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

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the minutes of April 20, 1999 were approved. Vouchers #45888 – #45988 were approved for payment.

The Commissioners conducted an advertised bid opening for project #CC-HM-42799, hot mix overlay. The following bids received were publicly opened, read aloud and recorded:

BIDDER TOTAL BID

The bids were referred to staff for evaluation.

The Commissioners conducted an advertised bid opening for project #CC-GR-42799, guardrail. The following bids received were publicly opened, read aloud and recorded:

BIDDER TOTAL BID

Guardrails, Etc.

Baltimore, Maryland $ 40,957

L. S. Lee, Inc.

York, Pennsylvania $ 42,627.50

Highway Steel Corporation

East Rochester, New York $ 40,957.50

Penn Line Service, Inc.

Scottsdale, Pennsylvania $ 39,700

The bids were referred to staff for evaluation.

The Commissioners convened an advertised public hearing on Legislative Bill #99-1, Public Improvements Bond Authorization. Leigh Sands, executive assistant, read aloud the public hearing notice and excerpts from the resolution of intent including the proposed projects list. She explained that the authorized amount of $7.8 million is a not-to-exceed figure, not a commitment to spend the entire amount. Ms. Sands stated one amendment is proposed, the correction of one of the schools erroneously described on the project list in the bill as introduced (wiring for Colonel Richardson High School should read Colonel Richardson Middle School). Ms. Sands advised that neither the bill nor the amendment will be enacted tonight, the purpose of the public hearing is to hear testimony. Charles MacLeod, Funk and Bolton, bond counsel, provided an overview of the resolution and explained that this is the second step in a four-step process. Mr. McLeod explained that upon enactment of the bill, the Commissioners will be authorized to incur debt when the Commissioners deem necessary, and funds can be drawn down in a series of issuances. President Cole called for public comment for those in support of the bill, a summary of which follows:

Dr. R. Allan Gorsuch, superintendent of schools, Caroline County Board of Education – The school system does have a lot of projects on the table, however, the school system was completely renovated in the late 1960’s with nearly all of the costs borne by the State at that time under the direction of Superintendent William Hoopengardner. The present procedure is much different. The funding is a 75% State and 25% County match, however, excluding a lot of other costs, realistically it ends up being 60/40. There are a lot of projects – most, if not all, are currently underway. The State requires a construction schedule, which forces the Board of Education to move ahead once a commitment has been received. These funds will: complete the wiring projects at Colonel Richardson High and Lockerman Middle Schools; add science labs at Colonel Richardson Middle School which will complete up-to-date science technology at the high school level for the County; complete major repairs to the chillers at Denton Elementary and Colonel Richardson High Schools; resurface and repair the tennis courts at North Caroline High and Colonel Richardson High Schools; provide renovations to Federalsburg Elementary School; fuel tank replacement at Greensboro Elementary, Denton Elementary, Colonel Richardson Middle Schools and the Career and Technology Center; provide roof replacement at Lockerman Middle School; and renovate . The school system will be seeing some changes and improvements that are long overdue. The school system appreciates the Commissioners’ support.

Mary Webb, Federalsburg – Urged the Commissioners to release funds for Federalsburg Elementary School. The children and staff are going to school in a facility with mildew, mold and bat droppings due to a leaking roof.

Dale Brown, principal, Federalsburg Elementary School – Stated that there are no words to describe how elated the students and staff are in response to the upcoming and much-needed support.

Brian Spiering, principal, Colonel Richardson High School – The resurfacing and repair of the tennis courts will be much appreciated by the athletes. The construction of the "Look of the Future" science labs at Colonel Richardson High School will set standards and will be perfect timing upon entering the new century. It is very important to provide the students with the best possible facilities. Thanked the Commissioners as a principal and a parent who has children that will be the beneficiaries to the new improvements.

Sheila Richardson, parent and president, Federalsburg Elementary School PTA – Federalsburg Elementary School has outstanding administration and children, the only thing missing is the environment. This bond issue will complete the missing piece to the puzzle by providing the environment for the school.

