Wicomico County, MD
 Council Minutes
June 7, 2005

 

The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland met in Executive Session on Tuesday,

June 7, 2005 in Council Chamber, Government Office Building, in Salisbury, Maryland.  The following Council members were in attendance:  Anthony Sarbanes, Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Edward T. Taylor, Stevie Prettyman, Gail M. Bartkovich, Marvin R. Long and Larry W. Dodd.

 

President Sarbanes brought the meeting to order and announced the following special recognitions:

 

Mr. Jim Berkman and Dr. Mike Vienna accepted a Resolution recognizing the Salisbury University Men’s Lacrosse Team as the 2005 National Champions, as presented by Mr. Dodd.

 

Mr. Jeremy Michalski, Head Coach, accepted a Resolution recognizing the Parkside High School Boy’s Lacrosse team as the 2005 Maryland Champions, as presented by Mr. Sarbanes.

 

Mr. Taylor presented a letter of recognition on behalf of the County Council to Dr. Darlene Nobles, West Side Primary School, who received the Maryland 2005 Assistance Principal of the Year Award. 

 

The Minutes of the May 17, 2005 Executive Session were unanimously approved as amended, by motion of Mrs. Bartkovich, second by Mr. Dodd.

 

COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Mr. Sarbanes presented the budget message, as follows:

 

2005-2006

BUDGET MESSAGE

Statement by Anthony Sarbanes

County Council President

Tuesday, June 7, 2005

 

On behalf of

THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND

 

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us this morning. We are all keenly aware of the ongoing need to provide the citizens of Wicomico County with an adequate level of core services. Over the past several weeks, the County Council has been working to shape a balanced budget that will deliver those services.  This is this Council’s third budget, and today we present it.

The preliminary revenue projections available in February indicated Wicomico County would receive an increase in revenue of approximately $2.4 million. At that point in time, income tax projections and recordation tax revenue were flat or decreasing and over-distributions by the State in income tax payments had not yet been corrected. During the budget process, as time passed and revenue projections became clearer, the budget was revised to reflect the increases that appear in income and recordation taxes and other assorted revenues that resulted in an additional projected revenue increase of $3.6 million. . Total new revenues are projected to be about $6.0 million over last year.

 

Council, in their budget deliberations, considered all Departments with the emphasis on the primary core responsibilities of education, public safety, and public health.  Let me share some numbers with you on the funding for County Departments and Agencies.

 

As noted, the budget has increased about $6 million over last year. In addition to funding its core responsibilities, Council has also used that increase to improve County infrastructure, cover fixed costs, and better align County employees’ salaries with market conditions.

First, it is important to remember one basic fact: It is our job as a County Council to make certain that the opportunity for a good education is available to all our children. By far, education is the county’s largest single investment.

 

The County has appropriated an additional $800,000 to the Board of Education for its operating costs. This was more than double the maintenance of effort required under State law to qualify for an additional  $10 million in State aid. We also provided a new capital projects reserve of $650,000 dedicated solely to Board of Education needs, for a total of $1,450,000 more than fiscal year 2004-2005.

 

Similarly, we increased funding to Wor-Wic Community College by over $244,000.

As part of our overall commitment to public safety, we have increased our allocation to volunteer fire and ambulance companies by $275,000 to help support the services they provide citizens, including the addition of an ambulance company in Allen. We have given approval, and $832,000, to the Department of Corrections to negotiate with the Federal Government to house female detainees from the Citizenship and Immigration Services at the former DRILL Academy facility. This agreement is projected to generate enough revenue to cover its costs.

 

Also as a matter of public safety, this budget has provided $238,000 to fund the Sheriff’s parity program for deputies. Parity raises have proven to be effective in helping retain trained, experienced, seasoned sworn officers.

