December 7, 2010

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Board of County Commissioners
Worksession Minutes
December 7, 2010

PRESENT: Commissioners Lockhart, Demmler, Mullin, Tome, and Hodge; County Administrator Al Wein, Public Works Director Scott Flanigan and staff; Planning and Zoning Director Eric Sennstrom; Economic Development Deputy Director Roy Clough: Human Resources Director Donna Nichols; Permits and Inspections Director Pat Conway; Emergency Services Director Richard Brooks; Budget Manager Craig Whiteford; Executive Office Administrator Vicky Rinkerman; County Counsel Norman Wilson; members of the press, and members of the public.

OPEN SESSION

9:00 a.m.

Evening Meeting Agenda review – County Administrator Wein reviewed the Quitclaim Deed between Pettinaro Enterprises and the Board of County Commissioners relative to property located in the Winding Brook community being transferred to the county. A portion of the property is adjacent to the public parkland located at the entrance to the community.



County Administrator Wein reviewed the action items on the agenda that the Board will consider at the meeting.



County Administrator Wein reviewed the rezoning decision for consideration by the Board. Planning and Zoning Director Sennstrom stated that in his presentation before the Planning Commission, Mr. Rollins argued that the buffer area in question does not meet the requirements of Section 203, 3. b. As recommended by the Critical Area Commission, he decided to proceed with a buffer modification request when they denied a request for a variance. If the Board approves the application, the request will be forwarded to the Critical Area Commission for approval.



County Administrator Wein reviewed the appointments that the Board will consider at the meeting.



Director Flanigan stated that a resolution to change the weight restriction on certain county roads to clarify the restriction as a ten ton gross vehicle weight will be introduced at the meeting and notification of the proposed change published in the Cecil Whig.



The Board will consider bid 11-20 for a vinyl siding recycling contract. The county received one bid for the project, which is from the current contractor.



Commissioner Hodge stated that he would prefer to have a year-to-year contract with an option to extend the contract at the County's discretion.



Director Flanigan stated that no bids were received for the crush and grind concrete and asphalt contract. The recommendation will be to re-advertise the bid.



Budget Manager Whiteford reviewed the budget amendments for consideration by the Board.



Director Brooks reviewed the budget amendment for the emergency services 911 system. He advised the Board that Director Mesneak has reviewed and approved the project.



County Administrator Wein reviewed the recommendation from Lisa Saxton for an appointment to the Public Safety Pension Board.



Fast Track for Warwick Mushroom Farm – Deputy Director Clough stated that the Warwick Mushroom Farm is requesting fast track designation for an expansion of their business to provide additional growing space to accommodate the demand for their product. Economic Development staff has recommended approval of the fast track request.



On motion by Commission Mullin, second by Commissioner Tome, the Board unanimously approved the fast track designation request from Warwick Mushroom Farm.



Commissioner Hodge voiced his concern regarding monitoring the water usage for the operation.



Director Conway stated that the facility has installed a state of the art water recycling system.



Commissioner Items

Commissioner Demmler, Commissioner Tome, and Commissioner Lockhart expressed their thanks to staff for their hard work and assistance during their term of office.



Commissioner Hodge and Commissioner Mullin expressed their thanks to the departing Board members.



President Lockhart requested an update on the issue with billing for sewer service for the Port Deposit Fire Company.



County Administrator Wein stated that the sewer billing for the volunteer fire companies in the county has been resolved. The fire companies will be billed at the non-metered rate. A covenant exists from 1922 that exempts Mr. Tome's property in Port Deposit from being billed for water use. When Artesian acquired the water system in Port Deposit, they referenced this property as being exempt in exchange for the easement that exists on the property.



County Administrator Wein and Director Flanigan recommended that the County treat Mr. Tome's property as other non-metered properties within the County. The current rate is $105.45 per quarter and is based on 15,000 gallons per quarter.



Director Flanigan stated that no cross billing existed between the water plant and wastewater plant when the County owned both; however, a new contract is being developed between Artesian and the County. Public Works staff is working with the Treasurer's Office to resolve the issues.



The Board concurred that the non-metered rate should apply in these instances.



Adjournment

9:40 a.m. – Being no further business, the worksession meeting was adjourned.

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