BOCC 4/6/04

<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> <A HREF="id180.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BOCC 1/6/04"><U>BOCC 1/6/04</U></A>   |   <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>   |   <B>BOCC 4/6/04</B>   |   <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 4/6/04</I></div> <div> After the invocation and pledge, the agenda was approved, as were the bills.  The minutes of the March 30 were approved with  corrections.  </div> <div> Proclamations for Maryland Chief’s Challenge, World Health Day, and Alcohol Screening Day followed.  All were aimed at traffic safety.  There will be traffic check points (fasten yours).  The Health Department says automobile crashes are a major cause of death in St. Mary’s.  National Disabilities Month was next and students from Chopticon, Great Mills, and Leonardtown came to make a presentation. Lynn Morgan said she is familiar with Best Buddies, Students to Work, and other programs.  Dottie Powell, the Career Resource Teacher, came to talk about the School to Work Program.  Its goal is to facilitate the transition from school to adult life at work.  Gary Nelson in the Lexington Park Hampton Inn has a program for students.  </div> <div> After the BOCC took a break, I overheard McK talking to Richardson, saying the percentages are in there and the numbers in the out years have been raised.  He also said that Raley said he would sign it today, but if it goes any longer, he may get nervous.  </div> <div> After a few minutes, the resolution on the five-year funding plan was due, but the BOCC wanted to have an environmental education month.  McK announced that they were waiting for Kramer for put some numbers in the agreement.  April 20 will include a public forum.  </div> <div> Mattingly asked if items not in the proposed changes could be included.  Norris replied if they relate to the subdivision regulations, the Planning Commission must comment.  If they are just text changes and were brought forward at the public hearing, they could be included.  </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="WP MathA" >C</FONT>     <B>County Administrator time was next.  </B>Phil Rollins came to present a proposal for the move of a collection of small boats to the St. Mary’s County Museum at Piney Point.  The building that will house them has already been renovated.  Lydia Wood thanked Don Nolan from the Lundeberg School of Seamanship for the offer of the loan.  In 2002, the County purchased the Stewart Petroleum property.  There is a log canoe from 1883 in the Virginia, a Potomac River dory boat (from the 7<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> District and the last oystering dory), a bugeye built in 1921 (built on the Eastern Shore and formerly used to purchase oysters), a skipjack (the Joy Parks and the last wooden ship developed for the oyster trade).  The Joy Parks will be exhibited at the Smithsonian exhibit on the mall June 23 - 27 and June 30 - July 4.  The move will be televised, and the moving will be funded by the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.  The metal building has been cleaned out and work will begin in June.  McK asked and was told there will be restoration and people will be allowed to watch.  He was told yes.  He was also told our new museum director has been working with the Tourism Director to create a tour package.  There is a place for county brochures.  McK asked if there were a plan to make these vessels active and was told no.  Comm McK noted that the Lundeberg School has been a great partner for the community.  Raley noted that the cost of moving the vessels will be incurred by a third party.  Raley then asked if this will be taken on under the County’s insurance and would the impact on the Insurance policy be minimal.  Rollins said he would come back if there were a great impact.  Debra Pence said this would be a good marketing device for the County.  She said there are opportunities for preservation of the boats.  Mattingly suggested there might be opportunities for Tech Center students to work on the boat.  The memorandum of understanding was voted on.  The vote was 5 - 0 in favor. Shirley Leyland thanked the BOCC for getting the museum back, especially Comm Mattingly, who went to Annapolis. </div> <div> Mrs Chapman came to present a celebration of Environmental Education Month by the children of Mechanicsville Elementary.   Linda Dudderar presented the program.  She said it’s important to protect our environment.  Linda presented Rebecca Bell from the State Office of Education.  She said she is representing Nancy Grasmick and Governor Ehrlich.  She said she knows the problem is to deal with balancing land use and environmental needs.  However, everyone wants a good environment.  No one asks for more lead in their water.  Before you, you see the next generation.  They want a good environment, too. Mechanicsville Elementary is a green school.  The goal of green schools is to involve children in environmental issues.  The schools meet certain standards, that meet the standards.  There are only two schools in St. Mary’s, but 106 throughout the State.  Schools must have a curriculum (economics, geology, hydrology, etc.).  The teachers must keep their professional development.  They must put their ideas into action.  Barbara Abell, Principal, introduced Jane Kaufman.  She asked the students to introduce themselves then tell us about their efforts.  There is a nature trail.  They are seeking a grant for picnic tables.  They will sponsor some osprey fledgling.  They are talking about conservation.  They have a “stuff patrol” in the halls.  They have built bird houses.  They train the 4<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> graders.  They built a nature trail.  They will build a  new pond.  They want to do their part to make their school, county and the Bay greener.  Mrs. Kaufman said they do some planting in celebration of arbor day.  Mrs. Chapman thanked the BOCC for its support of the environmental program at the Elms.  </div> <div> The BOCC then took up “The St. Mary’s County Bridge to Excellence.”  