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COMMISSIONERS MEETING
September 30, 2008
The Board of County Commissioners for Cecil County met in special session at the County Administrative Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton, MD. The following members of the Board were present:
William C. Manlove, President Mark H. Guns, Vice President Rebecca J. Demmler, Commissioner Brian Lockhart, Commissioner Wayne L. Tome, Sr., Commissioner
Constituting a full Board.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Board held a public hearing for the purpose of hearing public input and opinion relative to the Proposed Sale and Transfer of Meadowview, Highlands, Pine Hills, Harbourview and Route 7 Water Systems and the Proposed Sale and Transfer of Cherry Hill, Meadowview, Highlands and Harbourview Wastewater Systems.
Alfred C. Wein, Jr., County Administrator opened the meeting and stated that the purpose of this meeting would be for the Board to accept public comment relative to the previously presented proposed Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreements for Water and Wastewater Services Agreement with Artesian Wastewater Maryland, Inc., dated August 19, 2008 and to the Franchise for Wastewater Services and Water Service Agreement with Artesian Water Maryland, Inc., dated August 19, 2008 for the purpose of amending Section 6.2 of each agreement to provide that conforming amendments to the County Master Water and Sewer agreement plan shall not be made automatically by the County and relevant Franchisee at the time of expansion of the Franchise Area to include the expansion area described in Exhibit A, Part II of each Franchise Agreement; but that instead any amendments to the County Master Water and Sewer Plan, in the area described in Exhibit A, Part II of each Franchise of each Franchise Agreement, shall be made only upon application, and otherwise in accordance with the procedures for amendment as set forth in the Master Water and Sewer Plan and other applicable County law.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Joyce Bowlsbey, Elkton, MD - on behalf of the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce, commented in support of the proposed agreements with Artesian Water Maryland, Inc., and Artesian Wastewater Maryland, Inc.
Lindsie Carter, 131 Blacksnake Road, Elkton, MD - commented in opposition to the privatization of the proposed county-owned facilities by Artesian Water Maryland and Artesian Wastewater, Maryland, Inc. She further commented the regulation of rates and the possible inability of Artesian to provide services adequately in tough financial times.
Sue Furhman, 9 Lochcarron Drive, Elkton - commented in opposition to the proposed sale and transfer of public water systems to a private entity.
Ron Hamlen, 9 Lochcarron Drive, Elkton - commented as to whether the County has the authority to sell or transfer public properties while they are in public use.
Carol Wohner, 218 Catswamp Road, Elkton, MD - commented in opposition to the proposed sale and transfer, and presented the Board a list of questions regarding this proposal.
Ron Hartman, 164 Little Egypt Road, Elkton, MD - commented in support of the original Elkton West proposal, however, is opposed to the expanded area, part II of the franchise area.
Jim McHugh, commented about the purchase of the CECO Utility and what that would mean for residents in the Elk Mills area.
John Williams, 2 Woodbine Circle, Elkton, MD - commented in support of transferring some nutrient loads from the Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware River Basin, however spoke in opposition to the privatization of the County's water & wastewater systems. He further stated that in his opinion, the proposed agreements are not appropriately targeted geographically; are not needed to accomplish County objectives; and more than likely, not legal.
George Kaplan, on behalf of CLUA, commented in opposition to the amendment expanding the service area of the proposed agreement and stated that this is not a priority area, he suggests and independent review and study be conducted, and further commented relating to the legality of the sale and transfer.
Dr. Carl Roberts, 1641 Ingleside Drive, Perryville - applauded the Board for conducting the question and answer format at the last public hearing. He further spoke in support of the proposed sale and transfer.
This matter will be placed on the Board's agenda at the October 7, 2008 meeting.
The meeting concluded at approximately 8:15 p.m.
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