Salisbury Council approves series of ordinances, removes time limits on political signs

The Salisbury City Council on May 11 approved a slate of ordinances and budget amendments, including a change to the city sign code that removes time limits for political signs and emergency funding for the Salisbury Zoo.

The council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2991 to amend Chapter 17.216 of the city code and remove time restrictions on the display of political signs, following a public hearing and council discussion about enforcement and property-owner responsibility. Riley Smith, a sworn public hearing participant, asked how the city would address signs left in the public right-of-way after elections; the council closed the hearing and proceeded to second reading and approval.

Other measures approved or moved forward included a $15,881 surplus funds amendment for field operations (Ordinance No. 2992), a $22,723.60 emergency appropriation for the Salisbury Zoo after the February storm (Ordinance No. 2993), and interim electrical permit fee changes (Ordinance No. 2995). The council also approved first readings for several FY2027 items, including a fee schedule, water and sewer rate changes, a capital repair for the parking garage and a loan authorization for the Nailer Mill water-main extension project.

The meeting included routine procedural votes to advance multiple items: first readings were approved for Ordinance Nos. 2996 (large family childcare-home zoning definitions), 2997 (parking garage repair), 2998 (fire department overtime reimbursement), and 3002 (bond/loan authorization not to exceed $4,874,910 for Nailer Mill water-main extension). Council members repeatedly emphasized that several items presented for first reading would return for a public hearing and second reading before becoming final.

Votes at a glance - Resolution No. 3472 (North Shoemaker Drive annexation): approved for first reading. - Ordinance No. 2991 (political signs): approved on second reading. - Ordinance No. 2992 (surplus funds to field operations, $15,881): approved on second reading. - Ordinance No. 2993 (zoo emergency funding, $22,723.60): approved on second reading. - Ordinance No. 2994 (insurance proceeds — traffic unit repair, $7,198): approved on second reading. - Ordinance No. 2995 (electrical permit fee adjustments): approved on second reading. - Ordinance No. 2996 (large family childcare homes): advanced on first reading. - Ordinance No. 2997 (parking garage repair — ~$35,000): advanced on first reading. - Ordinance No. 2998 (fire department overtime reimbursement — $6,300): advanced on first reading. - Ordinance No. 2999 (FY2027 budget): advanced on first reading; council requested closed-session discussion on pending negotiations before second reading. - Ordinance No. 3001 (FY2027 fee schedule): advanced on first reading. - Ordinance No. 3002 (GO bonds/loan authorization for Nailer Mill project, up to $4,874,910): advanced on first reading. - Ordinance No. 3004 (water and sewer rate increase of 2.5%): advanced on first reading; public hearing and second reading to follow.

Council President opened and closed votes by voice. Where no individual roll-call was recorded in the transcript, outcomes above are reported as recorded in the meeting minutes and by roll-call/voice statements during the session. The council repeatedly noted that first readings would return for second reading and public hearing as required.

The meeting adjourned the legislative session and continued into a work session for additional agenda items.