Denton, Maryland
As previously announced, the regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland, convened at 8:30 a.m. in the Hearing Room, Courthouse, Denton.
The County Commissioners meeting convened
with prayer led by Rev. Paul Dieter, Wesleyan Retirement Center,
Denton, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
By unanimous consent, the minutes of May 31, 2005 were approved, however, approval of the minutes of June 7, 2005 was deferred until next week due to technical difficulties with the computer network last week and this week. Vouchers #85803 - #85908 were unanimously approved for payment.
Commissioners’ Comments:
On individual motions by Mr.
Layton, the Commissioners approved and President Cole signed the following purchase orders:
#39115
- $4,848.75 – MRPA – May 2005 amusement park ticket sales for programs
administered by the Caroline County Department of Recreation and Parks (100%
reimbursable through sales);
#38910 - $8,700 – Potters Industries, Inc. – 24,000 pounds of Maryland State Contract Highway glass spheres to be use in the Caroline County Department of Public Works pavement-marking program;
#38745 - $2,474.28 – Mayor and Council of Federalsburg – a partial payment for the reimbursement for training costs associated with Officer David Hubbard for the Caroline County Department of Corrections.
Jim McCormick, computer network
supervisor, introduced to the
Commissioners, new employee, Tina Gray, filling the position of
administrative assistant in the Caroline County Office of Technology.
President Cole read aloud the results of the following advertised bid opening that was held at 9:30 a.m., in Room #106, Courthouse, Denton, on Wednesday, June 8, 2005. The following bid was publicly opened, read aloud and recorded at that time:
24-FOOT X
48-FOOT WOOD FRAM BUILDING
LOCATED AT 407
WEST BELL STREET, RIDGELY
(SITE OF
CAROLINE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY)
BIDDER BID
Denton, Maryland $ 2,100
The bid was referred to staff for evaluation.
* *
* * *
President Cole read aloud the results of the following advertised bid opening that was held at 9:30 a.m., in Room #106, Courthouse, Denton, on Monday, June 13, 2005. The following bids were publicly opened, read aloud and recorded at that time:
#CC-PG-061305
BIDDER BID
Greensboro, Maryland Over the Counter - $59.41
Denton Pharmacy Total - $ 375.87
Denton, Maryland Over the Counter - $56.65
Contract Pharmacy Total - $409.77
Hatboro, Pennsylvania Over the Counter - $57.94
The bids were referred to staff for evaluation.
* *
* * *
As publicly
announced, the Commissioners, at 8:50 a.m., undertook adoption of the FY 2005-2006 Caroline County Government
Budget. Charles Cawley, County administrator, briefly reviewed the budget
document, and stated that the FY 2006 Budget Message is the keystone of the
document, which reflects the FY 2006 initiatives of the Commissioners.
There being no further discussion, and on motion by Mr. Gangemi and
seconded by Mr. Layton, the Commissioners unanimously adopted and
signed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION #2005-007
CAROLINE
COUNTY
APPROVED
ESTIMATE OF REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS
FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006
The approved budget for
Caroline County Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005 and
ending June 30, 2006, as represented by the detailed and fully itemized
statement contained herein, is hereby approved by the County Commissioners of
Caroline County, Maryland, sitting as the Board of Estimates.
In accordance with the Code
of Public Local Laws of Caroline County, we do hereby certify, having reviewed
the estimated schedule of revenues contained herein, that this schedule is a
correct, thorough, and complete list of all the sources of revenue from which
any income to the County will accrue or be derived during the ensuing fiscal
year.
We further certify that we
have reviewed all requests for appropriations submitted by various departments,
agencies and organizations, and from these have developed an estimated
statement of expenditures, contained herein, which shows for what purposes and
in what amount the money so appropriated is to be expended, each and every
expenditure, in our opinion, a necessary and proper expenditure.
