The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session at the Port Deposit Town Hall, Port Deposit, Maryland, on Tuesday, March 19, 2002.  The following members of the Board were present:

                        Nelson K. Bolender, President

                        Harry A. Hepbron, Commissioner

                        Phyllis Kilby, 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 – MARCH 5, 2002

The minutes of the March 5, 2002 Rezoning Public Hearings were unanimously approved as written.

The minutes of the March 5, 2002 Commissioners meeting were unanimously approved as written.

The minutes of the March 5, 2002 Board of Health meeting were unanimously approved as written.

-  INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Commissioners Comments:

Commissioner Kilby reported that she testified in Annapolis before the Board of Public Works regarding purchase of the Hopkins Quarry property in Port Deposit, and on behalf of a Bill introduced by Delegate Rudolph and Delegate Crouse regarding the proposal from the fourth grade class at Tome School for a state cookie.  She is pleased that the county received a positive response from the state for the Hopkins property; and felt the fourth grade class from Tome did an excellent job researching and testifying for the adoption of a state cookie. 

Commissioner Hepbron reported that he attended for the third year in a row the book drive for the Cecilton Library.  His goal is to purchase a book on behalf of each of his grandchildren.   He read to a group of first graders at Thompson Estates Elementary School.  He attended the retirement for Mr. Conway Gaddy for fifty-two years of service with Amtrak.  He also attended several Chamber of Commerce functions and budget hearings.

Commissioner Bolender reported that he represented the class of 58’ at the Inaugural Ceremony for the new President at Towson University.  The event cost an estimated 1.2 million dollars for this weeklong event.  He attended a presentation for the IDA program, which provides a 2:1 savings match for those individuals that meet the income guidelines. There are twelve people enrolled in the program.

Treasurer’s Report:

            Treasurer Pamela Howard presented the Treasurer’s Report.  There were no questions or comments.

The following Proclamations were presented:

Cecil County

Office of Planning and Zoning 2001 Annual Report

Planning and Zoning Director Eric Sennstrom presented the 2001 Office of Planning and Zoning Annual Report.  He gave an overview of the report and stated that copies were available in the Office of Planning and Zoning.  A copy of this report was forwarded to the Maryland Department of Planning as required.

-  PUBLIC COMMENT

            Beverly Abrahams stated that she is concerned about a property tax increase.  She asked that the Commissioners consider increasing other fees in lieu of raising property taxes.

            Roland Wills stated that he was disappointed with the letter from Paul Gilbert published in the Baltimore Business Journal that contained unpleasant remarks about Mr. James Harkins of Harford County.  He wrote a letter of apology to Mr. Harkins as a citizen of  Cecil County, and feels that Mr. Gilbert should be asked to resign.  He feels the Commissioners gave the Town of North East permission to charge county residents one hundred percent more for water than in-town residents under the new contract.  County regulations state that agreements were to be reviewed every two years, which was not done.

            Commissioner Bolender stated that the rate provisions within the new contract with the Town of North East would be reviewed periodically.  Discussion and debate regarding this agreement has been ongoing since 1988.  Similar agreements will be developed with other towns to create a service area for each town.

            Vaughn Ellerton presented the Commissioners with a list of questions.  He reviewed the questions and asked for a response in writing. 

Tim Karschner stated that he contacted the Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) that represents non-resident customers before the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the water rates out-of-town customers are charged by the Town of North East.  He asked the Board of County Commissioners to consider filing a written request to the PSC asking them to review the rates in the same fashion they review rates for all private water companies.  He feels that the rates charged to out-of-town users are unfair, and the substantial cost of water in the North East area could deter new business from moving to Cecil County.  He has requested that the Town of North East consider reducing the out-of-town water rate by ten percent over the next five years, which would reduce the rate to fifty percent over in-town rates. 

Elaine Orr asked if Planning and Zoning regulations would be matched to the Comprehensive Plan when the review was completed.

Commissioner Bolender responded that Planning and Zoning would review the Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations for changes to the Board of County Commissioners.

Commissioner Kilby stated that the official review should be starting soon, and public hearings will be scheduled regarding any recommendations made by the Office of Planning and Zoning and Planning Commission.

Mr. DeAngelis stated that he was recently required to attend classes regarding the use of manure on this farm, and must now keep records when manure is used.  He questioned the regulations for wastewater plants.

