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Board of County Commissioners PRESENT: Commissioners Lockhart, Demmler, Mullin, Tome, and Hodge; County Administrator Al Wein, Public Works Director Scott Flanigan and staff; Planning and Zoning Director Eric Sennstrom; Economic Development Director Vernon Thompson; Budget Manager Craig Whiteford; Executive Office Administrator Vicky Rinkerman; Council Norman Wilson; members of the press, and members of the public. OPEN SESSION 9:00 a.m. Comments and discussion regarding proposed Chapter 211-Electrical Standards – County Administrator Wein introduced Mr. Robert Powell. Mr. Powell stated that he is representing the Cecil County Electrical Contractors Association. The Association is aware of the legislation that dissolves the current Chapter 99, and enacts new standards that permits the County to control electrical permits, inspections, and licensing of electricians throughout the County. He continued stating that the Association is recommending that the County continue the current electrical inspection contract through October 2011 with the Bay Area Inspections Agency; the current Electrical Licensing Board continue operating through October 2011 to provide assistance and guidance through the transition process; and members of the Association be recognized and included in the decision making process relative to electrical standards. Commissioner Hodge stated that he feels the Board has asked for assistance from the Electrical Board and private contractors, and would welcome comments from the Association members relative to the new standards. He does not feel that the adoption of this ordinance should be postponed for a year. Director Conway stated that the County has been working on new electrical standards for the County for many years and on this particular ordinance over the past two years. He contacted the Electrical Board relative to the Association and received information that the organization was no longer in operation. Appleton Road Bridge bid award - Director Flanigan stated that the Appleton Road Bridge is currently open to traffic with restrictions. Eighty percent of the funding for this project is from the Federal government, which is the first time in ten years the County has used Federal funds for a restoration project. The recommendation is to award Bid 10-45 to low bidder Mumford and Miller Concrete. The bridge will not be closed to traffic before November 1, 2010, and the project requires coordinating the construction schedule with a CSX flagger. On motion by Commissioner Hodge, second by Commissioner Tome, the Board voted unanimously to award Bid 10-45 to Mumford and Miller Concrete to replace the Appleton Road Bridge over the CSX Railroad. RFP 11-07-Design, Purchase and Installation of Septage Acceptance Station Generator -Director Flanigan stated that the RFP would be to provide back-up power for the facility. An option still being considered is using the landfill gas project to power the back-up generator. The Board concurred to authorize Public Works to advertise RFP 11-07. RFP 11-08-Purchase, Installation and Operation of GPS units – Director Flanigan stated that the GPS units would be used as a management tool to track vehicle resources more effectively and efficiently. This would provide data relative to vehicle speed, safety, emergencies, location, customer complaints/concerns, etc. There is an option to have the GPS units installed in vehicles contracted to do work for the County. Discussion ensued relative to the "ping" settings for the GPS unit, which relates to the number of times the data is sent from the unit to the County. The Board concurred to authorize Public Works to advertise RFP 11-08. RFP 11-09-Design, Purchase and Installation of Fuel Storage Tank at Courthouse – Facilities Manager Torgensen stated that this proposal is to install a 10,000 gallon above ground fuel storage tank at the Circuit Courthouse. The tank would be located in a well along the side of the building. The Board concurred to authorize Facilities Management to advertise RFP 11-09. Proposal to provide space within Office of Economic for Small Business Development Center - Director Thompson stated that he is recommending that the County provide office space through the Office of Economic Development for the Small Business Development Center. The organization has one employee and the services provided are linked with services provided through Economic Development. The Board concurred to authorize the use of office space in the Office of Economic Development in the County Administration Building for the Small Business Development Center. Energy real estate tax credit - request to enact local legislation – County Administrator Wein stated that the County has received a request relative to enacting energy real estate tax credits for residential energy conservation devices. The State has passed enabling legislation giving counties authority to enact local legislation, and five Maryland counties currently offer energy conservation incentives. Commissioner Hodge stated that he feels the legislation would only benefit a few citizens, and the County cannot support this initiative in this economy. County Administrator Wein stated that the staff recommendation is to delay action on energy real estate tax credits. The Board concurred to postpone energy real estate tax credits at this time due to current economic conditions. Correspondence relating to benefit assessments and wastewater connection fees – County Administrator Wein reviewed a letter from Mr. Travers relative to connection fees and benefit assessments for three ELU's for a project in the North East area. Director Flanigan stated that Public Works staff contacted Mr. Travers to discuss payment options with him relative to his concerns. He continued stating that the County held public meeting relative to the fee increase and staff informed his agent of the fees prior to the issuance of the permit. The model used to calculate fees for the improvements at the North East pump station was through new user connection fees and benefit assessments fees. The Board is in the process of reviewing a policy revision that would change the model used to pay for improvements that would have current sewer users contribute to the cost of the upgrades through an increase in sewer fees. Discussion ensued relative to current operations, user fees, and benefit assessments for sanitary sub districts throughout the County. Discussion ensued relative to communication and confusion between staff and the fees charged for this project. Commissioner Hodge stated that he feels that County staff could improve the procedure for explaining the fees and charges to the customer. Director Flanigan stated that staff is working to improve the Hansen program relative to helping developers understand the fees and charges; however, he feels that the program currently provides an adequate breakdown of the permit fees and charges. He feels that the problem with this project was a communication breakdown between the engineer and the property owner. The engineer was aware of the connection and benefit assessment fees. Staff has worked with Mr. Travers to develop a payment plan that coincides with the anticipated expansion of the project. The Board will be considering a policy revision relative to the fees and charges in the near future. Commissioner items In response to an inquiry, County Administrator Wein stated that the rate study is progressing, and the Chesapeake Utilities Natural Gas franchise agreement will be introduced at the August 17, 2010 Commissioners' monthly public meeting. In response to an inquiry, Director Flanigan stated that the there were no new developments relative to the Nottingham Road Bridge project, and staff is continuing to negotiate a settlement with the property owner. CLOSED SESSION The Board convened in closed session. > |