ADOPTED: JUNE 14, 2005 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ESTIMATES OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND
* * *
On motion by Mr. Gangemi and seconded by Mr. Layton,
the Commissioners unanimously
adopted and signed the following resolution confirming the total budget tax
levy in the total amount of $40,645,770, and setting the County property tax
rates in the unincorporated areas of the County and in the incorporated towns:
RESOLUTION
#2005-008
TOTAL BUDGET
AND TAX LEVY
WHEREAS:
The Board of Estimates of Caroline County, Maryland,
has carefully ascertained all the various estimates of revenues and
expenditures, and fixed them in such amounts as they consider proper. Two advertised public hearings have been
held on the proposed FY 2005 – 2006 Caroline County Government budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND, To hereby accept the estimates of revenues
and expenditures of the Board of Estimates; and to appropriate those revenues
available to the County according to the list of estimates.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, That the County
Commissioners hereby confirm the FY 2005-2006 Caroline County Government Budget
in the total amount of $40,645,770; and we hereby set the Caroline County
property tax rates for the 2005 - 2006 fiscal year as follows per $100 of full
cash value assessed valuation:
FY 2006 FY 2005 FY 2004 FY 2003
Unincorporated
areas of the county $.91 $.952 $.952 $.952
**Towns
without water/sewer $.87 $.912 $.912 $.912
(Henderson, Hillsboro, Goldsboro,
Marydel, Templeville)
**Towns with water/sewer $.79 $.832 $.832 $.832
(Denton, Federalsburg, Greensboro,
Preston, Ridgely)
FURTHER RESOLVED, That continuation
of the 110% Caroline County Homestead Property Tax Credit, in effect since
1992, is hereby verified for FY 2006.
ADOPTED: JUNE 14, 2005 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
CAROLINE
COUNTY, MARYLAND
C: State Office of the Comptroller
**Property tax differentials are required by
local law.
* *
*
On motion by Mr. Gangemi, duly seconded, the Commissioners unanimously adopted and signed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
#2005-009
ADOPTION
OF FY 2005 - 2006 CAROLINE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CAPITAL
BUDGET AND PROGRAM,
INCLUDING
CAPITAL RESERVE (FUND 39)
WHEREAS:
Section 18-12C(2) of the Code of
Public Local Laws of Caroline County requires that the Budget shall contain
separate sections including “proposed capital expenditures during the ensuing
fiscal year, detailed for each fund by organization unit when practicable, and
the proposed method of financing each such capital expenditure . . . .”
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND, That the following documents are
hereby adopted:
1) FY 2006 Capital Budget;
2) FY 2006 Capital Improvement Program;
3)
FY
2006 Capital Reserve Fund/Appropriations
(Including Reauthorization of FY 2005 Appropriations).
FURTHER RESOLVED, That since the capital
budget is based on estimates, it is regarded as preliminary, and the final numbers
may vary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the above attached
documents are officially a part of the approved FY 2006 Caroline County
Government Budget.
ADOPTED: JUNE 14, 2005 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND
* *
*
On motion by Mr. Gangemi, duly seconded, the Commissioners unanimously adopted and signed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION #2005-010
ADOPTION OF FY 2005-2006
WHEREAS:
The
County Commissioners have given thoughtful consideration to the proposed budget
and pay and classification plan for the employees of Caroline County.
NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED That the FY 2005 - 2006 Caroline County
Government Personnel and Payroll Documents, which are a part of this Resolution
and of the Official FY 2005 - 2006 Budget Document, are on this date approved
and adopted;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That FY 2006 merit pay increases, allocated by departments, as set
forth in the Payroll Document, shall be awarded to fulltime County employees
based on performance evaluations;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That County employees shall
receive an FY 2006 5% payscale increase, and this increase shall take effect on
the July 19, 2005 County pay date;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That County employees who
received in 2005 a performance evaluation of “Exceeds Expectations” shall
receive a bonus of $500; and that County employees who received in 2005 a
performance evaluation of “Outstanding” shall receive a bonus of $1,000; neither
of which affects payscale calculation in subsequent years.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That all retirees from
County service receiving a monthly County pension benefit shall receive an FY
2006 5% cost-of-living pension benefit increase; and
FURTHER
RESOLVED, That this Resolution does not govern the Payroll Documents for the
following state agencies: the Caroline
County Circuit Court, the Caroline County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the
Caroline County Sheriff’s Department, which, as of FY 2005, are governed by
separate Resolutions adopted annually by the County Commissioners. These Resolutions next follow this
Resolution. (See all respective Payroll
Documents at the Personnel and Payroll tab.)
FURTHER
RESOLVED, That this Resolution does not govern the positions/job class titles
listed in Resolution #2005-014, Creation of Public Safety Payscale.
