Wicomico County Council Minutes of Meeting

August 6, 2002

 The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland met in Executive Session on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at 10:00 a.m., Council Chambers, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland.  Members in attendance were L. Russell Molnar, President, Rebecca Taylor-White, Vice President, Philip L. Tilghman, Edward T. Taylor, Stevie Prettyman, Marvin R. Long and A. David Ennis.

 Council President Molnar called the meeting to order and asked for additions or changes to the Minutes.  Mrs. Prettyman requested and Council concurred to a clarification regarding non-contiguous transfers and transfer development rights, which is contained in the minutes of July 18, 2002.  The minutes were then accepted. 

Mr. Molnar then called for the Administrative Director’s report.

 ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

 Mr. Theodore E. Shea submitted the following items of business:

 Motel/Campground Permits:   Permits to Operate are renewed annually for all hotels, motels and campgrounds operating in Wicomico County.  The following businesses have met the necessary criteria to obtain a permit, including an inspection by the Health Department:  Traveler Motel; Hampton Inn; Sleep Inn; Delmarva Inn and Convention Center; Super 8 Motel; Best Western Salisbury Plaza; Comfort Inn; Days Inn; Sandy Hill Family Campground; Roaring Point Waterfront Campground; and Woodlawn Family Campground.   On motion of Mr. Long and a second by Mr. Taylor, Council unanimously approved issuance of permits to the referenced businesses.  It should be noted that Mr. Tilghman was absent during this vote.

 Personal Property Tax Exemption Request:  In accordance with State legislation, the East Side Men’s Club, a non-profit organization, requests an exemption on personal property on an annual basis.  Council received written Profit and Loss Statements and a list of charitable donations given by the organization.  Mr. Tilghman requested and Council concurred, to defer action on this request until a representative of East Side Men’s Club could attend a meeting to discuss the financial information.

 Manufacturer’s Tax Exemption Request:  Mr. Ram Potti, Vice President of Trigen Laboratories, Inc., has submitted a written request for an exemption.  Mr. Potti explained that Trigen is a fully owned subsidiary of Trinity Laboratories, Inc., to which a majority of assets were transferred in the conduct of business.  However, accounting personnel at Trinity omitted to apply for a manufacturer’s tax exemption in the name of Trigen, therefore, he is requesting exemptions for years 1999, 2000 and 2001.  Mrs. Prettyman motioned to deny the request, explaining that this is not consistent with Council policy.

Mr. Taylor seconded the motion.   Finance Director Patricia Petersen stated that Council had already granted the 2001 exemption; therefore, they would actually be denying the request for 1999 and 2000.  Council then unanimously denied the request as submitted.

 County Auction:  Mr. Shea referred to memorandums from Solid Waste and Roads Division and the Department of Corrections, requesting the return of proceeds realized from the sale of equipment during the recent County auction. 

                          Roads Division                         $4,926.14

                        Solid Waste Div.                      6,753.15

                        Dept. of Corrections                    937.30

 Mr. Shea reported that most of the surplus equipment sold at auction was purchased by the County and it would be appropriate to return the funds to these departments; however, it is Council’s prerogative to approve the request or return all proceeds to the General Fund.   Mr. Ennis questioned whether this action would apply to all departments that sold items, or limited to these specific requests.  Mr. Shea recommended that Council take action on only those submitted.  Mrs. Prettyman asked why it would not be better to return all auction proceeds to the General Fund.  Mrs. Shea responded that in the past, the proceeds would be automatically returned to the respective departments, but Council should have the option of changing this practice.  Mr. Long motioned to authorize return of the funds to County departments as requested and was seconded by Mr. Tilghman.    Mr. Sharma added that the reason he had requested return of monies to Solid Waste and the Roads Division is because being enterprise operations, neither are part of the General Fund.  Mrs. Prettyman stated that unless the sold equipment was purchased with special monies, she would prefer the funds be returned to the General Fund.  Calling for a vote, Council approved the requests on five favorable votes and two opposing.   Ms. Taylor-White suggested that any further similar requests provide justification for the return of funds.  Mr. Tilghman likened the situation to any department requiring a supplemental appropriation during the fiscal year and the need to present such a request to Council for review.   A final remark by Ms. Taylor-White stressed that, excluding enterprise monies, Council has basically provided additional funds, without justification or accountability.

