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. 26, 1999 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of January 26, 1999, as presented.

- PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PROJECT – DELANCY VILLAGE PK. –

A public hearing was held on a Program Open Space application for Delancy Village Park, Elkton, Maryland, for the purchase and installation of Powerscape swings and Gametime tunnel twister play structure.

Mr. Ed Slicer, Parks and Recreation Manager, Mr. Eric Sennstrom, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Mr. Clyde Van Dyke, Director of Elkton Parks and Recreation, appeared for the public hearing. Mr. Slicer advised that the project is for improvements of Delancy Village Park and involves the purchase and installation of Powerscape swings and a Gametime tunnel twister play structure. The total cost of the project is $13,235.00 with 25% being funded by the Town of Elkton and 75% by the State. Mr. Slicer stated the equipment is needed for this site.

Mr. Van Dyke explained that they are trying to refurbish this park because the equipment is old. They plan to add a basketball and volleyball court, as well as benches. It is a two-acre site that is owned and maintained by the Town of Elkton. Mr. Van Dyke advised that Delancy Village has a Neighborhood Watch Committee, and they have had no problems with vandalism.

Mr. Sennstrom indicated that the Board of Parks and Recreation and Planning Commission both recommend approval of the project.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the above described application.

- COMMISSIONER COMMENTS –

Commissioner Kilby advised of Cecil Promise, a volunteer program in the County, for adults to assist youth in doing volunteer work in the community.

Commissioner Hepbron reported that the Board will go to Annapolis tomorrow.

- REPORT – HUMAN RESOURCES –

Ms. Linda Anguish, Director of Human Resources, appeared to report on the activities of her office. She advised that they focus on internal and external customers. There are 479 employees of County government. On an external basis, they interact with a number of agencies. Her office primarily deals with people who are exploring the possibility of becoming County employees. Eighty-five new employees are hired over the course of a year.

One of their major functions is recruiting. They fill positions externally (from advertising to pre-employment physicals) and manage the County's job posting program.

Ms. Anguish explained that her office also manages the compensation system for County employees. Last year, all jobs were reevaluated, new job descriptions for all positions were prepared, and new salary scales were instituted. Ms. Anguish advised that they work closely with the Finance Department recommending salary adjustments and potential reclassifications as part of the budget process. The bi-weekly payroll is prepared for submission to Finance.

The Human Resources Office serves as plan administrator for the County's self-funded health and welfare benefits program. They currently insure 510 active employees of the County, as well as Cecil Community College, Library, and SPCA. Also, there are about 50 retirees carrying benefits. Ms. Anguish advised that the plans do very well. There has been no premium increase for the last seven years. They also administer the Deferred Compensation Plan and serve as coordinators for the Maryland State Retirement System.

Ms. Anguish advised that they provide orientation for all new hires. Along with Risk Management, they provide drug and alcohol awareness and defensive driving for employees driving County vehicles. They are currently working with CCC for management development.

In regard to employee relations, Ms. Anguish stated her office is the "keeper" of the Policies and Procedures Manual. They update and distribute the policies. They prepare a bi-weekly employee newsletter that is distributed with the paychecks.

Ms. Anguish explained that her office supports the Employee Recognition Committee, administers employee grievances, provides counsel to employees and managers upon request, works with the County Attorney on employment related legal matters, and manages the performance review process.

The Human Resources Office administers the Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, manages the disclosure statement process for the Ethics Commission, handles Worker's Compensation reporting and claims for employees and volunteer firefighters, and provides backup coverage for switchboard.

- ADMINISTRATOR ITEMS –

Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, advised that the Town Administrator of Perryville is forwarding a copy of their file in regard to the cogeneration plant for his review.

Mr. Wein stated a meeting will be held tomorrow with builders in the Montgomery Oaks development to review complaints received from residents. Thereafter, the Commissioners and Administrator will meet with applicable departments individually regarding complaints.

Mr. Wein advised that in regard to the public hearing that was held concerning the proposed transfer of .0849 acres from the County to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Neaves, it is recommended by staff that Mr. and Mrs. Neaves, in return, grant a deed of easement to the County for the portion of Twin Lakes Road that is County maintained and located on their property. The easement should be presented prior to plat recordation.

Mr. Wein advised that next week's meeting will be held at the North East Library at 7:00 p.m.

- PUBLIC COMMENT –

Mr. Stan Strencejewski expressed concern about an appeal of a zoning issue costing $250.

Mr. Roland Wills reiterated the problems in Montgomery Oaks.

Mr. Ron Demmler stated he is pleased to see that County employees have begun to repair the Wheatley Road Bridge. He is also concerned about the Deeds with Montgomery Brothers being introduced and voted on tonight.