* * *
On motion by Mr. Gangemi, duly seconded, the Commissioners unanimously adopted and signed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION #2005-011
ADOPTION
OF FY 2005-2006
CIRCUIT COURT PERSONNEL AND PAYROLL DOCUMENTS
WHEREAS, the Circuit Court for
Caroline County is a State Office and the employees of that office are
employees of the State;
WHEREAS, pursuant to State law,
specifically Sections 2-501 and 2-507 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings
Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, Caroline County (the “County”) is
required to fund and to determine the level of funding of certain employees and
positions of the Circuit Court for Caroline County;
WHEREAS, pursuant to State law,
specifically Section 8-101(5) of Article 24 of the Maryland Annotated Code, the
Circuit Court for Caroline County is subject to the budget and fiscal policies
of the County and the purchasing laws of the County;
WHEREAS, the Circuit Court for
Caroline County, while being an expert agency in the operation and
administration of the Circuit Court, does not have any administrative staff
specifically trained and regularly functioning in a human resources capacity;
WHEREAS, instead of contracting
with an independent consultant to provide human resources services to the
Circuit Court for Caroline County, in the interest of cost effectiveness, intergovernmental
cooperation, and the wise expenditure of taxpayer revenues, the persons who
assist the County’s department heads with personnel and budget matters have
assisted the Circuit Court for Caroline County, to the extent requested by the
Judge of Circuit Court for Caroline County, in preparing the budget and pay and
classification plan for the Circuit Court for Caroline County;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the Circuit Court for Caroline County has submitted a
proposed pay and classification plan for the employees subject to the County’s
budget and fiscal policies to the County Commissioners for approval;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the Circuit Court for Caroline County has submitted the proposed
budget for the employees subject to the County’s budget and fiscal policies to
the County Commissioners for approval; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the County Commissioners have given thoughtful
consideration to the proposed budget and pay and classification plan for the
Circuit Court for Caroline County.
NOW THEREFORE:
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED That the FY 2005 - 2006 Circuit Court Personnel and
Payroll Documents, which are a part of this Resolution and of the Official FY
2005 - 2006 Budget Document, are on this date approved and adopted;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That FY 2006 merit pay increases, as set forth in the Payroll
Document, shall be awarded to fulltime Circuit Court employees based on
performance evaluations;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Circuit Court employees
shall receive an FY 2006 5% payscale increase, and this increase shall take
effect on the July 19, 2005 County pay date;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Circuit Court
employees who received in 2005 a performance evaluation of “Exceeds
Expectations” shall receive a bonus of $500; and that Circuit Court employees
who received in 2005 a performance evaluation of “Outstanding” shall receive a
bonus of $1,000; neither of which affects payscale calculation in subsequent
years.
CAROLINE COUNTY,
MARYLAND
* * *
On motion by Mr. Gangemi, duly seconded, the Commissioners unanimously adopted and signed the following resolution:
ADOPTION OF FY 2005-2006
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL AND PAYROLL DOCUMENTS
WHEREAS, the Sheriff of Caroline
County is a State Constitutional Officer and the Caroline County Sheriff’s Department
is a State Constitutional Office and a unit of State Government;
WHEREAS, pursuant to State law,
specifically Section 2-309 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of
the Maryland Annotated Code, Caroline County (the “County”) is required to
determine the level of funding of the Sheriff’s Department and to fund the
department;
WHEREAS, pursuant to State law,
specifically Section 8-101(3) of Article 24 of the Maryland Annotated Code, the
Caroline County Sheriff’s Department is subject to the budget and fiscal
policies of the County and the purchasing laws of the County;
WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Department,
while being an expert agency in police, law enforcement and related activities,
does not have any administrative staff specifically trained and regularly
functioning in a human resources capacity;
WHEREAS, instead of contracting
with an independent consultant to provide human resources services to the
Sheriff’s Department, in the interest of cost effectiveness, intergovernmental
cooperation, and the wise expenditure of taxpayer revenues, the persons who
assist the County’s department heads with personnel and budget matters have
assisted the Sheriff’s Department, to the extent requested by the Sheriff, in
preparing the budget and pay and classification plan for the Sheriff’s
Department;
WHEREAS, the Caroline County
Sheriff’s Deputies petitioned the County Commissioners for a new, separate
payscale for sworn officers in recognition of the hazardous nature of their work,
and in an effort to attract and retain quality employees, which payscale was
adopted by the County Commissioners in FY 2005;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the Sheriff has submitted his proposed pay and
classification plan for the employees he has hired to staff his office to the
County Commissioners for approval;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the Sheriff has submitted a proposed budget for the
Sheriff’s Department to the County Commissioners for approval; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the County Commissioners have given thoughtful
consideration to the proposed budget and pay and classification plan for the
Sheriff’s Department.
