MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS MEETING
May 6, 2003
The Board of County Commissioners for Cecil County met in regular session at the County Administrative Building, 107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland on Tuesday, May 6, 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
The meeting was called to order by President Bolender at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance:
The minutes of the Board of County Commissioners for April 15, 2003 were unanimously approved.
The minutes of the Board of County Commissioner for April 30, 2003 were unanimously approved.
- NOMINATION FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION - 2003-03 – Upper Wickwire & 2003-04 Brown Farm –
Mr. Eric Sennstrom, Director, Planning, Zoning, Parks & Recreation presented to the Board two nominations for Historic Designation.
2003-03 – Upper Wickwire, Location 836 Pond Neck Road, Earleville, MD; Property Owner: Warren & Beth Fisher Jones, First Election District, Presently Zoned: South Agricultural Residential.
Appearing on behalf of the Upper Wickwire was owner Warren Jones. Mr. Sennstrom presented to the Board the historical attributes of the property. The property was built in 1857 and there have been agricultural activities conducted on the property since the late 17th century. This parcel was originally part of a 900-acre tract known as Larimore’s Addition. Items of architectural significance include that there are two porches, one facing east and one west, a low hipped roof with tin cover, and the original shutters. The house is an example of the Italianate Style and reflects the wealth generated by agriculture in Cecil County. Mr. Sennstrom further stated that only the house, pump house and shed are subject to this application.
Mr. Sennstrom advised the Board, historic designation was recommended by the Historic Designation Commission.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove, and unanimously carried for placement of the Upper Wickwire into the Historic Designation Program.
2003-04 Brown Farm, Location: 480 Sylmar Road, Rising Sun, MD, Property Owner: Peter Joseph and Margaret Rees Lenhoff, Ninth Election District, Presently Zoned: Northern Agricultural Residential.
Mr. Sennstrom presented to the Board the following: Items of historical note are that the property is one of the original Nottingham lots. The initial settlement of the property occurred in 1701. The Mason/Dixon line is approximately 300’ to the north. The Brown family resided on the property from the 1700’s to 1974. Items of architectural note are that the original section of the house reflects the building materials and practices of the late 18th century. The house was built circa 1777 and had an addition built in 1850. Extensive renovation was completed in 1974.
Mr. Sennstrom advised the Board, historic designation was recommended by the Historic Designation Commission.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove, and unanimously carried for placement of the Brown Farm into the Historic Designation Program.
- COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS –
Commissioner Guns – reported on the Federal Grants Homeland Security Conference he recently attended in New Orleans, with members of Department of Emergency Services and a representative from the Cecil County Chapter of Red Cross. He also commented on the moratorium public hearing held on April 30 and the necessity for that hearing. In addition Commissioner Guns commented on budget matters and the Budget Hearing scheduled on May 7, 2003.
Commissioner Hepbron – presented a new tax break program for senior citizens. This program will enable seniors to take advantage of tax breaks in return for community service.
Commissioner Kilby – congratulated the various teams of dedicated walkers, including county employees, for their outstanding efforts at the March of Dimes Walk. Commissioner Kilby read a statement that she had prepared for an editorial to the Cecil Whig concerning the recent public hearing relating to proposed moratorium.
President Bolender – announced that the week of May 5 – 9 is Teacher Appreciation Week. He also commented on the Grand Opening he and his fellow commissioners attended at Ikea Distribution Center in Perryville. President Bolender also congratulated Union Hospital on the new addition; he recently attended a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this project.
- PROCLAMATION – PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL DAY AND NATIONAL POLICE WEEK –
President Bolender presented Chief D. Mahan, Chief G. Walker, Chief Darrell Hamilton and Tfc. O. Sobkiw with a proclamation proclaiming May 15, 2003 Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week May 11th through May 17th, 2003 as National Police Week and commend this observance to the citizens of Cecil County.
