Wicomico County, MD
  Council Minutes
November 21, 2006

 

The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland met in Executive Session on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland.  Present were: Anthony Sarbanes, President,

Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Vice President, Edward T. Taylor, Stevie Prettyman,

Gail M. Bartkovich, and Larry W. Dodd. Councilman Marvin R. Long joined the meeting in progress.

 

President Sarbanes brought the meeting to order calling for the approval of the Minutes of November 7, 2006. Mrs. Prettyman abstained due to her absence and Mrs. Bartkovich reminded Council she attended half the meeting. On a unanimous confirmation for approval, the Minutes were adopted by those present.     

 

President Sarbanes recognized the members of the 2006-2010 Wicomico County Council-elect: John Cannon, William McCain, Sheree Sample-Hughes; and Salisbury City Council member, Debbie Campbell. President Sarbanes also acknowledge the political involvement of Brenda Hughey-Jones and Michael Pretl.

 

Recognizing this as the last meeting of the Wicomico County Council for the term of office served 2002-2006, Council members, staff and members of the community exchanged appreciations throughout the meeting for support during the Council’s term of office.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

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

 

Wicomico County Partnership for Families and Children: Local Management Board

Beverly Ward requests permission to receive funds (available December 1st) from the

U. S. Attorney’s Office in the amount of $45,800 for youth art programs at four locations in Wicomico County; West Side Youth Club, East Salisbury Elementary, Salisbury Urban Ministries and Wesley Temple United Methodist Church. Upon motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council granted permission.  For information purposes, Ms. Ward announced the Local Management Board was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $200,000 from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, to develop a Gang Reduction Plan for Wicomico County.   

 

Gary W. Mackes, Director, Wicomico Youth and Civic Center

Joined by Tourism Board Chair Michael Delano, Mr. Mackes came before Council regarding the Civic Center’s restoration plan, presented during a work session on November 7, 2006.  The plan received preliminary concurrence and he requests official action; which requires the transfer of $140,000 from the Civic Center budget (ended June 30, 2006) to the Civic Center’s Restoration “Sinking Fund”. Further, to proceed with capital projects totaling $5Million Dollars, made possible by leveraging $245,000 collected annually from hotel room tax, admission fees and restoration fees, sell $2.5 Million Dollars in General Obligation bonds, and to seek a match from the State.   Mr. Mackes also requests a letter to the Eastern Shore Delegation requesting this proposal be incorporated in the upcoming Governor’s budget. Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried by those present, Council agreed to forward the letter. Mr. Dashiell then motioned approval to make the transfer of funds which was seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried.  

 

At this point Councilman Long joined the meeting.

 

Board of Education - Budget Transfers

Brian Foret, Director of Facilities and E. Bruce Ford, Comptroller, came before Council.

Mr. Shea reported a request to make budget transfers between the major categories of the Board’s approved Annual Budget in the amount of $21,888. Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council approved the request. For information purposes, Mr. Shea reported the Board gave its approval to make transfers of funds within major categories of its Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007, in the amount of $18,000; transfers within major categories do not require Council approval. In accordance with a “gentlemen’s agreement” to make transfers under $1,000 between categories, the Board transferred $200. 

 

Letter of Intent - Public School Construction FY 2008  

Mr. Shea requested Council’s approval to forward a letter to Dr. David Lever, State of Maryland Public School Construction Program, indicating that the County will fund its Capital Budget to the extent necessary to maintain consistency with the State shared formula for State approved projects. State approved projects are Prince Street Elementary School in the amount of $259M and Bennett High School $14M, total project. Mr. Foret told Council the Board will continue discussions with the Interagency Committee on Public School Construction through the month of December to work out details and finalities of the request, to include the impact to the Bennett project if the Board elongates the construction schedule. Upon motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved forwarding the letter.

 

Wicomico County Liquor Control Board

Board members H. Stewart Haemel, Chairman; Cecelia Dennis, Vice Chairman and Ronald Alessi, Sr., Secretary, together with Victor H. Laws, III, Attorney, and Justin Collins, Store Manager came before Council to propose legislation that would increase the salaries of Board members for increased responsibility and time to $6,000 for the Chair and $5,000 for members other than the Chair. Mr. Laws explained the Liquor Control Board is an autonomous State board and returns its net profits to Wicomico County and, that the increase is comparable to other Boards, such as the Liquor License Commissioners who licenses restaurants and stores. Mrs. Prettyman expressed her opinion for disparities between the two authorities, that the level of authority is not the same. Mr. Taylor then offered a motion for approval.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Dodd and duly carried with Mrs. Prettyman voting no for the reasons stated.

