The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session at the North East Library, North East, Maryland, on Tuesday, February 9, 1999. The following members of the Board were present:

Nelson K. Bolender, President
Harry A. Hepbron, Commissioner

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

- MINUTES – FEB. 2, 1999 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by President Bolender, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of February 2, 1999, as presented.

- COMMISSIONER COMMENTS –

President Bolender advised that the two bridges are open on Wheatley Road. The bridge closest to Blue Ball Road has one lane open but will have two lanes open by next week. The southwestern bridge has both lanes open. The bridges have been restored to their 58,000 pound single unit and 80,000 rating. President Bolender stated the Board of Education has been notified that the bridges may be used by school buses.

President Bolender indicated that bridges will be one of the priorities in the capital improvement program. There are 14 bridges estimated to be in need of some type of repair.

Commissioner Hepbron reported that he and President Bolender attended a ceremony in Port Deposit for a young man who became an Eagle Scout.

Commissioner Hepbron advised that there will be a meeting on March 1 with department heads regarding Montgomery Oaks.

- PROCLAMATION – BRITISH INVASIONS OF CECIL –

The Board adopted a Proclamation to pledge support and encourage the Office of Tourism, its volunteers, and Honorary Chairman Wayne Gilchrest to proceed with ongoing plans to recreate The British Invasions of Cecil, Labor Day Weekend, 1999, and share our heritage with residents and travelers alike.

- UPPER BAY MUSEUM BULKHEAD & PIER –

Mr. Joe Jacobi, of the Upper Bay Museum Bulkhead and Pier Committee, appeared before the Board. He advised that they have a museum with artifacts in the Town of North East and that they are being washed out. Mr. Jacobi stated there is a joint venture between the Upper Bay Museum and the Town to raise funds for the bulkhead which will cost $250,000-$280,000. They have raised about $10,000 within the last three months from donations. He stated they need upfront funding in the amount of $25,000 to $50,000. The Town is administering the funds.

President Bolender advised that the Board will discuss the matter with Delegate Rudolph when they go to Annapolis tomorrow.

- CECIL'S PROMISE – COORDINATORS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES –

President Bolender advised that the Board is requesting the Coordinators of Volunteer Services organization to assume the primary responsibilities for implementing Cecil's Promise on behalf of the County Commissioners. This group will enhance the efforts to ensure that all children have a caring child in their life and hopefully reduce the number of youth who become involved in the tragedy of drug use.

- PUBLIC COMMENT –

Mr. Roland Wills reiterated his concerns relative to Montgomery Oaks.

Mr. Edward Ellison expressed concern about the Board previously stating that they would abolish the Finance Department and the fact that they recently hired a Finance Director for $64,000. President Bolender told Mr. Ellison that during the primary election the Commissioners did say they would abolish the Finance Department. However, after taking office it was determined that a checks and balance is necessary.

Mr. Ellison stated he is concerned about the new Economic Development Director bringing residential growth to the County. President Bolender stated he was hired to bring industry to the County and not more homes.

Ms. Diane Carabetta thanked the Board for recognizing that there is a problem with the roads and bridges and addressing that issue before the Court House parking lot.

Ms. Carabetta asked about the Board's position on the cogeneration plant. Mr. Wein responded by saying that he has received a copy of the transcript of the hearing that was held in Perryville and a copy of the file is available for review. President Bolender stated the Mayor and Commissioners of Perryville are opposed to the cogeneration plant. Ms. Carabetta asked that the Board contact the Perryville officials to indicate that they agree with their decision to oppose the cogeneration plant.

Ms. Carabetta asked for information on Senate Bill 44 concerning hazardous waste which has been proposed by the Judicial Committee.

Mr. Ron Demmler stated he appreciates the Board making repair of bridges a priority over the Court House parking lot.

Mr. Joe Carabetta indicated that a representative from the State Highway Administration contacted him in regard to scheduling a meeting about Route 7 and Jackson Station Road.

Mr. Carabetta advised that Lambdin Development is applying for a Groundwater Appropriation permit for 171 individual homes in the subdivision named "Whitaker Woods". He feels that they should contact the Town of North East or else reduce the number of homes.

Mr. Carabetta stated the Perryville cogeneration plant is not the type of economic development that is needed in the County.

- DEEDS –

Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, presented the following Deeds:

1) Deed with Tiffin Developers, L.C. to accept Sunnybrook Drive, Woodcrest Drive, and Rolling Green in Sunnybrook Estates, Section II, into the County road system;

2) Deed with Montgomery Brothers, Inc. to accept Hall Road in Andora Acres, Section 1, into the County road system;

3) Deed with Raymond Weed, Jr. and Bruce Schneider to accept Shawn Drive in Mariner's Cove, Section 3, into the County road system;

4) Deed with Raymond Weed, Jr. and Bruce Schneider to accept Captain's View in Mariner's Cove, Section 5, into the County road system;

5) Deed with Raymond Weed, Jr. to accept Coachman Drive and Dalmation Court in Coach and Four into the County road system.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by President Bolender, and unanimously carried to approve the Deeds as described above.

- GUARANTY AGREEMENT – GLOBETEC, INC. –

Mr. Paul Gilbert, Director of Economic Development, first responded to Mr. Edward Ellison's concerns about bringing residential growth to the County. He stated his mission is to bring value and wealth to the County. Mr. Gilbert advised that he will work to retain current businesses and help them expand. He is not interested in retail or residential but is looking for clean manufacturing, distribution, and research and development. Mr. Gilbert also indicated that he will work diligently with respect to tourism.

Secondly, Mr. Gilbert explained the Guaranty Agreement for Globetec, Inc. He advised that Globetec is a manufacturer of felt products. They have established their operations in the Peninsula Industrial Park occupying a 50,000 square foot building. Globetec will create over 40 manufacturing jobs that will be new to the County.

Mr. Gilbert introduced Mr. Mike McCloskey and Ms. Amanda Butler, of Globetec, Inc. Mr. McCloskey showed the Board some of their products. He explained that their market focus is environmental control and medical related products. They will manufacture in the County and market the product worldwide.

Mr. Gilbert advised that the total project cost is estimated to be $3,500,000. Funds for the project will be provided from multiple sources: Globetec, Inc. $310,000; First National Bank of Maryland: a term loan of $2,250,000 and line of credit of $500,000 guaranteed by the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority (maximum guarantee for both facilities:35%); Maryland Industrial and Commercial Redevelopment Fund loan of $360,000 direct to Globetec, Inc.; equipment seller financing of $540,000; Cecil County loan of $40,000, and a financial guarantee by Globetec, Inc.'s part owner, HDK Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of CHA Technologies, Inc.

Mr. Gilbert indicated that he will meet with Globetec officials this week to finalize the terms of the County's matching loan.

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

- APPOINTMENT – MD. RURAL DEV. CORP. –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by President Bolender, and unanimously carried to appoint Angie Barnett to represent the Board on the Maryland Rural Development Corporation's Board of Directors.

- APPOINTMENT – FAMILY RESOURCE BD. –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by President Bolender, and unanimously carried to appoint Sheriff Rodney Kennedy as a member of the Board of Directors of the Family Resource Board.

- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 93-100 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by President Bolender, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 93-100. Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.

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

Alfred C. Wein, Jr.
County Administrator

APPROVED:
Nelson K. Bolender, President