BOCC 1/6/04

<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="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC Meeting Notes 1/1/04 6/30/04"><U><B>BOCC Meeting Notes 1/1/04 - 6/30/04</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> <B>BOCC 1/6/04</B>   |   <A HREF="id182.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 1/13/04"><U>BOCC 1/13/04</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id186.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 2/3/04"><U>BOCC 2/3/04</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id185.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 3/16/04"><U>BOCC 3/16/04</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id187.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 3/23/04"><U>BOCC 3/23/04</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id184.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 4/6/04"><U>BOCC 4/6/04</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id199.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 4/20/04"><U>BOCC 4/20/04</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id200.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 4/27/04"><U>BOCC 4/27/04</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=350 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0978dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>BOCC 1/6/04</I></div> <div> <B>When I arrived, Elaine Kramer was discussing the FY ‘03 audit</B>.  She noted that in addition to our bond reserve and rainy day fund, there was $2.9 million in undesignated reserve.  She asked if the BOCC would like to use about $394,000+ to bring the rainy day fund back to $1,000,000.  </div> <div> The auditor, Mr. Murphy,  then noted that it was their opinion that the financial reports met all auditing standards, and the opinion was the highest rating possible.  He continued by saying that net assets have increased by $12,000,000 since the end of last year.  The County is complying with fund accounting.  The auditor congratulated the BOCC on not spending what they didn’t have.  Revenue was up 4.9% over FY ‘02, but $1.3 million lower than budget, but the BOCC reacted by decreasing expenditures and the budget was balanced.  The bond rating is still AA with all three rating agencies.  In ‘04, St. Mary’s Count led the state in growth of high tech jobs.  The largest private employers increased in employees.  Tourism increased.  St. Mary’s County has controlled growth.  The median income was $59,000 above the state average.  Unemployment is around 3%.  The increases went to education, health, general government.  Revenues exceeded expenditures by $1,000,000.  Obligations are well staggered and have low interest rates.  The County is doing an  excellent job with maturities and in paying its debt.   County investments are invested in category one, the highest category.  There is no risk.  The management letter had no significant items to report.  The auditors said the County has some outstanding checks which have not been cashed.  They are being carried as a liability.  If they are not resolved, the money must go to the State.  When the checks get three years old, the State can claim the money.  Mattingly said the BOCC appreciates the positive comments.  He congratulated the finance staff for bringing the finances into complete compliance.  Elaine Kramer said the assistance they have received from departments has made life much easier. Jarboe noted there were not tax rate or service charge increases in the year.  Raley said things were not as tidy and now they are because of a lot of people worked hard.  The money of St. Mary’s County is well protected.  </div> <div> <B>Kramer then asked for action from the BOCC.</B>  She also noted that the FEMA money has now been quantified and they will be able to bring the entire costs of damage from Isabel can be closed out.  McK said he would like to have the financial statements be as good as possible.  Raley made the motion to bring the rainy day fund up to $1,000,000 again.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> Mr. Norris brought a proposed amendment to the by laws of the Nursing Center to increase the number of members from 10 -15 and resolve that change.  The vote was 5- 0.</div> <div> <B>Mr. Canavan came to present a resolution to adopt the Board of Education’s service areas as the attendance zones</B>.  Now that the Board of Education has revised the attendance areas. Land Use and Growth Management needs a revision.  Canavan said he thinks we should revise the student yield to include one number for single family homes and another for multifamily housing.  Comm Mattingly asked if the realignment puts any area in jeopardy as far as having capacity.  Canavan said there is still capacity in all three areas.  This improves the Leonardtown district a little bit, said McKay.  Raley noted that the only change is the map showing the school boundaries.  Canavan  was asked when they would know when the numbers for each district would be ready and he said in two weeks.  Jarboe asked how they deal with conflicts as stated by the Ethics Commission because one has an interest, people such as teachers, etc.  Canavan said he has to deal with it because he has to judge adequate public facilities.  He must rely on “that group” to judge.  He has to move forward.  Mattingly said every board has a conflict if the Ethics Commission is right on this issue.  He thinks each individual County should comply with the State’s law.  McKay said the State had to take over the Health Department because of the disparity within the Counties.  He thinks it would be better to have every county comply with on law.  He thinks the solution to the problem is to build the facilities.  George Forrest said it is important that Board of Ed and County use the same numbers.  </div> <div> I left the room for a few minutes.   When I returned, George Erichsen was talking about the Transportation Task Force.  Mattingly was questioning the requirement that the Task Force elect a new vice chairman if the chairman   Jarboe asked if Norris had sent this to the Ethics Commission and was told that would be next.  Jarboe said it appeared that anyone with a car, boat, buggy, or wheelchairs would have a conflict.  McK said they are not trying to have a conflict with the Ethics Commission.  They changed the wording in the Task Force document to say elect a new vice president and then approved the resolution.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> I left the room for a bit and returned when the Department of Recreation and Parks was  discussing . They adopted the Wicomico Shores advisory Board by laws.</div> <div> When I returned, Phil Cooper was providing an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel.  Mr. Cooper said they held a critique after Isabel and have sent a copy of the critique to the BOCC.  They have good recommendations to enhance the emergency operation plan and response activities.  The radio station has hired a contractor to provide emergency power.  Maryland emergency management is supplying computer programs to tie in with the Maryland Emergency Management Station.  We may be able to finance some generators for the stations which are in the area.  FEMA’s computer system has been down for 5 weeks.  He has forwarded approvals to Maryland so the County can be reimbursed.  We will get 75% of eligible expenses. $1,149,000 of expenses are eligible.  We have only seen about $225,000 thus far.  They expect to see about 14 more reimbursement sheets come through.  He will coordinate to make sure the work has been done.  LEGIT sent two risk management approvals for claims coverages submitted.  He asked for a time line for notices of approvals and was told within 2 days.  Restoration expenses not covered by LEGIT would be covered by FEMA, except for buildings in a flood zone not covered by insurance.  There would be about $285,000 to be paid for by the County asked McK.  Cooper said that number is correct, but there could be more.  McK said it’s a pretty big jolt to our fiscal year.  Cooper said we have had tornado warnings, a hurricane, and earthquake tremors in my time as acting emergency coordinator.  Jarboe asked if the St. Andrews Road radio station had an active generator.  Cooper said it wasn’t as of the last time (several weeks ago) he spoke to the </div> <div> <B>Next came Commissioner time.</B>  Mattingly said the holiday was quiet.  He congratulated the Leonardtown Fire Department on their banquet.  Jarboe noted an issue about free rent a couple of years ago.  He would like a full report.  Forrest said he is working on a market rate rental for that property.  Raley congratulated Leonardtown.  There were over 12,000 calls last year.  He said people have asked why the BOCC is involved the funding for rescue squads.  That is why.  Raley asked how long the current firm has been the auditor.  Forrest said he would find out.  Dement said he has been accused of talking too much.  He wished everyone a Happy New Year.  He stopped by BJ’s.  It will bring a lot of revenue to St. Mary’s County.  McK congratulated his mother on her 80<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> birthday.  She announced that would be the last increase in age.  He met with the Maryland Secy. of Transportation who indicated his support of the Hughesville bypass.  That is their top priority.  The Secy. will work with Pax River to deal with small issues.  He gave the example of paving the shoulder.  The bridge of the Patuxent will have to be resurfaced.  They will work with pax to ensure that will happen.  The public forum will take place at Wicomico Shores Gold Course next Tuesday, Jan 13.  He would like public input on the repair of the pier.  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>