NOW, THEREFORE:
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, That the FY 2005 - 2006 Sheriff’s Department
Personnel and Payroll Documents, which are a part of this Resolution and of the
Official FY 2005 - 2006 Budget Document, are on this date approved and adopted;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Caroline County
Sheriff’s Department payscale for sworn officers, which does not include police
records technician positions, shall be increased by 1% in FY 2006. Changes to the Caroline County payscale for
employees other than Sheriff’s Department sworn officers shall not apply to the
Sheriff’s Department payscale for sworn officers;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That all Sheriff’s
Department employees who received in 2005 a performance evaluation of “Exceeds
Expectations” shall receive a bonus of $500; and that Sheriff’s Department employees
who received in 2005 a performance evaluation of “Outstanding” shall receive a
bonus of $1,000; neither of which affects payscale calculation in subsequent
years; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That all retirees from the Caroline County
Sheriff’s Department receiving a monthly pension benefit shall receive an FY
2006 5% cost-of-living pension benefit increase.
CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND
* * *
On motion by Mr. Gangemi, duly seconded, the Commissioners unanimously adopted and signed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION #2005-012
ADOPTION
OF FY 2005-2006
STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PERSONNEL AND PAYROLL DOCUMENTS
WHEREAS, the Caroline County State’s
Attorney is a State Constitutional Officer and the Caroline County State’s
Attorney’s Office is a State Constitutional Office and a unit of State
Government;
WHEREAS, pursuant to State law,
specifically Section 40(a) of Article 10 of the Maryland Annotated Code,
Caroline County (the “County”) is required to determine the level of funding of
the State’s Attorney’s Office and to fund the office;
WHEREAS, pursuant to State law,
specifically Section 8-101(2) of Article 24 of the Maryland Annotated Code, the
Caroline County State’s Attorney’s Office is subject to the budget and fiscal
policies of the County and the purchasing laws of the County;
WHEREAS, the State’s Attorney’s
Office, while being an expert agency in the criminal law and the prosecution
for criminal offenses, does not have any administrative staff specifically
trained and regularly functioning in a human resources capacity;
WHEREAS, instead of contracting
with an independent consultant to provide human resources services, in the
interest of cost effectiveness, intergovernmental cooperation, and the wise
expenditure of taxpayer revenues, the persons who assist the County’s
Department heads with personnel and budget matters have assisted the State’s
Attorney’s Office, to the extent requested by the State’s Attorney, in
preparing the budget and pay and classification plan for the State’s Attorney’s
Office;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the State’s Attorney has submitted his proposed pay and
classification plan for the employees he has hired to staff his office to the
County Commissioners for approval;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the State’s Attorney has submitted the proposed budget
for the State’s Attorney’s Office to the County Commissioners for approval; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the afore
cited State mandates, the County Commissioners have given thoughtful
consideration to the proposed budget and pay and classification plan for the
State’s Attorney’s Office.
NOW THEREFORE:
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED That the FY 2005 - 2006 State’s Attorney’s Office
Personnel and Payroll Documents, which are a part of this Resolution and of the
Official FY 2005 - 2006 Budget Document, are on this date approved and adopted;
FURTHER RESOLVED, That FY 2006 merit pay increases, as set forth in the Payroll
Document, shall be awarded to fulltime State’s Attorney’s Office employees
based on performance evaluations; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That State’s Attorney’s
Office employees shall receive an FY 2006 5% payscale increase, and this
increase shall take effect on the July 19, 2005 County pay date.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That State’s Attorney’s
Office employees who received in 2005 a performance evaluation of “Exceeds
Expectations” shall receive a bonus of $500; and that State’s Attorney’s Office
employees who received in 2005 a performance evaluation of “Outstanding” shall
receive a bonus of $1,000; neither of which affects payscale calculation in
subsequent years.
* * *
On motion by Mr. Gangemi, duly seconded, the Commissioners unanimously adopted and signed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
#2005-014
CREATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY
PAYSCALE
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND, Do hereby create a new and separate payscale
named the “Public Safety Payscale” effective July 1, 2005. (See Personnel and
Payroll tab in this Budget Document.)
FURTHER RESOLVED, That this new payscale applies
only to the positions/job class titles listed below, which shall be governed
only by the Public Safety Payscale:
I.
Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) Supervisor; Paramedic Instructor; Paramedic; Cardiac Rescue
Technician; Emergency Medical Technician; and
II.
Superintendent
of Corrections; Deputy Superintendent of Corrections; Corrections Officer IV;
Corrections Officer III; Corrections Officer II; Corrections Officer I; and
III.
Communications Manager; Communications
Systems Coordinator; Public Safety Dispatcher IV; Public Safety Dispatcher III;
Public Safety Dispatcher II; Public Safety Dispatcher I; National Crime
Information Center (NCIC) Clerk
* * *
Mr. Cawley stated that the budget process
began in December 2004 with the capital program and has been a 7-month long
process. He stated that this budget [FY
2006] is different and is historic due to the recent growth issues and those
growth issues are reflected in the budget.