 Habitat for Humanity:  Michael Donohue, President of the Board of Directors, Habitat on Maryland’s Lower Shore, has submitted a request that Council adopt a Resolution of Support for the organization’s Neighborhood Partnership program.  This program is administered through the Dept. of Housing and Community Development to assist non-profit organizations accessing state tax credits.   These tax credits are then transferred to donating corporations at a rate of 50% of the direct donation to the program.  Council’s adoption of the resolution will help Habitat successfully earn up to $50,000 in tax credits to help secure funding for new homes.   Mr. Taylor motioned to approve Resolution 544, with a second by Ms. Taylor-White. The motion was unanimously carried.

 Healthcare Consortium:  The consortium, comprised of Wicomico County, City of Salisbury and the Board of Education, wish to establish a vehicle for the management of a Rate Stabilization Reserve account.  Upon contacting the Maryland Local Government Investment Pool, an application/agreement to participate and a resolution of the entities of the Healthcare Consortium are presented for approval and execution.  It should be noted that funds for each entity would be held separate.  On a motion by Mr. Tilghman for approval and a second by Mr. Long, approval of the request was unanimously carried.

 Community Access Television Channel 26:  The Board of Directors of Access 26 has determined that the entity’s operational and financial interests would be best served through incorporation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.   The Board has also endorsed a proposed set of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Access 26, Inc.  On motion of Mrs. Prettyman and a second by Mr. Tilghman, Council unanimously approved the referenced Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

 Mr. Tilghman referred to funding pledged by Comcast Cablevision in the amounts of $40,000, $30,000 and $40,000 and Council’s clear wishes that these funds be used to have the Council Chambers wired for broadcast; however, Council has not established its wishes for use of any excess funds from this project.  Mr. Tilghman then motioned that funds not used for the wiring of Council Chambers be allocated to Access 26 Board of Directors for use in capital improvements projects.  Mr. Taylor seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried.  Mr. Shea wished to point out that the funds would not only be used to wire Council Chamber, but to reconfigure the Chamber as well.

 Contract – Inmate Supervision:  John Terrell, Deputy Director and Bob Kreiter, Superintendent of Parks came before Council to explain that during the past three years, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism has retained Aramark Services to provide an inmate supervisor.  While the use of inmate labor for park maintenance tasks has been very efficient, the department has had difficulty in retaining a reliable supervisor and in fact, the current supervisor has resigned.  Mr. Mackes is proposing that the current year’s budgeted salary of $29,000 be used to create a full time position at a salary of $19,470, plus benefits, and still realize a savings.  Vice President Taylor-White motioned, in the interest of stability and savings in cost, to approve the request.  Mr. Taylor seconded the motion.  Calling for discussion, Mrs. Prettyman asked whether the contract with Aramark Services could be cancelled.  Ms. Taylor-White then amended her motion with the stipulation of assuring cancellation of the Aramark contract and

Mr. Taylor amended his second.    Mr. Terrell explained that the department intends to re-classify a Parks employee to Grade 6 to fill this position.  Mr. Kreiter added that another benefit of a full time employee is the ability to eliminate hours lost in re-training another supervisor  provided under the Aramark contract, in addition to lost days of inmate work.  Council then unanimously approved the amended motion.

 Telephone System for GOB and Civic Center.  Mr. Shea asked Fred Harris, Purchasing Agent, to present a proposal to replace the current County telephone system in the Government Office Building that is approximately 28 years old, as well as the Civic Center.  Mr. Harris reviewed a proposal by Telewire, a company with which the County currently has a contract.   One of the more practical reasons to replace the current phone system is because the County simply cannot obtain replacement parts.   The new system for the Government Office Building would allow upgrades and would cost $39,465, no additional phone lines are required and service to all other County facilities for our Centrex lines.  The cost includes installation, training and a one-year warranty on equipment.  Maintenance for years two and three is priced at $3,400 annually. 

