The Wicomico County Council met in Legislative Session on February 19, 2008, in Council Chambers, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland at 10:00 a.m. President Cannon called the meeting to order.  The Lord’s Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were recited.  Present:  John T. Cannon, President; Stevie Prettyman, Vice President; William R. McCain, Sheree Sample-Hughes, Gail M. Bartkovich, David A. MacLeod, and Joe Holloway. 

 

In attendance:  Matthew E. Creamer, Council Administrator; Edgar A. Baker, Jr., County Attorney; Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., County Executive; and Melissa Holland, Recording Secretary.

 

On motion of Mr. McCain and second by Mrs. Bartkovich the minutes of February 5, 2008 were unanimously approved.

 

Matthew E. Creamer, Council Administrator:

 

Capital Improvements Program Public Hearing:

President Cannon began the meeting by announcing the public hearing for the Capital Improvements Program.  Mr. Pollitt began the presentation by showing the projects scheduled for 2009 to which President Cannon opened each category.  Public comments by William Gordy, Deputy Fire Chief and Mark Cotter, President Salisbury Fire Department, Inc. Volunteer Station were given on the following Salisbury Fire Department New Fire Station.  Kirby Bryson, Principal from Northwestern; Michael Johnson, Principal Bennett Middle; Lori Batts, Principal James M. Bennett High School; Wachulua Jackson-Snyder, Principal Pinehurst Elementary; and Charles Bounds, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services spoke on behalf of the Board of Education. 

 

Resolution 10-2008-Resolution approving the State of Maryland Board of Public Works Capital Project Grant

Application and authorizing the County Executive to execute the Capital Project Grant application.  On motion of Mr. McCain and second by Mr. MacLeod Resolution 10-2008 was unanimously approved.

 

Resolution 11-2008-Resolution confirming the appointment of Daniel Kwiatkowski as the Community Trustee to the trustees for the employee’s retirement investment trust-On motion of Mrs. Sample-Hughes and second by Mrs. Bartkovich Resolution 11-2008 was unanimously approved.

 

Resolution 12-2008-Resolution confirming the appointment of Patricia B. Petersen as the County Trustee to the Trustees for the employee’s retirement investment trust.  On motion of Mr. McCain and second by Mr. MacLeod Resolution12-2008 was unanimously approved.

 

Liquor Control Board Audit- Mr. John Stern, Pigg, Krahl, and Stern and Mr. Stuart Haemel, Liquor Control Board Chair, came before Council to present the Liquor Control Board Audit.  Mr. Stern explained that additional revenue had been received in the fiscal year.  Mr. Stern presented the highlights of the audit to the Council.  The Council asked Mr. Stern the following questions:  Mrs. Bartkovich asked why the amounts in the ending inventory balances were different to which Mr. Stern stated he was not sure but would look into that and notify the Council.  Mrs. Prettyman asked why repairs to one of the liquor dispensaries were performed by Ron Alessi’s company, who is a member of the Liquor Control Board.  Mrs. Prettyman also inquired as to how the Liquor Control Board came up with the figure of the reserve money which they retain.  To which Mr. Stern replied that a memo was sent out regarding this and he will make sure the County receives the information they have asked for. 

 

Edgar A. Baker, Jr., County Attorney:

Public Hearing:

 

Resolution 13-2008-Resolution 13-2008- Resolution to authorize the County Executive to accept a donation from Cheryl Lynn Briddelle, F/K/A Cheryl Lynn Smith of property located on the southerly side of West Main Street adjacent to the Pittsville Ball Park.  On motion of Mr. McCain and second by Mrs. Prettyman Resolution 13-2008 was unanimously approved.

 

 

Public Comments:

Valerie Wagner, Pittsville Recreation Commission, explained to the Council that due to property being sold that was being used for parking there was not enough parking available.  Ms. Wagner stated that the Pittsville Recreation Commission was very grateful for the donation.

 

 

Public Comments:
Augustine DiGiovanna came before Council to share his concerns regarding the planning issues in the County as well as requesting a checks and balance for the Planning Commission.  He also thanked Council for holding a night meeting.

 

Council Comments:

Mrs. Sample-Hughes thanked everyone for attending her quarterly meeting.  She also informed the public of an organization that helps displaced women whom have been displaced due to losing a spouse get back into the workforce.

 

Mr. McCain congratulated Mr. Jim Berkman, Salisbury University Lacrosse Coach, for his 300th Victory.

 

Mr. MacLeod expressed his appreciation to Mr. McCain as he will be traveling with his Church to assist with the Katrina victims.

 

President Comments:

President Cannon gave a brief overview of the theft that occurred in Wicomico County at the landfill and thanked Sheriff Mike Lewis, Mr. Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., and Mr. Davis Ruark for their hard work and for keeping everyone informed of what was occurring. 

 

Mrs. Bartkovich moved that the meeting be adjourned to an open session followed by a closed session to discuss land purchase and personnel.  The motion was seconded by Mr. McCain and unanimously approved.  The authority for closing the session was State Government Article 10-508(a).

 

Legislative Minutes

February 19, 2008

 

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                                                                        John T. Cannon, President

 

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                                                                        Stevie Prettyman, Vice President

 

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                                                                        William R. McCain, At-Large

 

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                                                                        Sheree Sample-Hughes, District 1

 

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                                                                        Gail M. Bartkovich, District 3

 

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                                                                        David A. MacLeod, District 4

 

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                                                                        Joe Holloway, District 5

 

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Matthew E. Creamer

Council Administrator