Mr. Cawley expressed concern, however, that the growth issues will only
accelerate. Mr. Cawley stated that the
FY 2006 budget is the largest and most comprehensive budget. Mr. Cawley sated that this is the largest
percentage increase and that the budget is larger than normal due to the
demands placed on services, not because “we want it to be larger.” Mr. Cawley explained that the FY 2006 budget
includes such things as building roads and salaries, has there have been some
tough years in which the Commissioners could not maintain such services. Mr. Cawley stated that this year, the County
has funds to make a tax cut and that he is always concerned about further
years’ budgets and the out years of a budget, however, he feels that due to the
fact that the Commissioners have remained conservative in the past, he is
comfortable with this budget. He stated
that the FY 2006 “is a very good budget,” and that the Commissioners did a good
job and held a lot of deliberations.
Mr. Cawley expressed concern, however, that the County is still using
prior year’s funding to balance the budget.
Mr. Cawely stated that the Commissioners and County is fortunate to have
a very dedicated staff and that each year the budget process seems to become
more complex. Mr. Cawley commended the
staff for their hard work and dedication.
Mr. Gangemi also commended staff and stated that this is his third
budget, and each budget seems to become increasingly more involved and more
difficult. Mr. Layton commended staff
and stated that this year was tough, but a lot of work went into it and stated
that he has a good feeling this year as he is beginning to see
accomplishments. President Cole stated
that it is just as difficult to go through a budget process with little funding
as it is when there is adequate funding and that the Commissioners have to
prioritize, which he feels they have done and therefore put funding where it is
needed. President Cole stated that he
feels priorities have been addressed and commended all those involved in
preparation of the budget document and to staff and departments for a job well
done during the budget process.
*
* * * *
Following a brief
break, the Commissioners acknowledged
that the annual tax sale was currently taking place on the Courthouse portico.
The Commissioners met with representatives of the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department, to include, Joel McGinnis, president; Darrin Vick, chief; Shelly Gray, ambulance captain; and Wilbur Levengood, Board of Directors, regarding to discuss issues regarding the Memorandum of Understanding with the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department and Caroline County Department of Emergency Medical Services, regarding the current relationship between the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department and the Caroline County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the leasing of space at the fire department by the County to house the EMS operations. Mr. Gangemi expressed concern that the Commissioners recently met in closed session with the representatives of the Caroline County Emergency Medical Services regarding employee concerns in the Caroline County Department of Emergency Medical Services to include the daily EMS operations at the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Station, as one of the EMS departmental locations are housed and felt that the same fairness should be afforded to the representatives of the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Cawley expressed concern that a closed session is not justifiable with the subject matter to be discussed with the representatives of the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department; therefore, it was the general consensus of the Commissioners that the Caroline County Emergency Medical Services personnel present, voluntarily, afford the same courtesy to the representatives of the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department, and exit the room until 10 a.m. in order to facilitate a open and free dialogue. Kevin Gillespie, director, Caroline County Emergency Medical Services (CCEMS), clarified that the representatives of CCEMS recently met with the Commissioners in closed session regarding personnel issues. (Representatives of the Caroline County Emergency Medical Services to include, Kevin Gillespie, director; and supervisors, Ryan Todd and Robert Simpson, exited the room at 9:40 a.m.) Mr. McGinnis explained that the main concern of the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department is with the Caroline County Emergency Management Unit Take Home Policy, which went into effect January 1, 2005, and establishes a policy for the take home of units while on duty. Mr. McGinnis expressed concern that any EMS employees that are stationed at the Goldsboro Fire Department for a shift should be present and available the entire time of the shift, and that the EMS employees should bring a duffle bag containing their food and necessities prior to beginning a 24-hour shift. The policy prohibits the use of personal vehicles, however, Mr. McGinnis has documented incidents where personal vehicles were used to go home and to respond to calls. Mr. McGinnis expressed concern that he has made complaints to Kevin Gillespie, director, of CCEMS and to Mr. Cawley and now is bringing the situation before the County Commissioners. Mr. McGinnis read aloud excerpts from the Unit Take Home Policy, as reproduced below, and expressed concern that the initial wording in the policy is unclear and “open ended.”
“.
. . II. Policy:
A. CCEMS personnel will be permitted to leave the station for
personal reasons while on duty as follows:
1. Routine errands:
shopping for food, meals at public establishments, banking, etc.
2. Meals
at home or other non-public locations:
Lunch and Dinner
3. Special home residence needs on a case-by-case basis. (i.e.:
delivery’s family care, pet care) . . . .”