 

The maintenance of existing public infrastructure is essential to all citizens, especially when it comes to being able to travel quickly, safely, and conveniently throughout the County. For that reason, we have contributed $600,000 to roads. That breaks down to $300,000 in needed equipment and $300,000 for the road blacktopping program. In addition, we have allocated almost $146,000 to the County’s capital project reserve for County building infrastructure improvements.

 

County government is a labor-intensive enterprise, and human capital is just as important as any other investment you could make. The quality and productivity of our services depends on the caliber and conscientiousness of our employees. In order for any government to remain competitive in attracting and retaining good employees, it must not fall behind in compensating its employees for the work they do.  A recently completed study has shown that on average County salaries were 7 percent below market. We have allocated $920,000 to implement the results of that study.

 

Governments face increases in their costs of doing business just as any private enterprise. Among our fixed costs that have increased are pensions, health benefits, debt retirement, and workers compensation costs. Those increases total $1,957,000. As a matter of prudence, we have added $296,000 to our Rainy Day fund to keep it at its targeted 5 percent of the total operating budget and appropriated an additional $400,000 to reduce our pension fund liability.

 

The Civic Center continues to reduce its reliance on dollars from the County’s General Fund—that is, taxpayer dollars—in its goal to run itself like a business and become totally self-sustaining. To facilitate its doing so, we have made the Civic Center an enterprise account like the Roads Division, Solid Waste Division, and Tourism, and it was so reflected in the budget as an $894,000 reduction in expenses and revenues. The net effect of other changes required in Departmental operating accounts and other appropriations is a $61,000 reduction.

 

The fiscal year 2006 budget is $6,000,000 larger than this year’s. And it is important to note that the County Council was able to fund this budget without raising any county-levied taxes.

 

Let me say that again: The County Council funded this budget without raising any county-levied taxes. However, our citizenry needs to be sensitive to the fact that only through increases in revenue sources that are dependent upon this good economy were we able to accomplish this. We are still facing challenges in meeting needs that have been deferred to future budgets.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, this is our budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2006.

            Thank you.

 

The following motion submitted by Mr. Dashiell followed the Budget Message:

 

“Ordered by the County Council of Wicomico County, State of Maryland, on this seventh day of June 2005, that the Operating Budget accounts be allowed and included in the levy for the County’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005.  It is further ordered that a tax be and is hereby levied on each One Hundred Dollars worth of all assessable real property in Wicomico county, subject to assessment for County purposes, of Ninety-nine and three-tenths cents ($0.993), 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 forty-eight and three-tenths cents ($2.483), covering the fiscal period from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006, inclusive, to fund the Board of Education Operating Budget.

 

Concerning the semi-annual tax payment option, in accordance with State law, a service charge of .514%, which includes lost earnings and an administrative charge of 10% of the lost interest amount, is hereby Levied on the second semi-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 public utility property subject to taxation for State purposes of Thirty-three ($.33) cents to pay State taxes for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005, and Thirteen and two-tenths cents ($.132) for all other property subject to taxation for State purposes.  It is further ordered that a County local income tax withholding rate, as expressed as a percent of the taxpayer’s taxable income, will be 3.10% for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005, to further fund herein authorized accounts, along with other revenues as may be duly received.”

 

The motion received a second by Mr. Long.  President Sarbanes called for Council comments.

 

Mrs. Bartkovich thanked County staff for their support in preparing the budget; stated that $1.1 million impact of the former DRILL Academy leaves approximately $4.9 million that could be used for expenses in this budget.  While there is a lot of good contained in the budget, she could not support it as structured for the following reasons:  1) conversion of the Civic Center operation to an enterprise fund; 2) new positions being filled; 3) and added maintenance costs relative to an increase in the Sheriff’s Office vehicle fleet.  Mrs. Bartkovich feels that these monies could have been added to the $650,000 allocation to the Board of Education Capital Projects Reserve, increasing the amount to $1 million.

