Denton, Maryland

The regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland, convened at 7:30 PM in the Commissioners Hearing Room, Courthouse.

Margaret R. Myers, President

John S. LeGates, Vice President

John W. Cole, Member

Charles C. Cawley, County Administrator

On motion by Mr. Cole, the minutes of the two previous meetings were approved. Vouchers #41623 - #41735 were approved for payment. The biweekly direct payroll was approved for release.

The Commissioners presented citizenship awards to the following volunteer firefighters who responded to an interstate call to assist in controlling the Florida wildlands fire. Bryan Ebling, director of emergency management, was also commended for his efforts in organizing the County’s response.

William Davis and Sidney Pinder, sheriff’s department, informed the Commissioners that in order for the department to receive any more Local Law Enforcement Block Grants from the U. S. Bureau of Justice, the County must put in place a public safety officer’s health benefits provision, which would provide lifelong health care benefits at a level no less than currently provided to public safety officers who leave County servce as a direct result of injuries incurred during a hot pursuit or emergency situation in the line of duty. A public safety officer is defined as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or rescue or ambulance crewmember. A law enforcement officer is defined under the amended Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act as "an individual involved in crime and juvenile delinquency control or reduction, or enforcement of laws, but not limited to police, correction, probation, parole, and judicial officers." If the local government does not provide this insurance, it must forfeit 10% of the grant allocated. There are other criteria for compliance. Although the insurance requirement is part of the annual federal appropriations act and could change from year to year, it remains in effect for the life of each grant it applies to. The department is applying for a $14,400 grant, with the support of the local advisory committee. Members Donald Nagel, Chris Jensen, Amy Thompson, Wayne Wiley, and Sylvia Butler were in attendance. The department will purchase three computer terminals, digital suspect booking program, color printer, and two digital cameras with the grant funds, and the local match, which is in the budget. Mr. Cawley said this request would not have to be reviewed by the Personnel Review Board unless it applies to merit system employees. The new equipment will pay for itself eventually because the department’s film purchase and development costs are significant. The Commissioners will consider the request.

On motion by Mr. Cole, and as requested by Bobby Schoonover, ALS coordinator, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Myers signed a Mutual Aid Agreement with Kent County, Delaware, which sets forth certain emergency response procedures in the event outside assistance is needed. Such agreements have been signed with the surrounding Maryland counties.

The County Commissioners met with Bobby Schoonover, ALS coordinator, and Dr. Michael Stone, who is interested in being the medical director for Caroline County emergency services. Dr. Stone reviewed his background, which includes a master’s degree in EMS administration, his lifelong involvement in emergency medical services in Carroll County, and his public service commitment. The County is now required to obtain the services of a director, and discussions with Shore Health Systems, Inc. have not proved fruitful because the hospital is undergoing a reorganization. Mr. Schoonover said that under state law the number of County staff who must now receive this supervision numbers 200, and includes emergency response dispatchers and sheriff’s department AED-trained deputies. The deputy County attorney has drafted a proposed contract with Dr. Stone whereby he will provide about 96 hours of EMS administration for an annual retainer of $1,200. Mr. Schoonover stated that he has budgeted funds for this purpose. The volunteer fire companies are reviewing the draft, and will respond with comments. Dr. Stone understands that at some point the County may be able to find someone local to provide this service. Dr. Stone also commended Mr. Schoonover as being one of the state’s brightest ALS stars. Mr. Schoonover will report back after comments have been received.

On the individual motions indicated, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Myers signed the following purchase orders:

#12839 - Postmaster - $2,000 - replenishing Courthouse postage meter (Cole);

On the individual motions indicated, the Commissioners unanimously approved the following expenditures from the contingency fund:

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Myers signed the FFY Emergency Shelter Program Grant Agreement with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $40,260, which will be used by St. Martin’s Ministries for its House and Barn programs for the homeless. As required by the state, the County also signed FFY 1998-99 Emergency Shelter Grant Program Homeless Services Agreement with St. Martin’s governing use of the funds.

On recommendation of the County Tourism Committee, and on motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Myers signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Spectrum Communications & Images, Inc., Kathy Magruder, president, in the amount of $4,990 for preparation of a County tourism plan, which includes north, central and south county public forums, to be held in August, with a final product to be delivered by the end of the calendar year.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Myers signed Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Agreement for Level I Administration of Special Loan Programs, and Agreement for Administration of federal HOME grant funds, as requested by Interfaith Housing Development Administration, the County housing coordinator. These programs have been administered in the past by IHDC, and provide needed rehabilitation funds to qualifying persons. Level I provides $3,000 annually and $700 per loan closing to IHDC. HOME provides lending authorization not to exceed $30,000 to IHDC.

On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Myers signed Memorandum of Understanding Between State of Maryland (Office/Subcabinet for Children, Youth and Families) and Caroline County (Caroline County Human Resource Council) setting forth programs, services, and state funding to establish a comprehensive children and family interagency delivery system. The MOU will remain in effect until 10/31/98, and thereafter as revised

The Commissioners reviewed a request by the Maryland Rural Development Corporation for a letter of support for the Maryland Capital Enterprises Micro-Enterprise Pilot Program, modeled on a successful program in Delaware that uses peer loan groups to promote self-reliance and collaboration. The program seeks to increase the success of self-employed individuals and their communities by providing loans, business education and networking to entrepreneurs with limited resources. Pre-development funds have been granted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Administration. A public information meeting has been held. On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously authorized President Myers to sign a concept support letter.

There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners was adjourned by unanimous consent.

Leigh Sands

Executive Assistant