The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session at the County Courthouse, Courtroom One, 129 East Main Street, Elkton, MD on Tuesday, June 18, 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 – JUNE 11, 2002
Amendment: Vote on approval of appointments under personnel items – Commissioner Kilby abstained from voting.
The minutes of the June 18, 2002 Commissioners’ meeting were unanimously approved as amended.
- MINUTES – JUNE 11, 2002 BOARD OF HEALTH
The minutes of the June 11, 2002 Board of Health meeting were unanimously approved as written.
- PUBLIC HEARING
Nomination for Historic Designation: Big Elk Chapel, Corner of Gallaher and Big Elk Chapel Roads, Elkton, election district 4, Trustees of Cherry Hill United Methodist Church, presently zoned: Rural Residential.
Director Eric Sennstrom stated that the Cecil County Historical Society and Planning Commission recommended approval of the application. The church was built in 1877 and has sustained many historical qualities, including the original shutters, pews, and pump organ.
Nancy Simpers stated that the church is currently undergoing restoration.
No comments in support or opposition.
On recommendation of Director Sennstrom, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Big Elk Chapel nomination for historic designation.
- INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Commissioner Kilby reported that there would be an E-readiness seminar at Cecil Community College on June 27 to discuss technology infrastructure strategies. She stated that after several public hearings with the citizens of North East, she would recommend the sewer line be installed on Mauldin Avenue, as opposed to Main Street. However, if the sewer line fails on Main Street in the future, it would be replaced.
Commissioner Bolender reported that he agrees with locating the sewer line on Mauldin Avenue, but commented that if the line were installed on Main Street, the construction would not be the same as the Elkton Main Street project. He attended an Aberdeen Army Alliance meeting with Commissioner Hepbron. Aberdeen Proving Ground is one of the leading contenders for a terrorism-training site.
Commissioner Hepbron had no comments.
- TREASURER’S REPORT
County Treasurer Pamela Howard reviewed the Treasurer’s Report. She stated that her office would be using the Commissioners boardroom over the next several weeks to prepare the tax bills for mailing. Baynet and Peoples Bank of Oxford will now accept tax bill payments. Due to interest rates, the Treasurer’s Office will be paying off several lease agreements.
- BAINBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mr. Paul Fleming stated that the Bainbridge Historical Society has prepared for two years for the kick-off fund raising and membership drive. The society would like to raise enough funds for a museum. He asked for the Commissioners support of this project.
- EASTERN SHORE 2010 – A Regional Vision presented by Robert Etgen.
Mr. Etgen stated that Eastern Shore 2010 is a proposed regional agreement for land use goals with the purpose of conserving farmland. He explained the role of the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. He outlined the goals of the program and stated that regional task forces would be formed to develop implementation options. The goals of this program would not hurt Cecil County, create no burden on current county planning staff, and use current volunteer programs in existence.
In response to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Etgen replied that participation in this program would give Cecil County leverage at the state and federal level for competitive grant funds. Cecil County would give nothing to the Easter Shore Land Conservancy. County participation would be a commitment to share goals and support for raising the level of land conservation.
- PRESENTATION BY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
Mr. Bob Knutsen and several members of the Board thanked Sandra Edwards for her efforts over the past seven years on behalf of the county to preserve farmland.
Commissioner Bolender stated that there has been a change to the agenda and personnel items would be heard next.
- PERSONNEL ITEMS
On recommendation by Director Donna Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the following appointments:
William T. Tapp, II, Laborer, Solid Waste Division, $9.21/hour, grade 3
Temporary Seasonal Workers for Roads Division at $8.50/hour effective July 1, 2002
Jeanie Mullins – office, David Holding – Northern area, and Joshua Hoderfield –
Central area.
On recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the following Promotions/Transfers/Reclassifications:
Promote Antonio Leonardi from Dispatch Supervisor to Paramedic in EMS, same
grade 7P, effective 6/26/02;
Promote Dorothy Warner from Program Eligibility Analyst (grade 6) to Administrative Budget Assistant (grade 7), Housing Office, effective 7/1/02;
Promote Mary Hines from Office Service Specialist (grade 5) to Program Eligibility
Analyst (grade 6), Housing Office, effective 7/01/02;
Promote David Black from Plans Reviewer (grade 8) to Planner II (grade 9), Planning
and Zoning Office, effective 7/1/02;
Administrative Adjustment to four paramedic captains in EMS from $17.07/hour to $17.22/hours, effective 7/1/02 – James Alfree, Michael Deckard, Richard Koch, and Denise Harvey.
On recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to accept the following under miscellaneous:
Annual leave waiver for Frank Muller, 72 hours to be used by July 31, 2002.
- PUBLIC COMMENT
Cynthia Rossetti, Dr. Jack Road, stated she supports the Eastern Shore 2010 program. She feels participation would give the county more leverage for legislation, promote agriculture as a business, and provide guidance to other counties for land conservation.
