The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session in Courtroom 1 at the County Office Building, Elkton, Maryland, on Tuesday, May 2, 2000. The following members of the Board were present:Nelson K. Bolender, President
Harry A. Hepbron, Commissioner
Phyllis Kilby, Commissionerconstituting 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 - APRIL 18, 2000 -
The minutes of April 18, 2000, were approved as written.
- PUBLIC HEARING - DEPT. OF AGING AREA PLAN FOR FY2001-2003
A public hearing was held on the Department of Aging Area Plan for FY2001-2003. Mrs. Susan Twigg, Director of the Department of Aging, appeared to present the Area Plan. She introduced Mrs. Stephanie Garrity, of the Maryland Department of Aging. Mrs. Garrity thanked the Board for their support of programs for older adults.
Mrs. Twigg stated the Department of Aging promotes an enhanced quality of life for older adults in the County. They offer a broad range of services in senior centers, community facilities, and homes. Mrs. Leslie Gorak, Transportation Supervisor, advised that they transport the general public, as well as seniors. They do medical transporting on a first-come first-serve basis. Mrs. Gorak stated the Area Plan provides for a study on transportation. They hope to extend the bus route from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is hoped that the public bus service can be expanded to go down Route 40 and possibly into Delaware.
Mr. Bob Dermott, Long Term Care Supervisor, advised that they have an Ombudsman Program which is advocated for those in nursing homes. They have a Guardian Coordinator who makes medical decisions for clients. The Senior Care Program helps people to stay in the community. It assists in paying for an individuals medical supplies, adult day care, lifeline, etc. The program is coordinated with the Department of Social Services and the Health Department. The Senior Information Assistant finds resources and helps people 60 years of age or over in regard to services that are available in the County. The Senior~Health Insurance Program provides health insurance counseling and legal services. The Group Senior Assisted Housing Program provides subsidies for room and board for those 62 or older. Medicaid Waiver is a new program which will begin January 1, 2001. It will allow individuals to stay in their home or in assisted living rather than go into a nursing home. The goal is to provide services that a nursing home would provide.
Ms. Betsy Osani, Community Services Supervisor, advised that she oversees and supervises the Senior Centers. There are two Senior Centers in the County. The Buckworth Center is open Monday through Friday, and the Center in Perryville is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Ms. Osani advised that they provide information for seniors about nutrition, cooking, exercise, and health screenings. There is no charge, but they request contributions. Ms. Osani supervises the Home Delivered Meal Program in cooperation with the Home Delivered Meal Program of West Nottingham Church. About 2200-2500 meals are delivered each month. Shopping services are provided for those who are homebound. Ms. Osani stated they have a swimming program in cooperation with the YMCA. Another program is nutrition education and counseling.
Mrs. Twigg stated they have a volunteer program and maintain about 100 volunteers who deliver meals, provide medical transportation, plant gardens, etc. Also, a depression support group was begun in conjunction with Family Services. Mr. Robert Porter stated he takes courses at Cecil Community College through the Senior Center. He stated he is also a member of the Senior Center in Newark and hopes that transportation can be coordinated between the two facilities.
- PUBLIC HEARING - CLOSING OF FOSTER LANE -
A public hearing was held to close Foster Lane to direct access from Maryland Route 272. Mr. Fred Orr, Deputy Director of Public Works, advised that the road right-of-way will not be abandoned. He was notified by the Maryland Transportation Authority that the closing of Foster Lane to access onto Route 272 was necessary. Mr. Orr presented the following reasons for the closure of Foster Lane:
Full access control should extend a minimum of 300' beyond ramp terminals in rural areas. Foster Lane intersection is located within the Route 272 southbound to I-95 ramp deceleration taper. Placement of an intersection within a ramp deceleration taper is contrary to driver expectancy. Vehicles slowing to turn right from Route 272 southbound into Foster Lane will conflict with the faster moving ramp traffic. Vehicles entering Route 272 southbound from Foster Lane will also conflict with the faster moving ramp and thru traffic. Vehicles on Route 272 southbound intending to exit onto I-95 are confused by Foster Lane mistaking it for the exit ramp.
