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 – FEB. 23, 1999 –

The minutes were approved as presented.

- COMMISSIONER COMMENTS –

President Bolender advised that he attended a service at the Spirit and Life Church on Route 40 in recognition of veterans and police officers.

Commissioner Hepbron reported that he attended Mrs. Botts retirement dinner. He also attended a meeting with Delegate Rudolph in regard to a boys and girls club. Commissioner Hepbron stated he attended the Oldtimer's banquet.

Commissioner Kilby stated the Board met with a group of citizens from Crystal Beach Manor in regard to youth activities in that area. They are organizing a beach cleanup in the Spring. It is hoped that there will be a cleanup day in the County. Commissioner Kilby advised that the Board is looking for activities to get youth involved within the community.

- CENSUS BUREAU –

Mr. Anthony Waggoner, of the Census Bureau, appeared before the Board to discuss the upcoming census for 2000. He advised that in 1990 1200 people were missed which translated into a loss of $548,229 for the County in grants and direct loans.

Mr. Waggoner advised that in this particular area they are canvassing urban areas for address listing, and questionnaires will be mailed around April 1, 2000. They are hoping to get a 70% or better return rate nationwide. If the questionnaires are not returned, they will go door-to-door.

Mr. Waggoner suggested that the Board appoint a Complete Count Committee to make everyone in the community aware of the census and to encourage participation by filling out the census form.

He advised that in 1990 there were 70,000 people in the County, and in 1996 there were 80,000.

- REPORT – ECONOMIC DEV. –

Mr. Paul Gilbert, Director of Economic Development, appeared to report on the activities in the Office of Economic Development. He advised that he has identified a follow-up initiative that must be undertaken with the enterprise zones relative to certification. They are going to be instrumental in attracting businesses to the County. Mr. Gilbert indicated there is no process to certify the tax credits either at the level of the municipalities or the County. He will meet with the municipalities to discuss that process.

Mr. Gilbert stated he has been responsive to numerous inquiries and prospects that have expressed interest in doing business in the County. He has met with many members of both the public and private sector who are concerned about the County's industrial tax base and creating high value jobs.

Mr. Gilbert indicated that the Economic Development Commission has been working diligently to lay the groundwork for a strategic planning session for economic development that will be in April or May. They hope to have 60-70 business people and representatives from the community to develop an economic development plan for the County. The main task areas will be strategic alliances, infrastructure, increasing tourism, work force development, business incentives, and agri-business.

Mr. Gilbert stated he is happy about the potential redevelopment of the former Bainbridge Naval Training Center. It should be turned over by the Navy to the State and/or a local development authority by January, 2000.

The Office of Economic Development does not promote or attract residential or retail commercial development. Their job is to create new wealth in the community, and they will be devoted to the attraction of light, clean manufacturing, distribution, research and development, and corporate office use, as well as tourism related activities. Mr. Gilbert indicated that they want to work closely with the municipalities to support businesses with revitalization efforts.

Mr. Gilbert introduced Ms. Lisa Cameron, of the Economic Development Commission. Ms. Cameron advised that the Commission toured the facility at Cecil Community College and unanimously supports the movement of the Economic Development offices from the third floor in the Court House to the College for the following reasons: The Community College facilities are more centrally located with respect to industrial areas in the County. Access to I-95 is more convenient to clients. The location gives more economic identity. They will be located much closer to the former Bainbridge Naval Training Center, which the Commissioners have established as an economic development priority. The presence of offices at the College and being adjacent to the School of Technology demonstrates the priority in regard to work force development. The offices at the College are larger than the ones at the Court House, and there will be space to accommodate extra staffing. The office would have a dedicated conference room that would always be available for meetings with clients and prospects. Adjacent facilities at the College are complete with conference facilities. Business clients, prospects, and guests would not have to be intimidated by riding in the same elevator with prisoners. There is very little cost incurred to do this move. There will be no rent. Some furniture and a fax machine will need to be purchased. Ms. Cameron indicated that the cost will be less than $2,500.00, and she urged the Board to support the move.

- PUBLIC COMMENT –

Mr. Ellison spoke in support of development of the Bainbridge property. He inquired about who is responsible for County monies and was advised it is the Treasurer.

Mr. Rick Broomell suggested that minor subdivisions go through a public hearing process the same as major subdivisions.

Mr. Ron Demmler commented on an employee who was fired in the Sheriff's Department being a political move.

Mr. Neal Lemon, of the Waterford Group, described senior citizen housing proposed for Rising Sun which would consist of 75 apartment units. Water, sewerage, and zoning is in place with the Town of Rising Sun.

Mr. Bud Felty, representing the Chamber of Commerce, appeared to pledge support for the Board and to invite them to the Chamber functions. He also stated he feels the Chamber will support the move of the Economic Development Office.

Ms. Gail Evans commented on the fact that no one knew about the Economic Development move. She also asked about the Board's trips to Annapolis. Ms. Evans asked Commissioner Hepbron about a decision of the Ethics Commission.

Mr. William Boyer inquired about his property right-of-way which runs along the Amtrak railroad property in Elkton.

Mr. Roland Wills commented on there being too much development in the County.

Mr. Joe Carabetta suggested that the Board not entertain any increase in the Board of Education's budget. He stated in regard to sewerage for Carpenter's Point private roads need to be addressed. Mr. Carabetta advised of dogs running loose and trash along the roads.

Ms. Judy Monger commented on dogs running loose.

Mr. Stan Strencejewski advised of problems with the roads in his development and zoning and inspection problems in the County.

Ms. Diane Carabetta appeared on behalf of the Board of Directors of Christmas in April. Twenty-four homes will be rehabilitated this year on the last Saturday in April.

- PERSONNEL ITEMS –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to appoint John A. McClennan and John P. Goff as part-time Van Drivers in the Department of Aging at an hourly rate of $8.35.

- APPOINTMENTS – ETHICS COMMISSION –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to appoint the following persons as members of the Ethics Commission: Charles L. Scott, Jr., 109 East Main Street, Elkton, Maryland 21921 (Term expiring January 11, 2003.)

Richard E. Jackson, 205 East Main Street, Elkton, Maryland 21921 to replace the unexpired term of John W. McCarley, Jr., said term expiring April 3, 2001.

Matthew G. Bathon, 146 East Main Street, Elkton, Maryland 21921 (Term expiring April 3, 2002).

- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 110-118 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 110-118. Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.

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

Alfred C. Wein, Jr.
County Administrator