If you're a property or business owner in the City of Fruitland, you better sit tight and read this article in full detail.
As you can see from the first image in this Post, property and business owners who have a sign/signs on their building/buildings are about to get spanked with a new bill never seen before.
As if it wasn't bad enough that business and property owners had to pay for a permit to put up signs, now you're getting billed at least $50.00 PER SIGN on your property.
Oh, it gets a whole lot worse. If you have a sign on any of your vehicles, you're going to get billed $50.00 per sign on the vehicle too. Just when you think that's bad, how about this. If you put your home/business up for sale, that's $100.00 per sign. Mini billboards, they're $500.00, similar to Gary Pusey's sign on Rt. 13.
Today I had a special meeting with several business/property owners and I have to tell you Folks, they just can't afford it. The former Council came up with this new legislation without anyone ever knowing it had come about. While many of these people tried to contact the current sitting Council, there's nothing, (at this moment) they can do about it.
Now, let's say you own the building but you're renting it out to someone else. IF the renter doesn't pay the bill, it falls back on the property owner. IF you don't pay the bill on time, the City of Fruitland, (stated in this new law) will bill you $25.00 per day until the bill is paid! No, now wait a second, get this. If they property owner does not pay that bill, the City of Fruitland will then slap a lien on that property. Ultimately they could actually take the property away from you.
This is just more living proof that Maryland is an unfriendly business state. Municipalities are trying to be creative in how they can tack on additional billing. Some property owners can't even get the rent out of their tenants, let alone slap additional billing for these new costs.
I strongly recommend that ALL property owners get to the Council Meeting tomorrow night at 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, the Council has only allotted 30 minutes for the citizens to speak as they conveniently scheduled a tour of the waste water treatment plant at 6:00 PM.
It is my impression that quite a few of these business/property owners are looking to retain an outside attorney to possible sue the City of Fruitland and even their Council Members civily. If you want to learn more, be sure to make it to tomorrow night's meeting.
Now check this out. Businesses like a liquor store or grocery store will be charges for every single sign they have posted. Yes, even a Bud Light neon sign or buy one get one free signs.
The City of Fruitland will break many businesses because of this new ordinance and what will they get then! To the City Council Members reading this, you better be prepared for a HUGE crowd of very angry taxpayers tomorrow night. Enough Is Enough!
UPDATE:
Actual copy of ordnance #248:
Revised Agenda for Nov 4th:
91 comments:
soooo, what exact CAN you do on your own property any more???????? This is outrageous!
Republican greed. Trying to get a piece of the small business loans received from the government. Just the tip of the ice. More to come.
The city must need money to pay for the big pay raises some employees got while others have not gotten raises for years.
Joe, there was nothing "convenient" about it. The special meeting, part of which is closed, was scheduled over a week ago, (check the city website). This item was added for an open meeting after the new council found out about the fees that were being passed on to the businesses. I do have one question, why did nobody speak up at the first or second reading of this ordinance? There was a public comment period then. I am sure our new council will try to do the right thing. (at least the 3 new members)
Signed,
An involved Fruitland resident.
"You know, it's a fee, not a tax" Fmr. Gov. Robert Ehrlich
Joe:
This ain't nothing -- if a landlord in Salisbury does not pay the annual rental tax on time. it's a 700% penalty, even if it is paid 1 day late.
We WILL be heard, even if we need to follow them to their their little walk through of the sewer plant. We'll continue our discussion there! Pack a boxed dinner Fruitland Council - you're going to be out late.
The fprmer good old boys did their thing and skippedout>ie richard tull. They talked bad about RP.
By the way, Gary Comegys -- he's president of the Maryland Municipal League this year -- is pushing for legislation in the General Assembly next year that would allow every town to impose all types of taxes -- on meals, power bills, and a piggyback sales tax or income tax or both. And Ireton wants to impose new fees for different things as well
Fruitland has gone too far. They are running out homeowners and becoming nothing but a rental town with one of the highest water/sewer/trash fees in the state, now they are going to run out the businesses too!
Is this a one-time or an annual tax on signs?
tax, tax,tax, ya gotta watch em. There's a monster that has to be fed. It's called the government.
All of this outrageous billing started with Rick Pollitt, when he was in Fruitland as the town manager. The GREED of Fruitland continues as the highest place to own a home or business. Trouble is there is not really that much in Fruitland to attract new business or people. It used to be a quiet little town and a nice place to live now they've got greedy and it sucks to own anything there.
