MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

 

June 24, 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 June 24, 2003.  The following members of the Board were present:

 

            Nelson K. Bolender, President

            Phyllis Kilby, Vice-President

            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 June 3, 2003 were unanimously approved.

 

            The minutes of the Board of Health for June 2003, Board of Health were unanimously approved.

 

            - COMMENTS –

 

            Commissioner Kilby – spoke relative to the March of Dimes Awards Reception she recently attended as the Cecil County Chairperson for the March of Dimes Walk. The Cecil County chapter raised $39,500. Commissioner Kilby congratulated the Cecil County Government team who raised $5000.  In addition, she commented regarding the Business Partnership Breakfast she attended, honoring the Cecil County business partners who participate with the Cecil County Public Schools.   

 

            Commissioner Hepbron – declined comment.

 

            Commissioner Guns – commented regarding the Cecil County Fireman’s Association – Funding Task Force that will be appointed and the need for such a board. As a result of the increased costs of equipment, the fire companies are in dire need of study to address the financial needs of this volunteer service.

 

            President Bolender – declined comment.

 

            Commissioner Manlove – declined comment.

 

            - TREASURER’S REPORT –

 

            Pamela Howard, Treasurer presented the Treasurer’s Report as of May 31, 2003, a copy of this report is incorporated into these minutes.

 

             - PUBLIC HEARING – AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS –

 

            Applicant:  Mary Elizabeth Brown for establishing as Agricultural Preservation District.  Property Location:  145 State Line Road, Rising Sun, MD. Tax Map: 4, Grid: 14, Parcel: 8, Acreage: 55.56 Acres, 9th Election District.  Presently Zoned:  Northern Agricultural Residential, (NAR).

 

            David Black, Planning & Zoning, presented the application of Mary Elizabeth Brown.  This parcel meets the requirements for agricultural preservation.  The Agricultural Advisory Board and the Planning Commission have recommended approval. 

 

            Upon the recommendation of Mr. Black, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron and unanimously carried to approve the application for agricultural preservation.

 

            Applicant:  Ella Mae Truslow for establishing as Agricultural Preservation District.  Property Location:  1429 Liberty Grove Road, Conowingo, MD, Tax Map: 16, Grid: 11, Parcel, 50, Acreage: 45.16 Acres, 6th Election District. Presently Zoned:  Northern Agricultural Residential, (NAR)

 

            Jocelyn Beland, Planning & Zoning, presented the application of Ella Mae Truslow. A small portion of this parcel is zoned (BL) this zoning will required a change to (NAR) if approval is granted.  In addition the parcel does not meet the required acreage requirement, however, it is located next to the Balderston District.  The additional requirement has been met.

 

            Upon recommendation of Ms. Beland, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron and unanimously carried to approve the application of Ella Mae Truslow for agricultural preservation. 

 

             - CEIL COUNTY PROGRAM OPEN SPACE –

 

            Edward Slicer, Manager, Parks and Recreation presented to the Board the Program Open Space Annual Program from Acquisition and Development for Fiscal Year, 2004 that was approved by the Office of Parks and Recreation and the Cecil County Planning Commission.  Included in the report is a list of currently active programs; some of which are nearing completion, and the new projects. Mr. Slicer explained that this report is a yearly requirement to continue eligibility and this year he was working with estimated costs.  Therefore, an amendment at a later time will be presented with actual costs.

 

            President Bolender commented regarding additional funding that the County will be receiving and the fact that funds have not been cut as previously expected.

 

            Mr. Slicer advised the Board that no cuts in funding were made and that in fact, the County would be receiving additional funding from federal land and conservation funds as a result of a State reimbursement.  

 

            Commissioner Kilby asked for clarification regarding twenty-five thousand dollars earmarked for the land preservation recreation plan.

 

            Mr. Slicer advised that every five-years Program Open Space requires the County accept the mandate of the Department of Natural Resources and the Office of State Planning and guidelines are provided for a land preservation and recreation plan.  This includes the work of a consultant for directional planning in the area of land preservation and recreation.