- “LOOK, LISTEN AND LEARN” PRESENTATION, ALCOHOL AND DRUG TASK FORCE, CECIL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT –
Members of the Cecil County Health Departments Alcohol & Drug Task Force, Step Mika, Karen Winkowski and Janet Ritchie presented to the Board an overview of the “Look, Listen and Learn” Program. The presentation was created by the team; as a result of an adolescent survey conducted in Public Schools regarding drug use. The program is an awareness program for parents. There will be a Parent Education Night on June 2, 2003 from 5:00 – 8:00 at the Cecil County Health Department.
- PUBLIC COMMENT –
Margit Pruett – resident of Corn Cake Row, spoke relative to the pending lease agreement between the Board of County Commissioners and the Friends of the Octoraro Rail Trail. She expressed her concerns regarding maintenance, policing, loitering and littering. Ms. Pruett is additionally concerned regarding her privacy as this trail that is proposed approximately 25-feet from her home.
Maria Pippidis – resident of Corn Cake Row, also commented to the Board relative to the proposed trail and the initiation of the Octoraro Rail Trial in close proximity to her home.
Glenn Eckley, Walnut Manor, Rising Sun - commented with regard to a 10’x30’ drainage ditch recently dug by Gemcraft Homes in his front yard. Mr. Eckley is concerned as to safety issues, erosion and sediment, and the fact that this drainage ditch was not included in his home plan. He asked for assistance from the County Commissioners in resolving this issue.
President Bolender asked Mr. Carter, Director Public Works to look into this matter.
Mary Scheeler, Cecilton – commented regarding the increase in building permit fees for agricultural structures.
John Stanley, 73 White Birch Drive – commented regarding the condition of the roads in the County. He is concerned with Razor Strap Road and would like to have it repaired.
Steven Catterton, 69 River Mist Drive – commented relative to the Elk River Park Lease between the Board of County Commissioners and Youth Services Agency. He indicated the need for park area in the Old Field Point Road Area.
Ronald Rae, 4 St. Pat’s Circle – spoke in opposition of the reduction of the semi-annual tax discount proposed by the Board.
John Lee, Sylmar – commented to the Board relative to the review of the fee schedule for agricultural structures.
Lee Combs, 67 Clear Creek Glen, Elkton - spoke on behalf of the Homeowner’s Association of River Point Landing. The residents are concerned with the activities of the Youth Services Agency. They feel they have been mis-informed and would like more information.
Tom McWilliams – spoke in opposition of the reduction of the semi-annual tax discount.
Mary Snyder, Corn Cake Row – commented on the Octoraro Trial Proposal and the proximity of the trail to her home.
David A. Pollak, 18 South Friendship Ct. – requested assistance from the County Commissioners regarding trash and debris left on his property by the builder of his home Gemcraft Homes.
Jeffrey Cochran – 57 Rivermist Drive – spoke regarding the occupancy of the Youth Services Agency in his neighborhood. He voiced concerns relating to the value of his property and the fact that he was never informed that anything other than a boat ramp and park would be in the vicinity.
Michael Smart – Rivermist Drive – spoke on behalf of the Homeowner’s Association of River Point Landing. The residents were never informed that Youth Services would be located near their development. They were advised it would be park area and a boat ramp. They would like answers to their questions and concerns.
Jackie Smith – Rivermist Drive – commented relative to Youth Services Agency. She as well as the other residents of that community would like further information on the activities of the Youth Services Agency.
President Bolender – spoke to the residents of the River Point Landing Community and advised that a meeting would be set up for a discussion with the residents.
- RESOLUTION – REFIANCING OF YMCA BOND
Mr. Steve Winter, Mr. R. Hamm and Mr. Lee representing County Bank and Dick Jorgensen, Director YMCA presented to the Board of County Commissioners a Resolution pursuant to a Loan Modification Agreement with respect to the issuance and sale by the Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County, as its limited obligation on December 21, 2000 and not upon its faith and credit or pledge of its taxing power of a bond in the amount two million six hundred fifty thousand dollars ($2,650,000) for the purpose of financing the cost of the acquisition and construction by the Young Men’s Christian Association of Cecil County, Inc., a Maryland Corporation and owner of a facility, as defined in the act, located at 25 YMCA-Boulevard, Elkton, MD to be used by the Young Men’s Christian Association of Cecil County, Inc., as a gymnasium and recreational facility, including equipment for such facilities, authorizing a change in the interest rate on the bond, and execution of an extension and modification agreement.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to approve the Loan Modification Agreement between the Board of County Commissioners, The Young Men’s Christian Association of Cecil County and County Banking and Trust Company.
