MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

December 4, 2001

          The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in their office at 107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland, on Tuesday, December 4, 2001.  The following members of the Board were present:

                                    Nelson K. Bolender, President

                                    Harry A. Hepbron, Commissioner

                                    Phyllis Kilby, Commissioner

constituting a full Board.

          The meeting was called to order by President Bolender at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

-         MINUTES – NOV. 6, 20, & 28, 2001 –

The minutes of November 6, 20, and 28, 2001, were approved as presented.

-         PUBLIC HEARING – CIP –

A public hearing was held on the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2002-2007.  Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Capital Improvement Program as proposed by the CIP Committee.

Mr. Wein stated the highlights, in summary, of this year’s Program are the following:

$5,351,145 in local funding targeted for FY03; total of $19.5 million.

He advised that the CIP includes continuation and completion of the North East Elementary, Bainbridge Elementary, Charlestown and Bay View Elementary addition/renovation projects.

Also included is the deferral of the Elkton High School addition/renovation project and deferral of planning funds associated with the Perryville Middle School addition/renovation.

Mr. Wein further stated the CIP includes the appropriation of funds for an interior storefront library in Port Deposit.  It is proposed to defer land acquisition funding for a $15,000-$18,000 branch in Perryville to FY04.

This proposal includes deferral of the Community College Continuing Education project and includes funding in FY03 of pressing roof replacement and repair projects at the College (Multi-purpose and Phys Ed buildings).

In Emergency Services, funding of a new paramedic station (Station 1) is proposed.

Funding is included in FY03 for lighting renovations at the Sheriff’s Office, and the CIP reflects deferral of the Sheriff’s Office Southern Precinct structure.  No funding is proposed in FY03 for this project.  Funding is reflected in FY06.

In the Department of Public Works, various equipment needs are proposed to be funded in FY03 relating to the landfill.  Several wastewater projects, including Seneca Point, Carpenter’s Point, Cherry Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant, Meadowview Wastewater Treatment Plant, and other sewer upgrades are proposed, totaling $12.7 million.  Approximately $2 million in bridge rehabilitation projects are proposed in FY03.

Funding for the Perryville Industrial Access Road is also reflected in this proposed CIP.

Mr. Wein stated the total proposed paygo funding for FY03 is $1,572,175, which is consistent with the previous paygo levels and will be reevaluated concurrent with the FY03 operating budget process.

Ms. Donna Ward spoke about the need for a library in Perryville and would like to see the money for land purchase in FY03.

Ms. Lindzey Gardner urged the Board to give strong consideration to a library in Perryville stating it is desperately needed by the community.

Mr. John Marcheski spoke about the need for resurfacing of the roads in the Highlands.

Mr. Vaughn Ellerton inquired about the amount of money out of the budget that is spent on bond interest.

Mr. Joe Carabetta inquired about the landfill gas recovery system.

Motion was made by President Bolender, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and carried to move $75,000 from FY06 to FY04 and the FY07 figure to FY05, and further dependent upon the outcome of the Southern Precinct Study Committee effort.  Commissioner Kilby is opposed.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by President Bolender, and unanimously carried to split the local planning funding for the Perryville Middle School project between FY03 and FY04.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the amended Capital Improvement Program.  A copy is incorporated as a part of these minutes.

-         COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS –

Commissioner Kilby stated she wants to thank Bill Underwood, of the Pine Valley Christmas Tree Farm, for their donation of a tree for the Commissioners’ Office.

She congratulated the Cecil Quartet for receiving a national award  for their efforts in the canal deepening.

Commissioner Kilby stated one of the County Extension Agents coaches a field hockey team that won first place in the turkey shoot tournament.

She reported that she attended the ceremony for the lighting of the holly tree on December 1.

-         CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION –

The Board presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Lorraine Walters for her dedication and hard work in obtaining her GED as a graduate of the Class of 2001.

-         CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION –

The Board presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Ruth Graybeal and Ms. Carol King for their nine years of dedication to the fight against cancer and leadership in reestablishing a local American Cancer Society unit in Cecil County.

-         PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL HOMELESS PERSONS MEMORIAL DAY –

The Board presented a Proclamation to Mr. Russell Holland, Mr. John Williams, Mr. Robert Gordon, Ms. Carolyn Holland, Ms. Rebecca Munch, and Ms. Marsha Mazza proclaiming December 21, 2001, as National Homeless Persons Memorial Day.

-         ANNUAL REPORT – CECIL PARTNERSHIPS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILIES –

Ms. Nancy Hardy, Executive Director of Cecil Partnerships for Children, Youth & Families, presented their annual report.  She advised that Cecil Partnerships is the designated Local Management Board for Cecil County and is responsible for implementing programs that benefit children, youth, and families.

Ms. Hardy gave an overview of their major accomplishments.  She indicated that the largest project was the Expanded Community Partnership Agreement for FY 2002 to 2006.  In addition to their commitment to expanding and enhancing Middle School After School Programs, they will develop a comprehensive case management system for youth 16 to 21 who need additional skills to become successful adults such as GED attainment, job readiness training and job placement, and drivers’ education, as well as access to health care, mental health counseling, and housing.  To support this initiative, they also received a grant for $172,000 from Susquehanna Workforce Network. 

