Wicomico County, MD
 Council Minutes
 May 3, 2005

            The Wicomico County Council met in Executive Session on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland.  In attendance were Anthony Sarbanes, President, Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Edward T. Taylor, Stevie Prettyman, Gail M. Bartkovich, Marvin R. Long and

Larry W. Dodd.

 

President Sarbanes called the meeting to order and announced that the following proclamations would be presented:

 

MARYLAND TOURISM WEEK – presented to Sandy Fulton, Tourism Manager and Kathleen McLain, Tourism Advisory Board member by Mr. Sarbanes.

 

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH – presented to Peggy Bradford, MAC, Inc., by

Mr. Dodd.

 

NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WEEK – presented to Douglas Devenyns, Director, Department of Corrections and Correctional Officers Bare, DaSilva and Foreman.

 

Minutes:  On motion of Mr. Dashiell, second by Mr. Dodd, the minutes of April 19,2005 were accepted as amended.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Library Appointments: On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved the appointments of Mr. Jim Biggs and Ms. Valerie Murphy to the Library Board of Trustees.   Thomas Hehman, Library Administrator, announced plans to re-activate the Friends of the Library advocacy group. 

 

Investment Advisory Committee:  Mr. Shea requested Council’s approval to appoint

Mr. Ron Philpot as employee representative and re-appoint Mrs. Pat Petersen as management representative to the committee.  A motion to approve the appointments by Mr. Dashiell, second by Mrs. Bartkovich was unanimously carried.

 

Update on Proposed Multi-Use Center:  John Terrell, Deputy Director, Recreation, Parks and Tourism and Ms. Peggy Bradford, MAC, Inc., provided a status report.  Approximately three months prior, Council had approved a feasibility study that would address a proper location to house a broad spectrum of activities, including the MAC, Inc. programs.  Ms. Bradford and Mr. Terrell shared their very favorable impressions of the Bel Air Activities Center, which they toured.  In addition, Mr. Terrell and

Ms. Bradford have visited two local sites, one of which has many amenities in place, including suitable parking space.  Council was provided with a rough floor plan of the Bel Air facility, accompanied by the per square footage cost; in this case approximately

$6 million.  Harford County is planning to construct another multi-use center.

                                                                                                                                   

 

 Mr. Terrell stated that the County’s grants writer has identified potential funding sources totaling $3.1 million which might result in no tax dollars being invested in the project.  The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has shown interest in the concept and the committee has applied for a grant of $7,500 to have a feasibility study conducted.  The current intent for such a center is to provide space for a full spectrum of activities and programs during daytime and evening hours.  This would allow the county to relocate programs that require rental of other facilities, saving rental fees and consolidating those programs at a more suitable facility.  This would greatly enhance after school programs for youth.  Following comments by Council, Mr. Sarbanes thanked both for the status report.

 

Allen Volunteer Fire Company:  Mr. Fred Moore came before Council to respond to Council’s recent request for additional information regarding the volunteer fire company’s projected costs to establish an ambulance service.  Mr. Moore reported that the fire company has applied for “hardship” funding to help purchase specialized equipment; Delegate Conway has written a letter of support for the grant request.  Other measures taken include: the purchase of a used ambulance, purchase of equipment to meet ALS certification for the Seal of Excellence, totaling $74,000 investment.  The fire company is requesting $45,000 county funding to help offset these costs.  Mr. Dodd stated that while this is commendable, the Seal of Excellence is not a requirement to qualify for MIEMS funding, of which Mr. Moore is aware.  The fire company hopes to be prepared for offering ambulance service by July 1.  The County Council, during a previous work session with Mr. Moore, had indicated the $45,000 request could be granted in the form of a loan, payable over a number of years.  Mr. Moore explained that a loan would not help the Allen Fire Company accomplish their goal.  Mrs. Prettyman stated that Council has always assisted volunteer fire companies equally, but has never extended “start up” funding.  Mr. Dodd appreciated the need and the County’s willingness to help, but reminded all that the County too, is working under financial constraints; in addition, the request would establish a precedent.  There was also discussion as to the county’s past purchase of emergency radio equipment that was allocated to all volunteer fire companies.  Mr. Dashiell stated that Council wants to support this undertaking while being fair to all fire/ambulance companies; then asked if there was not a way to utilize Allen’s annual grant in some fashion to retire a loan over an extended period of time.  Mrs. Bartkovich also suggested that repayment could be delayed for a period of time, such as two years or so.  Mr. Dashiell motioned to move forward with the request, allocate $45,000 from the Contingency Fund and work out repayment of the loan at a work session.  Mr. Taylor provided a second to the motion and Council unanimously approved the request. 