 

            Upon recommendation of Mr. Slicer, motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously approved to accept the Annual Program for Acquisition and Development for FY 04.

 

            - PUBLIC COMMENT –

 

Jeanette Hillyer – commented regarding her appreciation with the current Board attention to the Bainbridge project and the citizens of Cecil County.

 

Mr. Rae – spoke relative to the comprehensive plan review and the recent proposed moratorium.

 

- APPOINTMENTS – BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS –

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to accept the appoint the following to the Economic Development Agricultural Advisory Board for a three-year term to expire   August 1, 2006:

 

Clifford England, 966 Calvert Road, Rising Sun, MD

Donald Gifford, 1381 Ebenezer Church Road, Rising Sun, MD

 

            Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner and unanimously carried to appoint the following to the Cecil County Health Membership Board for a three-year term to expire on 6/30/06:

 

            Norman LeTiecq, 150 E. Main St., Apt. 207, Elkton, MD

            Jane Kahn, 150 East Main, Apt. 306, Elkton, MD

            Maureen Kilby, P.O. Box 544, Rising Sun, MD

            Jane Manlove, Perry Point VA Hospital, Perry Point, MD

           

            Motion was made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Vice-President Kilby and unanimously carried to appoint the following to the Cecil County Fireman’s Association Funding Task Force:

 

            Donald Briscoe, P.O. Box 7, Chesapeake City, MD

            Robert Crouch, 127 S. Main Street, North East, MD

            James Crouse, 101 E. Main St., Elkton, MD

            Gene Mackie, P.O. Box 549, Cecilton, MD

            Anne Jackson, 105 W. Branch Circle, North East, MD

            Ethel Murray, 553 Jackson Hall School Road, Elkton, MD

            Commissioner Mark Guns, 107 North St., Elkton, MD

            Frank Muller, Director DES, 129 East St., Elkton, MD

            Craig Whiteford, Budget Manager, 107 North Street, Elkton, MD

 

            Motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron and unanimously carried to appoint the following to the Board of License Commissioners- Liquor Board for a three-year term to expire on 6/30/06:

 

            Bradford Dawkins, 1579 Augustine Herman Highway, Elkton, MD

 

                        - PERSONNEL –

 

            Upon the recommendation of Donna Nichols, Director, Human Resources, motion was made by Vice-President Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to accept the following resignations/terminations:

 

            Sandra Caddell, Temporary Administrative Assistant, DPW

            Pamela McCoy, Part-time Office Services Asst., IFS

            Michael L. Lambert, Paramedic, EMS

            Mark T. Fayer, Biohazard Technician EMS

            Christopher Grant, Laborer, SWD, Terminated

           

            Upon the recommendation of Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to accept the following appointments:

 

Cynthia D. Benedict, Temporary OSA, Economic Development, $9.21/hr. (grade 3)

            Sandra Gonzalez, Part-time OSA, Aging, $9.21/hr.(grade 3)

            Michael C. Price, Paramedic, EMS, $15.76 /hr. (grade 7P)

            Jerry McDonald, Equipment Operator I, SWD, $10.46/hr. (grade 4)

            Laborers SWD, $9.21/hr., (grade 3)

·        John Goodchild

·        James Ferrick

·        Jeff Richardson

Steven Hamm, Equipment Operator I, Roads Central Area, $10.46/hr.

