MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS MEETING
July 13, 2004
The Board of County Commissioners for Cecil County met for a special session at the Cherry Hill Middle School, 2535 Singerly Road, Elkton, Maryland on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. 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
Constituting a full Board.
The meeting was called to order by President Bolender at 7:10 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING – AMENDMENT OF 2004 CECIL COUNTY MASTER WATER & SEWER PLAN – ASTON POINTE
President Bolender informed the public of the order in which this public hearing would be conducted.
David Parrack, Esquire, representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the project and requested the opportunity to address the Board after all pubic comment was heard since there were many people present at the meeting to speak in opposition.
Commissioner Bolender stated that he has a consensus from the Board to allow Mr. Parrack to make his presentation after public comment.
Eric Sennstrom, Planning and Zoning Director, stated that the Office of Planning and Zoning has recommended approval, and the Planning Commission has recommended disapproval of this amendment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ed Cairns, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels the approval of the development proposal would expand urban residential sprawl, and the existing problems caused by the shared Highlands sewage facility.
Kathy Davis, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that in her opinion groundwater resources are sufficient to support development of houses on one acre with private wells. She cited a report by Kenneth N. Weaver, Director, Department of Natural Resources entitled, Water Resources and Estimated Effects of Ground-Water Development, Cecil County, Maryland, 1988.
Kristin Magus, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on private septic systems v. Water Waste Water Treatment Plants and sanitary sewer systems. In her opinion northeast Cecil County is relatively rural with little support infrastructure, and groundwater supplies dependent on local recharge, private septic systems are the better choice.
John Williams, Elkton, spoke in opposition citing a report prepared by himself and Richard D. Klein, Community & Environmental Defense Services entitled, Assessment of the Impact of Aston Pointe on the Christiana River in Cecil County and Delaware.
Laura Gleason, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating the current status of school construction projects, overcrowding in the school system and the developments negative impact on education.
Russ Holland, Elkton, spoke in opposition and read a letter from Dave and Kelly Bailey commenting on the increase demand for emergency services and the additional burden on hospitals and health care facilities from development.
Owen Thorn, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels there are unresolved issues concerning density, traffic, water and sewer, emergency services, etc. He feels that there are no greenway provisions or enough open space for the proposed project. The tax burden would be increased and more development projects proposed if this is approved.
Ron Hamlin, 9 Lochcarron Drive, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on a study he developed entitled, “The Impact on the Risk of Lyme Disease of Breaking up Forested areas in a Lyme Disease Endemic Region for Residential Development.” He discussed at length the adverse effect of removing forested areas in Cecil County and the possible increase of Lyme Disease from development.
John Gill, 152 Kirkcaldy Drive, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels the Commissioners’ should be responsible and have pride in Cecil County. He feels the proposal is not in compliance with the character of the surrounding communities.
Alice Arbuckle, 42 Matthew Bathon Court, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on the proposed contract for the development with United Water citing the information that there is not written provision for drought conditions, and that Cecil County customers would have to voluntarily reduce consumption. The proposed golf course would use a substantial amount of water.
Stanley Hearne, 144 Katherine Court, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he is concerned about all of the issues with over development and urban sprawl. He asked the Commissioners to reject the proposed amendment.
Cynthia Rossetti, Port Deposit, spoke in opposition stating that she feels the proposed development is in conflict with the Cecil County Comprehensive Plan. She has concerns regarding the Master Water and Sewer Plan and setting a precedence by approving the first requested amendment to the Plan.
Jeanette Hillyer, Port Deposit, spoke in opposition commenting on how the County would be ruined if this proposal is approved.
James Lacey, North East, spoke in support stating that he feels the developer has been willing to compromise on issues and address the concerns of the community. He feels the developer plans to build very nice homes, and is willing to pay for infrastructure improvements to support the proposal.
Harry Welcher, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels the Commissioners should use common sense when reviewing the development proposal. He feels that there has not been enough discussion regarding the proposed use of the BG zoned area on the property, and an alternative plan should the golf course fail.
