Wicomico County,
The Wicomico County Council met in Executive Session on
Larry W. Dodd.
Councilman Taylor introduced Miss Brooklyn Jefferson, a
third grade Magnet and TAD (Thinking and Doing) student at
On motion by Mr. Taylor the Minutes of
Theodore E. Shea, Administrative Director, presented the following items of business.
Mr. Shea recalled, in the current year’s budget Council’s
approved $3,000 for the suppression of gypsy moth. Using estimated figures from
the previous year the Department of Agriculture, based on the State’s current
information, determined the egg mass population in
Mr. Shea reported that six members of the 2001 Compensation and Allowance Commission have agreed to serve on the Commission for the upcoming 2006 General Election. The Charter provides that the Commission consists of eleven members. On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, Council appointed Henry Tilman, Kimberly Dumpson, Raphael Correa, Stephanie Willey and Kenneth Matthews to the Commission. At its June 7th meeting, Council re-appointed those members who agreed to serve if reappointed: Orville Penn, Gloria Howard, Debbie Richardson, Josh Farlow, Marian Hack and Charles Smith, III.
Present
were Charles Bounds, Assistant
Superintendent for Administrative Services, Tom Field, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and
Instruction and E. Bruce Ford, Comptroller.
The Board of Education gave its approval to make transfers of funds between major categories of its approved Annual Budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the month of June, in the amount of $315,995, contingent upon Council approval. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved the request.
The Board also transferred funds within the major categories of its Annual Budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the month of June, in the amount of $684,268. Council action is not required to make transfers within categories.
In accordance to a gentlemen’s agreement to make transfers between categories under $1,000, the Board reported transfers for the month of June in the amount of $3,416. No action is required.
Wendy Riley, Judicial Administrator, recalled the March 15, 2005 meeting wherein Council agreed to transfer $75,000 from its Contingency Fund for the renovation of the handicapped ramp on the west side of the courthouse, bringing it to ADA (American Disability Act) compliance. The formal bidding process resulted in one bidder, TEMCO Builders, Inc., at a cost of $156,459. Ms. Riley reported that the balance in the Capital Account, $81,059 is insufficient to cover the costs and, since the court cannot encumber the funds (the contract cannot be awarded until all funding sources have been confirmed and a vendor identified) unused monies revert to the County’s General Fund at the end of the fiscal year. While the court is actively seeking other funding sources, a funding source is not expected prior to June 30. Mrs. Riley wishes to alert Council that in FY’06 the court will request the funds be re-appropriated for this purpose. At the suggestion of Mrs. Bartkovich, the Director of Finance will determine if the $81,059 can be deposited into the County’s Capital Reserve Account, rather than the General Fund, then transferred out when needed. Should she determine this cannot be accomplished the funds would have to be transferred from the Contingency Fund.
The Administrative Office of the Courts for the State of
Davis Ruark, State's Attorney, came before
Council regarding their budget status. Formal notification through Project Safe
Neighborhood confirms that
Mr. Ruark announced that a public forum would take place at
the West Side Youth Club, June 23rd,
Sheriff R. Hunter Nelms and Major Doris
Schonbrunner came before Council for clarification of a technical budget issue.
The Sheriff's department receives reimbursements for overtime for grants and
community programs. The reimbursements are forwarded to the Finance
Department. His understanding is that in
the past these were credited to the department's Salary Account however this
year the Salary Account reflects a negative balance of $222,000, with
reimbursables not credited to the account.
Mrs. Petersen confirmed that (1) the department received the revenue and
(2) that in the past, the Sheriff’s understanding was correct - he did not
budget reimbursable revenues or expenses; the revenues were used to offset the
expenses. The Sheriff's budget reveals
that the department budgeted overtime revenues but did not budget overtime
expenditures. Therefore, the expenditures
side of the budget is under budgeted leading to the negative balance. To correct the problem, Mrs. Petersen
recommends Council either approve a transfer from Contingency or allow the
auditors to make the correction. Mr.
Shea cautioned Council that allowing the auditors to make such a large
correction might have a negative impact on the County's bond rating. Mrs. Petersen then stated that at this time,
it looks like the department should have positive balances in other accounts
and that the total deficit for the department is estimated at $150,000. She recommends a transfer from Contingency
for $125,000, with the auditors making any final immaterial adjustment. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr.
Taylor and unanimously carried, Council authorized a transfer from Contingency
and, that Mrs. Petersen would return to Council with a clarification in
procedure that would correct this situation in future budgets. For further clarification, Mr. Dodd asked to
have a written version of the technicality.