(grade 4)

Darren Edwards, Equipment Operator I, Northern Area Crew, Rds. Div., $10.75/hr (grade 4)

Laborers for Roads Division Bridge Crew at $9.21/hour (grade 3)

·        Drew Brown

·        Joshua Hoderfield

            Temporary Seasonal Workers, Roads Division, $8.50/hour (grade 2)

·        Patsy D’Eramo, III – Sign Shop

·        Harry Holding – Northern Area

·        Wayne Racine – Bridge Crew

Safetyville Program Instructors, $287.50/week, Parks & Recreation will be paid based on program registration, are not eligible for any benefits

§         Nichole Allaband                Danilla Faust

§         Patricia Dean                       Elizabeth Grange

§         Michelle Drummonds         Lauren Jones

§         Ashely Evans                       Danielle Keeley

§         Katelyn Falgowski

 

Upon recommendation of Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Vice-President Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to approve the following promotions/transfers/reclassifications:

 

Promote Monty D. Johnson, II from Equipment Operator I to Equipment Operator II $12.05 /hr,  (grade 5) Roads Central Area

Reclassify Koty R. Wright from Equipment Operator Trainee to Equipment Operator I $10.46/hr (grade 4) Roads Division

Reclassify Larry J. Austin from Equipment Operator Trainee to Equipment Operator I at $10.46 (grade 4) Roads Division

 

Upon recommendation of Ms. Nichols motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to approve the following miscellaneous items:

v     Adopt salary matrix for FY03-04 Pay for Performance increases.

v     Vacation Carryover (Must be used by August 31, 2003)

§         Alfred Wein – 4 Days

§         Dave Hollenbaugh – 4.75 days

§         John Yedinak – 6 days

§         Gary Page – 7.25 days

 

- RESOLUTION – AIRPORT FEASIBILITY STUDY –

 

The following members of the Airport Feasibility Committee, Paul Gilbert, Joyce Bowlsbey and John Bruce and Mike Waibel of the URS Corporation appeared before the Board of County Commissioners.  Joyce Bowlsbey updated the Board on the preliminary finds of this committee.  This feasibility process has been diligently reviewed with the FAA and the MAA; and recommended to the  Board in January, 2002 that such a study should be completed. 

 

The Board agreed that Cecil County should sponsor a feasibility study and allocated twenty thousand dollars in matching local funds for this study in the FY 03 operating budget of the Department of Economic Development.

 

 As a result of the request for proposal, four responses were received and reviewed by the committee.  After reviewing each consultant, URS was selected to conduct the feasibility study.  The committee has collaborated with URS Corporation in the preparation of the scope of work for an airport feasibility study in Cecil County and has been approved by the FAA and the MAA. 

 

The FAA and the MAA have tentatively committed to fund their respective shares of the study in the amount of $490,100.  The Committee is requesting that the Board authorize the Office of Economic Development to apply to the FAA for a $441,090 grant for the purpose of undertaking an airport feasibility study for Cecil County and to authorize President Bolender to authorize any and all grant agreements and other documents dealing with this feasibility study.  The remaining $24,500 is available in the Office of Economic Development FY 03 operating budget.  In addition, the committee requested authorization by the Board $487,600 Professional Services Contract by and between the Board of Cecil County and URS Corporation, subject to final approval of the FAA and the MAA, to proceed.

 

Mr. Gilbert explained to the Board that the committee built into this scope of services a very heavy community involvement process to ascertain the feasibility and marketability of this type of project to Cecil County.  He further explained that the scope of work is to be completed incrementally, to determine one step at a time, whether there is a market to complete further tasks.

 

Mr. Bruce offered to the Board that this study is for the benefit of the economic development of the county and is not a result of any personal or group desires.

 

            Commissioner Kilby questioned the committee as to the deliverables of the study.

 

            Mr. Gilbert explained the first task would be the identification of the market area and the need. This need will have to be clearly identified then approved by the FAA.  This airport committee will continue to function in a public fashion, anticipating the report from URS. Upon completion of the report, the committee will probably want to come back to the Board at a public hearing with a recommendation.        

 

The second phase will include an identification of the facilities that would be required to accommodate the market. Site alternatives including looking at existing airport facilities and the possibility of at least one green field site as a possibility.  After a site is selected, the consultant is required to complete numerous environmental and  physical studies to make sure the site is acceptable.  At that time it would come back to the Board.

 

Commissioner Manlove – asked Mr. Gilbert if the study is re-bid after the first phase.