 

Mrs. Prettyman thanked County staff for its assistance with the budget process.  However, she cannot support the budget, due in part, to three issues:  1) an “unsustainable” increase in the base line budget; 2) increased rental rates at the Civic Center that create a burden for high school graduating classes; disagreement with the decision to make the Civic Center an enterprise entity, while requiring a tax appropriation; and 3) the need to utilize $1million to fund school repairs/maintenance and $2 million in reserve to use as matching funds for future state funds.

 

Mr. Dodd also thanked fellow Council members and staff for their work in preparing the budget; thanked County employees and supports a pay increase.  Mr. Dodd also stated that he could not support the budget as submitted, for the following reasons:  1) his request to have budgets submitted by departments reflecting a 10% cut and a flat budget, was not considered, the result of which will place a burden on taxpayers in future years; 2) of the additional revenue, $1 million should have been placed in a special account earmarked for school maintenance and renovations and overseen by Council; 3) another $2 million set aside to serve as matches for future State funding.  Mr. Dodd stated that the way the money has been spent in the budget is fiscally irresponsible.

 

Mr. Taylor referred to prior years, particularly 1994 and 1995, when there were revenue shortfalls, many budget requests could not be funded.  This year, conservative revenue estimates were exceeded by actual revenue, allowing the Council the opportunity to partially fund critical needs that had been deferred (roads infrastructure, capital projects, salary increases and the County’s Rainy Day fund (reserve of 5% of the total operating budget). Mr. Taylor stated that each Council member, regardless of his or her decision to support, worked equally hard on the budget; therefore, he would support the proposed budget.

 

Mr. Long referred to a colleague’s previous statement referencing various individuals and organizations who supported measures to meet school maintenance and repairs, stating those same people were in favor of the educational excise tax; stated that Council has two responsibilities; funding infrastructure through the Capital Improvements budget and funding the operating expense of the county and school system.  He appreciates the funding needs of education, which continue to compound due to state and federal mandates that are only partially funded; Council could have earmarked $2 million exclusively for education, but it would have been accomplished by draining operating funds. This budget provides reserve funds, operating funds, employee needs and he supports it.

 

Mr. Dashiell thanked fellow Council members for their time and work during budget deliberations; the budget is one of the most important tasks.  He thanked County staff’s assistance during the budget process, as well as public input. Mr. Dashiell discussed core responsibilities of public education and public safety and their high priority, including doubling the Maintenance of Effort, increased support for Wor-Wic Community College, continued funding of pay parity for the Sheriff’s Office, support for volunteer fire and ambulance service and increased salaries for employees; also, support for the concept of utilizing the Secure Detention Facility through the INS; meeting some of the County’s infrastructure needs and lastly, Council discussion to provide $19,000 funding for Meal on Wheels program.  While the budget does not do all that needs to be done, it is well within what the county is able to do and has his support.

 

Mr. Sarbanes reiterated that the budget message addresses funding for core responsibilities, which makes up 78% of the budget; the county was fortunate to receive additional income tax and recordation tax revenue, but the county still deferred $3.4 million in departmental operating needs; he will ask the Board of Education to give major consideration for special education and elementary school counseling funding.  School facilities still need a dedicated long-term revenue source.

 

President Sarbanes called for a roll call vote, as follows:  Mrs. Bartkovich, no; Mr. Long, yes; Mr. Dodd, no; Mr. Taylor, yes; Mrs. Prettyman, no; Mr. Dashiell, yes; and Mr. Sarbanes, yes.  The motion was duly carried and the FY 2005-2006 Operating budget was approved. 