Ken Griffey, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he has had previous experience in working with real estate developers and attorneys that deal with development proposals. He feels that New Castle County residential developments were built to accommodate the employees of businesses locating within the county.
Harlan Williams, Elkton, spoke in support stating that the purpose of the Suburban Residential zoning district to take the pressure off of creating residential development in the NAR and SAR Districts. This development could potentially have 750 homes. Density is calculated on the entire parcel, and this proposal allows for a 170-acre golf course that would be considered open space. He is no longer the developer for this project. He feels there are no other developments in New Castle County that could compare to this design, and this proposal would increase the value of the homes in surrounding developments.
Wade Eshleman, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on leaving Cecil County rural, and not permitting this development to exceed the established density requirement.
Kevin Kohler, 7 Harvest Lane, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on the increase value/cost for new residences. He feels that residential development generates less income than produced, and more services are required, which increases government costs for providing those services. The majority of developments in the surrounding area exceed one-acre lots.
Michael Walker, 644 Jackson Hall School Road, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels the developer and attorney would state anything you want to hear in order to have this project approved. He asked the Commissioners to consider all the facts presented at this meeting before making a decision.
Bruce Reinhold, 18 Bradley Court, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on leaving the density as it is stated in the current regulations. He feels the developers are trying to push the density to the maximum for the SR Zone. He asked the Commissioners to adhere to the Comprehensive Plan.
Steve Wohner, 218 Catswamp Road, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on the failure of the Highlands water and sewer system, which cost the County money to repair. He questioned the location of the proposed sewer lines and if easements and/or right of ways had been obtained to place them in the location designated in the proposal.
Julian Blackwell, 5996 Telegraph Road, spoke in opposition stating that he moved here from New Castle County to get away from development. He feels the Commissioners should vote against this proposal.
Wayne Lockwood, 432 Jackson Hall School Road, Elkton, spoke in support stating that the SR Zone is used to save farms and farmland by relieving development in the SAR and NAR zones.
Steve Clowson, 1187 Leeds Road, Elkton, spoke in opposition commenting on keeping Cecil County rural and not creating another New Castle County.
Robert Fritz, 39 Black Snake Road, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels the Commissioners should vote against the proposed amendment for Aston Pointe. He stated that he was also in favor of downzoning.
Robert Hindt, 22 Hoover Court, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he moved to Cecil County to get away from overcrowded residential development in New Castle County.
Mike Houghton, 1206 Virginia Avenue, spoke in opposition stating that he has a concern regarding additional traffic on Route 273 and Appleton Road from the proposed development. He feels the Commissioners should slow residential growth down by not approving this amendment.
Kevin Gonce, 143 Ballantrae Drive, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels this development would change the rural make up of Cecil County. He has concerns regarding an increase in traffic and issues with water run off going into the Chesapeake Bay.
James Orga, 211 Manchester Drive, Rising Sun, spoke in opposition stating that he is against this amendment, and would like the Commissioners to vote against it.
John Marcheski, 25 Lochcarron Drive, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating the he feels approval of the amendment would open the door for more developments in the area. The Commissioners should adhere to the original Waster and Sewer Plan, which does not include the Aston Pointe development.
Marcella Murray Lockwood, 432 Jackson Hall School Road, spoke in support stating that she feels there are many contradictions and conflicting statements that have been heard at this hearing. Residential growth is going to happen in Cecil County and the SR Zone is used to save the NAR and SAR Zones from residential development. She is not opposed to the proposed development, and would like the Commissioners to approve the amendment for Aston Pointe.
Caroline Wilson, 41 Stone House Lane, Elkton, spoke in support stating that she is not opposed to the Aston Pointe proposal; however, she would like to see the property developed responsibly. She would like the developers to be responsible for the overcrowding the development would cause in schools.
Tom McWilliams, Elk Neck, spoke in opposition stating that he would like the Commissioners to vote against the proposed Aston Pointe amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Richard Boyce, 11 Harvest Lane, Elkton, requested permission to voice his concerns and opinions after the developer’s attorney, David Parrack.