 

 

 

 

Wicomico County Commission on Aging

Upon motion made by Mrs. Prettyman, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Rhonda Evans and Natalie Hopson were appointed to serve as members on the Commission on Aging.

 

Indigent Burial

Mr. C. Glenn Messick III, Messick Funeral Home, has submitted a request for assistance in the indigent burial of Shelton Rudolph Nutter. Accompanying the request is certification required by the County. Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, Council authorized the transfer of $400 from its Contingency Fund. (Note: this request was approved on October 17, 2006.  The check was not remitted)

 

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Patricia B. Petersen, Director, presented the following items of business:

 

Statement of Latest Investment Rates/Balances for all County Funds report, as follows: 

Total General Fund Balance:                 $  3,542,941

Capital Projects Fund:                          $67,906,532

Total Major non-designated Funds:       $96,813,220

Total Reserves:                         $16,619,715

Contingency Appropriation:                  $     959,200    

Impact Fee Report- Y-T-D                  $     303,316 (total since inception $399,616)

 

FY 2006 State Fire Protection Grant

The State has advised that Wicomico County will receive $229,062 in Fire Protection Grant funds this fiscal year. The City of Salisbury and the Town of Delmar qualified for minimum allocations and have waived their rights therefore fourteen volunteer fire companies will receive $16,361.57.

 

Nuisance Code Enforcement:  Mrs. Petersen recalled that 700 Rose Street was sold at tax sale. The buyer of this derelict property has made no attempt to improve the property therefore, in accordance with Nuisance Code Enforcement the property was cleaned at a cost of $1475 and she requests permission to pay the contractor. Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dashiell, and unanimously carried, Council granted approved.

 

Highlights of Significant Financial Transactions

John Ellis, Chief Accountant, reviewed the referenced report citing year-to-date figures for collected and uncollected taxes, investment interest, recordation tax revenue and enterprise account revenues through October 31, 2006.

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, ROADS, SOLID WASTE

P. Rai Sharma, Director, submitted the following items of business:

 

 

Subdivision:                  Re-subdivision for Elliott

Location:                      Zion Church Road

Applicant:                     John Plummer & Associates

Owner(s):                     Elliott Development Partnership

 

The applicant proposes to re-subdivide an existing lot into two lots. One lot will be 5.0 acres and the other will be 3.6acres.  Both lots will front and have access on Zion Church Road, which is classified as a major collector. The new lot will constitute the third inherent lot and would have been approved administratively if it were not a pipestem lot. Although subdivision regulations discourage the creation of pipe stem lots, the Planning Commission can allow up to two per parcel. If approved, the front building setback lines need to be established on both lots. Proposed Conditions: 1) the final plat shall comply with the subdivision regulations 2) Health Department approval is required 3) the subdivision shall comply with Forest Conservation Regulations as administered by the Planning Office 4) the front building setbacks for pipestem lots shall be as established by the Planning Commission 5) an ingress/egress easement shall be established on all three lots to serve the three lots.  The Department of Public Works recommends approval of this subdivision by the Planning Commission, subject to the proposed conditions being met. Council concurred.

 

Subdivision:                  Subdivision for Hanna

Location:                      John Deere Drive

Applicant:                     Parker & Associates

Owner(s):                     JD Hanna LLC & JD Twilley LLC

 

The applicant proposes to subdivide an existing parcel into sixteen lots averaging 1.4 acres each, and a common area.  All proposed lots will front and have access on John Deere Drive which is a state service road. A sketch plat was reviewed by the Planning Commission on June 15, 2006. At that time it was recommended that a substantial wooded buffer remain along Beaver Dam Creek and a comprehensive landscaping plan be created for this development. Road right-of-way should be provided to allow for the extension of John Deere Drive to Walston Switch Road.  The subdivision regulations discourage the creation of pipestem lots, limited to two per parcel, Planning Commission approval is required. There appears to be more than adequate frontage to avoid the creation of pipestem lots. Proposed Conditions: 1) the final plat shall comply with the subdivision regulations 2) Health Department approval is required 3) the subdivision shall comply with Forest Conservation Regulations as administered by the Planning Office 4) construction improvement plans shall be submitted for approval to the Public Works Department.  Adequate drainage and maintenance easements, as well as a flood protection setback must be provided  5) a property owners association shall be created to maintain the storm water management facilities, drainage and maintenance easements, landscaped medians, and forest conservation easements in accordance with County policy 6) a Landscaping Plan shall be provided for his business park as directed by the Planning Commission 7) the storm water management facilities shall be located on common area owned and maintained by the property owners association 8) City approval is required per the recorded pre-annexation agreement 9) this property is subject to the restrictions of the Airport Overlay District 10) the proposed lots shall be configured to avoid creation  of a pipe stem lot.  The Department of Public Works recommends approval of this subdivision by the Planning Commission subject to the proposed conditions being met. Council concurred.

