BOCC 4/1/03

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0968dfc3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC Meeting Notes 12/3/02 6/30/03"><U><B>BOCC Meeting Notes 12/3/02 - 6/30/03</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=130 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0978dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Welcome to the Web Site of Clare Whitbeck</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to the Web Site of Clare Whitbec"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 12/3/02"><U>BOCC 12/3/02</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Legislative Agenda 12/10/02"><U>Legislative Agenda 12/10/02</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" 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Beech of the School system explained the presentation to Sheriff Zylak.  They have developed a resource book for community services.  Two students, Terry Gerrick and Samantha Oliver, presented the book of emergency words in international sign language.  A translator presented to words to the “handicapped”<B> </B>audience, who could not understand sign language.  The book is a prototype for use by the Sheriff and EMT’s.  Sheriff Zylak thanked the students.  He went on to say that his office often has to deal with hearing impaired people.  This will help.  Mattingly asked if the students had participated in the program for the hearing impaired.  The school audiologist said she was not familiar with that program, but was interested in learning about it.  Comm McKay said he would like to present a certificate of commendation.  </div> <div> <B>The next item was a proclamation of Fair Housing Month.</B> Cindy Philips brought her staff and her boss Dennis Nicholson to receive the proclamation.  Fair housing is honesty and fairness in doing business.  Fairness includes standardization of credit processes, issues of family size, etc.  Jan Barnes noted that realtors don’t discriminate in any way.  Fair housing is a part of her business.  They want everyone to understand about fairness.  Comm McKay presented a proclamation.  </div> <div> <B>The next item was the announcement of the Black Tie Ball Fundraiser which supports the Summer of Safety Program.  </B>This will be the third annual Black Tie fundraiser this Saturday.  The Ladies and Gentlemen’s clubs are having their dinner in Solomons on the same night.  There is still space for more reservation.  </div> <div> <B>Then came Housing Trust of America (HTA) to present a proposed town home rental community.  </B>Mr. Wallace Scruggs came to join Dennis Nicholson to present the proposal.  Scruggs said he is here to provide information about their company and its project.  HTA develops projects that discount market rent by 5 - 10%.  His parent were patrons of Raley’s store.  He is a CPA who start this business.  They propose to construct 173 town home units, with garage.  There is no project with garage integral to the unit.  It will range in size from 1200 to 1100. $935 a month is proposed rental.  Some funding will come through the tax exempt bond.  Some private equity.  Tenants are people making $12 - $20 per hour.  They think they offer an option.  Their rents are within the section 8 voucher limit.  He’s been working on this since late August.  There is a State commitment for bond funding.  The team is Harkins Builders, Shelter Properties will do property management, there will be a full time residents’ service coordinator.  They will offer after school programs for children and job training programs for adults.  McKay said he noticed a club house recreational area.  Scruggs said it will have a swimming pool and several tot lots.  The site is 13 acres and it is part of Softwoods PUD.  The front part of the project will be single family homes.  About 155 of the 173 homes will be below market rentals.  The State requires an element of mixed income.  Scruggs said he would have preferred 100% affordable.  Nicholson noted that financing is very competitive.  Scruggs said he has set rents at 94% of what is allowed.  McKay asked the time line.  Scruggs said closing would be July 23 and July 24.  McKay said even $900 or $950 a month sounds like a lot of rent.  Nicholson said the gap would be bridged by the Housing Choice Voucher Program.  Scruggs said $970 a month is the Section 8 rent.   Raley asked about the time line for the construction of the amenities.  Scruggs said the clubhouse is built at the time of the beginning of the first phase.  Raley asked if they would take care of the amenities.  He noted that this is grandfathered.   They have done an overall survey of the markets and find their rents are in the range of all pay rates except the bottom three.  Jarboe said that could mean 100 more cars that won’t be on Route 235.  Scruggs said they try to put housing near employment.  McKay said the area is served by our County mass transit system.  Scruggs said he first met with Dennis last September.  He tried to meet the needs of the County.  Scruggs answered a McKay question about a resolution.  The State requires a public resolution that says that you approve the project.  Nicholson said the Community Development Administration of the department of Housing and Community Development can provide financing.  The local jurisdictions just approve the housing.   