July 27, 1999
Denton, Maryland
The regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland, convened at 7:45 PM 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. LeGates, the minutes of July 20, 1999 were approved. Vouchers #47383 – #47482 were approved for payment. Bi-weekly direct payroll was approved for release.
The Commissioners undertook adoption of the bond anticipation note to fund public school, Courthouse and clinic building renovation projects. Mr. Cawley said this will be the first note under the authority of Legislative Bill #99-1, and generally reviewed the process. The interest rate of 4.33% is very good. Pre-closing with Mr. Cole and staff will be held Wednesday, and closing in Baltimore on Friday. Mr. Cole asked if there were public comments and there were none. On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed the following resolution (Extract):
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND
RESOLUTION #99-018
A RESOLUTION of County Commissioners of Caroline County authorizing the issuance and sale of a general obligation bond anticipation note in the aggregate principal amount of Five Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,600,000), under the provisions of Section 14 through 21, inclusive, of Article 25B of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1998 Replacement Volume, as replaced, supplemented or amended), Bill #99-1, a public local law enacted by the County Commissioners of Caroline County on May 11, 1999 and effective on June 25, 1999, and Article 12 of Section 31 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1997 Replacement Volume, as replaced, supplemented or amended), the note to be designated "County Commissioners of Caroline County Public Improvement Bond Anticipation Note of 1999", the net proceeds of the sale thereof to be used and applied for the public purpose of providing interim financing for the costs of the construction, renovation, expansion, improvement, furnishing and equipping of various government and public school buildings and facilities in Caroline County as more particularly described herein; prescribing the form and tenor of the note and the terms and conditions for the issuance and sale thereof by private negotiation to First Union National Bank, prescribing the terms and conditions of the note and all other details incident to the issuance, sale and delivery of the note; providing for the disbursement of the proceeds of the note; providing for the levy and collection of the taxes necessary for the prompt payment of the maturing principal of and interest on the note, and providing that the full faith and credit and taxing power of County Commissioners of Caroline County shall be irrevocably pledged to the payment of such principal and interest, and generally relating to the issuance, sale, delivery and payment of and for the note.
ADOPTED this 27th day of July 1999 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND
* * * * *
On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed the FY 2000 Caroline County Public Schools Operating Budget Document as presented by Dr. Larry Lorton, superintendent of schools; Milton Nagel, comptroller; and Victoria Buesgens, board vice president. Dr. Lorton commended the Commissioners and Mr. Cawley for their efforts during the entire budget process and for handling the budgeting issues they were faced with this year. Dr. Lorton further stated that he is pleased to have a balanced budget as well as keeping the children’s interests in focus.
The Commissioners confirmed their meeting with the Board of Education on August 3, 1999 at 4 p.m. at the Board’s office.
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed a Program Open Space (POS) application for Harmony Community Park development, as presented by Sue Simmons, director of recreation and parks, for grading, playground improvements and fencing extensions. The total project cost is $42,840, with the local match of $4,643 accomplished with site provision.
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed a Program Open Space (POS) application for development funds in the amount of $32,000 for the Ridgely Athletic Field Complex. The total Phase I and II development cost is $124,600, however, Sue Simmons indicated that the funding authorization that accompanies the grant is limited to $32,000. This amount is consistent with the Commissioner-approved FY 2000 Capital Budget appropriation for the project. The local share of $10,000 will come from County funds.
Sue Simmons, director of recreation and parks, updated the Commissioners on the proposed one-acre acquisition of the David Fluharty property. The acquisition of this parcel is critical to the preservation of the historic Webb Cabin. A second appraisal was obtained at the request of the Commissioners on June 14th, , valued at $61,500. The first appraisal, completed in August 1998, assigns a similar value of $60,000; the average of the two appraisals is $60,750. Ms. Simmons stated that Caroline County Historical Society remains a committed partner in this project as they have taken steps to protect the cabin from further deterioration and have scheduled a meeting with the Maryland Historical Trust to begin developing the preservation plans for the facility. On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously authorized Sue Simmons to proceed with submitting a formal offer in the amount of $60,750 to David Fluharty for the purchase of the one-acre property fee simple within the FY 2000 fiscal year and development of a first right of refusal document with the County’s legal counsel for the remaining 29 acres. The property will be acquired with POS funds.
Helen Spinelli, economic development director, advised the Commissioners that the Caroline County ADC atlas map will remain in publication and is currently being updated despite the earlier notification that production would be discontinued. Following many letters, and a meeting with the Alexandria Drafting Company (ADC), the company reconsidered due to the numerous changes since the 1996 edition. The Commissioners commended Ms. Spinelli on her vigorous work on this project.
