Denton, Maryland

The regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland, convened at 9:30 AM in the Commissioners Hearing Room, Courthouse. The Commissioners observed a moment of silence in memory of Louis Goldstein, who served the State of Maryland as state comptroller for 40 years.

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 June 30, 1998, were unanimously approved.

Vouchers #41384 - #41433 were approved for payment. State assessment change report #1197 was signed.

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

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously authorized advertised solicitation of sealed bids for the following projects: #CC-CM-8498, health department computer maintenance and service; #CC-OM-81198, professional movers for relocation of health department to new health and public services building; #CC-GD-81198, annual fuel bid.

Marvin MacDonald and Charles Andrew are checking into the status of the computer and van purchased under a state grant for the state-terminated corrections community service program, and will report back. Until then the van will not be used.

Bryan Ebling, director of emergency management, discussed his memo of July 7 describing Maryland and Caroline County’s response to the Florida wildland fires under the multi-state mutual aid compact. About 225 responders from Maryland are in Daytona, including the following from Caroline: Donald Hill, Heath Wroten, Matt Burge, Bobby Helmer, James Kirby, Rick Baker, Wayne Winchester, Steve Cahall and Randy Barr. Marydel VFC drove its tanker down to assist. All non-salary expenses will be reimbursed.

Following presentation by Janice Davison, deputy County attorney, on behalf of the new Burial Sites Advisory Board, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Cole, unanimously authorized the Advisory Board to proceed as needed with the five points of action enumerated in Ms. Davison’s 7/2/98 memo, which pertain to drafting a local law formally establishing the Advisory Board and regulating burial sites, inspecting and investigating sites, reviewing projects, and entering into negotiations. At this point the Board has no budget and is not authorized to create financial obligations, but this will be looked into. The Board serves as volunteers, and little cost is anticipated. Some delineation and other archeological costs could be assumed by the developers involved and the landowners. This will be further discussed. The planning office intern is working on confirming sites and having land records indicate these sites.

The Commissioners reviewed and discussed the FY 1999 Board of Education Budget Document, and the Board’s FY 1997-98 budget reconciliation, with Allan Gorsuch, superintendent of schools. Commissioners will refer remaining questions to Milton Nagel or Mr. Cawley, and will schedule document signing for the next regular meeting. On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously authorized a letter to the Board of Education authorizing them to proceed with lease purchase of items in the amount of $183,200 as approved by the Commissioners on June 2^nd. The Board will be reimbursed after the lease-purchase transaction is complete. Marvin McDonald will work with the Board in preparing lease purchase documentation for the Commissioners’ signature.

The Commissioners reviewed a draft news release on the Education Study Commission to be appointed by the Commissioners, and authorized a revised version for submittal to the news media.

The Commissioners signed a letter of appreciation to Lt. Governor Townsend regarding her assistance in obtaining an additional trooper for the bicounty drug task force.

On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners approved and President Myers signed a letter to the State Highway Administration commending them on their handling to date of the Dover Bridge project, and going on record in support of a fixed span with 50-foot clearance to replace the old swing span.

At 11:10 AM, and as authorized by Md. Code, State Government 10-508 (a)(1), as amended, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Cole and seconded by Mr. LeGates, unanimously adjourned into closed session to meet with Mr. Cawley for his performance evaluation.

The meeting of the County Commissioners reconvened at 12:15 PM. President Myers reported that the Commissioners met in closed session with Mr. Cawley to conduct his first performance evaluation.

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

Leigh Sands

Executive Assistant