 

Mr. Shea announced that Council should now adopt the Enterprise Fund budgets.  Mr. Dashiell motioned to approve the follow enterprise and special revenue budgets:  Airport, Roads, Solid Waste, Local Management Board, Electrical Board, Tourism and Civic Center.  Mr. Long provided a second.  Mrs. Prettyman asked the County Attorney if this was a new procedure; Mr. Baker responded that in the past, Council has approved enterprise budgets either within the operating budget or separately; however, since Council maintains control of such funds, it is important that they be approved by Council.  Mrs. Prettyman asked about the Wicomico Nursing Home budget, to which Mr. Shea responded that this budget would be presented to Council at the June 21, 2005 meeting.  The motion was duly carried with four favorable votes and Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Bartkovich and Mrs. Prettyman voting “no”. 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Theodore E. Shea, II, submitted the following items of business:

 

Appointments: 

The Adult Public Guardianship Review Board requires the re-appointment of A. Kaye Kenney and Nancy W. McCaig.  Council was also advised that Mr. William Snavely is retiring and Mr. Mark Tilghman, Board Chair, submitted the name of Ms. Rachel White as a candidate for appointment.  On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mrs. Bartkovich, Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Mrs. Kenney and Ms. McCaig and the appointment of Ms. Rachel White to the Review Board.  On a final note, Mr. Shea told Council members that the Board still needs a psychiatrist to serve as a member.

 

Compensation and Allowance Commission: Mr. Shea advised Council that the Compensation and Allowance Commission must be reactivated by June 21, 2005 to comply with the County Charter.  The Commission is to be comprised of eleven members.  While a number of individuals who served in 2001 have agreed to serve again, if appointed, there are vacancies at this time.  Following discussion, Council instructed staff to publicly advertise the vacancies.  Mr. Taylor motioned to re-appoint those who had previously served; the motion received unanimous approval.

 

Personnel Board: Thomas Calo, Director, Human Resources, is recommending the appointment of Patricia Huson to a vacancy on the County Personnel Board.  On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mrs. Bartkovich, Council unanimously approved the appointment.

 

 Department of Corrections:  Advising that Mr. Devenyns was not able to attend the meeting, Mr. Shea explained that the Department has received State monies in the amount of $227,240, representing payment that was owed the County.  The Department did not anticipate receipt of the funds during this fiscal year, however, Mr. Devenyns requests authorization to use the funds to offset expenses already incurred, primarily in medical bills.  Mrs. Petersen added that while this qualifies as unanticipated revenue, she supports this request, since it was rightfully owed to the Department.  Following questions and comments from Council, Mr. Long motioned to approve the request.  Mr. Dashiell provided a second and the motion was unanimously carried.

 

Disposal of Equipment:  Linda Hardman, Director, Local Management Board, advised Council that a draft letter to State authorities has been prepared to request disposition of assets purchased with State funds for the former DRILL Academy.  Council was also provided an inventory list, reflecting those reclaimable items.  Mrs. Hardman recommends the redistribution of certain items, totaling $69,000 to other youth programs.

 

LMB is also requesting reimbursement for certain items being utilized by other departments, while the agency would ask for “forgiveness” on a small number of items due to depreciated value.   Mrs. Bartkovich questioned the Sheriff’s Office’s source of funds to reimburse LMB for the van.  On motion of Mr. Taylor, second by Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved the draft letter and disposition list as submitted.

 

Compensation Study:  Mr. Shea and Thomas Calo, Director, Human Resources referred to Council’s decision to approve an appeals process for employees regarding new salary structures; it is also recommended that the Singer Group, meet with employees to answer any questions they might have.  Mr. Calo has submitted an estimated cost of $4,500 -$6,000 for these services, which are beyond the scope of the original study.  Council reviewed the itemization.  Mr. Taylor motioned to approve the request, which received a second by Mr. Long.  Mr. Dodd asked if it was necessary to have the Singer Group give the presentation; Mr. Calo responded that it would be appropriate to have the company complete the whole process, since they are better prepared to answer employees’ questions.  Mrs. Prettyman asked about the original intent to have the Singer Group review employee appeals and make a recommendation to Human Resources.  Mr. Calo said that draft results have been submitted to department heads, so that information contained in each appeal could be validated.    The motion was then unanimously approved. 

