Salisbury to inform the mayor of constituent issues and complaints concerning law enforcement and one or more city employees, as well as my own concerns based on this information. An elected representative relaying such concerns to the elected chief executive officer who administers operations and staff is a normal process of government. It is the mayor’s job, by charter, to decide what, if any, action is needed.

I cannot speak for what Mayor Ireton has or has not done with my letter, or will or will not do with it. Mayor Ireton is the only person to whom I’ve provided the letter. Again, by charter, it is his decision what, if anything, is to be done next regarding the information.

In the future, if there is newsworthy action or information concerning personnel or operations that can be provided to the public within the limits of the law, I trust that will be provided. Until then, I look forward to returning my attention to the important job I have of representing the citizens of Salisbury and working on their behalf.

Cohen on Reddish

2009-06-08T07:49:00.000-04:00

Councilwoman Terry Cohen on WICO 1320 AM at 8:05 a.m. Monday

Terry Cohen will be Bill Reddish's guest on WICO 1320 AM at 8:05 a.m. Monday, June 8.

Cohen was cleared of any ethics violation, as was Councilwoman Debbie Campbell, by the Salisbury Ethics Commission in an opinion released Friday, June 5. The commission held a hearing last Wednesday on a citizen's complaint concerning votes and discussion involving council members' health insurance and found no wrongdoing by either councilwoman in the performance of her official duties.

Budget Detail and Comparison Analysis Available Here

2009-05-07T23:16:00.002-04:00

In one of his first acts in office, Mayor Jim Ireton had the large Budget Message book put on the City's website at www.ci.salisbury.md.us.

As before, we are placing the planned year's Budget Detail Report and Next Year/Current Year Analysis reports on our website. These reports offer the level of detail needed for a fuller understanding of the proposed budget.

Please contact us if you have any questions. The public hearing on the FY2010 budget will be held at the Monday, May 11, council legislative session, beginning at 6 p.m., along with the public hearing on the Constant Yield Tax Rate.

Please attend this important meeting so that the council will know your feelings, concerns and questions on the budget that will affect you not only for the year it covers, but also budget years to come.

Today's Work Session Has Meaty Agenda

2009-05-04T20:27:00.000-04:00

The briefing packet for today's work session is now up on our site for download. You will find a link on the right side of this page as you scroll down. More discussion will take place on funding Urban Salisbury. Impact fees and the Comprehensive Plan for the City are also on the agenda. Since a special meeting will be held first today at 4:30 p.m. to hear a claim on a water bill, the work session itself will start later, perhaps enabling more of the public to attend.

The meeting will be held in Room 305, the conference room beside the city clerk's office, in the Government Office Building downtown.

Public Hearing Rescheduled

2009-04-01T15:45:00.000-04:00

Public Hearing Rescheduled

The City of Salisbury Department of Community Development wishes to announce that the Public Hearing concerning the draft of the new 5-year Consolidated Plan and the 2009 CDBG Action Plan has been rescheduled. The hearing, which was originally scheduled to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers (Room 301) of the City / County Government Office Building, will now be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. The time frame and location remain the same.

The draft Consolidated Plan and 2009 CDBG Action Plan are expected to be ready for public review by April 20, 2009. Another notice will issued when the documents are completed and the 30-day public comment period begins.

Contact: Deborah J. Stam
Director of Community Development
(410) 334-3031
April 1, 2009

Bill Reddish Asks About The WWTP

2009-03-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

During the interview this morning Debbie Campbell was asked unanticipated questions by the host, Bill Reddish. To clarify further, we offer the following for your information.

March 13, 2009 Stover Group Proposal

March 16, 2009 Memo Request Stover

E. Stover's Resume

The e-mails that accompanied the letters are provided as context.

From: John Pick [mailto:jpick@ci.salisbury.md.us]
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 1:55 PM
To: ALL City Council Members; Barrie Tilghman
Cc: Brenda Colegrove; Lore Chambers; James Caldwell; Pamela Oland; Karen Reddersen; Chip Messick
Subject: WWTP Consultant Services

All – As you are aware we have been experiencing difficulties in getting all of the new components of the waste water treatment pant operating as they were designed. Since the last work session update, we have continued working with the design engineer, the construction manager and the contractor to resolve these problems. We have come to a point, however, that we feel it is necessary to bring in a specialized consultant to help us specifically with the biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes because the design engineer is apparently unable to make any further progress in determining how to fix this problem and because we have a deadline by which this process needs to be working in order for us to be in compliance with our permit. Accordingly, we have retained the services of Dr. Enos Stover, of Oklahoma State University, who is a specialist in this field and who has submitted a proposal to consult with us on this problem. Attached is a copy of the memo from Public Works requesting that we retain Dr. Stover’s services. Attached also are copies of Dr. Stover’s proposal and his resume. Retaining Dr.Stover’s services would qualify as specialized professional services under Section SC 16-3 (3) of the Charter allowing exceptions to competitive bidding for this type of service. Public Works is confident that this cost can be charged to the loan we received from MDE on this project and they are working with MDE to determine if it qualifies for grant funds. As you can see, Dr. Stover estimates this work to cost approximately $20,000. John

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Debbie S Campbell [mailto:debbiescampbell@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 2:20 PM
To: John Pick; ALL City Council Members; Barrie Tilghman
Cc: Brenda Colegrove; Lore Chambers; James Caldwell; Pamela Oland; Karen Reddersen; Chip Messick
Subject: RE: WWTP Consultant Services

Why would we be paying for the services? Wouldn’t this be the responsibility of the design engineer firm?

Debbie

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: John Pick [mailto:jpick@ci.salisbury.md.us]
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 7:24 AM
To: Deborah S. Campbell; ALL City Council Members; Barrie Tilghman
Cc: Brenda Colegrove; Lore Chambers; James Caldwell; Pamela Oland; Karen Reddersen; Chip Messick
Subject: RE: WWTP Consultant Services

Debbie -The design engineering firm, O’Brien & Gere (OBG) may be responsible for this cost. OBG has been advising the City on start-up and we have temporarily suspended that effort from them. John

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Debbie S Campbell [mailto:debbiescampbell@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 8:50 AM
To: John Pick
Subject: RE: WWTP Consultant Services

John –

When was this decision made? Was it in writing? If so, I would like a copy. Who made the decision to suspend OBG? What is the state compliance deadline? Is the new contractor taking the place of OBG? In the absence of OBG who is managing the project? Thank you n advance for your prompt response to these questions.

Deb

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: John Pick
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 9:11 AM
To: James Caldwell
Subject: FW: WWTP Consultant Services

Jim – please see Ms. Campbell’s questions below. I know the answer to most but I’m not sure about the compliance deadline. John

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: John Pick [mailto:jpick@ci.salisbury.md.us]
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 3:26 PM
To: Deborah S. Campbell
Cc: ALL City Council Members; Barrie Tilghman; Brenda Colegrove; Lore Chambers; James Caldwell; Paul D. Wilber
Subject: FW: WWTP Consultant Services

Debbie – please see the following e-mail from Jim Caldwell in response to your follow-up questions concerning the additional WWTp consultant services. John

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: James Caldwell
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 1:48 PM
To: John Pick
Cc: pwilber@webbnetlaw.com
Subject: RE: WWTP Consultant Services

The decision to recommend a contract with a specialist to assist in plant startup was made on March 13, 2009 during a conference call including Public Works, City Attorney and Aqualaw. The City Attorney and SPW staff had conducted a phone interview with Dr. Stover on March 12th. The City Administrator was briefed on March 16th prior to the submittal of the memo of request to the Internal Services Department.

The decision to suspend the efforts of OBG relating to the Nutrient Removal Process startup was made on March 17th. This decision was a result of a conference call involving SPW staff, City Attorney and Aqualaw. A copy of the notice to OBG is attached. It is pointed out that the notice to OBG only impacts their startup advice for the Nutrient Removal Process. OBG remains fully engaged with all other services of the design engineer in their construction phase contract. Also, Arcadis (Construction Dynamics Group) remains fully engaged as the Construction Manager

The plant discharge permit for Nitrogen at a level of 6.6 mg/l will become effective May 1, 2009. We have verbally asked MDE for an extension of this date and will be formalizing this request immediately.

Campbell on Reddish

2009-03-22T08:45:00.000-04:00

Debbie Campbell will be on WICO 1320 AM the Bill Reddish morning show at 7:40 a.m. WICO 1320 AM

Salisbury Crime Statistics

2009-03-20T09:34:00.003-04:00

Maryland Crime Stats for 2007

Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reports
FBI Crime Reports

City Council Work Session

2009-03-15T12:43:00.002-04:00

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
MARCH 16 2009
430PM
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

Special Meeting
Ordinance No 2075 2nd reading amendment of the FY09 City Marina Fund budget and the FY09 General Fund budget to appropriate funds for the increased costs of managing the Marina

Closed Session
Acquisition of property as permitted under the Annotated code of Maryland Sections 10-508(a)(3)(8)Wilber

Work Session
Presentation Environmental Policy Task Force - Dave Nemazie
Parking meter rates - Pam Oland
Briefing parking arrangement at Brew River Restaurant - Pam Oland
COPS grant - Chief Allan Webster
Amendments to health insurance plan - John Pick
General discussion/upcoming agendas

March 2 Council Work Session to Be Rescheduled

2009-03-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

Tonight's work session is canceled and will be rescheduled, but as usual, the agenda appears below and the briefing packet is available for download via the links at right.

Please use all due caution when out and about today, whether driving or walking.

City Council Work Session - Monday March 2

2009-03-02T12:00:00.001-05:00

MARCh 2 2009
430PM
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

Closed Session Paul Wilber
To consult with legal counsel on pending litigation as permitted under the Annotated
Code of Maryland Sections 10-508(a)(7)(8)

Open Session
Briefing on pavement maintenance study Jim Caldwell/Infrastructure Management
Services

Energy Management Plan - Karen Redderson Dick Anderson

Briefing on Lemmon Hill Standpipe Jim Caldwell

Change order on Isabella Street Shoreline Protection project Jim Caldwell

Marina discussion John Pick/Jim Caldwell

General discussion/upcoming agendas

City Council Meeting

2009-02-23T10:00:00.002-05:00

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
February 23, 2009
6:00p.m. Government Office Building Room 301

600pm CONVENE LORDS PRAYER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
604pm ADOPTION OF AGENDA

606pm CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION Mayor Barrie P Tilghman
Cops for Kids Christmas Collection Program

615pm CONSENT AGENDA City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
February 9 2009 minutes la
Resolution No 1754 reappointment of Jane Youngk to the Marina Committee for a term ending January 2011 1b

618pm ORDINANCE City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No 2074 lSt reading FY09 Marina Fund budget amendment to appropriate funds for the increased costs of managing the Marina 2

630pm RESOLUTION City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No 1755 adoption of FY2010-2014 Capital Improvement Plan 3

650pm PUBLIC COMMENTS

700pm ADJOURN

Debbie Campbell on Reddish

2009-02-16T19:11:00.002-05:00

Debbie Campbell will be on the morning show with Bill Reddish tomorrow morning at 7:20 a.m. The show is broadcast on WICO 1320 AM

City Council Work Session

2009-02-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY 17, 2009
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

