October 27, 1998

Denton, Maryland

 

 

The regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland, convened at 9:30 AM in the Hearing Room, Courthouse, Denton.

Attending:

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 October 20, 1998 were approved as corrected. Vouchers #43137 – #43227 were approved for payment.

The Commissioners signed State Assessment Change Reports #1214 - #1217.

On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed an accounting office transfer request from the general fund cash account to the capital improvement fund in the amount of $185,766.02 for tax collections for FY 1998.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed an accounting office transfer request to transfer $76,625.10 from the capital improvement fund to the general fund the amounts expended for the period July 1, 1998 through September 30, 1998 and the FY 1998 payables for capital reserve expenditures.

On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed an accounting office transfer request from the Lease Industrial Property Fund to the general fund in the amount of $95,188.29 for MILA loans for Koski, Bartley and Ritz/Boaters World.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously accepted the proposal of H.A. DeHart, in the amount of $3,093 for a crane to be used by the public works department and signed purchase order #13729.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed the following resolution:

RESOLUTION #98-016

AMENDMENT TO PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS

CHAPTER XI, SECTION 1104

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

 

SECTION 1104 TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

1104.1 POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland to provide professional development opportunities to all employees and to support efforts that broaden knowledge and expertise in order to build a well-trained and focused workforce. Tuition reimbursement will be provided for training specifically related to the employee’s work or career development plan. Such assistance will be subject to the availability of funds.

      1. . PURPOSE

    1. To motivate and provide financial assistance for those employees interested in enhancing their knowledge, skills and career development.

    2. To provide the County with a continuous supply of qualified technical and management talent to meet the needs of an ever-changing and increasingly complex marketplace.

    3. To prepare employees for possible or actual increased responsibility.

    4. To provide opportunities for employees to develop to their full potential, capacity, and proficiency.

1104.3 PROGRAM DEFINITION

    1. Participation in the program is open to all full time employees who meet the County’s criteria for eligibility.

    2. Since this is a voluntary program, employees must take the initiative to apply for assistance through this program.

    3. Qualifying and participation is subject to approval by the County Administrator.

    4. Participation in the program will not guarantee an employee a promotion or preferred treatment for promotions or assignments.

    5. The County Personnel Office will be responsible for the administration of the tuition reimbursement program and will ensure that the program operates within this policy.

1104.4 ELIGIBILITY

A. Employee Participation Criteria

The following employees are eligible to participate in this program:

    1. Regular full-time merit and non-merit employees; and

    2. Employees who have successfully completed one year of employment with the County.

    1. Courses eligible for tuition reimbursement must be relevant to the County’s needs, and to the applicant’s position, except that courses required for degree attainment will be considered to be relevant for purposes of meeting eligibility requirements. An employee is encouraged, where possible, to take courses relevant to the County when taking elective courses.

    2. Termination of employment for any reason will automatically and immediately cancel eligibility and participation in the tuition reimbursement program.

      1. PROGRAM LIMITATIONS

    1. The tuition reimbursement program covers courses and curriculum at approved institutions as follows: accredited colleges and universities, including community, technical and vocational colleges.

    2. Employee development workshops and seminars for which academic degree-related credits are not awarded are not covered by this policy.

    3. All courses must be taken on the employee’s own time and must not interfere with work assignments and performance.

    4. Requests for tuition reimbursement must be submitted on the County application form for course work (See Exhibit #1), and approved by the employee’s department head and the County Administrator before the employee can be eligible for tuition reimbursement.

    5. Eligible employees may receive tuition reimbursement for approved courses of up to 100% of full tuition costs and registration fee, not to exceed the per credit course fee, currently $125.00. The percentage of reimbursement shall be determined by the grade received for the course taken, as follows:

      6. 100% Grade A or B

      75% Grade C

      0% Below Grade C

    6. Other costs such as lab and activity fees, and purchase of books are not eligible for tuition reimbursement.

    7. The County may not provide tuition assistance to its workforce totaling more than 2 courses a semester up to a maximum of 8 courses per year.

    8. If letter grades are not awarded, evidence that the employee has passed the course must be provided to the County.

    9. In order to receive tuition reimbursement, an employee must earn a grade of C or above for undergraduate courses, and a grade B or above for graduate courses, except for those graduate professional schools that accept a grade of C as satisfactory completion of a course.

    10. Within 1 year of completion of a course for which the County has provided tuition reimbursement, an employee who is separated from employment with the County, for any reason except reduction-in-force, may be required to reimburse the County for the entire cost of the tuition paid for a course in which the employee was enrolled during the year.

1104.6 APPLICATION PROCEDURES

    1. Application and Grade Reporting Forms

    1. At least 20 days before classes begin, the employee shall complete a tuition reimbursement application form and submit it to the employee’s department head for review, approval or disapproval.

    2. The department head shall submit approved applications to the County Administrator for final review, approval or disapproval.

    3. The Personnel Office shall notify the employee whether the tuition reimbursement application has been approved or not. If disapproved, the employee will be promptly informed of the reason why.

    4. A copy of the approved application form will be returned to the employee to complete the registration process for college courses.

    1. Upon completion of the course, the employee shall complete the tuition reimbursement grade report form (See Exhibit 2), attach a copy of the final grade, transcript, or other official grade indicator and submit the form to the Personnel Office, which shall submit it to Accounting Office for reimbursement.

    2. A new application form must be submitted and approved prior to each semester that the employee intends to take course(s).