Mr. Harris further explained that current rates for labor are $64 per hour and being unable to determine how many service calls might be made the second year, he would recommend that the County defer the second year contract for now.  Mr. Harris then obtained a replacement cost of $29,238 for the phone system in the Civic Center, with a maintenance contract of $2,500 annually.  It should be noted that $42,000 has been budgeted for this fiscal year for the project, which is sufficient.

 Mr. Harris explained that the County has the option of a lease arrangement for equipment only with $42,000 first installment and $14,831.71 annually for years two and three.

Financing may be obtained at 6.5% fixed rate, which would bring the total lease cost to $68,703 over a three- year period.   Mrs. Prettyman asked if the County placed the project out on a Request for Proposal.  Mr. Harris explained that the quote was obtained on a bid in conjunction with the Health Department, in which six phone companies were asked to submit a proposal.  The proposals went through a review process, with three being chosen for further review.  The proposal by Telewire was then accepted and the contract states that any other County agency may “piggyback” onto it.  Mr. Harris reported that Circuit Court plans to use this option and the City of Salisbury already has this phone system in place.   Mrs. Prettyman stated that based on this information, the cost should be reduced with larger participation, to which Mr. Harris responded that the contract was originally bid so that all County departments and agencies could take advantage of the pricing.

Mrs. Prettyman also questioned the installation of a certain number of analog phone sets and the purpose of a particular piece of equipment to be installed in the Civic Center, all to which Mr. Harris provided an explanation.  Mr. Long asked the name of the leasing agency; Mr. Harris responded the name of the company is Municipal Leasing Corporation.  On a final note, Mr. Harris advised that the existing phones shall be purchased by a refurbishing company for parts, at a price between $3.00 and $3.50 per unit.  Mr. Tilghman then motioned that Council accept the proposal for telephone systems for the Government Office Building and the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, equipment only, on a lease basis, for a total of $68,703.   Mr. Long seconded the motion, which was then unanimously carried. 

 Capital Improvements Program/Budget:  Mr. Shea presented the Capital Improvements Program and first year budget, stating it would be in order for Council to approve today, however, prior to that action, Messrs. Charles Bounds and Brian Foret, Board of Education, wished to make a formal request affecting this budget.   Council concurred.

Mr. Bounds referred to the Willards Elementary School project that is well underway and approval for a six-classroom addition to Pittsville Elementary-Middle School.  The Board’s original estimate indicated that a four-classroom addition would be sufficient, however, due to anticipated growth in the area, the Board would like to amend this project to a six-classroom addition.  If the larger addition is built now, the cost will be approximately $275,000-$300,000.   If another 2-classroom addition is constructed at a later time, the cost could increase by $60,000 to $70,000.  Mr. Bounds added that this change would not affect the original bid results.  In addition, this request has the support of the School Building Commission, on which Council member Long serves.  Mr. Long remarked that the School Building Commission strongly supports this approach and then asked Mr. Bounds to confirm the total amount being requested; Mr. Bounds stated $300,000 is a more accurate figure.

 Mr. Long then referred to the County’s Legislative Session schedule and the ability to call a special Legislative Session before October 1, to provide a bond issue funding the Capital Improvements Program, stressing his belief that due to the current financial climate, it is important that the bond issues be returned to their previous time frames in the autumn to assist the County in its cash flow problems.  Mr. Long also referred to using this special Legislative Session to address the placement of a County moratorium on the conversion of single-family dwellings to rental housing.  He then motioned to call a Special Legislative Session for August 22, 2002 for the Capital Improvements bond bill and legislation for the referenced moratorium.  Mr. Taylor seconded the motion.

 President Molnar asked Mr. Long if he would agree to hold the motion until the Board’s request had been acted upon; Mr. Long and Mr. Taylor concurred. 