4:30 p.m. Impact fees – Jack Lenox

5:00 p.m. Budget analyst position – Pam Oland

5:20 p.m. Mid-year financial report – John Pick/Pam Oland

5:50 p.m. Proposed City financial policies – John Pick/Pam Oland

6:20 p.m. Marina Fund budget amendment – Pam Oland/Jim Caldwell

6:40 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas

6:45 p.m. Adjourn

City Council Meeting Agenda

2009-02-08T22:12:00.001-05:00

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:06 p.m. PRESENTATION – Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
• Berni and Jim Greene
6:11 p.m. BRIEFING – Director of Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance
Tom Stevenson
• September 1990 oil spill into the Wicomico River
6:20 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
• January 26, 2009 minutes 1a
• Resolution No. 1753 - appointment of Thomas Elliott to the 1b
Marina Committee for a term ending January 2011
6:22 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland 2
6:30 p.m. ORDINANCE – City Attorney Paul Wilber
• Ordinance No. 2073 – 2nd reading – FY09 General Fund budget 3
amendment to budget the receipt of lease purchase proceeds and the
corresponding purchase of vehicles and equipment
6:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
6:45 p.m. ADJOURN

Cohen on Reddish

2009-02-08T22:07:00.002-05:00

Terry Cohen will be on the morning show with Bill Reddish at 7:40 a.m. on WICO 1320 AM

City Council Work Session Today

2009-02-02T13:39:00.001-05:00

City Council Work Session
Monday February 2, 2009
4:30pm Room 305
Government Office Building

Closed session
• Consult with legal counsel/potentiallitigation as permitted under the Annotated Code of
Maryland Sections 10-S08( a(7)(8)

Open session - immediately following closed session

• PAC 14 discussion

• Briefing on Station #2 feasibility study - Fire Chief See
(Council received a copy of the feasibility study through the City Administrator's
January 22, 2009 memo)

• Performance measures - John Pick/Lore Chambers

• Policies on annexation funds - John Pick

• General discussion/upcoming agendas

• Adjourn

Campbell On Reddish

2009-02-01T20:35:00.002-05:00

Debbie Campbell on Bill Reddish morning show tomorrow at 7:40 on WICO 1320 AM

City Council Agenda for Monday Jan 26, 2009

2009-01-26T14:33:00.002-05:00

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:06 p.m. PRESENTATION – Ms. Pam Baker (Barbacane, Thornton and Company)
• FY08 audit and financial statements

6:30 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
• January 12, 2009 minutes 1a

• Resolution No. 1751 - approving Rental, License and Service 1b
Agreements between the City of Salisbury and Premier Election
Solutions for the City’s 2009 Primary and General Elections

• Resolution No. 1752 - reappointment of Joe Vignale to the Building 1c
Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a term ending January 2014

6:32 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland 2

6:45 p.m. ANNEXATION – Mr. Keith Hall

• Resolution No. 1728 – adoption of Leonard Lane/Michel Real Estate 3a
Partnership, LLC Annexation Plan

Resolution No. 1729 – adoption of Leonard Lane/Michel Real Estate 3b
Partnership, LLC Annexation

7:00 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber

• Ordinance No. 2071 – 2nd reading - FY09 General Obligation Bonds 4a
($3.82 million Sewer Fund projects – odor control at the north and
south side pump stations, diminutors/comminutors for north and south
side pump stations, upgrading DP&L lift station and costs of issuance)

• Ordinance No. 2073 - 1st reading – FY09 General Fund budget 4b
amendment to budget the receipt of lease purchase proceeds and the
corresponding purchase of vehicles and equipment

7:45 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

8:00 p.m. ADJOURN

FY2008 Audit Presentation on Jan. 26

2009-01-14T22:11:00.010-05:00

The FY2008 Audit will be formally presented to the Salisburry City Council at its Monday meeting January 26, 2009. The meeting takes place at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the Government Office Building downtown.

The presentation will be done by the city’s new audit firm of Barbacane, Thornton and Company.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The meeting will also be aired live on Comcast cable public access channel PAC14. For those without cable, PAC14 provides live streaming video of its programming on its website, http://www.pac14.org .

The audit is available for download on the City’s website,http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us, by clicking on the links at right on the home page.

Debbie Campbell on Reddish

2009-01-11T19:52:00.002-05:00

Councilwoman Debbie Campbell will be on the morning show with Bill Reddish, Monday January 12 at 7:40am. WICO 1320 AM. The topic will be the audit and other issues.

Campbell on Reddish

2008-11-30T20:28:00.002-05:00

Debbie Campbell will be the guest of Bill Reddish on his morning show. Tune in to WICO 1320 AM at 7:40 tomorrow morning.

City Council Work Session Agenda

2008-11-30T20:23:00.001-05:00

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
- - - - - - - - - - -
DECEMBER 1, 2008
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
4:30 p.m. Briefing on Library space study – Tom Hehman/Melanie Hennigan
(Grimm & Parker)
5:15 p.m. Budget amendment for the Water Plant for require chemicals – Jim Caldwell
5:40 p.m. Council discussion – expectations regarding MUNIS reports
6:10 p.m. Council discussion – Building, Permitting & Inspections, Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance and any other departments with records retention schedules relating to the use of property or compliance of property
6:40 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
7:10 p.m. Adjourn
The Council reserves the right to convene in Closed Session as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

Debbie Campbell Volunteers

2008-11-29T10:33:00.002-05:00

Debbie Campbell will be at Giant Foods this morning, 9am until Noon. Debbie will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Come on out and help fill the kettle.

Campbell on Reddish

2008-11-17T21:10:00.001-05:00

Debbie Campbell will be on WICO 1320 AM at 7:40am Tuesday November 18.

Salisbury City Council Agenda for November 3, 2008

2008-11-03T09:59:00.002-05:00

Work Session to be held in Conference Room 305 at the Government Office Building.

4:30 FY07 Bond Ordinance amendment - Pam Oland

5:00 Take home vehicle policy - John Pick

5:30 Records Management and Retention Policy - Brenda Colegrove/Kim Nichols

6:00 Update on Delmarva Power lift station - Jim Caldwell

6:30 Accepting donation of Anderson property located on Anne and Short Streets - John Pick

6:55 General discussion/upcoming agendas

7:00 Adjourn

The Council reserves the right to convene in Closed Session as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

Campbell on Reddish

2008-11-02T23:32:00.002-05:00

Debbie Campbell will be a guess on the Bill Reddish Morning Show. WICO 1320 AM at 7:40 a.m.

Campbell and Cohen Advance Take-Home Vehicle and Service Bids Policies

2008-10-28T16:30:00.002-04:00

Campbell is also happy to report that the take-home vehicle policy is finally coming back to council for review and expresses guarded optimism that there will be significant reform that will equate to meaningful savings. Campbell is on record as supporting take home cars for police officers living within the metro core, but has been opposed to the liberal take home car policies in other departments and for those living outside the area...sometimes outside Wicomico County and even the state of Maryland.

“Councilwoman Cohen and I have been working to ensure that representations made at budget time to take other contracts for goods and services out for competitive pricing will be realized within the next month and will result in additional savings,” Campbell added.

Cohen Pushes for Greater Accountability and Effectiveness in Marina Management

2008-10-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

As directed by the city council, the city administration is preparing to issue a new RFP (Request for Proposal) for management of the Port of Salisbury Marina, which has consistently had losses – often around $50,000 – annually. As a boater/sailor with knowledge of different marinas, Councilwoman Cohen has pushed for greater accountability and effectiveness in marina operations.

“Some say we should sell the marina, which is certainly an option, but not likely to happen soon in today’s volatile downturn economy,” Cohen remarked. “I see the potential in the marina, even given some of the obstacles it faces.”

Cohen recently made a tour of the marina and contacts with those familiar with it. She has made recommendations for changes to the RFP and is in the process of reviewing the revised version. The city administration is hoping to put it out to the public in the first week of November.

“With the right approach, personnel and contract requirements, we can realize that potential and both leverage the marina as a public asset and relieve the taxpayers of ongoing losses,” Cohen explained.

Campbell Promotes Fiscal Responsibility for Taxpayers

2008-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Another of Councilwoman Campbell’s efforts has been focused on a revisit of the current budget to reduce spending in response to the volatile financial times facing our taxpayers. The suggestion to go back and offer budget amendments to cut costs was advanced at the Goal Setting Session earlier this month and again at the work session held on October 20th.

“The response from the council majority has been less than supportive,” said Campbell, citing remarks that reducing spending in the current fiscal year is the job of the administration.

“To date, there has been no offer by the administration to revisit the budget in response to these tough economic times, either at the Goal Setting Session or since that time. The council has the authority to make budget amendments. If the administration doesn’t act upon the suggestion in the next few weeks then I believe that we (the council) owe it to our taxpayers to take a second look in order to see if there are areas where cutbacks can be made,” Campbell added.

Cohen Speaks to Students about Land Use, Zoning and Crime

2008-10-27T19:45:00.000-04:00

On October 22, as reported in the Daily Times, Councilwoman Cohen joined resident of the Johnson’s Lake Neighborhood Association in speaking to a class of “land use and planning” students at Salisbury University. After hearing about crime in the Johnson’s Lake area and what residents are doing to protect their single-family home neighborhood, the SU students heard Cohen explain the relationship between planning, zoning, crime, enforcement and tax dollars.

“As I explained to the city council before I became a part of it, good planning and zoning is a foundation for quality of life that is often taken for granted,” Cohen said. “For example, it’s what keeps the fish packing plant from being erected right next door to your home.”

“When cities are designed well, when transportation modes and paths encourage economic development rather than poverty, much less has to be invested in enforcement matters. When zoning codes are routinely enforced, fewer dollars and resources have to be put toward fixing what was allowed to get broken,” Cohen explained.

Cohen also noted that the City of Salisbury Comprehensive Plan Community Input Meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, from 6-9 p.m. at the new Salisbury Fire Station 16 on Cypress St. The public is encouraged to come be a part of the process.

Campbell’s Crime Task Force Subcommittee Leads the Way

2008-10-27T19:30:00.000-04:00

Campbell has also been working on the Mayor’s Crime Task Force, leading a subcommittee that has been very action oriented. After conducting walks through city neighborhoods hardest hit by crime, the subcommittee began work on solutions. Part of the work also included the development of a web site so that members of the group can easily share articles, research, and links that will assist in reducing crime. The site is also available to the public. The address is www.salisburycrime.blogspot.com.

Other subcommittee accomplishments include:
•Identifying the top 5 residential addresses for calls for service in each neighborhood visited (maps are on the web site) and working with Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance (NSCC) to ensure that the properties are in compliance
•Bringing attention to the conditions at 600 W. Railroad Ave., where an inspection has now taken place
•Planning a trip to the Dover Police Department to discuss crime reduction strategies,
•Implementing an initiative targeted at reducing crime during the holiday season (Nov. 1 – Dec. 31), and
•Producing a Salisbury crime map that should assist residents in seeing where crime is occurring in our city so that we can work proactively with the police and to protect ourselves. This mapping service is available free to the city and can be viewed at www.spotcrime.com/md/salisbury

Special thanks is extended to the first and second group of subcommittee members: Carol Smith, Pat Gotham, Chief Ed Lashley…and new members Sheriff Lewis, Ryan Ewalt, Councilwoman Shields, and Reverend Wilson.

Campbell Moves Forward on Protecting the River

2008-10-27T19:10:00.001-04:00

The following post is one of several issue updates being released today, tomorrow and throughout the week by Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen about work they have been doing on behalf of their constituents during a very busy period:

Councilwoman Campbell has continued to research solutions for filtration of storm water. After voting “nay” on the Waverly Drive” storm water project because the city would not include a method of filtering floatables before runoff from 225 acres poured out into the river Campbell began a quest to find a solution for filtration. Councilwoman voted “nay” as well for the same reason.

