The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session at the Cecilton Town Hall, Cecilton, Maryland, on Tuesday, April 16, 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 – APRIL 2, 2002 –
The minutes of April 2, 2002, were approved as written.
- PUBLIC HEARING – HOUSING AGENCY PHA PLAN –
Mr. David Mahaney, Director of Housing and Community Development, appeared to present the PHA Plan. He stated it is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that his office prepare a one-year and five-year plan which maps out the strategy to secure funding. Mr. Mahaney advised that the Commissioners provide them space, and they apply for grants for staff and full operation. His office provides rental assistance to 565 families throughout the County. Their goal and mission is to promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination. Mr. Mahaney stated his goal is to combine efforts with the Department of Social Services to make their programs stronger throughout the IDA Program and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. This Plan maps the strategy for his Department to carry fourth those programs.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the PHA Plan.
- PUBLIC HEARING – PENSION PLAN –
A public hearing was held to consider a Resolution adopting a pension plan for the County’s full-time public safety employees who are paid in accordance with the County’s Public Safety Pay Plan.
Ms. Donna Nichols, Director of Human Resources, advised that a committee was formed to review the feasibility of a plan, and it was presented to the Board in December. This Resolution will allow public safety employees to elect either to continue to participate in the State System or to participate in the County Plan. Ms. Nichols stated the employees have until May 10 to elect to participate. The final Plan will be adopted on May 21, and will become effective July 1, 2002.
The need for the Plan is because of a large turnover and difficulty attracting and retaining employees. Ms. Nichols stated most counties have a similar type of plan for public safety employees to retire with a full pension earlier than they would in the State Plan. Legislation was passed allowing the Plan to be drafted.
Sheriff Rodney Kennedy spoke in favor of the Plan.
Ms. Pamela Howard, Treasurer, spoke in favor of the Plan and read a prepared statement which is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution. A copy is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
The Board thanked the committee, staff, and legislators for the work that was done.
Sheriff Kennedy extended gratitude on behalf of the employees. He also thanked the committee that was appointed by the Board, and thanked the Commissioners for recognizing the need for the Plan.
- COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS –
President Bolender reported that he attended the Cecilton Lions Club 50th birthday party on April 13.
He announced that copies of a news release from the Board concerning appointments to the Homeland Emergency Response Committee, as well as drought awareness information is available tonight.
Commissioner Hepbron reported that he attended the Water Witch Fire Company banquet.
Commissioner Kilby reported that she attended a ceremony last Sunday in Perryville honoring the Korean War veterans. There will be one for the Vietnam veterans in June.
Commissioner Kilby advised that on April 20 the landfill is hosting an Earth Day celebration, and they will do recycling for electronics.
She stated the tributary strategy teams that were appointed by the Governor to improve the tributaries that feed into the Chesapeake Bay will hold a wade-in on June 8.
Commissioner Hepbron reported that amnesty day for tires will be held soon at the landfill.
- TREAS. REPORT –
Ms. Pamela Howard, Treasurer, presented the monthly report as of March 31, 2002. A copy of the report is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
Ms. Howard presented a Resolution to reduce the service charge for semi-annual payment of real property tax bills issued after June 30, 2002, from 1.65% to 1.10% for the tax year commencing July 1, 2002.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution. A copy is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS MONTH –
The Board presented a Proclamation to Mr. Norman Hunter proclaiming April 20, 2002, as National Auctioneers Month.
- PROCLAMATION – SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
The Board presented a Proclamation to Sheriff Rodney Kennedy proclaiming the month of April, 2002, as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Sheriff introduced Jessica Goldberg, Domestic Violence Victims Advocate, who advised that she is working to get the agencies in the County to join together to fight this vicious crime.
- PUBLIC COMMENT –
Lt. Joe Letts thanked the Board for the retirement system.
Mr. Terry Pinder thanked the Board for the opportunity to have joined colleagues on working on the Pension Plan committee. He thanked Donna Nichols for her support and the Board for their leadership. Mr. Pinder stated the General Assembly also deserves a lot of credit.
Mr. Frank Vari, President of the West View Shores Civic Association, thanked the Board for reinstating the Stemmers Run Transfer Station and for filling in the shoulders on Pond Neck Road.
He advised that on March 26 at the Board of Appeals meeting Dr. Maria Mastrippolito insulted and criticized the community of West View Shores, and they are requesting an apology.
Mr. Vance Fields commented on the lack of available handicapped parking spaces in the County.
Mr. Bill Harris, Town Administrator of Cecilton, stated it is a pleasure to host this meeting. He congratulated Pamela Howard on her comments on the Resolution for the Pension Plan.
Mr. Roland Wills commented on developers not abiding by the law. He also commented on the public not being allowed input on the North East water allocation.
