MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
January 7, 2003
The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session at the Board Room located at 107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland on Tuesday, January 7, 2003. The following members of the Board were present:
Nelson K. Bolender, President
Phyllis Kilby, Commissioner
Harry A. Hepbron, Commissioner
William C. Manlove, Commissioner
Mark H. Guns, Commissioner
Constituting a full Board.
The meeting was called to order by President Bolender at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance:
- MINUTES -
The minutes of the Board of County Commissioners December 17, 2002 Rezoning Hearing were unanimously approved.
The minutes of the Board of County Commissioners December 17, 2002 were unanimously approved.
- INFORMATIONAL ITEMS –
Commissioner Manlove – reported that he visited the Landfill on Saturday and had the opportunity to speak with many people there. He and Commissioner Hepbron toured Charlestown Elementary School. They also had a very productive meeting with Sheriff Janney.
Commissioner Hepbron – reported that he had taken Commissioner Guns on a tour of several areas of the County.
President Bolender – reported on the Commissioner’s Meeting with the Erickson Foundation and that he and the other Commissioners toured the area that will provide an environmental educational camp for Maryland students.
Commissioner Kilby – reported on the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon that the Commissioners attended on January 6, 2003. The main topic of the event was Economic Development and Tourism. She brought with her a copy of the magazine “Chesapeake Life”, which featured an article on Chesapeake City, she has great hopes this article will encourage future tourism in that area.
Commissioner Guns – reported on the tour of the Bower’s Conference Center and the meeting with the Erickson Foundation, he is very excited about this project, which will enable Maryland Students to attend a four-day program and learn about the environment and the Chesapeake Bay. He is planning to meet with Mayor McKnight of North East, possibly to set up some public informational meetings regarding this project.
He further stated that he met with Barbara Brown from the Town of Perryville on 12/23 and toured the town, including the Perryville Community Park.
- COMMISSION FOR WOMEN, YEARLY REPORT –
Karen Emery presented the yearly report on the Commission for Women and introduced the Council and some of the members in attendance.
Ms. Emery presented the Goals and Objectives; Highlights for 2002 and Activities Planned for 2003, they are as follows:
1. To educate the community about issues affecting women.
2. To advocate and support legislation, policies, and practices which favorably impact women.
3. To promote increased education and career opportunities for women.
4. To recognize and exemplify outstanding contributions and achievements of women in our community.
1. Council participated in an educational workshop on Protecting Children from Internet Exploitation, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office
2. Trailblazers Award
3. Art Exhibit & Reception
4. Candidates Questionnaire published prior to November Election
5. Girls Conference
6. Rudy Park Dinner/Outreach
7. Funding for Basic Operating Expenses
8. Expanded partnerships and representation on agency committees
1. Co-sponsor Trailblazers Award with Cecil Whig
2. Plan & execute fourth annual Power of Me Girls Conference
3. Sponsor Women’s History Month Art Show & Reception
4. Plan at least two community receptions/presentations
5. Expand mailing list and publish quarterly newsletters
6. Identify local women’s groups and include participants on mailing list
7. Maintain website
8. Update CCCW brochure
9. Seek representation on Maryland Commission for Women’s Board
10. Support Legislative Agenda for Maryland Women
11. Consider partnering with the Cecil County Bar Association in sponsoring legal clinics in several county sites.
- PUBLIC COMMENT –
Roland S. Wills spoke with regard to stormwater management sediment control violations in the Montgomery Oaks Subdivision and continued violations being ignored by the Department of Public Works. He questioned whether the Department of Public Works had made a determination relating to his previous complaints.
Matt Carter, Director of Public Works stated that they have not yet completed their investigation, however, they have visited the site with several of the Commissioners and will continue looking into the matter. A response to Mr. Wills will be forthcoming.
Mr. Wills further questioned violations in the North Woods Subdivision and passed out photos. His complaints are regarding stormwater management; gravel road; forest retention and root zones. He advised that he would like this matter looked into, before he goes to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Douglas Johnson spoke regarding affordable housing in Cecil County. He is concerned with the increased costs involved in developing and what these costs are doing to the small independent contractors.
Elaine Ore spoke regarding the Comprehensive Plan Review Meeting dates and whether these meetings would be open to the public. She further encouraged the Commissioners to follow through with the zoning changes and enforce the regulations. Ms. Ore further questioned the action items being delayed. President Bolender informed her of the new policies for action items.
John Gaughan presented two questions to the Commissioners concerning the Networking Council and MD Sand & Gravel. County Administrator Wein advised Mr. Gaughan that Chris Vanover, Information Systems had been attending the meetings regarding the Networking Council with the College, Library and Board of Education and would get an update from him.
County Attorney, Dwight Thomey explained that the MD Sand & Gravel matter has been turned over to the EPA. This would perhaps be a very lengthy process; studies and proposals, and that to his knowledge the EPA had not made any decisions at this time. Eric Sennstrom, Director of Planning & Zoning added that on their website there is a Superfund Site that he could visit to obtain further information.
- GROWTH ALLOCATION EXTENSION REQUEST NATIONAL HUMANE SOCIETY –
Mr. Bud Felty of McCrone Inc., and Mr. Joseph Wear, on behalf of Greener Pastures, appeared before the Board, and requested pursuant to Article XI, Part I, Section 205.7 a one year extension of the approval of 12.45 acres of growth allocation, previously granted by the Board on October 17, 2000.
The purpose is to establish an animal sanctuary and educational facility on Budd’s Landing Road for abused animals. There will be no changes to the original request, other than a name change, from the National Humane Education Society to Greener Pastures, which a new application will be forthcoming.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried to approve the extension request.
- BUDGET AMENDMENTS - 75 – 82
Motion was made by Commissioner Guns and seconded by Commissioner Kilby to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 75 – 82. Copies are incorporated as part of these minutes.
President Bolender announced the next Commissioner’s Meeting will be held on January 21, 2003 in Cecilton.
Meeting adjourned.