After months of research, she identified and researched a system that seems workable, both financially and environmentally, and has submitted her idea to the city. The cost of the storm water filtration inlets is actually less than the amount budgeted for traditional inlets for the project. For more information regarding the inlets go to www.clearwaterbmp.com.

City Council Agenda Monday October 27, 2008

2008-10-27T08:43:00.002-04:00

CITY OF SALISBURY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Meeting #19 October 27, 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
6:06 p.m. PRESENTATION – Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
• Salisbury Police Department reaccreditation
6:18 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA

• October 13, 2008 minutes 1a

• Resolution No. 1711 – accepting funds in cooperation with the Maryland Office of Highway Safety to provide for overtime reimbursement to police officers participating in DUI enforcement 1b

• Resolution No. 1712 – accepting a grant from the Maryland Association of Historic District Commissions 1c

• Resolution No. 1713 – approving a Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Community Legacy grant application for funds to provide for Phase 3 of the Isabella Streetscape project and funding for Phase 1 of the Mill Street/West Main Street pedestrian connectivity project 1d

• Resolution No. 1714 – reappointment to City Park Committee 1e

6:20 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland 2

6:45 p.m. RESOLUTION – City Administrator John Pick

• Resolution No. 1715 - adoption of Flood Mitigation Plan 3

7:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7:15 p.m. ADJOURN
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 November 10, 2008 (subject to change)
• Resolution – Shore Transit lease renewal
• Resolution – accepting Emergency Shelter grant

Debbie Campbell on Reddish

2008-10-26T23:09:00.001-04:00

Debbie Campbell on Bill Reddish morning show at 7:40a.m. on WICO 1320 AM

Cohen on Reddish

2008-10-19T22:06:00.003-04:00

Councilwoman Terry Cohen will be on WICO 1320 AM, the Bill Reddish Morning Show at 7:40 a.m. Monday October 20th.

City Council Work Session

2008-09-02T14:43:00.002-04:00

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
- - - - - - - - - - -
SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

4:30 p.m. Changes to Employee Handbook – Pam Oland
5:00 p.m. Annexation Introductions - Matt Hedger
• Onley Road/Fenzel
• Beaglin Park Drive/Elliott
• Leonard Lane/R.E. Michel
6:00 p.m. Presentation on North Prong Strategic Revitalization Plan – Tom McGillowey
6:45 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
6:50 p.m. Adjourn

The Briefing Book containing information pertaining to the North Prong is located on the right side of this page, file name Sept 2, 2008.

Cohen on Reddish Monday August 18

2008-08-17T20:47:00.001-04:00

Terry Cohen will be on Bill Reddish Show, WICO 1320 AM, tomorrow morning at 7:40am.
The main topic will be crime.

City Council Meeting Agenda Aug. 11, 2008

2008-08-11T14:48:00.003-04:00

It is possible the Public Comment portion of the meeting will be moved to the beginning of the meeting.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:07 p.m. SPECIAL PRESENTATION – Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
6:13 p.m. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION – Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman

6:25 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA
• July 28, 2008 Minutes 1a

• Ordinance No. 2059 - 2nd reading – amendment to Chapter 15, Housing Standards, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, to reflect the 2006 International Codes 1b

• Ordinance No. 2060 - 2nd reading – amending Chapter 1.08, Election Board, of the Salisbury Municipal Code 1c

• Ordinance No. 2061 - 2nd reading – authorizing mayor to sign a Deed of Release of Easement for an unused underground utility easement in a closed street (Plant Street)1d

• Resolution No. 1679 - accepting $7,000 in state grant funds awarded through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for the designated CSAFE II area 1e

• Resolution No. 1680 - reappointment of Dr. Norman C. Lyster to Ethics Commission 1f

• Resolution No. 1681 - reappointments of Andrew C. Mitchell and William Ahtes to the Central City District Commission 1g

6:27 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland 2

6:35 p.m. MANUFACTURING EXEMPTION REQUEST – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland
• K & L Microwave 3

6:45 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick

• Resolution No. 1682 - approving a policy on substantial conformance to be added to the City’s Enhanced Annexation Procedures and Principles 4a
• Resolution No. 1683 - authorizing residential permit parking on the 1100 block of Russell Avenue 4b

• Resolution No. 1684 - authorizing residential permit parking on the north side of the 300 block of Powell Avenue and to restrict parking on the south side of the 300 block of Powell Avenue 4c

7:15 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – City Administrator John Pick
• Ordinance No. 2062 - road closures and dedication of right-of-way by Peninsula Regional Medical Center 5
7:30 p.m. CHARTER AMENDMENT – City Attorney Paul Wilber

• Resolution No. 1685 - amending 1) §SC6-6, Nomination, by moving the time frame for a candidate for public office to file a certificate of nomination with the City Clerk to on or before 4:30 p.m. on the eleventh Tuesday prior to the date for the General City Election; 2) §SC6-12, Vacancies, to call for a Special Election in case of a vacancy for any reason on the Council or in the Office of Mayor within the first forty-two months of the term and providing for appointment by Council with six months or less in the term; and 3) adding §SC6-15, Tie Elections, by creating a procedure for forwarding candidates from the Primary Election to the General Election who have an equal number of votes and for providing a Special Election for candidates with an equal number of votes for certain offices in the General Election 6

8:00 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber

• Ordinance No. 2063 - 1st reading – FY09 budget amendment for the Lemmon Hill Lane standpipe structural assessment 7a

• Ordinance No. 2064 - 1st reading – Westwood Commerce Park PDD 7b

• Ordinance No. 2065 - 1st reading – Water and Sewer Allocation Management Plan 7c

8:50 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

9:00 p.m. ADJOURN

City Council Work Session Agenda Aug 4, 2008

2008-08-04T11:07:00.001-04:00

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
- - - - - - - - - - -
AUGUST 4, 2008
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
4:30 p.m. Chesapeake Bay Foundation presentation on living shoreline project – Margaret Vivian

5:00 p.m. Annexation introductions – Matt Hedger
• Merritt Mill Road/John W. & Marian H. Smith
• Pemberton Drive/R.D. Todd Inc.

5:45 p.m. Zoo Commission Mission Statement change – Jim Caldwell

6:15 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas

6:30 p.m. Adjourn

The Council reserves the right to convene in Closed Session
as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

Stakeholder Meeting #3 July 28th, 2008

2008-07-27T23:05:00.005-04:00

The third stakeholder meeting for the Wicomico County, Town of Mardela Springs, and City of Salisbury Water Resource Elements will be held on Monday, July 28th, starting at 6:00 PM at the Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center, Flanders Rooms 3 and 4.

Go here to read more.

The Connection Between a Deer and Open Government

2008-07-21T09:46:00.008-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Friday, Salisbury Zoo Director Joel Hamilton provided an update on the “perruque-headed” deer about which so many citizens have expressed concern or puzzlement, or both. I’d like to thank Mr. Hamilton for his comprehensive report to the council. The 3-page report appears below this post in images you can click to enlarge and read.

I appreciate Mr. Hamilton’s responsiveness to this situation. It’s unfortunate that my efforts last year to have a simple conversation in order to be responsive to constituent concerns could not have been met with a similar prompt and constructive reaction from the administration and council leadership. (See posts from this past week).
Deer Part 1,
Deer Part 2,
Deer Part 3

When legislators in our three-branch form of government are elected, they are not selected to merely sit in a room and rubber stamp law. They are elected to serve as representatives of the people. Doing so involves oversight and constituent service, not just legislation. I make the effort to do all three.

This situation with the deer became overly complicated by an obstructive approach to government that minimizes the importance of the legislator as a representative of the people. Before Councilwoman Debbie Campbell was even sworn in, an email from then-Council President Mike Dunn to Mayor Barrie Tilghman sought to find ways to keep Councilwoman Campbell from talking freely with department heads. Substitute a tax increase, wastewater treatment spills or any number of issues for the controversy over the deer and perhaps you can better appreciate the significance of this pattern.

If the administration “trusts the staff” as much as proclaimed, then let them operate as the adults I believe them to be, capable of making their own appointments and having conversations with legislators without the micromanagement and monitoring of their every exchange with the people’s duly elected representatives. Direct questions from Councilwoman Campbell and me to department heads for the purpose of oversight have been mislabeled at every opportunity as “demands” and “personal attacks” to undermine accountability and communication.

Communication is the bedrock of cooperation in achieving goals and a government responsive to the people. I know the difference between making inquiries and positive communication toward solutions versus directing staff.

It’s not my job to tell Mr. Hamilton what the best option is for the deer. For example, as he notes in his report, while surgery may be an option, it carries risks as well, from how anesthesia is administered to control of bleeding afterward. Even experts in any field will disagree on the best course of action for a situation.

Mr. Hamilton has made a commitment to look into care options, been prompt and comprehensive in his response, and provided an opportunity for the concerned public to better understand the animal and the situation. At this point in time, I think that effort is to be commended and needs to be allowed to progress.

As for the larger matter about hindering legislators in the performance of their duties, I can hope that, in time, the administration and council leadership will be more open and welcoming in the future. In the meantime, more citizens are taking notice and taking issue with being disenfranchised by such acts.

To read Mr. Hamiltons update click on the photos below to enlarge.

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Councilwoman Cohen on WICO Monday Morning, 7:40 a.m.

2008-07-20T22:29:00.000-04:00

Monday, Terry Cohen will be Bill Reddish's guest on his show, "A.M. Salisbury," on WICO 1320AM at 7:40 a.m. to discuss issues of interest to local citizens.

Understanding Recent Developments With PAC 14

2008-07-18T22:10:00.002-04:00

At last Monday night’s city council meeting, PAC14 Station Manager Mike Goodson came before council with a request for a letter of support to ask Comcast to add 85 cents to the cable subscriber fee. The purpose of the fee would be to generate almost $2 million over the next 8 years to fund a new facility for PAC14, which would include a community media center.

We had questions about a task force that was formed to spearhead this effort. PAC14 already has a duly appointed board with representatives from the city, county, and Salisbury University. (Editor’s Note: Debbie Campbell is the liaison from the Salisbury City Council.)

One question was, why was none of this brought through the duly appointed board? Why hasn’t that board been convened in a year-and-a-half? Another was, why was no one involved willing to disclose the names of the task force members or the task force’s meeting schedule?

We want to note that we are big supporters of PAC14 and its great value to our community. (Editor’s Note: Both Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen went through training with PAC14 long before their elections. Debbie has encouraged many others to get the training, and Terry Cohen helped film the Jaycees’ celebration of Salisbury 275th Anniversary.)

We also want to emphasize that our questions are not intended to reflect negatively in any way on any member of the task force willing to give their time to support this important community asset. The question about who is on the task force has been answered by the administration. At the end of this post is a list of the members with a brief description (we assume written by the administration) after each name.

For us, the issues of appropriate process and transparency are important when dealing with both a publicly funded public asset such as PAC14 and consideration of any kind of rate increase to citizens. Maryland’s Task Force to Study the Effects of Cult Activities on Public Senior Higher Education Institutions is a good example of a task force formed through an open process and operating with a focus on transparency. That body complies with the Open Meetings Act even if not necessary and provides public input time at its meetings.

Also, the question regarding whether the city has honored its financial obligations in its payments to PAC14 in full accordance with the calculations articulated in the code remains unanswered.

