Cecil County
Home MenuSeptember 18, 2001
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 a moment of silence for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
- RESOLUTION – CONDEMNATION OF TERRORIST ATTACKS & SUPPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. –
The Board adopted a Resolution condemning the terrorist attacks and supporting the President of the United States. A copy of the Resolution is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- HEALING OF AMERICA CONCERT –
Mr. Hank Passi, member of the Hart’s United Methodist Church, advised that they are hosting a “Healing of America” concert presented by the Upper Chesapeake Community Band at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, September 21. The concert, featuring patriotic music, will be held at the newly completed 600-seat Hart’s Amphitheater located six miles south of North East on Maryland Route 272. Handicapped seating and ample parking will be available. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the North East High School gymnasium.
Mr. Passi stated the concert has received the endorsement of the County Commissioners, County and local governments, The Chesapeake Publishing Corporation, Radio Station WXCY, fire companies, veterans organizations, and local churches.
Admission is free; however, special contributions will be accepted to support the Salvation Army Disaster Relief efforts. Attendees are requested to bring an American flag. The North East Lions Club will provide refreshments.
Mr. Passi requested that the County send a representative to a meeting at Hart’s Church on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m.
- UPDATE – AMERICAN RED CROSS –
Mr. Pat Smythe, of the American Red Cross, gave an update on what the Red Cross is doing as a result of the terrorist attacks. At the peak, 61 shelters were open; and today 17 are open. The shelter population was 3,260; and today it is 367. Forty-two service delivery sites were opened, and today there are ten. There have been 13,616 mental health contacts. At the peak, staff consisted of 25,000; today there are about 4,000. Mr. Smythe advised that 4,336 family well-being inquiries were received. The Red Cross has received approximately 6,000 phone calls from people who want to assist. The State of New York has reported that there is no additional need for volunteers or donated goods for the World trade Center response. The public is encouraged to make financial contributions.
- MINUTES – SEPT. 4, 2001 –
The minutes of September 4, 2001, were approved as presented.
- PUBLIC HEARING – PROGRAM OPEN SPACE PROJECTS –
Mr. Edward Slicer, Parks and Recreation Manager, presented the following Program Open Space applications and advised that both the Board of Parks and Recreation and the Planning Commission recommend approval of the projects:
North East Little League Park – Development VI. LOCATION: Turkey Point Road, North East, MD 21901.
Mr. Slicer stated this project is for lighting for two baseball fields at the North East Little League Park. The estimated cost of the project is $106,950 with 25% being provided by the Little League and 75% by the State. Mr. Slicer advised that the youth population in this area is growing, and this proposed improvement will help handle their needs.
Mr. Danny Stubbs, President of the North East Little League, spoke in favor of the project stating the area is growing and there is a need.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the application.
Cecil Sports Complex Development I – Amendment II. LOCATION: Bard Cameron Road, North East, MD 21901.
Mr. Slicer stated additional funds are needed to complete the major items of the project. Actual bids have revealed under estimates in projections. There is great potential with this centrally located site. Mr. Slicer advised that the three partners: Babe Ruth Baseball League, Cecil Junior Football, and Cecil Soccer League continue to maintain their commitment to the park’s completion. The total cost is $409,940.00 overall.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the application.
YMCA Football Field Lighting – Mr. Slicer requested that this application be withdrawn because the Planning Commission has requested further information.
Fair Green Park Improvements, Town of Charlestown. LOCATION: Market Street, Bladen Street, and Black Avenue, Charlestown, MD 21914.
Mr. Slicer stated the project is to provide safety matting to reduce the potential for injuries under park equipment, reduce maintenance, and meet ADA guidelines. The total cost is $1,695.00 with 25% being provided by the Town and 75% by the State.
Mr. Stanley Hearne, Town Administrator of Charlestown, appeared in favor of the continuation of improvements at the Park. They have a problem with the wood safety chips being scattered by the slides and swings.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the application.
Athletic Complex Improvements, Town of Charlestown. LOCATION: Frederick Street, Charlestown, MD 21914.
Mr. Slicer stated the project is to improve parking facilities on this site with three security lights, wheel stops, and bleacher seating. The total cost is $10,755 with 75% being provided by the State and 25% by the Town.
Mr. Stanley Hearne spoke in favor stating the North East Little League uses the Park for practice and for some games. Cecil Soccer League also uses the field for practices. Security lights are needed because they have had problems with underage drinking.
Mr. Danny Stubbs spoke in favor stating the North East Little League does use the field for practices and makeup games.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the application.
George Street Overlook-Chesapeake City. LOCATION: Canal End of George Street, Chesapeake City, MD 21915.
Mr. Slicer stated this project would improve the end of the street and add to the work that is being done in Chesapeake City to improve the Town. The total cost is $13,638 with 25% being provided by Chesapeake City and 75% by the State.
Ms. Patricia Garrett, Town Manager, appeared on behalf of the application stating this is a popular spot for people to watch canal traffic. The site is presently unattractive with a rusting traffic barrier and a high chain link fence at the bottom of a street that no longer goes anywhere. The plan is to remove the metal barrier and fence and construct a 12’ x 30’ fenced wooden deck.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the application.
