Council Minutes
The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland, met in
Executive Session on
President Sarbanes brought the meeting to order and announced that Mr. Edward Taylor would present a Proclamation acknowledging the Juneteenth Celebration to be held on June 19, 2004. Mr. Donnie Waters and Mrs. Kimberly Dumpson graciously received the Proclamation.
Mr. Sarbanes then read Council’s official recognition of Dr. Carolyn Johnston, Recipient of the 2004 National Distinguished Principal – Maryland Recipient. Dr. Johnston is the principal of Fruitland Primary School.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Theodore E. Shea, II, submitted the following items of business:
Inter-Governmental Agreement: During the State fiscal year 2001, it was determined that the Wicomico County Department of Social Services was understaffed and new contractual positions were created for the Child Support Division. Consequently, the State Dept. of Human Resources entered into an agreement with the Wicomico County Government whereby the State would provide funding for the positions, which is to be administered locally. A one-year renewal of the Agreement is now required. On motion of Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Long, Council unanimously approved the one-year renewal of the Agreement.
Burial Expense: Jolley Memorial Chapel is requesting financial assistance on behalf of the family of the late Clara Purnell. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved a transfer of appropriations from the Contingency Fund in the amount of $400.
Emergency Services Request: During the June 1st Executive Session, Council deferred any action on a request from Emergency Services to use grant funds to begin in-building coverage for the 800 MHz radio system. Bill Nutter and Jane Grogan came before Council to answer questions regarding our current radio emergency communications system. Mr. Nutter confirmed our current Motorola system is analog and while there is a trend to upgrade to digital systems, he does not consider it to be antiquated. Mr. Dodd asked when Mr. Nutter thought the County would have to consider an upgrade to digital;
Mr. Nutter responded that Motorola is just introducing its first digital radio communications system and that he would recommend looking at the system’s “next generation,” perhaps in two to three years. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Dodd, Council unanimously approved the use of $266,090 to implement the project.
Appointment to Board: Mark Tilghman, Chair, is requesting the appointment of Ms. Kathy Walker to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board. It should be noted that the Board has vacancies for a medical doctor and a psychiatrist and these vacancies are to be publicly advertised. On motion of Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved the appointment of Ms. Walker.
Board of Education: Council is provided with a detailed list of budget transfer requests, as follows: to make transfer of funds between the major categories of the 2003-04 annual budget in the amount of $1,031.806; to make transfers under $1,000 between categories in the amount of $2,261; and to make transfers of funds within major categories in the amount of $478,761. Council members inquired about specific entries and programs.
Following discussion and on motion of Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved the budget transfers as submitted.
Local Management Board Appointments: Mr. Shea advised that the LMB is requesting the appointments of John Terrell, Recreation, Parks & Tourism and Major Doris Schonbrunner, Sheriff’s Office, to fulfill proposed revisions in the Bylaws, as well as the reappointment of Darlene Cole-Culver and Joe Giordano. On motion of Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, the referenced appointments were unanimously approved.
Update – Charsam, Inc.: During the previous Council meeting, a public hearing was held to approve acquisition of properties adjacent to the Airport; however, formal acceptance of the purchase price had not been finalized. Mr. Shea advised Council and the public that the Seller has accepted the land acquisition purchase price. Mr. Dashiell extended Council’s appreciation to Robert L. Bryant, Airport Manager, and Mr. Edward J. Kremer, Airport Commission Chair, for their considerable efforts in the successful resolution on behalf of the Airport.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Patricia Petersen, Director of Finance, submitted the following items of business:
Statement of Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all County Funds: This report reflects a total general fund balance of $802,998; Capital Project Fund Balance of $27,321,054; total major non-designated fund balance of $44,748,460; and total reserve funds of $4,803,223. Contingency Funds used year-to-date total $110,289, for a balance of $824,833.
Mrs. Petersen requested authorization to pay an invoice for grass cutting services, in the amount of $304.35. On motion of Mr. Long, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman, payment was unanimously approved.
Davis Ruark, State’s Attorney is requesting authorization to use $1,125 of unanticipated revenue from the “Do Time” program, to purchase a facsimile machine for the office.
On motion of Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mrs. Bartkovich, the request received unanimous approval.
Mrs. Petersen stated that the Sheriff’s Office also has a request to use unanticipated revenue, which she would bring before Council later. At Mrs. Prettyman’s request, the Director of Finance explained the purpose of the Capital Incentive Sinking fund, as it relates to appropriations and usage by volunteer fire companies.
John Ellis, Chief Accountant, reviewed by line item, a financial report highlighting significant year to date transactions. This financial report is public information and available for review.