McK named it that and read the letter to go to the Board of Education.  The resolution is based upon per pupil funding.  The resolution is based on the wealth of the county.  They have structured the formula to meet the requirements of the State Bridge to Excellence.  Full day kindergarten will be achieved on an accelerated basis.  McK noted there are some changes.  Kramer said this takes into account the discussion from last Tuesday afternoon.  She mentioned changes such as the per pupil funding is based on the wealth of our County.  They discuss the property and income taxes.  The School System will receive 54% of the income in 2007, 54.5% 2008, 55% in 2009.  Numbers exceed the calculations.  Demonstration of achievement and an acceptable action plan will qualify the schools.  The action plan is for when the schools don’t make adequate yearly progress.  FY 2005 is based on $58.9 million.  From 2006 - 2009, the per pupil expenditure is to become $4,191 per student.  The 2009 increase is 3%.  In the final paragraph, the annual review includes a plan of action for those areas not meeting the standard.  The report card remains as it was last week.  Comm Raley said he was concerned about calculations of how much money would be left to ensure that County Government could still be funded.  Kramer said the number would change a little.  Comm Mattingly asked if the program is sustainable throughout the life of the program.  Kramer said yes.  Mattingly noted that if the state cuts the aid . . . Kramer replied that if the money were withheld, the agreement would be adjusted.  McK said this allows the BOCC to know what the challenges are for the rest of County government.  Forrest said there will be County 5 year strategic plan.  He said he thought the key piece is the meetings to determine how the agreement can grow.  Raley said there is mention in the resolution of up to a certain percentage, but there is a safeguard that if the State reduces direct State aid, the revenues will be recalculated.  So if the Governor says he will fully fund Thornton by taking money away from the Counties.  Now the Board of Education can know what the funding will be.   He likes the concept.  McK said this is a commitment to fully fund education.  </div> <div> Dr. Richardson said she is grateful for the BOCC’s working with the Board of Education.  This built on a two year study of Maryland by outside consultants.  They found a correlation between money and test scores.  Richardson said she is very comfortable with the agreement and looks forward to getting the information into the public domain.  She said we have all been frustrated when the Board of Ed’s number is different from the BOCC.  She went on to say the community expects us to solve the problems with decorum.  This isn’t my number or your number.  It’s the result of a panel of experts.  It gives the County the opportunity react to changes.  It gives the Board of Ed opportunities to decide what to do if there is an unexpected increase in students or another unfunded mandate from the State.  There is no other County in Maryland that has taken this approach.  We are the first County to take on this challenge, and we thank you.  The motion to approve the letter was approved.  The vote was 5 - 0.  Comm Jarboe said it’s a pleasure to sit on a board where we can do things like this.  McK said this isn’t the end for us.  We will look at other services to determine the correct level of services.  He hopes the School Board will adopt this program.  Now the task falls more squarely on their shoulders.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> <B>The County Administrator continued.  </B> The next item was a plan to use County Agricultural Transfer Tax Funds to prepare the State-mandated agricultural Land Preservation, Park and Recreation Plan.  This year, said Rollins, there is a need to focus on Agricultural Preservation was well as Parks and Recreation.  He met with Savich, Sasser, and Canavan and this solution is the best.  McK said you know how we feel about studies and 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> party plan.  Rollins said they discussed whether they could do it in house and agreed the resources were not there. Raley asked if there is an average amount on how much we put forward per acre to preserve agricultural land.  Sasscer said $2,500 and $3,000 per acre.  Raley said spending $52,000 (gasp) for this plan is hard, but the plan is important.  Once we get to the level of land, then we can use these funds for development of parks.  Raley asked if the company was selected by a bid process.  Rollins said we are piggy backing on a plan from another county.  Jarboe said it’s a complex set of requirements.  There is a built in niche for consultants because the plan is complicated.  Rollins said he has expressed his concerns about the plan.  Forrest noted that if we don’t do this plan, we jeopardize funding for some of our programs.  The vote was 5 - 0 in favor.  They agreed to draft a letter to the Secretary and the delegation expressing their concerns about this mandate. </div> <div> The St. Mary’s County Nursing Center came to request a signature from the BOCC on a Memorandum of Understanding with the BOCC.  Mr. Williams said its purpose is to make the Board of Trustees an organization which represents diverse interests in St. Mary’s County.  Don Lewis, executive director, said the Board has a diverse group now and they want to guarantee the longevity of the Center and to be able to respond with a fair level of accuracy to all the issues.  People get replaced yearly.  If the background can be maintained, it will guarantee the continuing service of the nursing center.  Comm Mattingly thanked the legal office for all the work they have done with the Board.  Lewis said this is based on the original legislation.  Comm Raley said he didn’t get a copy of the chart.  The vote was 5 - 0 in favor</div> <div> The by-laws of the Cable Advisory Committee were approved.</div> <div> George Erichsen presented a resolution waiving tipping fees for Christmas in April for Saturday, April 24.  