Wicomico County, Maryland
Council Minutes
August 17, 2004
The Wicomico County Council
met in Executive Session on
Mr. Sarbanes called the meeting to order and asked for
additions or corrections to the Minutes.
On motion of Mrs. Bartkovich, seconded by Mr. Long, Council approved the
Minutes of
Theodore E. Shea, II reviewed the following items of business for Council’s consideration.
The Humane Society requests that
The Board of Education requests an extension date to
Sheriff R. Hunter Nelms and Lt. Todd Richardson appeared before Council to advise that Nason Construction has applied for a final payment of $89,828. Sheriff Nelms and the architects recommend payment, stating that security issues and all items on the punch list have been satisfactorily addressed. Mrs. Bartkovich referred to floor tiles in the Education/Administration building that had to be replaced prior to the arrival of the first class of candidates. The floor had been waxed and the color was not uniform; therefore the new facility, built with taxpayer funds, should not be accepted in this state. She recommended that the floor should be returned to the original color. Sheriff Nelms replied that the floor issue can be resolved in-house and would not justify withholding final payment. In addition, floor repair expenses incurred would be offset by per Diem reimbursements. Mrs. Bartkovich asked what funding source would be used for any future repairs, since the warranty is now expired. The Sheriff replied that there is an $80,000 budget item to cover maintenance and contract. Following discussion, Mrs. Prettyman stated she would rely on the Sheriff’s assessment that the floor can be corrected. Mrs. Prettyman motioned to approve final payment, which was seconded by Mr. Long. The motion was duly carried with six favorable votes and Mrs. Bartkovich voting “no”.
On
Mr. Shea announced that Rosemary O’Connor has joined the staff of the Administrative Office, filling the vacancy created by resignation of Glenda Roberts.
A public notice will appear in the Daily Times newspaper on August 24th announcing the County Council will hold a performance evaluation session with Comcast Cablevision. The notice will provide a list of topics for discussion however the public may add topics by notifying the County Administrative Director at least five business days prior to the meeting.
August 2004 will culminate the terms of Ed Urban and Jack Cragg. Mr. Urban has expressed his desire to be reappointed, Mr. Cragg does not wish to be reappointed. On motion made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council reappointed Ed Urban and agreed to advertise the remaining vacancy.
For information purposes, Mr. Shea reported that he, President Sarbanes and Patricia Petersen, Director of Finance, met with Fitch, Moody, and Standard and Poors, the bond rating agencies; ratings will be received in September. Topics of discussion included revenue sources, the County’s operating under a revenue cap, the ability to increase the Rainy Day and Pension Funds, the consortium on health care with the Board of Education and City of Salisbury, the airport’s runway extension, developmental excise tax and impact fees, restoration of highway users funds and employment diversity. Ms. Petersen wished to bring to Council’s attention that discussions were held regarding increase costs for teacher pensions.
Statement of Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all County Funds
Total General Fund balance, $848,700; Capital Project Fund balance, $29,375,406; Total Major Non-designated Funds, $47,799,674; and Total Reserve Funds of $6,170,187. Ms. Petersen advised that there have been no transactions for the Contingency Fund therefore, the balance remains at $900,000.
Grass-cutting
Ms. Petersen requested payment to Chesapeake Service in the
amount of $200 for grass cutting at
The Powellville Volunteer Fire Department has satisfied terms and conditions to employ a full-time paramedic. Ms. Petersen suggested that, while they do not have a single full-time paramedic, the use of several people to fill the position is equivalent. She recommends granting funds for one full-time paramedic in the amount of $42,000 then determine how funding would be appropriated for the second full-time paramedic, at $21,000. Mrs. Bartkovich stated the part-time coverage is split with Willards Volunteer Fire Department. Following discussion, on motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, Council agreed to pay for one full-time paramedic in the amount of $42,000 and requested Ms. Petersen investigate whether Willards has been paid its share of the second paramedic. The motion was unanimously carried.
The Powellville Volunteer Fire Department has submitted an invoice in the amount of $5,379 for workers compensation. The invoice reflects a premium adjustment in the amount of $847. Ms. Petersen asked Council what amount she should pay (Council appropriated $5,000 for each department). She was instructed to make payment in the amount of $4,532.
Highlights of Significant Financial Transactions
John Ellis, Chief Financial Accountant, reviewed the referenced report citing year-to-date figures for collected and uncollected taxes, investment interest, recordation tax revenue and enterprise account revenues. Year-to-date revenues represent approximately 42% of the current budget and expenditures reflect 9% of the current budget.