Commissioner Nelson Bolender agreed to let Mr. Boyce speak after David Parrack, Esquire.
Robanne Palmer, Glen Farms Civic Association, spoke in opposition stating that the members of the Association strongly agree with the Planning Commission recommendation that Aston Pointe should not receive an amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Allen Fox spoke in opposition stating that the Commissioners should listen and consider the opinions of the group that have been expressed at this hearing. He asked that Aston Pointe not be granted an amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Mr. Dvorak, Johnstown Road, presented pictures, and stated that he is having problems with the lagoon system for Manchester Park.
David Parrack, Esquire, representing the Aston Pointe developers, stated that housing density is calculated the same for all proposed developments and is based on the total acres of the property.
The proposed development is less dense than any of the surrounding neighborhoods. The developer is willing to make improvements to the aging water and sewer facilities that serve the Highlands in order to connect the development to the public facilities. The developer has met with members of the Appleton Regional Community Association to discuss their concerns; however, the group clearly feels the proposed development is in direct conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. We feel the proposed development is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, which clearly states that a developer should look for public water and/or sewer service if it contiguous to the proposed development. The proposed development is also in compliance with State law, and the amendment request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Richard Boyce, 11 Harvest Lane, Elkton, spoke in opposition stating that he feels the Comprehensive Plan has been seriously misrepresented. The proposed development would connect to public facilities that are outside of County control. The Comprehensive Plan states that private wells and septic should be used in the SR Zone. He feels the developer has not addressed the concerns voiced by members of the Appleton Regional Community Association (A.R.C.A). A.R.C.A. requested one house per acre and a provision stating that the golf course would not be used for housing. The senior citizen housing proposal in the project did not meet the County requirements, and the golf course is not considered open space. The proposal is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and will end up costing the taxpayers money.
ACTION:
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove, to disapprove the Aston Pointe Amendment to the Cecil County Master Water and Sewer Plan.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS:
Commissioner Guns stated that he feels growth should be controlled through the County Comprehensive Plan. He is not satisfied with the United Water contract pertaining to Cecil County residents.
Commissioner Bolender stated that he thought he knew how he would vote prior to the meeting; however, after listening to the concerned citizens discussing issues regarding overcrowding in schools, public water and sewer facilities, etc. he has changed his mind.
VOTE: Bolender – Y, Kilby – Y, Hepbron – N, Manlove – Y, Guns – Y. The motion
carries to disapprove the Aston Pointe Amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Commissioner Bolender called for a 10-minute break.
PUBLIC HEARING - 2004 Cecil County Master Water and Sewer Plan and requested amendments for inclusion:
Comments from Town of North East
Comments from Town of Rising Sun
Bedrock
Bethel Springs
Candlelight Ridge
Elk Neck State Park
Meadowview Text Revisions
Milburn Property – Appleton Road
North Bay
Ridgeley Forest
Villages of North East
Warwick Orchards
Eric Sennstrom, Director of Planning and Zoning, stated that Cecil County is mandated to update the Master Water and Sewer Plan. The last update in 1997 was not adopted by the Board of County Commissioners due to issues pertaining to the growth corridor. He outlined the sections of the Master Water and Sewer Plan. He stated that during the process of creating the final draft, individuals have requested inclusion of their projects in the Master Water and Sewer Plan. He outlined the requested amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Director Sennstrom stated that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the Comments from the Town of North East with the exception of showing water service area agreement lines on map, Comments from the Town of Rising Sun, Bethel Springs, Meadowview Text Revisions, Ridgeley Forest, and Villages of North East. The remaining items were tabled based on inadequate public notice and public comment of the proposed amendments.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ed Cairns, Elkton, stated that he was in favor of adopting the Master Water and Sewer Plan; however, he is opposed to inclusion of the proposed amendments based on lack of public review and the fact that several of them have not been through the Planning Commission process. He questioned the process for the North Bay project.
Director Sennstrom responded that the North Bay project was initially started approximately one year ago. The County has not been involved in this project because it falls under State regulations.
