The Wicomico County Council met in Legislative Session on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland. In attendance: Matt Holloway, President; Bob Culver, Vice President; Sheree Sample-Hughes, Stevie Prettyman, Gail M. Bartkovich, John B. Hall and Joe Holloway. Present: Edgar A. Baker, Jr., County Attorney; Maureen Lanigan, Assistant County Attorney and Melissa Holland, Recording Secretary. Proclamations: A Proclamation was presented to David Shipley, Director of Emergency Services; Lori Brewster, Health Officer; John Redden, Acting Director of Public Works and Sheriff Michael Lewis (who was not able to attend) for their dedication and hard work during Hurricane Sandy by Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg and Matt Holloway, Council President. A Proclamation was presented for National Mentoring Month to Jessica Mimms, Henrietta Parker and George Whitehead by Matt Holloway, Council President. On motion of Mr. Hall and second by Mr. Culver the minutes of December 20, 2012 were unanimously approved. Mrs. Prettyman approved them until 10:30 a.m. when she had to leave the meeting. President Matt Holloway explained that Ms. Melissa Holland would be running the meeting as Mr. Creamer is out as he had a procedure done. On motion of Mr. Hall and second by Mr. Culver the minutes of December 18, 2012 were unanimously approved. Matthew E. Creamer, Council Administrator: Karen Knapik, Public Affairs Specialist with U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance- Ms. Knapik passed out a folder with handouts for the Council. She said that in times of disaster the Small Business Administration is tasked with being the long time
funding for communities. After a disaster has met FEMA s (Federal Emergency Management Agency) criteria the Small Business Administration assists as well however there are times that it doesn t meet FEMA s criteria to which the SBA has their own criteria. Ms. Knapik said they serve seven counties which are Accomack, Northampton, Sussex, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester and Dorchester. They offer low income loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and private non profit agencies. People will apply through FEMA and then will receive an application from the Small Business Administration. She said that people do not realize that they are not eligible for additional monies from FEMA until they apply with the Small Business Administration. In areas where FEMA is not present homeowners and renters are able to get loans for 1.68% for up to a thirty year term. She said that renters can receive up to $40,000; homeowners $200,000 and businesses and non-profits have a 3-4% interest rate but can borrow up to $2 million. She said there is no charge to apply for the loans and there are no fees associated with the loans. She also said if a person is not sure that they want to obtain the loan it can be placed in a hold status for six months. She also said the loans have no pre-payment penalties. Ms. Knapik left documents for the public. The deadline for Wicomico County is February 12, 2013. Resolution 01-2013- Confirming the reappointment of Robert Franklin to the Wicomico County Board of Electrical Examiners- On motion of Mr. Hall and second by Mr. Culver Resolution 01-2013 was unanimously approved. Resolution 02-2013- Confirming the appointment of Richard McGee to the Wicomico County Board of Electrical Examiners- On motion of Mrs. Sample-Hughes and second by Mrs. Bartkovich Resolution 02-2013 was unanimously approved. Resolution 03-2013- Making a supplemental appropriation from Contingency to the County Executive s Office in the amount of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($2500) - Mrs. Bartkovich explained that this money is for the County to join and pay their contribution to the Maryland Rural Counties Coalition. On motion of Mrs. Prettyman and second by Mr. Culver Resolution 03-2013 was unanimously approved.
Resolution 04-2013- Confirming the reappointment of John B. Hall to the Wicomico County Airport Commission- On motion of Mrs. Prettyman and second by Mr. Culver Resolution 04-2013 was unanimously approved. Resolution 05-2013- Making a supplemental appropriation from Contingency to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism in the amount of Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars ($9,800) - Mr. Gary Mackes, Director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism came before Council. Mr. Mackes said the lease with the Shorebirds expires in 2013. A study was conducted to see what repairs needed to be made in order for the Shorebirds to sign the lease with the County. The Maryland Stadium Authority has conducted an economic feasibility study to see what structural repairs were needed to ensure that the Shorebirds will continue to renew the lease. This was only bid to local companies in Wicomico County. Davis, Bowen and Friedel were the lowest bidder at $9800. On motion of Mr. Hall and second by Mrs. Bartkovich Resolution 05-2013 was unanimously approved. Resolution 06-2013- Confirming the reappointment of Bob Culver as a Designated Director of PAC 14, Inc. - On motion of Mrs. Prettyman and second by Mr. Hall Resolution 06-2013 was unanimously approved. Resolution 07-2013- Accepting the Annual Report submitted by the Office of the Internal Auditor- Steve Roser, Internal Auditor, came before Council. He thanked the many people who have assisted him with his audits. Mr. Roser explained that he has performed a vendor audit, postage audit, risk management audit, Sheriff s fees and billing audit, time and attendance consultation and FLSA and the Sheriff s Office consultation. He also explained that the contracts audit, energy systems group consultation and fleet audit are underway as of November 2012. He also explained that follow up work has been performed on many of the audits which were already completed. Mr. Roser then reviewed a list of accomplishments such as completion of the FY 2013 Annual Audit Plan, successful completion of all requirements for designation as Certified Internal Auditor; review of new safety manual, coordinating and conducting Audit Committee quarterly meetings along with attending other meetings and
