Council Minutes
The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland, met in
Executive Session on
President Sarbanes brought the meeting to order and announced the following Proclamations:
Mrs. Bartkovich presented a Proclamation to Jeanne
Daughterty, R.N., Cardiovascular Health Program, Wicomico County Health
Department, declaring the month of May, Stroke Awareness Month, which encourages all citizens to become better educated
about stroke prevention and the warning signs of stroke.
Mr. Dodd presented a Proclamation to Wallace Bennett,
Volunteer Firefighter and Phil Donohoe, Paramedic, recognizing the week of
Mr. Theodore E. Shea, II, called attention to an invitation
from the Judges of the United States District Court inviting Council to the
A formal dedication of the Wicomico War Veterans Memorial is
scheduled to take place on Memorial Day,
The Social Services Advisory Board has informed Council of its need to replace membership held by Doretha P. Jones. The Board recommends Margaret McCatty who has expressed her willingness to serve. In addition, the Board reports the terms of Oak Hardin and Mary Ashanti will soon expire and requests their reappointments, both have agreed to serve another three-year term. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, and unanimously carried, Council reappointed Oak Hardin and Mary Ashanti and, on motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, Council appointed Ms. McCatty. While the Board submitted another nominee, their willingness to serve was not confirmed. The nomination will be recalled.
A request to transfer the manufacturing tax exemption
granted to VPI Mirrex, LLC to VPI Film, LLC, due to its name change was
submitted. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, and
unanimously carried, Council granted the transfer. Council was provided a list
of companies in
For information, Mr. Shea recalled that the City of
Mrs. Patricia Petersen submitted the Statement of Latest
Investment Rates/Balances for All County Funds as of May 20, 2003 which
reflects a total General Fund balance of $456,107; Capital Project Fund balance
of $20,016,043. Total Major Non-Designated
On behalf of the Sheriff’s Department, Mrs. Petersen submitted a request for the transfer of funds from Unanticipated Revenue to the Salary Account. These funds represent reimbursement for staff overtime.
MD Sheriff's
Institute $ 504.75
Airport - Oct
2002 17,050.00
Airport -Nov 2002 16,500.00
Airport- Dec 2002 8,980.72
Airport - Jan
2003 9,272.83
Life Crisis
Center
817.61
Wicomico Bd. of
Ed 55.64
Wicomico Bd. of
Ed 768.62
Wicomico Bd. of
Ed 1,257.11
Hotspots-Salary 2,187.00
Tobacco
Enforcement 1,167.01
Total
$58,561.29
On motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, and unanimously carried, Council approved the request.
John Ellis, Chief Accountant, shared a report of significant year-to-date transactions for the General Fund with supporting graphs.
P. Rai Sharma, Director, reported the following streets in
Chapel Branch Subdivision, Section Two, are ready to be accepted in the
County’s Roads system for maintenance:
The developer of Adventure Farms, Section Two request to post a construction bond to allow recordation of the plat, the sale of lots and to obtain building permits. The request is estimated at $9,l04 however Mr. Sharma suggests that once County fees are added, the bond will be closer to $10,000 and recommends same. On motion made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Mr. Sharma reported the request for a construction bond for the Charles Gross, Waycroft Subdivision, Section Three, in the amount of $10,000 to allow recordation of the subdivision plat. He recommends approval. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommendation.
Upper Ferry Wing Walls Re-design and Bid Status: Mr. Sharma explained during operation of the Upper Ferry, the cable stretches across the river versus the Whitehaven Ferry where the cable drops to the bottom of the river. The dropped cable provides for a more consistent and safer boating traffic. Mr. Ed Heatwole, engineer, investigated the redesign of the Upper Ferry. He explained the objective is to replace the existing deteriorating bulkheads to increase safety; allow ferry use with a dropper cable, provide timber dolphins while minimizing costs and ferry closings. Mr. Sharma reported the permitting process to the Army Corp of Engineers had been initiated and bids let for bulkhead replacement. He presented a bid tabulation and recommendation of award to George & Lynch Marine in the amount of $294,201.60 for Council approval, together with the request that Council determine the time of year to accomplish, the ferry would be closed for a period of time. During its discussion and in an effort to avoid the inconveniences to local produce operation, Mrs. Prettyman recommended the month of September, with appropriate notification. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Long, and unanimously carried, Council awarded the bid to George & Lynch Marine, to begin in September after Labor Day.
