1 MINUTES  The Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:00  p.m. in the meeting room at the Corbin A & EStudio and Gallery.  PRESENT Darlene Taylor, Mayor Eric Banks, Council Vice President via phone Ivan Lankford, Councilman, via zoom Casey Goldsborough, Councilman LaVerne Johnson, Councilwoman Hitesh Patel, Councilman Joyce L. Morgan, Clerk-ireasurer/CHy Manager Andrew Illuminati, City Solicitor  Also, in attendance; Valerie Swift, Secretary; Tiffany McMahon; Chief Rick Taylor; Dennis Cullison; D.J. Parkinson; Richard Crumbacker; Jason Loar and Jesse Drewer. Invocation, Call to Order, Lord's Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance  Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order with the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of  Allegiance. Approval of Minutes  Mayor Taylor requested approval of the minutes from thel last meeting. At this time, Councilman Goldsborough made a motion to approve the minutes from the Closed and Regular Meetings of September 24, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Johnson and  carried unanimously.  Proclamation - Jenna Drewer-Noll - Mayor Taylor  Mayor Taylor presented a Proclamation declaring October 9, 2024, as. Jenna Drewer-Noll Day  ini the City of Crisfield and recognizing the extraordinary life she lived.    2  Mayor Taylor noted that pictures had been taken earlier with her family and that Mr. Jesse Drewer, Jenna's brother, would be accepting the proclamation on behalf of her family, who  had a previously scheduled commitment.  Surplus Property-S Setting a Minimum Bid Amount- Mrs. Morgan  Mrs. Morgan noted at the last meeting, several items of surplus property (vehicles & equipment) had been declared as surplus, however, a minimum bid price had not been  established.  After al brief discussion, Councilman Goldsborough made a motion to advertise the items starting at a minimum bid of $300 each or $2,500 for the lot. Motion seconded by  Councilwoman Johnson and carried unanimously.  Continued Discussion About Low Income Housing Initiative to Encourage Local Builders-  Mayor Taylor  Mayor Taylor noted that 11 citizens had completed training on how to become a qualified homeowner. She advised that 4 lots had cleared with MDHT. Mayor Taylor noted that out of the 8 properties, two were, going to Long Term Recovery, two were for Salisbury Neighborhood Housing, and four were designated for local builders, which we would need to advertise int the paper. Councilman Goldsborough commented that we would need the  lot sizes for advertisement.  At this time, Councilwoman Johnson made a motion to continue with the plans fori the other properties and advertise the 4 other lots in the local paper, for local builders. Motion  seconded by Councilman Goldsborough and carried unanimously.  Project Restore Update - Mayor Taylor  Mayor Taylor noted that the three properties selected fori this funding are the vacant Subway building, the old liquor store, and the commercial space under the black-eyed Susan. She advised that the first year of rent would be paid, and there would be up to $30K for inside renovation. Mayor Taylor advised that a detailed business plan must be provided that shows the business would be sustainable and is needed and wanted in Crisfield.  Mr. Illuminati noted that he has the contracts drafted.    3  Wind Turbine Update - Mr. Parkinson  Mr. Parkinson advised that the tentative date for repair of the Hub is the last week of October. Parts are ordered. Councilman Goldsborough inquired if they know what the problem is. Mr. Parkinson advised that they are bringing parts for any problem. Mr. Loar noted that we are looking at other options, but they won't get involved until the  original company gets it running.  Waste Water Treatment Plant Updates- Mr. Parkinson  Mr. Parkinson noted that ACES will be here next week to pull apart the 2nd clarifier. He noted that the quote fori the Effluent Pump repairs is over $54K and will take 101 to1 12 weeks. Arebuild costs $43K. He noted that we need to have it up and running for our MDE  Permit.  Mayor Taylor noted that per the Moonshot report, upgrading and replacing critical components ini the WWTP would cost over $5M. She advised that we need the EPA Change Wastewater Facilities Improvements General Obligation Bond Ordinance 731 2nd Reader-  Grant, and we need the plant to run optimally.  Mr. Illuminati  Mr. Illuminati noted that first reader was done at the last meeting, and we need to vote on  2nd reader at this meeting.  Ati this time, Councilman Goldsborough made a motion to adopt Bond Ordinance 731 for 2nd  Reader. Motion seconded by Councilman Patel and carried unanimously.  EPA Change Grant Update - Mayor Taylor  Mayor Taylor noted that we are nowhere with the EPA Change Grant, which is due November 21st. She noted that she is meeting on Friday with. Jeannie Haddaway Riccio.  She also noted that we must have alli the pieces in place.  Northern Flood Mitigation Project Expansion Update-N Mayor Taylor    4  Mayor Taylor noted that we are considering other areas that could be included in the Norther Flood mitigation project and that we are meeting with DNR at the end oft the month to see what upgrades the will be making to the Marina. She advised that a few county roads have been proposed to be included for access purposes. The county roads that would Mrs. Merritt also noted that we are looking at extra City roads outside of the project.  be elevated are Stouty Sterling and Asbury Avenue.  Public Input  George Friedley made reference to posting on Facebook about stolen bikes and the fact that you cannot prosecute anyone under 15 years old, but this becomes an habitual way of life. Mayor Taylor noted that she will talk to the Chief, but there is a process now where we can refer juveniles. Mr. Friedley also commented about having Westover Vo-Tech participate in  the Low-Income Housing Program. Council Comments  Councilman Goldsborough commented that the Wastewater Treatment Plant is always the main issue needing costly repairs, and we need to spend ARPA funding on that. Mayor Taylor advised that she agrees, but we need to invest in our city also.  Councilwoman Johnson commented that her own bike was stolen. She also noted that she attended the Main Street Conference yesterday and noted that other towns have the same  problems that we do.  Councilman Patel commented that Councilman Goldsborough made a good point. He also noted that the Halloween Parade is on Saturday, October 26th. Councilman Patel thanked Mayor Taylor for designating October gth as. Jenna Drewer-Noll Day. He also noted that the  upcoming MML Fall Convention will be held in Cambridge in November.  Councilman Lankford noted that we need to get to work on the EPA Grant sO we can get things fixed. He also commented that the wind turbine is a dead weight.  Mayor Comments - Rain Date for Trick or Treat  Mayor Taylor noted that we will discuss a rain date for Trick or Treat att the next meeting. She noted that. James Parkinson's retirement dinner will be held tomorrow. at 6a at the  American Legion.    5  Councilman Patel added that the First Annual Crisfield Fire Department Gun Bash will be held on Saturday, October 26th after the Halloween Parade and events. Mayor Taylor requested prayer for Florida and North Carolina. She also made reference to a possible King Tide on October 18th and advised that notices would be put out once  information is received.  Mayor Taylor thanked the Beach to Bay Organization for the African American Mural, as well Mayor Taylor commented that she would like to see a Waterman's Mural, a Ward Brothers Mayor Taylor made reference to a Small Business Boost Opportunity, opening again. She also reminded the Council that the ARPA money must be allocated by the end of the year.  ast thank you to all involved.  Mural and a Governor Tawes Mural.  Adjournment  With no further business for discussion, Councilwoman Johnson made a motion to adjourn,  seconded by Councilman Goldsborough and carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Respectfull submitted, SMEk  :  Manager  Prepared by' Valerie Swift, Secretary