The Wicomico County Council met in a Legislative Session, July 17, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland.  President Cannon called the meeting to order. The Lord’s Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were recited. Present: John T. Cannon, President; Stevie Prettyman, Vice President; William McCain, Sheree Sample-Hughes, Gail M. Bartkovich, David A. MacLeod, and Joe Holloway. 

 

In attendance: Doris Schonbrunner, Council Administrator; Edgar A. Baker, Jr., County Attorney

 

 

President Cannon acknowledged Mr. Henry Parker, Past President, Wicomico County Council and Past President, Maryland Association of Counties and Mr. Phil Tilghman, Past President, Wicomico County Council and current President, Salisbury Chamber of Commerce.

 

On motion of Mrs. Bartkovich and second by Mr. McCain the minutes of July3, 2007 were unanimously approved.

 

Doris Schonbrunner, Council Administrator:

 

Resolution 111-2007:  A resolution confirming the re-appointment of Ed Urban to the Wicomico County Personnel Board. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman and second by Mr. McCain, Resolution 111-2007 was unanimously approved.

 

Mrs. Schonbrunner introduced a Memo from the Board of Education to Council reporting transfers within major categories in the Fiscal Year 2007 budget for the month of June in the amount of $129,083.00. No action was necessary.

 

Mr. Cannon introduced Mr. Mark Thompson with the Salvation Army, Giraffe Heroes Project.  Mr. Thompson expressed that Salvation Army Junior Counselors started a program to give leadership responsibilities to teenagers between the ages of twelve and sixteen. The Salvation Army partnered with The Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children to create the Giraffe Heroes Program which is designed to highlight the accomplishments of youth who are “sticking their necks out” and shed a positive light in their community. The Giraffe Heroes are involved in community service projects as well as a variety of other activities. Mr. Thompson further commented that they are in attendance to learn about government and will be future leaders. The youth stood and were acknowledged, then applauded the County Council for being their heroes because they stick their necks out everyday for the community.

 

Mrs. Sample-Hughes acknowledged the youth stating that it has been her pleasure to have had interactions with them and encouraged them to be leaders in their community, to stand up for what they believe in and work to obtain their dreams.

 

Mr. MacLeod expressed his appreciation to Mr. Thompson for his work with youth, and that his personal support of and belief in them brings about their positive stature.

 

Citizen Comments:

Mr. Augustine DiGiovanni, Dagsboro Road –  Mr. DiGiovanni again asked the County Council to create checks & balances for the Planning Commission, “should they ever make an error”.  He requested a response from Council whether they are going to consider several projects about which he has sent them letters.  He presented Council copies of two additional letters for consideration.  

 

 

Mr. John Palmer and Mrs. Pamela Palmer – Mr. Palmer stated that the Wicomico County Board of Education holds its graduation ceremonies at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center.  Mrs. Palmer read a “sworn statement” outlining events which took place at the graduation ceremony of their son.  Mrs. Palmer stated that while at the Civic Center, she left the arena floor temporarily and when she tried to return to her seat she became involved in an altercation with an usher.  Mr. Palmer stated the incident with his wife was reported to the State’s Attorney and is under investigation with the possibility that charges may be filed.  He alluded to other incidents from the same evening and stated that these types of things should not happen at the Civic Center. He requested that Council look into the matter.

 

Council Comments:

Mrs. Bartkovich advised Council that on July 9, 2007 the Town of Willards passed Ordinances relative to Adult Entertainment, Zoning and the Prohibition of Massage Establishments.  She provided the associated forty-one page document, which includes an 11 x 17 map, in the office files for Council to reference.

 

Mrs. Sample-Hughes advised that the Board of Education will be holding a public meeting in regard to the Alternative Learning Center on July 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Salisbury Middle School.  The meeting is an opportunity for parents and citizens to attend and voice their opinions about the proposed changes.

 

Mrs. Sample-Hughes also advised that a Public Hearing will be held in the Government Office Building on July 24, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the matter of property situated on Marquis Drive.  A restaurant previously occupied the structure on the property.  The issue to be discussed is whether to allow a gift shop/flea market to occupy the location.

 

Mrs. Prettyman stated that she had more of a concern instead of a comment. During the past budget session Council had agreed that County employees would get a four percent salary increase. She said that she learned some Department Heads received a six percent increase. Mrs. Prettyman stated that she had asked for supplemental information regarding her concern. She asked Council if they remember approving the additional salary increase percentage which was given to the five individuals. She then asked if other members of Council shared her concern. 

 

Mr. Holloway expressed that he finds it disturbing that certain Department Heads would get a six percent increase when remaining employees only received four percent.

 

Mrs. Prettyman asked if anyone on Council remembered approving the increase.  Mr. Holloway stated that he did not. Mr. MacLeod said no. Mrs. Prettyman asked Mrs. Bartkovich and she replied no. Mr. Cannon stated that he did not remember it as a line item.

 

Mr. Cannon suggested that since it concerns Council it could be added to the agenda for the next meeting and the Executive Branch asked to attend and respond.  He asked if that would appease Council. Mrs. Prettyman, Mr. MacLeod and Mr. Holloway affirmed the decision.

 

Mrs. Bartkovich voiced a concern about a debt affordability study which Council was verbally asked by the County Executive’s Office to share in half the cost.  Mrs. Bartkovich believes Council needs a better understanding before agreeing to share in the cost. 