As additional information becomes available, we will share it here. As soon as possible, we will post a download link to the audio of the July 14 council meeting so you can hear the discussion first hand. Per mention above, this is the list of Task Force members:

1. Phil Tilghman, former County Council Pres, long time PAC 14 show host of "One On One"
2. Charles ‘Chip’ Dashiell, Attorney at Law, former County Council member
3. Dr Nevins Todd
4. Bruce Patterson, Penn. Regional Med Cntr., chairman school building commission
5. Ed Kremer, retired Airport Commission President
6. Richard Holloway, local businessman (formerly with Chamber of Commerce)
7. Faye Wilson, Dr., Wico. Board of Ed Coord. of Communications & Parent/Community outreach, long-time local producer of BOE award winning show on PAC 14, "Working Together for Children"
8. Mike Scott, Dr., Prof Geosciences SU / DDHT (PAC 14's Digitizing Delmarva Heritage & Traditions)
9. Michael Pretl, Attorney at Law, associated with numerous health care orgs / and environmental orgs
10. Jim Rapp, former Sal Zoo Director / DELITE NP org
11. Gee Williams, Dir of Marketing Comm. Foundation of Eastern Shore
12. Sue Revelle, "Women Supporting Women", breast cancer org / PAC 14 program of same name
13. Thomas Robinson, Christ United Methodist Church, longest running local Access producers
14. Henrietta Parker, Wico Mentoring
15. Kevin Byrd, P.O. Box 2163, Salisbury, MD 21801
16. Eleanor Mulligan, 229 Canal Park Dr., Salisbury, MD
17. Mary DiBartolo, Department of Nursing, SU
18. Marion Keenan, President, Coastal Hospice.

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA

2008-07-18T12:22:00.002-04:00

JULY 21, 2008
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

4:30 p.m. Further discussion – West Road/Rinnier Annexation – Matt Hedger
5:15 p.m. Further discussion – election issues – Brenda Colegrove/Anthony Gutierrez
• Vacancies
• Tie votes
6:00 p.m. Water and Sewer Allocation Management Plan – Jim Caldwell
7:10 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
7:15 p.m. Adjourn

Briefing Book

The Council reserves the right to convene in Closed Session
as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

Follow Up on Salisbury Zoo Deer – Part 3 of 3

2008-07-15T23:21:00.002-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

If you would like to learn more about the condition of the Salisbury Zoo deer with the deformed antler mass on its head, you can check into some of the links I did last year and recently. I originally searched on something like “deformed antlers.” I can’t locate the original taxidermy site of mounted heads of deer, but the photos were similar to those found when you scroll down on this site:
Taxidermy Forum

That was where I first learned of the term “perruque.”

I also discovered “The Deer Vet,” Dr. English, in Australia. I read the questions and answers on this link:
Vet FAQs

His email was there, so I took a chance of sending in my own question, and to my pleasant surprise, Dr. English was kind enough to respond within one or two hours. He was essentially saying the condition could be treated surgically if the proper precautions were taken. This was a year ago, as detailed in Parts 1 and 2 below.

After Joe Albero contacted the council, mayor and administration with his deep concern about the expansion of the growths on the deer’s head as documented by a visitor to the zoo this past weekend, I told him of my inquiries last year and shared information about the Deer Vet and this link, which predicts a bad end for a deer with a perruque head:
Does this deer have a perruque head?

After Monday night’s meeting, I got to see the email from Joel Hamilton, the new director of the Salisbury Zoo, who outlined one step taken recently to attempt to deal with part of the growth (see Part 2 below). He shared this link to provide Mr. Albero. Cactus-Bucks

This was interesting because, although the condition description was similar, the antler deformity was different looking than the perruque, and the term matched the one in Mr. Messick’s reply of last year.

Another search today turned up another link. See the portion about “Velvet Bucks” within this article. Bizarre-Bucks

Finally, this link raises one risk that faces this deer: septicaemia (blood poisoning. Under “Antler Development,” the article states: “Septicaemia arising through infection of the perruque is a common cause of death in afflicted bucks.”
Wildlife online

As noted in Part 1 of this series, I understand individual legislators cannot direct staff. But as a representative of my constituents, it is my responsibility to share concerns and information and to request updates and responsiveness from the administration on citizens’ behalf. It’s my duty to protect assets of the city and its taxpayers, which this deer is.

Finally, as a human being and animal lover from birth, it’s simply my nature to care about this animal and want to see the best outcome for it.

Follow up on Salisbury Zoo Deer – Part 2 of 3

2008-07-15T22:16:00.006-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

In this post, I share the July 18, 2007, letter about the perruque-headed deer at the Salisbury Zoo, which I provided to Ron Alessi, chair of the Salisbury Zoo Commission, and Gary Muir, who was then Interim Zoo Director, with a copy to the mayor.

Click to Enlarge

Following that is the response I received weeks later. Both letters help shed some light on the condition affecting this deer. I should note that the response letter seems to indicate that the decision to castrate was made by the medical team, when I’ve heard such decisions have been a joint decision of zoo personnel, right on up through the director.

Click to Enlarge

The 2007 response letter, which you can click to enlarge and read, refers to the deer as a “cactus buck.” This seems to be a term more common to sportsmen. When I look at pictures of “cactus bucks” and pictures of “perruque heads,” I believe this latter term (from the French for “wig”) suits our deer in the Salisbury Zoo better. In Part 3, I’ll post links that will help you learn more about these terms and deformities.

Click to Enlarge

Whether they are considered the same condition or not, their cause tends to be the same: testicular injury, castration, or otherwise caused hormonal imbalance, with even does being affected and displaying antlers. Other suspected causes, according to literature, include possible endocrine issues or other illness.

Although I’m reasonably well-versed in animals for a layperson, I’m not a vet and I’m not a deer, so I can’t tell you if the animal is suffering substantially or if it’s just a little uncomfortable, perhaps bothered more than is typical by itching and flies. If the deer is eating and drinking well, interacting normally with the other deer appropriately, in all likelihood, its quality of life may not be impacted seriously enough to warrant euthanasia.

My frustration with this situation as expressed last night is, options may be (or may have been) available to improve the deer’s condition, as I explained last year.. Left untreated, I suspect it will reach the euthanasia stage. (Again, this is just my opinion based on research.) The deer’s condition is visibly worse than a year ago, and no updates were forthcoming from the administration until the public was newly shocked by recent zoo visits and/or the release of a picture just taken by a visitor.

The final image below that you can click on and enlarge to read is the email from our new zoo director, Joel Hamilton, referenced by Council Member Shanie Shields last night. The email clarifies a representation Shields made about “tying off” the growth. The entire growth has not been banded, just the long pendulous extension by the deer’s left jaw.

Click to Enlarge

This is not a mole. It is not a tumor, unless one is classifying abnormal growth generally as a tumor. Mr. Hamilton’s email, like the other two images, explains what the condition is. He also provides an update and some reassurances from his vantage point. Please take the time to read these communications because they do provide information and perspective.

As for whether or not this deer should be on public display, especially with an attraction near and dear to small children, is another matter for debate. On one hand, learning about abnormalities in nature (naturally occurring or man-made) can lead to better understanding. On the other hand, one needs to ensure that such education is handled in a way that achieves that goal without unintended consequences, and that the first consideration is the well-being of the animal.

If options exist to improve its condition or comfort, I hope the administration will ensure they are explored. As I said last night, I offered a specialist resource with whom contact would not cost a cent. We spend substantial taxpayer dollars to be members of the American Zoological Association (AZA) and the association for zookeepers. Perhaps these networks can be tapped for ideas and options.

I thank Mr. Hamilton for promptly responding in a way that council members can share with the public, and I leave the public to draw its own conclusions about this information.

Follow Up on Deer at Zoo – Part 1 of 3

2008-07-15T16:09:00.002-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Last night at the city council meeting, I raised the status of the Salisbury Zoo’s perruque-headed deer. I was elected to be responsive to the concerns of citizens, to be a representative, and would like to take this opportunity to share communications from my involvement.

While my political critics may call this airing dirty laundry, I think in light of last night’s 3-to-2 council decision to further block the free flow of information to representatives and to the citizens directly, this is a valuable exchange for the public to view. You can judge for yourself if my communications to staff were disrespectful, as the mayor has often accused me. You can ask yourself why the mayor seemed more concerned about protocol and control than the welfare of the animal.

When the deer was first brought to my attention last year by a number of concerned citizens, I sent an email to then-Interim Zoo Director Gary Muir on July 5, 2007. I come from a long political and legislative background where open communication is used to solve problems, so it was natural for me to send this request. The text of that email was:

Mr. Muir,

First, thank you for consenting to serve as interim zoo director following Mr. Rapp's departure. That willingness to serve is very appreciated, and I'm sure your long experience with the Salisbury Zoo will be beneficial in the position.

I'd like to ask for your help regarding the perruque-headed deer at the zoo. Some residents have expressed concern over its well-being, so this weekend I did some research and actually communicated about the condition with an Australian veterinarian who specializes in deer.

Would you have a few minutes to discuss this with me in the next couple of days? It would be most appreciated as I would like to support efforts to ensure the buck's well-being and comfort, as well as share mutually beneficial information.

You may reach me via this email, or by calling 410-845-0296. Thank you very much.

Terry E. Cohen

Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410-845-0296

The first response I received on the matter was July 9, 2007, from Mayor Barrie Tilghman. Among her comments was a false charge that I violated the charter. (Requesting a conversation with someone to share information is hardly “administering staff.” I’ll reserve this discussion for a later time.) The text of her email follows:

Terry: I have done everything I can to communicate the protocol as it relates to direct communication with City staff by Council members. A simple question is one thing but requesting a meeting to discuss specific issues at the Zoo without any communication with the City Administrator, the mayor or even the Department Director of Public Works is in clear violation of the City Charter's provision that the Mayor is the chief elected official and administers the day-to-day operation of the City. Whether I am mayor or not is not at issue. The mayor cannot vote on legislation and the City Council cannot direct and meet with staff on operational issues. This is confusing to staff and cannot continue. I
If you would like a discussion and consideration of your ideas as they relate to the care/condition of the deer, please make your request to either John Pick or me and we will be happy to arrange a meeting with the appropriate staff. I take Citizen and Council concerns very seriously, but John Pick and I administer the staff, not you or any member of the City Council.

Below is my response to the mayor, also dated July 9, 2007. At the time, there was no written policy concerning council members contacting department heads directly. I believe my email response may have triggered the memo from Council President Smith (posted yesterday) that started the most recent effort to shut down the flow of information (the previous one was the email from former Council President Dunn to Mayor Tilghman seeking to establish ways to prevent Council Member Debbie Campbell from talking to department heads.)

Mayor Tilghman,

There is nothing subversive nor personally intended toward you about my request to talk with the interim zoo director to share information concerning the health of an animal brought to my attention by constituents. I only wish to ensure its comfort and to respond soundly to constituents who have expressed concern about it, with communication with the zoo first.

I did not specifically request “a meeting,” but “a few minutes to discuss” the condition of a deer with a perruque head. This can be done by phone. A copy of the respectful email to Mr. Muir follows my signature and photographs of the deer are attached or can be found at the following link: Photos

Since my email to Mr. Muir involved a request for a few minutes of his time at his convenience and his discretion and was not a demand for a meeting on my schedule, my request was obviously not an attempt to “administer the staff.” At his level of responsibility, I would have assumed that Mr. Muir would be empowered to decide such daily routine tasks as taking or making a phone call, whether involving a council member or a citizen.

Therefore, I believe your assessment that my action is a violation of the charter based on the broadest language is not only incorrect, but also curious light of your lack of reaction to the Chief of Police and the former Zoo Director addressing the council on budget matters in conflict with the very distinct charter language prohibiting such actions.

I think it would be valuable for the entire council to receive a copy of the official policy you allude to (I do not have a copy) and to discuss its application to legislators being able to fulfill their legislative duties through ordinary conversations with staff.

