COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
July 6, 2005
The Board of County Commissioners for Cecil County met in special session for the purpose of a Public Hearing at the Chesapeake City Town Hall , 109 Bohemia Ave. , Chesapeake City , MD on July 6, 2005 . The following members of the Board were present:
Nelson K. Bolender, President
Harry A. Hepbron, Vice President
William C. Manlove, Commissioner
The meeting was called to order by President Bolender at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator presented to the Board, pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Cecil County Code the required public hearing relating to establishment of a “road construction district” for “Tower Point”, 1st Election District, located in Chesapeake City . A written petition has been submitted to the county reflecting the required 2/3 affirmative vote to proceed; with 26 of the 38 lot owners signing the petition. All residents received correspondence advising them of this public hearing and notice was advertised in the Cecil Whig, pursuant to the Cecil County Code.
The purpose of the initial hearing is to review the scope of the project and advise the property owners of the approximate cost and estimated individual levy for the project. The Board will then decide whether to proceed with plans and specifications for the project and finalize a date for a subsequent hearing. At the final hearing the Board may establish the district; designate the area within the road construction district; establish the project scope and cost estimate; establish the estimated levies for individual lot owners; determine the interest rate; advertise for bid; and determine a time period for the property owners to reimburse the county.
A very preliminary cost estimate, prepared by Matt Carter, Director of Public Works was presented, for the purpose of establishing an estimate of the individual property owner levy. The estimate of the work to be completed is approximately $168,000. There would be an assessment of $568.96 per lot, assuming an overall 6% interest rate over a ten-year term. Over a fifteen-year term at the same rate, the assessment would be $431.00.
Mr. Wein presented for the record two letters in opposition from Tom Coulter and Robert Stair, property owners who were unable to attend this public hearing.
Mr. Carter, Director of Public Works presented a preliminary plan of the work that would be necessary to bring the road up to a standard to be accepted as a county road.
COMMENTS:
Bill Karnuck, 230 Gour Road , Chesapeake City - President of the Tower Point Homeowner’s Association spoke in favor of the road construction district and offered to include his lot, which would not necessarily be included due to the fact it faces Gour Road .
Pat Woods, 32 Tower Point Road – commented relative to the traffic as a result of county maintained roads. She further commented that all lot owners should be included in the assessment.
Eleanor DeWitt, Lot 67 – commented in opposition to the creation of a road construction district and noted the many unwanted visitors and traffic that a county maintained road would bring.
Lisa Doricchi, 32 Tower Point Road – commented about the way the petition was presented to the lot owners.
Brian DeWitt – commented relative to property tax values.
Bill Wilson, 67 Tower Point Road – commented relative to the vote that was taken at a Homeowner’s Association meeting. He supports the road construction district.
Don Burton, 105 Tower Point Road – spoke in support of the road construction district. He commented in reference to the deplorable road conditions and the fact that only one-half of the residents pay the dues to maintain the roads.
Sandy Candeloro, 70 Tower Point Road – commented in support of the road construction district.
David Cohn – commented relative to the presentation of the petition by the members of the Homeowner’s Association.
William Platter, 40 Tower Point Road – commented relative to encroachments and drainage issues that are not being considered.
Jim Peel, 7 Tower Road – commented in support of the road construction district. He spoke of the road conditions and the fact that only one-half of the community pay their dues in support of road repair.
Mary Ellen Sheffield – commented in opposition to the road construction district. Additionally, she commented relative to the discontent of the community over this issue.
Lynn Caldwell, 76 Tower Point Road – spoke relative to all lot owners sharing the costs of this district. She further commented relative to the presentation of the road construction district by the Homeowner’s Association and the tactics used to obtain signatures.
Todd Blackiston, 86 Tower Point Road - commented relative to the presentation of the petition.
Delia Sommers, 35 Tower Point Road – commented in support of the district.
William Preske, 75 Tower Point Road – commented relative to having the opportunity to vote again, prior to a decision being made by the County.
Bob Haman, spoke relative to the water run-off and flooding that will occur.
Dan Caldwell, 76 Tower Point Road – commented relative to all lot owners paying for road repairs through association dues. He indicated that joining was voluntary. He believes that all avenues have not been exhausted and should be explored before considering a road construction district.
President Bolender notified the residents that a vote will be taken at the July 19, 2005 Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting on whether to proceed further with the road construction district. Any additional written comment should be submitted through the County Administrator .
There being no further business, the public hearing was concluded.
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Alfred C. Wein, Jr.
County Administrator
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Nelson K. Bolender,
President