 

Mr. Calo also requested Council approval to pay the Singer Group for additional work performed in revising/correcting the department’s employee database to interface with the payroll database.  Council questions and discussion included the status of studying the Circuit Court database.  Mr. Baker responded that the questions involved the separation for classification purposes and control of Circuit Court employees.  After research, Mr. Baker and the Singer Group personnel agree that the County does not question the right of the Court to either hire/fire employees, however, compensation is still within the County Council’s purview; ultimately, all County/Court employees will fit into Singer’s recommended classification system.  There is no need to establish a separate classification system for the 8 or 9 County employees in question.  Following further discussion, Mr. Long motioned to authorize a transfer of appropriations in the amount of

$9,393.75 from Contingency to pay the invoice; the motion received a second and was unanimously approved.

 

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Patricia B. Petersen, Director, provided the Contingency Report that reflects year-to-date expenditures of $270,640 and a balance of $629,360.  This includes payment of sewer and electric bills for the Secure Detention facility.  Council also reviewed the Room Tax Report.

 

Mrs. Petersen submitted the Tax Billing Notice to be sent to property owners, for Council review.  Council suggested that certain words or portions of the notice be highlighted to draw attention to the due dates of the first and second semi-annual payments.

 

Mrs. Petersen reported that she has received the May billing for ACI, in the amount of $722.50, for a total of $12,588.75.

 

 

RECREATION, PARKS & TOURISM

Gary Mackes, Director, presented Council with a summary of  “Stakeholder” meetings, comprised of organizers of trade shows, to address measures that could be taken to meet the capital restoration needs of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.  Messrs. Mike Delano and Ed Urban reviewed the initiatives, as follows:

 

A 5% fee would be assessed on admission tickets for concerts and family show for all events booked after June 30, 2005.  The State Legislature authorized the tax amount up to 5% in March.  Proposed revenue generated - $90,000.

 

A proposed fee of 10% to be assessed to the base rent for trade shows and small meetings and receptions.  It is recommended that the policy be implemented for all new events when contracts are executed on or after June 30, 2005.  It is also recommended to grandfather this fee for trade shows held within the past year.  After two meetings with the organizers, there was a consensus of the group to assess a 10% fee on the building rental.  It would be the event organizers’ responsibility to determine the best method to recover this fee (admission fee, exhibitor fees, parking fee, etc.).  Mr. Urban also reviewed circumstances under which this fee might be waived. The resulting revenue is projected at $12,500.  Fees assess to small meetings and receptions would raise approximately $10,000.

 

In addition, a 1% increase in hotel room tax will generate approximately $150,000.  Combined with the seat tax and capital restoration fee, the Department is projecting $260,000 annually to begin renovations of the Civic Center.

 

Mr. Delano described the process of the “buy-in” of the trade organizers, who endorse the proposals as an investment to enhance the facility.  He also asked Council to consider approaching our local State Delegates and Senators to obtain State funds to assist in the project.  In conclusion, Mr. Delano referred to a rate chart that reflects subsidies paid to the Civic Center for accommodating Recreation and Parks activities and office space.

 

Mr. Sarbanes called for questions from Council.  Mrs. Bartkovich questioned the extra burden the restoration fee would place on small group rentals.  Mr. Dodd stated that Council had already endorsed the concept of trying to obtain State funds to help with the renovations; Mr. Mackes stated that the department plans to complete development of actual costs for mechanical, equipment, building and grounds upgrades by August before approaching Annapolis.  Mr. Long moved to approve, which was seconded by Mr. Taylor.  Mrs. Prettyman asked that the motion be clarified.  The County Attorney stated that the motion should authorize preparation of legislation to establish the seat tax.  Mr. Long confirmed his motion to authorize the seat tax at 5%; Mr. Taylor provided a second.   Mrs. Prettyman recalled that the seat tax had originally been discussed as a fee based on the dollar amount of the ticket.  Mr. Mackes stated this was true, however, the State Legislature set a straight percentage.  The motion was then unanimously approved.

 

Mr. Mackes then explained the process by which the restoration fee was determined.

