Wicomico County,
MD
Council Minutes
April 19, 2005
The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland met in
Executive Session on
President Sarbanes brought the meeting to order. Proclamations were presented as follows:
Mr. Dashiell presented a Proclamation to Edward J. Kremer,
Chair, Wicomico County Airport Commission, on the occasion of his retirement
from the Commission. Mr. Kremer served
as Chair of the Airport Commission from January l971 to April 2005. A luncheon will be held in his honor on April
20th at the Wicomico Youth and
Mrs. Prettyman presented a Proclamation to Sherita A. Conaway on being named “Friend of Children 2004”. Mrs. Conaway is very active in her church and community and will be honored for her contributions to children on April 21st.
Linda Hardman, Director, Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children and Sheree Sample-Hughes, Program Coordinator, joined Mrs. Conaway.
Ms. Rachel Egloff, Maryland Department of Natural Resources,
Forest Service and Maryland Community Forestry Council, announced that
President Sarbanes called attention to dates on which Delmarva Shorebirds will allow fireworks. He offered to provide the list to the Daily Times in an effort to apprise the community.
On motion of Mr. Taylor, second by Mr. Long, Council
unanimously approved the Minutes of
Theodore E. Shea, II, submitted the following items of business:
On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council appointed Julia Marcos Foxwell and John Hauck and reappointed Robert Dickey and Matthew E. Creamer to the Airport Commission. Current Vice Chair, Robert Dickey came before the Council to express his appreciation for the service of Edward Kremer to the Airport Commission. As the newly appointed Chair, he looks forward to continuing this public service.
On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and
unanimously carried, the Council appointed Ernestine Upshur and Roxie Connelly
to the Health Planning Board, to expire
For information purposes Mr. Shea reported a vacancy on the Social Services Advisory Board. Council will be asked to confirm an appointment upon receipt of nominations from the Board.
The Board of Education gave its approval to make transfers of funds between major categories of its approved Annual Budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the month of April, in the amount of $46,241, contingent upon Council approval.
The Board also transferred funds within the major categories of its Annual Budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the month of April, in the amount of $4,529. Council action is not required to transfer within categories.
In accordance to a gentlemen’s agreement to make transfers between categories under $1,000, the Board reported transfers for the month of April in the amount of $6,258. No action is required.
On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, Council approved the requests.
Mrs. Bartkovich recalled conversation during the Public
Hearing for the 2005-2006 Operating Budget that the Board made a limited number
of Xerox budget copies. She asked about
duplication costs. Mr. Bounds responded costs are determined by whether or not
copies are made in-house, double-sided or black-lined. He also expressed that
the Board has concern for their limited delivery service to schools and, that
proposed in their current budget is the request for a delivery driver. With a
more frequent delivery service, schools will be encouraged to better utilize
in-house printing services, including black-lined textbooks. Mrs. Prettyman
asked for an update on the Board’s allocation for the MUNIs Financial Software.
Mr. Bounds stated, in conjunction with the Performance Audit to partner with
the County and City of
Linda Hardman,
Director, submitted the following for Council approval:
RE-application for
continuing grants:
1. Youth
Strategies - $180,000 per year 24- month award
Funding Source: Governor’s Office
for Crime Control & Prevention - Due April 20.
To
fund two programs in the County to prevent and intervene with high-risk
youth
to divert from Juvenile Services System and support healthy youth
development.
CASA START – works with children who live in families
dealing with substance abuse.
Focus on Westside Community with middle school youth. Project SIT – works with children with an incarcerated parent referred by
2. BJAG (former Byrne) - $163,000 12 -
month award/3 year term.
Funding Source:
Governor’s Office for Crime Control & Prevention - Due June 20
Project SIT TEEN – expansion of school age program above to
focus on middle school youth with parents incarcerated anywhere, to provide family
and youth support to prevent children from following the same negative life
path.
3. C-SAFE - $52,000 12 - month award
Funding Source:
Governor’s Office for Crime Control & Prevention - Due April 5
Community
development through community policing, neighborhood engagement and positive
youth activities. Westside Neighborhood Association - non-profit in leadership role.
New Proposals:
1. RDEF – Eastern Shore Regional Training Institute - Request estimate: $200,000.
Funding
Source: Governor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families - Due May 2.