Mr. McGinnis expressed concern that the “etc.” in
enumeration 1 could be open-ended. Mr. McGinnis stated that he is unsure as to
what happens in other stations around the County, however, feels that the
policy is not a good policy for the taxpayers of the County. Mr. McGinnis distributed to the County
Commissioners a copy of the Unit Log Listing, which indicates information such
as the unit, the log date and time, the status and action of the dispatch,
location and description of the dispatch.
Mr. McGinnis indicated that there are incidents where the Goldsboro
ambulance is at the home of some EMS personnel for extended periods of time. Mr. McGinnis described an incident where
the ambulance was at the home of an EMS employee for 2 hours and 7 minutes;
another incident where there was a 9-minute response from the home of an EMS
employee in their personal vehicle; and another incident where there were 4
EMT’s and an ambulance driver at the station ready to respond to an accident,
however the ambulance was not at the station.
Mr. Vick expressed concern that the Unit Take Home Policy allows the
ambulance, which is owned by the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Department, is
allowed to leave the station for use by EMS employees to go home and respond to
calls within five minutes, however, if an accident were to occur while the
ambulance was used for take-home purposes, the liability would be on the
Goldsboro Fire Department and not the County.
Mr. Vick stated that the policy is a “County policy,” which does not
address liability issues for an ambulance owned by the Goldsboro Fire
Department. President Cole expressed
concern regarding the Unit Take Home Policy.
Mr. Layton stated that the Commissioners do not review every
departmental policy, and did not review the Unit Take Home Policy, but
expressed concerns with the “etc.” as well.
Mr. Layton further expressed concern that there seem to be areas in
which the policy needs addressing as some problems have occurred. Ms. Gray stated that the policy may work for
some towns, however, the Town of Goldsboro does not have amenities such as
banks, stores, gas stations or eating establishments within a 5-minute response
time. President Cole stated that the
primary concern is the County citizen who may need emergency services and feels
that the best way to handle the situation is to ensure that staffing of EMS
personnel be on duty at the station for the entire shift. Mr. McGinnis stated that he is unaware as to
why an EMS employee would need to leave during a 24-hour shift as the County
leases a room for EMS employees that contain all needed amenities such as a
microwave, refrigerator, computer, and copier.
Mr. Cawley explained that the MOU’s with the fire departments are needed
as the fire departments do not meet the minimum standards for an employee to
stay for an entire 24-hour shift, such as separate facilities for bathroom and
bunking for males and females; however, feels that the Goldsboro Fire
Department does have legitimate concerns.
Mr. Cawley further explained that there are some EMS employees that have
indicated harassment issues while stationed at the Goldsboro Fire Department
and therefore the situation involves some personnel issues that the County must
address. Mr. Cawley expressed concern
that he feels there are two separate issues – the Unit Take Home Policy and
some personnel issues. (Representatives
of the Caroline County Emergency Medical Services to include, Kevin Gillespie,
director; and supervisors, Ryan Todd and Robert Simpson, re-entered the room at
10 a.m.) Ms. Gray read aloud the following letter to the County Commissioners, as
reproduced below:
June 9, 2005
To The Commissioners of
Caroline County
Hearing Room #106
Denton, Maryland 21629
To Whom It May Concern:
I am here today as
Ambulance Captain of the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company. I would like to thank the Commissioners of
Caroline County for their past and continued support of the EMS system for the
northern end of Caroline County. We
have had many challenges since the program was initiated but with hard work,
dedication and loyalty to the system, many obstacles have been overcome and the
citizens of the north end of Caroline County have maintained the level of ALS
care that they deserve.
Goldsboro VFC took
advantage of the BLS Enhancement Program and became a participant in 2001. BLS employees were given a list of station
duties, which were assigned to the provider by a monthly checklist calendar. Duties varied from washing apparatus,
sweeping engine and ambulance floors, maintaining medical service equipment and
inventory, and setting up bingo – which included removing chairs from tables,
wiping off tables and placing two trash bags per table. This is considered bingo setup.
In 2002, Goldsboro and
Marydel were upgraded to ALS coverage and the station duties changed
significantly. Paramedics were placed
in the station and equipment checklists and inventory of medical supplies,
washing of ambulance, and bingo setup were the only duties assigned to the ALS
providers. These duties were approved
by the former director of ALS. When the
current director took office, policies and procedures were changed and duties
began to be ignored. Notification was
made through the proper chain of command with no result.
I would like to highlight
some recent specific examples, which have escalated into this meeting
today. We have had several situations.