 President Molnar stated that the Board’s request would increase the proposed first year’s budget from $7.681 million to approximately $7.981 million.  Mr. Long asked Mr. Bounds if there might not be surplus funds in certain Board capital accounts that would be available to fund the project; Mr. Bounds confirmed, but the Board would still have to come before Council to use such funds.  With the project ready to begin, the Board of Education needs some guarantee of funding.  Mr. Tilghman asked if Council waited on this funding until the population growth could be confirmed, then build the additional two classrooms, would they be eligible for IAC matching funds; or vice versa, if we build first, is there a possibility of reimbursement through IAC.   Mr. Foret said this is possible, but is not sure if we would qualify until school population growth figures could substantiate it.   Even at this point, the State would only recognize 100 students over capacity; furthermore, the State does not recognize portable classroom figures in its calculations and Pittsville has eight portables in use now.   Another benefit of building the six classrooms now is the ability to retire at least some of the portable classrooms.

Mr. Foret did state that the Board would certainly ask whether the project would be eligible for IAC funds.   Upon Mrs. Prettyman’s inquiry, Mr. Foret also confirmed that all rooms built would be used as classrooms, with accompanying restroom areas. 

 Vice President Taylor-White then motioned to adopt the Capital Improvements Program/ Budget as submitted today, but to include an additional $300,000 for the referenced project.  Mr. Tilghman seconded the motion.  Mr. Taylor and Mr. Ennis also voiced their support of the motion, with Mr. Ennis making the point that Council would be adding only a fraction to the total and within the parameters of debt service totals.  Calling for a vote, Council unanimously approved the Capital Improvements Budget, in the amount of $8,468,260. 

 Legislative Session:  Council member Long then motioned to call a special Legislative Session on August 22, 2002 to introduce bills for the Capital Improvements Budget just approved and impose a six-months’ moratorium on the conversion of single family dwellings to rental units.  Mr. Taylor provided a second to the motion.  Mr. Shea asked to clarify the reference to the legislation and issuance of bonds.  Mr. Shea stated that in past years, the capital improvement process begins at this time of the year, with approval of the budget at the beginning of the next year, followed by sale of bonds in the autumn.  In this way, the money is usually available in December, or approximately 18 months from commencing the process.  This routine has been altered to some degree, resulting in a cash flow shortage during the fall of the year.  While it would take three years to revert to the historical time frame, by maintaining the county’s bank qualifications on borrowings,  Mr. Shea is asking Council’s assistance in returning to the original time schedule.  With a limited number of legislative days left in this year, the following days may be used: August 22 to introduce legislation, then adopted on September 11; any additional legislation may be introduced on September 11, with an adoption date of October 1.  If approved by Council, use of all available legislative days would allow for the sale of bonds in November. 

 Calling for discussion, Vice President Taylor-White voiced her concern that there are many issues that would have to be resolved and ready for introduction of legislative bills not later than September 11 for adoption October 1; Mr. Shea confirmed.  Ms. Taylor-White asked if this meant that all outstanding rezoning issues would “fall by the wayside” and what is the real purpose for calling for legislative sessions.  Mr. Shea explained the purpose is to begin the process of returning to a schedule so that bonds may be sold in November, thus making funds available in December.  Mr. Long added that was his purpose in making the motion.  Mrs. Prettyman questioned what year Council was on the schedule in question, recalling prior year bond issue dates.  Mr. Molnar added that one particular delay was due to the referendum items, which ultimately reduced the amount of the general obligation bond issue.  Mrs. Prettyman stated that she would not be in favor of the motion if this action would jeopardize the rezoning issues in any way.  She also asked if it were possible to complete the revisions by September 11.  Mr. Baker said that issues Council has already addressed could be ready for introduction in the proposed September 11 legislative session.  However, other outstanding issues cannot be drafted until Council has reached a conclusion.   Ms. Taylor-White stated that she is not convinced that this is possible; that Council has invested at least 18 months in this process and acknowledging outstanding issues, she cannot support the motion. 

 Mr. Molnar recognized Mrs. Ann Suthowski, who stated she represents the Hunting Park Neighborhood Association, asked who would write the legislation for a moratorium, what areas of the County would be included and would the public have the opportunity to review before adoption.   Mr. Molnar responded that Council would have to reach a consensus on the specifics of the moratorium first. 