 

EDGAR A. BAKER, JR., COUNTY ATTORNEY

 

PUBLIC HEARING:  Notice is hereby given in compliance with the Wicomico County Code that the County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland will hear public comment to the proposal to amend the existing License Agreement dated June 5, 1997 with Harvard Custom Manufacturing, Inc., restricting a portion thereof for open space to permit the expansion of the existing building, located on the southerly side of Glen Avenue and known as 600 Glen Avenue. As consideration for the amendment, Harvard Custom Manufacturing, Inc. shall license an area substantially equal in size to the County on the southerly line of Harvard’s property.  The amendment and license exchange is for the purpose of promoting industrial development. David Ryan, Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development Director reiterated the purpose for expansion of the facility, that jobs would be added, and that the County’s contribution would give the County an equivalent amount of space on the southerly side in exchange for the License Agreement.  There were no public or Council comments. Upon motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council granted approval.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:  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 comment on the proposal to accept a deed for no consideration from Phillip L. Potts, Brian H. Potts, individually and as Trustee of the Residuary Trust U/w Freda F. Potts for the following described parcel of land: All those lots, tracts or parcels of land lying and being in the Salisbury Election District as shown on a plat entitled “Right Of Way” Survey for Westside Collector Road, Phase I, Salisbury Election District, Wicomico County, Maryland dated November 9, 2005, prepared by McCrone Land Planning and Surveying.

 

There were no public comments.  Mr. Long asked where this acquisition moves the goal to completion.  Mr. Sharma responded the road is divided into three phases; this is the first phase and was acquired at no cost to the County.  President Sarbanes and Council members wished to publicly thank the Potts family for this generous contribution. Mr. Dodd seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. 

 

Official Intent Resolution

Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried, Council adopted a Resolution declaring the official intent of Wicomico County, Maryland to reimburse capital expenditures to be incurred with respect to a certain manufacturing facility to be owned and operated by Harvard Custom Manufacturing, Inc. with the proceeds of bonds to be issued by Wicomico County, Maryland.  Wicomico County at no time has any fiscal responsibility for the funding and the developer of the project pays all fees.  In order the move the project forward, Harvard will advance monies for studies and construction. In order to do so they need an Official Intent Resolution to be reimbursed.

 

Subdivision:                  Whaley’s Run

Location:                      Mt. Hermon Church Road

Applicant:                     Parker & Associates

Owner(s):                     Mt. Hermon Church LLC

 

The applicant proposes to subdivide an existing parcel into twenty-seven lots, averaging 1.2 acres each and a 45.6 acre common area and 2.6 acres of roads. All lots in this section will front and have access on proposed interior streets. A sketch plat was reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 22, 2006.  At that time it was recommended that the final plat clearly note the potential for low-flying aircraft and its associated noise, and a  significant wooded buffer around the development beyond the lots. However, a large portion of this buffer is shown as easements on the lots.  Since transfer of development rights are not allowed to be transferred in the airport radius area, five lots shown on the sketch plat have been eliminated.  Off-site road improvements may be required as part of the construction improvement plans. The three inherent lots are being reviewed administratively, should become part of the homeowners association and have limited access from both corner lots to the proposed interior street.  Proposed conditions:  

1) the final plat shall comply with the subdivision regulations 2) Health Department approval is required 3) the subdivision shall comply with Forest Conservation Regulations as administered by the Planning Office 4) construction improvements plans shall be submitted for approval to the Public Works Department. Adequate drainage and maintenance easements must be provided 5) a Homeowners Association shall be created to maintain the stormwater management facility, drainage and maintenance easements and forest conversation easements.  Inclusion of the inherent lots is strongly recommended 6) the corner lots shall have denied direct vehicular access to Mt. Hermon Church Road 7) the adjacent lots shall have denied direct vehicular access to the l5’ right-of-way located just west of this development. The Department of Public Works recommends approval of this subdivision by the Planning Commission subject to the proposed conditions being met.  Council concurred with the recommendations, to include their agreement that the developer share costs associated with improving the road.

