Meeting started as usual at 6:00 pm with the approval of the agenda
Presentations from the Public, as listed in the agenda:
- Car and Bike Show Event: Need to reach out for additional information – Sergio Martinez is requesting to have “First Annual Andy Perez Car and Bike Show Extravaganza. A previous version of this event was approved by the Commissioners, but the event had to be rescheduled.
- Drug Awareness Day: Arete Beauty is requesting to have “Drug Over Awareness Day” on September 17, 2022, on the corner of Race and Cedar Streets from 12pm to 6pm.
- Dorchester County Hispanic Heritage Event: Dorchester County Health Department is requesting to have “Dorchester County Hispanic Heritage Month Walk-Up Event” on September 16, 2022, on the grass lawn across from Bradford House from 2 pm to 6 pm.
- Dorchester Goes Purple: Bill Christopher is requesting to have “Talbot Goes Purple Together” on September 24, 2022, at Long Wharf Park, 12 pm to 3 pm.
- Expo Lunch: Michelle Barnes is requesting to have “Expo/ Launch Sweet Sensations by Shagg” on September 24, 2022, at the Corner of Race and Cedar Street, 11:30 am to 3 pm.
- Chesapeake College: Chesapeake College Cambridge Center is requesting to have “Lift Truck Training” on October 22, 2022, at the City parking lot behind Chesapeake College, 9 am to 1 pm.
- Letter of Support, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Action Report – August 27th, Letter of support for Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) Council Action Report from Pat Escher, AICP
Ordinances for 1st reading:
Ordinance 1203: Changes the restrictions on the Business District and Waterfront Development District to allow for Tattoo Parlors. This will add to the beautification of the Business areas. There were no public comments regarding the proposed ordinance.
Ordinance for 2nd reading:
Ordinance 1196. The goal of the ordinance is to clean up the current language regarding homes within the historic district and the requirements governing them. There were no public comments regarding the proposed ordinance, and it was approved.
Ordinance 1197. This is an ordinance requiring disclosure at the time of sale of whether a building/home is in the historic district.
- Susie Hayward with the Board of Realtors said that maintaining the city’s historic integrity is important. Upon the implementation of this ordinance, the disclosure package will include Historic Preservation Commission requirements, so buyers know what they are getting into. Then, the seller would be responsible for disclosure. The disclosure would be included with other closing documents and noted the MLS system.
- It was noted that Annapolis has similar practices. For Cambridge, an attorney would modify wording and the disclosure form would be incorporated, starting September 1.
- Chuck McFadden, representing CAN, noted that new owners sometimes don’t realize that they are in the historic district and CAN has been trying to notify them with a brochure, but this Ordinance is a much better solution.
Motion was made and approved to table the proposal until the next meeting, pending specific disclosure language to be included in the sales documents so that the buyers know before settlement that they are in the Historic District. The City Manager suggested an October 1 implementation date.
Ordinance 1202. This is an ordinance to allow dry cleaning plants to be permitted in industrial zones. This allows for a local business to expand and was initiated by a citizen. There was a public hearing on June 7 in the Planning and Zoning meeting, and it was approved. Approved.
OLD BUSINESS
CWDI Board Appointments. Action Report from Tom Carroll, City Manager – We have approximately 20 resumes to go over and a subcommittee needs to be formed for interviews. It’s fabulous that we have so many qualified candidates interested. There will be a work session of three Commissioners to reduce down the number for the full Council to interview. The Council is looking specifically at candidates that have social media, marketing skills and represent a diverse community.
Fire Department Presentation and Purchases.
There was a comprehensive presentation about what the fire department presented by the Chief and Assistant Chief. Commissioners had some additional questions about how the requested equipment would be used. Comparisons were made to communities on the Eastern Shore, the Western shore, and bigger cities, like Ocean City and Annapolis, relative to equipment and cost. Our 100% volunteer fire department responded to over 1,100 calls in the last year. 80% of these calls are within the city limits. The Commission President asked if anyone had approached the County about funding, since the County also benefits from these services. The Council mentioned that 16% of the time the Fire Department responds to calls outside the City. It was noted that other fire departments respond to Cambridge needs at a much higher percentage. Specific prices and concerns were spoken about, including that the current rescue truck is breaking down enroute to rescues. After much deliberation, it was determined and approved to purchase a new rescue truck. Future planning to replace the existing dated fire engines was unclear and that discussion has been tabled for now.
Utility Rate White Paper Presentation. The City Manager had prepared a White Paper of 10 pages on the Sewer and Water issues facing the City. However, due to the lengthy discussion on the fire engines it was tabled until a later date. CAN will summarize the paper and send it members later.
The Non-Profit Funding Review Committee which is reviewing the 30 non-profit requests for $1 million in ARPA funding will meet on August 18 at 6pm at the Council Chambers.
Public Comments
- Chuck McFadden, CAN President, asked the Council to reconsider the FY23 budget and reduce some of the projects in order to fund another fire engine, which is a serious public safety need. The speaker stated that the core responsibility of the Council is to keep the citizens safe.
- LaShon Foster commended the fire company and the Council for looking after the needs of the city.
- Adrian Holmes thanked everyone for their hard work and keeping our city safe. She provided an update on Day of Resilience: Safety of public of utmost concern. Leaders from Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo will be there, along with over 1000 people. Trash support, port-o-potties, parking assistance, and a shuttle bus plan are needed from the City. The area around the courthouse will be closed until 5. The event will be held on Saturday September 10, beginning at 12 noon at the courthouse.
- Theresa Stafford stated that she had the opportunity to attend the West End Community Meeting. One recommendation was for more police presence at Great Marsh Park. However, she noted that there have murders in her area and that citizens there have begged for increased police presence to no avail. There is a need to ensure equitable allocation of police resources, taking the needs of the whole city into account.
- The speaker posed questions about the Community Healing Garden, such as how much funding it will receive, what it will include, and how the needs of children and the elderly will be addressed.
- The speaker stated that out of the box thinking is needed to meet the City’s needs.
- The speaker encouraged the Council to consider all needs carefully to ensure that available money is being spent wisely.
Department and Decision Head Reports:
Fire Chief: Thank the Council for approving the Fire Rescue Truck.
City Manager: Multiple requests were made to put the repaving of Pine Street as a top priority.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 pm.