Mr. Shea submitted an invoice in the amount of $477.94 for current expenses. On motion made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved the payment from Contingency.
Edgar A. Baker, Jr.,
Mr. Shea stated the Charter Review Committee has served its function and is disbanded. In view of the upcoming Compensation and Allowance Commission for the next Council, Mr. Shea recommended a letter of thanks to each Charter Review Committee member. Mrs. Prettyman motioned approval. Mr. Dodd seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried.
Mrs. Bartkovich shared that she discovered the Legislative map on the Internet. It was then her suggestion that the County provide the Councilmanic District map on its website. Further, that she has discussed this with the Planning Office staff that will work toward accomplishing the request, to also include posting an overlay precinct map.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
Statement
of Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all
Patricia Petersen, Director, submitted the Financial Report. Total General Fund balance, $15,108, Capital Project Fund balance, $32,061,724; Total Major Non-designated Funds, $52,534,623; and Total Reserve Funds of $6,181,234.
By
memorandum from the Finance Director, Council is aware that the Housing
Authority is two years behind in its PILOT payments to
Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration is in the
process of refunding a portion of its outstanding revenue bonds.
For information purposes, Mrs. Petersen reported payments to ACI in the amounts of $1500 and $5100, bringing total payments to $14,140.
Mrs. Petersen reported the process to finalize the Operating Budget is 95% completed. When finished, pie charts will be completed and the final budget document will be forwarded to Council. Following are the two actions taken to implement Council’s budget decisions:
1. On
June 3rd, departments received an e-mail requesting guidance on
where to put any adjustments, offering two options: (1) put it all in
2. The
The budget will be put on the County website when finished
and made available to the media and citizens at that time. Mrs. Prettyman requested clarification on the
Highlights of
Significant Financial Transactions
Mr. Ellis reviewed the referenced report citing year-to-date
figures for collected and uncollected taxes, investment interest, recordation
tax revenue and enterprise account revenues through
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in compliance with
Section 22-2(G) of the Wicomico County Code, that the County Council of
Wicomico County, Maryland will hear public comments on the following proposed
resolution at their regular meeting in the County Council chambers,
There were no public comments. Charles Ward, Planner, told Council the Forest Conservation relocation has been reviewed by no less than seven different engineers, both County and private engineers contracted by Gemcraft. Further, between the Department of Public Works correcting the drainage and saving as much of the Forest Conservation areas as possible, there is no other alternative other than moving the existing houses. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried, Council accepted the proposal.
Eastfield
Development, Kirt Kinnamon, requests permission to post a bond in the amount of
$277,000 to make improvements in the Kaywood Subdivision. The bond will allow
the developer to record the plat, obtain building permits or sell the lot (s);
the developer cannot obtain occupancy permits until the improvements are
complete and accepted by the Public Works Department. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr.
Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved.
ROBERT
BRYANT, AIRPORT DIRECTOR
The Purchasing Department let bids on behalf of the Airport for the construction phase of Taxiway “C”. Three bids were received with the low bid submitted by
H. E. Sargent, in the amount o f $3,399,977. The project is paid through a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration equaling 95% of the total costs; the remaining 5% is equally divided by a grant from the Maryland Aviation Administration and the Airport Commission. The Airport Commission’s 2.5% cost is paid through the collection of passenger facility charges. On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council awarded the bid to H. E. Sargent as recommended.
14-32 – Phase 1- Construction Phase. The Amendment is in the amount of $454,935;
95% paid through Federal Aviation Administration and the remaining five percent
equally divided between Maryland Aviation Administration and the Airport
Commission. The Airport Commission’s 2.5% is paid through the collection of
passenger facility charges. The document
has been reviewed and approved by the
Five-year Rental Car Concessionaire Agreements (3)
The Purchasing Department let bids on behalf of the Airport
Commission for the purpose of awarding three five-year rental car concessions. The term of the Agreement begins
On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council adopted Resolution No. 595, A Resolution of the Wicomico County Council of confirming, re-establishing and reconstituting the Local Management Board for Children and Family Services of Wicomico County; providing for the membership, terms, duties, supervision, compensation and overall governance of the Local Management Board; designating the Local Management Board as the local planning entity; providing that this Resolution shall be effective until the enactment of a public local law or other resolution governing the Local Management Board for Children and Family Services of Wicomico County.