 Mr. Molnar then called for any further comments.  Upon request, Mr. Baker then reiterated the rationale for calling for the above referenced legislative dates. 

Calling for a vote, the motion was duly carried on five favorable votes, Ms. Taylor-White opposing and Mr. Taylor not present during the vote.

 Mr. Long then recommended that Council consider appointment of a task force to address the referenced housing issues.   Mr. Ennis provided a second to the motion.   Recalling that Council instructed staff to begin research on this topic, Mrs. Prettyman suggested that Council wait for those recommendations before appointing a committee.  In addition, the City of Salisbury has already appointed a committee and she would hope there would be a spirit of cooperation.  Mr. Tilghman responded that Council’s purpose for imposing a moratorium legislatively is to allow sufficient time for public input and would support the concept of a study committee.

 Mr. Molnar then recognized Mr. George “Rocky” Burnett, who said appeals have been made to the Mayor for a combined City/County study committee, but to no avail.  He would encourage Council to take the initiative to “set the tone” with a committee comprised of both City and County residents working together to address the housing issues.  Ms. Taylor-White voiced her support of a committee with countywide representation.  Council then unanimously approved the motion.  In conclusion, Council members shall be prepared to submit names for appointment during the next Executive Session.  The County Public Information Officer shall also issue an invitation to participate to the public in the local newspaper. 

 Mr. Shea shared a letter from Edward J. Kremer, Chair, Airport Commission, acknowledging Senator Mikulski’s active support for bringing the proposed Venture Star program to NASA’s facility at Wallops Island, Virginia.  Mr. Kremer encourages Council to acknowledge and express appreciation for her support.  Mr. Molnar remarked that Council has actively supported this project, acknowledged Senator Mikulski’s assistance and has corresponded with Federal representatives in the three-state region, but Council’s appreciation should be reiterated.  

 DEPT. OF FINANCE

 Patricia B. Petersen, Director, reviewed the Statement of Latest Rate/Balances for the period ending August 6, 2002, reporting a total General Fund balance of $1,877,854, Capital Project Fund - $22, 260,417, total major non-designated county funds – $38.2 million and total designated reserves - $4,788,859. 

 Mrs. Petersen then presented three items for Council’s review:

1.  Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department is requesting $16,000 from its Capital Sinking Fund to assist in the purchase of equipment.  The request meets all County criteria and on motion of Mr. Tilghman and a second by Mrs. Prettyman, the motion was unanimously carried.

2.   On recommendation of the County Attorney, Mrs. Petersen is requesting  permission to write off personal property taxes in the amount of approximately $2400 for two bankrupt corporations, those being T & W Financial Corporation and Bankvest Capital Corporation.  Collection efforts would require legal fees incurred out-of-state, which would not be justified.  On motion of Mr. Long and a second by Mr. Tilghman, Council unanimously approved the request.

3. Rick Dwyer, Superintendent of Wicomico Transit, has requested a transfer of funds from the Health Department Collections Account to Wicomico Transit to offset a negative balance of $202.34, resulting from a State reimbursement.Prior to the actual transfer, Mrs. Petersen will confirm that there are sufficient funds in the referenced Health Department account.  On motion of Mr. Tilghman and a second by Mr. Long, Council approved the request on six favorable votes.  

 Mrs. Prettyman asked Mrs. Petersen for updated revenue figures for admissions and amusement taxes.  It is anticipated that the projected $27,000 will remain unchanged.

DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

 The Director, Rai Sharma, submitted the following items of business.

 Request for Bonding:  Robert Messick, developer, is requesting approval to post a bond to complete improvements for Steeplechase, Section 3, in the amount of $37,000. On motion of Mr. Tilghman and a second by Mr. Long, Council approved the request on six favorable votes.

 Naming of Access Road:  In order to facilitate the application process for permits and a proper address for the road that will access the Drill Academy property, Mr. Sharma recommending naming the road Goldman Lane.  On motion of Mr. Taylor and a second by Mr. Tilghman, Council approved the request on six unanimous votes.