4:24 pm
We all learned from the last 2 water/sewer increases that public comments in Fruitland don't mean crap! We had a signed petition from residents and they still voted it all in instead of looking at other ways or increasing the fees more gradually
First off if I were Mr. Pusey I would accumulate the evidence you have shown SBYnews readers.
Then - if I would file a Federal lawsuit against the City of Fruitland for violating the 'Pursuit of happiness clause'.
Sooner or latter the Courts are going to have to better define this article as the Government has been treading dangerously- thus eroding this civil right. In light of Fruitland officials unscrupulous and derelict behavior - I would still sue them even if they withdraw the stupid bill.
We really do have some severe governing problems locally. No wonder all of the businesses are leaving.
This is communism pure and simple! The City Council is a disgrace and they need to be called on it!
Anon 4:33
This is a yearly fee....
Anon 4:24....
Businesses have a hard enough time trying to run a business and keep the doors open just to keep people in jobs - let alone make anything. They have much more important things to do with their time than keeping a watchful eye on Fruitland's website. For a town no bigger than it is, how about a mailing? How about contacting the Fruitland Chamber of Commerce? Honestly, without Fruitland's businesses - some of which predate many other local businesses - Fruitland really wouldn't have a need to exist.
Why don't we give the new council a chance to correct this. I mean, after all, they didn't pass it.
Joe - If you still have the business closure list I would get ready to add a bunch more.
In fact - I believe you should publish it again just to reinforce to your readers the massive business exodus from our area. What happened to our County is a sin.
Where was everyone at when this law was being reviewed? I told many of business owners here in Fruitland for months that the city was working on this project but only three or four people showed up to either of the public hearings or when the vote was taken on the matter. (in which was passed 5-0 for the amendment) This is another example of why we should pay attention to what is going on in the neiborhoods we live and conduct our business in
We should all take a bigger part in the town/city that represents us.
Blaming Richard Tull, Ted Lokey, or Greg Olandie will do no good and its easy to blame them while no longer in office....but everyone here had the right to show up and be heard, but elected not to....
Don't care if it's yearly, monthly or weekly. It's not fair to the businesses in that area. It's hard enough to run a business right now as it is so let's just charge them extra so we can lose a few more jobs here on the Shore. Butt-holes.
The chamber is fully aware of this and sides with all the businesses. The ordanence was made in 1992 but revised this September before the old council left. Get out to the City Hall tomorrow and let your voices be heard!!!
Rich Tull, Ted Lokey, and Banker Greg now this crap and thats exactly what it is. Tull, you won't be able to sell your house if no one wants to come to Fruitland.
Raymond and Gloria, how did you vote on this issue? You were on the council and still are.
You know you voted with the others to allow a city worker to get a raise when no one else was given one. When you agreed to put someone in the position of Asst. City Manager, why wasn't the position advertised? It's no wonder Fruitland residents have the highest bills.
Outen, Kerr, and Cowell, show us we voted for the right people. Stand up to this crap. It just isn't right. I'll be there tomorrow evening with lots of questions.
Concerned in Fruitland
Anon 4:49
Don't you worry, they ARE going to be called on it more so than they ever expected it. The little pawn going around with his book writing out all the bills made it sound like he was just the messenger. Well Mr. Vogel, we now know it was YOU who started this whole mess and now you will be met with a whole different attitude when you break open your little book of fees. LOL Vogel......you've just been BLOGGED!!
maybe gary and crew should pay more attention to whats going on in his own backyard instead of worrying about tommy tindall and how many tow truck companies he owns.....
another one hits the list...soon
The Chamber of Commerce is already on top of this and will be sending a letter to the City Council expressing their displeasure with the sign ordinance. I understand that they are hoping the NEW city council will change this law as the old council did thid, NOT the newly elected one. Check with Dizzy Brumbley, Bunk Mann, Tina Banks, and Henry Tillman---they are the leaders at the Chamber and will stand up for the business folks of Fruitland. I spoke with several of them already !
4:54 maybe it's time for Fruitland to forget about being a city and just be part of the county.
if you own property you can afford the extras. everyone should share in your good fortune
Give the new council a chance. This wasn't their doing. The business community in Fruitland has a strong voice in the Chamber; the proper way to handle this is by letting the city council know your feelings without making threats or getting ugly. This is a bad law--I know of no other town on the Shore that makes its business community pay such an outlandish fee to do business--but I believe that the new council can ,and hopefully will, overturn this. Give them a chance.
