September 28, 2010

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Board of County Commissioners
Worksession Minutes
September 28, 2010

PRESENT: Commissioners Lockhart, Demmler, Mullin, Tome (arrived late 9:20 a.m.), and Hodge; County Administrator Al Wein, Public Works Director Scott Flanigan and staff; Planning and Zoning Director Eric Sennstrom: Economic Development Director Vernon Thompson; Budget Manager Craig Whiteford; Executive Office Administrator Vicky Rinkerman; County Counsel Norman Wilson (arrived at 9:36 a.m.), Delegate David Rudolph; Chesapeake City Commissioner Frank Vari; members of the press, and members of the public.

OPEN SESSION

9:00 a.m.Correspondence from Municipalities – Mr. Frank Vari, Chesapeake City Commissioner, presented a letter to the Board on behalf of County municipalities requesting that the Board reinstate the recycling credits and phase in the recycling fees.

I-95/Route 222 Interchange Meeting – Delegate Rudolph stated that he met with officials from the State Department of Transportation and requested a traffic study of the western transportation corridor in Cecil County, which includes the Route 40 intersection, Route 222 and Route 276 in the Perryville/Port Deposit area. The State has established a work group to develop solutions to the transportation issues in this corridor. He offered to work with County officials to take a leadership role by developing a local transportation plan to present to the State's work group. The State Transportation Authority has provided funding for numerous projects throughout the State. He suggested that County officials consider making this area a top priority for the Transportation Department Tour meeting.

Director Thompson stated that the work group meeting provided an opportunity for County officials to bring the transportation issues in the western corridor of Cecil County to the forefront of the State's priority list.

Delegate Rudolph suggested inviting Wilmapco officials to participate in the process of developing the transportation plan.

Commissioner Hodge stated that he is in favor of establishing a local work group that includes stakeholders from the community to work with government officials.

Delegate Rudolph recommended that County officials seek assistance with funding for transportation improvements from the State Highway Administration and the Transportation Authority.

Commissioner Mullin stated that he feels developing a public/private partnership to address the transportation issues would help to get the project started sooner.

Delegate Rudolph stated that the first step in the process would be to have an environmental study of the area before developing a transportation improvement plan.

The Board concurred to move forward with establishing a local stakeholder group to work with Delegate Rudolph to discuss and develop a proposal to address the transportation issues in the western transportation corridor.

Kiosk Agreement – Director Thompson briefed the Board on an agreement for two kiosks to promote tourism in the County. One kiosk would be located in the Hollywood Casino and the other proposed location is the renovated Chesapeake House facility on I-95. Advertising has been sold on the kiosk, which will offset the cost of the monthly $1500 rental fee. The kiosk would be used in place of print advertising in the tourism budget. Harford County and Baltimore City is using this technology, and it provides coupons to attract business for local companies.

The Board concurred to authorize County Administrator Wein execute the two-year kiosk agreement for the Economic Development Tourism Office.

Commissioner Items

Commissioner Mullin stated that he presented an Eagle Scout award to Matthew Croce and his project was building a pavilion from the ground up including picnic tables.

Road Signs – Discussion ensued regarding road signs for Plumpton Park Zoo now that the facility is closed. The Board requested that Director Thompson investigate this matter.

CLOSED SESSION
9:40 AM - On motion by Commissioner Mullin, second by Commissioner Tome , the Board convened to closed session pursuant to Maryland Annotated Code State Government 10-508(a) (3) Consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; and (7) Consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.

The Board convened in closed session.

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