On motion made by Mr. Dodd,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council adopted Resolution 596,
A Resolution of the County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland establishing the
National Incident Management System (NIMS) as
On motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council adopted Resolution No. 597, A Resolution to establish an abandoned vehicle permit fee.
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried, Council adopted Resolution No. 598, A Resolution to establish a schedule of fines for violations of the Housing Code.
On motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council voted to enter Legislative Session. Legislative Session Minutes are separately maintained from Executive Session and are public information. The following Bills were introduced:
Bill 2005-6: AN ACT to adopt a Hazardous Materials law for the purpose of supporting those agencies within the municipalities and county which are charged with the responsibility of responding to incidents involving hazardous materials and thereby incur unexpected budgetary expenditures, by providing for cost recovery for response and recovery efforts related to hazardous materials incidents; providing for liability for costs; and providing for collection and disbursement of funds for cost recovery.
Bill No. 2005-7: AN ACT to amend Chapter 203, of the Wicomico County Code, entitled “Taxation,” by creating Article XI, Section 203-24, entitled “Imposition and Rate of User Fee” and Section 203-25, entitled “Dedication” imposing a Five percent (5%) user fee on charges for ticketed events at the Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center and dedicating the revenue to the physical improvement and renovation of the Civic Center.
Bill No. 2005-8: AN ACT to amend Chapter 174, titled “Nuisances,” Section 174-1, titled “Nuisances enumerated,” paragraph Q (1) of the Wicomico County Code, to reduce the height of the uncontrolled growth of weeds permitted for code compliance.
Bill No. 2005-9: AN ACT to amend Chapter 160, titled “Housing Standards,” Section 160-5, titled “Applicability of provisions,” adding paragraph A.1 and amending paragraphs A and E of the Wicomico County Code, to make the standards pertaining to the exterior condition of structures for human habitation contained in the chapter applicable to owner occupied single family dwellings; including provisions on the authority of the Housing Official, Notices and Orders, Violations and Penalties and appeals.
Bill No. 2005-10: AN ACT to amend Chapter 156, titled “Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse,” to add a new Article II, titled “Household Refuse Permits” requiring a permit for the disposal of household refuse at transfer stations, establishing the procedure for application, qualification, issuance, fees, denial, display, suspension, and revocation of permits; and violations and penalties.
With the Legislative Session concluded and on motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council adjourned Legislative Session to reconvene in Executive Session.
Mary Schwartz, Administrator, joined by Gina Nanna, Assistant Administrator, came before Council to present the Operating Budget for Fiscal year 2006. The budget includes Income and Expense Summary with Supporting Detail, Employee Benefits and Capital Budget. Mrs. Schwartz reported an occupancy rate of 96.2%. The revenue side includes a room rate increase ranging from 2.9% to 3.7%, with a potential increase of up to 4%, if everyday is current with private-paying residents. Anticipating an increase in Medicaid costs, the budget provides for a 2% increase while the Medicare rate remains flat. A 4.9% increase is projected on the Expense side, projections for overall salary increases of 5% total labor, including contracted services and the Director’s salary. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council adopted the budget as submitted.
The County Attorney recalled the recent work session wherein
Council discussed terms of a loan agreement to The Allen Volunteer Fire
Company, Inc. Highlighting the Agreement, the Borrower promises to pay Wicomico
County, Maryland, or order, the principal sum of $45,000.00, without interest,
on the unpaid balance from the date of the Note until paid, in equal amounts of
$5000.00 per year, the first of which said installments shall become due and
payable on July l, 2010 and subsequent annual installments on like dates of
each and every year thereafter, until the full amount of principal shall have
been paid in full. The payment shall be made by subtracting the annual
installment due hereunder from the amount appropriated to The Allen Volunteer
Fire Company, Inc., commencing July l, 2010 and each year thereafter until the
principal sum is paid in full. Mr. Fred Moore, representing the fire company
was present and agreed these were the terms discussed. On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by
Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved the conditions of the
Promissory Note as prepared by the
Sgt. Anthony Dickerson,
Mr. Kenneth Holland questioned and was responded to, with schedules of operation for grass cutting.
Mr. Taylor reminded Council of a recent citizen’s request
for the control of barking dogs. He
solicited the opinions of his colleagues and the
There being no further business to come before the County Council the meeting was adjourned to an Open Work Session on motion made by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried.
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Anthony Sarbanes, President
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Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Vice President
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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
_____________________________________
Marvin R. Long, District 4
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Larry W. Dodd, District 5
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Theodore E. Shea, II
Administrative Director
Executive Session