 

Mrs. Prettyman asked Mrs. Schonbrunner if she had received anything in writing to which she replied that it was a verbal request. Mrs. Prettyman asked what the shared cost would be for Council to which Mrs. Schonbrunner replied $7,500.00.

 

Mrs. Bartkovich also stated that if the debt is paid prior to August 15, 2007 it can be paid out of the Fiscal Year 2007 budget. If it is paid after that date, it would have to come out of the Fiscal Year 2008 budget Contingency fund because it was not included in the budget.

 

Mr. Cannon stated that item will be placed on the agenda for the August 7, 2007 Council Meeting.  He further stated that not one member of Council remembers anything about this particular item, there are no tapes or minutes to show there has been any previous discussion or action taken.

 

Mr. McCain commented that he would like to have a couple of items added to the next meeting agenda. First, he would like an update from the Planning and Zoning Department on hiring a consultant in regard to the Comprehensive Plan. The other major concern that he would like to see addressed is the situation in the southern portion of the county wherein many citizens have fallen victim to dry wells, and therefore no water. 

 

Mrs. Prettyman mentioned that she received a letter that two wells across the street from each other in Allen went dry within an hour of each other. 

 

Mr. Cannon stated that there is a concern within the area that large industry may be draining too much water.  There are at least twelve to sixteen homes that are affected by the situation, including County Executive, Mr. Pollitt’s home. 

 

Mrs. Prettyman asked if the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) had been notified.

 

Mr. Baker stated that the MDE has been contacted.

 

Mr. Holloway noted that without a substantial amount of rain in the forthcoming weeks, there will be similar problems in other areas of the County.  He believes Council needs to monitor the situation.

 

Mr. Cannon stated that the two items requested by Mr. McCain will be added to the agenda for the August 7, 2007 Council meeting.

 

Mr. MacLeod advised that the Tri-County Water and Sewer Committee will meet on July 25, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Brew River Restaurant in Salisbury and he hopes to be able to bring some information back to the Council.  Mrs. Bartkovich advised there is also a tour of the City of Salisbury Wastewater Treatment Plant following the lunch.

 

Mrs. Prettyman asked to have a work session added to the agenda on August 21, 2007 to discuss the Tri-County Council. Mr. Cannon stated that the Executive Board of the Tri-County Council will be meeting one more time prior to August 21st and that would be an appropriate time to provide an update to Council. Mr. McCain concurred. Mrs. Prettyman expressed that she will share the letter she received defining a citizen’s concerns with Council.

 

Mr. MacLeod addressed Mr. Palmer about the situation that occurred with his wife at the Civic Center to ask him if he had spoken with the County Executive about the matter. Mr. Palmer replied that in fact he had spoken to Mr. Pollitt. 

 

Mrs. Prettyman asked if Mr. Palmer knew who hired the ushers.  Mr. Palmer said the ushers were employees of the Civic Center hired by Mr. Mackes.  Mrs. Prettyman asked if the ushers were hired by the Board of Education. Mr. Cannon asked if one was a Deputy Sheriff. Mr. Palmer replied two Deputy Sheriff’s were hired for the event.

 

Mrs. Bartkovich noted that Mrs. Brewster and Mrs. Phipps-Dickerson from the Health Department were in attendance and posed the question to them if they knew if MDE is looking into the well issue in Wicomico County, to which they replied yes.  Mrs. Brewster also stated that a meeting will be held on July 19, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Washington High School with all the MDE Officials. The meeting is open to the public. The school is located in Somerset County but will also be addressing the concerns of citizens in Wicomico County.

 

President Comments:

Mr. Cannon invited Mrs. Schonbrunner to the podium.  Mr. Cannon explained that today is Mrs. Schonbrunner’s last official day as Council Administrator.  He presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation from the County Council for her six months of service as the first Council Administrator. Mr. Cannon thanked Mrs.Schonbrunner, stating that she had done an excellent job.

 

Mrs. Schonbrunner commented that it has been a privilege for her to serve the County Council and the citizens of Wicomico County. She offered her thanks and also expressed that she will miss everyone.

 

Mr. Cannon announced that Mr. Matthew Creamer will join the staff as Council Administrator on July 23, 2007.

 

Mr. Henry Parker addressed Council to share his admiration of Mr. Creamer. He gave an overview of his basic credentials and defined him as an outstanding person. Mr. Parker also thanked the Council for their unanimous decision to appoint him as Council Administrator.

 

On motion of Mrs. Sample-Hughes and second by Mrs. Bartkovich and unanimously carried, Council voted to adjourn.

 

The County Council reserves the right to close a portion of this meeting as authorized by Section 10-(508)a of the State Government Articles of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

 

 

Legislative Session

July 17, 2007

 

                                                ___________________________

                                                John T. Cannon, President

 

                                                ____________________________

                                                Stevie Prettyman, Vice President

 

                                                ____________________________

                                                William R. McCain, At-Large

 

                                                ____________________________

                                                Sheree Sample-Hughes, District 1

 

                                                ____________________________

                                                Gail M. Bartkovich, District 3

 

                                                ____________________________

                                                David A. MacLeod, District 4

 

                                                ____________________________

                                                Joe Holloway, District 5

 

 

______________________

Doris Schonbrunner

Council Administrator

Last day of employment July 17, 2007