Wicomico County, MD
 Council Minutes
 July 5, 2005

 

The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland met in Executive Session on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland. Members 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 called for any additions or corrections to the Minutes of June 21, 2005.   Mrs. Prettyman made the request that brief descriptions of Legislative Bills introduced during Legislative Sessions, as well as the adoption date, should be added to Executive Session Minutes.  There were other questions posed regarding content of the Minutes and on motion of Mr. Dodd, second by Mrs. Bartkovich, Council approved deferment of adoption until the next Executive Session.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Theodore E. Shea, II, submitted the following items for Council’s consideration:

 

Wor-Wic Community College:  The College’s Local Advisory Council is requesting the names of two nominees to be considered for appointment.  Council generally agreed that the vacancies should be publicly advertised before Council makes its recommendations.

 

Request for Transfer:  The Board of Education submitted request for a budget transfer, as follows: 1) make additional transfers f funds between the major categories of the FY 2005 budget in the amount of $6,125, which requires Council approval.  The second budget transfer within major categories, in the amount of $824, does not require Council approval.  On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved the budget request as submitted.

 

Mrs. Prettyman asked if this would be the final fiscal year transfer; Mr. Bruce Ford stated there would be a final transfer request submitted at the July 19, 2005 meeting.

 

Burial Assistance Requests:  Mr. Shea advised that the family of the late David T. Whitney is requesting assistance with burial costs.  On motion of Mr. Taylor, second by

Mr. Long, Council approved a transfer from the Contingency account in the amount of

$400.00.

 

Council was also advised that the family of the late Sanaii L. Leonard is asking for assistance since the family does not have insurance.  On motion of Mrs. Prettyman, second by Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved a $400 transfer from the Contingency account.

 

Request for Joint Meeting:  The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance released the results of a voter survey on growth in Wicomico County.  Members of the organization are requesting a meeting with the Salisbury City Council, County Council and Planning Commission to discuss these findings.  Mr. Taylor suggested that the meeting be held as a work session.  Following brief discussion, the County Council suggested that staff develop a list of possible meeting dates in September.

 

Reimbursement Check:  Wendy Riley, Judicial Administrator for Circuit Court, presented a check in the amount of $71,106, representing the State’s reimbursement of door renovation costs at Circuit Court; this, in addition to a previous check, comprises total cost reimbursement.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Patricia B. Petersen, Director, reviewed the Contingency Use Report.  With the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005, no Contingency funds had been used until this date, with Council’s approval of two $400 appropriations.  Last fiscal year’s total usage is $558,712, with a year-end balance of $341,288. 

 

Mrs. Petersen advised that effective July 1, 2005, the State Department of Assessment & Taxation would no longer be responsible for review of deeds prior to real property transfers.  This unfunded State mandate is now the responsibility of each County.

 

Lien/Tax Sale of Property:  Mrs. Petersen provided a brief history of a Nuisance Code violation, which ultimately led to clean up of a property, placement of a lien and eventual tax sale. While Mr. Clemmons Hudson has reimbursed the County for the amount of the lien and associated charges and reclaimed his property from final sale, he wishes to lodge a protest against the action taken and requests reimbursement.  Mr. Hudson claimed that the area in question served as a sanctuary for wildlife and was created by his neighbors and him.   Mr. Gary Pusey, Planning and Zoning, told Council that he had received complaints from Mr. Hudson’s neighbors. There was brief discussion regarding the receipt of proper notifications, combined with current subdivision requirements and other considerations. Council concurred that the request for reimbursement of costs would be denied.  Mrs. Bartkovich suggested that Mr. Hudson confer with Planning and Zoning staff to determine how a sanctuary could be established without violating current code. 

 

Miscellaneous – Nuisance Code:  At Council’s request, Mr. John Lenox advised that the code violation located on Wainwright Avenue continues to be monitored.  Some of the required clean up has been accomplished, however, further abatement has ceased.

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS         

P. Rai Sharma, Director, presented the following items:

 

Mobile Home Parks – Licensing:  Mr. Sharma advised that all mobile home parks have been inspected and met all County criteria; therefore, he recommends that the 18 licenses be granted.  On motion of Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved the licenses as submitted.

 

Request for Bond:  The developer of The Estates at White Creek, Old Mill Branch Road, is requesting permission to issue a bond of $40,000 for the project; this would allow recordation of the plat and obtain building permits.  Mr. Long motioned to approve the bond for $40,000; the motion received a second by Mrs. Prettyman.  The Director of Finance stated that the amount is incorrect; consequently, Mr. Long amended his motion to approve the posting of bond at $41,000; Mr. Dashiell provided a second and Council unanimously approved the amended motion.

 

Recycling Location:  Mr. Sharma explained that he has received a letter from the property manager of South Salisbury Plaza advising that there are plans to improve the property; therefore, the County’s recycling station must be removed by July 31, 2005.  Mr. Sharma stated that the public uses this site quite heavily and that the Department is searching for a new site.

 

Transfer Station Permits: Mr. Sharma advised that due to delayed printing, the Department is extending the deadline for the purchase of new transfer station stickers to July 31, 2005.  The permits may be obtained at the Public Works Office or the Newland Park Landfill.

 

Barren Creek Road:  Work began last week and the department hopes to complete road repairs within the next two weeks.  Tar and chip work would be performed later in the year.

 

Rum Ridge Road: The department has just received the required permits and is hopeful to have repairs completed during this summer.

 

Road Repairs:  Council is advised that the department continues work on a final schedule of specific roads that will receive repairs.

 

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Edgar A. Baker, Jr., had no items of business to submit during this meeting.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mr. Fred Geiger addressed Council members to express his concerns regarding his perception of lack of protection from the Sheriff’s Office.  Mr. Geiger asked Council to have the Sheriff’s Office protect him.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

There were no Council comments.

 

On motion of Mr. Long, second by Mr. Dashiell, Council approved adjournment of Executive Session.  Mr. Dodd asked to amend the motion to include authorization to enter a closed session to discuss contract negotiations and a personnel issue.  Council unanimously approved the amended motion.

 

The meeting was then adjourned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION RECONVENES

 

Mr. Sarbanes brought the meeting to order.  Mrs. Prettyman motioned to amend Council’s approval for posting of bond, from $41,000 to $40,000 for the Estates at White Creek; Council unanimously approved the amended motion.

 

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