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.

John W. Cole, President

Franklin W. Prettyman, Vice President

John S. LeGates, Member

Charles C. Cawley, County Administrator

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the minutes of April 13, 1999 were approved. Vouchers #45769 – #45887 were approved for payment. Bi-weekly direct payroll was approved for release.

The Commissioners signed State Assessment Change Reports #1269 - #1276.

The Commissioners conducted an advertised bid opening for project #CC-CS-42099, crushed stone. The following bids received were publicly opened, read aloud and recorded:

BIDDER TOTAL BID

The bids were referred to staff for evaluation.

On individual motions indicated, the following purchase orders were unanimously approved and signed:

Bill Cooper, representing the 4-H Allstars, met with the Commissioners regarding the Allstars program. The program is for those that have excelled in 4-H. Contests are held regionally, at the state level and nationally. Caroline County currently has 12 4-H clubs, with 220 children as members. Mr. Cooper explained that 4-H used to be a rural activity, but due to the variety of programs it now offers, all children can participate. Mr. Cooper said there will be approximately 40 children participating in the Allstars program this year and requested funding from the County Commissioners for contest t-shirts. President Cole commended the 4-H program stating that there have been a variety of efforts for the betterment of the County through the 4-H program. On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners authorized $500 to be expended from the contingency fund for purchase of the t-shirts for the 4-H Allstars program.

Helen Spinelli, economic development director, discussed with the Commissioners the FY 1999 State Tourism Grant, which was submitted in January. The grant will support continuing economic development activities such as the development, design and printing of a brochure for Caroline County; advertising for Summerfest; and the 4-H Fair. There are no matching funds required, however, the funds must be expended by June 30, 1999. On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and authorized President Cole’s signature on the FY 1999 State Tourism Grant Agreement.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed a letter to James Waters, Director of Community and Business Programs, USDA Rural Development, expressing the Commissioners’ interest in applying for funds from the Water and Wastewater Program to construct the regional water and wastewater system for the towns of Goldsboro, Henderson, Marydel and Templeville and the identified surrounding areas, as recommended by Helen Spinelli.

At 10 a.m., the Commissioners met with Dr. John A. Grant, health officer, and Rebecca Loukides, deputy health officer, as the Board of Health. Dr. Grant provided a slide presentation that gave an overview of the health department and statistics pertaining to its programs, a summary of which follows:

• The Board of Health is regulated by ACoM, Health - General, 3-301 to 3-309.
• The County governing body serves as the Board of Health or may appoint a local Board of Health.
• The Board mets in May and October; reviews and reports on public health problems, and sets policy and fees for regulatory and service activities.
• The Board nominates the health officer; the secretary of DHMH appoint nominee, if qualified.
• The health officer is unclassified, has state salary and local supplement, and may be removed by state and local consensus.
• The health officer appoints the local health department staff and enforces state laws and regulations and local ordinances.

- Preventive - Curative

- Categorical - General

- Population-Based - Client-Based

- Planned - Episodic

- Outreach - Center-Based

- Capitation - Fee for Service

- Public Health Modalities - Medical Model

Dr. Grant said that although the health department and private health care work differently, they do work cooperatively on certain issues concerning the community.

Suicide in Caroline County has continued to decrease since 1994 and is down from the state average.

The rate of children not vaccinated has been decreasing both statewide and countywide due to a new monitoring program that was implemented a few years ago. In 1995, 70% of children in Caroline County were up to date on vaccinations; currently 80%-90% are vaccinated.

Child abuse is increasing nationally.

There has been an increase in new AIDs cases in Caroline County, with the largest group affected ages 20 to 25.

• 60% sexually active

• 42% regular tobacco use

• 74% regular alcohol use

• 41% regular drug use

• 20-30 years old most new AIDS cases

• 30% STDs

• 34% mental health group

• unprotected and promiscuous sex
• alcohol and drug use
• teen pregnancy
• disabled children
• automobile accidents
• HIV/AIDS
• Low birth weight babies
• Infant mortality

Dr. Grant stated that the health department continues to work with the school systems on problem issues, and overall the programs have been successful.

Rebecca Loukides, deputy health officer, discussed with the Commissioners the issue of a proposed Caroline County Extended Board of Health and distributed a list of proposed members. Ms. Loukides said that the Board would meet at least twice a year, and as needed and may form subcommittees, then report to the health department on how to address issues and problems they foresee. The proposed participants have been contacted as to their willingness to serve, however, all responses have not been received to date. The Commissioners, on motion by Mr. LeGates, unanimously authorized Ms. Loukides to proceed with formation of the Extended Board of Health, and follow-up with the proposed participants as to their willingness to serve.

