Council Minutes
May 2, 2006
The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland met in
Executive Session Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers,
Anthony Sarbanes, Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Edward T. Taylor, Stevie Prettyman, Gail M. Bartkovich, Marvin R. Long and Larry W. Dodd were in attendance.
President Sarbanes called the meeting to order. On motion of Mr. Dashiell, second by Mr. Taylor, Council approved the Minutes of April 18, 2006 as amended.
Proclamations: President
Sarbanes presented a Proclamation to Dr. James Cockey, recognizing the week of
May 1-7, 2006 as Cover the Uninsured Week in
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Theodore E. Shea, II, submitted the following items of business:
Appointments to Boards and Committees
On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved the appointment of Leslie H. Russo and Elizabeth Bellavance to the Wicomico Public Library Board of Trustees.
On motion of Mr. Taylor, second by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved the appointment of Frank Hamilton to the Tourism Advisory Board.
On motion of Mr. Taylor, second by Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved
Bruce L. Ritchie as the nominee to the Wor-Wic Community College Local Advisory Council.
Council Lunch Meetings: During the previous Executive Session, Council had considered amending its practice of reimbursing the County for the cost of food served during lunch meetings. Mr. Shea asked if Council would like to take any formal action on the matter. Mrs. Bartkovich stated it was her understanding that Council expressed the desire to leave this option open to the next sitting Council; Mr. Dodd agreed with her assessment. Mrs. Bartkovich then motioned to provide sufficient funds within the next Fiscal Year budget to provide funding for lunches, with the caveat that the decision would rest with the new Council members. Mr. Dodd provided a second and Council unanimously approved the motion.
Burn Ban: On
April 24th, the State of
As the result of this action, Sandra Silvia, Director of Emergency Services, requested Council’s permission to also lift the County’s burn ban. Council members provided approval by a telephone poll on that day. Mr. Shea is asking Council’s formal confirmation of that action. On motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mr. Dashiell, Council confirmed its decision to lift the County’s burn ban, effective April 24, 2006.
Approval of Grant Application: Council is asked to approve grant applications that would be submitted by the Local Management Board, to fund the following program:
BJAG – Governor’s Office for Crime Control and Prevention, in the amount of $220,000 to fund the New Day Youth Development Initiative. This grant was awarded in December 2005, requires renewal through another funding stream.
Mr. Long motioned to approve the grant application request;
Mr. Taylor seconded the motion. Mrs.
Prettyman asked
General Services Request: Mr. Shea reported that as the result of
unanticipated repairs and modifications to the
Mr. Taylor provided a second. In response to an inquiry made by Mrs. Bartkovich,
Fred Harris, Purchasing Agent, confirmed that the County
would receive partial reimbursement for chiller repairs and elevator renovations
from the City of
Position Classification: Council had previously approved the establishment of the position of Long Range Planner, replacing the position identified as Zoning Analyst.
Human Resources has classified the new position as a Grade 19. It should be noted that Planning & Zoning has funding available in its current budget, as well as the proposed FY 2007 budget for this position. On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved the recommended grade classification for the position of Long Range Planner.
Humane Society – Request: Linda Lugo, Director, Humane Society, came
before Council to request an amendment to an existing Dog Ordinance. Ms. Lugo referenced that portion of the Code
dealing with “potentially dangerous dogs” and “dangerous dogs,” explaining that
there are no time limits specified for compliance purposes. While this has not been a problem in the
past, the Humane Society is now dealing with an individual who is not making
any effort to comply. The
Article III – Potentially Dangerous Dogs, Section C:
dog is to be confined by the owner upon receipt of Notice;
to pay for and attend obedience training – within thirty days;
to pay for marking for identification of dog – within ten days of notification.
Edgar Baker,
Ms. Lugo also referenced Section D, Dangerous Dogs, suggesting that the time frame should be “upon receipt of notification”; Section E, should reflect a time frame of
‘within ten days” and would like to add that the dog must receive obedience training.
Mr. Long stated that most legislation becomes effective 60 days after adoption; would Ms. Lugo require a shorter period of time; Ms. Lugo stated 60 days should be appropriate. Mr. Dodd asked what would happen if a dog is not rehabilitated after receiving obedience training; Ms. Lugo responded that once a dog has been deemed dangerous and attacks once more, the Humane Society can put the dog down. While the Humane Society would receive obedience training certification from the trainer, there is no way to determine whether a dog will attack again. Having the owner properly confine such an animal is the only assurance against an attack; any dog deemed “dangerous” must be muzzled if on a leash; if confined on the property, in a locked kennel with a concrete floor; or if in a house, confined to a closed room. Council concurred with the creation of amended legislation.
Airport Open House:
Robert Bryant, Airport Manager and David Ryan, SWED, Inc., are planning
an Open House for the renovated
State’s Attorney’s Office: Davis Ruark, State’s Attorney, is requesting a transfer of $2,000 from the Diversionary Fund to the Operating Fund, for the purchase of new telephone equipment. The Finance Director was asked if she could confirm sufficient funds in the Diversionary Account; however, Mrs. Petersen did not have that information immediately available. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mr. Dodd, Council unanimously approved the transfer, contingent upon the Finance Director confirming
sufficient funds within the State’s Attorney’s Office Diversionary Account.