 

Subdivision:                  Villages at Nutters Crossing

Location:                      Snow Hill Road & Nutters Cross Road

Applicant:                     Parker & Associates

Owner(s):                     Thomas H. Ruark

 

The applicant proposes to develop five existing parcels into 749 dwelling units consisting of 287 single family units, 168 duplex units, 186 townhouse units and 108 condominium flats.  Approximately 30 acres of roads, 86 acres of open space, 3 acres of community area, 90 acres of treatment area and two opportunity sites totaling 3 acres will also be created.  Three residential lots are proposed to front and have access on Nutters Cross Road which is classified as a major collector.  The two opportunity sites will front and have access on Snow Hill Road, a state highway and the proposed entrance road.  The remainder of the dwelling units will front and have access to proposed interior streets.  The Salisbury bypass is a state highway with controlled access.  No units will have access on the highway or Johnson Road which is classified as a major collector. A sketch plat for this property was reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 18, 2005.  At that time it was recommended that all lots be served by interior streets. The three lots still shown with access to Nutters Cross Road should be reconfigured or eliminated. It was also noted that some off-site road improvements may be necessary, such as construction of acceleration/deceleration lanes, removal of the abandoned section of Nutters Cross Road, installation of a traffic signal on Snow Hill Road and easing of the sharp curve on Nutters Cross Road.  A traffic impact study is necessary to assess and address potential impacts created by this development.  Proposed conditions: 

1) the final plat shall comply with the subdivision regulations 2) Health Department approval is required 3) the subdivision shall comply with Forest Conservation Regulations as administered by the Planning Office 4) construction improvements plans shall be submitted for approval to the Public Works Department. Adequate drainage and maintenance easements must be provided. Additional road right-of-way, acceleration/deceleration lane, closure of the abandoned portion of Nutters Cross Road, easing of the sharp curve and a traffic study will be required  5) a Homeowners Association shall be created to maintain the stormwater management facility, drainage and maintenance easements and forest conversation easements 6) a note referring to the Right to Farm Chapter of the County Code shall be placed on the final plat 7) direct vehicular access to the Salisbury bypass, Snow hill Road, Johnson Road and Nutters Cross Road shall be denied 8) a special exception will be required for the duplexes, townhouses and condominium flats 9) use of a private water and sewer system will require creation of an Urban Service District, an amendment to the County’s Water & Sewer Plan and permits from the Maryland Department of the Environment 10) the Elisha Parker family graveyard and its access must be delineated on the final plat 11) the entire property is located within the Airport Overlay District and is subject to the restrictions of the Horizontal Surface 12) that portion of the property located within the 100 Year Floodplain must comply with state and local floodplain regulations. The treatment facilities must be located outside of the floodplain 13) a dense landscaped buffer shall be retained and/or planted along the Salisbury bypass to serve as both a sound and visual barrier.  The Department of Public Works recommends approval of this subdivision by the Planning Commission subject to the proposed conditions being met.  Council concurred.  

 

Continuation of the Public Hearing held on November 7, 2006 – The Orchard

A public hearing was held on November 7, 2006 for an amendment to the Wicomico County Water and Sewer Plan, allowing inclusion of a mixed use development. The Orchard (Hearne Property), located near South Division Street and Dykes Road will consist of office space, retail and residential condominium units and will be served by public water and sewer from the City of Salisbury, with an estimated water and sewer usage of approximately 119,000 gallons per day.

 

Jerry Friedel, Consultant, Davis, Bowen-Friedel; John Jacobs, Director of Public Works for the City of Salisbury and Steve Smethurst, Attorney representing The Orchard, came before Council to entertain any questions regarding the amendment and the City’s ability to provide water and sewer to this project. Following an exchange of dialogue, Mr. Jacobs confirmed that the City of Salisbury has capacity to include this project, pending projects, and those projects under construction known to the City.    

 

Dorothy Truitt, resident, expressed her concerns over increased development and water capacities. 

 

Dr. Augustine DiGiovanna, Salisbury University retired, called attention to the increased student population at the university and that it could have an impact on water capacity.