Council also heard assurances from a trade vendor supporting the implementation of this fee.  Council comments included: Mrs. Prettyman expressing her hesitancy to support the 10% fee in addition to the seat tax and increased hotel room tax; Mr. Dashiell stating the importance of the Civic Center and the fact that maintenance cannot be deferred any long; Mr. Taylor also expressed his support for the plan, as did Mr. Dodd and Mrs. Bartkovich.  On motion of Mr. Taylor, second by Mr. Dashiell, Council approved a 5% rate for seat tax and a 10% restoration fee by six favorable votes, with Mrs. Prettyman voting in opposition. 

 

As the final order of business, Mr. Mackes requested that Council approve a $70,000 supplemental appropriation to ensure the Civic Center operating budget is balanced. While anticipated revenues may be $164,000 over original projections, operating expenses are anticipated to exceed projections by $73,598.  Mr. Mackes explained that he anticipates the projections provided Council are very likely to change, since there are key events scheduled during the remaining 45 days of the current fiscal year.  Therefore, a transfer is required at this time to balance the department’s budget.  Council reviewed a list of unanticipated expenses, as well as deferred items totaling $74,000.  Several Council members inquired about specific costs, as well as the projected tax appropriation.  Following discussion, Mr. Taylor motioned to approve the transfer of $70,000 from the Contingency account.  The motion received a second by Mr. Dashiell.  Prior to the vote, Mrs. Bartkovich questioned why the transfer was necessary when an $80,000 carry forward balance was projected; Mr. Mackes explained that those projections were made 18 months ago and depleted by the referenced unanticipated expenses.  Mr. Sarbanes called for a vote.  The motioned received six favorable votes, with Mrs. Prettyman abstaining.

 

In conclusion, Mr. Mackes said the department plans to provide Council a full disclosure of costs and anticipated tax appropriation in September.

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

John Redden, Deputy Director, submitted the following item:

 

Subdivision Plat Review:

Name:              re-subdivision of Tim Mar Business Park            DPW No. 7-05

Location:           John Deere Drive

Applicant:         Parker & Associates

Owner:             Milford Street Associates, Inc.

 

Applicant proposes to re-subdivide Parcel 1 and Lot 4BB into two lots.  Both lots will front and have access on John Deere Drive, a state highway.  The final plat for this business park was reviewed by Council on March 4, 1997 and approved by the Planning Commission, January 1998.  A corrected plat for Lot 4B was approved in-house, allowing it to become a building lot.  Parcel 1 was created as a common area to house the stormwater management area.  The Department recommends approval to the Planning Commission, subject to the following conditions:  1) the final plat shall comply with subdivision and Forest Conservation regulations; 2) Health Department approval is required; 3) Parcel 1 and Lot 4C shall remain separate properties with adequate frontage; 4) existing City of Salisbury utility easement adjacent to John Deere Drive must be shown on the plant.   Following review, Council concurred with the recommendation and conditions as stated.

 

Barren Creek Road:   Rai Sharma, Director, reported that the department has assessed flooding damage to Barren Creek Road.  It should be noted that the pond and dams are privately owned and the Roads Division would require the right to open the floodgates when deemed necessary if a permanent solution is to be found.  Mr. Sharma has spoken with the property owner, who has agreed to provide the County the right to control the gates, with the understanding that he would retain water rights and the property is to be posted as private property to eliminate public use of the pond.  An estimate for temporary repair to reopen the road totals $37,180.22.  In the interim, the County Attorney would prepare a written agreement with the property owner.  On motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved a transfer of $37,180.22 from the Contingency account to effect repairs.  At Mrs. Prettyman’s inquiry, Mr. Sharma stated that hopefully, repairs would commence by the first of July.

 

Request – Speed Limit Reduction:  Residents of Dykes Road have requested a reduction of speed limit and posting of signs.  There has been significant residential growth, particularly in that portion of the road within the City limits, which is posted at 30 m.p.h.  Consequently, Mr. Sharma recommends that the County portion also be posted at the same speed limit.  On motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved the request as submitted. 