This would cover questions such as: Are the agency and department heads not allowed to speak to legislators regarding constituent concerns or city business without express approval from your office? Are agency and department heads not empowered to decide for themselves if their schedules permit meetings or phone calls? Is it only legislators who must clear their communications through your office, or must citizens do so as well? What types of communications and by what method? What is the difference between “a simple question” as noted in your email and “a few minutes to discuss” as noted in mine?

We could also discuss the issue of equity and consistent application. While I have heard other council members say they “talked with Chief Webster” or “worked with Pam Oland,” I have not been copied by Mr. Pick on these exchanges as my inquiries and their responses have been copied to the entire council. I have no problem with my inquiries and the responses being copied as I support open communication. However, the same access to city employees and the same “rules” on dissemination of information should be applied to all council members. That clearly does not seem to be the case. In the public’s interest, at what point do politics leave off and obstructions of the ability to perform legislative duties begin?

We might also address how many hours of city employee time, legislators’ time and taxpayer dollars are spent by current practices vs. a more open avenue of communication.

In the meantime, as a human being who cares for and about animals, let alone a council member, I’m aghast that you would spend time sending an email asserting charter violations toward me for simply endeavoring to help an animal, assist our zoo, and provide accurate information to constituents to address their concerns in a responsible manner, while being mindful of a city agency head’s valuable time by sending a respectful email requesting a few minutes to talk. The original email follows my signature.

In the time spent on this matter, I could have had a productive, brief conversation with the interim zoo director that might benefit an animal that by all accounts, to one degree or another, is suffering from what appears to be a treatable condition.

Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410-845-0296

In Part 2, I will share the letter I wrote to the Salisbury Zoo Commission chair and to Mr. Muir regarding the deer, the response received last year, and the response this year received after the council was contacted by Joe Albero. In Part 3, I will share links for those who want to learn more about the condition this deer has.

Rules Resolution Raises Questions

2008-07-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Constituents have raised some interesting questions and comments to me about Resolution 1672 which will be considered in tonight’s council meeting, starting at 6 p.m. The resolution is designed to change the Council Rules of Order to further limit debate at council meetings and disallow anonymous letters being introduced to council. The resolution was proposed by Council President Smith and supported by Council Vice President Comegys and Councilwoman Shields.

It’s a little hard to know how extensively to discuss a seemingly minor resolution, until one looks at the context in which it’s set. For starters, it was discussed at a specially scheduled work session held June 16, for which neither Councilwoman Campbell nor I could change our schedules to attend. That hardly seems a good way to create consensus, collaboration or “unity,” but it is what it is.

Recently, I learned that council’s discussion last year on September 17 to consider rule changes to limit council members’ ability to ask questions directly of department heads and city staff apparently was a waste of time. Council President Smith’s July 17th memo about it was already distributed to all department heads by City Administrator John Pick on July 18th – two months before our discussion. The memos appear at the end of this post and in a PDF at right with other memos of interest on this topic.

There are so many points that came up in conversation, I can but touch on them here. One key question was, the council president is given such broad powers already to control debate, why is yet another rule needed in an attempt to further consolidate that power?

As for the disallowance of anonymous letters, I’m used to the open government style of federal agencies that not only accept anonymous letters for their public records, but also post them along with signed letters on their websites. I’m more concerned about constituent claims of experiencing retaliation from their government.

I’m somewhat puzzled that my colleagues don’t want anonymous letters on the record, yet they are willing to create policy based on the log Council President Smith kept (also in the PDF file) of comments anonymous to everyone, except perhaps to Council President Smith. It’s also interesting that such a large number of constituents contacting Council President Smith are concerned with the smooth presentation of meetings. The many constituents who contact me (I confess, I’m not keeping a log) seem far more concerned about double-digit tax and rate increases, crime, deteriorating neighborhoods, pollution in the river, housing, jobs, access to information, and similar issues.

In closing, is this just a simple rule change for “efficiency,” or given the history of memos like the one below and in the PDF file at right, under the heading of Documents of Interest, plus the 10 previous changes to the Council Rules of Order, does it contribute further to constituents’ expressed sense of blocked information flow and disenfranchisement as voters? It’s a question I’ll have to grapple with tonight as the vote comes up.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Cohen on WICO, Council Meets Monday Night

2008-07-13T20:30:00.001-04:00

Councilwoman Terry Cohen will be Bill Reddish's guest on the "AM Salisbury" show on WICO at 7:40 a.m. tomorrow. Don't forget the council meets Monday night at 6 p.m. on a number of important issues. The agenda appears below, and the briefing packet file is available in the links at right.

No Fines for WWTP Spills, WBOC Reports

2008-07-10T20:46:00.003-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Tonight, WBOC reported that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will not fine the City of Salisbury for the Waste water Treatment Plant (WWTP) spills of June 17 and 19. According to the WBOC report, a fine is not being incurred because the MDE concluded the problem was due to "contractor error."

Click here to see the full WBOC report.

Also aired today by WMDT was a follow up on the fine that was imposed on the city for its higher-than-allowed contaminant levels in "normal discharge" (not spills), as posted on this site on Wednesday (see below). The WMDT story indicated that the MDE just completed an annual inspection of the plant, and a review of that the inspection is just starting.

Click here to see the full WMDT report.

Based on these reports, I am making additional requests to the administration for documents and a more in-depth understanding of such issues as the new valve referenced in the WBOC report.

I am pleased to hear that the city was not deemed at fault for the spills and will not incur a fine for them. I commend both TV stations for their follow up on the WWTP issues.

Both Councilwoman Campbell and I have been asking questions about accountability, costs, and preventive steps. While there is still much yet to know and understand, it is gratifying that constituents are getting some questions answered about an issue of great importance to them.

City Council Agenda for July 14, 2008

2008-07-10T20:12:00.003-04:00

A regular meeting of the Salisbury City Council will be held Monday July 14, 2008 at the Government Office Building Room 301 at 6:00 PM.

Closed Session
5:00 p.m. – Conference Room 305
Acquisition of property as permitted under the
Annotated Code of Maryland Section 10-508(a)(3)(7)

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:06 p.m. PRESENTATION/RECOGNITION – Fire Chief David See/Mark Cotter

6:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA
• June 9, 2008 Minutes 1a
• June 30, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes 1b
• July 7, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes 1c
• Ordinance No. 2055 – 2nd reading – service and lease agreement between the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County Board of Elections 1d
• Resolution No. 1669 - appointment of Arlene T. Ennis to City Board of Elections Supervisors 1e
• Resolution No. 1670 - appointment of Aleta Davis to Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion Board of Directors 1f
• Resolution No. 1671 - appointment of Marshall Zugehar to Central City District Commission 1g

6:18 p.m. RESOLUTION – Council President Louise Smith
• Resolution No. 1672 - amendments to City Council Regulations and Rules of Order 2

6:40 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services-Procurement Karen Reddersen 3

7:00 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Administrator John Pick
• Ordinance No. 2056 – 2nd reading – bond ordinance amendment 4a
• Ordinance No. 2057 – 2nd reading – rental registration amendments 4b
• Ordinance No. 2058 – 2nd reading – amending parking permit and meter rates 4c
• Ordinance No. 2059 - 1st reading – amendment to Chapter 15, Housing Standards, of the Salisbury Municipal Code, to reflect the 2006 International Codes 4d
• Ordinance No. 2060 - 1st reading – amending Chapter 1.08, Election Board, of the Salisbury Municipal Code 4e
• Ordinance No. 2061 - 1st reading – authorizing mayor to sign a Deed of Release of Easement for an unused underground utility easement in a closed street - Plant Street 4f

8:20 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
• Resolution No. 1673 - authorizing mayor to sign a joint letter with Wicomico County requesting that Comcast provide support to PAC14 for the acquisition of capital facilities and equipment 5a
• Resolution No. 1674 - approving memorandum of understanding for outside police agencies to acquire access to the City’s RMS/CAD for use by its police officers 5b

8:50 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

9:00 p.m. ADJOURN

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 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 July 28, 2008 (subject to change)
• Public Hearing – amendment to Chapter 15, Housing Standards, of the Salisbury Municipal Code to reflect 2006 International Codes (Ordinance No. 2059)
• Public Hearing – amending Chapter 1.08, Election Board, of the Salisbury Municipal Code (Ordinance No. 2060)
• Public Hearing – authorizing mayor to sign a Deed of Release of Easement for an unused underground utility easement in a closed street - Plant Street (Ordinance No. 2061)
• Ordinance 1st reading – right-of-way changes by PRMC

Reports Concerning the WWTP Spills of June 17 and 19

2008-07-09T16:19:00.002-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

The two files you can review with this post relate to the most recent Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) spills in June. On June 24, I followed up my questions posed between the two spills by asking for copies of the City's report to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The first file, City Report to MDE is that report, dated June 20, 2008.

The second file, Sewer Spills Report to Council June 25 2008 is a more general response by the administration (particular author not shown, but sent to us by Mr. Pick) addressing accountability questions and next steps for reducing risk of further incidents. Both files were sent to council on June 25 by Mr. Pick, and I appreciate his follow up.

While some of this information is of a technical nature, it may provide concerned members of the public some insight into what is taking place with the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), administrative action and involvement by the MDE. In addition to all of us wanting accountability and prevention for the health of the Wicomico River, the public's trust and confidence in their government is strengthened when we can talk openly and straightforward about problems when they occur. I hope sharing these files will contribute to achieving those goals.

City Incurs MDE Fines for Consent Order Violations

2008-07-09T07:44:00.002-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Just received by the city council on July 8, 2008, is a memo from the Office of the Mayor concerning a $10,200 in fines by the MDE for violations of the consent order discharge limits. This relates to a period from June 2006 through April 10, 2008. The bulk of the violations (11) and fines ($6,500) relate to the period November 2007through February 2008.

The memo covers a June 13, 2008 correspondence from Department of Public Works Director Jim Caldwell, with which he attached the communications from the MDE received June 4, 2008.

These fines are not related to the two spills in June of this year.

I won’t speculate as to why this information took about a month to make its way to council. Given the great concern expressed by many about the WWTP and the possibility of fines, I wanted to share this information with our citizens as soon as possible.

City Administrator John Pick was kind enough to send me my requested information for any communications from the City to the MDE about the June 2008 spills. I will post that information later today. To the best of my knowledge, we are still awaiting communications back from the MDE.

Click here to see the documents concerning the fine referenced above.

City Council Agenda for July 7, 2008

2008-07-07T11:49:00.001-04:00

CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

SPECIAL MEETING– 4:00 p.m.
• Hearing – claim for a refund on a water bill

WORK SESSION – following conclusion of Special Meeting
• Further discussion – West Road/Westside Manor (Rinnier) Annexation – Matt Hedger
• Introduction of Naylor Mill Road/MBAS Investments Annexation – Matt Hedger
• Recommendation of award for operational review of Internal Services-Finance –
Karen Reddersen
• Westwood Commerce Park PDD – Jack Lenox
• Proposed policy on Substantial Conformance relative to annexations – John Pick
• Discussion – approval/adoption of work session minutes
• General discussion/upcoming agendas

The Council reserves the right to convene in Closed Session
as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

Terry Cohen on Reddish Show

2008-06-29T21:41:00.001-04:00

Terry Cohen will be on Bill Reddish's show tomorrow morning. Monday June 30th at 7:40AM on WICO 1320 on your AM dial.