Public Works Director Carter stated that there are many regulations, permits, and reports required at the State and Federal levels regarding wastewater treatment plants.  Any discharge is highly discouraged and taken very seriously when an accident occurs.

            Counsel Dwight Thomey stated that the Commissioners can expect to review the following items in the near future: Farr Creek buyouts, grant from the Department of Business and Economic Development, Old Dominion agreement, and Gilpin Falls Bridge grant.  Additionally, obtaining easements from property owners for the Carpenters Point project is progressing.

-  APPOINTMENTS

Susquehanna Workforce Network:            Donald Glenn – two-year term to expire 6/30/04.

Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and

unanimously carried to approve appointment.

Cecil Mental Health Partnerships:

            Gary Yoder, Sr. – expires 7/1/03              Courtney Portsman – expires 6/30/04

            Lee Hersker – expires 7/1/03                          Jackie Pugh – expires 6/30/03

            Carol Mullen – expires 7/1/03              Nancy Hardy – expires 6/30/03           

Virginia Pascal – expires 6/30/04                        Palmer Wineholt – expires 6/30/03

Motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve appointments.

Historic District Commission:  Jesse Malin – term to expire 3/1/05.

Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and

unanimously carried to approve appointment.

Cecil Partnerships for Children, Youth, and Families:  all two-year terms to expire 3/1/04

            Nancy Heinold                                    David Mahaney

            Susan Twigg                                       Renna VanOot

            Gary Sawyer

Motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve appointments.

Ethics Commission:            John H. Buck, Esq – four-year term to expire 4/3/06.

Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and

unanimously carried to approve appointment.

Electrical Board:  three-year terms to expire 3/21/05

            Charles McCoy

            Joseph Simmons

            Donald Hicks

Motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve appointments.

Oversight Committee, TDR/PDR Study:

            Rex Sizemore                                              Dan Derr

            Eugene Herman                                    Raymond Hamm, Jr.

            Timothy Smith                         Ronald Guns

Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and

unanimously carried to approve appointments.

-           BID AWARDS

Bid 02-21 – Grass Cutting Cecil County Sites

            Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously approved to accept Bid Award 02-21 for water and wastewater sites only.

Bid 02-24 – Toyota Matrix or Equivalent, Department of Aging

            Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously approved to accept Bid Award 02-24.

-  PERSONNEL ITEMS

Resignations:

            Upon recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously approved to accept the resignation of Latonya Lewis, Social Worker 1, Department of Social Services.

Appointments:

            Upon recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to appoint Mary E. Bowser, Regular Part-time Janitor, Facilities Management, $9.21 (grade 3); and Ernest Peterson, Tae Kwon Do Instructor, Parks and Recreation, to be paid 80% of registration fees.

Promotions/Transfers/Reclassifications:

            Upon recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to promote Alvin W. Wheaton, Roads Division Bridge Crew, from Equipment Operator I at $22,764.26 (grade 4) to Crew Leader at a salary of $26,788 (grade 6) effective 3/9/02; increase Randy K Massie Jr., to Equipment Operator Trainee for obtaining CDL, $9.49/hour (grade 3) effective 3/4/02; and increase Aaron H. Grubb to Equipment Operator Trainee for obtaining CDL, $9.49/hour (grade 3) effective 3/4/02.

-             PROPOSAL FOR ROADS DIVISION ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

            Public Works Director Carter presented the Organization Plan for the Roads Division of Public Works.  He stated that the current Road Districts would be renamed as Area Crews to dispel the myth that they are somehow tied to Commissioner Districts.  The area crews would be called Northern Area, Central Area, and Southern Area.  The Sign and Bridge Maintenance Crew would remain the same.  Specialty teams would be established for seasonal operations: Tar and Chip Team, Paving Team, and Pavement Overlay Program Team.  The reorganization will present no new cost in equipment, manpower, materials, or land.

            Upon recommendation by Director Carter, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the Proposal for Roads Division Organization Structure as presented.

-  BUDGET AMENDMENTS

Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendments 116 through 124.  A copy of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.

            County Administrator Wein clarified that the budget amendment for the Federal COPS Grant is to compensate for unbudgeted revenue.

-  ADJOURNMENT

            Motion made by Hepbron, seconded by Kilby, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.