Pretty soon all businesses and residents will go somewhere where they would be welcomed with open arms and helped to succeed (something MD fights) - a place called Delaware.
tax and spend liberals
I bet there will not be any fee for the dozens and dozens of political signs they plaster all over the landscape during the election cycle. Just one more example of making rules that do not apply to the rule makers. Did anyone listen to the American people during the last several months - and yesterday?
Bless you Spencer. I feel so bad now for giving a crap since you are so righteous. Oh! How will I go one with my shame. Please Fruitland! Take all I have for penance.
Spencer, some of us have to work shifts. I can't attend city council meetings due to working 3-11. My "weekend" is Wednesday and Thursday. This is where I generally end up hearing about what happened at those meetings. I have to work to pay the water bill.
FoodLion typically has signs in the window, so many that you can't see inside. Will they have to pay for each sign?
Um, Tyndall...get out of this discussion and quit trying to stir up crap. Remember, he who agitates may enjoy the sweetness of the sugar in your tank.
Some previous commenters are right-- this was done by the old council, and the newly-elected members should be given the chance to deal with it. They've only been in office a few weeks and they're brand new.
Give them a chance!
There's a lot that needs fixing in Fruitland, and they're already showing that they understand many of the problems. They're working toward solutions, but they can't just come into office with slash-and-burn right off the bat.
I fully expect this sign ordinance to disappear shortly.
Be kind, and be patient.
Please give them a little slack.
Anonymous 5:45 PM
I am happy to be able to grace you!
Anytime you need another blessing from me, just drop by I am not to hard to find....LOL
Anonymous 5:48 I do understand Shift work, I worked a 2pm to 10pm shift at Verizon so I know what your saying....
How did Tommy Tindal get into this conversation? There is a lot of man love for him out there in this area.
And yes I dont have any problem type my name and not hiding behind a "anonymous" tag.
Spencer-
Some of us work for our money and can't attend every meeting. Some of us haven't been given a business, a boat, fun toys, and whatever daddy would buy us. Get off your high horse and come down to earth. We work! You Spend someone elses money...
wow 6:11pm lay off Spencer -- he works very hard and sounds like you might be a little jealous
Let's get back to the topic at hand. I hope the new council does something about this, because I don't want Fruitland to turn into a ghost town.
How ironic Joe Vogel (code enforcment officer for Fruitland) would be tied up in this since he owned his own sign business and worked for another sign business in Salisbury in years past.
Looks like the City of Fruitland is trying to find a way to pay for the 20 or so police officers on the force, which is unnecessary or perhaps to pay for the 2.5 million dollar new police station, which is also unnecessary. These outsiders come in and think that every property owner can pay for the City's wish list. We were so much better off with Rick Pollitt than what we have now.
p.s. why don't they check on what's paid to the City's attorney, Andrew Mitchell. Any attorney in the County would love to have this opportunity. This is a position which should be put out on bids, rather than trying to strangle business owers for signage fees.
Anonymous 6:11
You are just that "Anonymous" and when you deside to walk in the light and be seen, instead of hidding in the dark behind "Anonymous" tags let me know. You seem to know so much about me and how I got what I have, whch means you know nothing about me,....
I welcome all debates by shadow dwellers.....
The City of Fruitland had the nerve in the cover letter to business owners, along with the signage fees to use the word "SCHEME" to 'raise more money' and surely, this is what this is--a deceptive ploy, by an outsider just brought into the City.
What the business owners need to do is to stop ALL donations to anything associated with the City of Fruitland--Little League, Lions Club, Fire Company, etc. and use their money for paying their signage fees. How would the Fruitland City Council feel about that? It could happen.
The business owners in the City of Fruitland should bring a Class Action Suit against the City. Of course, Andrew Mitchell would love that, because he'd be on the clock tallying up his fees for the City. The signage fee is a joke. Permits were bought at the time the signs were placed.
Joe Albero~~I am a business owner in the City of Fruitland want to personally thank you for uncovering this SCHEME that was instigated by the City of Fruitland. Your blog is so important for so many things concerning our Community.
Unbelievable---- a little Mom and Pop gas station in Fruitland is sent a bill for $1300 worth of signage fees. Not a ONE Time fee, but a YEARLY FEE! Is the new Code Enforcement Officer, Joel Vogel, getting a percentage of the fee? This guy and his position is a joke! Shame on the City Council.
Andrew Mitchell is a dictator to the City Council of Fruitland. He makes a good City Attorney like his his brother, Seth Mitchell, would've made State's Attorney! Two peas out of the same pod....