On behalf of eight
Eastern Shore Counties, coordinate training for implementing the Systems of
Care plans that each jurisdiction will submit to the State on June 30.
Build capacity for
providers and families to serve and access services for children with Serious
Emotional Disturbances (SED) and other intensive needs that require a full
range of services from multiple agencies.
2. RDEF
– Family Network Development -
Request estimate: $200,000
Funding Source:
Governor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families - Due May 2.
As part of
3. RDEF – State LMB Director’s Retreat - Request estimate: $10,000
Funding
Source: Governor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families - Due May 2.
On behalf of LMB
State Association Lower Shore counties, to coordinate a Retreat for Peer
Learning and Strategic Planning for Capacity Building at local, regional, and
state levels to increase effectiveness of LMB’s to leverage dollars and
implement a comprehensive system of care for all children and families. Shore
location in September.
4. SAMHSA CHILD MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE - Up to $600,000
Federal SAMHSA - Five-Year Award commitment - Due May 17
SAMHSA’s CMHI cooperative agreements support an array of
activities to assist
grantee in building a solid foundation for delivering and sustaining
effective systems of care for children with serious emotional disturbances
(SED) and their families. This grant will provide the service component for
Community Cares Wraparound,
Target
Population:
Birth to Age 21 –
child and family served.
Ø
Youth
with co-occurring SED and substance abuse disorders
Ø
Infants
and young children from birth to five with SED
Ø
Emerging
adults ages 18 – 21 with SED
Ø
Children
& youth involved with child welfare system
Ø
Youth
involved with juvenile justice system
5. BJAG
- New Application. Governor’s
Office for Crime Control & Prevention-Due May 23. Proposal - pending discussion with partners
to secure cash match. Looking at needs of
On motion made by
Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council voted
to support the applications.
At the request of
President Sarbanes, Donnie Drewer, District Engineer and
Council reiterates concerns for the safety of vehicular traffic and emergency and farm equipment. Messrs. Drewer and Cofield provided a concise update, the change has been in effect less than two months, and the monitoring process will take at least a year. They advised that flexible post barriers allow emergency equipment to cross-over in the same fashion, that the greatest complaint seems to be that of inconvenience, conversely SHA feels this is a safer pattern; that radar analysis determines speed limits along the corridor between 65 and 68 mph - this information will be forwarded to local law enforcement agencies for enforcement; that motorist can make left turns from both sides of Route 50, the distance to make a U-turn is approximately one-quarter mile however there is another turnaround within one-half mile. Council requested SHA return at the end of summer with an update, remain in contact with Hebron Fire Company and local law enforcement agencies.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
For
information purposes, Sheriff R. Hunter Nelms and Major Doris Schonbrunner
advised that the department is within $1,000 of its Fuel Account allotment for
the current year. The Director of Finance has confirmed that the Sheriff’s
Salary Account has sufficient funds should the department request a transfer.
Mrs. Bartkovich questioned the number of vehicles assigned to the Sheriff’s
Office and agreed to continue discussion during budget deliberations.
Presidential
Inauguration
The
Sheriff’s Department provided a contingency of personnel to support the
security needs of this significant event, with understanding that the federal
government would reimburse all expenses associated with the process. The
Department has received a check in the amount of $21,775.84. With the exception
of $3,748.50, which represents a per diem reimbursement, all monies will be
deposited into the Sheriff’s Salary Account. Sheriff Nelms requests permission
to direct the $3,748.50 to individual deputies ($178.50 per deputy) to cover
out-of-pocket expenses. The Sheriff stated he advocates a per diem process for
the County rather than the current procedure. On motion made by Mrs. Prettyman,
seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Mr. Shea submitted an invoice in the amount of $1,143.38 for current expenses. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council approved the payment from Contingency.
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Correspondence from Secretary of Agriculture Lewis
Riley notes the interfacing between farming operations and developing
areas. Secretary Riley invites Council
to join a June meeting in
Purchasing Department –
Frederick Harris, Director, reported the April 2nd County auction was successful. Joined by Board of Education, the County’s proceeds grossed $77,652, less the commission to Auctioneer Doug Marshall. (Advertising and miscellaneous costs were shared with the Board). The County netted $69,750.68; funds to be distributed to Enterprise Accounts only.
