Meeting of April 24, 2008

Next Meeting Time & Place: May 1, 2008, Rotary Scout and Community Cabin, Steak Fry- John Nicholson

Song: “Home on the Range” led by Judy Sensenbrenner, John Hall, Gary Mackes, and Rocky Burnett

Pledge:  President Marion Keenan

Prayer: Rocky Burnett 

Head Table: Pete Cooper, President Marion, Mayor Tilghman, and Gary Mackes

Guests:  Heather Barton; Matt Tilghman, and Penny Nicholson

Announcements:

  • Bob Brown updated us on Romania Project.  As of tonight he has raised $3600. The group needs $6,000. Make checks payable to Salisbury Rotary Foundation.
  • John Nicholson needs volunteers to help with the Steak Fry.
  • April 25 & 26: Salisbury Festival Wine Booth- Tim Sargent
  • April 25, 26, & 27: District Meeting in Annapolis
  • June 12: Shorebird outing. $30 per person for buffet. We need 50 people. See Bill Potts
  • June 19: Basket Bingo:  Matt Maciarello provided an update.  We are the only basket bingo with Elvis and a DJ. Still needs basket sponsors; $100 per basket.
  • Coastal Hospice Geranium flyers are on the table.

Main Program:

Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman reviewed the State of the City. 

  • The City of Salisbury faces challenges and immense opportunities.
  • The mayor is forming an Environmental Policy Work group.
  • In the area of environmental concerns, the city created a living shoreline in the City Park. With regard to the North Prong project, the City has received a grant from the Coastal Communities Initiative, with a match from the City, to develop an action plan.
  • With initial efforts from Carol Turner, the City is controlling its energy costs.
  • The City is coming into the final year of the upgrade and expansion of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
  • The Neighborhood quality of life has improved. The greatest success story is in the Church St. neighborhood.  The City continues to work with Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Service to promote home ownership.  The City also continues to appropriate funds for the Home Conversion Grant Program. To date over 40 homes have been moved from rental units into home ownership since the beginning of the program in 2004.
  • The City addressed the issue of police retention. The Mayor and Council made a commitment to both benefits and salary.  The result has been a fully staffed force and a corresponding reduction in crime.
  • Salisbury Fire Headquarters is complete with occupancy slated for later this spring. It came in on time and under budget.

The Mayor’s entire State of the City Address is on the City’s website.

50/50 Winners : There was no 50/50.

       Enjoy Rotary!