Wicomico County, MD
Council Minutes
August 16, 2005
The Wicomico County Council met in Executive Session on
On motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Long and
unanimously carried, the Minutes of
Theodore E. Shea, II, Administrative Director, presented the following items of business.
Proposed
Gary W. Mackes, Director, Recreation, Parks,
Ms. McLain answered
that to her knowledge there had not been, she believes the issues are separate
and, the horse park is a stand alone project endorsed by the State of
Medicare Part D
Bolton Partners Inc. has notified the County that Medicare Part D, which relates to the inclusion of a prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients, contains a federal government regulation to provide subsidy to organizations offering a prescription drug benefit to retirees; both Wicomico County and the City of Salisbury provide this benefit and, through an application process can apply for a refund. Bolton Partners, Inc. has offered to prepare the application on the County’s behalf for about $5500, with a potential reimbursement of approximately $48,000 for a full-year. The first year is a short year; January l through August 31st. The County would receive approximately $24,000. Mr. Shea recommended accepting the proposal, funded by remaining Salary Account monies from the early departure of the Human Resources Director. Mr. Dashiell made a motion to accept, which was seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried. Mrs. Bartkovich asked if this would become an annual cost, to which Mr. Shea responded that after the first year the County should be able to do the work in-house.
Enterprise Zone Benefits
Mr. Shea reported the City of
Board of Education Budget Transfers
Present
were Charles Bounds, Assistant
Superintendent for Administrative Services and E. Bruce Ford, Comptroller.
The Board of Education gave its approval to make year-end (June 30) transfers in the amount of $38,740. While the transfers do not require Council approval, Council is advised for information purposes.
The Board also gave approval to transfer funds between the
major categories of its Annual Budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 for the month
of August, in the amount of $66,200.
Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously
carried, Council approved the transfers. Mr. Bounds stated these funds were set
aside to be used toward the purchase of the former Social Security Building,
which the Board was not able to acquire.
The Board wishes to put the money in Capital outlay, do a feasibility
study on a facility located at the
One-day Alcohol License
Council has received an application for a one-day alcohol
license from the Rotary Club of Salisbury,
Robert Bryant, Airport Manager informed Council that the Airport Commission requests approval to submit a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the amount of $5,964,000 for various projects eligible for 95% federal funding under the FAA Improvement Program. He called attention to the portion of the grant earmarked for Runway 5-23: Obstruction, Removal, Design phase and that this project may be deferred to the next year. The Commission requests approval of the grant application in the full amount recognizing the amount could decrease if the project is withdrawn. On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council granted approval.
Airport Auction Proceeds
Having conferred with the Director of Finance Mr. Bryant withdrew the item from the agenda.
Wicomico
Chris Mills, Board Chair, requests the re-appointment of Robert Farrell to the Board of Commissioners. Upon motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council reappointed Mr. Farrell as recommended.
At its last meeting Council provided a name for recommendation to Wor- Wic’s Advisory Board however Wor-Wic needed two recommendations. President Sarbanes recalled other names considered were Michael Reath and Joe Ollinger. He suggested asking Mr. Reath to serve and if he is not available asking Mr. Ollinger. Mr. Long made a motion to accept the President’s suggestion. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried.
Indigent Burial
On motion made by Mrs. Bartkovich, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council appropriated $400 from Contingency to defray costs associated with the indigent burial of the late Charles Lee Cowart, Jr., payable to Jolley Memorial Chapel.
Medicom
For information purposes, Mr. Shea announced that Medicom is making rate changes within their service area of the County.
Board of License Commissioners
The telephone system belonging to the Board was discovered to be inoperable and in need of replacement, total cost $1528.13. Mr. Shea advised that he authorized the expenditure under emergency provisions and requests Council approval. On motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, Council approved the expenditure. The expenditure is expected to be recovered from income in the License Board account however this is the beginning of the fiscal year and funds are not available. If funds are not available by the end of the fiscal year, Mr. Shea will request a Contingency Transfer.
Community Development Block Grant
Mr. Sarbanes announced that
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
Statement
of Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all
Patricia Petersen, Director, submitted the Financial Report.
Total General Fund balance as of
William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund
For information purposes, the official result of the State
audit has been received and no material non-compliances were reported. A copy of the report has been forwarded to
the volunteer companies in
Permits to Operate
Ms. Petersen requested approval of two campground applications, Sandy Hill Family Campground, Inc. and Woodlawn Campground. Upon motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved.
Proposed Legislation: Mrs. Petersen recalled at its
meeting of August 2, 2005 Council received notification from the State of
Maryland of its intent to propose legislation that would allow for the
increase of the percentage of investments of State and County funds in
commercial paper from 5% up to 20%. Mrs. Petersen stated Council’s motion was
not reflective of the intended action and requested correction.
On motion made by Mrs. Bartkovich, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and
unanimously carried, Council voted not to support the State legislation
regarding investment in commercial paper.
The Sharptown
Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) submitted their grant certification and listed
9 paramedics. However, it appears that all of the paramedics are
part-time, and cover 2 shifts
Mrs. Bartkovich recalled that October is the month checks are distributed to volunteer fire companies and, in accordance to Wicomico County Code Chapter 39, Fire and Ambulance Companies Rescue Squad, financial statements must be submitted prior to receiving the appropriation. Council instructed Mr. Shea to send a letter of reminder to the companies.