 

Tri-County Council:  Council is requested to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Tri-County Council to apply for a $29,400 grant from the Md. Dept. of Business and Economic Development, to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of Foreign Zones in the lower shore area.  On motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mrs. Bartkovich, Council unanimously approved the adoption of a Resolution of Support.

 

                                                                                                                                   

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Patricia B. Petersen, Director of Finance, reported that transactions for the Contingency Fund reflects additional usage of $1,143 for Drill Academy facility expenses, bring the year-to-date total to $267,310 and leaving a balance of $632,690.

 

As a miscellaneous item, Mrs. Petersen asked Mr. Pate Matthews to submit his request to pay expenses incurred in the clean up of 1601 Tag Court.  Mr. Matthews solicited three quotes, however Chesapeake Wastes Industries was the single respondent.  Work has been performed at a cost of $4,5000 plus $180 tipping fees.  Mr. Matthews also remarked that residents in the neighborhood were very appreciative of the work performed.  He also reported that the foundation and sub-flooring was left intact. These costs, if not reimbursed by the owner, will result in a lien against the property.  On motion of

Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved payment to Chesapeake Waste Industries as quoted and placement of the lien.  Mr. Dodd thanked

Mr. Matthews for his prompt attention and resolution to the problem.

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

P. Rai Sharma, Director, submitted the following items of business for Council’s consideration:

 

Street Closing:  Gary Mackes, Director, Recreation, Parks & Tourism is requesting the closure of a portion of Glen Avenue during the International Poodle Show, scheduled for June 12-17, 2005.  Mr. Sharma is recommending granting this request for the safety of pedestrians crossing to and from the Old Salisbury Mall parking lot, as well as the show participants.  Following a brief discussion, Mr. Dashiell motioned to grant the request; the motion received a second by Mr. Long and was unanimously approved.

 

Rewastico Pond Project:  Mr. Sharma requested that the Rewastico Pond item be removed from his agenda today.

 

Project Updates:  Mr. Sharma gave a brief timeline for the replacement of three drainage pipes and repair of Rum Ridge Road, adding that once permits have been obtained, $360,00 in road repairs would commence using State funds and Highway User revenues.

Hopefully, all repairs will be completed this year.  Mr. Dodd thanked Mr. Sharma for reviewing this project to benefit public knowledge.

 

Referring to Nutters Cross Road, a specific portion needing repair has received cold patch.  State aid in the amount of $39,000 has been requested.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                   

 

Mrs. Prettyman told Mr. Sharma that she had received a call from a constituent regarding litter on Allen Road; however, she was pleased when the individual called back to tell her that the Litter Crew had already cleaned the area.  Mr. Sharma stated that area must be cleaned every two weeks and tends to be one of a number of constant problem areas. 

Mr. Sharma again requested the general public to please not litter the roads.

 

Transfer Stations/Landfill Permits:  Mr. Sharma reported that the annual would remain the same, however, the department will now require a photocopy of the vehicle registration card in an effort to reduce certain violations. 

 

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

R. Hunter Nelms, Sheriff, is requesting Council’s approval to use $2,175 (gross amount), resulting from the sale of four seized/forfeited vehicles.  Such funds are to be used by the Sheriff’s Office solely for law enforcement purposes. The funds would be used to purchase of two locked evidence refrigerators, acoustic sound barrier for an interrogation room and a mini-cam for recording polygraph examinations.  On motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved a transfer of appropriations from the Contingency Account to the department’s Capital Account.  Note:  $2,175 is the gross revenue; less auction and advertising costs, the net amount is approximately $1,972). 

 

PUBLIC HEARING – Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

Edgar E. Baker, Jr., County Attorney, announced a public hearing on behalf of Emergency Services, to hear public comments regarding the enactment of the Wicomico County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Sandra Silvia, Director, Emergency Services announced that the eight municipalities in the county intend to join the County in the adoption of the Plan.  Mrs. Prettyman stated that she found the Plan to contain very useful information. 