City Council Agenda June 30, 2008 Special Meeting

2008-06-27T10:13:00.002-04:00

A Special Meeting of the City Council will be held Monday, June 30, 2008 at 6:00PM in room 301 of the Government Office Building.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:06 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – Assistant City Administrator Loré Chambers 1
• Resolution No. 1668 - increasing water and sewer rates

6:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – Assistant City Administrator Loré Chambers 2
• amending parking permit and meter rates (Ordinance No. 2058)

6:50 p.m. RESOLUTION – Assistant City Administrator Loré Chambers 3
• Resolution No. 1661 – accepting 2009 CSAFE funds

7:00 p.m. ADJOURN

Sharing Constituent Concerns Over Sewage Spills

2008-06-25T09:23:00.002-04:00

Whether the incidents are called “Sanitary Sewer Overflows,” “waste water spills” or “sewage accidents,” last week’s double environmental hit to the Wicomico River from the Salisbury Waste water Treatment Plant (WWTP) has all of us concerned. Many constituents have contacted each of us.

To the best of our knowledge, reports from the city to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) have been filed on time and the MDE is due to issue some position statement on the incidents soon. Just to assist the public in staying informed about the issue, we are publishing the emails we’ve sent to City Administrator John Pick (cc’d to others in the city government) with our questions about these recent spills and safeguards at the WWTP in general.

June 17, 2008 (after the first spill) --

John,

This sounds like a similar problem to the last spillage problem that happened. Is it? When will we know the root cause of the problem?

What are the costs associated with the first response, clean up and any repair for both this one and the last one? By contract, who is accountable for the problem and the associated costs, for this and the last spill? What safeguards are being put into place to lower the risk of this happening again?

Thank you,
Terry

Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410.845.0296

June 19, 2008 (after the second spill) --

John -

My constituents are infuriated by yet another spill. They are raising many
questions about how this could happen, who is going to take responsibility,
and what taking responsibility really means. Please provide me with copies
of whatever plans were in place to safeguard against/control spillage during
construction. I would also like to know to what degree those plans were
followed and any additional details that can be provided.

Thank you.

Debbie

June 24, 2008 (follow up) –

John,

I would like copies of the reports on last week's spills that the city provided to MDE, as well as any communications from MDE concerning the spills.

Will this information answer the questions I raised last week after the first spill (besides the one you answered stating that these incidents were "unique" events in terms of root cause)?

Citizens are very anxious for answers, as I know you can appreciate, especially concerning what steps are being taken to prevent additional incidents and about accountability.

What is the water sampling schedule and is it showing levels of improvement to indicate an approximate time period when the water activity bans will be lifted?

Thank you in advance for your follow up.

Terry

Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410.845.0296

Helping the Historic District Commission Move Forward

2008-06-24T21:36:00.004-04:00

By Councilwoman Debbie Campbell

Recently, a scathing ruling in a court case against Salisbury’s Historic District Commission (SHDC) drew renewed focus on how the city can improve the way that the commission reviews applications and renders decisions, as well as raising other issues. (Click here to see the actual judges’ opinion. Salisbury_v_Leer)

Prior to these latest criticisms, the council has heard concerns regarding the “hoops” that owners of historic buildings are forced to go through, even for small repairs that routinely come before the commission for approval.

I believe that the preservation of historically significant homes, buildings and landmarks is important to maintaining the character and identity of a community. I am supportive of making it as easy as possible for owners to complete repairs and improvements that support historic preservation. The right tools and guidelines will also make the commission members’ work easier and more effective.

Over 18 months ago, I suggested that repairs that are routinely approved should simply require a permit and inspection for compliance. An example of such repairs would be removing plywood or salt-treated porch flooring and replacing it with tongue-and-groove flooring that would be in keeping with what was original to the building. Unfortunately, there has been no further discussion or change to make it easier to achieve preservation and protect historically significant buildings.

Last week I asked several questions about the Salisbury Historic District Commission of the Mayor and Mr. Pick. Mr. Pick, the city administrator, advised me that the Mayor would provide answers. The answers have not been provided. Yesterday I raised the questions again. I am sharing the email exchange so that the public will know the questions and the reasoning behind them.

June 17th –

John –

I am interested in the City making sure that the SHDC has the tools
needed to make decisions that will benefit preservation of historically
significant homes in historic neighborhoods while improving the process for Salisbury's residents of historic districts. To that end, answers to the following questions will be very helpful. What is the current status of the SHDC's new guidelines for decisioning? I remember that they were in draft a while ago. Have they been finalized? It is my understanding the Dept. of the Interior no longer recognizes that alphabetical or numerical ranking system, rather a significant of non-significant (or something similar) ranking.

I also wonder if this determination is given at the time of hearing or if an inventory is conducted and all houses classified accordingly so that owners will know whether or not they need to apply for approval for improvements/repairs.

When is the next meeting of the commission?

Thank you in advance for your response.

Regards.

June 19th --

Debbie - the Mayor has stated that she will respond to your questions.
John

June 23rd -

Mayor/John -

I still haven't received a response and I believe that we may have a
commission meeting soon. If we have not adopted guidelines and addressed
the deficiencies, I think that the meeting should be postponed until we do.
It would be unfair to the applicants, the historic neighborhoods, and the
commission members to conduct meetings without the appropriate written
guidance. Please send a response regarding the current status per my e-mail
of last week.

I would also like to know what measures have been taken to address the
highly objectionable behavior by the Chair, as articulated by the judge.

Regards.

Debbie

Tomorrow (Wednesday) the commission will convene to consider more than a dozen applications. I close with this question: How is it possible that answers to such basic questions haven’t been provided, yet we are moving ahead?

New Figure on Attorney Funding Obtained

2008-06-18T14:26:00.001-04:00

At the June 9 council meeting adopting the FY09 budget, in response to an inquiry by Councilwoman Terry Cohen, a list of "other attorney" payments was provided at the table showing a balance of approximately $1,500 in that account that would be eligible for transfer by the mayor to pay for the city attorney's services.

However, in an email from City Administrator John Pick, dated June 12, the council was given a corrected balance figure of $6,000 from Director of Internal Services Pam Oland. The reason for the revised balance came as the result of Ms. Oland's review of the bond counsel's May bill. Ms. Oland stated, "...fees related to the reallocation of the 1999 bond should actually go to the water and sewer fund...."

This indicates that funds are available to pay for responsibly managed city attorney services through the end of this fiscal year. We hope this information answers questions received from constituents.

Special Work Session Monday June 16, 2008 GOB Room 305

2008-06-16T13:14:00.001-04:00

4:30 p.m. Further discussion – Brewington Glen/Brown Farm Annexation – Chris Jakubiak
5:00 p.m. Introduction of Snow Hill Road/Shore Up annexation – Matt Hedger
5:30 p.m. Presentation – PAC14 proposal to establish a subscriber fee – Mike Goodson
6:00 p.m. Policy on PILOTs for affordable housing complexes – John Pick
6:30 p.m. Amendments to Council’s Regulations and Rules of Order – Council President Smith
6:55 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
7:00 p.m. Adjourn

Debbie Campbell on Reddish

2008-06-15T21:09:00.001-04:00

Debbie Campbell will be on Bill Reddish show tomorrow morning, June 16 at 7:40am. Tune in to WICO 1320 on your AM dial.

Councilwoman Cohen on WICO at 7:40 a.m.

2008-06-08T22:08:00.001-04:00

Councilwoman Terry Cohen will be Bill Reddish's guest on the "A.M. Salisbury" Show at 7:40 a.m. Monday morning on WICO AM1320. The discussion will preview the meeting Monday night, including the budget, water and sewer increases, and three public hearings, among many items on the agenda.

Monday, June 9 Salisbury City Council Meeting Has Full Agenda

2008-06-08T21:59:00.003-04:00

The Council will meet Monday night with a full agenda, including the adoption of the FY09 Budget and the first of two-steps in the resolution establishing the water and sewer rates. In addition, three public hearings are on the schedule.

The public is encouraged to attend and to make comment. The agenda appears below.

AGENDA
Meeting #11
JUNE 9, 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

6:08 p.m

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

· May 27, 2008 Minutes

6:10 p.m.

AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland

6:30 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

· approving a service and lease agreement between the City of Salisbury
and the Wicomico County Board of Elections (Ordinance No. 2055)

· bond Ordinance amendment (Ordinance No. 2056)

· rental registration amendments (Ordinance No. 2057)

7:00 p.m.

BUDGET – Council President Louise Smith

Ordinance No. 2053 – 2nd reading – adoption of FY09 budget

7:30 p.m

ORDINANCES – City Administrator John Pick

· Ordinance No. 2054B – 2nd reading – FY08 budget amendment

appropriating funds for Municipal Buildings

· Ordinance No. 2054C – 2nd reading – FY08 budget amendment

appropriating funds for Debt Service & Other Uses

· Ordinance No. 2054D – 2nd reading – approving an amendment of the

FY08 General Fund budget to fund the City’s share of a joint project

with the County for preliminary work for a mixed-use development

project in downtown Salisbury with the Library as a key component

8:00 p.m.

RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick

· Resolution No. 1661 - accepting 2009 CSAFE funds

· Resolution No. 1662 - endorsing request for legislative action by

Maryland Municipal League

· Resolution No. 1663 - modifying Resolution No. 1415 related to the

special sidewalk assessment for the Eireann Mhor subdivision

· Resolution No. 1664 - authorizing mayor to sign a memorandum of

understanding with Wicomico County for the City to perform billing

functions related to County parking tickets

· Resolution No. 1665 - appointment to Recycling Advisory Committee

· Resolution No. 1666 - reappointments to Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee

· Resolution No. 1667 - accepting state grant funds awarded through the

Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to enhance

community policing efforts in the designated CSAFEII area

· Resolution No. 1668 – increasing water and sewer rates

8:45 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

9:00 p.m.
ADJOURN

Councilwomen on WICO Monday Morning

2008-06-02T00:42:00.000-04:00

Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen will be guest's on Bill Reddish's "AM Salisbury" show on WICO 1320AM at 7:40 a.m. The focus of the discussion will be the city budget. The city council convenes in Room 305 of the Government Office Building at 4:30 p.m. Monday for a work session, followed by a budget session. Council is scheduled to hear and discuss the second reading and adoption of the FY09 Budget on June 9 at the regular Monday night, 6 p.m., legislative session.

Salisbury v. Leer Case Available Here

2008-05-30T22:46:00.001-04:00

Since Stuart Leer spoke during public comment Monday night (May 27) as a property owner who had gone through legal cases with the City, many constituents have asked us about the case and its costs. The case originally concerned whether Mr. Leer had reconstructed a porch in compliance with the City's Historic District requirements.

Mr. Leer was cited for performing work not approved by the Historic District Commission. In response, he appeared before the Commission and was denied approval for the porch reconstruction, already far in progress. Representing himself, Mr. Leer appealed to the Circuit Court in Wicomico County, where he won his case based on the bias of the Commission. The City then appealed the Circuit Court's decision to the Court of Special Appeals in Annapolis. Again representing himself, Mr. Leer won that case.

The "unreported" opinion of the Court of Special Appeals (special appeals cases often are not published, but can be obtained by request) is found on the website at right under Documents of Interest, below our pictures. The cost of legal expenses to the taxpayers of Salisbury breaks down as follows:

Historic District Commission Hearing $0.00 (city legal counsel was not present)
Circuit Court - Wicomico County $6,351.00
Court of Special Appeals - Annapolis $11,849.75
Total $18,200.75

We hope this information and the downloadable PDF file of the opinion transcript helps answer the many questions we have received. Citizens will find other portions of the May 27 meeting instructive concerning budget matters and other aspects of city government.