The simple alternate route (Old Bay View Road to Route 274 to Route 272) is only 3/4 mile longer. There is no delay for motorists accessing Bay View from Route 272 since Foster Lane is currently right-in/right-out. The closure of Foster Lane will have no impact on the response times for police and emergency vehicles.
Mr. Orr advised that access to Foster Lane from Route 272 northbound is prohibited and has been since 1995.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to adopt a Resolution to close Foster Lane to direct access from Maryland Route 272.
- COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS -
President Bolender reported that he and Commissioner Kilby took a tour of the Newark Department of Aging.
He advised that he participated in the cleanup of Winding Brook on Saturday and thanked the First District road crew and landfill employees who volunteered to help with the cleanup. President Bolender reported that he attended the ceremony at Elk Landing on Saturday.
Commissioner Kilby stated she wishes to thank all the groups who were involved with the cleanup of Winding Brook, as well as the residents and the landlords. She participated in the cleanup of Garrett Island and wishes to thank everyone who participated in that project.
Commissioner Hepbron reported on the public hearing on the Carpenter's Point sewer project stating everyone was in favor of the project.
- PRESENTATION - FAMILY SERV. -
Ms. Suzanne Schunk, Director of Family Services of Cecil County, gave a presentation on a new program. It is the visitation program and has been in existence for about 14 months. The visitation center offers a safe and mutual location for visitation of children for those who are separated or divorced. In cases of domestic violence where parents have to exchange children, the victim feels safe. With child abuse and sexual abuse issues, those children are safe and can be supervised during visitation. Ms. Schunk stated another important issue is substance abuse. These are on-site supervised visits, and people who transport children can be observed in regard to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ms. Schunk advised that the primary purpose of the program is to guarantee access of children to both parents. They have had numerous referrals from the courts. The Board presented Ms. Schunk with a Certificate of Recognition for her 14 years of service as Director of Family Services, as she is leaving the area.
- ADMINISTRATOR ITEMS -
Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, reported that the Board of Estimates will hold the budget hearing on May 9 at 1:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Office. They will reconvene at 7:00 p.m. at the Rising Sun High School auditorium for another hearing on the proposed budget and proposed income tax increase.
Mr. Wein stated the next public session is on May 16 at the Cecilton Firehall.
- PUBLIC COMMENT -
Mr. Pat Ulrich, representing the Board of Realtors, spoke in regard to the BL zone requesting that it not be changed because it will create a number of nonconforming uses and will devalue properties.
Mr. Ed Ellison asked if the Board is going to raise both the piggyback tax and property taxes. Commissioner Kilby responded by saying it is the piggyback tax that the Board is proposing to raise because it spreads over the total working population. A property tax increase places an increased burden on retired people.
Mr. Ellison also asked that the Board consider reducing the Board of Education's budget. President Bolender stated $3 million was cut from the Board of Education's budget, and the actual operating budget of the Board of Education is about 52% of the County budget.
Mr. Ellison urged the Board to get more industry into the County. President Bolender responded by stating he is in favor of new industry; however, it moves slow. He advised that both Flemming and Richie Brothers have come to the County. Commissioner Hepbron stated there are not many available sites. There is property on Route 40 but no facilities.
Mr. Harry Welcher stated he is in favor of adoption of an ordinance eliminating gas stations from BL zoning. Mr. Dave Green spoke in favor of the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Roland Wills stated developers should be made to obey the law. He spoke of poor stormwater management in Montgomery Oaks and feels that Pine Cone Drive and Crows Foot Drive should not be accepted into the County system.
Mr. Ed Cairns spoke in favor of the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mrs. Sally Cairns spoke in favor of the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. She feels BL is not the answer to economic development and tax relief.
Mr. Robert Calehuff spoke in favor of the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. John Dougan spoke in opposition to the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Ronald Rae spoke in opposition to the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Vance Fields asked about the completion date for the Mechanics Valley Road Bridge, and Mr. Fred Orr advised that it will be open within the next week.
Mr. Fields stated there is a weight restriction on the Bailiff Road Bridge and that dump trucks are using it.
He asked the Board to not accept Crows Foot Drive and Pine Cone Drive into the County road system as the roads are not acceptable.