Proposed
Mr. Sharma requested Council authorize the transfer of funds to his department from auction proceeds. The sale of equipment belonging to the Public Works department totals $10,191. In addition, he requests insurance proceeds as reimbursement for a totaled pickup truck, $1,375. On motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Long, and duly carried, the requests were granted. Mrs. Prettyman was absent for discussion and the vote.
At this point Mrs. Prettyman returned to the meeting.
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, Council adjourned its Executive Session and reconvened as the Urban Services Commission.
Urban Services Commission: Mr. Sharma submitted at request from William
Jackson,
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, the Commission adjourned and reconvened in Executive Session of the County Council.
Sheriff R. Hunter Nelms and Captain Robert VanMeter came
before Council to request the adoption by Resolution of the Bylaws for the
Mr. Edgar A. Baker, Jr. submitted Resolution No. 563
Extension of Date for Adoption of Expense Budget. The Charter requires the budget be adopted
and taxes levied on or before May 31st. While Council is in the process of reviewing
the budget, it is his understanding there are crucial revenue figures from the
State of
Mr. Baker submitted Resolution No. 562 to increase
license/rabies fees in
Mr. Baker announced the County’s Tax Sale is
Mr. Baker recalled the Public Hearing and approved the sale
of the
In processing the County’s insurance program, Fred Harris, Purchasing Agent recognized the requirement, by Charter, to bond the County’s Director of Finance. In prior years the insurance carrier provided fiduciary coverage at no costs however, the County is informed it must provide the bond if it is indicated in the Charter. The bond amount is not established in the law and is basically a carryover from the historical elected County Treasurer. Mr. Baker noted the Sheriff is bonded at $10,000 and he recommends the same amount for the Director of Finance. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommendation.
The Community Development Administration has pooled the remaining fiscal year 2003 Rental Allowance Program (RAP) funds for reallocation to jurisdictions that have committed at least 25 percent of the initial fiscal year 2003 funding allocation, demonstrated additional need and have the ability to utilize additional funding most efficiently. Wicomico County meets the criteria and is invited to apply for additional fiscal year 2003 RAP funding in the amount of $17,317, increasing the total grant to $41,812. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, and unanimously carried, Council authorized application.
In conjunction with the aforementioned, Mr. Shea advised its time to review the County’s participation for Community Development Block Grants. A Public Hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2003. In addition, the Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development, will be applying for rehabilitation funds.
Mr. Jack Lenox, Director, recalled that the City of Salisbury advertised five annexation proposals for consideration. Each of these incorporates a Zoning designation that differs from the County adopted Comprehensive Plan for the Metro Core area. Although County Council approval of the annexation is not required, State Law does require consent to the zoning designation. If consent is not given, the current zoning would remain in effect for at least five years. Mr. Lenox informed Council that subsequent to the April 21st meeting wherein Council members received the requests, staff has modified recommendation for the Causey-Three Creeks annexation from R-8A to R-10 and added a restriction on the total number of single-family dwelling to 360. Mr. Causey and his attorney John Long, II, came before Council in support of the annexation. Attorney Long reiterated the plan is conceptual, consists of approximately 160 acres, will be city sewer and water accommodated, is in close proximity to Routes 13 and 50 and close to amenities and core public services used to encourage development. Mr. Sharma remarked that his department has requested a traffic study to evaluate infrastructure and matters pertinent to drainage. Following discussion Council took the following actions:
On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, Council approved R-10 Residential zoning upon annexation of the Causey property to the City of Salisbury. The following Conditions of Approval, including those recommended by the Wicomico County Planning Commission, are also recommended:
CONDITIONS:
1. A Comprehensive Development Plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Salisbury Planning Commission.
2. Environmental Assessment for design of a stormwater management system that will protect the Paleochannel shall be completed and submitted with the Comprehensive Development Plan.