 Mobile Home Park Licenses:  The following mobile home parks have been inspected and the department recommends renewal of licenses:  Bohnak Trailer Park, Naylor Mill Village, Hebron Woods, Oak Ridge Trailer Park, Charles Boyer Trailer Park, Country Village Mobile Home Park and Salisbury Mobile Park.  

 In addition, Mr. Sharma reported that three sites have abandoned vehicles on the premises.  Clark Meadows, staff member, is continuing enforcement procedures and Mr. Sharma feels this should not delay the licensing process for the three mobile home parks involved.  On motion of Mr. Long and a second by Mr. Ennis, Council approved the request on seven unanimous votes.

 Reduction of Speed Limit: Residents of Morris Road have submitted a petition to reduce the speed limit to forty miles per hour.   Mr. Sharma recommends approval of this request, with the reduced speed limit beginning on Morris Road at the children’s playground, more commonly known as the Promised Land, and extending past the William Adkins house.   Mr. Long motioned to approve, Mr. Tilghman seconded the motion and was unanimously carried.

 Mr. Sharma is requesting Council’s approval to continue the search for a company to purchase and use the methane gas produced as a byproduct of the Landfill.  Council concurred with the request. 

 COUNTY ATTORNEY

 County Attorney, Edgar A. Baker, Jr.,   presented the following items for action:

 Resolution 543: Ballot Question

 Whereas, the Charter Review Committee of 2000 submitted its report and recommendations to the County Council of Wicomico County on August 21, 2001; and

 Whereas, based on the committee’s detailed review of the Charter, the principal change recommended is the adoption of a County Executive form of government; and

 Whereas, to determine the support of the citizens of Wicomico County as to their desire to modify the government of the County from a single branch system to a two branch system thereby dividing the legislative and executive authority between the County Council and an Elected Executive Officer:

 Now, therefore, be it resolved by the County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland that, as evidenced by this Resolution, that the County Attorney is authorized to include in his request for Ballot questions the following language:

                        Ballot Question B – Submitted by Resolution 543

Elected Executive Form of Government

 Do you favor changing the form of the Wicomico County government from a one branch system where the County Council has both executive and legislative powers to a two branch system where an Elected Executive Officer would have exclusive executive functions and the County Council would have exclusive legislative functions?

 FOR ELECTED EXECUTIVE

AGAINST ELECTED EXECUTIVE

 Be it further resolved that Ballot Question B above be certified to the Wicomico County Board of Elections and referred to the voters of Wicomico County at the next general election.

 Mr. Baker explained that if County citizens elect to change the form of government, a committee would be established to draft the detailed language necessary to change the Charter. 

 Mr. Tilghman motioned to adopt Resolution 543; the motion was seconded by Mrs. Prettyman.  There was no discussion and the motion was carried unanimously.

 Mr. Baker then explained that under the Charter and the State Election Code,  Ballot Question A is submitted for Council’s review:

 Ballot Question A – Submitted by Legislative Bill 2002-7

CHARTER REVISION

Proposed revision of the Charter of Wicomico County

 FOR CHARTER REVISION

AGAINST CHARTER REVISION      

Mr. Baker stated that the actual revisions would be advertised five times so that the public may become familiar with the details, which will not be shown on the ballot.

 Council concurred.

  Councilmanic Districts:  Mr. Baker is proposing the adoption of a resolution to remove a precinct, which evolved as the result of realignment of State legislative districts.   The “ghost” precinct, which essentially encompasses the City Zoo, has no registered voters within its boundaries, but requires a precinct number assigned by the Board of Elections.

Mr. Baker is proposing that this precinct be moved into the Fifth Councilmanic District. This would in effect eliminate Precinct 05-006.  Mrs. Prettyman motioned to adopt Resolution 544; the motion received a second by Mr. Tilghman and was unanimously carried.