McKay asked if this is a show of preference.  Nicholson reiterated that it is a requirement of all developments seeking financing from the State.  Mattingly asked if the property were outside the State and was told yes.  Raley asked if there were projects in Charles County.  He went on to say the concept of town house developments has recently been in disfavor with the Charles County developers.  How will his project not go to the same disfavor that has happened in Charles County.  Scruggs said the concern in age and maintenance.  He said they have to make personal guarantees for this project.  Financing is for 40 years.  HUD imposes very stringent design and construction standards.  Raley asked if HUD will inspect and was told during construction every time HTA asked for a draw and annually thereafter.  Mattingly said town house construction has drawn down property valuations.   Scruggs said those town house projects might have been for sale.  Scruggs asked Dement if he worked harder as baseball commissioner or County Commissioner.  </div> <div> Representatives of the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute Positive Alternative Program.  They are partnering with DOORS and St. Mary’s Connection for the next 3 years.  They have a site in PG County and in DC.  The presenter said she came from Silver Spring and wondered how she was going to get here.  But it was beautiful, and  she likes St. Mary’s County.  Pat (?) said she has been working in Calvert County, but then went to the Kennedy Institute.  She is very impressed with the sharing that goes on.  She has been blest with being able to share things.  Walden-Sierra does drug tests.  DSS helps with transportation.  They have managed to provide service.  The program runs 3 days a week.  They work on self esteem and work skills.  They teach workplace behavior.  DOORS helps with skills testing and helps pay for training.  She said people come to Kennedy because they are ready to change their lives.  They have 8 men, 6 of whom are homeless.  Transportation is a problem for the homeless.  They have one gentleman who has just received his GED.  The have a person who has just graduated with computer skills.  They have great success stories.  They have an on site relapse prevention person.  Pat would like to have some women in the program.  They said the big success is tapping into the potential of people.  McKay asked how clients are referred.  The answer was Three Oaks and DOORS.  They may get Walden-Sierra and Pathways to refer.  Kennedy can do an intake on them.  Jarboe asked where the office is.  Pat said they are at the corner of Great Mills Road and Route 235.  Jarboe said he has a list of retired teachers who want to help kids get their GED’s.  Pat said she needs transportation volunteers.  People can call 240-735-5792 for information.  It was noted that one big help would be employers who would take an intern.  Pat said she would like to start a mentor program.  </div> <div> <B>The next item was the County Administrator’s time.  </B>He began with draft agendas for April 8 and 15.  Comm Raley noted the golf clubhouse at Wicomico Shores decision is to be made April 8.  Jarboe said it’s the most chosen topic.  Dement said he hears about it.  Raley asked if they will stop at Three Oaks when walking Lexington Manor.  </div> <div> Next came a grant renewal for substance abuse treatment.  It’s a consolidated grant for $2.3 million.    Kathleen O’Brien Came to the table to make her presentation.  McKay asked if these were new grants.  O’Brien said the grants used to be single, but now it’s a consolidated grant.  He noted the requested amount is $2.4 million, but this is for $1.3.  Will there be another?  O’Brien said yes.  The had submitted the grant electronically, but it still has to be approved here.  Jarboe said there is a County match.  Is that in the budget.  Harvey said the grant will be realigned to allow for the new amount of the match.  The vote was 5 - 0 at 10:20.  The BOCC has been here for an hour and twenty minutes before they took the first vote. </div> <div> <B>The next item was a request by the Sheriff for overtime to do enforcement of commercial vehicle safety inspections.  </B> Commercial vehicle inspection is new, said Zylak.  Accident reconstruction found a vehicular problem in one of the accidents.  We have more commercial vehicles in the County.  There have been some serious violations.  McKay asked if stops are on state highways or County roads.  Zylak said he thinks on State roads.  Jarboe said the Amish want them slowed down, but not weighed.  The budget amendment passed.  The vote was 5 -<B> 0</B></div> <div> <B>The next item was a budget item to reduce funds for family services.  </B>This will result in a reduction of funding for scholarships.  The vote was 5 - 0.</div> <div> <B>Another budget amendment for $5,500 is to initiate a study of the AREA D landfill cells.  </B>The agreement was to do this in ‘03.  Solid Waste has been told this landfill is an asset.  This is to determine the feasibility of using area D.  Jarboe asked about the process.  He was told we have an MOU with Calvert and Charles, and can direct haul to King George as well as use area D..  Jarboe noted that we have a number of alternatives.  The vote was 5 - 0 in favor.</div> <div> <B>Another 50,451 was allocated for snow removal.  </B>McKay asked if this was all the costs.  