 

Mr. Sharma thanked Council for its action on employee salaries and for the Roads Division allocation.

 

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Mr. Baker has reviewed a lease/purchase agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation for the purchase of equipment and has found it to be legally sufficient.

On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mrs. Bartkovich, Council approved execution of the agreement by six favorable votes.  Mrs. Prettyman was no present for the vote.

 

In addition, Mr. Baker requested Council’s concurrence with the acceptance of a Byrne Justice Assistance grant in the amount of $75,000.  This grant is shared equally by the County and the City of Salisbury and utilized for public safety needs.  On motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mr. Taylor, six Council members unanimously approved the grant.  Mrs. Prettyman was not present for the vote.

 

DEPT. OF PLANNING, ZONING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

John F. Lenox, Planning Director, presented the following items of business:

 

Annexations:

Pemberton Drive – Crockett Annexation:  Salisbury Dept. of Public Works has referred this annexation to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation of the appropriate zoning designation.  The property is comprised of 1.1 acres, would house a commercial business and is currently zoned C-1 and the Planning Commission recommends Neighborhood Business District zoning for this property. On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved the zoning designation by seven favorable votes.

 

Parsons Road – G2 Properties Annexation: Property comprised of 4.44 acres located on the southerly side of Parsons Road, adjoining Pecan Square and the Salisbury Corporate limits is currently zoned C-1 Select Commercial.  Following review, the Planning Commission recommends Neighborhood Business District zoning upon annexation to the City of Salisbury.  On motion of Mr. Dashiell, second by Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved the zoning designation.

 

South Division Street – Hearne Annexation:  Likewise, the City of Salisbury is requesting appropriate zoning designation for 99.55 acres on the east side of South Division Street, also fronting on Dykes Road.  This area is zoned County Light Business and Institutional and Light Industrial; it is also within the County’s Neighborhood Preservation Overlay District.  Staff recommendation and Planning Commission recommendation includes a Light Business and Institutional zoning for the area fronting on the easterly side of South Division Street to the depth on Parcel 217 and R-8A Residential zoning for the remainder of the Hearne properties.  This will require a comprehensive development plan.  There was brief discussion regarding issues such as proposed traffic patterns, the location of access roads to residential portions, impact on local schools, as well as the impact on City water/sewer capacity.  On motion of Mr. Dashiell, second by Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved the zoning recommendations.

 

Board of Appeals:  Mr. Lenox’s department has been notified that a property owner has filed a Notice of Judicial Review with Circuit Court, to appeal the decision of the County Board of Appeals.  Following review, the department and the County Attorney are requesting authorization to enter the County’s appearance in the case to support the Board’s decision.  On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mr. Dodd, Council unanimously approved the request.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Mr. Kenneth Holland asked for the dollar amount within the Board of Education operating budget would be designated for private school and home-schooled students.  Council responded that no Board of Education funds are used in either scenario.

 

Mr. Ralph Harcum came before Council to share his concerns for brochure being distributed by the U. S. Department of the Interior, describing proposed measures to assure preservation of privately owned wetlands.  Council President asked Mr. Harcum to provide Council with a copy of the document for their review.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

 

Mrs. Bartkovich reminded staff that the Executive Session agenda is to be posted to the

County’s website.

 

Mr. Taylor also referenced a letter he had received regarding barking dogs and his desire to discuss it today with Council members.  Mr. Sarbanes asked Mr. Shea and Mr. Baker to review the situation to see what, if any, measures could be taken.

 

Mr. Dodd asked the status of the proposed Emergency Services Committee, remarking that he would like to see Council proceed promptly in activating the committee.

 

On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mr. Taylor, the meeting was adjourned.

 

________________________________                    _________________________________

Anthony Sarbanes, President                              Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Vice Pres.

________________________________                    _________________________________

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