Ms. Suzan Doordan, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke in opposition to the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
- 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 accept the following resignations:
1) Randall Colonomos, Temp/Seasonal Employee at the Domestic Violence Shelter, effective April 24, 2000;
2) Michele Heath, Counselor at the Domestic Violence Shelter, effective May 15, 2000;
3) Kathleen Browne, Paramedic, effective April 21, 2000;
4) Larry Rice, Operator Trainee in Water and Wastewater, effective April 30, 2000.
Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the promotion of John Hash, Roads Division of Public Works, from Equipment Operator I at $20,113.60 to Equipment Operator II at $22,526.40; also, to approve the reclassification of Joseph Eggers, Laborer in the Solid Waste Division of Public Works, $17,721.60 to Equipment Operator Trainee and process 3% salary adjustment for attaining Class A CDL permit, $18,253.25.
- PROPOSAL - AUDITING & MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERV. -
Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, recommended that the Board accept the proposal of Wheeler-Wolfenden-Dwares to provide auditing and management consulting services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000 for the sum of $55, 000.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the proposal.
- RESOLUTION & AGREEMENT - FAIRVIEW APARTMENTS ASSOCIATES -
Mr. Al Wein presented a Resolution and Agreement relative to payments in lieu of real property taxes concerning Fairview Apartments proposed within the Town of Rising Sun. The agreed annual payment is $6,000 and is in accordance with Section 7-506.1 of the Maryland Property Tax Code. Mr. Wein advised that this project consists of a 75- unit rental apartment complex for elderly citizens of low to moderate incomes. A portion of the cost will be financed through a Maryland Community Development Administration loan.
The Town of Rising Sun supports this project and has waived capital facilities fees relating to the project.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution and Agreement. Copies are incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE - MODIFICATION TO PROJECT AGREEMENT -
Mr. Al Wein presented a U. S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Modification to Project Agreement pertaining to funding 75% of Hurricane Floyd related stream cleanup work. The purpose of this modification is to increase the amount of the Project Agreement by $67,655.07 due to added sites and actual bid costs. The total project cost is now estimated to be $303,705.07. Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Modification to Project Agreement.
- PROJECT DEV. AGREEMENT SCHEDULE - JOHNSON CONTROLS -
Mr. Al Wein presented a Project Development Agreement Schedule with Johnson Controls, Inc. for a detailed evaluation of various County owned facilities to determine and identify energy conservation measures that could be provided to reduce energy consumption and costs. Subsequent to that, the Board can consider a contract that incorporates the recommendations of this evaluation. The buildings that will be evaluated are the Court House, Senior Center, Community Center, Old Help Center, Old Library, Purchasing, Department of Aging, Meadowview Water Treatment Plant, Academy Hills Pumping Station, Health Department Building, and the Detention Center.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Project Development Agreement Schedule.
- DECISION - AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORD. -
A public hearing was held on April 18 on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby to approve the amendments. The motion died for lack of a second.
Commissioner Kilby stated this does not preclude convenience stores from going into BL. She feels more congestion is caused by them, and this problem occurs throughout the County.
President Bolender stated he has mixed feelings. He does not feel the amendment, as presented, answers the questions that he has concerns about.
Commissioner Hepbron feels it is unfair for someone to purchase property with the intention of building something on it and then be unable to do it.
The Board instructed Mr. Eric Sennstrom, Director of Planning and Zoning, to redraft the amendments.
- SPEED LIMIT RESOLUTIONS - STAR RT. RD., LEEDS RD., & ROWLANDSVILLE RD. -
Mr. Fred Orr, Deputy Director of Public Works, presented the following Resolutions:
1) Resolution to increase the posted speed limit to 35 mph on Star Route Road starting 500' east of Blue Ball Road. (The 500' section will remain 25 mph due to the width and geometry of the roadway);
2) Resolution to increase the posted speed limit to 30 mph on Leeds Road from Maryland Route 213 to Blue Ball Road.
3) Resolution to reduce the posted speed limit to 25 mph on Rowlandsville Road from Maryland Route 1, south .55 miles.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolutions as described above.
- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 133-137 -
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 133-137. 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 AdministratorAPPROVED:
Nelson K. Bolender, President