P. RAI SHARMA, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
A Public Hearing was held for the purpose of amending the Wicomico
County Water and Sewer Plan, to allow inclusion of three residential
developments. Creekside East contains 18
duplex units and 13 single-family dwellings, located off
City of
Mr. Kenneth Holland asked if theses properties will
be annexed in the City of
Council Comments
Mrs. Prettyman asked if there was any indication
that Fruitland has capacity of service.
Mr. Redden responded that the City of
With no further comments, on motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Deputy Director S. Michael Thompson came before
Council. He recalled Council’s
instruction to solicit Letters of Interest regarding the reuse of the
Statement
of Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all
Patricia Petersen, Director, submitted the Financial Report. Total General Fund balance, $466,417, Capital Project Fund balance, $34,888,704; Total Major Non-designated Funds, $55,327,719; and Total Reserve Funds of $6,179,944. Contingency amount used to date, $266,167, balance $633,833.
Mrs. Petersen recalled the State instituted semiannual payment procedure, which allowed the County to institute a service charge to compensate for lost interest. This year’s calculation process yielded a rate of .514 percent. On this basis, the service charge on a $500 second semiannual payment would be $2.57. Mrs. Petersen requested permission to forward the service charge recommendation to the State. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Pittsville has submitted a request for its proportionate share of the Capital Incentive Sinking Fund, in the amount of $16,000. Accompanying the request is bank certification that matching funds are available. On motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Mrs. Petersen requests approval for the following permits to operate. Compliance requirements have been met.
Salisbury Investment Group LP, t/a Comfort Inn – Salisbury, located at 2701 N. Salisbury Boulevard, Salisbury, Maryland.
LMB LLC t/a Delmarva Inn & Conference Center, Mary Tawney, Robert Pomeranz and Lloyd Harrison, located at 9544 Ocean Highway, Delmar, Maryland.
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Council is reminded to set the date of the Constant Yield Public Hearing. Mrs. Petersen reminded Council the date, time and location to adopt the Operating Budget must also be set. President Sarbanes recalled Council discussed adopting the budget at its first meeting in June 2005. The Constant Yield Public Hearing was set for May 3, 2005.
Mrs. Petersen advised the Grants Developer has submitted her resignation. She has been offered a position at Salisbury University, to include an additional $5,000 salary plus tuition reimbursement. Following discussion, Council concluded the County could not match the offer. Motion was made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried. Mr. Long suggested that prior to advertising, the Director of Human Resources may want to review the position to ensure the current salary is an adequate figure.
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 March 31, 2005.
P. RAI SHARMA, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS
Mr. Sharma submitted a procedural list to apply for a water and sewer amendment. The list contained responsibilities for the Owner/Applicant; Service Provider; County Department of Public Works and Maryland Department of Environment. On motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommendation as submitted. Mr. Sharma told Council there are four pending applications, Delmar Professional Center, West Side Manor, Northgate and Allen Memorial Church. With Council approval, a public hearing will be advertised. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council authorized the Director to move forward the appropriate advertisement. Mr. Sharma set the date for May 17, 2005.
Mr. Sharma submitted a proposed Roads and Streets Policy to replace the exiting Policy, which was introduced in the l960s and revised in the l980s. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried, Council adopted Resolution No. 591 - Roads and Streets Policy.
Pursuant to Council’s request, Mr. Sharma submitted a cost analysis to maintain the County’s road infrastructure. He advised there are 722 miles of roadway, of which 346 miles are chip seal treated country roads, 262 miles are (HMA) hot mix asphalt (blacktop) treated Intermediate and Minor roads and streets, 71 miles are HMA (blacktop) treated Major roads, and 43 miles are dirt roads. Mr. Sharma shared costs, which Council will continue to examine through the budget process.
Mr. Sharma reported the Consulting Engineers should receive permission to begin the process of redesigning the bridge within the next week. On completion of the design, which should take 3-5 months, the State Highway Administration must grant its approval, which adds another 3-5 months. Final approval from all agencies is expected around April 2006.
Notices to renew Landfill Permits are ready to be sent to County residents for household trash disposal. Mr. Sharma recommended an increase for out-of-county users from $90 to $135. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council approved.