The audio of the May 27 council meeting is available on the city website now and will be available on our website later today. The PAC14 taping of that same city council meeting will likely replay Monday, June 2, at 6 p.m. PAC14 now carries streaming video of its programming.

Salisbury City Council Meeting, Tues., May 27, 2007, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, Government Office Building (downtown)

2008-05-26T22:21:00.001-04:00

(The Briefing Book for this meeting is found in downloadable PDF format in the links on the right side of this website, under the photos.)

Agenda
6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:09 p.m. PRESENTATION TO RETIREE – Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman/Police Chief Allan Webster
6:14 p.m. PROCLAMATION – Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
• Proclaiming “Cancer Survivors Awareness Day”
6:19 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• May 12, 2008 Minutes
6:21 p.m. MANUFACTURING EXEMPTION REQUEST -- Director of Internal Services Pam Oland
• Delmarva Printing, Inc.
6:36 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
• Ordinance No. 2054 – 1st reading – FY08 budget amendment appropriating funds for the General Fund
• Ordinance No. 2055 – 1st reading – approving a service and lease agreement between the City of Salisbury and the Wicomico County Board of Elections
• Ordinance No. 2056 - 1st reading – bond ordinance amendment
• Ordinance No. 2057 - 1st reading – rental registration amendments
7:36 p.m. RESOLUTION – City Administrator John Pick
• Resolution No. 1657 - accepting donation of a vehicle from the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force and a vehicle that was forfeited by the Circuit Court of Wicomico County to be used by officers of the Salisbury Police Department’s Community Action Team
• Resolution No. 1658 - appropriating funds from the Contingency Fund for preliminary work related to a downtown mixed use redevelopment project
• Resolution No. 1659 - authorizing a time extension for temporary travel-lane shifts and closures on Parsons Road and Pemberton Drive
• Resolution No. 1660 - appointments to Recycling Advisory Committee
8:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8:30 p.m. ADJOURN
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
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 June 9, 2008 (subject to change)
• Ordinance No. 2053 - 2nd reading – adopting FY09 budget
• Ordinance No. 2054 - 2nd reading – FY08 budget amendment appropriating funds for the General Fund
• Ordinance - 1st reading – amendment to Property Maintenance Code to reflect 2006 International Codes
• Public Hearing – bond ordinance amendment
• Public Hearing – rental registration amendments
• Public Hearing – service and lease agreement between the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County Board of Elections
• Resolution – accepting 2009 CSAFE fund

Reminders -- PAC14 Tonight and Meetings This Week

2008-05-26T18:33:00.001-04:00

The May 12 City Council Meeting will replay on PAC14 at 6 p.m. Afterward, at 9:25 p.m., the Public Hearing on the Budget from May 21 will be replayed. Two audio files containing the entire public hearing are found at right under the photos on this website.

Tomorrow, the City Council holds its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in council chambers on the third floor of the Government Office Building (GOB). A budget amendment for another $119,875 and changes to the landlord licensing ordinance are among items on the agenda, which will be posted here later tonight, along with a link to the briefing book.

This Thursday, the council will meet in Conference Room 305 of the GOB for a budget work session starting at 1 p.m. to discuss changes to the Mayor's Proposed FY09 Budget. Council President Louise Smith had requested that each council member bring his/her "decisions" to this meeting on May 29. The session is scheduled to run until 4 p.m., but council discussed possibly extending it into the evening if the course of the afternoon indicates a need to do so.

It’s Been a Full, Instructive Week

2008-05-26T14:31:00.002-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who serve and have served our country, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to commemorate their service with gratitude. Friday, my children and I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting for the new American Legion Post on Jersey Road. This was a long-awaited celebration, one long-delayed, with many veterans having passed on while it came to fruition. In her blessing of the building, Brenda Hughey-Jones said that “a dream delayed was not a dream denied” – so true as so many came together to see that dream realized.

Earlier that day, the kids and I stopped by the Salisbury Police Department station for its open house in celebration of its 110th anniversary. Rebecca and Aaron enjoyed getting to see the flashing lights up close, to sit in a police car and to speak on the handset. I enjoyed getting to meet some officers whose names I had yet to put with faces, plus seeing some familiar ones. Having experienced crime at our own home, knowing the issues we face in Salisbury, I am especially grateful for the service of the men and women of our police department.

Still earlier on Friday, I watched the Field Day assembly at Pinehurst Elementary School (my son in kindergarten was one of the “readers” onstage, so I got the extra perk of a “proud parent” moment). The dedication and caring of the faculty, staff and administration at Pinehurst never ceases to amaze me. Pinehurst was once a high-achievement neighborhood school, but as the times and the neighborhood changed, it is now a Title 1 school providing much to a wide mix of children’s needs, including its special education for physically and developmentally handicapped children.

When I took part with both children in the school talent show earlier in the week, I was delighted to see a packed house and overwhelmed by the children’s and parents’ incredible enthusiasm for every child and every family performing. Even a couple of days later when I walked through the hallways, children were high-fiving and complimenting my family’s “Yankee Doodle Dandy” performance. The spirit and supportiveness in that school is a testament to what can be accomplished.

There were other wonderful examples of what Salisbury is and can be this past week. On Tuesday, it was an honor for me to participate in the observance of EMS Week, held at the new firehouse. Christopher O’Barsky was chosen by his peers as EMS Service person of the Year. EMS members face some of the toughest situations any of us can imagine, from the horror of mangled bodies to the risk of deadly infection to carrying out their duties while distraught family are nearby. While not every response has a happy ending, many do and knowing first-hand from several occasions the swift response these men and women typically give, I thank them for their service on both a personal and representative level.

Finally, Wednesday night saw the citizens of Salisbury, both city- and county-side speaking out about the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget. Many suggestions were made concerning cuts and refocusing our priorities to better serve our citizens, taxpayers and ratepayers. There were even bits of Salisbury’s history woven into comments. I learn something valuable every time citizens speak, whether pro or con on an issue.

Even a few seemingly harshly worded comments I received last year about the zoo were valuable. Rather than harbor any ill feelings toward those citizens, I learned from those comments that I did not effectively communicate what my positions and goals for the zoo were. It is my job to do better.

This is why I love Salisbury – the people. Diverse in backgrounds, needs and viewpoints, they make up a wonderful fabric of life. We have areas of our city tapestry that are looking a bit worse for the wear, so we all need to contribute our threads to weaving them strong again. I believe we have great potential, and I agree with many who spoke that we, as a city, need to take a better direction and refocus our priorities. I ran for and was elected to office for that purpose and put the citizens’ voice into constructive action.

Please join me in that commitment. If ever there was a week that showed what committed people can accomplish, this past week was a fine example. To all, a happy, safe and commemorative Memorial Day, and I look forward to rolling up our sleeves together.

Public Hearing on Budget Airing on PAC14

2008-05-23T19:35:00.002-04:00

For those wishing to see the Public Hearing on the FY09 Budget that took place Wednesday night (May 21), the taping is being televised now on PAC14 per the posted listing:

Saturday, May 24 at 1:01 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.
Monday, May 26 at 9:25 p.m., following the May 12 Council Meeting Replay at 6 p.m.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the citizens who came to share their thoughts with their city government. There were new faces at the podium and in the audience, as well as familiar faces and voices that have shown their continuing interest over time. We hope others will avail themselves of the opportunity to observe and participate in council meetings.

Although it's a holiday weekend, there will be additional postings to this site. We hope everyone has a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend and that you take time to remember the sacrifices of our veterans and current military personnel who protect the freedoms we enjoy such as the one exercised by many at the public hearing.

Board of Elections Has Two Openings

2008-05-23T13:02:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
May 20, 2008

The City of Salisbury Board of Elections Supervisors has two openings available for residents who are qualified voters of the city. The Board of Elections Supervisors hears appeals from decisions of the Election Administration concerning voter eligibility. The Board meets as needed. The compensation of the Board of Elections Supervisors, if any, is determined by the City Council. If you are interested in serving on this board please submit a written description of your qualifications to the following address:

Office of the Mayor
City of Salisbury
125 N. Division Street
Salisbury, Maryland 21801

All letters of interest must be received by Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
Contact: Office of the Mayor
(410) 548-3100

Terry Cohen on WICO Wed. Morning

2008-05-20T21:56:00.001-04:00

Councilwoman Terry Cohen will be Bill Reddish's guest on WICO AM1320 at 7:40 a.m. Topics include the sewer/water work session highlights and other budget issues in preparation for the Wednesday night Public Hearing on the budget.

Don't Forget - Budget Public Hearing

The Public Hearing on the Fiscal year 2009 Budget is Wed., May 21, 6 p.m., in council chambers on the third floor of the Government Office Building.

The hearing will not be broadcast live due to conflicts with regularly scheduled programs. PAC14 will tape it for later broadcast.

The public is encouraged to attend to share question, comments, concerns and priorities.

Correction to the Correction on Mayor's Quote

2008-05-19T15:42:00.001-04:00

By Councilwoman Terry Cohen

The reporter at the Daily Times responded to my submission of a correction to the Water/Sewer Fund article this morning (see post below) concerning the quote by Mayor Tilghman.

According to the reporter, Laura D'Alessandro, she did not make a mistake in attribution, that Mayor Tilghman made statements concerning last year's water rate increase as printed in the paper today. The reporter added that city administrator John Pick made similar statements.

I thanked Ms. D'Alessandro for correcting my error. I also let her know that the mayor's FY08 proposed budget and the official record show the mayor did, indeed, support a 10% water rate increase. I shared with her the sequence of events last summer, including the rescinding of the hike passed by the council majority, as described in the post below.

Correction to Today’s Daily Times Article

2008-05-19T13:47:00.002-04:00

By Councilwoman Terry Cohen

In today’s Daily Times article about the potential 25% water/sewer rate hike (http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080519/NEWS01/805190301/-1/newsfront2), the paper stated the following:

Tilghman said she did not recommend a water and sewer rate increase last year because citizens were already experiencing a double-digit tax hike -- 12 percent.

I interviewed with the reporter late last week and stated this about myself, so I think the reporter inadvertently attributed this to Mayor Tilghman. I am sharing this correction with the Daily Times so they can take the opportunity to correct the mistaken attribution.

As many will recall, the mayor had proposed a 10% water increase (no sewer increase) last year, and Councilwoman Campbell and I opposed it. The council majority of Smith, Comegys and Shields passed it. The administration had provided incomplete information about the fund surplus, upon which knowledge the council majority joined us in rescinding the hike.

In her budget message, Mayor Tilghman said, “Last year the Council declined to implement a modest increase in water and sewer rates based upon the amount of funds in the Water/Sewer Surplus.” Again, the mayor did not recommend a sewer rate increase for Fiscal Year 2008, having increased this rate multiple times in the last several years.)

As I told the reporter, I did not consider 10% to be “modest,” especially in conjunction with a double-digit tax hike. Whether a scenario of dramatic increases for one or two years can be avoided will depend on the political will of the council majority to join us in seeking alternative solutions to revenue generation.

The mayor, by withholding the Water/Sewer Fund Surplus Financial Forecast from the council for nearly a month, has cost the council precious time during the budget process to look for solutions that can be applied in the coming budget year. The mayor also declined to take a position on what to recommend and did not follow through on her April 15 press conference pledge to hold “discussions with the council” about the financial forecast, to “collectively make decisions in a comprehensive way,” as she stated in her budget message.

