Board of County Commissioners
Worksession Minutes
June 1, 2010

PRESENT: Commissioners Lockhart, Mullin, Tome, and Hodge; County Administrator Al Wein, Public Works Director Scott Flanigan and staff; Planning and Zoning Director Eric Sennstrom and staff; Economic Development Roy Clough; Human Resources Director Donna Nichols and staff; Permits and Inspections Director Pat Conway; Facilities Management Stafford Torgensen; Budget Manager Craig Whiteford; Treasurer Pamela Howard; Council Norman Wilson; Executive Office Administrator Vicky Rinkerman; members of the press, and members of the public.

ABSENT: Commissioner Demmler.

OPEN SESSION – 9:00 a.m.

Elkton Senior Housing Project – Counsel Dwight Thomey stated that the developer has less than the 1.2 acres of required land approved by the Town of Elkton for this project.  They are seeking to purchase the additional acreage needed from the County for the project, and permission to install fire retardant material on a County owned accessory building that is located within 30 feet of the proposed development.   

County Administrator Wein stated that the County would require a utility easement on the property.   The public hearing regarding the sale of the property is scheduled for June 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Elk room.    

Counsel Thomey stated that the developer is going to the Town of Elkton's Planning Commission for the proposed subdivision for the project, and they are requesting a letter stating that the County is considering the sale of the property for the project.

 The Board concurred to proceed with providing a letter as requested by the developer.  

Afternoon agenda review

County Administrator Wein reviewed the agenda items listed under information items.

Public Hearing Items:

Director Nichols reviewed the proposed amendments to the Personnel Policies and Procedures.  The Board received copies of Sheriff Janney's comments relative to the proposed revisions.

Director Conway reviewed the proposed amendments to Chapter 200 Building Construction.  The county is required to by law to adopt new building construction codes every three years.

Introductory Items:

Conditional Loan Commitment to Aquafin – Deputy Director Roy Clough stated that the Revolving Loan Fund Review Committee approved this application for the purchase of a new computer system.  Commissioner Hodge requested an approval letter from the revolving loan committee.

Port Deposit Water Franchise Agreement – County Administrator Wein stated that there is one proposed revision to the agreement relative to the expansion of the service area coinciding with any future annexation requests from the Town.

Junk Dealer and/or scrap metal processor licensing resolution – County Administrator Wein stated that the State legislation requires the County designate an office/agency to maintain licensing records.  The resolution designates the Maryland State Police as the agency.

Action Items:

Director Flanigan reviewed the Public Works items on the agenda.   He stated that the department received no public comment relative to implementing a truck weight restriction on Reservoir Road.  

Discussion ensued regarding a technicality on enforcement of the weight restriction.  Director Flanigan stated that the department would refer to the State road code relative to weight restrictions.

Introduction of changing the speed limit on a portion of Red Toad Road – Director Flanigan stated that the County advertised the proposed speed limit change.  There were two letters published in the Whig from the public.

Ordinance 2010-02 to Chapter 134 Commercial Refuse Haulers and Chapter 228 Solid Waste Disposal, and Chapter 279 Recycling Plan – Director Flanigan stated that staff has created an information paper on the proposed revisions to the Solid Waste ordinance.   If the Board postpones a decision, it will affect the reaction time of the stakeholders to implement the changes by July 1, 2010. 

Commissioner Hodge suggested that at the end of the information paper a statement should be made that the County intends to monitor and review the revisions on an ongoing basis.

Commissioner Tome stated that he does not agree with the $5.00 landfill service fee proposed in the Ordinance.  

Budget Manager Whiteford reviewed the bid for the Food Service Program at the Detention Center.  He reviewed the budget amendments.

Request to write off certain Landfill and Septage accounts – Treasurer Howard reviewed the accounts in question and adjustments to property tax accounts.   The Board concurred to proceed with the adjustments as presented. 

Appointments update – County Administrator Wein stated that the Board has received a request from the public school system to have a representative on the CIP committee. 

The Board concurred to permit a representative to the CIP committee from the public school system, public libraries, and Cecil College.  Additionally, there is one appointment on the Liquor and several appointments on the Board of Appeals due to expire in August. 

Transportation priorities letter – County Administrator Wein stated that the Board received a copy of a draft letter outlining the County's transportation priorities.   The Board approved the letter and it will be forwarded to the municipalities for comment. 

Discussion ensued regarding plans for Route 301.  Director Sennstrom stated that DelDOT is considering constructing a toll booth on the off and on ramps of Route 301.

SPCA Contract – County Administrator Wein stated that the intent is to extend the current contract with the SPCA, which will be acted upon at the June 15 meeting.   

Commissioner Hodge stated that the Animal Control Committee is in the process of developing a new RFP for animal control services.   

CLOSED SESSION  10:11 a.m. On motion by Commissioner Tome, second by Commissioner Mullin, the Board convened to closed session Pursuant to the Maryland Annotated Code - State Government-10-508(a) (1) personnel matters; and (7) consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.