Ed Cairns reiterated his previous comments.
Counsel Dwight Thomey stated that assuming all of the projects have been submitted to the Office of Planning and Zoning and are at some stage of the subdivision process, the Commissioners scheduled this public hearing to hear public comment on the proposed amendments. The Commissioners are not bound by any recommendation made by the Planning Commission and can adopt the proposed amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Director Sennstrom responded to a question from Commissioner Kilby stating that all of the proposed amendments have at least been through the preliminary plat stage of the Planning Commission process. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the Bethel Springs, Ridgeley Forest, and Villages of North East subdivision amendments.
Commissioner Manlove stated that he is not comfortable voting on the remaining amendments without the Planning Commission recommendations.
Director Sennstrom stated that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the Comments from Town of North East with the exception of showing water service area agreement lines on map, Comments from Town of Rising Sun, and the Meadowview Text Revisions, Bethel Springs, Ridgeley Forest, and Villages of North East.
Commissioner Kilby stated that she would prefer not to vote on the Comments from Town of Rising Sun until she receives a copy of the map.
ACTION:
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Manlove, to act on the amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan that were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby to exclude the Comments from Town of Rising Sun. Motion died for lack of a second.
VOTE: Bolender – Y, Kilby – N, Hepbron – Y, Manlove – Y, Guns – Y. The motion
carries to act on the amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan that were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.
Discussion ensured regarding how the Commissioners would like to proceed.
Commissioner Kilby suggested that the Commissioners hear public comment since this meeting was advertised and members of the public are present.
Commissioner Bolender stated that the Commissioners would hear comments for adoption of the Master Water and Sewer Plan and for each proposed amendment to the Plan.
PUBLIC COMMENT MASTER WATER AND SEWER PLAN
John Williams, Elkton, stated that he is in a word “disquieted” about factual information in the Master Water and Sewer Plan. In his opinion, factual information in the Plan is inaccurate and outdated. There is no reference to any current statistics.
Richard Boyce, 11 Harvest Lane, stated that he has a problem with the process for subdivision approval. He feels that the public has not had sufficient notice or opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments.
Marcella Murray Lockwood, 432 Jackson Hall School Road, stated that she is confused regarding the process for discussing and voting on amendments before the Master Water and Sewer Plan has been adopted.
Counsel Dwight Thomey stated that the Commissioners are hearing public comment on proposed amendments, which would only be approved contingent upon adoption of the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Robert Fritz, 39 Blacksnake Road, stated that he attended the Planning Commission meeting when the Master Water and Sewer Plan and the proposed amendments were discussed. He found the entire procedure very confusing. In his opinion, groups are trying to slide their project into the Plan without going through the entire hearing process. He feels the amendments should not be adopted without sufficient public notification and comment.
Ron Hamlin, Elkton, stated that he feels that each amendment should be voted on separately, and that the Commissioners should not circumvent the Planning Commission process.
Wade Eshleman, Elkton, stated that he feels the amendments should be voted on separately and the Commissioners should hear more public comments.
ACTION:
Motion made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Manlove, to adopt the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Motion made by Commissioner Kilby to amend the motion to require that a meeting be scheduled between Planning and Zoning and Mr. John Williams to discuss the information inconsistencies.
Motion died for lack of a second.
VOTE: Bolender – Y, Kilby – N, Hepbron – Y, Manlove – Y, Guns – Y. The motion
carries to adopt the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
ACTION:
Motion made by Commissioner Kilby to disapprove proposed amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan based on comments from the public regarding lack of public comment and input during the process.
Counsel Dwight Thomey stated that this is an advertised public hearing and members of the audience should be given the opportunity to make comments on the proposed amendments.
Motion died for lack of a second.
The Commissioners concurred to continue the public hearing and listen to comments on each proposed amendment.
COMMENTS FROM TOWN OF NORTH EAST
David Kerry, Attorney representing the Town of North East, stated that the comments from the Town of North East would incorporate the map line and boundary of the water service area. The Town of Perryville is included via the urban growth boundary line and plan.