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 27, 1998 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF

EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 1999 CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXHIBIT 1

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT APPLICATION FORM

Employee Name: ___________________________ Work telephone:(___)______________

Department: ________________________________________________________________

Job Title: ____________________________

COURSES FOR WHICH REIMBURSEMENT IS REQUESTED

 

Course Title

Course Number

Credit Hours

Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semester in which above courses will be taken ________________________________

College or University: ____________________________________________________

List degree program or if none, your interest in taking course(s).

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Employee Signature: ____________________________________ Date _____________

Department Head

Signature: ____________________________________ Date _____________

County Administrator

Signature: ____________________________________ Date _____________

EXHIBIT 2

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT GRADE REPORT FORM

 

Complete the following upon receipt of course grades, and attach a copy of final grade, transcript or other official grade indicator.

Semester: ________________________________

 

 

Course Title

Grade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee Signature ________________________________ Date __________________

* * * * *

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners signed a letter of support pertaining to the proposed development of Wheeler Park located on Lockerman Street on 3.66 acres in Denton, as requested by the Town of Denton.

Leigh Sands, Executive Assistant, advised the Commissioners that the annual legislative meeting with the 36th and 37th District Legislators and the annual meeting with the Maryland Department of Transportation is scheduled for the Commissioners meeting of November 10, 1998. President Myers provided her signature on a memorandum to department heads advising of this meeting.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Myers signed the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Agreement in the amount of $217,500 for the Community Civic League Building Improvements Project to be administered by Interfaith Housing Development Corporation.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously authorized the annual request of Upper Shore Aging, Inc., and Kent County, for Kent County to act as lead county to proceed with the application for FY 2000 Statewide Specialized Transportation Assistance Program and Section 5311 grant funds on behalf Caroline County to operate the USTAR regional rural transportation system.

On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously appointed Walter Zajack to the Caroline County Ethics Commission for a three-year term. Ms. Sands advised that this committee will need an alternate member in the future and that the next task will be to update the Ethics Ordinance.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously commended and signed a citizenship award to A. T. Blades in recognition of 64 years as advisor, supporter and honorary member of the Preston Volunteer Fire Company.

Mary Newcomb, president, Caroline County Humane Society, accompanied by members, Tracy Lusby and Debbie Cowgill, introduced the new animal services officer, Glenn Usilton. Mr. Usilton will cover both aspects of animal control and humane society needs. Ms. Newcomb advised the Commissioners that the Humane Society is very fortunate to have Mr. Usilton as he has nine years of experience with animal services. Mr. Usilton said he has begun to implement some new programs already and hopes to bring some positive changes to Caroline County in the area of animal control. Ms. Newcomb provided the Commissioners with an update of the Ridgely Project for the humane society/animal control facility. The roof is on the building and major repairs have been completed. The next step will be occurring this Saturday, "Make a Difference Day," when volunteers are invited to help paint the outside of the building. The paint is being donated by U. L. Harman. At this point, funds are needed to build the new building where the animals will be housed. Two proposals have been received. Approximately $120,000 in funds are remaining from the original $200,000 bond bill. The entire project will cost $315,000 to complete, according to the proposals received. Therefore, the society has applied to the USDA for $250,000 in funds. Dr. Mitch Arion, began the initial process in applying for the state funding. They will be meeting with a representative from USDA on Friday. They are hopeful that this funding will be approved however it is not guaranteed. Ms. Newcomb submitted a letter from the Board of Directors of the Caroline County Humane Society requesting that the Commissioners seek state funding from the 1999 Maryland General Assembly for completion of the animal services facility. President Myers advised that the annual legislative meeting with the 36th and 37th District Legislators is scheduled for November 10, 1998, and asked that the Humane Society attend the meeting.

Sue Simmons, director of recreation and parks, met with the Commissioners regarding Harmony Community Park. The old Harmony Community Building was demolished about a year ago due to its deterioration and at the request of neighbors in the area. The property is about 3 ½ acres and has been appraised at $30,000+. It is currently owned by a defunct community association, however, the County has been maintaining the property for the last couple of years. The remaining members of the association wish to transfer the property to the County. Ms. Simmons, on recommendation from the County attorney, requested that a written resolution be adopted by the Commissioners authorizing the deed transfer. On motion by Mr. Cole, the Commissioners unanimously authorized preparation of a resolution authorizing the deed transfer to be presented at the Commissioners meeting of November 10, 1998.

Dr. R. Allan Gorsuch, superintendent of schools, accompanied by Larry Lorton, presented the Commissioners with the Caroline County Public Schools FY 00 Capital Improvement Program. Dr. Gorsuch thanked the Commissioners for their past support of the Board of Education. Dr. Gorsuch reviewed the proposed projects with the Commissioners and advised that a letter needs to be sent to the IAC by December 7, 1998 indicating the Commissioner’s position on capital improvement projects. Following lengthy discussion, Mr. Cawley suggested that the Commissioners schedule a work session at their meeting of November 17 to further discuss the capital program submitted. Mr. Cole commended the Board of Education on the work that has been completed at the Colonel Richardson High School track. Dr. Gorsuch announced to the Commissioners that he would be retiring on June 30, 1999, to accept a directorship with the Eastern Shore Education Consortium.

At 11:10 AM, and as authorized by 1995 Maryland Code, State Government 10-508(a)(7) and (a)(1), respectively, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Cole, unanimously adjourned into closed session to meet with Janice Davison, deputy County attorney, regarding the county administrator’s contract.

The meeting reconvened in open session at 11:45 AM. On motion by Mr. Cole and seconded by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners discussed the draft county administrator contract and at Mr. Cawley’s request, deferred any decision until after the election, to allow ample time for the Commissioners to review.

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

 

Vivian L. Anders

Acting Executive Assistants