Vaughn Ellerton, 158 England Creamery Road, stated that he would endorse participation in Eastern Shore 2010. He referred to a response he received from the Commissioners’ Office regarding the proposed building in Cecilton. He stated that the letter of response to his questions was rich in opinion, but lacked sufficient facts and data to support the county financing a new building in Cecilton. He feels the Commissioners do not have sufficient information to make a decision, and no funds should be spent until there is enough evidence to support the need for this additional building. He stated that it has taken him one and a half years to get this letter of response, and he is very disappointed that the information he has requested is still unavailable to the public.
Pat McClary, 116 North Bohemia Avenue, stated that he was speaking on behalf of the Board of Realtors. He stated that the Board of Realtors supports the traditional method of land conservation currently used by the county. The Board feels that the Eastern Shore 2010 program would deprive citizens of choices and local agencies should make decisions on county issues. The found the design and architecture standards to be arrogant because it gave individuals no choice. They feel the word “sprawl” needs to be clarified and defined. A special interest group is presenting this proposal.
Commissioner Kilby stated that the county has set goals for land conservation and has gone through the process to work with towns. She asked if this proposed program was sent to the entire community of realtors for a consensus vote.
Mr. McClary stated that the Board of Realtors were elected to represent the entire community of realtors, and he was asked to speak on their behalf. They would like land conservation decisions to be made locally and not on a regional scale.
Lou DiAngelis, 60 Middleton Lane, stated that he participated in the land conservation survey. He feels over development is the main concern and the Comprehensive Plan should be reviewed.
Commissioner Bolender responded that the County Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for review and public hearings held for public comment regarding the plan.
Mr. Etgen stated that 250 county residents were surveyed regarding land conservation in Cecil County.
Pat Ulrich, 184 Cat Swamp Road, requested that the Commissioners not support the Eastern Shore 2010 program. He feels there are already enough forms of government to oversee development in Cecil County. The county has enough smart people and does not need any outside help.
John Mackie, 150 Carters Mill Road, stated that polls reveal information depending on how the questions are presented. Participation in the Eastern Shore 2010 program would give the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy more power and authority at the state and federal level. He questioned any hidden agendas this group may have that would affect our county.
Rupert Rossetti, 215 Dr. Jack Road, stated that he supports Eastern Shore 2010. Participation in the program would give the county an opportunity to partner with other counties in the region to develop a region wide plan. Forming a coalition may let the county take advantage of more funds that would be available. Cecil County lost approximately 2000 acres of farmland to development. The loss will continue if something is not done to promote and support land conservation.
Roland Wills stated that he feels Garrett Island should be preserved for historical reasons. He feels that Senator Baker does nothing to support Cecil County. The Commissioners should look out for the people of the county not the developers.
Rick Loggins, 2080 Blue Ball Road, stated that he found it humorous that the Board of Realtors was pointing fingers at another special interest group. He voiced a complaint regarding being denied use of the local law library located in the County Courthouse. He feels that the library is located in a public facility and citizens should be given access to the law books.
Commissioner Bolender stated that he was made aware of the problem several weeks ago, and was informed that local attorneys support the law library.
Mrs. Moore, Cherry Hill, stated that she has lived in Cherry Hill for sixty-four years. She voiced her concern over the increasing number of junkyards and car repair shops located in the area. The older residents have to tolerate the increase in noise from the business operations. She would like the county to investigate the problems.
Harlan Williams, 166 Little Egypt Road, stated that the county has exceeded the fifty percent land conservation goal. The problem is the soil that is good for farming and conservation, is also good for development. Cecil County needs to come up with innovative ways to conserve farmland. He feels we do not need another oversight group. He feels the county could develop new ways to provide cluster development plans that would provide housing and preserve farmland at the same time.
Commissioner Hepbron requested a five-minute recess. Commissioner Bolender called the meeting to order.
- ACTION ITEMS
- REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 02-02, FLEET MANAGEMENT AND
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Budget Manager Craig Whiteford stated that a request for proposal (RFP) regarding the feasibility of a private company providing fleet management and maintenance services for county vehicles was developed. He outlined the goals of the RFP. He stated that the County Garage loss in excess of one million dollars and the county must take corrective action. The county has approximately three hundred forty vehicles. The county received proposal for fleet management services from First Vehicle Services and Tecom. Both companies have experience in fleet management and maintenance services. First Vehicle Services proposed that the county would save approximately $679,000 over a seven-year period by privatizing this area. A review committee was established to review both proposals. The committee recommends accepting the First Vehicle Services proposal.
Commissioner Nelson Bolender stated that a decision on the recommendation would be postponed until Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. in the conference room of the Commissioners Office. The public hearing will be announced in the Cecil Whig.
- APPOINTMENT to PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to appoint Linda Snyder to the Parks and Recreation Board for the remainder of the term of Deborah Smith, who resigned from the Board.
- AWARD OF CONTRACT - BID 02-32 YMCA LIGHTS
On recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept award contract bid 02-32 for lights at the YMCA.
- BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendments 163 through 183. A copy of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Hepbron, seconded by Kilby, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.