Ms. Diane Carabetta, President of the Cecil County Republican Women’s Club, thanked Sandy Turner for arranging for the Heritage Group to attend their luncheon at Woody’s.
- APPOINTMENTS – HOMELAND EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE –
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to appoint the following persons as members of the Homeland Emergency Response Committee:
Matt Ansel, Union Hospital, 106 Bow St., Elkton, MD 21921
Dr. Virginia Bailey, Cecil County Health Dept., 401 Bow St., Elkton, MD 21921
Dep. Chief Fire Marshal Mark Bilger, State Fire Marshal’s Office, 170 E. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921
Rachel Brannon, Project Impact Coord., Court House, 129 E. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921
Lt. Bruce Diehl, Maryland State Police, 2433 Pulaski Hwy., North East, MD 21901
Chief William Graham, Firemen's Assoc., 101A Lincoln Ave., Elkton, MD 21921
Sheriff Rodney Kennedy, Cecil County Sheriff’s Dept., 500 Landing Lane, Elkton, MD 21921
Chief Daniel Mahan, Elkton Police Dept., 100 Railroad Ave., Elkton, MD 21921
Frank Muller, Director, Emergency Services, Court House, 129 E. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921
Alfred C. Wein, Jr., County Administrator, 107 North St., Elkton, MD 21921
- PERSONNEL ITEMS –
Ms. Donna Nichols, Director of Human Resources, presented the personnel items. Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the following resignations:
Kenneth J. Pierce, Equipment Operator I, Roads – Third District, effective March 22, 2002;
Rodney D. Hamm, Operator Trainee, Water & Wastewater, effective February 25, 2002;
Sandra L. Caddell, Administrative Assistant, Public Works, retiring effective May 1, 2002;
Mary E. Santell, Caseworker/Counselor, Housing, effective April 17, 2002.
Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the following appointments:
Raymond S. Ruyter, Operator Trainee, Water & Wastewater, $11.71/hour (Grade 5);
Dawson Green, Plans Reviewer, Department of Public Works, $31,859 (Grade 8);
William McMahon, Stormwater Management Inspector, $28,949 (Grade 7);
Sandra L. Caddell, temporary, part-time Administrative Assistant, Public Works, $19.07/hour, 10-25 hours per week based on department need.
Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve an increase for Alan W. Salisbury, Laborer, to Equipment Operator Trainee, Roads Division, $10.32 to $10.63 (Grade 3) for acquiring CDL.
- WINDING BROOK – SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT –
Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, advised that the next three agenda items formalize the establishment of the Winding Brook Special Taxing District by approving the contracts for “mowing of common areas” and “trash collection” within the Winding Brook community.
It is recommended that the award for mowing go to Altra, Inc. in the amount of $1,200 and the award for trash removal to Independent Disposal Services at $10.93/unit/month.
The cost of these services spread between the 288 lots in Winding Brook amounts to $123 for FY03.
These services will be rebid each year with a public hearing and notification of property owners relating to the estimated levy occurring during the month of March of each year.
Mr. Wein stated letters will be sent to each property owner in the District informing them of the annual levy amount, trash pickup day, and other details from the trash removal contractor.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to create the Winding Brook Special Taxing District. A copy of the Resolution is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- CONSULTANT SERVICES – UPDATE OF HISTORIC PROPERTY INVENTORY –
Mr. Eric Sennstrom, Director of Planning and Zoning, was present regarding the award of a contract to update the historic property inventory. He stated his office issued a request for proposals to solicit interest from consultants to provide their services to update the County’s historic property inventory. The following two responses were received: MAAR Associates, Inc. - $24,917.00 and Heritage Resource Group, Inc. - $32,625.00.
Mr. Sennstrom advised that the Historic District Commission and staff from his office recommend that MAAR Associates, Inc. be selected as the consultant to perform this task.
Mr. Ed Cairns, Chairman of the Historic District Commission, stated they need to contact people who have historic properties to get them registered.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to award the contract to MAAR Associates, Inc.
- RURAL LEGACY AREAS – PRIORITIZATION –
Mr. Eric Sennstrom was present regarding the prioritization of two Rural Legacy Areas in the County. He stated his staff recommends that the Board prioritize the Fair Hill RLA as No. 1 and Ag Security Corridor RLA (Sassafras Focus Area) as Number 2.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to prioritize the Rural Legacy Areas as recommended by Mr. Sennstrom.
- CARPENTER’S PT. SEWER SYSTEM –
Mr. Matt Carter, Director of Public Works, advised that progress is being made on the Carpenter’s Point sewer system easements. Four more have been signed. He has addressed questions raised by residents.
- ESCROW AGREEMENT – OLD DOMINION ELECTRIC COOP. –
Mr. Matt Carter presented an Escrow Agreement between Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, Sun Trust Bank, and this Board relative to stormwater management facilities.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the Escrow Agreement.
- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 130 & 131 –
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 130 and 131.
Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to adjourn.