P. Rai Sharma, Director, reviewed the following items of business for Council’s consideration.
At its May 2004 meeting Council heard the report that
medical professionals at
Council previously approved the conduct of a traffic study
to determine the necessity for further attention at the intersection of
Mr. Sharma announced the State of
Methane Gas Plant
Mr. Sharma reported that he and Council member Edward Taylor
toured the Genco Plant in
Parker Pond Homeowner Association requests a partial pond draw down the first week of October 2004, for a period of six to eight week to perform annual shoreline maintenance. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, the request was approved.
Parker & Associates request to post a construction bond for Essex Ridge Subdivision Section Five to allow recordation of the plat and to obtain building permits; no occupancy permits are granted until all construction is completed and approved by the Department of Public Works. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously carried, Council approved the request.
Mr. Sharma reported the Commander Fifth Coast Guard District has received an application from Wicomico County Public Works for the replacement of the Wetipquin Road Bridge over Wetipquin Creek. The proposed navigational clearances are the same as the existing bridge; vertical clearances are 8 feet at mean low water and 6 feet at mean high water, with a horizontal clearance of 14 feet. Interested parties are requested to express their views in writing giving sufficient detail to establish a clear understanding of their reasons for support of or opposition to, the proposed work. Comments should be received by August 31st.
Wicomico County Roads Division must replace an aging drainage pipe that crosses under Whitehaven Road. This pipe is located 520’south of Mezick Road, is marked with white paint on the road and also with signs on the road shoulders. The road must be closed to traffic for one day (August 19) between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm (weather permitting). The ferry will be closed for the day to the general public but will be available for use by any Whitehaven resident needing to leave or return to their residence through Somerset County.
Mr. Sarbanes complimented the Roads Division on behalf of residents in the Rustic Acres area. Mr. Taylor asked if recent rains caused any slope damage at the landfill, to which Mr. Sharma responded there was none, that the overgrown vegetation has stabilized the slopes. Mr. Dodd referred to a letter addressed to him that requested the donation of mulch, which he did not receive. While Mr. Sharma met the citizen’s request, Mr. Shea expressed that he was not aware Mr. Dodd did not receive the letter. Mr. Dodd asked that an effort be made to correct any breakdown in mail delivery.
Resolution No 580
Mr. Baker requested Council approve Resolution No. 580, providing for the issuance and sale by Wicomico County, Maryland of Five Million Dollars in general obligation, fully registered bonds to be designated as Consolidated Public Improvement Bonds of 2004, second issue. The bonds will finance all or a portion of the costs of the following projects: community college building projects, a financial management system for the County Finance Department, school planning, design, construction, acquisition and improvement projects. The Resolution authorizes the Administrative Director, together with recommendation of the County’s Financial Advisor and Director of Finance, to make any award of the bonds on behalf of the County. Bonds will be sold by electronic bid only; historically a parity system allowed both written and electronic bids. On motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved Resolution No. 580.
Mary Ashanti, President, NAACP for Wicomico County called attention to a Housing Authority Board vacancy, to which Mr. Shea responded has been referred to the Executive Director, inclusive of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) mandate to stagger terms. Further, that board members serve until such time as their successor is appointed. Mrs. Ashanti also expressed her desire to have board members meet with Council on a regular basis during its Executive Sessions and, that Council would receive a copy of the board’s minutes. Council concurred. She inquired whether a Housing Inspector had been hired and was advised the position is being advertised.
Mrs. Ashanti recalled the problems at the intersection of Jersey and Naylor Mill Roads. She wished to know if a study like the one at Pine Bluff and Camden Avenue had been conducted for this intersection and if not, requested Council authorize the same study. In her opinion the 4-way stop signs are no longer sufficient for the increased traffic.
Mr. Dodd motioned by authority of Section 10-508a of the State Government Articles of the Annotated Code of Maryland that, Council enter into closed session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried.
The County Council’s agenda scheduled a work session to discuss proposed legislation however the following discussion ensued and Council members determined a work session was not required.
Mrs. Bartkovich requested title clarification for the committee that will study emergency services. A recent news release referred to Public Safety Districts rather than Fire Safety Districts, as offered by the consultant. Mrs. Bartkovich stated she preferred Public Safety Districts. Mr. Sarbarnes suggested Council discuss during its work session with the consultant.
Mr. Sarbanes announced the Maryland Association of Counties Conference would begin on Wednesday, August 18th . During the conference PAC 14 (formerly Access26) will conduct selected interviews with Philip Tilghman, host of One-on-One.
With no further business to come before Council the meeting was adjourned.
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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
Minutes of August 17, 2004
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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