Instead, Councilwoman Campbell and I urged that the mayor join the council in a work session for these neglected “discussions” and to share her recommendation, and the other council members did not object. This work session will take place in a work session on the Water and Sewer Fund tomorrow, Tues., May 20, from 4-6 p.m. in Conference Room 305 on the third floor of the Government Office Building (next to the city clerk’s office). We encourage members of the public to attend and observe.

Community Workshop Meeting Tonight 6 PM

2008-05-19T12:29:00.000-04:00

We want to remind everyone that tonight at 6 p.m. in Flanders Rooms 3 and 4 of the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, the first Community Workshop Meeting to work on the Water Resources Element of the Comprehensive Plan Updates (both city and county will have one) will be held.

This is the first of at least two such public meetings to be held with the consultants assisting the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County with their plans. When the city council first met jointly with the Salisbury-Wicomico Planning Commission for a presentation from the consultants and to indicate whether we wanted another joint plan or one of the city's own (council elected to have the city have one of its own), we spoke up for greater public involvement, more than might be had from simple public hearings.

This is a real opportunity for citizens to learn what this important part of the Comprehensive Plan is about and to provide hands-on involvement in shaping Salisbury's future. We hope you'll be there!

Budget Sessions Reveal a Real Cost of Debt

2008-05-14T23:36:00.001-04:00

One of the more poignant moments in the council budget sessions came when Tom Stevenson, director of Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance, shared bad news with us on April 29. When the department’s processor saw that the mayor had denied Mr. Stevenson’s request for an additional processor, she turned in her resignation.

This department, in just two short years with minimal staff under Mr. Stevenson’s direction, has done a phenomenal job in being proactive on compliance citations, compliance inspections and a host of activities requiring extensive paperwork follow up. The workload has been tremendous due to their diligence, and the paperwork is necessary to ensure compliance follow up, proper records for enforcement, and more.

The city has lost a good employee and jeopardized the work of a department that helps lower or make more effective the work for the police and fire departments by curbing neighborhood and business blight. Mr. Stevenson even suggested a way to fund his request and to move his staff from a 35-hour week to a 40-hour week to increase productivity more cost effectively.

The mayor also denied the police chief’s request for six more officers and the fire department’s request for more firefighters to meet minimum safety standards.

While we do not support unduly expanding bureaucracy, there are times when key service agencies of the city must add employees to address the increased workload, much of it coming from growth that does not pay for itself and legislation revised in a way that does not deliver the legislative intent of protecting neighborhoods.

Why is it so hard for the city to add personnel when it’s truly needed? Who can argue with another police officer on the street?

Part of the answer lies in the administration’s quick turn to bonding debt to resolve issues. In FY08, the budgeted principal and interest payments on a substantial amount of bonded debt was $1,837,945. The mayor’s FY09 proposed bonded debt payment is $2,085,668.

That’s a 13.5% increase of $247,728 in bonded debt payments. That’s enough to pay the full salary and benefits of three police officers or three firefighter paramedics and a full-time contractual employee to support the processor workload for NSCC.

Does a city sometimes have to bond debt? Certainly. But you know with your own family budget that debt becomes a vicious cycle when it is too easily taken on, instead of working on creative revenue structures or implementing policies that save taxpayer dollars.

Council Work Session Today 9 a.m. - Noon

2008-05-13T08:14:00.000-04:00

Today, the council meets in Room 305 for a budget work session to discuss:
1. GASB 45 and Other Post-employment Benefits (policy and funding)
2. Personnel Issues
3. The Tax Rate
4. Follow-up on Outstanding Issues

The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 45 represents a substantial commitment of funding by the city, if adopted. Personnel is, of course, another major portion of the budget.

The meeting is open to the public. Your attendance is encouraged. More information concerning last night's council session and the budget will be forthcoming daily.

May 12, 2008 Council Meeting Agenda 6:00p.m. Room 301 Government Office Building

2008-05-12T13:14:00.005-04:00

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:06 p.m. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION/PROCLAMATIONS –
Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
• Certificates of Appreciation – recognizing recipients of Fire Department’s Bronze Star Award
• Proclamation – proclaiming “EMS Week”
• Proclamation – proclaiming “Public Works Week”
6:20 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• April 28, 2008 Minutes 1a
• May 7, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes 1b
6:25 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland
• Constant Yield Tax Rate 2
6:40 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland 3
6:55 p.m. MANUFACTURING EXEMPTION REQUEST – Director of Internal Services Pam Oland
• Delmarva Printing, Inc. 4
7:05 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
• Ordinance No. 2053 - 1st reading – FY09 Budget 5a
• Ordinance No. 2054 - 1st reading – FY08 budget amendment
appropriating funds for the General Fund 5b
7:50 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
• Resolution No. 1654 - authorizing CDBG 2008 Action Plan 6a
• Resolution No. 1655 - accepting donation of exterior paint to the
Salisbury Zoo from the Zoo Commission for the animal services
building 6b
• Resolution No. 1656 - extending Fire Service Agreement between
the City and Wicomico County for one year 6c
8:20 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS
8:30 p.m. ADJOURN

The City Council reserves the right to go into closed session as permitted
under the Annotated Code of Maryland 10-508(a)

Special Meeting – May 21, 2008 – 6:00 p.m.
• Public Hearing - FY09 budget
Proposed agenda items for May 27, 2008 (subject to change)
• Ordinance No. 2054 - 2nd reading - FY08 budget amendment appropriating funds for the General Fund
• Ordinance - 1st reading – rental registration amendments

Terry Cohen on Bill Reddish Show

2008-05-11T23:12:00.000-04:00

Councilwoman Terry Cohen will interview with Bill Reddish on his morning talk show on WICO, 1320 AM, at 7:40 a.m. The topic will be the Salisbury FY09 Budget and the Monday night public hearing.

First of Two Public Hearings on Budget to Be Held Monday

2008-05-10T21:01:00.004-04:00

By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Monday, May 12 is the first opportunity for the public to let its voice be heard on the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. At 6 p.m., in council chambers on the third floor of the Government Office Building, the first reading of the budget ordinance takes place FY09 Budget Ordinance, along with the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget’s Constant Yield Tax Rate. Maryland law requires a public hearing to be held on this tax rate.

Please come express your concerns, ideas and questions to the mayor and city council about the state of the city’s finances. Are you concerned about the increase in city debt, now up to $2,888 for every man, woman and child residing in Salisbury? Do you have thoughts about the recent news about the water and sewer fund’s troubled outlook? Do you think the city is prioritizing its use of taxpayer money well? What would you change? What have been worthwhile expenditures to be continued?

Look at the Mayor’s Proposed FY09 Budget via the download links Councilwoman Campbell and I have provided at right on this website. Read other information about the budget that we have already posted. Check back here often for additional budget information.

Revised Budget Meeting Schedule

2008-05-10T13:11:00.002-04:00

More information will be forthcoming on this website about the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) Budget, so we hope you will check back often and encourage others to do so. In the meantime, the revised schedule of meetings appears below. All meetings take place in the Government Office Building downtown.

The first public hearing, which concerns the Budget’s Tax Rate (to be explained in more depth on this website later today), remains on its originally scheduled date, this Monday, May 12.

The second public hearing on the FY09 Budget has been rescheduled for May 21. Because this second hearing is on a Wednesday night, it will not be televised live on PAC14 due to schedule conflicts with other programming commitments. However, PAC14 has graciously consented to tape it for later broadcast.

It is possible that the council may schedule additional work sessions the week of June 2, but no dates have been scheduled yet. Here is the revised schedule as it stands today:

Mon., May 12, 6 p.m., Council Chambers
Regular Council Meeting
Public Hearing on Budget’s Constant Yield Tax Rate
1st Reading of FY09 Budget Ordinance

Tues., May 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Room 305
GASB 45 Other Post-employment Benefits
Personnel Requests
Tax Rate
Follow-up on Outstanding Issues

Tues., May 20, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Room 305
Water and Sewer Fund
(This is an added-emphasis session due to the
presentation of the forecast to the council on
May 8 indicating possible severe rate increases.)

Wed., May 21, 6 p.m., Council Chambers
Public Hearing on FY09 Budget

Thurs., May 29, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Room 305
General Discussion
Follow-up on Outstanding Issues

Mon., June 9, 6 p.m., Council Chambers
Regular Council Meeting
2nd Reading and Adoption of FY09 Budget Ordinance

We hope this information assists you in planning your needed participation in the development of the city’s budget for FY09.

Delayed Budget Information Is Dual Eye-Opener

2008-05-09T17:31:00.002-04:00

At yesterday’s budget work session, Ms. Turner of the Department of Public Works (DPW) provided an excellent forecast model she created on the water and sewer fund relevant to the impact on its surplus given some different scenarios. Ms. Turner deserves our thanks for her initiative and outstanding work.

Two eye-openers resulted from council receiving this information. One is, to replace our aging infrastructure over the coming years, sewer and water rates have to be increased at some level very soon. This in itself is not a surprise, but DPW Director Jim Caldwell’s recommended level of 25% in the first year and 20% in year two, with inflationary increases afterward, coupled with even more hard-hitting possible scenarios, was a stark revelation. The council will need to consider deeply and quickly the numerous factors involved in order to develop budgetary policy to deal with these scenarios in the most balanced way possible.

The forecasting tool that now provides us with the ability to understand the actual financial impact of annexations given sweet deals and a long-standing policy of allowing the city’s deteriorating infrastructure to continue to decline. Every time you see a pot hole or crumbling sidewalk, the Hearne and Sassafras annexations, the Salisbury Mall TIF and numerous developer reimbursements will come to mind.

The good news is – and there is good news – this tool will allow this and future councils to properly fund the water utility and bring greater transparency and order to the budget and financial management process. Our goal is to see this long-overdue process applied to the entire budget.

The second eye-opener is, this information was available as early as April 3, but the council did not receive it until nearly a month later on April 30 – two weeks after the presentation of the proposed budget by Mayor Tilghman. The mayor did not make a recommendation for a rate increase, instead saying at her public budget presentation that she just plugged in over $4 million dollars of surplus to balance the water and sewer fund budget until she could have “discussions” with the council.

Wednesday’s work session was apparently intended to be one of those “discussions,” but the mayor was not present. Is the mayor’s proposed budget her budget or not? What scenario with what level of rate increase did she plan to recommend since she had the forecast in enough time prior to presenting her budget to make a recommendation? Especially given that the administration was copied on the council’s budget session schedule, did the mayor not think that it would be beneficial to have this discussion sooner than five weeks after the information was available, and with just a month left before the budget must be struck?

First the mayor’s proposed budget has inconsistent representations of the department heads’ funding requests granted and denied, which the council learned a week after the budget had been presented by the mayor. Then, we had to ask to see actual requests to reconcile them against the budget, and these came 8 and 10 days after the budget was presented. Now, with only a month to go in the council’s budget process, we are briefed on this critical situation with the water and sewer fund with serious implications for both our infrastructure and our taxpayers.

Like last year’s last-minute revelation of a huge tax hike, the mayor’s pattern of suppressing information and severe budgetary changes until the last possible moment does not serve the city and its citizens well. When the mayor is not forthcoming with full information in a timely manner and is not clear regarding her budget recommendations, the council and the public cannot know the true status of our city’s financial picture, any more than they could with late audits and delayed updates on the current year-to-date expenditures.

The mayor’s budget process takes place largely out of the view of the public, while the council’s process is open to full public view. The taxpayers of Salisbury have a right to know exactly where the mayor stands on spending their money and her rationale for doing so. They have a right to the transparency of full and timely information from the administration and to hold the mayor accountable for her decisions, rather than have her portion of budget accountability shifted to the council, which has its own share to shoulder.