Nelson K. Bolender, President
Phyllis E. Kilby, Commissioner
Harry A. Hepbron, 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 – JAN. 5, 1999 –

The Board approved the minutes of January 5, 1999, as written.

- COMMISSIONER COMMENTS –

Commissioner Hepbron commended the Roads Department on the excellent job that was done during the recent snow.

Commissioner Kilby reported that on January 20 there will be a Vision workshop held by the Lower Susquehanna Greenway at 7:00 p.m. at Perryville High School. She stated the Lower Susquehanna River Region was recognized as one of the six heritage areas throughout the State.

Commissioner Kilby advised that she will be making an appointment to the Planning Commission soon. If anyone is interested in the appointment, they should contact her. Commissioner Kilby advised of a Maryland after school campaign that the Board is endorsing which will improve the quantity and quality of after school programs.

President Bolender reported that the Board attended the MACO conference last week. He indicated that the Governor is proposing that $250 million per year be added to his budget for school construction. Also, the Governor will contain, in his budget, a takeover of some type whereby the State will pay for all or some of the Circuit Court system's expenses. President Bolender stated there is also a possibility of an increase in the sales tax.

- ADMINISTRATOR ITEMS –

Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, advised that the February 9 Board meeting will be held at the North East Library at 7:00 p.m. Next week's meeting will be in Courtroom 1 at the Court House.

Mr. Wein indicated that the budget information packets have been sent out to all governmental units. They are due in the Finance Department by February 1. The Board will set a tentative budget by April 30.

- CECIL LAND TRUST – AG. PRES. TASK FORCE –

Mr. David Freeman, Director of Cecil Land Trust, appeared before the Board and recommended that a study be prepared for the Cecil Land Trust and the Friends of Agriculture by the American Farmland Trust to address development and land preservation. Mr. Freeman stated many of the County's land use and economic development policies should be reviewed. He recommended that the Board appoint an agricultural land preservation task force to analyze the situation and propose changes in order to implement the goals of the Comprehensive Plan as it relates to farmland protection.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the recommendation of the Cecil Land Trust for appointment of a committee.

- PUBLIC COMMENT –

Mr. Carl Walbeck, Chairman of the Planning Commission, stated the Planning Commission has been concerned about the lack of tools to use to help preserve the rural character of the County. The Planning Commission endorses the establishment of an agricultural land preservation task force for preservation of agricultural and forested lands. Mr. Walbeck requested that a representative of the Planning Commission be included in the composition of the task force.

Mr. Daniel Derr, Vice Chairman of the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, indicated that they support the appointment of the task force and request that a member of their Board be appointed to it.

Mr. Roland Wills asked about the dirt pile in Rising Sun. President Bolender responded by saying that the Board will issue an opinion on this matter soon.

Mr. Joe Carabetta requested that the Board oppose the issue of an increase in the sales tax. He also indicated that he is interested in being appointed to the Planning Commission.

- PERSONNEL MATTERS –

Ms. Linda Anguish, Director of Human Resources, appeared before the Board. Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to appoint Anthony J. DiGiacomo as Principal Planner in the Department of Planning, Zoning, Parks & Recreation, Grade 11, $42,000 per annum; also, to appoint Judy Whiteman as Homemaker/Shopping Associate in the Department of Aging, Grade 3, $19,718.40 per annum.

Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to accept the resignation of James Heverin, Substitute Van Driver in the Department of Aging, effective January 7, 1999.

Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve a 3% salary increase for Paul Shiel, Mechanic in the Central Garage, increasing his salary from $29,129.57 to $30,003.45 in recognition of his becoming ASE certified.

- APPOINTMENT – CECIL SOIL CONSERVATION DIST. –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to appoint Bruce Yerkes, 103 Green Meadow Drive, Elkton, Maryland 21921 as a member of the Cecil Soil Conservation District.

- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 78-80 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 78-80. Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to adjourn.

Alfred C. Wein, Jr.
County Administrator