Motion was made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried to approve to appoint the following as members of the Cecil Partnerships for Children, Youth and Families Board for a two-year term to expire on 3/1/05:
Eva J. Addis, 304 Hermitage Drive, Elkton, MD
Rex Sizemore, Peoples Bank, Elkton, MD
Delegate David Rudolph, P.O. Box 979, Rising Sun, MD
Dr. Richard Bayer, Upper Bay Counseling, 200 Booth St., Elkton, MD
Betty Johnson, 140 Midland Drive, Elkton, MD
Ken Lewis, Union Hospital, 106 Bow St., Elkton, MD
W. Stephen Pannill, CCC, One Seahawk Dr., Elkton, MD
Motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron and unanimously carried to approve to appoint the following as members of the Electrical Board for a three-year term to expire on 3/21/05:
Philip S. Bathon, 75 Riverside Drive, Elkton, MD
Howard F. Delp, 687 Biggs Hwy., Rising Sun, MD
- PERSONNEL-
Upon the recommendation of Donna Nichols, Director Human Resources, motion was made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron and unanimously carried to accept the following resignations:
Douglas R. Willis, III, Roads Division
Michael J. Porter, Equipment Operator II
Ralph M. Bower, Solids Waste Division
Upon the recommendation of Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to approve the following appointments:
Peter L. Heuberger, Field Hockey Instructor, Parks & Recreation
Upon the recommendation of Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to approve the following promotions:
James VanZile, Water & Wastewater Division, from $11.71/hr. to $12.06/hr.
Larry G. Boulden, Water & Wastewater Division, from $11.71/hr. to $12.06/hr.
Benjamin Orr, Weed Control Coordinator, from $11.67/hr. to $12.17/hr.
- RESOLUTION – PLAN DESIGN REVISION TO THE SUMMARY PLAN DOCUMENT AND RETIREE PLAN DOCUMENT –
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to approve the recommendation of the Health Advisory Board to the limited, self-funded third party administered medical, vision, dental and prescription drug insurance program for the benefit of the eligible employees their dependants and beneficiaries of the County Government, Community College, Public Library. This resolution is included herein and made part of these minutes.
- OCTORARO RAILROAD TRAIL LEASE AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT –
As a result of citizen’s concerns relating to the Octoraro Trail during public comment, discussion ensued among the Board. Commissioner Hepbron indicated that he believes residents should be notified of this agreement and have the opportunity to express their concerns.
Commissioner Kilby recommended eliminating the portion of the trail that would affect the Corn Cake Row residents; this would stop the trail at Harrisville Road.
Commissioner Guns advised that he would like to learn more about the policing of the area. He believes that the benefits will far out-weigh the problems of the trail.
Commissioner Manlove advised that he would like to see property owners notified of the proposal to stop the trail at Harrisville Road.
President Bolender was in agreement that stopping the trail at Harrisville Road would be an adequate solution.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and carried by majority vote to modify the Octoraro Railroad Trail Lease and Management Agreement to read as follows: This lease shall apply to the section of railroad right of way from the Maryland-Pennsylvania boundary near Sylmar Road to Harrisville Road.
Bolender – Y Kilby – Y Hepbron – N
Guns – Y Manlove – N
- ELK RIVER PARK LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND YOUTH SERVICE AGENCY –
As a result of citizen’s concerns relating to the Elk River Park Lease Agreement Commissioner Kilby advised the residents of River Park Landing that this lease would affect two of the 68 acres. A boat ramp and fishing facility is still planned. The Youth Services Agency serves students of Cecil County in a suspension alternative program. She recommended that a meeting should be scheduled to discuss this matter.