In which CCEMS providers have been out of our station during their 24 hours shift
using both their personal vehicles and the unit that is owned, maintained and
expenses paid by Goldsboro Volunteer fire Company. I have highlighted and distributed a few specific events. Additional information can be obtained by
listening to specific 911 tapes if desired at your leisure. We have also had incidents when we have
found the medical equipment has not been maintained or accounted for. Examples of this have also been noted.
These incidents could be
easily corrected by open communication between me and the providers, and
through completion of assigned tasks on the daily schedule. I feel it would be common courtesy and
expected behavior that when trash from the CCEMS area is removed and taken
downstairs, it would be placed in the dumpster provided, located at the east
end of the building instead of outside the back door. The kitchen area in the hall is available for the providers use,
but the station expects dirty dishes be washed and place in the dish drainer
instead of left dirty in the sink.
I would also like to
suggest that the chain of command be reevaluated by the County Commissioners
and the director of ALS. I am the
ambulance captain and according to our company bylaws, am in charge of the
ambulance, medical equipment and all operations thereof. Joel McGinnes did sign the lease agreement
due to the fact that it is a legal contract, therefore if issues arise
concerning the room that CCEMS leases, Joel McGinnis would be your contact. However, if issues arise with ambulance
equipment, supplies or station personnel, I would request that you contact
me. I have two lieutenants that are
working with m as well as providers that can solve issues in my absence. CCEMS providers are welcome to leave a
message for me on my cell and I will return the call and make arrangements to
rectify the problem. This may eliminate
some of the conflict and confusion.
The citizens of the
northern end of the County deserve continued timely ALS care equal to that
received in other communities in the County.
We are also very excited for the addition of a BLS provider that will be
added in the 2005 fiscal year.
Goldsboro members are committed to working together with the County
Commissioners and Caroline County EMS to ensure that we meet this goal. The ambulance captains in both Marydel and
Goldsboro have worked hard and attended any meetings to ensure the success of
this program. With increased
communication and commitment of the ALS providers, I feel we can overcome recent
hurdles that have been placed in our path.
Quite frankly, the citizens of Goldsboro and surrounding communities are
only concerned that they will receive emergency care in their time of need, and
all other issues fall by the wayside.
It is up to us as two individual organizations working together to meet
a common goal to provide this service.
Thank you for the
opportunity to speak and express my concerns for the emergency service
providers and members of Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company.
Shelly
A.R. Gray
Goldsboro
Ambulance Captain
* *
*
The Commissioners
expressed concern that the Unit Take Home Policy needs to be revisited and
researched. President Cole stated that
he is not supportive of a fire department-owned ambulance being taken off of the
property for personal use, therefore the entire policy needs to be
re-addressed. Mr. Gangemi stated that
he is aware that the relationship between the EMS employees and the Goldsboro
Volunteer Fire Department is not good, however, expressed concern as to “What
can the County do to foster a better relationship?” Mr. Layton explained that the Commissioners do not always see
“eye-to-eye,” however, resolutions to issues must be made and “we have to put
stuff behind us” in order to get things accomplished. Mr. Layton expressed concern regarding the importance of having a
dialogue and working together and concurred that the policy needs to be
“tweaked.” Mr. Gangemi thanked all the
volunteers and stated that many times the number of hours dedicated to volunteer
efforts go unnoticed. Mr. Levengood
stated that he feels that everyone is interested in the future. The Commissioners advised that the policy
will be research and revisited and recommended that a meeting of the necessary
EMS personnel and the necessary representatives of the Goldsboro Fire
Department be scheduled following an opportunity for the Commissioners to
research the matter further.
Edward Fuchs,
accompanied by Linda Reilly, Mid-Shore
Lyme’s Association, met with the Commissioners regarding the “epidemic” of
Lyme’s Disease on the Eastern Shore. Mr. Fuchs and Ms. Reilly distributed to the
Commissioners pamphlets and information on Lyme’s Disease and related
tick-borne illnesses. Mr. Fuchs and
Ms. Reilly expressed concern regarding the large number of ticks on the Eastern
Shore and that approximately 81% ticks carry Lyme’s Disease. Both Mr. Fuchs and Ms. Reilly have been
infected with Lyme’s Disease and expressed concern that many times the diagnosis
is made much later and therefore causes debilitating affects, which many
sufferers can, no longer work. Mr.
Fuchs stated that he cannot work and has had a hip and knee replacement due to
Lyme’s Disease. Mr. Fuchs stated that
there are three different varieties of ticks and that many people are not
educated regarding ticks and tick-borne illnesses, therefore, the
newly-established Lyme’s Association, which will become a non-profit in August,
is attempting to educate the public and bring about awareness. Ms. Reilly encouraged that education and
information be distributed to schools.