No public comments.
COMMENTS FROM TOWN OF RISING SUN
No official or public comments.
BEDROCK
Michael Burcham, McCrone, Inc., stated that this is a single-family development proposal that has received preliminary plat approval. They are requesting inclusion in the Master Water and Sewer Plan for sewer only.
Nancy Schuller, Appleton Road, stated that these proposed amendment were not advertised and the public was not given an opportunity to make comments.
Eric Sennstrom stated that the agenda for the Planning Commission hearing is published in the Cecil Whig.
Owen Thorne, Elkton, stated that the proposed amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan were not advertised as such with the 15-day notice before the public hearing. He feels the amendments were not given due process and he feels the Commissioners should deny the requests. He would like this objection to be noted for each individual amendment on the agenda.
Ron Hamlen, 9 Lochcarron Drive, stated that he feels the Commissioners should not circumvent the Planning Commission process for amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan. He would like this objection to be noted for each individual amendment on the agenda.
Robert Fritz, 39 Blacksnake Road, stated that he feels the amendments should go through the Planning Commission process. He would like this objection to be noted for each individual amendment on the agenda.
Richard Boyce, 11 Harvest Lane, stated that he agrees with the other comments and would like this objection to be noted for each individual amendment on the agenda.
Eva Walker, 644 Jackson Hall School Road, stated that she agrees with the other comments.
BETHEL SPRINGS
Michael Burcham, McCrone, Inc., stated that this subdivision has received preliminary plat approval from the Planning Commission for sewer only. Section 1 of the subdivision is under construction.
Owen Thorne, Ron Hamlen, Robert Fritz, and Richard Boyce oppose adoption of the proposed amendment.
CANDLELIGHT RIDGE
Len Parrish requested approval of this amendment because he feels it has been through the Planning Commission process. Various departments have given approval for the subdivision and all the Public Works agreements have been approved. The only approval needed is an amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan. He asked the Commissioners to consider approving this amendment.
Richard Boyce, 11 Harvest Lane, stated that he does disagree that the subdivision has been through the majority of the process; however, requesting an amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan is still a part of the process that requires a 15-day notice for a public hearing.
Cynthia Rossetti, Port Deposit, stated that she is concerned about the proposed amendments being for sewer only. She feels that this could create a dangerous situation because the water supply is not being replenished.
Owen Thorne, Ron Hamlen, and Robert Fritz oppose adoption of the amendment.
ELK NECK STATE PARK and NORTH BAY
Arnold Lorten, Department of Natural Resources, stated that he would like to address these two amendments at the same time. The State has leased a little less than 100 acres of Elk Neck State Park to a private foundation for the purpose of constructing and operating a world-class environmental education center. The center is under construction and has been through numerous permit approval processes. A major upgrade will be done to the water treatment plant for the site, which required a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment. The project is on hold due to a stipulation in the MDE regulations that requires the site be included in the County Master Water and Sewer Plan. The entire project is exempt from the Planning and Zoning process and regulations.
Bob Bingham, North Bay Project, asked the Commissioners to approve these two amendments so that the opening of the center would not be delayed. There have been numerous public hearings that were advertised regarding the proposed project.
Owen Thorne, Ron Hamlen, Robert Fritz, and Richard Boyce oppose adoption of the proposed amendment.
MEADOWVIEW TEXT REVISIONS
Owen Thorne, Ron Hamlen, Robert Fritz, and Richard Boyce oppose adoption of the proposed amendment.
MILBURN PROPERTY – APPLETON ROAD
Mike Pugh stated that this property is a 32-acre parcel located on the northwest corner of Appleton Road at the intersection with CSX Railroad. The property owners were informed that the railroad bridge was being replaced. The property is zoned SR and is located directly across from existing public water and sewer. The owners felt it would be advantageous to proceed with requesting an amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan for this property. At this time, no plats have been submitted because the owners are not planning to subdivide this property. He asked that the Commissioners consider approving this amendment based on the property location, zoning, and proximity to public water and sewer.