Ms. Spinelli also reiterated concern for the recent unanticipated Preston Trucking Company closure. She said that the closure will have state and national impact as well as locally. The company has been in existence since 1932. The State is aware of the closure and is looking into assistance, as is the Private Industry Council and Job Service Office.
Ms. Spinelli presented and reviewed the Draft One Maryland Strategic Plan with the Commissioners at length. She explained that the Plan represents a development strategy for the business sector of Caroline County’s economy that can be implemented and realized to the benefit of its residents and businesses by creating new opportunity for industry expansion. The Plan is divided into four sections. Section One outlines the specific goals and development strategy and the foundation in the Overall Economic Development Program (OEDP). Section Two identifies the specific projects being proposed for use of the One Maryland funds available under House Bill 5 by the County and three of its municipalities. There are eight projects represented totaling $5,291,800. Each project is identified by a picture, project description, use for the site, services available, priority funding area status, project cost, time line and compatibility with the OEDP. The projects are ranked in priority order. Section Three is dedicated to a Marketing Plan and maps a strategy for getting the message out concerning the County’s "One Maryland". Section Four addresses the potential impact and the implementation of the program in Caroline County. The eight projects listed in the Strategic Plan are:
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved the Draft One Maryland Strategic Plan and President Cole signed a letter to Secretary Lewin, Maryland Department of Economic and Business Development, supporting the Plan to be submitted.
On individual motions by Mr. LeGates, the following purchase orders were unanimously approved and signed:
#16092 - $10,000 – Personal Protection Equipment Specialists – hazardous equipment for Advanced Life Support (budgeted capital items funded through FY 2000 Capital Budget); and
#16489 - $2,750 – FP Softball – fast pitch softball clinic for recreation and parks (reimbursed by participants).
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously authorized solicitation of advertised bids for fuels.
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed Provident Lease Corporation Acceptance No. 17 for release of funds in the amount of $1,268.96 to Insight for a Hewlett Packard LaserJet printer, two Intel motherboard sockets and two Intel box celeron sockets for Emergency Management.
Following presentation by Marvin MacDonald, purchasing officer, and Chuck Emerson, director of public works, and considerable discussion, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. LeGates, unanimously accepted the low bid of C & S Ornamental Iron Company, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, in the amount of $429,645, for project #CC-HS-62999, Humane Society shelter project, Ridgely. All other bids were rejected. In his presentation, Mr. Emerson made the Commissioners aware that an additional $45,000 may be needed for project contingency and for an inspector, which has not been budgeted. Mr. LeGates questioned where the additional $40,000 would come from. Mr. Cawley responded that there is not a source at this time. Mr. Cawley said he hoped some of that expense could be avoided or reduced but he could look into a source other than the contingency fund. The Commissioners agreed to pursue the project as bid.
On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and authorized signature on an informational letter to be sent out regarding hydroponics, the growing of plants in nutrient solutions without soil, and a proposed hydroponic greenhouse project in the county, as discussed recently with the Commissioners by JOK Walsh, economic development consultant. The letter indicates that the County is fostering not sponsoring the proposed concept.
President Cole reported that on August 3rd, the Denton Police Department is hosting the 16th National Night Out at the Health and Public Services Building. This year’s theme is "Give Neighborhood Crimes and Drugs a Going Away Party."
Mr. Cawley reminded the Commissioners that the second public meeting of the Elected vs. Appointed Board of Education Subcommittee of the Education Study Commission will be held Wednesday, July 28th, 7:30 p.m., at the Marydel Fire Hall.
President Cole said that yesterday he attended a visit/tour of the adult day care and the Senior Center at the Health and Public Services Building with Congressman Wayne Gilchrest.
At 9:40 p.m., and as authorized by 1995 Maryland Code, State Government 10-508(a)(3), as amended, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. LeGates and seconded by Mr. Prettyman, unanimously adjourned into closed session to meet with Sue Simmons, director of recreation and parks, regarding potential land acquisition for a south county regional park; and with Helen Spinelli, economic development director, regarding the land acquisition element of Draft One Maryland Strategic Plan.
At 10:17 p.m. the meeting reconvened in open session. President Cole reported that the Commissioners, in closed session, discussed with Sue Simmons a potential land acquisition for a south county regional park; and discussed with Helen Spinelli a potential land acquisition opportunity in conjunction with the Draft One Maryland Strategic Plan.
There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:25 p.m.
Vivian L. Anders
County Commissioners Office Coordinator