Denton, Maryland

The regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland, convened at 7:30 PM in the Hearing Room, Courthouse, Denton.

John W. Cole, President

Franklin W. Prettyman, Vice President

John S. LeGates, Member

Charles C. Cawley, County Administrator

It was noted that the Commissioners held a pre-announced budget workshop at 10:30 a.m., which was open to the public.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the minutes of February 16, 1999 were approved. Vouchers #44997 – #45096 were approved for payment. Bi-weekly direct payroll was approved for release.

The Commissioners signed State Assessment Change Report #1255.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously accepted the low bid of Climate Masters, Inc., Sudlersville, Maryland, in the amount of $46,895 for renovations to the administration and finance offices at the Courthouse, project #CC-CI-21699, and signed purchase order #14856 in that amount. All other bids submitted were rejected.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed Provident Leasing Corporation Acceptance Certificate No. 4 for acquisition from DELL Marketing, computer equipment in the amount of $7,679 for a server at the HAPS building.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously accepted the proposal of Vulcan Signs in the amount of $6,265.82 for various types of traffic signs to upgrade and refurbish traffic signs in election district #2, and signed purchase order #14854 in that amount.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed Resolution #99-002, Disposal of Surplus Equipment to dispose of a 1990 Ford F-150 Pickup, serial number 1FTDF15Y5LNB22462. President Cole signed the corresponding Certificate of Title for that vehicle.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed the Certificate of Title for 1996 Chevrolet van, serial number 1GNDM19W7T8190043, that was previously used for the Caroline County Alternative Sentencing Program, which is now defunct. The van will be returned to the state, and relocated to Queen Anne’s County.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved the following contingency fund expenditures: $100 – Maryland Eastern Shore R C & D Council – annual assessment; and $100 – summer 1999 resource camp.

The Commissioners met with William Bartin, Mayor of Goldsboro; Sandy Cook, Mayor of Henderson; Lori Steele, Mayor of Marydel; Helen Knotts, Mayor of Templeville; Glynn Hodges, Circuit Rider; Helen Spinelli, economic development director; and Ed Richards regarding the proposed north County water and sewer project. Mr. Bartin read aloud a letter stating that during September and October 1998, the Towns of Goldsboro, Henderson, Marydel and Templeville passed resolutions endorsing the concept of a regional water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment system. Those resolutions endorsed an initiative by the County to pursue funding from various Federal and State agencies for the construction and operation of the system. The Commissioners reviewed a draft resolution by the County Commissioners endorsing the water and wastewater project which is scheduled to be signed at next week’s regular meeting. Helen Spinelli said that a feasibility study has been completed and they are currently looking into three major funding sources. The project will be a challenge and it is ready to move into the grants writing stage. Ed Richards said that the first area to explore is the financial part, as it will be extremely important to pursue all avenues of funding through grants and legislation. Secondly, the managing of the wastewater plant will be an important aspect as well. The loans for construction and operating the system will be paid back by those receiving the service.

The Commissioners met with the members of the Education Study Commission to review their duties as a committee. Those members in attendance were: Joseph Quinn, chair; Robert Chapel; Robert Clendaniel; Vickie Goldsborough; Walter Palmer; Clarence Phillips; Torbert Rowe; Dr. Dan Pugerude; and Quentin Walsh. President Cole advised that the charge of the Commission is to research and submit a written report to the County Commissioners on at least the following areas of concern, but not limited to just those areas:

1. Should a performance audit of the Caroline County public school system be conducted?
2. Should Caroline County have an elected school board or an appointed school board?
3. Define and evaluate the current relationship with Chesapeake College organizationally and fiscally. Make recommendations for improvements.

The Commission may divide into subcommittees to perform its work and all recommendations should be fact-based and supported by specific findings. The report should describe the process followed in obtaining conclusions. The Commission set a tentative completion date of September 30, 1999. The Commissioners thanked the members for their willingness to serve on the Commission.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously appointed the following additional persons to serve on the Education Study Commission: John Gondeck, Dr. Dan Pugerude, and Rev. Joseph Craig.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to send a letter of support to the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners stating Caroline’s support on their position of support for Site 104 legislation which prohibits certain open water dumping of dredge spoils in the Chesapeake Bay. The Commissioners also expressed an interest in sending a letter to the members of the Eastern Shore Delegation as well the proposed dumping could adversely affect the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately the Choptank River.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously appointed the following persons_ to serve on the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board, for three year terms ending August 31, 2002: Carol Russell; Carol Donohue; Berl Lovelace; Dr. Daniel Krank; Mary Brown; Ramon Lugo-Pagan; Thomas Ferkler.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously authorized President Cole to sign the bond counsel engagement letter later in the week pending final revisions.

At 8:55 PM, and as authorized by 1995 Maryland Code, State Government 10-508(a)(7) and (8), and (a)(4), as amended, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. LeGates, seconded by Mr. Prettyman, unanimously adjourned into closed session to meet with Janice Davison, deputy County attorney to discuss the on-going litigation regarding the Dashiell case; and discuss economic development protocols with Helen Spinelli, economic development director.

The meeting reconvened in open session at 9:35 PM. President Cole reported that the Commissioners, in closed session, discussed proposed protocols of the Upper Shore Economic Development Partnership (USEDP) with Helen Spinelli, economic development director; and met with Janice Davison, deputy County attorney, to discuss the on-going litigation with the Dashiell. On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously authorized Piper and Marbury to proceed with filing a motion to reconsider with the Court of Special Appeals and request certiorari with the Court of Appeals.

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

Vivian L. Anders

County Commissioners Office Coordinator