MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DECEMBER 18, 2001
The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session at the Rising Sun Public Library, Rising Sun, Maryland on Tuesday, December 18, 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 – DECEMBER 4, 2001
The minutes of the December 4, 2001 Commissioners meeting were unanimously approved as written.
- CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – Jerry Newman
Commissioner Kilby presented Mr. Jerry Newman a Certificate of Recognition recognizing his award from the Wildlife Habitat Council for environmental work at the Woodlawn Landfill.
- PUBLIC HEARING – Program Open Space Projects
1) Leeds Elementary School Playground Equipment – Amendment I
Upon recommendation by Parks and Recreation Manager Ed Slicer, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously approved to accept Amendment I for the Leeds Elementary School equipment to request additional state funding for completion of the project.
No public comment in support or opposition.
2) Perryville High School Bleachers – Amendment III (Final)
Upon recommendation by Parks and Recreation Manager Ed Slicer, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously approved to accept Amendment III for the Perryville High School bleachers to request additional state funding for completion of the project.
No public comment in support or opposition.
- INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Commissioners Comments:
Commissioner Hepbron reported he attended several Christmas parties that required a gift for needy children; and presented several members of a local Boy Scout troop a Community Hero Award from the Commissioners for participation in the Lakeside Community Clean-up Day event.
Commissioner Kilby reported that the Commissioners held their annual Open House on December 12, 2001; Perryville High School Academic Team’s participation in It’s Academic; Susquehanna Workforce Network meeting regarding a grant received to conduct business surveys to determine business employment needs; and that donations are down to local charities and organizations.
Commissioner Bolender reported that he attended the Fletchwood Hotspot Community Open House; read his selection, The Night Before Christmas to students at Bay View Elementary School; and wished everyone a happy, safe holiday and prosperous new year.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Pamela Howard presented the Treasurer’s Report. There were no questions or comments.
Board of Health Report:
Doctor Virginia Bailey reported that the Health Department finally received their shipment of flu vaccine and clinics are scheduled throughout the county, or available at the department. She updated the Commissioners on the tobacco and cancer prevention programs, and meetings regarding bio-terrorism. The Federal government is in the process of negotiating funding to support local bio-terrorism programs.
- PUBLIC COMMENT
Roland Wills stated that he attended a Planning Commission meeting and a recommendation was made to deny a request from Cecil Woods to expand their manufactured home park because the interceptor at North East is at capacity. He suggested that the Commissioners explore the possibility of having the developers pay the cost of enlarging the interceptor to accommodate their development.
Commissioner Bolender stated that his suggestion is being investigated at this time.
Mr. Wills continued questioning why the Town of Elkton rates for water and sewer are lower than the county rate. Administrator Wein responded that the Town of Elkton operates their own system and sets their rates.
Rebecca Demmler stated that she received a “Badtrans 32” virus through her e-mail system. She warned everyone not to open any e-mail file they received from her, and stated that her anti-virus program failed to detect the computer virus.
Louis DeAngelis stated that he attended several TAC and Planning Commission meetings regarding development of the Mahoney Farm on Crothers Road. He has a concern regarding perc tests performed by the Health Department and the water table for this area. The perc tests were performed during the “wet season”; however, our area has experienced a very dry spell. He is concerned that the tests do not accurately reflect the true water table due to the uncharacteristic weather our area has experienced this year. His livelihood is farming and incorrect perc tests for development could ultimately affect his business and homeowners in the surrounding area. He has voiced his concern to the Environmental Health Department.
Commissioner Bolender asked Dr. Bailey to convey this information to Chuck Smyser at the Health Department.
Commissioner Kilby suggested scheduling a meeting with interested parties and the Health Department. Administrator Wein will schedule a meeting.
Sara DeAngelis stated that she had list of questions for the Health Department concerning regulations for perc tests.
Commissioner Bolender stated that he would forward the questions to Mr. Smyser.
The following individuals agree with the comments made by Mr. DeAngelis: Melva Simmers, Marge Gifford, Dorothy Cother, Rose Williams, David Williams, Betty and John Pierce, Glenn Snyder, William Gibson, Joe Wiggins, Charles Ian, Jason Perry, Jeanette Hillyer, Ricky and Dee Gibson, Lou Kissel, and Jesse Cot.
David Ore stated that he also agrees with the previous comments. He has attended TAC and Planning Commission meetings, and suggested that the Commissioners review the sub-division regulations for the County. He has witnessed developers applying for a minor sub-division and immediately applying for a major sub-division for the same property. He feels this practice eliminates the step for developers to submit a concept plan, and go through a different process for development.