Commissioner Hepbron recommended that privatization of this County owned property should be delayed or tabled until a meeting is held with residents.
Motion was made by Commissioner Bolender, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried to delay or table the signing of this lease agreement between the Board of County Commissioners and Youth Services Agency to allow discussions between residents of Elk Point Landing, representatives of the Board and Youth Services.
Commissioner Guns asked for clarification relating to the delay in signing of this lease agreement.
President Bolender advised that this agreement is being delayed until the terms could be discussed further with residents.
-RESOLUTION – INCREASE BUILDING PERMIT FEES –
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner
Manlove and carried by majority vote to increase residential, commercial and industrial building permit fees. This fee change shall encompass one change from the introduction at the April 15 Board of County Commissioners Meeting with regard to agricultural structures.
Bolender – Y Kilby – Y Hepbron – Y
Manlove – Y Guns – N
- RESOLUTION – REDUCE THE SERVICE CHARGE FOR SEMI-ANNUAL PAYMENT OF REAL PROPERTY TAX BILLS ISSUED AFTER JUNE 30, 2003 –
Motion was made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to reduce the amount due on the second installment of a semi-annual tax payment from $1.10% to 0%.
- RESOLUTION TO REDUCE PROPERTY TAX DISCOUNT FROM 2% IN JULY AND 1% IN AUGUST TO 0% IN JULY AND AUGUST –
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and carried by majority vote to reduce the property tax discount from 2% in July and 1% in August to 0% in July and August.
Bolender – Y Kilby – Y Hepbron – Y
Manlove – Y Guns – N
- BID RECOMMENDATION - BID 03-028 – TRASH REMOVAL, CECIL COUNTY GOVERNMENT –
Upon recommendation of Al Wein, County Administrator, motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Guns to reject the bid due to budgetary constraints and re-bid.
- DEED – BETWEEN DURWOOD O. GRANT, JR. AND JOYCE GRANT AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS –
Upon the recommendation of Matt Carter, Director Public Works, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to grant the deed between Durwood O. Grant, Jr., Joyce Grant and the Board of County Commissioner to maintain Razor Strap Road and the bridge at Stoney Run.
- CONTRACT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM BETWEEN THE TOWN’S OF CHARLESTOWN AND NORTH EAST AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS –
Upon recommendation of Mr. Carter, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to approve the Contract for Administration of Stormwater Management Program between the Towns of Charlestown and North East and the Board of County Commissioners.
- DEED OF EASEMENT BETWEEN TRINITY WOODS, INC., STEPHEN L. PORTER, PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS –
Upon recommendation of Mr. Carter, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to approve the Deed of Easement between Trinity Woods, Inc., Stephen L. Porter, President and the Board of County Commissioners for utility purposes.
- REQUEST FOR INSTALLATION OF A STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF ARANTS AND RED POINT ROADS –
Upon recommendation of Mr. Carter, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to install a stop sign at the intersection of Arrants Road and Red Point Road, North East, Cecil County, MD.
- DEEDS FOR THE CHESAPEAKE CLUB INVESTORS, LTD.
Upon recommendation of Mr. Carter, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried for the acceptance of certain internal roads, storm drainage systems, and sanitary sewers, that are currently private, into County ownership for perpetual maintenance, contingent upon various conditions that have been established in a Public Works Agreement.
- RECOMMENDATION FOR BID AWARD 03-034
Upon recommendation of Mr. Carter, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to approve Bid Award 03-034 for the improvements to the intersection of Dr. Jack and Rowland Road. The only responsive bidder was Dixie Construction in the amount of $143,211.00.
- BUDGET AMENDMENTS –
Upon recommendation of Mr. Wein, Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby to approve Budget Amendments 131 – 132.
The next meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at the North East Town Hall.
Meeting adjourned.