 

Mr. Gilbert explained that the consultant would remain the same throughout the study.

 

Mr. Waibel explained that URS would have to provide a very detailed report to the Board.   

 

 

            - ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT – MOON NURSERIES –

 

            Upon the recommendation of Dwight Thomey, County Attorney, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried by and among the Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County, for the benefit of Moon Nurseries of Maryland, Inc., and Wilmington Savings Fund Society for an Amended and Restated Deed of Trust.

 

            - EXTENSION OF BENEFITS  - Dfc. Felix Cervantes –

 

            Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to allow up to a thirty-day (30) extension of benefits for Dfc. Cervantes.

 

 - LEASE AGREEMENT – CECIL COMMUNITY COLLEGE  (FORMER BLUE CHIP PROPERTY –

 

Upon the recommendation of County Administrator Wein, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to approve the Lease Agreement between the Cecil Community College Board of Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners for the construction of a parking lot adjacent to the Elkton Station project. This lease is for a fifteen (15) year term commencing upon approval of the Board.

 

 

 

-  ELK RIVER PARK LEASE AGREEMENT –

 

Administrator Wein presented the Elk River Park Lease to the Board of County Commissioners for vote.  Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Bolender to approve the Elk River Park Lease, motion was defeated.

Vote:   Bolender – Y                        Kilby – Y       Hepbron – N             Manlove – N

            Guns – N

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron and carried to oppose the Elk River Park Lease between the Board of County Commissioners and Youth Services Agency.

 

Vote:   Bolender – N            Kilby – N       Hepbron – Y             Manlove – Y

            Guns –  Y

 

Commissioner Manlove – commented as to his vote, stating that this land was purchased for dredge spoils area and a county park. It should not be designated for anything until a plan is put together for a county park.

 

Commissioner Guns – commented as to his vote, he fully supports the activities of Youth Services, however, does not agree with this location. 

 

President Bolender – commented regarding the youth that will be attending and the fact that they are regular students who have been suspended for a school infraction, not juvenile delinquents.  President Bolender does not believe that an “ideal location,” will ever be found.

 

Commissioner Hepbron – commented that he does not believe this is a suitable site for this type of organization to operate, and that he has been against it from the inception of the proposal.

 

- COPS IN SCHOOLS 2003 GRANT APPLICATION, CCSO –

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried to approve the COPS in Schools FY 04 Grant Application.  This grant will provide the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office with reimbursement for policing efforts in the Cecil County Public Schools.

 

- CECIL COUNTY OFFICE SPACE EVALUATION – AWARD OF CONTRACT –

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Manlove and unanimously carried to award the contract for Cecil County Office Space Evaluation to Buck Simpers & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $29,500.

 

- BID AWARD – 03-034 TRASH REMOVAL – CECIL CO. GOVERNMENT –

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to award Bid 03-034 trash removal (Cecil County Government) to Waste Management.

 

- CONTRACT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT – TOWN OF CECILTON –

 

Upon the recommendation of Mattheu Carter, Director Public Works Division, motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried to adopt the Contract for Administration of Stormwater Management between the Board of County Commissioners and the Town of Cecilton.

- DEED BETWEEN JAMES L. BURTON AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CECIL COUNTY –

 

Upon the recommendation of Matt Carter, motion was made by Commissioner Manlove, seconded by Commissioner Guns and unanimously carried to accept the Deed between James L. Burton and the Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County for a right of way on Razor Strap Road.

 

- REMOVAL OF STOP SIGN AT PROVIDENCE ROAD –

 

Upon the recommendation of Matt Carter, motion was made by Commissioner Manlove seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried for the removal of a stop sign at Providence Road. 

 

- BUDGET AMENDMENTS – 157 – 162

 

Upon the recommendation of Mr. Wein, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby and unanimously carried to approve budget amendments 157 – 162.

 

The next meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the County Administrative Building.

 

Meeting adjourned.