Council Minutes
The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland, met in
Executive Session on
President Sarbanes called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Lord’s Prayer, the following Proclamations were presented:
Council member Taylor presented a Proclamation declaring
Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Day. The weekend celebration earmarks the rededication of
Volunteer Committee and the Proclamation was accepted by Mr. Orville Penn, committee member.
Minutes: On motion of
Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved the Minutes of
Mr. Renzilo Foxwell was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Friend of Children Award. Mrs. Prettyman read and presented a Letter of Congratulations from the County Council. The Friend of Children Award is sponsored by the Local Management Board; Linda Hardman, Director, and Kathleen Reif presented Mr. Foxwell with a $1,000 cash award, which will be donated to Mr. Foxwell’s favorite charity, Salvation Army West Salisbury Youth Club.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Theodore E. Shea, II, submitted the following items of business:
During a recent County auction of surplus items, an
abandoned sailboat was sold. The
Department of Recreation and Parks requests $1,000 of auction proceeds be
returned to the department. If approved,
the funds will be used for improvements to
On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved the request.
Enterprise Zone Designation:
This program, administered by the City of
Board of Education Request: Mr. Shea has been advised that the Board requests an amendment to its current FY 2004 Capital Improvements Program, to accommodate a recent State decision to defer planning approval of certain capital projects in favor of addressing facility needs for full-day kindergartens.
The Board wishes to modify its request for
It was then noted that the request must be addressed by a public hearing. Council then unanimously approved the request, according to meeting the necessary procedures.
Renewal of Moratorium:
Mr. Shea announced that the County’s existing moratorium on conversion of single-family
dwellings to multi-person housing will expire on
Adoption of FY 2003-04 Operating Budget: Mr. Shea announced that the County Council has completed its budget deliberations and is prepared to address the adoption of its expense budget for Fiscal Year 2003-2004. President Sarbanes called for a motion.
Mr. Dashiell, Vice President read the following motion:
“ I hereby motion, by order of the
County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland, on this third day of June 2003,
that the Operating Budget accounts be allowed and included in the levy for the
County’s fiscal year beginning
and four and one-tenths cents ($1.041) and on each One Hundred Dollars’ worth of all assessable personal property in Wicomico County, subject to assessment for County purposes, of Two Dollars and sixty and three-tenths cents ($2.603), covering the fiscal period from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004, inclusive, to fund a portion of the Board of Education Budget.
Concerning the semi-annual tax payment option, in accordance with State law, a service charge of .492%, which includes lost earnings and an administrative charge of 10% of the lost interest amount, is hereby levied on the second annual payments. The period covered for the lost interest earnings is from October 1 through December 31.
It is further ordered that a tax be and is hereby levied on each One Hundred Dollars’ worth of property subject to taxation for State purposes, of Thirty-three ($.33) cents to pay State taxes for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003. It is further ordered that a County local income tax withholding rate, as expressed as a percent of the taxpayer’s income, will be 3.10% for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, to further fund herein authorized accounts, along with other revenues as may be duly received.”
Mr. Long provided a second to the motion. Council discussion ensued.
Mr. Dashiell expressed support for the proposed budget, acknowledging Council’s commitment to fund the Maintenance of Effort for the Board of Education, pay parity for Sheriff’s Office law enforcement officers volunteer fire and ambulance services County-wide; that Council has imposed only one revenue increase, that being recordation tax; and thanked department heads and County staff for their considerable efforts.
Mrs. Prettyman requested and received clarification on the
legislative process to increase the recordation tax rate. County staff and the
public were thanked for their input in the budget process. Mrs. Prettyman read a statement voicing
Council’s commitment to fund education’s Maintenance of Effort,
Mr. Taylor stated that he would support adoption of the
budget that includes successfully funding the Maintenance of Effort and thanked
County staff and the
Mr. Dodd shared his concerns about adherence to the County’s hiring freeze and the proposed recordation tax increase; and further stated that County could have increased its budget cuts; consequently, he is not comfortable with the proposed budget.
Mr. Long stated that he is satisfied with the proposed
budget, noting that to serve the best interests of the public, compromise is
necessary; Council has met Maintenance of Effort for the Board of Education,
pay parity for the Sheriff’s Office and support for
Director of Finance and county staff for their contributions to the budget process.
Mrs. Bartkovich stated that in providing funding for education and public safety, she is not completely satisfied with funding provided to volunteer fire companies. Further, she expressed concern for the agreement with the Salisbury Fire Department, currently being re-negotiated, whereby the County pays a set rate per call when the City Fire Department provides service to County residents within their fire district; this practice is not applied to volunteer fire companies. Mrs. Bartkovich also expressed strong support for public education and thanked County staff that assisted in the budget process.
