Dnton, 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

John S. LeGates, Member

Charles C. Cawley, County Administrator

Franklin W. Prettyman, Vice President

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the minutes of July 13, 1999 were approved. Vouchers #47313 – #47382 were approved for payment.

On individual motions by Mr. LeGates, the following purchase orders were unanimously approved and signed:

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners accepted the low bid alternate proposal of C J & J Enterprises, Inc., California, Maryland, in the amount of $8,316 for project #CC-JS-62299, janitorial services for Caroline County Health Department office locations: Mental Health on Sunnyside Avenue, Denton; and Substance Abuse on Franklin Street, Denton, for the period 8/1/99 through 7/31/2000, and signed purchase order #16422 in that amount. All other bid alternate proposals were rejected.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved and President Cole signed Provident Lease Corporation Acceptance No. 15 for release of funds in the amount of $23,700 to M & L GMC Volvo Truck Center for one new 1999 GMC Model 3500 cab/chassis truck for Advanced Life Support, bid #CC-CR-1599.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved and President Cole signed Provident Lease Corporation Acceptance No. 16 for release of funds in the amount of $22,921 to MEDTEC Ambulance Corporation for remounting of ALS truck body from 1993 vehicle to new 1999 GMC cab/chassis, bid #CC-CR-1599.

Dorsey Wooters, County treasurer, presented to the Commissioners the June 1999 investment report. Mr. Wooters also reported on the semi-annual investment report for January 1999 through June 1999. On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved and President Cole signed the required semi-annual investment report to be submitted to the state, which is the last one the state will require unless the sunset provision is removed from the law.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved the FY 2000 payment schedule submitted by the Caroline County Board of Education.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved President Cole’s signature on a letter to George Nier, outgoing County attorney, expressing the Commissioners’ appreciation for years of excellent service to the citizens of Caroline County.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved and President Cole signed an Engagement Agreement between the County Commissioners and the Law Offices of Kent and Cizek to provide legal services for Caroline County at the pleasure of the Commissioners, containing provisions relating to services to be rendered, billing, meetings, distribution boxes, reimbursements, and file retention. The Agreement is retroactive to July 13, 1999.

Mr. Cawley gave the Commissioners an update on the results of the bond anticipation note bid, stating that six proposals were received and the apparent low proposal is currently being evaluated by A. Samuel Ketterman, H. C. Wainwright, bond consultant. The status of the apparent low proposal may change due to a possible increase in the proposer’s legal fees.

The Commissioners discussed the status of the Upper Shore Community Mental Health Center in response to a community outcry DHMH no longer plans to limit admissions to dual diagnosed patients (mental disorders and substance abuse), but for the present will continue to admit those with only mental disorders. The Commissioners instructed staff to draft a letter to the Secretary of the State DHMH Mental Health Administration conveying the Commissioners’ concern for providing mental health care for the Upper Shore since the state appears to be threatening to send the mental health patients to the Eastern Shore Hospital Center in Cambridge in two years.

By consent, the Commissioners approved the drafts of the description, class specification and performance standards on the position of executive assistant to the County Commissioners and instructed staff to forward to the employee for review, which is the next step in the review process.

The Commissioners discussed the status of the County administrator’s contract and instructed the County administrator to work with the County attorney on preparing a draft. The Commissioners also discussed drafting of contracts for the department heads that serve at the pleasure of the Commissioners in order to outline benefits, and the County’s expectations.

The Commissioners scheduled a joint meeting with the Caroline County Board of Education on August 3^rd at 4 p.m. at the request of the Board of Education. The meeting will be held at the Board of Education and will be open to the public.

On motion by Mr. LeGates, the Commissioners approved President Cole’s signature on a letter of response to the Town of Henderson regarding the Town’s opposition to continuing use by Caroline Acres Trailer Park of two of its potable water wells that are within Town limits. The letter indicates that the Commissioners have no enforcement authority, therefore the Town should consult with its attorney and contact the Public Water Supply Division of the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding the matter.

Leigh Sands reported to the Commissioners that a confirmation letter has been received from the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board (WIB) designating the Upper Shore Private Industry Council as a WIB, as requested by the Commissioners.

Mr. Cawley reported:

1. Trista North, County employee, is temporarily working in the Planning and Codes Administration office, licensing division, to research and reorganize. State law differs from County to County regarding liquor licensing requirements. It is anticipated that liquor license payments will be paid at the Treasurer’s Office in the future.
2. He will be meeting with the County administrators from Talbot, Kent, Dorchester and Queen Anne’s Counties on Thursday, July 22, 1999, and will continue quarterly, to discuss current issues and to build relationships among the administrators.

President Cole advised that he received a complimentary letter from Commissioner Tom Flowers, Dorchester County, regarding the Upper Shore Association of Counties meeting held on June 23^rd.

There being no further business, the meeting of the County Commissioners adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:35 a.m.

Vivian L. Anders

County Commissioners Office Coordinator