 

Calling for public comments, Mrs. Mary Ashanti asked if a copy of the Mitigation Plan could be placed in the Library for public review; Mrs. Silvia stated that was an excellent idea and the department would see that the Library receives a copy.  On motion of

Mr. Dodd, second by Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved the adoption of the referenced Plan.

 

PUBLIC HEARING- Constant Yield Rate

Patricia Petersen, Director of Finance, conducted a public hearing, as required by State law, on a proposed real property tax rate increase, explaining the following statements contained in the public notice:

 

  1. For the tax year beginning July 1, 2005, the estimated real property assessable base will increase by 5.3%, from $4,105,473,166 to $4,323,530,374.
  2. If Wicomico County maintains the current tax rate of $1.025 per $100 assessment, real property tax revenue will increase by 5.3%, resulting in $2,235,086 of new real property tax revenues.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. In order to fully offset the effect of increasing assessments, the real property tax rate should be reduced to $.973, the constant yield rate.
  2. The County is considering not reducing its real property rate enough to fully offset increasing assessments.  The County proposes to adopt a real property tax rate of $.993 per $100 of assessment.  This tax rate is 2.1% higher than the constant yield rate and will generate $864,706 in additional property tax revenues.

 

Mr. Sarbanes called for public comments.  Mrs. Mary Ashanti, President, NAACP, asked Mrs. Petersen for clarification.  Mrs. Petersen explained that while the notice is somewhat difficult to understand, the public should compare the current tax rate shown in Item 2, with the proposed tax rate in Item 4.  This clearly shows that the

County proposes to decrease the property tax rate by 3.2 cents, from the current $1.025 per $100 assessment to $.993 per $100 assessment.  Mrs. Ashanti remarked that the extra revenue is needed and supports the proposed tax rate.

 

There were no Council comments.  On motion of Mr. Taylor, second by Mrs. Bartkovich, Council unanimously approved the new real property tax rate.

 

PUBLIC HEARING – EASEMENT

Edgar Baker, County Attorney conducted a public hearing whereby the County Council will hear public comments on a proposed resolution to grant an easement to Verizon Maryland, Inc. for the consideration of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars over the following described parcel of land:

 

            All that lot, tract or parcel of land lying and being in the Parson’s Election District, State of Maryland, and being a strip of land 30 feet by 50 feet located on the easterly side of the Perdue Stadium, north of the employee entrance and west of Hobbs Road.  The easement is for the purpose of constructing and maintaining telecommunications and electric systems.

 

There were no public comments or Council comments.  On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mr. Taylor, the easement was unanimously approved.

 

Mr. Baker submitted a request on behalf of Mr. Mackes to utilize the $2,500 to help replace worn department vehicles.  There was general concurrence that the funds should be credited to the County’s General Fund.

 

Mr. Baker referenced a proposed agreement between the County and the City of Salisbury regarding taxicab regulations, particularly registration enforcement.  The Sheriff’s Office currently issues taxicab licenses and enforces the ordinance countywide.

 

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However, the Sheriff’s Office has no objection to granting authority to the Salisbury City Police Department to enforce said regulations within the City limits. The City Ordinance     

will be identical to the County’s.  Mr. Baker also stated that fines would be retained by the law enforcement agency that issued the citation.  On motion of Mr. Long, second by

Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved execution of the referenced agreement.

 

PENINSULA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Mr. Bruce Patterson conducted a power point presentation showing the proposed expansion of the hospital’s facilities.  The project will require an investment of approximately $98.9 million and has a projected completion date of June 30, 2008.

Mr. Sarbanes thanked Mr. Patterson for the presentation and Council extended its best wishes for the project.

 

Administrative Director – continued:  Mr. Shea called attention to a meeting with MACo representatives planned for June.  Council members gave their concurrence to hold the meeting on June 28.  Mr. Shea also reminded Council of Secretary Riley’s agricultural meeting scheduled for June 15.  Mrs. Prettyman will attend as Council representative, as will Mr. John Lenox, Planning Director.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:          None

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS: 

Mrs. Prettyman referenced the State’s notification of fiscal year 2006 funding, in particular, public education in the amount of $76,494, an increase of $10 million; and the county’s share of Highway User Revenue totals $6.3 million.  Also discussed was $921,000 county share of a one-time accelerated disbursement of unclaimed local income tax revenue.

 

Mrs. Prettyman requested and received Council concurrence to hold a closed work session.  On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mr. Taylor and unanimous consent, 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