Erichsen said yes.  McKay asked for the balance in the Commissioners’ Reserve and was told $45,000.  He suggested Erichsen find the money is his budget for any snow removal after March 31.  Mattingly noted that the State got off light from us.  He hoped we asked for everything we could.  Erichsen said we supply a good service for a small price.  </div> <div> <B>Next came Mary Ann Chasen to ask to have tipping fees waived for Christmas in April.  </B>McKay thanked Ms. Chasen.  She said she couldn’t do it without the help of the BOCC and the Department of Public Works and Transportation.  (In the past it was not necessary to come to the table.  This trash item was included in the budget.)  30 homes are being done and 28 will need roof repairs.  People are hurting.  McKay read the resolution.  Christmas in April has provided $2.3 million in repairs over the years.  The County will provide free tipping for up to 100 tons of rubble and trash.  Mary Ann asked the BOCC to come out and join the volunteers.  She brought a volunteer form.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> <B>Next were four public works agreements for Cecil’s Mill, Avenmar, Westbury PUD, and Forest Lake. </B>The vote was 5 - 0.</div> <div> <B>The next item was to approve participation by the Metropolitan Commission in the Local Government Insurance Trust (LEGIT) Health Benefits Pool.   </B>McKay asked how this would affect County Government.  Schultz said we don’t participate in the Health Pool.  MetCom has agreed to be responsible for its participation.  The vote was 5 - 0.</div> <div> <B>Joyce Malone presented an access agreement at the Oakville Landfill.  </B>We need to acquire this easement with respect State work to remove the tires.  Erichsen said the State will clean up our site and we will restore the access site.  Lacer noted that the State has committed $550,000 to clean up the site.  Erichsen said it will be the only site clean up this year.   The money to improve the staging area is already in the budget.  Mattingly asked if we might hurry this action Erichsen said the easement agreement is necessary an the staging area needs to be constructed.  It was noted that the clean up is not likely to start before mosquito season.  Raley thanked Mr. Harina for not charging the County.  Jarboe said he’s probably tired of slapping mosquitos.  Erichsen noted it was because the State operated the landfill and had the tires placed where they are that we got funding.  It’s a temporary easement until we are finished, said Joyce Malone.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> <B>Randy Schultz brought the County’s military leave policy to the table.  </B>The current policy was put before the BOCC.  McKay asked for a recommendation.  Schultz said we have a policy that allows for 15 days of military leave.  There is no other benefit except that employees can use accrued leave.  Many jurisdictions are doing gap pay so the employee doesn’t suffer a loss of income.  Neither Calvert or Charles has gap pay.  Charles said they will if anyone is called up.  Within two years we are required to allow an employee to return to an equivalent position.  We could use the budgeted amount for gap pay.  We could have to create a position when the employee returns.  McKay said he thinks one in the Sheriff’s department.  Zylak said he has two corrections department employees.  He has two other deputies who are anticipating being called.  McKay said he knows we have received several e-mails.  Mattingly asked and was told the two correctional officers were called up as a result of the terrorist attack.  It would be different if it were a routing exercise.  McKay asked if we could identify those called for Iraqi Freedom.  Schultz said yes.  He said they are covered for 30 days, then they can get COBRA, but should be covered military insurance.  Raley said he thinks we should support our people.  He knows a family that had serious hardship when the father was called up.  Mattingly said for the small number of people who are involved, maybe we should include homeland defense activities.  Schultz said Maryland State Law requires us to pay any national guard person who is called up until the unit is federalized.  The question is will the program be limited to Iraqi Freedom.  Raley suggested we should have staff draw up something for the issue and hand and give us broader information for a better policy. </div> <div> <B>Commissioner time was next.</B>  McKay noted his mother was in the emergency room.  He wished her the best.  He attended the Elks Lodge awarded four scholarships to Great Mills students.  Comm Dement said Kenneth Booth’s mother passed away.  He noted that he transported one of the young ladies who made the presentation this morning.  Mattingly said he had attended the meeting of the Procurement Commission.  They will have public comments at the meetings On march 16 and 23.  He reminded the Board that the regional fire training center at La Plata will be open to the BOCC on Saturday.  The Archdiocese of Washington asked the BOCC to talk to Doug Duncan about youth Centers.  Jarboe asked about charter boat regulations and was told they are coming to the BOCC this week.  He wants to know about regulations on private land.  They went into executive session.  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>