Mr. Sarbanes wished to thank County staff, adding that Council addressed funding core services, education, public safety and public health, in an effort to support each. Realizing ongoing difficult fiscal times, Mr. Sarbanes felt that Council did the best they could with the resources available to them.
Prior to a vote, Mr. Henry Parker asked to make a few comments. Mr. Parker acknowledged the difficult decisions Council had to make, due to limited revenue; supported the employees’1% salary increase to help offset increased cost of benefits; and referred to the continuing loss of State funding. Mr. Ken Holland posed the question of whether county citizens need all of the services that are provided, stating that he would rather have less services and lower taxes at the City, County and State level.
With discussion concluded, Mr. Sarbanes called for a voice vote, as follows:
Mr. Dashiell, yes; Mrs. Prettyman, no; Mr. Taylor, yes; Mr. Dodd, no; Mr. Long, yes; Mrs. Bartkovich, yes; President Sarbanes, yes. The motion to adopt the FY 2003-2004
Operating Budget was duly carried by five favorable votes and two opposing votes.
Jaycees: Earlier this fiscal year, the Jaycees submitted a request for Council support of the Independence Day fireworks display, in the amount of $2,000. Council agreed to make a decision after a budget had been struck. Mr. Shea recalled the request, which is normally funded from the Community Promotions account. Mrs. Prettyman requested action be deferred until Council is advised of the balance of said account. Council concurred.
Charter Review Committee Vacancy: Council was advised of the resignation of a Committee member. After brief discussion and in light of the fact that the Committee is nearing completion of its study, Council agreed that this vacancy would not be filled.
Jaycees Request: Mr. Shea reported that the Community Promotions account has an approximate $3,700 balance; therefore, on motion of Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved an appropriation of $2,000 to assist the Jaycees with the fireworks display.
Letter of
Commendation: Mr. Shea wished to
acknowledge receipt of a letter commending Wicomico County Emergency Services
for assistance provided during a ten-alarm fire in
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
Patricia B. Petersen, Director, submitted the following items of business:
The Statement of Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all
Total major non-designated funds, $39,049,480; and total reserve funds of $4,755,513.
Write Off Personal Property Taxes: Mrs. Petersen explained that proper accounting standards require that the County estimate uncollectible taxes each year and include an allowance in its financial report. Historically, such uncollected taxes have been written off every five years; Mrs. Petersen recommends this action be taken on a more timely basis, perhaps every two-three years.
Council approval is requested to remove $328,668.54 of corporate personal property taxes and $13,136.57 of personal property taxes. It should be noted that these write-offs have already been accounted for as bad debt expense in prior years. This accounting entry would be an adjustment to the allowance, therefore, having minimal impact. In addition, the Finance Department is requesting approval to write off Estimated Taxes of $196,906.44 (estimated corporate personal property taxes) and $53,362.31 (estimated personal property taxes). Estimated taxes are based on estimates from the State because the entities did not file tax returns, many times because they were no longer in business and resulting in inflated estimates. On motion of Mr. Long, Council gave its unanimous approval to the request.
Business Permitting Process: As information only, Mrs. Petersen shared a letter from a local businessman, who rents booths to vendors in a downtown building. The business owners is asking that both the City and Council consider modifying the current permitting process and the necessity of posting a deposit against assessments.
Rural Legacy Conservation Easement: Council is requested to approve a Memorandum of Understanding whereby an easement in the amount of $87,689.87 would be accepted.
This easement amount will exceed the Rural Legacy Grant total of $750,000. To effect disbursement beyond the grant total, Council approval is required. On motion of Mr. Long, Council unanimously accepted the easement, thus, bringing total disbursements to $779,666.14.
By confirmation of Council, Edgar A. Baker, Jr.,
Legislative action taken is contained within formal Legislative Minutes.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Rai Sharma, Director, and John Redden, Deputy Director, presented the following items of business:
Mr. Redden reviewed the following subdivision plat for review:
Subdivision: re-subdivision of White Farm DPW 12-03
Location:
Applicant: Dennis & Baumgartner
Owner: Robert & Margaret White
Applicant proposes to subdivide a 1.3 acre lot from a 10 acre parcel. The remnant is not being approved as a buildable lot. The proposed lost will front on both Foskey Lane and Bi-State Boulevard, with access limited to Bi-State Boulevard. The Department of Public Works recommends approval of this subdivision by the Planning Commission, subject to the following conditions: 1) the final plat shall comply with the subdivision regulations;
2) Health Department approval is required; 3) this subdivision shall comply with
Forest Conservation regulations; and 4) direct vehicular access to
Roads to be Taken into
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Recycling: Mr. Sharma
announced that the Newland Park Landfill would sponsor a Hazardous
Waste/E-Recycling Day on
At Mr. Sharma’s request, Mr. Dashiell motioned to adjourn Executive Session and convene as the Urban Services Commission. Council unanimously approved the motion.
