March 16, 1999
Denton, Maryland
The regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland, convened at 9:30 AM in the Hearing Room, Courthouse, Denton.
Attending:
John W. Cole, President
Franklin W. Prettyman, Vice President
John S. LeGates, Member
Charles C. Cawley, County Administrator
On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the minutes of March 9, 1999 were approved with one correction. Vouchers #45312 – #45398 were approved for payment.
On individual motions indicated, the following purchase orders were approved and signed:
#13862 – $3,208 – DELL Marketing – computer for Emergency Management office network (LeGates);
#13863 - $2,291.86 – CDW Government, Inc. – various computer equipment for Emergency Management office network (LeGates);
#14907 - $16,440.22 – Maryland Environmental Services – 346.11 tons of refuse hauled to Mid-Shore Regional Landfill in February 1999 (Prettyman);
#14932 - $7,640 – Alban Tractor Company – rental of a Caterpillar scraper for use by the Department of Public Works (Prettyman).
On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved the following contingency fund expenditure: $1,500 – Cadell and Associates, Inc. – appraisal of parcel on Idlewild Road.
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously appointed Father Christopher LaBarge to serve on the Caroline County Social Services Board, as requested by the Board.
The Commissioners discussed correspondence received from the National Association of Counties (NACo) requesting support for increased federal funding for CDBG and HOME programs, which are neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing programs. The increased funding levels for the two programs are $5 billion for CDBG and $1.8 billion for HOME. Localities use CDBG funds to promote economic growth and job creation, maintain community facilities, meet basic human services and preserve affordable housing for low and moderate income families. The majority of HOME funds have been committed to housing for very low income families. These programs give localities the resources to meet housing and community economic development needs. On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed a letter of endorsement for increased funding for the CDBG and HOME programs, as submitted.
Leigh Sands, executive assistant, updated the Commissioners on the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance Training Program coordinated by the Institute for Governmental Service. Ms. Sands advised that by attending the Maryland Association of Counties conferences that are held twice a year, the Commissioners will meet the requirements of the program and will be certified in three years.
On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed a General Certificate and Continuing Disclosure Agreement relating to the Maryland Environmental Service Revenue and Refunding Bonds Series 1999 for the Mid-Shore Regional Landfill Project, as submitted by Piper and Marbury, bond counsel.
On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to oppose State legislation, HB 854, Lottery Commission – Video Lottery Terminals and instruction staff to prepare correspondence to be sent to the Eastern Shore Delegation and appropriate committee chair indicating their opposition to such on the Eastern Shore.
The Commissioners discussed the Board of Education request for funding of non-recurring cost items for FY 2000, which permits county governments to fund specific school system requests without affecting the required maintenance of effort calculation for the following fiscal year. The deadline for submission of the non-recurring cost items to the State is March 31. By unanimous consent, the Commissioners instructed staff to schedule a budget workshop during next week’s regular meeting of the Commissioners in order to further discuss the funding request.
On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners confirmed President Cole’s signature on a letter to Lester Branson, Mayor of Denton, acknowledging the commitment of the County Commissioners to become involved with the Town’s downtown revitalization program, the State of Maryland Designation as a "Main Street Maryland" community. The program’s goal is to strengthen the economic potential of Maryland’s traditional main streets and neighborhoods through a comprehensive approach to revitalization.
The Commissioners unanimously agreed to attend a lunch and tour at noon next Tuesday at the Clover Cultural Center.
Sue Simmons, director of recreation and parks, accompanied by community partners, Dave Cole, president, Young Peoples Organization; Ron Markey, president, and Jeanne Saulsbury, fundraising chair, Caroline County Little League, presented the department’s FY 1999-2000 budget request in the amount of $300,462, a $51,723 increase over last year’s budget. Ms. Simmons said that Mr. Cole, Mr. Markey and Ms. Saulsbury are representative of just a few community partners that have been working actively on current projects directly related to recreation and parks. Ms. Simmons provided a brief highlight on the projects listed in the department’s budget. Mr. Markey and Ms. Saulsbury explained that the Town of Denton provided the Caroline County Little League 33 acres to be used as an athletic park. A plan has been developed and and drawings are complete. The League is currently on phase I of the plan and is ready for construction. They have raised $33,000 to date. Ms. Simmons has looked into Program Open Space funding. Dave Cole, YPOOP, acknowledged their commitment to the project as well. Mr. Cole also reiterated that due to the increased growth, the little league teams have increased from five teams just six years ago to 21 teams this year. There is a desperate need for athletic fields due to the growth. President Cole stated that the Commissioners have endorsed the five-year plan which included north county and south county land acquisitions.