They are only doing 20 homes this year, said Mary Ann Chasen.  They still need roofers and plumbers.  Call Mary Ann if you can help.  The Resolution was approved.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> Mayor Norris said that Leonardtown is expecting to undergo a lot of growth in the next few years.  They have been working on the wharf.  They are looking to increase boating activity.  They have a plan that’s been approved by critical areas and town businessmen.  They are requesting the shift of money from Tudor Hall to the Wharf.  There is a renovated house near the water.  May 11 will be the ground breaking for the 26 town houses.  There will be a restaurant and two apartments.  The town will have a public water front park and has concept approval from critical areas.  There is an area for canoes and dinghies.  There are a promenade and a picnic area.  There will be a public rest room facility and a deck for bands.  They would like to have a historical boat.  There will be some 3 story commercial buildings.  There is a break down of the different aspects of the project and the sources of money.  They will begin demolition next fall.  In the spring of FY ‘05 they will begin construction.  In FY ‘06, the park will become usable and the water improvements are planned for FY ‘07.  They need the $1,000,000 from the Tudor Hall project to get the park together.  McK said this is a great opportunity for access to the water from Leonardtown.  Jarboe suggested making the Dock extra strong to attract the ferry boat to Leonardtown.  Norris said their design is intended to focus on the water history and that will be in his project.  Mattingly said this site is probably one of the prime areas for waterfront development.  He thinks Mr. and Mrs. Gott are looking down with a smile.  He asked Elaine if we would need to establish a line item in the budget.  He thinks it could be a budget amendment.  Mr. Dement recognized Dan Burris as a supporter of the project.  The moving of funds was approved.  The vote was 5 - 0.  The Maryland Department of Planning was enthusiastic about the plan.  </div> <div> Supplemental Funding for the Emergency Management Agency was approved.  Kramer said we are being reimbursed for salaries.  This grant is a $20,000 increase, but there will be no additional spending over what is not budgeted.  The vote was 5 - 0. </div> <div> The Department of Human resources came with three items.  The first was the St.  Mary’s County Employee Health Insurance and Medical Reimbursement Plans.  HIPPA requires the change.  The second item is to adopt an employee Privacy Policy.  The final action was to provide     Direction to the Human Resources Department to implement all procedure and in-house training necessary to comply with HIPPA regulations.  All were approved.  The vote on each was 5 - 0.  Comm Jarboe thanked staff for not hiring a consultant.  Norris said they got a proposal for $40,000 and decided to do the work in house.  The next item was the report on cell phones by the Information Technology director.  Kelly noted that there were 100 cell phone bills in the County.  IT allocates the cost to the Departments.  That took 6 month three years ago.  Now the bills have been consolidated.  The best plans were selected for each user.  They tested phones from another vendor.  They have incorporated Nextel and gave departments a choice.  Now it takes two weeks to allocate costs.  It’s not just county government that uses cell phones.  Telecom costs have been reduced by 20% and service has been increased.  He offered options to see what the Board may want.  The first option is to maintain current status.  Departments can eliminate phones where feasible.  The other option is to provide a phone stipend to employees who need cell phones.  He would like to take that option to the management team and develop some standards.  This has worked well for the Board of Education.  McK asked if that would impact other agencies.  Mattingly said he’s sure they have done a lot of work to get control.  He doesn’t see any benefits.    Jarboe said he would like a couple of weeks to think about it.  McK said he can agree with waiting.  He said there are two options.  One is to stay as it is with managers keeping their hands on what is happening.  Forrest said they are trying to give directors responsibility for managing their departments.  He doesn’t want Bob Kelly responsible for managing funds.  Comm Mattingly said he will be at a press conference Hoyer is having about a reorganization that will allow fire companies to participate in the program.  Comm Jarboe and Comm Raley wished everyone a great Easter.  County Offices will be closed this Friday.  STS services, and the landfill will be open. </div> <div> After lunch, Comm Raley appeared, but other members of the BOCC were not present.  Finally, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee presented its annual report. I was presenting so there are no notes. </div> <div> The next item was a public hearing on three agricultural preservation districts.  Mr. Hayden, Mr. Bailey, and Mr. Herriman presented their land for preservation.  There was a total of 199 acres presented for preservation.  Donna Sasscer made the presentation.  She explained the program.  These property owners are taking the first step to sell their development rights to the State.  A minimum of 50 contiguous acres is required.  50% class I, II, and III soils must be present on the property.  Last year the State did not accept easement applications.  Some will be accepted in FY ‘05.  These property owners will compete with others who have applied to sell their easements.  McK asked who made the decisions.  Sasscer said they would implement part of the new ranking system being devised by the State.  In the past it was 80% of the properties.  The State Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board will make the offers.  The land owner may get an offer first by discounting.  I thanked the families for including their properties in the Ag Preservation Program.</div> <bR> <div>  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>