Proposed Legislation
Mrs. Bartkovich referred to an excerpt from the Minutes of
August 2, 2005, “If Council is concerned about the risk to the County, an Ordinance
could be adopted to limit the County’s investments in commercial paper to 5%,
keeping in mind that currently the County does not invest in commercial paper
at all. She recalled that Council corrected the
Minutes on the vote, not to support the proposed legislation, but did not vote
on whether the County wanted an Ordinance.
Ms. Petersen said the statement
should include that the Ordinance would have to wait until after the State
passes its legislation and that Council has the option of voicing its concerns
about the State’s intent. Mrs.
Bartkovich requested and received confirmation from 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 July 31, 2005.
P. Rai Sharma, Director, reviewed the following items of business for Council’s consideration.
Notification
has been sent to the Daily Times that
Mr.
Sharma is in receipt of a Press Release advising that the
Mr.
Sharma received a request from
Mr.
Sharma announced that
Tire
Amnesty Day
Tire Amnesty Day in
EDGAR A. BAKER, JR.,
Public Hearing- Lease Agreement
Notice is hereby given in compliance with Section 22-2 (G)
of the Wicomico County Code that the County Council of Wicomico County will
hear public comment on its proposal to consider a Lease Agreement between the
Wicomico County Airport Commission and Perdue Farms, Inc., in which Perdue
proposes to lease from the Wicomico County Airport Commission an area
consisting of 75,334 square feet upon which Perdue will construct a 10,400
square foot building to be used as an airplane hangar and for the normal and
allied purposes connecting with housing and maintaining airplanes owned by
Lessee. The proposed Lease is for a term
of Twenty (20) years at the conclusion of which time Perdue shall convey the
improvements to the County and retain first right to rent at the then market
rate. The rental shall be as set forth
in the lease, escalating at a rate of 2% per year.
Public Comment:
Mr. Kenneth Holland asked for and received the location (by diagram) of the proposed site.
Council Comments:
Mrs. Bartkovich asked if there was a hangar on the other
side and if it would be retained. Mr. Bryant explained that Perdue entered into
a lease agreement with the County more than twenty five years ago, where they
built the hangar they currently occupy.
Perdue had the option of a ten year renewal but demands have exceeded
the hangar’s capacity. At the end of their
original term (former lease) ownership reverts to the County allowing the
County to bid the hangar to another aircraft operator, for which Mr. Bryant
already has demand. Mr. Dashiell added
that the Commission has worked extensively to put together an Agreement which
the County and Perdue agree; a very positive step to continue the working relationship.
On motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved the Lease Agreement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council voted to enter Legislative Session. Legislative Session Minutes are separately maintained from Executive Session and are public information.
Legislative Minutes- July 19, 2005
Mr. Long motioned to approve the Legislative Minutes of
Legislative Bill 2005-1 – Bond Bill
On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council voted to adopt Bill 2005-1.
With business concluded, upon motion of Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Dodd with unanimous Council approval, the Legislative Session was adjourned.
The Village at
Messrs. John Natelson, Developer, Gary W. Mackes, Director, Recreation, Parks and Tourism and Dave Ryan, Director of Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development.
Mr. Baker recalled Council adopted legislation at the
recommendation of Bond Counsel, which authorized the County to participate in a
(TIF) Tax Increment Financing Act. By Resolution, the County pledges the tax
income from the increment to be deposited into a Special Revenue Fund
maintained by the City of
An exchange of dialogue between Council members and the
developer resulted in an agreement on the first two considerations. Mr. Natelson reiterated that the County has
the right to approve specifications for the construction of the parking lot,
including lighting and landscaping. The
Public Works Engineer stated that a minimum of 2 inch compacted asphalt, with
the County having the authority to approve the final specifications, is
agreeable and is what is generally used throughout the County. Mr. Natelson
confirmed the greenway parcel will be developed and maintained by the developer
however the land will still belong to the County. Mr. Natelson expressed concern for the Hotel
and
DEPARTMENT OF
PLANNING, ZONING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Gloria Smith, Planner, presented the following item:
Public Hearing:
Establishment of
In accordance to procedures established by the
E. B. Helfrich Land Trust District –
Malone Farms District –
David and Rebecca Calloway District –
JAN WISEMAN,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREATER
Mr. Wiseman came before Council to present an update on
Urban River Project Two (North Prong) and to request a Letter of Support for
the Priority Places application due by
Mrs. Bartkovich called attention to an indication by the task force that the best use for the area in question is a combination of residential, retail and light commercial businesses and, that Farmers and Planters is commercial. Mr. Long, who sits on the Planning Commission, stated that Farmers and Planters can remain in perpetuity. The zoning change will affect new businesses.
Public Comments:
Mr. Kenneth Holland expressed concern that this area retains
its reputation for being the second largest seaport in the State of
The record acknowledges that Mr. Fred Geiger wished to make a public comment but wanted press in attendance and left the Chamber in search of the media. President Sarbanes continued the meeting.
Mr. Charles Otto, Farmers and Planters, commented that their letter was sent to Council to bring awareness to the project and its vision. Mr. Idell told Council he has no problem with the mission statement which is to improve the North Prong however if the vision is to construct housing rather than enhance commercial activity he doesn’t see that as economically viable.
There being no further business to come before the County Council the meeting was adjourned to reconvene in an Open Work Session.
______________________________________
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