Merv Dougherty, principal, North Caroline High School – Appreciates the Commissioners coming to visit the school on two occasions to evaluate the conditions to be renovated. The school has fine students and excellent staff. Over 80% of the building hasn’t been renovated in 30 to 40 years. The renovation will provide opportunities and will have an everlasting result. Thanked the Commissioners for their wisdom and commitment.

Jeff Porter, president, PTA, Denton Elementary School – Thanked the Commissioners for the chiller and fuel tank replacements at Denton Elementary School. Confirmed the desperate need for renovations to the Federalsburg Elementary School and stated appreciation for the Commissioners’ support.

Sandra Whelan, principal, Denton Elementary School – Stated on behalf of the students, faculty and parents of Denton Elementary School, appreciation for the chiller and fuel tank replacements.

Lisa Walters, PTA president, Lockerman Middle School and parent – Stated appreciation for the two projects at Lockerman Middle School: the wiring project and the science labs. Appreciation for the Commissioners’ efforts in bringing the school into the 21^st century.

Debby Chance, principal, Colonel Richardson Middle School – The fuel tank replacement is welcomed and the wiring project is most exciting as it brings much-needed resources to teachers who are excited about offering new technology to the students.

Dane Coleman, Vice President, Board of Education – Thanked the Commissioners for all their efforts as the Board of Education and Commissioners continue to work collaboratively. Encouraged issuance of the bonds for the projects.

Tina Henry, principal, Lockerman Middle School – Stated appreciation for the commitment of the Commissioners. Lockerman Middle School has been blessed with the recent updates and maintenance that helps provide a pleasant and safe environment for the students. The wiring projects are a perfect opportunity for teachers to bring technology into the classroom.

Dr. Larry Lorton, director of support services, Caroline County Board of Education – Stated that due to the attendance of staff, parents and interested parties at the hearing, it is an acknowledgement of the support of the issuance. Asked everyone present that are in support of issuance to stand.

President Cole called for public comment for those opposed to the bonds, a summary of which follows:

Bob Chapel, Ridgely – Stated that he is not necessarily opposed to the sale of the bonds, but is concerned that there are items to consider such as the County’s ratio of debt to the assessed valuation.

Charles Cawley, county administrator – Stated that he has the County’s ratio of debt to revenues. Stated that he ran projections for five years when evaluating the projects. The County is in the process of eliminating the lease/purchase program. The issuances would be staggered over two years. He explained that the projects are for a two-year period rather than one to save on issuance costs.

President Cole – Reminded those in attendance that the purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony, however, he advised Mr. Chapel that staff would get back with him with the requested information if he desired.

Bob Chapel – Stated that he has researched indebtedness in the past and an issue such as this should be put to a vote of the voters, as is currently done in many other places in the country. Stated that the mildew, mold and bat droppings are not desirable in a public building, but felt that those problems may be due to a lack of maintenance. The issue of maintenance should be addressed before the County sells bonds to build more buildings and not maintain them.

President Cole called for any further public comment. There being none, the hearing was adjourned.

President Cole recognized Delegate Adelaide Eckardt who was in attendance and commended her for her efforts on behalf of Caroline County during the 1999 Maryland General Assembly. Delegate Eckardt congratulated the Commissioners for their commitment to the school projects. She stated that she attended a tour of Federalsburg Elementary School some time ago along with the Governor and Senator Colburn and the repairs are desperately needed and long over-due. During that trip, two schools were visited, Federalsburg Elementary and a Wicomico County School, and their conditions were considered the worst on the Eastern Shore. Delegate Eckardt commended the Commissioners for all their work to provide a good environment for the students of Caroline County. Dr. Gorsuch thanked Delegate Eckardt and stated that it was due to her and Senator Colburn’s urging that the Governor supported the Federalsburg Elementary School renovation project. The project has been a priority for the school system for the past six years but has always gotten cut, therefore, we are dealing with a problem that should have been fixed six years ago, Gorsuch said. Dr. Gorsuch ended by thanking the Commissioners once again.