3. Development of the site shall be limited to 360 single-family units.
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, Council approved R-10 Residential zoning upon annexation of the Causey – Johnson Road property to the City of Salisbury. The following Condition of Approval, as recommended by the Wicomico County Planning Commission, are also recommended:
CONDITION:
1. A Comprehensive Development Plan shall be submitted for Salisbury Planning Commission review and approval.
Farlow – Old Ocean City Road Annexation:
On a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Long, and unanimously carried, Council approved R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Farlow property to the City of Salisbury. The following Conditions of Approval, as recommended by the Wicomico County Planning Commission, are also recommended:
CONDITIONS:
1. Comprehensive Development Plan shall be submitted for Salisbury Planning Commission review and approval.
2. A Traffic Study shall be prepared and submitted for review by the Wicomico County and Salisbury Public Works Departments.
Interfaith Housing – Naylor Mill Road:
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, Council approved R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Interfaith Housing property to the City of Salisbury. The following Conditions of Approval, as recommended by the Wicomico County Planning Commission, are also recommended:
CONDITIONS:
1. A Comprehensive Development Plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Salisbury Planning Commission.
2. An Environmental Assessment for design of a stormwater management system that will protect the Paleochannel shall be completed and submitted with the Comprehensive Development Plan.
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, the Wicomico County Council approved R-8A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Williams/Cedar Crossing Addition property to the City of Salisbury. The following Condition of Approval, as recommended by the Wicomico County Planning Commission, are also recommended:
CONDITION:
1. A Comprehensive Development Plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Salisbury Planning Commission.
Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Mr. Gary W.
Mackes, Director, introduced Jim Terrill, Delmarva Shorebirds General Manager,
who requested to hold three country music concerts at the Arthur W. Perdue
Stadium. In accordance to Agreement, the franchise is permitted to hold a
number of special events each year, with permission of the Council. The
requested dates do not conflict with scheduling at the Civic Center and are
recommended by the Recreation Commission.
On motion made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Dodd, and unanimously
carried, Council approved the events and dates as submitted: July 4, Darryl
Worley; August 9, Martina McBride; and September 13, Travis Tritt.
LOWER SHORE WORKFORCE ALLIANCE
Mr. Robert
G. Corbin, Jr., introduced himself as the new Executive Director of the
organization, which assists Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties with job
training services. The organization has new leadership, a new name (formerly
Lower Shore Private Industry Council, Inc. (PIC), and a new location. Mr.
Corbin gave Council an overview of services, a review of the program year
2003-2004 Workforce Investment Act funding reduction ($700,000) and an update
with demographics of Tyson Foods Plant closing.
Following the overview, Mr. Corbin requested Council concurrence to the
Lower Shore Workforce Alliance Board’s recommendations for program funding
allocations and the administrative budget awards for adult, youth and
dislocated worker programs. On motion
made by Mrs. Bartkovich, seconded by Mr. Dodd, and unanimously carried, Council
gave its concurrence.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Greg Hoppes, parent, asked Council to reconsider the expense of
utilizing the Civic Center for local high school proms to make it more
affordable for schools, that Wicomico County high school student proms are
being relocated outside the County. He shared a recent experience of a Wicomico
County High School prom held at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and,
while he expressed sincere appreciation for every accommodation shown the
students and the generous, professional manner in which activity was conducted,
including shuttle buses and security, he wished Council to reconsider keeping
the proms within the County. President Sarbanes responded Council would
re-evaluate.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mr.
Sarbanes reminded Council of its May 21st budget session. He also stated he wished to have Council
present a Proclamation for the Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Park dedication, June 7th. The day will be declared Billy Gene Jackson,
Sr. Day in Wicomico County, Maryland.
In an
effort to work through budget constraints, Mr. Dodd queried the status of the
County’s hiring freeze. He called
attention to the search of the Department of Recreation and Parks for a
mechanic, and whether the position is essential at this time. Mr. Shea advised the department had two
mechanics, one resigned and the second is awaiting military instruction to the
Middle East. Mr. Dodd asked if the work could be subcontracted to the Road
Division, to which Mr. Shea responded could be investigated.
There being
no further business to come before 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