Mr. Ronald Rae asked about the court cases concerning High's and the Elk Mills zoning violation. He also commented on the Court House parking lot.

Ms. Jeanette Hilyer expressed concern about litter on the roads, junk yards, stray animals, and speeding on County roads, especially Craigtown and Jackson Park Roads.

- PERSONNEL ITEMS –

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 George E. Newman as the Director of Finance at an annual salary of $64,000, Grade 13.

- TRANSFER OF LAND – NEAVES –

On January 19 the Board held a public hearing on a request to transfer and convey 0.0849 +/- acres of land located within the cul-de-sac of Downin Drive (a.k.a. Twin Lakes Road), property owned by the Board of County Commissioners, to Jerry and Tammy Neaves.

Mr. Fred Orr, Deputy Director of Public Works, stated the recommendation of the Department of Public Works is that the Board require a deed of easement for the maintenance of that portion of Downin Drive approaching Lots 5 and 6.

Ms. Bonnie Laakso, attorney representing Mr. and Mrs. John Jakes, stated Mr. Orr informed her that a portion of Downin Drive was built on the front of Lots 5 and 6. Mrs. Neaves is in agreement with the easement; however, she has been unable to contact Mr. Neaves.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the transfer conditioned on the requirement of a deed of easement prior to recordation for the maintenance of that portion of road that was built on the Neaves' property.

- APPOINTMENT – COMMISSION ON AGING –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to appoint Charity Bryant, 2276 Theodore Road, North East, Maryland 21901 as a member of the Commission on Aging for a three-year term, said term expiring June 30, 2002.

- APPOINTMENTS – AG. PRES. TASK FORCE –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to appoint the following persons as members of the Agricultural Preservation Task Force: Al Miller, Bruce Yerkes, Mark Broomell, Dave Freeman, Dan Derr, Michele Bloothoofd, Paul Gray, Theresa Jackson, Wayne Stafford, Bea Samaniego, Dennis Clower, Jeff Williams, Harry Hammond, Faron Pyles, Herman Panacek, and Robert Crouch.

- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 87-92 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 87-92. Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.

- GRANT – MASS TRANSIT ADM. –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve a grant application for funding from the Mass Transit Administration in the amount of $16,143 for the Department of Aging for "The Bus."

- PROGRESS REPORT – WHEATLEY RD. BRIDGES –

Mr. Fred Orr, Deputy Director of Public Works, appeared to give a progress report on the Wheatley Road Bridges. He indicated that short-term repairs to one lane of Bridge CE-061 on Wheatley Road, with perfect weather conditions, are anticipated to be completed next week. Removal of the posted 6,000 pound single and combination unit weight ratings will indicate the work completion for one lane. The Department of Public Works' Bridge Maintenance crew will continue work on CE-061 to achieve two-way traffic above the 6,000 pound single and combined unit weight rating.

Mr. Orr advised that the State Highway Administration joined Cecil County on February 1 to effect short-term repairs to CE-060, the southernmost bridge on Wheatley Road. The anticipated completion of these repairs will be February 9. These repairs are intended to restore this bridge to its 58,000 pound single unit and 80,000 rating.

Mr. Orr stated he would like to thank the citizens on Wheatley Road for their patience and cooperation during these repairs.

President Bolender stated he would like to thank Mr. Orr, the Road Department crew, Mr. Richard Lindsay, Mr. Mike Lewis, Mr. Terry Wright, and Delegate David Rudolph for their assistance in regard to repair of the bridges.

- DEEDS –

Mr. Fred Orr, Deputy Director of Public Works, appeared and presented the following Deeds:

1) Deed with Montgomery Brothers, Inc. to accept Country Side Loop in Leeds Manor, Section 2, into the County road system;

2) Deed with The Barry Montgomery Co., Inc. to accept Leeds Manor Drive, Hoover Court, and Countryside Loop in Leeds Manor, Section 1, into the County road system;

3) Deed with Maple Heights Partnership to accept Locomotive Lane in Montgomery's Station into the County road system.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the Deeds as described above.

- PERPETUAL RD. MAINT. AGREEMENT –

Mr. Fred Orr presented a Perpetual Road Maintenance Agreement between this Board, Philip H. and Ruth Ann Johnson, and Molly J. Brumbley and Ross E. Johnson pertaining to property on Blue Ball Road.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Perpetual Road Maintenance Agreement.

- PUBLIC WKS. AGREEMENT – MEADOW RUN, SECT. TWO –

Mr. Fred Orr presented a Public Works Agreement for Sanitary Sewer between this Board, Gray's Hill Development Co., Inc., and Raymond B. Weed, Jr. for Meadow Run, Section Two.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Public Works Agreement.

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

Alfred C. Wein, Jr.
County Administrator