* * * * *

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners accepted the low bid of Mike Davidson Sand and Gravel, Centreville, Maryland, in the amount of $80,740, for project #CC-CS-42099, crushed stone, and rejected all other bids received. On individual motions by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed the following purchase orders relating to project #CC-CS-42099, crushed stone:

#15501 - $17,250 – 1,000 tons of crushed limestone and 500 tons of stone; and

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed Provident Lease Corporation Acceptance Certificate No. 9 for release of funds in the amount of $75,000 to American Combustion Industries, Inc., for a 20,000 gallon underground fuel storage tank project at the Department of Public Works, to include product computer dispensing system, fuel dispensing pumps, tank quantity monitoring system, related equipment and installation. The project is complete and meets all current Maryland Department of Environment requirements.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed Provident Lease Corporation Acceptance Certificate No. 9 for release of funds in the amount of $3,208 to Dell Marketing for acquisition of computer equipment for the Department of Emergency Management.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously accepted the low proposal of Shannon Baum Signs, Inc., Eldersburg, Maryland, in the amount of $2,070.40 for upgrading various traffic signs, project #CC-RS-42399, and signed purchase order #15503 in that amount. All other proposals received were rejected.

Marvin MacDonald, purchasing officer, advised the Commissioners that three proposals were received for Courthouse exterior painting. Due to the wide range of prices received, the Commissioners instructed Mr. MacDonald to review the proposals further before a decision is made.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed purchase order #15636 to McCrone in the amount of $1,464 for professional services rendered on the Ridgely Little League project from January 18 through March 21, 1999.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved the following contingency fund expenditure: $4,000 – Commissioners of Ridgely – Ridgely School fence relocation.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed an accounting office budget reallocation request to reallocate the following FY 1999 budgeted capital project fund: Health Capital FY 1998 Infrastructure Bond in the amount of $200,000 transfer the budgeted balance in the amount of $191,336 to Courthouse Infrastructure FY 1998 Bond.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and signed the FY 1999 Mosquito Control Agreement between Caroline County and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, in the amount of $46,124 of which the State provides $13,000 in funding.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved and President Cole signed the Single Lot Declaration of Intent for Forest Conservation to grant an exemption to reforest the area designated to construct a new Animal Control Facility in the Town of Ridgely, as there are currently no trees on the site.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved and authorized Mr. Cawley, pension plan administrator, to sign Administrative Pension Resolution #99-001, for pension benefits to a recent County retiree.

President Cole read aloud a letter he received from Quentin Walsh resigning from the Education Study Commission due to limitations. On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners regretfully accepted the resignation of Mr. Walsh and appointed Fred Gleockler to fill the unexpired vacancy on the Education Study Commission.

Leigh Sands, executive assistant, advised the Commissioners that the ceremony for the dedication of the Denton Multi-Service Building as the John R. Hargreaves Building is tentatively set for Tuesday, June 15^th, as suggested by Senator Colburn. Once the details are finalized, the Commissioners will be notified. President Cole reiterated that also in memory of the late John R. Hargreaves, a Wye Oak seedling was planted at the Multi-Service Building on Saturday, April 24^th, and was attended by County officials and the Eastern Shore Delegation.

At 9 p.m., and on motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously recessed their meeting to allow the representatives from the Democratic and Republican Central Committees to hold a public forum to sign a historic cooperative agreement for candidate nomination for the Board of Education.

The Commissioners reconvened their meeting at 9:30 p.m.

The Commissioners held a brief budget workshop. Mr. Cawley distributed updated budget worksheets for the Commissioners’ review. The Commissioners briefly discussed the constant yield tax rate. Mr. Cawley advised that the County is required by law to advertise the proposed constant yield tax rate, however, once advertised the rate can be decreased but not increased. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to advertise the proposed constant yield tax rate at the current rate of $2.38. The Commissioners scheduled a budget workshop for next week’s regular meeting in order to finalize budget figures in at least a week’s advance of the next public hearing.

There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:45 p.m.

Vivian L. Anders

County Commissioners Office Coordinator