R. Allen Reichlin, president, Caroline County Board of Election Supervisors, accompanied by Sandy Logan, election director, and Katherine Vair, sub-boardmember, presented their FY 1999-2000 budget request in the amount of $139,950. Mr. Reichlin explained that the elections budget figures fluctuate with the election cycles and State mandates, and the office has experienced much growth recently. This coming fiscal year will include one election, the Presidential Primary later this month. The State has created new procedures and requirements for all election offices across the State. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of rent payments commencing in July for the election office on a per square footage basis as recently informed from the State. Mr. Cawley said that he has responded to the State and until a reply is received, it is unknown as to the amount to be budgeted in that category.
Carl Burke, director, Upper Shore Aging, Inc., presented their FY 1999-2000 budget request in the amount of $111,780, which is an 86% increase over the current year’s appropriation of $60,000. Mr. Burke explained that of the additional request of $51,780, 74% of this amount is for the purpose of increased rent for the Caroline County Senior Center in the new Health and Public Services Building. Upper Shore Aging is the designated area agency on aging serving 5,374 elderly residents of Caroline County. Mr. Burke described USA as a non-profit organization that uses Federal, State and local government funds as well as participant fees, transportation contract revenues and fundraising proceeds to deliver a comprehensive, coordinated menu of community-based services to the elderly. Programs administered by USA in Caroline County include: senior centers (Denton and Federalsburg); congregate and home-delivered meals; USTAR elderly, disabled and public transportation; senior information and assistance; senior care; weatherization; senior legal assistance; elderly housing (Maple Village in Greensboro); group senior-assisted housing; guardianship; senior healthscope; senior health insurance counseling and advocacy program; and long-term care ombudsman. Following, in order of priority, are highlights of the budget request for FY 2000:
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole provided signature on letters of support on the following tax legislative issues, as previously discussed: SB 546, Property Tax/Actions to Foreclose the Right of Redemption; SB 547, Property Tax Sales Certificates/Period of Validity; SB 552, Tax Sales/High-Bid Premium; SB 766, Property Tax/Refunds with Interest. Dorsey Wooters, County treasurer, will be testifying on these issues on March 17 at the individual hearings.
Dr. John A. Grant, health officer, Caroline County Health Department, accompanied by Rebecca Loukides, deputy health officer and Elke Kirk, director of administrative services, met with the Commissioners and presented their FY 1999-2000 budget request in the amount of $620,556. The health department represents 1.85% of the total County budget. Dr. Grant provided a brief slide presentation outlining FY 2000 budgeted programs and distributions, a summary of which follows:
Caroline County Health Department Programs
Funded Each Year and Program Funding Distribution
Budget Increase Summary
$ 470,754 - FY 1999 Appropriation
$ 620,556 - FY 2000 Request
$ 149,820 - FY 2000 Increase (Rent at HAPS Building)
$ 32,490 - FY 1999 Rent (at prior locations)
$ 105,466 - FY 2000 Rent Increase
$ 44,366 - FY 2000 Salary Increase
In closing, Dr. Grant commended the Commissioners on the Health and Public Services Building stating that it is a great facility and a credit to the community.
At 12 noon, and as authorized by 1995 Maryland Code, State Government 10-508(a)(1) and (4), as amended, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. LeGates, seconded by Mr. Prettyman, unanimously adjourned into closed session to meet with Helen Spinelli, economic development director, regarding appointments to the "One Maryland" Task Force.
The meeting reconvened in open session at 12:35 PM. President Cole reported that the Commissioners, in closed session, discussed proposed appointments to the "One Maryland" Task Force and those proposed selections have been submitted to Helen Spinelli to follow-up with candidate contacts, and report back to the Commissioners.
On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners directed Leigh Sands, executive assistant, to coordinate with the chair of the Education Study Commission to respond as to the Commission’s position on HB 597/SB 534, Caroline County - Education – Budget – Program Implications, to the Eastern Shore Delegation and the various committee chairs.
There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners was adjourned by unanimous consent.
Vivian L. Anders
County Commissioners Office Coordinator