Wicomico County, MD
Council Minutes
February 21, 2006
The Wicomico County Council met in Executive Session on
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers,
President Sarbanes brought the meeting to order and called for a motion to approve the Minutes of February 7, 2006. On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, the Minutes were approved.
Mr. Sarbanes announced that Master Brian Krahl, Boy Scout
and member of
On behalf of
PROCLAMATION
BY THE WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL
PRESENTED BY COUNCILMAN MARVIN R. LONG
WHEREAS, Salisbury University long ago established itself as a national powerhouse in women’s field hockey, and has consistently proved itself worthy of that reputation; and
WHEREAS, the Sea Gulls, defending national champions took a 20-1 record into the opening round of the 2005 NCAA Championship Tournament and went on to successfully defend their Division III title; and
WHEREAS, in successfully defending their championship, the Sea Gulls became the first team in NCAA Division III history to win three consecutive national hockey titles while also setting an NCAA record of 12 consecutive victories in the NCAA tournament; and
WHEREAS, the team saw Sea Gulls named Division III All American and All South Region by the National Field Hockey Association; and
WHEREAS, their coach Dawn Chamberlin was selected by her peers in the NFHCA South Region as Coach of the Year for the sixth straight season and repeats as NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year.
NOW, THEREFORE, the County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland, resolves that the SALISBURY UNIVERSITY 2005 WOMEN’S FIELD HOCKEY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM be, and hereby is lauded for its phenomenal record, for its contributions to the outstanding history of the Salisbury University women’s field hockey program, and for the national prominence it has brought to the school, to Wicomico County, and to the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland; and be it further resolved that all citizens of Wicomico County join us in an outpouring of appreciation and admiration for all the hard work these student-athletes have done in achieving this success.
Theodore E. Shea, II, Administrative Director presented the following items of business for Council’s consideration:
The Department of Social Services is requesting Council’s authorization to accept annual grant funds in the amount of $24,140 for the referenced program and authorization to continue administering the program. Upon motion of Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council granted approval as requested.
Emergency and
Transitional Housing Services
The Office of Transitional Services is
preparing its next allocation process for Emergency and Transitional Housing Services and Homeless Prevention Program.
Board of Education - E. Bruce Ford, Comptroller
The Board of Education gave its approval to make transfers of funds between major categories of its approved Annual Budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 for the month of February, 2006, in the amount of $39,195; subject to Council approval. Upon motion made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council granted approval.
The Board also transferred funds within the major categories of its Annual Budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 for the month of February, 2006, in the amount of $17,132. Council action is not required for transfers within major categories.
In accordance to a gentlemen’s agreement to make transfers between categories under $1,000, the Board reported transfers for the month of February, 2006, in the total amount of $4,458. Council action is not required.
Council held a brief discussion confirming the amount and procedure
for forward-funding an appropriation to the Board of Education, specific to the
Indigent Burials
Mr. Shea submitted requests from the Bennie Smith Funeral
Home to defray costs for indigent burials for the following
Pirate’s Wharf Barn and Outbuildings
A recent inspection by the Local Government Insurance Trust determined the need to demolish the barn structure and several other smaller structures at this site; which was confirmed by evaluation of Parks Maintenance staff. Gary Mackes, Director of Recreation and Parks, provided two options: retain a private contractor and demolish the building for an estimated $20,000 or, engage the Hebron Fire Department to burn the structures, at a cost of $250 plus landfill tipping fees. Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommendation to engage the services of Hebron Fire Department. Asbestos will be properly removed.
Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
As part of the work to tie the stadium into the public water
and sewer, the storm water drain in the dugouts, which was tied into the
sanitary sewer system, will have to be removed and connected to the storm water
system. The estimated cost of $11,960 is
part of the project to run water and sewer to Perdue Stadium and
Tax Differential
Council has received a request in accordance to State law
from the City of
Note to reader: Subsequent to today’s meeting, a letter was
sent to municipal officials for
Local Management Board
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
Patricia Petersen, Director, submitted the statement of
Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all
Mrs. Bartkovich stated that while the financial report provided information for interest-bearing accounts, she would like to see a report of cash flow accounts; Mrs. Petersen offered to provide that information.
Referencing Mrs. Petersen’s recent letter to the Daily Times, Mrs. Prettyman felt the explanation of the County’s undesignated reserve fund was confusing to the general public and asked for clarification. Mrs. Prettyman said the recent audit stated County revenue of approximately $9.5 million over expenditures. Mrs. Petersen concurred.
Mrs. Prettyman also reviewed Mrs. Petersen’s statement that if one added the 6/30/05 balance of $9.5 million to the $6.3 million fund balance June 2004, the result would be $15.9 million; however, making all adjustments to the fund balance results in $13 million for year-end 2005. At the end of fiscal year 6/30/05, $6.5 million of the $9.5 million surplus was allocated to the undesignated unreserved fund, giving a 6/30/05 ending balance of $13 million. Mrs. Prettyman referred to fluctuating ending fund balances over the past three years and questioned why the County would require a $7 million balance be maintained for operational purposes.
Mrs. Petersen offered the following responses: in past years, this and prior Councils had imposed freezes on spending because of the uncertainty of revenues; departments were extremely careful with expenditures due in part, to constricted cash flow. The concept of issuing tax anticipation notes to meet operational needs is very undesirable. The County’s budget has grown over the past two years, allowing the undesignated balance to build to $13 million; however, the Finance Department requires sufficient available cash to carry on operations throughout the year. While recognizing there are sizable monthly fluctuations in cash flow as well as expenditures, this would equate to about $9 million per month to operate. Mrs. Prettyman also asked if the County actually had $17 million if one included $4.4 million within subsequent year-end expenditures. Mrs. Petersen explained in actuality, the $4.4 million has already been committed to be spent within the $108 million budget; thus, the $13 million fund balance.