Ms. Hardy advised that they received a $232,000 Disruptive Youth Grant that allowed them to develop two successful suspension alternative programs with Cecil County Public Schools. 

A Saturday School Program was offered in all six middle school areas to students who were suspended one or two days.  By attending Saturday School, students could remain in their classroom for regular classes.  Students committing more serious offenses were offered an Alternative Suspension Program that was piloted in two middle and two high schools.  They performed supervised community service projects and also received counseling.  The Program was available for 10 weeks, and 124 students participated, saving a total of 146 suspension days.  Only 19 students repeated the program.

With a $267,700 award from the Maryland After School Opportunity Fund, they developed After School Programs in all six middle school areas that provided an opportunity for youth to receive homework assistance, recreational activities, and socialization activities.

Ms. Hardy advised that a $181,000 grant from the Child Care Administration enabled them to offer After School Programs at Cecilton, Bainbridge, Holly Hall, and Perryville Elementary Schools.  Over 250 students were served.  They were targeted on free or reduced lunch rates and lack of available child care and averaged 50-65 students per day.  Ms. Hardy stated in both middle and elementary after school programs the Cecil County Public Schools assisted in setting up transportation routes. 

In December of 2000 a School Based Health Center was established at Bainbridge Elementary School that provides a Nurse Practitioner who offers preventative and basic health services to students and their younger siblings.

Ms. Hardy advised that their first parenting grants totaling nearly $124,000 were funded with their Earned Reinvestment Funds and an $85,000 grant from the Child Support Administration.  The following four programs were funded: 

The Visitation Center at Family Services Association received funding to provide a non-threatening transfer point for non-custodial or court-ordered visitation.  They supported an in-home interventionist, PACT, and the Passport to Manhood Program.  Also, Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services provided parenting classes.

About $57,500 was awarded to 22 community groups for the development of grassroots programs.  Organizations could apply for up to $4,000 in funding. 

Ms. Hardy advised that they used $132,000 of the Disruptive Youth Grant to support the Summer Youth Program.

-         PUBLIC COMMENT –

Ms. Rebecca Demler stated the need to sign-up for public comment should be eliminated.

Mr. Bernie Brown asked the Board to vote positive on the Lease Agreement with Susquehanna Electric Co. that is on the agenda for this meeting.

Mr. Joe Carabetta asked the Board to consider allowing ten minutes for public comment.

Mr. Jeff Coale spoke in support of the Lease Agreement with Susquehanna Electric Co.

-         REAPPOINTMENT – BD. OF PARKS & RECREATION –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to reappoint Douglas E. Lort, 401 Park Place, Elkton, Maryland 21921 as a member of the Board of Parks and Recreation for a three-year term, said term expiring December 31, 2004.

-         PERSONNEL ITEMS –

Ms. Donna Nichols, Director of Human Resources, presented the personnel items.  Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to accept the resignation of Matthew J. Gallagher, Equipment Operator Trainee, Roads 1^st District, effective December 7, 2001.

Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the following appointments:

Joffre Jaramillo, Jr., Laborer, Facilities Management, $18,075 (Grade 3);

Ralph M. Bower, Laborer, Solid Waste Management, $18,075 (Grade 3);

Roy Bates, Operator Trainee, Water & Wastewater, $21,153.60 (Grade 4).

Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to demote Harry S. Ring from Operator I at $27,065.13 (Grade 6) to Operator Trainee at $25,792.00 (Grade 4), Water & Wastewater, due to failure to maintain license requirement (effective November 17, 2001).

-         LEASE AGREEMENT – SUSQUEHANNA ELECTRIC CO. –

Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, presented a Lease Agreement between Susquehanna Electric Company and this Board for the County’s leasing of approximately 30 acres on the West side of Maryland 222 immediately South of the Octoraro Creek between the Town of Port Deposit and Conowingo Dam.

The term of the lease is for 20 years, and the premises will be utilized for recreational usage, including playing fields, parking, and hiking paths.

It is planned that the property will be developed in partnership with Program Open Space, other State programs, and local groups such as the Conowingo Lions Club.

An appraisal of the property is currently being conducted so that the County may be able to use 75% of the value of the leased property for development through Program Open Space.

Commissioner Kilby asked about provisions for maintenance, and Mr. Wein stated the County will be responsible for maintenance.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Lease Agreement.  A copy is incorporated as a part of these minutes.

-         DEED – KINSLOW –

Mr. Matt Carter, Director of Public Works, presented a Deed between Henry T. Kinslow and this Board for land adjacent to Wheatley Road Bridge over Little Northeast Creek.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the Deed.

-         BID – WEED CONTROL TRUCK –

Mr. Matt Carter recommended that the bid for a one-ton chassis cab 4x4 (Weed Control truck) for the Department of Public Works Weed Control Shop be awarded to Chesapeake Ford Truck Sales, Inc.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to award the bid as recommended by Mr. Carter.

-         BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 69-76 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 69-76.  Copies of the Budget Amendments will be incorporated as a part of these minutes.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to adjourn.