Mrs. Bartkovich asked if the Finance Department has determined the method to keep Council apprised regarding per Diem revenue from the Drill Academy operation; Mrs. Petersen responded that the department would begin maintaining these records in July, when the next fiscal year begins.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Prior to Mr. Sharma’s report, Mrs. Prettyman asked if a temporary Certificate of Occupancy has been issued to the Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation, Inc. for its site on Riverside Drive. Mr. Sharma stated this has not yet taken place; although a request was received, it was forwarded to the Board of Zoning Appeals. He further explained that an official letter citing the limitations of a temporary occupancy certificate has not yet been sent to Rotary.
Request to Post Bond: The Department has received a request from Robert Messick, Developer of Steeplechase Section 5, to obtain a $75,000 bond to complete street improvements for the subdivision; this would allow the plat to be recorded and to obtain a building permit. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor, the request received unanimous approval.
Proposed Fee Increases: Mr. Sharma reported that after completing an analysis, the department is requesting increases in building permit fees so that services provided by the department are self-supporting; there are other services provided that must be partially funded from the General Fund. He further reported that the proposed fee increases are comparable with Worcester County, less than Talbot County and almost one-half the cost of fees within the City of Salisbury. Following a review and on motion of Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved the building permit fee increases as submitted. Council then reviewed the Engineering Services Analysis and on motion of Mr. Long and a second by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved the increased engineering services fee schedule as submitted.
Update – Coulbourne Mill Pond Dam: Mr. Sharma requested the opportunity to meet with Council today in closed session to discuss this issue. Council concurred.
Repairs on various county roads continue to go well.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
R. Hunter Nelms, Sheriff, came before Council to request transfer of $33,572.19 in unanticipated revenue to the Overtime Salaries Account. On motion of Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved the request.
Sheriff Nelms wished to respond to public comments by Mrs. Mary Ashanti during the previous Council meeting. The Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident involving a breach of courtroom protocol that took place in Circuit Court. Sheriff Nelms is confident that the Deputies responded to the situation in a professional manner while avoiding an arrest; the Sheriff also wished to acknowledge Mrs. Ashanti’s active assistance with calming the person involved and at Mrs. Ashanti request, assuring the Deputies that she would take responsibility for the female, both were permitted to return to the Court Room. Sheriff Nelms concluded by stating that he found no evidence to support some of Mrs. Ashanti’s comments regarding the Deputies’ behavior.
Mrs. Bartkovich wished to thank the Deputies who were present at the Chicken Festival;
Sheriff Nelms stated that the Jaycees and the Homeland Security grant funds were used to pay for overtime costs.
Mrs. Bartkovich also asked how many candidates were entering the Drill Academy program this evening; Sheriff Nelms replied that 14-15 candidates from the lower shore were expected. Upon Mrs. Bartkovich’s inquiry, Sheriff Nelms that staff is working to satisfactorily complete all remaining (construction) warranty issues at the Drill Academy.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Douglas Devenyns, Director, and Frederick Harris, Purchasing Agent, are recommending award of Lot 1 of the Request for Proposals for Inmate Medical Services to Dr. Mahabir Sharma, Salisbury, Maryland. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, Council unanimously approved the recommended award of bid.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
A motion by Mr. Long, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman, to adjourn Executive Session and to enter Legislative Session, received unanimous approval. The Legislative Session was comprised of the introduction of Bills. Separate Minutes are prepared for all Legislative Sessions and are available to the public.
With Legislative Session concluded, a motion to adjourn Legislative Session and reconvene Executive Session by Mrs. Bartkovich, seconded by Mr. Taylor, received unanimous approval. NOTE TO READERS: Council shall hold a public hearing for these Legislative Bills on July 6, 2004, 7:00 p.m., Flanders Rooms, Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Edgar A. Baker, Jr., submitted the revised Bylaws for the Local Management Board for Council’s review. There were no comments or questions. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor, the revised Bylaws received unanimous approval.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Asmar Ashanti wished to clarify that during the incident within Circuit Court, the individual’s gender was misidentified.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
President Sarbanes stated that Council is interested in obtaining resumes from individuals who might wish to serve on a committee dealing with Emergency Services countywide. Resumes are to be submitted to the Administrative Director.
A motion by Mr. Dodd to enter closed session as authorized by the State Government Articles of the Annotated Code of Maryland, received unanimous approval by Council.
The meeting was then adjourned.
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Anthony Sarbanes, President
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Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Vice Pres.
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Edward T. Taylor, District 1
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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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Theodore E. Shea, II
Administrative Director