conferences. On motion of Mr. Hall and second by Mrs. Prettyman Resolution 07-2013 was unanimously approved. Resolution 08-2013- Making a supplemental appropriation from Contingency to the Wicomico County Department of Law in the amount of Ten Thousand, Eight Hundred Six Dollars ($10,806) Mrs. Bartkovich explained that the money will be used for contract services for collective bargaining. On motion of Mr. Hall and second by Mrs. Prettyman Resolution 08-2013 was unanimously approved. Tier Assessment Discussion: Jack Lenox, Director of Planning and Zoning, Keith Hall, Long Range Planner and Wayne Strausburg, Director of Administration came before Council. Mr. Culver said he is still in favor of sending the map to the State at this time. Mr. Joe Holloway said he would still like to give the citizens the option of being placed in Tier IV. Mr. Joe Holloway also said that he gave Mr. Hall the possibility of additional land which could possibly be placed in Tier IV. Mr. Strausburg said on February 1, 2013 Secretary Hall will report progress of the counties. He said the County is still in the evaluation process and at MACo Cecil County presented a map which is similar towicomico County s and he does not feel it would serve Wicomico County well by submitting the map to the state at this time. Mr. Strausburg suggested sending a letter to the Delegation as well as Senate President, Michael Busch and Secretary Hall outlining the County s process and show the stages the county is taking to show the state that the County is trying to comply but by following a process. Mrs. Sample-Hughes asked what the sentiment and tone was at the Legislative Breakfast on December 8, 2012 as she could not attend. Mr. Strausburg said the Delegation knows this is a very important issue and doesn t expect the map to be rushed but a thorough evaluation completed. Mr. Joe Holloway asked if an assessment has been done to see if there will be a financial consequence if the land is down-zoned. Mr. Strausburg said that farm land is being valued as farm land and from a property tax revenue standpoint he doesn t think there will be an effect however he did say if a farmer were to go to a lender for a loan the lender takes comfort in knowing the land can be used in the future. Mr. Matt Holloway would like to set the date for the public hearing. A supplemental appropriation will be needed in order to pay for the postage and
printing of the postcards. Mrs. Bartkovich asked that the last sentence of the paragraph regarding land value should be bolded. Edgar A. Baker, Jr., County Attorney: Public Hearing and Approval: Resolution 09-2013- To authorize the County to acquire an easement over certain parcels of land located along and binding College Avenue and Beaglin Park Drive for the purpose of constructing a sidewalk- This funding is being provided by the State of Maryland Safe Routes to School Program who provide funding to local communities that make biking and walking to school safer and to encourage students to adopt this method of traveling to and from school. All of the property is to be donated to the County with the exception of one for which the purchase price will be $300. The new sidewalk will begin at the existing sidewalk located on the northeast property line of Bennett High School and will continue along the south side of College Avenue in an easterly direction to the City of Salisbury Corporate Limit Line. Then the sidewalk will continue in an easterly direction from the intersection of Snow Hill Road and the north side of Beaglin Park Drive to the existing sidewalk located on the north side of Beaglin Park Drive at the City of Salisbury Corporate Limit Line. The total amount of the grant is $220,000. John Redden, Acting Director of Public Works; Lee Outten, Superintendent of Roads and John McClellan of Sperry, Van Ness came before Council. There will be a five foot sidewalk. The plan will be designed after the Council approves this resolution. Mrs. Sample-Hughes said this worked well on the Westside at Salisbury Middle School and was a benefit to the community. One citizen was not willing to agree to the sidewalk unless they were given the value of the easement which is $300. On motion of Mr. Hall and second by Mr. Culver Resolution 09-2013 was unanimously approved. The date for the public hearing for the Tier Assessment discussion is February 20, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in Midway room of the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. Mrs. Prettyman would like this advertised in the newspaper as a public hearing. Mrs. Sample-Hughes said with the two articles from the reporters, the postcards and the announcement being placed on the website she feels that is sufficient. Mrs. Bartkovich said this notice could be sent to communities such as Town of Fruitland and Willards as well to notify the community. Mr. Joe Holloway agrees with
Mrs. Prettyman and feels that this should be advertised in the newspaper. A transfer from Contingency will be needed to pay for the advertising. Public Comments: Dr. Greg Belcher informed the Council and citizens about a public meeting which will take place on this evening regarding Septic Bill 236 and its regulations. He urged the citizens to attend the Council s public hearing on the tier assessment. PAC 14 will be recording the meeting this evening and it is being held at Mister Paul s Legacy. Commissioner Rothschild will be the key speaker at the meeting. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. Karen Luckas, Wicomico Environmental Trust, thanked Mrs. Prettyman and Mr. Joe Holloway for advertising the public hearing ad regarding the Septic Bill. Council Comments: Mrs. Bartkovich sent her condolences to the family of Bill Hastings who recently passed away. She said he will be sorely missed. She also thanked everyone for their cards and kind words since the passing of her mother. She thanked Coastal Hospice for stepping in and providing assistance to her mother. Mr. Culver wished Mr. Matt Creamer a speedy recovery and hopes that he is feeling better. Mrs. Sample-Hughes wished everyone a Happy New Year. She thanked everyone who attended her District meeting last evening as well as thanked Sheriff Mike Lewis as well as the Chipman Cultural Center. Mrs. Sample-Hughes said that a citizen in the community who attended Council meetings for recognition of White Cane Day and was the President of the National Federation of the Blind has passed away. Mr. Joe Holloway said he received a phone call from a homeowner in his district who has septic tank failure and they have been saving the money to have it fixed however due to the septic regulations the estimate to fix the septic has increased from $4,000 to $15,000. He said
the citizen is afraid to contact the State as they are concerned the State will go in and replace the septic themselves. Mr. Culver made a motion to adjourn the meeting to enter into an open work session followed by a closed work session with a second by Mrs. Prettyman and unanimously approved. Legislative Session January 15, 2013 Matt Holloway, President Bob Culver, Vice President Sheree Sample-Hughes, District 1 Stevie Prettyman, District 2 Gail M. Bartkovich, District 3 John B. Hall, District 4 Joe Holloway, District 5 Matthew E. Creamer, Council Administrator