- AG. PRES. DIST. – LONG GREEN FARMS, INC. –
A public hearing was held on the applications of Long Green Farms, Inc. (Donald Crothers) to establish Agricultural Preservation Districts. PROPERTY LOCATIONS: 20 Long Green Farm Lane, Rising Sun, MD (178.871 acres); Crothers Road and Petty John Road, Rising Sun, MD (150.4 acres); and Petty John Road, Rising Sun, MD (70.911 acres), 9th Election District. PROPERTY OWNER: Long Green Farms, Inc. (Donald Crothers).
Ms. Sandra Edwards, of the Office of Planning and Zoning, advised that the present zoning is Northern Agricultural Residential (NAR). The 150.4-acre property actually consists of four separate tax parcels, one withholding 29 acres. Ms. Edwards advised that all of the properties meet the criteria of the Agricultural Land Preservation Program, and all have excellent soils. On the 178.871 acreage 90% of the soils fall in Classes I-III. On the 150.4 acreage 94% of the soils fall in Classes I-III, and on the 70.911 acreage 64% of the soils fall in Classes I-III. Ninety-two percent are in combination Classes I-III and Woodland Groups. All of the properties are used as part of a dairy operation. All of the parcels are located outside of the Ten-Year Water and Sewerage Plan.
Ms. Edwards advised that both the Planning Commission and Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board recommend approval of the applications.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to recommend to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation that the applications of Long Green Farms, Inc. for Agricultural Preservation Districts be approved.
- PUBLIC HEARING – AMENDMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
A public hearing was held on a proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan relative to the transportation element of that Plan.
Mr. Eric Sennstrom, Director of Planning and Zoning, advised that the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Management Plan will be incorporated by reference. The portion of the Management Plan that applies to Cecil County will be added to the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Sennstrom stated the Planning Commission recommends approval of the amendment.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. A copy is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS –
Commissioner Kilby stated after the terrorist attacks of last Tuesday one of her concerns is that the citizens of the U.S. are very careful about not taking action against the Arab Americans. She is concerned that people are believing that they are all a part of this, which is not true.
Commissioner Hepbron stated he is proud of America and what the people are doing.
He reported that he attended a meeting of the SPCA Board to discuss ways of raising money, and a pet cemetery is being considered.
President Bolender stated he never thought this country would be attacked, and he feels the President has done a good job. He expressed concern about the fear of children.
He reported that the Board attended the Cecil’s Most Beautiful ceremony, and Mr. Robert Schick was Cecil’s Most Beautiful Person for all the work he has done with children. The Board will accompany him to Annapolis on November 14.
President Bolender advised that the Board attended the Perryville Firemen’s banquet.
- TREAS. REPORT –
Ms. Pamela Howard, Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report as of August 31, 2001. A copy of the report is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- PROCLAMATION – CONSTITUTION WK. –
The Board presented a Proclamation to Ms. Mary Johnson proclaiming September 16-22, 2001, as Constitution Week.
- PRESENTATION – ELKTON ALLIANCE –
Mr. James Crouse, Executive Director of the Elkton Alliance, Inc., appeared to give a presentation on their activities with respect to the Elkton business community. He advised that it was initiated by a group of community volunteers in 1996. These volunteers gathered information and developed a plan themselves. At that time, the Mayor and Commissioners of Elkton hired a consulting firm to help with the implementation plan. They identified funding sources for the program and obtained low interest loans. Dues are one effort of raising funds. Mr. Crouse advised that some of the activities are the streetscape project, directional signs, flower pots, the facade improvement program, and Music on Main. They will be recognized by the Maryland Downtown Development Association for winning a category of special events. They also conducted the Citizen of the Year event.
- PUBLIC COMMENT –
Mr. Frank Vari, President of the West View Shores Civic Association, stated they received a notice that no yard waste can be taken to Stemmers Run and to go to North East is unacceptable.
He also advised that Pond Neck Road needs to be widened.
Ms. Rita Marcone presented a petition containing 30 signatures of people who are dissatisfied with the tar and chip that was placed on Ches Haven Road in Earleville.
- PERSONNEL ITEMS –
Ms. Donna Nichols, Director of Human Resources, presented the personnel items. Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to accept the following resignations/terminations:
Lori L. Underwood, on-call Alcohol Beverage Inspector, effective September 24, 1999;
Stacey C. Lush, Plans Reviewer, Public Works, effective September 14, 2001;
Richard T. Koch, Biohazard Technician, Emergency Services – No longer available for on-call status;
Barbara E. Hardy, part-time Office Services Assistant, Department of Aging, effective August 23, 2001;
Joseph J. Logullo, Operator Trainee, Water & Wastewater, effective September 3, 2001;
Bernard B. McConnell, Equipment Operator I, Solid Waste Management, effective September 6, 2001.
Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the following appointments:
Maurice D. Brown, Administrator of Revolving Loan Fund, Economic Development – Contracted at $1,168.16 biweekly, effective August 21, 2001;
Michael L. Grace, Solid Waste Management, Laborer, $18,075 (Grade 3);
Harold M. Riale, Jr., Solid Waste Management, Laborer, $18,075 (Grade 3);
Michael L. Wiggins, Equipment Operator I (Bridge Crew), Roads Division, $20,530 (Grade 4);
Joshua D. Bezduk, Laborer (Bridge Crew), Roads Division, $18,075 (Grade 3) – Must obtain CDL-B within six months of hire date;
Gene C. Crawford, Equipment Operator II (District 1), Roads Division, $22,984 (Grade 5).
Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the following promotions/transfers/reclassifications:
Transfer/promote David L. Hollenbaugh, Water & Wastewater Superintendent at $58,772.90 (Grade 11) to Deputy Director of Public Works at $59,772.90 (Grade 12), effective September 17, 2001;
Promote David R. Black from Planner I at $27,310 (Grade 7) to Plans Reviewer at $30,056 (Grade 8) in Planning & Zoning, Parks & Recreation, effective September 17, 2001;
Downgrade Kenneth K. Karr from Equipment Operator II at $24,608.87 (Grade 5) to Equipment Operator I at $23,378 (Grade 4), effective September 10, 2001;
Transfer Mary M. Hines from Office Services Specialist in Treasurer’s Office to Office Services Specialist in the Housing Office – Salary remains at $24,130.28 (Grade 5), effective September 20, 2001;
Promote Teresa M. Gordon, Department of Aging, from Office Service/Program Assistant at $19,896.24 (Grade 3) to Homemaker/Shopping Associate at $21,756.80 (Grade 4);
Reclassify Debbie S. Wilcher, Department of Aging, from Office Services Specialist (Grade 5) to Administrative Assistant (Grade 6) – No change in salary.
Upon recommendation by Ms. Nichols, motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the following miscellaneous items:
Deputy Director of Public Works merit based position;
Approval of RFP submitted by William M. Mercer, Inc. to perform an actuarial study to research withdrawing employees who fall under the Public Safety Compensation Structure from the Maryland State Retirement/Pension System;
Amendment to the following Emergency Services job specifications (title changes only): EMS Chief to DES Deputy Director/Deputy Chief, Volunteer Services Coordinator to DES Deputy Director/Deputy Chief, Chief Dispatcher to Assistant Chief, and EMS Assistant Chief to Assistant Chief.
- LEASE AGREEMENT – CHES. CITY VOL. FIRE CO. NO. 1 –
Mr. Al Wein, County Administrator, presented a Lease Agreement between this Board and the Chesapeake City Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. The term of the lease is for a period of 99 years, and the leased area of approximately two acres shall be used for the construction and operation of a public safety building to house paramedical units and potentially other emergency response functions. This property is located immediately south of the Bohemia Manor Middle/High School.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the Lease Agreement. A copy is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- RESOLUTION – UPPER BAY COUNSELING & SUPPORT SERVICES –
Mr. Wein presented a Resolution which will enable Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, Inc. to submit an application and request to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, an allocation of State tax credits up to $50,000.
In turn, Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, Inc. will market the tax credits to eligible Maryland businesses in exchange for contributions to DHCD approved projects.
The award of these tax credits will expand the County’s in-school therapeutic behavior intervention program for at risk children and adolescents attending Cecil County Public Schools.
Dr. Roberts, Superintendent, Cecil County Public Schools, has submitted a letter of support for this program.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution. A copy is incorporated as a part of these minutes.
- BID – BELL MANOR RD. BR. –
Mr. Matt Carter, Director of Public Works, recommended that the bid for repairs to the Bell Manor Road Bridge be awarded to JJID, Inc. for the sum of $20,800.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to award the bid to JJID.
- GRANT AGREEMENT – GILPIN FALLS COVERED BRIDGE –
Mr. Matt Carter requested approval of a Grant Agreement for funding in the amount of $50,000 from the Maryland Historical Trust for the Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge project.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the Grant Agreement.
- GRANT – GILPIN FALLS COVERED BRIDGE –
Mr. Matt Carter presented a letter extending the historic preservation grant for the preliminary engineering and the design engineering for the Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge project to March 31, 2002.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the extension.
- RESOLUTION – BLUEBALL RD. –
Mr. Matt Carter presented a Resolution for the placement of one stop sign on Blueball Road South at Nellies Corner Road and one stop sign on Blueball Road North at Blake Road.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution.
- RESOLUTION – SOIL CONSERVATION PROJECTS –
Mr. Matt Carter presented a Resolution authorizing him to sign the Soil Conservation District’s owner/developer certification on plans for Cecil County projects.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution.
- DEED – HUDLER –
Mr. Matt Carter presented a Deed with Dorothy A. Hudler to accept Dave Moore Boulevard in Beulah Land, Section 6, into the County road system.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hepbron, seconded by Commissioner Kilby, and unanimously carried to approve the Deed.
- BUDGET AMENDMENT NOS. 36-40 –
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment Nos. 36-40.
Copies of the Budget Amendments are incorporated as a part of these minutes,
- BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1 –BD. OF EDUCATION –
Motion was made by Commissioner Kilby, seconded by Commissioner Hepbron, and unanimously carried to approve Budget Amendment No. 1 to the Board of Education’s FY02 Construction Budget.
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