For information, Mr. Sharma shared changes to be made in the billing process at the Landfill for major companies. He wished to impose a directive that Wicomico County would not be responsible to bill third-party users. Mrs. Prettyman motioned to accept the recommendation. Mr. Dashiell seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried.
JACK LENOX, DIRECTOR, PLANNING, ZONING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Lenox, joined by
Gloria Smith, Planner, presented the following for Council consideration:
Name: Pemberton Drive- Schneider Annexation
Applicant: City of Salisbury - Referral
Location: Southwest of the City of Salisbury, Westerly side of Pemberton Drive, adjoining the southerly side of the Salisbury Corporate Limits. Tax Map 37; Parcel: 365,m Grid 18, Lots: 16, 17, p/o 18.
Request: Annexation Zoning – 0.57 acres. Because the 1982 Comprehensive Plan recommends low-density residential development, the Council is requested to approve the zoning classifications.
Recommendation:
The Planning Commission recommends Neighborhood Business District. A specific clause will be added regarding the Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan.
On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommendation.
Name: Gunby Road/Glen Avenue – Ruark – Collins – Eastfields Annexation
Applicant: City of Salisbury - Referral
Location: East of the City of Salisbury, both sides of Glen Avenue and east side of Gunby Road, adjoining the easterly side of the Salisbury Corporate Limits. Tax Map 38, Parcels: 178,179 & 204
Tax Map 39, Parcels: 177,410,727 & p/o 407
Tax Map 48, Parcels: 32,276, & 570
Request: Annexation Zoning – 186.7 acres. Because the 1982 Comprehensive Plan recommends low-density residential development, the Council is requested to approve the zoning classifications.
Recommendation:
The Planning Commission recommends R-10 Residential District for parcels 407 and 410 on the east side of Gunby Road and R-10 A Residential District for properties on the west side of Gunby Road. Developers will be put on notice with the Planning Commission Report, to request a Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan Amendment. Council called attention to the impact to student population, the burden on County roads and consistency to the Comprehensive Plan.
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommendation.
President Sarbanes
recognized Dr. Edward Taylor, Professor at Wor Wic Community College, who
joined the audience.
WICOMICO CREEKWATCHERS
Mr. Alan Girard provided a power point presentation and Water Quality Monitoring Report for the year 2003-2004. The report summarizes data generated from on-site measurements and analysis of water samples collected at four section of the Wicomico River. The Wicomico Creekwatchers is a community partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and Salisbury University. Its mission is to obtain objective, scientifically credible water quality data through the recruitment and mobilization of a grassroots volunteer force that monitors the waters of the Wicomico River and its tributaries on Maryland’s Lower Easter Shore.
COMMISSION ON AGING
David McLeod, Former President, joined by Cheryl Senkbeil, MAC, Inc., Dorian Christensen, Newly-elected President and Audrey Rivers, Commission Member, came before Council. Mr. McLeod stated the Mission of the Commission is to support the MAC Center, identify issues facing the aging population in Wicomico County and share information that can be networked through different agencies. The Second Annual Senior Volunteer Recognition banquet is planned for May 12, 2005 at Mallard Landing. Council members are invited to attend. Mrs. Senkbeil requested a Proclamation declaring May, Older American’s Month. Mr. McLeod thanked Council for its support and asked that consideration be given to the current year’s budget request.
TOM CALO, DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES
Mr. Calo asked for Council concurrence to change the provider for Worker’s Compensation Insurance. He proposes contracting with Avery W. Hall, the same broker that provides Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Group Life Insurance. Mr. Long recused himself from discussion and the vote; his daughter in-law is Controller of the Agency. On motion made by Mrs. Bartkovich, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council granted its concurrence.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Jack Freistat, a Wicomico County resident, wished to address the Council to seek assistance in resolving difficulties involving improvements to his home. Various Council members encouraged Mr. Freistat to pursue resolution through the appropriate State agencies. Council agreed to invite the Health Department to a work session to discuss septic and other issues.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Vice President Dashiell wished to thank law enforcement personnel, school officials, emergency services and County personnel, for their professionalism during a recent shooting in Wicomico County.
There being no further business to come before the County Council the meeting was adjourned.
______________________________________
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
_____________________________________
Larry W. Dodd, District 5
___________________________
Theodore E. Shea, II
Administrative Director
Executive Session April 19, 2005