The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met in regular session in Courtroom 1 at the County Office Building, Elkton, Maryland, on Tuesday, January 19, 1999. The following members of the Board were present:

Nelson K. Bolender, President
Phyllis E. Kilby, Commissioner
Harry A. Hepbron, 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 – JAN. 12, 1999 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of January 12, 1999, as presented.

- PUBLIC HEARING – NEAVES –

A public hearing was held, pursuant to Article 25, Section 8, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, to hear comments upon a request to transfer and convey 0.0849 +/- acres of land located within the cul-de-sac of Downin Drive (a.k.a. Twin Lakes Road), property owned by the Board of County Commissioners, to Jerry and Tammy Neaves.

Ms. Bonnie Laakso, attorney, appeared representing the grantees, Mr. and Mrs. John Jakes. She stated the subject property is at 50 Twin Lakes Road (Lots 5 and 6) in the Twin Lakes subdivision located in Port Deposit in the Sixth Election District. The property was being transferred from Mr. and Mrs. Jakes to Jerry and Tammy Neaves. In the process of the transfer survey it was discovered that a portion of the resident's driveway and lawn area was actually drawn on a platted cul-de-sac. In actuality, the street ended up as a deadend street. The driveway and lawn were built on a platted cul-de-sac. Ms. Laakso explained that settlement was held in 1997 with the understanding that Mr. and Mrs. Jakes would have that bit of property transferred to Mr. and Mrs. Neaves. Mr. and Mrs. Jakes had the survey redone, as well as a subdivision plat and new deed drawn up. Previously, there was one neighbor who objected; but that has been straightened out. Ms. Laakso stated no one else objects to the transfer.

The Board decided to table the matter until February 2 as they need to obtain additional information.

- COMMISSIONER COMMENTS –

President Bolender reported that he and Commissioner Hepbron went to the Cecilton Elementary School this morning to recognize a teacher who is one of 13 in the State who qualified for a national assessment.

President Bolender advised that he went to a conference regarding the needs of the aging in regard to transportation, medical care, etc.

President Bolender advised that he attended a breakfast at Wright's AME Church yesterday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

President Bolender reported that the Board will meet with the legislators in Annapolis tomorrow.

Commissioner Hepbron reported that he did a reading at Bay View Elementary School.

Commissioner Hepbron advised that a meeting was held at Red Toad Road and Route 40 between State and County officials to discuss the problem with the intersection.

Commissioner Hepbron indicated that the sign at the Cecil County Dragway will be replaced before their season begins.

Commissioner Kilby advised that if anyone is interested in being appointed to the Planning Commission they should contact her.

Commissioner Kilby reported that the Board has begun to meet monthly with the Board of Education in order to provide an on-going dialogue with them. The Board will go to Annapolis on January 27 with Dr. Carl Roberts to speak before the Board of Public Works in support of school construction projects.

- ADMINISTRATOR ITEMS –

Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, advised that the meeting on January 26 will be held in Courtroom 3. The meeting on February 2 will be held in Courtroom 1, and the meeting on February 9 will be held at the North East Library.

Mr. Wein reported that Mr. Paul Gilbert is attending a meeting in Port Deposit this evening regarding the potential annexation of Bainbridge.

Mr. Wein advised that the Planning Commission is considering the application for certification of the County's Agricultural Preservation Plan this evening. The Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board has already recommended approval of the Plan. If approved by the State, the County can retain 75% of the agricultural transfer tax funds, versus the current 33%.

- MONTHLY REPORT – TREAS. OFFICE –

Ms. Pam Howard, Treasurer, appeared and presented the monthly report of the Treasurer's Office as of December 31, 1998. A copy of the report is incorporated as a part of these minutes.

- REPORT – HOUSING –

Mr. David Mahaney, Director of Housing, appeared to report on the activities of his office. He advised that most of his work consists of helping people with rental assistance needs. Their total budget is $2,965,758 with HUD as the funding source. Mr. Mahaney indicated that his office is currently assisting 514 families. The tenants pay 30% of their gross adjusted income toward rent and utilities. The balance of the rent is paid by HUD. Mr. Mahaney advised that annual inspections are done. HUD is combining the voucher and certificate programs but eliminating the shopping incentive. There are certain income limit qualifiers. For one person the limit is $21,000, and for four people it is $30,000.

Mr. Mahaney advised that Project Self-Sufficiency was begun in 1985 to assist families to become more independent and get off welfare. Cecil County was the first in the State to have this program, and it is now a HUD requirement. Ms. Jennifer Bird, of the Housing Office, coordinates the program and gave the Board an update. She explained that a person must currently be receiving Section 8 assistance from their office. A participant must sign a five-year contract. The purpose of the program is to attempt to have the participants become self-sufficient. Ms. Bird stated the main goals of the program are to have an earned income or to increase it. Also, there is the opportunity of earning an escrow account. At the end of five years, the money can be used for a down payment on a house. Ms. Bird stated she is working with 42 families.

Mr. Mahaney advised that his office also has low interest loans for home repairs for low and moderate income households. Again, there are income qualifiers. The debt ratio is 85%.

Mr. Mahaney stated they operate the Weatherization Program. It is funded by the U. S. Department of Energy and assists with insulation, installation of storm windows, and repair, cleaning, and replacement of furnaces. The budget for this Program is $45,463. An average of $2,310 is spent on each home. Over the past four years, approximately 100 homes were assisted.

Another major component is the Community Development Block Grant Program. It is funded by HUD, and the maximum grant amount is usually $800,000.

- PUBLIC COMMENT –

Mr. Roland Wills commented on developers not meeting forest retention and setback requirements.

Mr. Ron Demmler stated people are satisfied with the job the Board is doing.

- 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 appoint William Ewing as part-time on-call Van Driver in the Department of Aging at an hourly rate of $8.35, Grade 3.

Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the promotion of Matthew D. Sunderland from Equipment Operator Trainee at $17,889.04 (Grade 3) to Equipment Operator II at $22,089.60 (Grade 5) in Solid Waste Management.

Upon recommendation by Ms. Anguish, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to rescind Susan Ewing's request for voluntary demotion and approve the request to extend her probationary period for six months in the Captain's position; also, to approve the request from the Sheriff's Office to reclassify one Correctional Officer vacancy in the Detention Center to Office Services Specialist. Both positions are Grade 5, $22,089.60.

- RECOGNITION – PASSI –

The Board recognized Mr. Henry Passi, of North East, for his dedication, commitment, and hours of public service to the Cecil Soil Conservation District.

- APPOINTMENT – AG. LAND PRES. ADV. BD. –

The Board appointed Mr. Wayne C. Stafford, 2617 Blue Ball Road, Elkton, Maryland 21921 as a member of the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of Mrs. Phyllis Kilby, said term expiring August 1, 1999.

- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 81-86 –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 81-86. Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes.

- RESOLUTION – CO. CODE (PURCHASING) –

Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to adopt a Resolution pertaining to Chapter 183, Purchasing, of the County Code. A copy of the Resolution is incorporated as a part of these minutes.

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

Alfred C. Wein, Jr.
County Administrator

APPROVED:
Nelson K. Bolender, President