Burial Assistance:
Mr. Shea reported the receipt of a letter from Messick Funeral Home,
requesting assistance with burial costs for the late Robert G. Waters,
Mrs. Prettyman motioned to approve the request; the motion received a second by
Mr. Dodd. The motion was duly carried, with Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Long and Mr. Dashiell voting in opposition. Following the vote, it was generally agreed among Council members that the subject should be fully reviewed, possibly for revisions leading to a more definitive policy.
With the arrival of Mrs. Mary Ashanti, President. NAACP, Mr. Taylor presented a Proclamation to recognize National Perfect Attendance Day in the public school system.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
Patricia B. Petersen, Director, submitted the Contingency Report, reflecting no usage since the last meeting with a balance of $873,375.
Payment of Invoice:
On motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously
approved payment to BBJBC, Inc., in the amount of $6,000, for services for
nuisance abatement of a property in
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
P. Rai Sharma, Director, submitted the following items of business:
Mr. Heatwole and has saved approximately $22,000. Because of the high volume of existing work, compounded by staff shortages, Mr. Sharma is requesting that
Mr. Heatwole is paid the value of the compensatory time, or $7,630.35. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved the request as submitted.
Project Updates: Wetipquin Bridge project design phase continues at the State Highway Administration level; Mr. Sharma is hopeful that the project will be ready to place on bid by July or August, construction to begin in the autumn and completed sometime in November.
Railroad Crossings: Mr. Sharma has not yet received a response to his offer regarding repairs to both crossings; however, he will continue discussions.
Asphalt Paving Contract: Mr. Sharma requests Council authorization to borrow $500,000 from the department’s reserve account to provide additional funds for the current paving contract. When the contract was renegotiated with American Paving, the cost was projected at $1.08 million; today, taking into consideration increased prices for asphalt, the same schedule is going to cost $1.56 million. Mr. Sarbanes reiterated that this request was discussed during budget deliberations, but requires official approval by Council. On motion of Mr. Dashiell, second by Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved the request.
Mrs. Prettyman asked if a portion of
Recycling: Mr. Sharma announced that Pesticide Container Recycling days include
June 23, July 28, August 25 and September 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public, particularly the farming community, is encouraged to attend.
Mr. Dodd asked Mr. Sharma about a portion of
Mr. Sharma said that Salisbury Fire Department, Station 1, would like to hold a dedication of the renovated facilities and asked that the street be closed from
11:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public will be made aware of the alternate routes to use during that time. Mr. Dodd also stated the public is encouraged to attend the dedication.
RECREATION, PARKS & TOURISM
Gary Mackes, Director, introduced Amanda Almon, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the department. Mr. Mackes is requesting Council approval to utilize
$15,000 from its Business Sponsorship Program. Ms. Almon explained that the Consultant would help determine a fair market cost for business advertising and would assist in identifying new marketing ideas and techniques. Following a brief discussion among Council members, Mr. Long motioned to approve the request. Mr. Dashiell provided a second to the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Mackes announced that the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association presented the following awards during its recent Conference: 1) Alan Seaton, Fruitland Recreation Council, received the State Volunteer of the Year award and 2) Lynn Bratten, volunteer and supporter of local wrestling tournaments, received the Volunteer and Board Branch Agency Volunteer of the Year.
In addition, Recreation, Parks and Tourism won the award for the best website in the State, as well as the best Recreation Guide.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Edgar A. Baker, Jr.,
PUBLIC HEARING:
Notice is hereby given, in compliance with Section 22-2(G)
of the
Mr. Mackes added that Program Open Space funds would be used in the acquisition; no County tax dollars would be involved. In addition, the Historical Society would give the County $45,000 of the proceeds, to be placed in a sinking fund for repairs to the building.
Mr. Sarbanes asked for public comments, however, there were none. Calling for Council comments, Mrs. Prettyman stated that this proposal is certainly a win/win situation for all parties and involved. Mrs. Prettyman then motioned to approve the acquisition. Mr. Taylor provided a second, which received unanimous Council approval.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Notice is hereby given, in compliance with Section 22-2(G)
of the
No public comments were received.
Council comments included Mr. Sarbanes reiterating the critical need to have a suitable spoil site for dredging operations affecting local waterways.
On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mr. Dodd, Council unanimously approved the lease agreement as described above.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dr. Augustine DiGiovanna presented Mr. Sarbanes with a book.
Mr. Kenneth Holland asked why Council would question giving $400 towards burial costs. Mr. Sarbanes responded that assistance is not the issue; rather, the issue was the fact that there were insurance funds to partially pay burial expenses and whether the request qualified as an “indigent” burial. However, Council did choose to assist with the costs this time.
Mrs. Mary Ashanti cautioned against setting a precedent and agreed that a more definite policy should be created to guide Council on such requests.
Mrs. Dorothy Truitt brought to Council’s attention, the
issue of college students having to cross
Mr. Sharma addressed these concerns by stating that
re-alignment of the intersection will not happen, since the City of
He also reiterated that striping/markings cannot be put on the street during winter weather, but he would look into putting reflective walkway markings. Both the City and the County share her concerns and will take steps to provide temporary markings to make
pedestrians and drivers more aware.
Constructing sidewalks to address Bennett school pedestrians
would also be within the jurisdiction of the City of
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None
Mr. Taylor motioned to authorize a closed work session to discuss a possible land acquisition; Mr. Dashiell seconded the motion. Council unanimously approved the motion.
With no further business to be discussed, Executive Session was adjourned.
Executive Session
__________________________________
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