At 11:30 a.m., the Commissioners convened an advertised public hearing on proposed establishments of agricultural land preservation districts #99-01 - #99-08, Mary Sue Andrew; James W. Schiff; Danny J. and Tina M. Brown; James T., Jr. and Robert C. Worm; and Linda Brown and Donna M. Hignutt. Tammy Holden, agricultural planner, read aloud the public hearing notice and described the proposed properties for districts #99-01, #99-06, #99-07, #99-08, stating that they have been preliminarily approved by the Planning Commission and the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. President Cole called for public comment; none being received, and on motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved proposed districts #99-01, #99-06, #99-07 and #99-08 for submittal to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation. Ms. Holden described the proposed properties for districts #99-02 to #99-05, stating that districts #99-02 and #99-04 have been preliminarily approved by the Planning Commission and the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. President Cole called for public comment; there being none, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Prettyman, unanimously approved proposed districts #99-02 and #99-04 for submittal to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation. Ms. Holden described the proposed property for district #99-03, stating that although the Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation approved this property, the Planning Commission was concerned as the west side of the property is in close proximity to the town limits of Greensboro. The Planning Commission recommended amending this district to eliminate approximately 36 acres near the railroad which would adjust the district from 151.9 acres to 116 acres, whereby allowing access to the railroad. Diane Ewing, town clerk for Greensboro, stated that the proposed district would not be in Town’s best interest due to the limitations for future growth with the close proximity to the town limits. She further stated that the district would interfere with the Town’s comprehensive plan for growth in that area. Mr. Prettyman inquired if Ms. Ewing had met with the property owner, which she had not. President Cole called for additional public comment. There being no further comments, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Prettyman, unanimously tabled proposed district #99-03 as amended, pending a meeting between Ms. Ewing and the property owner and contingent upon recommendation from the Planning Commission. Ms. Holden described the final proposed property for district #99-05, stating that the Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation has recommended approval of this property, but the Planning Commission denied approval because of its close proximity to the town limits as well. Rev. Bruce Lecates, pastor, Greensboro Wesleyan Church, stated that the Church concurs with the recommendations of the Planning Commission. President Cole called for additional public comment. There being no further comments, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Prettyman, unanimously denied approval of proposed district #99-05, as recommended by the Planning Commission due to its proximity to the town limits.

Jon Burrell, executive director, accompanied by Fitzroy Smith, property liability manager, Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), met with the Commissioners. Mr. Burrell explained that the trust has been in existence since 1987, and that Caroline County has been involved since its beginning. Seventeen of the 23 counties in Maryland are members of the Trust. The Trust was formed by Maryland Municipal League due to the insurance crisis. Since the Trust has been fiscally successful in the past six years, the Board of Trustees recommended reimbursing the capitalization back to the counties earlier than originally planned. Last July Caroline County received their reimbursement. The Board of Trustees has implemented some incentive programs by offering matching grants for safety equipment and training. Mr. Burrell explained that Cindy Towers, emergency management, and member of the Safety Committee, applied for the grants which the County received. A check in the amount of $1,442 was presented to Deputy William C. Davis, Caroline County Sheriff’s Department, to be used for purchase of safety equipment for the department. A check in the amount of $585 was presented to Cindy Towers and Bryan Ebling, director of emergency management, to be used to purchase safety training videos. Mr. Smith advised that the Board of Trustees will be meeting in early May to discuss decreases in property, liability and automobile insurance rates by 10-20%. The Board will also be implementing other programs such as a dividend program, which would grant a credit on the premium for the next year. Mr. Burrell concluded by stating that Caroline County’s membership in the Trust is valued.

The Commissioners adjourned their meeting to attend a luncheon with Local Government Insurance Trust representatives Jon Burrell and Fitzroy Smith, Bryan Ebling and Cindy Towers, Caroline County Emergency Management.

The Commissioners reconvened their meeting at 2 p.m.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously signed a proclamation declaring April 25 – May 1, 1999 as Crime Victim’s Rights Week in Caroline County, in observance of the 1999 National Crime Victims Rights recognition, as requested by Margie Knipple, victim-witness coordinator, Caroline County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Mr. Cole distributed a copy of a letter he received from a student, Max Robert Behlke, suggesting that the County construct a sports complex for soccer and baseball teams. Mr. Cole commended Mr. Behlke for his suggestion and insight and stated that the County is in the right direction in seeking a suitable location for a regional recreational park. The Commissioners instructed staff to send a copy of the letter to Sue Simmons, director of recreation and parks, and to Tobin McNatt, president, Caroline County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously authorized President Cole’s signature on a letter to Governor Glendening requesting that the current members of the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board be reappointed, and that due to a resignation, request that the current alternate, Tracy Lusby, be appointed to fill the vacancy, and a new alternate be appointed.

At 2:15 p.m., the Commissioners met in a budget workshop.

There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners was adjourned by unanimous consent at 3:30 p.m.

Vivian L. Anders

County Commissioners Office Coordinator