 

On a roll call vote, Mrs. Bartkovich, yes; Mr. Long, yes; Mr. Dodd, yes; Mr. Taylor, yes; Mr. Dashiell, yes; Mrs. Prettyman no, and President Sarbanes, yes, Council approved the amendment, to include an Agreement between the City of Salisbury and the developer.

Mrs. Prettyman expressed concern that the County is assuming eligible capacity to the developer, that during recent campaigns the most important issue was growth; that the sitting Council should conclude its business and see what direction the Council-elect takes.  She is uncomfortable with the capacity issue and feels the matter should be discussed further.

 

Streets to be Taken into the County System

Mr. Sharma reported the developer of Steeple Chase Subdivision, Section 6, Crooked Oak Lane, has completed the work on Saddle, Arabian and Equestrian Drives. The road has been constructed to County Standards and he recommends taking the streets into the County system for maintenance.  Upon motion Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried, Council accepted the recommendation.

 

Miscellaneous Public Works Items

Dredging Project for Wicomico River:  Funding is anticipated within the next month, with dredging to begin in January 2007.

 

Rewastico Farm Bridge Project: Three bids received ranging from $384-$742,000, the low bid from Somerset Paving and Marine.  Upon motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council awarded the bid to Somerset Paving and Marine, in the amount of $384,280.15.

 

Newland Park Landfill: Mr. Sharma recalled discussion during the October 17th meeting, regarding work on two additional cells which brings the total number of cells to four; the landfill is comprised of approximately 100 acres and has a capacity for ten cells.  Mr. Sharma informed Council that he is now aware of the quantity needed, which will require a transfer of $750,000 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Account.  Upon motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried, Council granted approval.  Mr. Sharma also recalled the department rented a trammel (a mechanical screen that separates the waste from the soil) at a cost of $75,000.  Recognizing the department’s need for the equipment he negotiated costs with the company; who will allow the rental fee to be used toward purchasing the equipment.  Mr. Sharma requests a transfer from the Enterprise Account in the amount of $145,000, the balance to pay the $220,000 cost. Upon motion made by Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council approved the transfer.

 

Wetipquin Bridge:  The project is on schedule and the State is nearing approval of the final plans.  For information purposes, Mr. Sharma informed Council that a telephone cable had to be relocated for which he negotiated costs with Verizon; independent of the State Highway Administration, he had the cable relocated at a cost of $44,000.  Funding is in place and no fiscal request is needed.

 

South Division Street:  Contractor ahead of schedule; weather permitting the street is proposed to be open within two weeks. 

 

EDGAR A. BAKER, JR., COUNTY ATTORNEY

 

Proposed Resolution - Extending Sunset Date for Tax Increment Financing Act

A Resolution of the County of Wicomico County, Maryland, extending the sunset date set forth in Section 9 of Bill No. 2005-3, adopted by the County Council on March 15, 2005, from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2009, as permitted by said Section 9 and amending Section 7 of the Resolution adopted by the County Council on August 16, 2005 to extend the sunset date set forth in such Section from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2009, providing that the provisions of this Resolution shall be liberally construed; and providing for the continuation in full force an defect of Bill No. 2005-3 and the Resolution, except as otherwise provided hereby.  Mr. Baker recalled Bond Counsel for Wicomico County recommended when the project began, that legislation be enacted authorized the Contribution Agreement hence Bill 2005-3.  Subsequently, a Resolution indicating the County would contribute its Tax Increment to the fund setup by the City of Salisbury, under certain requirements and agreement; put into a TIF Agreement.  The Agreement, finalized in December 2005 has not been fully executed. The Agreement would provide that the sunset provision would automatically be extended if the City extended theirs.  However, bond Counsel feels since the Bill and the Resolution did not include this language that a new Resolution should be passed extending the sunset. Council expressed concerns regarding the project including, growth issues, economic impact, that to date neither the City of Salisbury nor Planning and Zoning has accepted the plan. Mr. Taylor recalled Council started the project, supported the concept and he motioned to continue it. He then withdrew the motion and Mr. Dodd motioned to table.  Mrs. Prettyman seconded the motion.  On a roll call vote to table, Mrs. Bartkovich, yes, Mr. Long, yes, Mr. Dodd, yes, Mr. Dashiell, no, Mrs. Prettyman, yes, Mr. Taylor, yes and President Sarbanes, no. The motion to table passed on a vote of five affirmative votes and two nos.

 

Mrs. Prettyman was not in the room for the next two agenda items.

