The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session in Courtroom 1 at the County Office Building, Elkton, Maryland, on Tuesday, April 20, 1999. 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 – APRIL 13, 1999 –

The minutes of April 13, 1999, were approved as written.

- COMMISSIONER COMMENTS –

Commissioner Hepbron reported that he attended the dedication of the new section of the College. He also attended the opening day ceremony of the Rising Sun Little League.

President Bolender advised that the SPCA has withdrawn their proposal. They will redraft it and present it to the Commissioners at a later date.

President Bolender, who is Chairman of the Hot Spots Committee, reported on the large turnout at the monthly Hot Spots meeting which was held in Winding Brook.

Commissioner Kilby reported that she participated in the March of Dimes Walk on April 17 and walked seven miles.

Commissioner Kilby advised that April 24 is Earth Day, and April 25 is March for Parks at the Fair Hill Nature Center.

- PROCLAMATION – VOLUNTEER WK. –

The Board proclaimed April 19-25, 1999, as Volunteer Week in Cecil County.

- PROCLAMATION – CHRISTMAS IN APRIL –

The Board proclaimed April 24, 1999, as Christmas in April Neighbor Helping Neighbor Rebuilding Day in Cecil County.

- REPORT – RAY OF HOPE MISSIONS CTR. –

Mr. Frank Rinaldi, of the Ray of Hope Missions Center, appeared to report on their activities. The Center is located on Route 276 between Port Deposit and Rising Sun on Tome Highway in the Hunter's Sale Barn complex. They opened in 1997 and are composed of 11 churches. Their budget for the first year was $64,000 and $92,000 for the second year. Mr. Rinaldi advised that they assisted 1,020 families in western Cecil County during their first year.

Some of the programs offered by the Center are GED classes, Red Cross and first aid babysitting classes, crisis assessment and referral service, home budgeting service, women's support group, project literacy, senior employment programs, assistance with emergency situations, and job placement. They donate furniture, clothing, household items, and food. Their revenues consist of thrift shop sales, donations from churches, and private donations.

Mr. Rinaldi advised that their future plans are to build a building on donated land on Tome Highway. They will have a thrift shop, food pantry, free soup kitchens, and rooms for those in transit.

Their main goal is to change the quality of life for people.

- REPORT – TREAS. OFFICE –

Miss Pam Howard, Treasurer, appeared and presented the Treasurer's report dated March 31, 1999. A copy of the report is incorporated as a part of these minutes.

Miss Howard advised that the legislature changed the tax law. Effective July 1, 2000, it will be mandatory to pay your property taxes in two installments. However, there is an option of paying the full amount at the beginning of the year.

- ADMINISTRATOR ITEMS –

Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, advised that the CIP was presented by the CIP Committee on April 19 to the Planning Commission, and they will forward a recommendation to this Board prior to the public hearing on May 4.

- PUBLIC COMMENT –

Mr. William Kapp, 1195 Appleton Road, advised of the deteriorated condition of the road in front of his house due to increased truck traffic.

Mr. Roland Wills advised of signs in the right-of-way on Bailiff Road being an eyesore. Also, he wants assistance in identifying the physical tree line on his property.

Mrs. McKinney advised that the Town of Elkton needs to be cleaned up. Also, there is nothing for the teenagers to do. She was advised to appear before the Mayor and Town Commissioners of Elkton to voice her concerns.

Ms. Beverly Russell advised that the Planning Commission gave final plat approval for Whitaker Woods, and there are questions in regard to the sewerage line. She also read a letter from Tim Karschner, who is opposed to the agreement for sewerage service.

Mr. Vance Fields stated he is not in favor of money being given to the SPCA and requested a public accounting of their funds.

Ms. Rebecca Demmler questioned the agreement with Cecil County Magazine in regard to advertising.

Mr. Joe Carabetta advised that one of the areas proposed for the smoke testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground burned.

He asked that the Board consider current state and local laws in regard to the SPCA proposal.

Mr. Carabetta advised of a sediment and erosion control problem at Greenbank and Carpenter's Point Roads.

Ms. Diane Carabetta stated she appreciates Commissioner Kilby informing her of the phone calls received regarding the SPCA Ordinance.

She also requested that request for proposals be listed with Cecil County Magazine.

Ms. Gail Evans asked if the Board plans to accept applications for the Bainbridge Development Authority Board and was advised that they will.

She suggested that the Board appoint a group to work with the SPCA in regard to the ordinance. She stated the issue of money is a serious concern. `Ms. Evans suggested that the Board look at alternatives to animal control management in the County.

Ms. Evans requested that public notices be placed on the Internet.

Ms. Gambill spoke in favor of the Mullis rezoning.

- NAMING OF CREEK – PV. MIDDLE SCHOOL –

Mr. Milt Diggins, Challenge Resource teacher at Perryville Middle School, and some of the Challenge students appeared concerning the unnamed stream that flows through Perryville, past the Middle School and into Mill Creek. They would like to name the creek "Coudon Creek" in honor of the Coudon family and their contributions to the history of that area of the County.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to name the creek "Coudon Creek."

- PERSONNEL ITEMS –

Ms. Linda Anguish, Director of Human Resources, appeared before the Board. Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the following resignations:

1) Dianna G. Detwiler, Coordinator of the Domestic Violence Program, effective July 1, 1999;

2) Linda L. Hall, part-time Office Services Assistant in Human Resources, effective April 9, 1999;

3) Teresita A. Dawson, on-call Van Driver in the Department of Aging.

Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to appoint Carroll Dorsey, Jr. as Laborer in the Roads Department at an annual salary of $17,368, Grade 3.

Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the transfer of Lawrence Dixon from Laborer in Solid Waste to Laborer in the Roads Department at an annual salary of $17,368, Grade 3.

- AGREEMENT – CECIL CO. MAGAZINE –

Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, presented an Agreement between this Board and Cecil County Magazine. He explained that this is a renewal of an Agreement that the previous Board initiated. The major change is the addition of a section dealing with advertisement and establishment of a committee to make recommendations regarding future development of the Web Site.

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

- DEED OF EASEMENT & PUBLIC WKS. AGREEMENT –

Mr. Fred Orr, Deputy Director of Public Works, appeared and presented a Deed of Easement and Public Works Agreement for sanitary sewer for North East Commerce Center.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Deed of Easement and Public Works Agreement.

- PUBLIC WKS. AGREEMENT – WHITAKER WOODS –

Mr. Orr presented a Public Works Agreement for sanitary sewer between this Board and Lambdin Development L.L.C. for Whitaker Woods, Phase I.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to table a decision on the Agreement until April 27, 1999.

- DECISION – MULLIS REZONING –

In reference to the rezoning request of Billie Joe and Claudia J. H. Mullis, Commissioner Kilby stated Mr. Mullis failed to prove change in the area or mistake in zoning. She is concerned that if the land is rezoned and Mr. Mullis ceases to operate the land can be used for any other commercial operation.

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to deny the rezoning of Billie Joe and Claudia J. H. Mullis.

A copy of the findings of fact is incorporated as a part of these minutes.

- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 157-160 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 157-160. Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.

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

Alfred C. Wein, Jr.
County Administrator

APPROVED:
Nelson K. Bolender, President