Highlights
- The appointment of the new City Manager, Thomas Carroll. Mr. Carroll is from Silverton, Ohio and will begin work in Cambridge on April 20, 2022. 5/0 vote in favor.
- Request to send out a RFP for a Consultant to develop a plan for the Pine St. Historical District Small Area Plan. The consultant is to be funded by a grant. Approved 5/0
- Discussion on changing the duties of the Economic Development and Grants Positions. The Acting City Manager submitted this request to get approval of the City Council to expand the duties of these positions, which are now vacant. He proposed and the Council approved expanding the duties of these positions to not only include writing of the grants but also having active participation in the administration of the grants. The positions will report directly to the City Manager.
- City Lobbyist – The Acting City Manager requested and the Council approved hiring an independent contractor as the City’s lobbyist with State and Federal officials in Annapolis and Baltimore. The cost is $18,000 per year and the service will begin on April 1, 2022.
- CDBG Grant Public Hearing – The Council opened a public Hearing on the CDBG grant. Ms. Yvette Robinson presented the City’s proposal for a $2.8 million grant to fund home ownership, new construction, housing rehab and new infrastructure in the Schoolhouse area. The group will work with Habitat and will try to use local contractors. LaShon Foster and Mike Detmer spoke in favor of the project.
Public Comment:
- LaShon Foster asked for a status on the RFP on the election for the Mayor positions. The Acting City Council stated that they had some difficulties with the RFP but it should be out shortly. Ms. Foster then asked about the status of the Bradford House and what is being done. The Acting City Manager stated there was some progress but the City and the residences are working hard to solve all the problems.
- A citizen (didn’t get the name) asked what was the status on the Non-Profit request forms for the Federal funds ($6 million). The City received these funds in the fall and the Acting City Manager said he would have the forms ready shortly. The Citizen then complained that the process was taking too long and that the non-profits needed the money so that they could help people now.
- A citizen (could not get the name) discussed the poor record of reading of our elementary age children. She stated that she sat in on a 2nd grade class and kids could not read at a kindergarten level. She asked for help from the City and Nonprofits for adults to sit with kids at school and listen to them read.
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