 

Prince George County – Alcoholic Beverages in Places of Public Entertainment and Unlicensed Establishments

At the request of Councilmember Bartkovich, Mr. Baker reported that during the 2006 Session Prince George’s County proposed adding law to Article 2B – Alcoholic Beverages, that prohibits certain persons who operate a business establishment for profit in Prince George’s County from knowingly allowing customers to bring alcoholic beverages for consumption into the establishment; defining certain terms: establishing a certain penalty; and generally relating to alcoholic  beverages in places of public entertainment and unlicensed establishments in Prince George’s County.  Mr. Baker stated the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County has reviewed the proposed legislation and determined it to be a valuable tool. Mr. Baker inquired whether Council wishes to ask our Delegation to include Wicomico County in the proposal. Upon motion made by Mrs. Bartkovich, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council agreed to be included in the legislation.

 

URBAN SERVICES COMMISSION

Upon motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mr. Dodd and unanimously carried, Council voted to conduct an Urban Services Commission meeting.

 

Mr. Sharma presented the following business:

 

Requests for Sewer Bill Adjustment

Sean and Deborah Doolan reside at 616 Fountain Road and are served by the Riverside Urban Services Sanitary Sewer District.  According to the Doolans, a water line to an outside spigot broke; the water did not pass through the sewer.  Mr. Doolan repaired the spigot himself therefore no repair bill is included.  Since the Doolans have resided for only a year, a five year average is not reasonable. Based on the same quarter last year, their normal water and sewer use was 15,000 gallons however the water usage for the aforementioned period was 39,000 gallons.  Mr. Sharma recommends an adjustment for 24,000 gallons at the current rate of $6.72 per 1000 gallons, a reduction of $161.28.  Upon motion made by Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried, Council granted approval.

 

Paul Morris, 1410 Camden Avenue, is served by the Riverside Urban Services Sanitary Sewer District. According to Mr. Morris, there were numerous plumbing repairs completed on October 17, 2006 and feels the sewer bill does not reflect true usage.  A copy of the repair bill from Harold L. Weed Plumbing and Heating Services accompanied the request.  Mr. Morris has resided at this property for a little over a year therefore a year average was not available however during this specific quarter the use was 70,000 gallons.  Mr. Sharma recommends an adjustment for 54,000 gallons of sewer use at the current rate of $6.72 per 1000 gallons, a reduction of $362.88.  Upon motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Dashiell and unanimously carried, Council granted approval.

 

Upon motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mrs. Bartkovich and duly carried, Council entered Executive Session.

 

JACK LENOX, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, ZONING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

Rural Areas Planning Committee

At its meeting of November 7th, the Council endorsed the establishment of a Rural Areas Planning and Implementation Committee.  The following individuals have agreed to serve and Mr. Lenox seeks Council appointment: Councilmember Stevie Prettyman, Corrine LesCallette, John Davis, Brent Kenney, Geno Lowe, Mary Jane Marine, Kim Marino, Kathleen McLain, Hugh McLaughlin, Judith Stribling and Sam Walker.  Upon motion made by Mr. Dashiell, seconded by Mrs. Bartkovich and duly carried, Council appointed the recommended names to the Rural Areas Planning Committee.

 

At this point Mrs. Prettyman returned to the meeting.

 

Public Comment

Dr. Augustine DiGiovanna read a statement to Council and staff in appreciation of their allowing his participation during County meetings and in the governmental processes.

 

Terry Cohen thanked Council for tabling the Tax Increment Financing Agreement, express interest in growth issues, looks forward to the incoming Council finding ways to bolster infrastructure and supporting what is available and, a cooperativeness with the City of Salisbury.  She, too, thanked Council for displaying courtesy and respect to the citizens.

 

Council Comments

 

President Sarbanes shared a preliminary schedule of events for December 5, 2006 when Wicomico County will change governments and elected officials. Mr. Sarbanes stated the Council meeting will most likely begin at 11:00 a.m.

 

Mrs. Bartkovich thanked those who supported her during the election and wished all a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Mr. Dashiell congratulated those who sought elected office but did not win, for their willingness to serve the County in an elected capacity.

 

Mr. Dodd congratulated winning candidates and thanked those who participated in the meeting process.  He, too, wished all a Happy Thanksgiving and encouraged the citizens of Wicomico County to Remember Our Troops!

 

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. Mr. Long motioned to close the meeting; it was seconded by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously carried.

 

There being no further business to come before the Council the meeting was adjourned to 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  

 

 

November 21, 2006