Mr. Sharma submitted two requests for sewer bill adjustments, as follows:
1.
Mr. Russell Banks requests an adjustment for the
billing period of
2. Mr. Kevin Mooney requests and adjustment to his sewer bill for the period of
January 1st through
Mr. Sharma recommends and adjustment of $177.60. On motion of
Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved Mr. Sharma’s recommendation for a refund.
On motion of Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved adjourning Urban Services Commission and reconvening Executive Session.
In conclusion, Mr. Sharma stated that Delegate Rudolph Cane has advised him of a planned visit by State officials to tour local recycling programs.
PLANNING, ZONING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Lori Carter, Deputy Director and John Lenox, Director, came before Council to conduct two public hearings for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant applicants.
The program is funded by the Federal government and passed through State agencies.
Applicants have met program criteria and are being brought before Council for review and to establish priority projects.
Department of Planning, Zoning & Community Development
proposes to apply for additional housing rehabilitation funding to renovate
approximately 25 homes, as well as hire a Housing Specialist, who would
coordinate housing related activities.
Public Hearings:
Village of Hope, Inc. – the applicant proposes to renovate and expand its medical clinic to increase the number of patients served to 1600. The CDBG grant application requests $200,000 to fund the project. Mr. William Schaule and Dr. Judith Sensenbrenner provided an overview of the project. There were no public comments. On motion of Mr. Dodd, Council unanimously supported the grant application.
Homes of America, Inc. – the applicant proposes to construct
a community center to serve the residents of Homes at Foxfield, located at
In response to some of Council’s questions, Ms. McFall
explained that: this apartment complex
will offer housing to families and/or individuals whose incomes fall well
within the parameters set by CDBG; this is not a subsidized housing project,
with limitations on the “high end” occupancy scale and comprised of fourteen
buildings with each unit having a private entrance. Homes for
America, Inc. has a similar housing complex in the
On motion of Ms. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved a Resolution of Support.
Public Hearing: Ms. Carter announced a second public hearing to review the project performance of all grants that are still outstanding with the CDBG Program, those being:
Deaf Independent Living Association, Project No. MD-01-CD-33: Howard Leonard, Executive Director, reported that because of funding received during FY 2001-2002,
DILA has been able to serve more clients and their families in its new facility, which is the sole source of services and programs in the lower shore area. Mr. Leonard emphasized that had it not been for this program, to meet State funding requirements, the project would not have been possible.
Ms. Carter reported that during FY 2000-2001, the county received $215,000; with that amount, twenty-five homes were rehabilitated, representing 61 beneficiaries. The average cost per household totaled $3,525; the average cost per unit was $8,600.
Statistically, households served were: five white; twenty black; 13 female; and 7 over the age of 65. There were no public comments and the public hearing was concluded.
DEPT. OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Edward V. Cox, Director, advised Council that the HMO Delmarva Health Plan will no longer be an option for the next contract period and will be replaced by a new option named Exclusive Provider Organization. CAREFIRST has decided to combine its HMOs into one, a metropolitan HMO near Baltimore/Washington. However, the restructured HMO has very few health providers in our local area. At the request of the County, CAREFIRST has offered EPO, which will improve care services since it resembles the Preferred Provider Organization. Mr. Cox is recommending that the County accept the EPO; upon notification of our approval, CAREFIRST will provide the new rate structure.
Mrs. Bartkovich questioned the difference between contract year and calendar year and whether existing users would lose accrued deductibles under the new plan; Mr. Cox replied that the contract year begins September and based on a twelve-month contract period; specifics regarding coverage and deductibles will be more fully explained in the new contract. On motion of Mr. Dashiell, Council accepted CAREFIRST’s Exclusive
Provide Organization option for County employees.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: none
COUNCIL COMMENTS: none
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With business concluded, the meeting was adjourned.
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Anthony Sarbanes, President
_______________________________________ Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Vice President
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Edward T. Taylor, District 1
_______________________________________
Stevie Prettyman, District 2
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Gail M. Bartkovich, District 3
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Marvin R. Long, District 4
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Larry W. Dodd, District 5
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