July 13, 1999

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:

John W. Cole, President

Franklin W. Prettyman, Vice President

John S. LeGates, Member

Charles C. Cawley, County Administrator

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the minutes of July 6, 1999 were approved with corrections. Vouchers #47214 – #47311 were approved for payment. Bi-weekly direct payroll was approved for release.

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

#14715 - $2,957 – Election Systems & Software, Inc. – preparation of tax forms for Treasurer’s Office (LeGates);

#16085 - $10,847 – MRPA – amusement park tickets for recreation and parks (100% reimbursable through ticket sales) (Prettyman);

#16362 - $5,792.95 – Atlantic Coast Laboratories, Inc. – groundwater test of Hobbs Landfill wells (LeGates);

#16370 - $10,623 – O. E. Breeding & Sons – 3,541 cubic yards of gravel for Baker Road (Prettyman); and

#16387 - $3,630 – Rick Breeding Excavating, Inc. – construction of curbing on Wilmuth Street for public works department (Prettyman).

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously accepted the low proposal of Chesapeake Supply & Equipment Company, Inc., Savage, Maryland, in the amount of $140,795 for acquisition of a chip spreader, which coattails a bid of Frederick County, Maryland bid, and signed purchase order #16371 in that amount. All other proposals received were rejected.

Charles Emerson, director of public works, reported that he, Marvin MacDonald, purchasing officer, and other staff members met yesterday with the architect regarding the bids received for project #CC-HS-62999, Human Society shelter project, and hope to have a recommendation to the Commissioners soon.

JOK Walsh, economic development consultant, met with the Commissioners regarding a proposed hydroponic greenhouse project in the county. Mr. Walsh said that he will be making a presentation on hydroponics to the Caroline County Farm Bureau in the near future and wanted to educate the Commissioners on the subject. Hydroponics is the growing of plants in nutrient solutions without soil. As outlined in the Overall Economic Development Plan, agriculture is essential to Caroline County. Hydroponics is a diversified extension of what is outlined in the plan. Mr. Walsh explained that approximately eight years ago, he structured financing for a company to build a hydroponic greenhouse on the Eastern Shore. The company is interested in expanding the project by establishing a grower network where farmers grow the product, as is done with poultry growers. Everything would be standardized for the growers including the greenhouses, controls, and seeds. A grower would have two six-week periods of growing the product. A model has been prepared that indicates that the greenhouses would be paid for in five years, whereas the poultry industry is ten years. The concept is not a mature industry in this form, however, the technology is there. It gives farmers more independence and flexibility and is environmentally good. Farm Credit is willing to support and finance the growers. The USDA supports and will guarantee up to 80% of loss and will provide direct loans and grants for cooperatives. Mr. Walsh said it is an opportunity to create a new industry for the county by getting involved in the grower network.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners unanimously confirmed appointment of Commissioner Franklin W. Prettyman to represent Caroline County on the Upper Shore Economic Development Partnership (USEDP) Board of Directors. The USEDP partners the counties of Caroline, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Dorchester and Kent to work jointly concerning economic development issues on the Eastern Shore.

On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously approved President Cole’s signature on the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Quarterly Status Report dated July 25, 1999 certifying that no grant funds have been spent to date for the Community Civic League project.

Mr. Cawley reported:

An orientation for the newly-appointed County attorney will be held on Thursday, July 15, 1999, at 11 a.m. to assist in the transition. The Commissioners will confirm the details of the contract with the new County attorney at their next regular meeting of July 20^th.

The first of three public meetings of the Elected vs. Appointed Board of Education Subcommittee of the Education Study Commission will be held Wednesday, July 14^th, 7:30 p.m., at the Federalsburg Town Hall.

The Commissioners instructed staff to schedule the County Administrator’s contract and proposed development of a contractual relationship with department heads on the Commissioners’ agenda of July 27^th.

President Cole read aloud a letter received from Diane Ewing, manager, Town of Greensboro, thanking the Commissioners for their continued support of the library and for adjusting the budget to allocate additional funding which has allowed the north county branch to open an additional day per week.

At 10:18 a.m., and as authorized by 1995 Maryland Code, State Government 10-508(8), as amended, the Commissioners, on motion by Mr. Prettyman and seconded by Mr. LeGates, unanimously adjourned into closed session to meet with Janice Davison, appointed counsel, regarding an update on the Dashiell case.

The meeting reconvened in open session at 10:42 a.m. President Cole reported that the Commissioners, in closed session, heard an update on the ongoing litigation with the Dashiell case following a decision by the Court of Special Appeals. On motion by Mr. Prettyman, the Commissioners unanimously authorized counsel to prepare and file a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the Court of Appeals concerning the Dashiell case.

Robert Ober, chair, Chesapeake College Subcommittee of the Education Study Commission, accompanied by Joseph Quinn, ESC chair, presented to the Commissioners the Subcommittee’s final report. Mr. Ober thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity and privilege of serving on the Subcommittee, as it has been a great learning process. Mr. Ober reiterated the Subcommittee’s charge of defining and evaluating the current relationship with Chesapeake College organizationally and fiscally, and to make recommendations for improvements. He commended Chesapeake College for their full and willing cooperation and the responsiveness shown to the Subcommittee during the process. The Subcommittee’s report outlines the following points:

The financial process works well and the needs of the County Commissioners and the college administration are given proper consideration. The needs are met adequately and equitably for Caroline County’s participation;

The County Commissioners should continue to support Chesapeake College as the residents receive excellent results for funds expended;

The Board of Trustees of the college should advertise board openings and inform County residents how to apply to become a board member; and

The County Commissioners should participate in the process of appointing new trustees.

Caroline County was the first school system in the state to obtain distance learning through a community college; a program that has proved very beneficial to residents. The college curriculum is based on the needs of the area. Mr. Ober stated that the Subcommittee overall feels that the college is fulfilling the needs of the county. The Commissioners commended Mr. Ober’s subcommittee for a job well done.

There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners adjourned by unanimous consent at 11: 04 a.m. to tour the new Preston Volunteer Fire Company Station/Hall.

Vivian L. Anders

County Commissioners Office Coordinator