Mrs. Petersen responded that her purpose was to explain the differences in fund balance ($6.3 million), which is a dollar figure that changes at any given time, and surplus, which is the result of operations ($9.4 million), as well as other specifics.
Highlights of Significant Financial Transactions
Mr. Ellis reviewed the referenced report citing year-to-date figures for collected and uncollected taxes, investment interest, recordation tax revenue and enterprise account revenues through January 31, 2006.
EDGAR A. BAKER, JR.,
Public Hearing- Ameriscan, Incorporated
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with Section 22-2(G) of the Wicomico County Code, that the County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland, will hear public comment on the proposed resolution to consider a Lease Agreement between the Wicomico County Airport Commission and Ameriscan, Incorporated to lease 3,500 square feet located within the David J. Ward Building, also known as the "old terminal building" to be used for back office, warehousing and distribution. The proposed Lease is for a term of one year, with two renewal periods of one year. The rental shall be as set forth in the lease.
Messrs. David Ryan, Director, Salisbury Wicomico Economic
Development; Robert Bryant, Airport Manager and, Chris Kalinski, Ameriscan,
Incorporated came before Council. Mr.
Ryan told Council of the working partnership with the Airport Commission to
renovate the old terminal building into a small business incubator. Ameriscan represents the first tenant. Mr. Kalinski
explained that Ameriscan is eighty-percent owned by a European company; a
market leader for temperature monitoring devices for refrigerated transport.
Initially three people will be employed however the company looks to expand.
Mr. Long wished to confirm the area of monitoring, which Mr. Kalinski responded
includes
There were no public comments. Council had no further comment. Upon motion Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, Council approved the lease.
Mrs. Bartkovich announced a public information workshop at
the
Town of
Ordinance No. 57 adopted in 2003 by the Town of
P. RAI SHARMA,
DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Replacement of
Mr. Sharma reported an information meeting held last week
provided an update for the
PLANNING, ZONING
& COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
GIS Data – Aerial Photography – Proposed Fee Structure
Jack Lenox, Director, Frank McKenzie, Chief, Technical
Services and Pate Matthews, Enforcement Officer came before Council regarding a
number of issues. Mr. McKenzie requested
a proposed fee structure to obtain geographic information systems data. He recalled the joint acquisition of a
computerized color aerial photography by the City of
Rural Legacy Area
Mr. McKenzie was pleased to announce that
Professional Services Agreement
Mr. McKenzie reported that Axis Geospatial LLC has contracted with Emergency Services to provide high resolution photography. The contract is funded by the State Emergency Numbers Systems Board, there are no local funds required. Upon motion made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mrs. Bartkovich and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommended contract.
Mr. McKenzie advised that a GIS budget is maintained within the Planning Department; some of the funding will be used to supplement the work received by Emergency Services. The department proposes to spend $27,000 to cover the areas not included by Emergency Services; this will assist in environmental analysis. In addition, the Planning Department’s GIS fund will be receiving $81,000 as part of the Emergency Services grant that was previously spent. Upon motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Pate Matthews, Code Enforcement Officer
In accordance with provisions
under Chapter 174 Nuisance Code of Wicomico County,
costs incurred in a nuisance-enforced cleanup are assessed to property owners
and, if unpaid, becomes a lien against the property and collected as real
estate taxes. Mr. Matthews called attention to a property located at
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. David Suitor expressed
concerns regarding redevelopment of the Old Salisbury Mall and area growth, in
general. He called attention to citizen concerns heard in the media regarding
taxes, schools, growth, traffic, quality of life and safety. Quoting from a
statistical report surveyed across the country, Mr. Suitor quoted that studies
indicate growth does not pay for growth; that population growth never pays for
itself and virtually always encumbers the existing residents with costs. He
concluded it’s time for growth to pay for growth and urged Council to promptly
implement appropriate fees and taxes on new development.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
President Sarbanes announced
funding from the Department of Natural Resources to undertake Cedar Hill
Dredging (FY2005), Leonard’s Mill Pond and the Nanticoke Boat Ramp. Mr.
Sarbanes urged Council to post the Operating Budget work session dates they
have received.
Mrs. Prettyman wished to call
attention to pending legislation Annexation Planning and Procedures Act of
2006, to be heard in the Senate March 1, 2006. Mr. Shea stated the Bill is
adopted as an initiative of Maryland Association of Counties. Mrs. Prettyman
also asked if Introduction of Legislative Bills could be scheduled for the next
Council meeting. Mr. Baker confirmed
legislation could occur at Council’s request and the session could be held if
Bills were ready.
On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Dashiell,
Council unanimously approved entering a closed work session, as authorized by
Section 10-(508)a of the State Government Articles of the Annotated Code of
Maryland, to discuss potential litigation.
There being no further business to come before the County Council the meeting was adjourned to an Open Work Session on motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mrs. Bartkovich and unanimously carried.
______________________________________
Anthony Sarbanes, President
_____________________________________
Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Vice President
____________________________________
Edward T. Taylor, District 1
_____________________________________
Stevie Prettyman, District 2
_____________________________________
Gail M. Bartkovich, District 3
_____________________________________
Marvin R. Long, District 4
______________________
Theodore E. Shea, II
Administrative Director