 DEPT. OF SOCIAL SERVICES

WICOMICO PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

 Carol Ann Mumma, Director, Social Services and Linda Hardman, Director, Wicomico Partnership, came before Council to discuss a grant application for the Family to Family program, a systems reform of adoption and foster care practices.  The goal is to reduce the number of children served in congregate or group care, since 50% of our children in this system are not placed within Wicomico County.   A national foundation will provide free consultation services for the project, but to move forward two individuals must be hired to County positions equal to grades 14 and 8, with salaries and associated benefits to be paid by the program.   Both agencies require Council’s support of the program’s concept.  Ms. Taylor-White motioned to support the grant application and the two new positions under the circumstances stated.  Mr. Taylor provided a second to the motion.

 Mr. Shea questioned whether one position is Grade 14 or Grade 16, as stated in the memorandum.    Ms. Taylor-White then requested that Human Resources confirm the grade level.   Prior to a vote, Ms. Taylor-White asked if data might be provided to Council reflecting current level of placement of children in the County and the particular goals of the program.  Calling for a vote, Council unanimously approved the request.

 Linda Hardman requested permission to apply for the renewal of an application for the STEP program, a universal parenting program.  It is planned to add a nurturing program for family requiring intensive intervention.   Ms. Hardman added that there is a five-year opportunity to obtain money and plans to request up to $250,000 for the program.  Mr. Molnar asked if this amount is over the five-year period.  Ms. Hardman responded that this would be on an annual basis.    With discussion concluded, on motion of Mr. Tilghman and a second by Mrs. Prettyman, Council unanimously approved the requests.

 PLANNING, ZONING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 Gloria Smith, Planner, presented a request to participate in the FY 2003 Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program – Local Matching Program.  At this point in time, no commitment of funds is required, but Council is required to indicate its intention to participate.  There have been six State districts in Wicomico County that have applied for easements, however, it is uncertain whether the State will have sufficient funds to purchase all.  Mrs. Smith recommends that the County state its interest in participating, and determine at a later date whether there will be money available to fund the local matching program.  Ms. Taylor-White motioned to support the recommendation, which was seconded by Mr. Long.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 Council is advised of a correction to the staff’s policy for establishing easement values.

Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board actually recommended that the easement value should be a minimum of 65% of the appraised fair market value of the farm, up to a maximum of 75%, factoring in the possibility of 2.5% bonuses for specific criteria met.

At this time, of the six approved districts, there are four district agreements, totaling 430 acres recorded in the Land Records.  Vice President Taylor-White motioned to confirm the corrected percentages for establishing easement values.   The motion was seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried.

 ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

 Appointments:   Mr. Shea shared a request from Wor-Wic Community College to have three vacancies filled on its Local Advisory Council.  Council chose to defer action until the next meeting.

 The Chair of the Health Planning Board has submitted a list of nominees for appointment to fill two Consumer vacancies.   On motion of Mr. Tilghman and a second by Ms. Taylor-White, Council unanimously approved the appointment of Donald Sullivan and Ward Lambert to the Health Planning Board.

 Mrs. Prettyman brought attention to the fact that after serving for many years, Mr. Tyrone Chase has left the Wicomico County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and requested that he receive a letter of thanks from Council.

 To fill this vacancy, Mrs. Prettyman nominated Mr. Donald Insley, which was seconded by Mr. Tilghman and unanimously carried.

  PUBLIC COMMENTS

 Mrs. Tee O’Connor thanked Council and Mr. Baker for its decision to adopt the resolution placing the recommendation of the Charter Review Committee regarding change of the form of government on the ballot in November.  Mrs. O’Connor asked that members of the committee be provided a copy of the resolution.  She also asked that the committee members who will review county-wide housing issues will keep in mind that many elderly citizens, wishing to remain in their homes, rent a room to help their financial situation.  Mrs. O’Connor also urged Council to ensure that the remaining zoning issues be resolved and acted upon.

 COUNCIL COMMENTS

 With no Council comments, Mr. Molnar advised all that there would be an afternoon work session.  Mr. Baker reminded Council that a portion of the work session will be closed to discussed a proposed land acquisition.  As required, Mr. Tilghman motioned to enter into closed session; Mrs. Prettyman seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried.

 The meeting was then adjourned.

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