Richard Boyce, 11 Harvest Lane, stated that he fails to see the need for an orchard to have public sewer facilities.
Owen Thorne, Ron Hamlen, and Robert Fritz oppose adoption of the proposed amendment.
VILLAGES OF NORTH EAST
Mike Pugh stated that the subdivision has received concept and preliminary plat approval from the Planning Commission. The property is currently approved for sewer, but not for water. The Town of North East has requested inclusion of this amendment for this property in the County water system.
Ron Hamlen, Elkton, stated that this property has one more process to go through for inclusion in the Master Water and Sewer Plan, and to approve at this meeting would circumvent the process.
Owen Thorne, Robert Fritz, and Richard Boyce oppose adoption of the proposed amendment.
WARWICK ORCHARDS
Michael Burcham, McCrone, Inc., stated that this subdivision is a mobile home community located within a development district. The subdivision received preliminary plat approval from the Planning Commission. In order for the subdivision to have public water and sewer it must be included in the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Jeanette Hillyer asked that the Commissioner not approve this amendment.
Owen Thorne stated that he feels preliminary plat approval does not give the developer the right to request an amendment to the Master Water Sewer Plan.
Ron Hamlen, Robert Fritz, and Richard Boyce oppose adoption of the proposed amendment.
Carl Walbeck, Chairman of the Planning Commission, asked that the Commissioners approve the amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan for Elk Neck State Park and North Bay since there is no requirement for this project to go through the Planning Commission process.
Dr. Gell, Charlestown, stated that Charlestown was not included in the service area plan.
ACTION:
Motion made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, to include the amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan for Elk Neck State Park and North Bay.
VOTE: Bolender – Y, Kilby – Y, Hepbron – Y, Manlove – Y, Guns – Y. The motion
carries unanimously to include the amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan for Elk Neck State Park and North Bay.
ACTION:
Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Manlove, to deny the remaining amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan as follows: Comments from the Town of North East, Comments from Town of Rising Sun, Bedrock, Bethel Springs, Candlelight Ridge, Meadowview Text Revisions, Milburn Property – Appleton Road, Ridgeley Forest, Village of North East, and Warwick Orchards.
Discussion ensued regarding the process if these items are denied at this meeting.
Director Sennstrom stated that the Elk Neck State Park and North Bay would be included in the Master Water and Sewer Plan as adopted at this meeting. The remaining items would have to go back to the Planning Commission for a public hearing that requires a 15-day advance notice as amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan. The Planning Commission would make recommendations to the Commissioners and they would hold another public hearing on the proposed amendments. The proposed subdivisions would be on hold until the public hearings for amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan.
Counsel Dwight Thomey stated that every subdivision proposal must go through the Planning Commission process and request to be included as an amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan, which requires a formal hearing process. These requests presented this evening have been presented to the Planning Commission and are in various stages of the subdivision process; however, there has been no formal advertised request for an amendment to the Master Water and Sewer Plan for each item on the agenda.
Commissioner Kilby stated that she has a problem with the process and the developers requesting to be included in the “draft” Master Water and Sewer Plan instead of waiting until the Plan is adopted and a formal request made that must go through the established public hearing process. She feels that some of the developers knew that the Master Water and Sewer Plan was being updated and they wanted to be included in the draft document so they did not have to go through an additional public hearing process.
County Administrator Wein suggested that the Commissioners direct staff to put the remaining agenda items through the formal Planning Commission process requiring at least a 15-day notice of a public hearing on amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan. All of the remaining amendments would be processed during one public hearing before the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Kilby restated her motion to deny the remaining amendments to the Master Water and Sewer Plan as follows: Comments from the Town of North East, Comments from Town of Rising Sun, Bedrock, Bethel Springs, Candlelight Ridge, Meadowview Text Revisions, Milburn Property – Appleton Road, Ridgeley Forest, Village of North East, and Warwick Orchards. Staff is directed to process the request through the formal hearing process before the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
VOTE: The motion carries unanimously.
Motion made by Commissioner Guns, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.