Elaine Ore stated that she feels the development of the property would affect many people in the surrounding area if it affects the water supply. She stated that decisions were made for the development that directly affected her property and she was never notified in writing of the changes. She suggested that homeowners directly affected by development should be notified in writing of the changes to their property and given a right to appeal.
- APPOINTMENTS
Board of Library Trustees: David S. Willis, Sr. – reappoint five-year term to expire 1/13/07
Motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve appointment.
Citizen Review Panel: Reappointments to be reviewed in two years 1/18/04
Philip Bathon Dianna Detwiler
Andrea Hedden Jerry Kunkle
Charles Martucci Doris Murray
Rev. John Scott, Jr.
New appointment to be reviewed in two years 1/18/04
Charles Iman
Motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and
unanimously carried to approve appointments.
Mechanical Code Board: Steve Moon – appoint five-year term to expire 9/21/06
Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and
unanimously carried to approve appointment.
Cecil Partnerships for Children, Youth, and Families: To fill remainder of the term of Wilbert Dill to expire 3/1/03 Rex Sizemore
Motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and
unanimously carried to approve appointment.
Commission for Women: Three-year term to expire 9/8/04
Kathleen Kunda
Adelaida Macatangay
Motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and
unanimously carried to approve appointments.
- PERSONNEL ITEMS
Miscellaneous:
Upon recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously approved to adopt the Water and Wastewater Manager (grade 9), exempt; and Water and Wastewater Operator III, (grade 8), non-exempt, and abolish Laboratory Technician (grade 8).
Resignations/Terminations:
Upon recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the resignation of George M. Rash, Sr., DOH: 7/13/87, Code Compliance Inspector, Permits & Inspections, $40,879.34 (grade 7), retirement effective 1/1/02, LDW: 12/28/01; and Sharon A. Gregson, DOH: 11/13/01, part-time janitor, Facilities Management, $8.69/hours, LDW: 12/6/01.
Appointments:
Upon recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to appoint Koty Wright, Laborer, Bridge Crew, Road Division, $18,075 (grade 3); Larry Schnakenberg, Medic, Emergency Services, $30,052 (grade 6P); Larry Burden, Operator Trainee, Waste and Wastewater, $20,530 (grade 4) to replace Roy Bates – offer of employment rescinded; David Gentry III, Operator Trainee, Water and Wastewater, $20,530 (grade 4).
Promotions/Transfers/Reclassifications:
Upon recommendation by Director Nichols, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to increase Benjamin Orr, Weed Control Coordinator, from $22,880 to $23,566 (grade 4) for obtaining CDL effective 12/3/01; transfer Belinda Mumpower, Bus Driver, Dept. of Aging, to Parts Clerk, Central Garage, lateral transfer, no change in salary or grade; reclassify William Owens from Laboratory Technician f, $41,477.57 (grade 8) to $43,551.45 (grade 9) Waste and Wastewater Manager, exempt position; and reclassify Ronald Penhollow from Operator II, $35,625.57 (grade 7) to $37,406.85 (grade 8) Water and Wastewater Manager, exempt status.
Commissioner Bolender stated that Mr. George Rash has served Cecil County for many years as a dedicated employee.
- RESOLUTION – Tax Property Article, Reduce Rate of Redemption on Tax Sale
Properties from 12% to 6%.
County Administrator Wein stated that this resolution is requested based on current economic conditions and will be reviewed periodically to adjust as necessary.
Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution. A copy of the Resolution is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- RESOLUTION - Junior Achievement Workforce Readiness Program in Cecil County.
County Administrator Wein stated that this resolution would provide a tax credit for business donations to projects sponsored by Junior Achievement of Delaware. Currently, there is no similar County agency.
Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. A copy of the Resolution is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- RESOLUTION - Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center, Enterprise Zone Tax Credit
Upon recommendation by Roy Clough, Economic Development, motion made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. A copy of the Resolution is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- AWARD OF CONTRACT 02-20 – One ton Chasis, 4x4
Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to accept the Award of Contract.
- DEED BETWEEN KENNETH O. LESTER CO., INC, AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS FOR PERFORANCE DRIVE AND PERFORMANCE COURT.
Upon recommendation by Public Works Director Carter, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to accept the construction of the industrial and commercial road into the County road system.
- AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. PW 00-20 FOR CHILDS ROAD BRIDGE
REHABILITATION.
Upon recommendation by Public Works Director Carter, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to accept the Award of Contract no. PW 00-20.
- BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Upon recommendation by County Administrator Wein, motion made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendments 77 through 86. A copy of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.
County Administrator Wein clarified that the budget amendment for the MEDAAF grant was to reimburse the Town of Port Deposit.
- ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Kilby, seconded by Hepbron, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.