There comes a time when even the municipality needs to THANK those businesses who chose to operate in their Town.
instead, the mentality of the democrats is, well, even though times are tough, add a fee. What are the businesses going to do, sell in a depressed market. Nope, they're screwed, just like everyone else.
Take a good hard look at how it's working for Salisbury & Wicomico County. Hey Jim & Rick, when is the last time you saw someone file for a new building permit, 2 years ago!
Sooner than later the democrats will have driven everyone to Delaware and my property taxes will get reduced for a third year in a row. Thanks Fruitland.
5:56 I hope you are correct about the new council. Maybe they can find out why the Assistant City Manager - which they do not need - wants to get a $20,000 pay raise. I hope they are not stupid enough to be played because they are new.
Why would the Assistant City Mgr., Diane Nelson, want a raise when she's been employed by Fruitland for only a short time? Is She that talented???? When Rick Pollitt was City Manager, this town ran much smoother. What a loss for Fruitland when he left compared to what we have now.
Those farners are takin' over!
I just read the ordinance. It seems to be that this applies to "For Sale" and "Yard Sale" signs as well. Property ownners this is not just directed at businesses. HOmeowners beware!
anonymous 7:30, I said that in the original Post.
You're right....Andrew and Seth Mitchell are two peas out of the same pod..neither belongs in community affairs.
Guess how many members of the Fruitland City Council that passed this law will have to pay for a sign themselves? yeah, that's right,not a single one of them !
The fifty or so businesses in the City of Fruitland should just flat out REFUSE to pay these ridiculous signage fees. How about the 20 or so banners the City of Fruitland has hanging up and down Main Street. Are they being assessed $50 each, too?? Get real, business owners... Stand up to these money hungry morons.
exactly why I don't and never will live anywhere near Fruitland!
7:11 Since all other employees aren't receiving a raise, this woman shouldn't either. This position should of been advertised, there may of been someone better qualified for it. Instead the council just handed over the position to make her happy. It's not right.
There are around 153 businesses in Fruitland.
Next thing is taxing a vehicle that drives through the town with a business name on display
Just so the town and it's business owner know, I have already stopped patronizing any businesses or spending any kind of money in Fruitland.
The town has seen fit to utilize an unmarked vehicle to catch and fine speeders.
Originally it was set up by schools as a safety issue which worked for me. Now they are setting it up anywhere and hiding it as a matter for getting more money.
As long as it is used in this way, I will not spend any money in Fruitland
Will the City of Fruitland start collecting also from the churches? There is a huge one in front of St Johns on Main Street. During Easter some of these put special signs out, will the city charge fees? If I have to pay to put a Yard Sale sign in my front yard churches should be billed also. Afterall, they are a business.
Anon 8:49 -
They have already done that to Apple Drug and their delivery vehicles - no joke.
Non profits do not have to pay.
If they are going to hire a code enforcement officer to inspect the signs on an annual basis they should hire one that knows how to build one. I can tell you 1st hand Joe does not. Several respectable sign companies have gone behind him and had to reinstall the garbage he was peddling in years past. I guess it finally caught up with him so he had to get a trough job
So we go from business's getting charged for signs to stating that the City Of Fruitland doesnt need so many police officers. If they didnt have as many officers as they do, Fruitland would be a mini Salisbury with Crime. All the crime would be pushed right down south to Fruitland. I dont know about you, but I dont want all the shootings, burglaries, robberies and murders happening here. Just my 2 cents.
6:45...The Fruitland fire dept shares the name of the city, but they dont share the same sentiment towards the citizens and business owners that the city does...They have been very supportive to the local community and businesses.
Also, we need to remember that this ordnance was proposed by, approved and voted into law under the previous council. The just elected members had nothing to do with it and I can only imagine how unpleasant it can be to have to deal with the fallout from a bad decision made by members which are no longer accountable. Let's give them a chance to try and make it right..before the town loses all 153 businesses and no longer has a reason to have a council in the first place!
This is worse than Salisbury. Tindall's little game of posing as multiple companies appears to be supported by Comegys and Smith.
This is different. There, one or two guys is trying to get over on all the other operators by getting more turns in line for the dessert cart.
Here, all the businesses are getting slammed. Of course that many signs on one property looks junky. I only got one sign and it's nice. Maybe they ought to charge just for the signs beyond one.
Just to let you know, real estate signs, etc. are under Temporary Signs (section IV) which is exempt. Of course, your way makes a better story.
Anon 9:42....someone broke into my home recently and I live in Fruitland....where were all those officers then???? I was also told that another home was broke into recently here in Fruitland and they left a gun behind. Look at all the drug deals that go down all day long on Main St...crime is here and it is getting worse!!!