Ms. Reilly stated that the USDA has done a 12-year study, which
indicates that tick-borne illnesses cost $2 billion to $6 billion due to loss
of work and medications, and that people are never the same once they have had
Lyme’s Disease. The Commissioners
expressed concern and stated that the Commissioners sit as the Board of Health
in April and October annually and will address the issue with Dr. Spencer,
Health Officer, as it is a major public health concern, and will invite Mr.
Fuchs and Ms. Reilly to attend that meeting.
The Commissioners reviewed the May 2005 investment report, as prepared by Dorsey Wooters, County treasurer.
On motion by Mr. Layton, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the County Commissioners of Caroline County and the Judge of the Circuit Court for Caroline County, which outlines personnel and payroll specifics between the County and the Circuit Court Office.
On motion by Mr. Gangemi, the Commissioners approved the FY 2005-2006 Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) for the following affordable housing nonprofit corporations/projects. The required affidavits and requests for continuation under the Master Agreements have been received. The corporations receive a 25% reduction in their state and county taxes, and are responsible for the remaining 75%.
1) Interfaith Housing Development Corporation
a) Interfaith Community Housing, Inc./Henderson School Low Income Housing, Tax Account #01012185
b) Interfaith Tanyard Branch Limited Partnership/Tanyard Branch Apartments, Tax Account #05028027
2) People for Better Housing – Laurel Grove Acres Apartments, Tax Account #05026342
The Commissioners instructed staff to place on the Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting of June 21, 2005, discussion of the mission/charge of the task force to study the feasibility of building a potential agri-civic center to be located at the 4-H and Youth Park. The Commissioners are contemplating a proposal to construct an arena at the 4-H and Youth park, in addition to the renovation of the existing building, which would be an indoor arena, constructed similarly to a mini civic center, to be used as a multi-use facility for events such as concerts, sports, and indoor horse shows, as well as other uses. The Commissioners will appoint a task force of approximately 4-5 people that might be comprised of such representatives of the 4-H and Youth Park Advisory Board, the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and the tourism/economic development community, to study the project’s feasibility. The Commissioners have solicited a public service announcement via the newspaper to solicit potential citizens and parties to serve on a task force and will undertake appointment once a mission/scope of the group is designated.
Following
discussion, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Gangemi, unanimously approved
for release to the press, the following public response, as drafted by the
County attorney, regarding the recent lawsuit filed against Caroline County
pertaining to the temporary moratorium, passed by the Commissioners on April
19, 2005, on adult oriented businesses, as reproduced below:
County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland
Response to Filing of Lawsuit by William J. Steiner and McDoogal’s
East, Inc.
June 14, 2005
On April 19, 2005, the Board
of County Commissioners of Caroline County, on the recommendation of the
Caroline County Planning Commission and on the advice of the County Attorney,
and after a duly advertised public hearing, adopted a temporary (six months)
moratorium on adult oriented businesses.
The moratorium took effect April 29, 2005 and expires on or before
October 31, 2005. The purpose of the
temporary moratorium is to allow the Planning Commission and Department of
Planning and Codes Administration time to complete their review and make their
recommendations of for
textual amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (and related code provisions) which
will address the potential adverse secondary effects of adult oriented
businesses in the County and thereby protect the health, safety and general
welfare of Caroline County citizens.
We believe the enactment of Ordinance #2005-001 (the temporary moratorium) was proper and in the best interests of Caroline County. We are prepared to defend such legislative action and will proceed diligently, on the advice of our Planning Commission and the County Attorney, with amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and other provisions of the Code of Public Local Laws before the temporary moratorium expires. As always, we will continue to exercise our best judgment and discretion in representing Caroline County.
On
motion by Mr. Gangemi, the Commissioners, unanimously authorized Mr. Cawley
to sign on behalf of Caroline County, a letter to the Local Government
Insurance Trust (LGIT), in regard to the federal lawsuit filed on behalf of
William Steiner and McDoogal’s East, Inc. against Caroline County, attacking
the County’s recently enacted Adult Oriented Business Moratorium. The letter requests
a meeting with LGIT to explain in detail the background of the moratorium, the
factual misstatements in the Complaint and the background of the matter.
There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners was adjourned at 12:50 p.m. The Commissioners, immediately following adjournment, participated in a “road trip,” accompanied by members of the press and pertinent staff, to view the recent drainage complaints by James Baker and Ronnie Harris, on Garland and Baker Roads; and to view the farming operation of Daniel and Joy Bishop, “Fab Five” Holstein and Brown Swiss Dairy Farm, Drapers Mill Road, Goldsboro.
Vivian L. Anders
County Commissioners Deputy Clerk