10:14, so what are you suggesting? Get rid of cops, or hire more?
Little Fruitland has _20_ police officers? Is this a joke?
maybe they were trying to get rid of all those junky and eyesores of signs in that little town?
10:43 PM
If they have that many there should be NO crime.
I have an idea since there are so many vacant businesses on 13 in salisbury the ones getting hassled in fruitland move to the empty places in salisbury im sure guys like gary pusey and others in fruitland would probably see more sales and traffic up here anyway ..... fruitland has dropped the ball here big time
I wonder what the personnel matter is? Don't be fooled council. She has gotten more than enough. With her advisor Richard Tull giving her advice, nothing good can happen there.
WOW
I can only imagine how Ms. Smith's mouth must be watering over this one.
Can we please get absorbed into De. now?
Sussex should extend from Bridgeville to Pocomoke. and Kent push down to Br.ville
Worcestor from Berlin to Gtown and east to include all beaches.
Disolve all local govs becoming county only
Then try to pass these rediculous local regs over an entire county?
This sign ordinance was amended and passed by the previous council, as mentioned before.
And there were hearings and opportunities to comment, as mentioned by Spencer.
This is typical-- nobody bothers to pay attention to what's going on in the city government till they get an increase in a bill, then all of a sudden there's accusations of plots and schemes and nobody-told-me-nothing.
This ordinance was passed on 9/14/10 by a 4-0 vote (Treasurer Ortiz was not at the meeting), and was brought up on a motion for a vote made by Raymond Carey.
Since Carey and Ortiz are the remaining members of the old council who passed this thing, perhaps they are the ones who should explain how they justified these fees.
The newly-elected members had nothing to do with it. They're just stuck with the fallout.
Fruitland would be better off with out a couple of snake oil salesmen, Oh Im sory "busniess" that operate here in Fruitland.
The city is taking a proactive roll in making sure these sign are safe and within city code....
I think maybe some of the posters on here should read the law before they go make themselfs look more stupid than they already do.
I do agree with Spencer the lack of involvement by the business owners and homeowners is just awful that was easy to see by the turn out of the election of the city council.
Hey Spencer What business were you given? And the rockfish are biting you going to take us fishing?
Look...this post is about being charged for signs in Fruitland. If you MUST argue about this towing crap again, create a post about it and have at it. I am just as sick of hearing about the towing problem as I was of hearing political commercials!
Anon 8:49 & 9:02
Companies are required by law to have their business name & DOT numbers on their vehicles. So how they can charge the permit fee's for fleets is beyond me!
This is why people should be attending these city and county council meetings.
By not attending, you're just telling the elected officials they can do whatever you want.
You don't attend the meetings, you don't call your representatives but you expect them to know how you feel about something?
Some of you are just ridiculous!
They're not mind readers! Get involved if you want things to change because that's the only way things will change!
Speak up before things happen instead of afterwards! Be proactive instead of reactive!
Please move this back up. This is important as it shows what can happen when the fox is in charge of the henhouse.
I just heard about this sign issue. This was approved by the former council, which two are still sitting councilpersons. Give the three new councilpersons a chance. They didn't approve this. It's easy to blame the council BUT three of them need a chance to work this out. During the election everyone wanted change due to the water and tax increases. I think the three who won were by far the best to help all of us. Just take a deep breath and calm down. Give them time to research this issue. I'm sure they will do whats best for Fruitland.
As far as how many police officiers, whats that got to do with this issue? Before Fruitland grew there was a time where we only needed a few. Times have changed, crime has changed. I personally want to know that there are enough officiers to handle whats going on. Do you have a scanner? I do. Wal-Mart constantly needs an officier there for shoplifters, etc.
My two cents
How many of you complaining voted during the city's election? How many show up at the council meetings? I've attended these meetings. I have never seen any business people there unless they are on the agenda or have a complaint.
who ever put on here about tindall,needs to leave me out of this,if i put this on here ,i will put my name on here, and about the sugar,,, remember what goes around ,comes around TT THATS ALL I NEED TO SAY. also i can speak for my self
12:26 PM
I thought Walmart might be a drain on city resources. Maybe the chain needs to hire its own security? And help people who are attacked by weirdo's with carts.
Some of us business owners operate here in Fruitland but our residence is elsewhere making us ineligible to vote in city elections. Which is bs in and of itself since we pay such hefty tax rates to the city we should have the right to vote here since the decisions they make can affect our business.
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