BOCC 12/3/02

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<div> <I>BOCC 12/3/02</I></div> <div> When I arrived the BOCC was approving the bills.  They noted they have removed the tour of the McDonald house from the agenda.  </div> <div> Next came a proclamation upon the retirement of Paul Wible, Director of Emergency Preparedness.  It was noted that he is a Hollywood native.  </div> <div> Next came a proposal to amend the County Ordinances to allow a property tax credit to the surviving spouse of a fallen rescue worker.  Comm Mattingly said this was brought to the attention of the Tri County Council that the enabling legislation for this ordinance had been enacting last year.  Several jurisdictions have taken up the opportunity.  Comm Raley asked about the term “fallen rescue worker”, is there a definition?  Norris said it is an individual who dies while participating in a fire or rescue operation, unless the death is the result of gross misconduct or substance abuse.  Bobby Ball of Ridge said he thinks this ordinance is commendable.  Fortunately St. Mary’s County has only had one member pass in the line of duty.  Ball would like to have to law broadened to include deaths not in the line of duty.  Heart attacks are a leading cause of death among fire fighters.  No one is tracking this information.  We need to think about the others who are giving their time to the citizens of the County.  The public hearing was closed and the record will be kept open for 10 days.  Norris noted that written comments can be submitted to PO Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.  </div> <div> <B>Next came youth and art month.  </B>  Two drama students from Chopticon brought their presentations to apply for a drama major in college.  A number of Chopticon Students are now working as professionals.  Jessica Duncan was first, and Katie Peak was the second student.  The BOCC gave them a proclamation in thanks.  Comm Mattingly congratulated the basketball team.  <B>Dr. Icenhower came to the table to present an update on the state of health in St. Mary’s County.  </B>Icenhower said he had two issues.  First is percolation tests.  They need to complete 1,400 tests.  Darrell Caldano is doing an excellent job.  All tests have been scheduled, and the schedule has been extended to the first of May.  The Health Department believes it can complete all 1,400 tests.  Applications were cut off by February 21.  They have had 45 additional applications after the cut off.  They will make every effort to clear the board.  The second item is the West Nile Virus.  The Health Department is expecting more cases this year.  There is no immunization for the West Nile Virus.  People have to protect themselves.  There will not be a collection of crows this year.  The Department knows West Nile Virus is here, so there is no point is conducting more tests.  The Department of Agriculture will be collecting mosquitos.  The question is whether to spray.  Homeowners can get together to do this.  The question is whether so spray.  People in Calvert County have said they don’t care what the mosquitos may carry, they don’t want the mosquitos.  The cost is about $50,000.   We may not know what to do.  They want to put down a larvacide.  The Health Department wants people to empty any container which contains water to prevent larvae from breeding.  He can order spray, but needs funding for it.  McKay wrinkled his brow and said it’s a difficult problem for us.  Wasn’t the problem concentrated in McIntosh Run?  Icenhower said State wide, the people who died were not where the dead crows were found.  Many people, he said, get minor systems.  We have no idea how many people have been exposed.  Those who were now have immunity.  Comm Mattingly asked about storm water management.  Those ponds are the perfect breeding ground.  Could we treat those ponds?  We are creating breeding grounds.  Icenhower said the Department of Agriculture is working with the Department of the Environment.  Maybe we should put some guppies in the pond.  The guppies are very effective.  Icenhower said his department is working on storm water ponds.  The ponds are wetlands for birds and fish and wildlife.  Jarboe asked where someone would get the mosquito fish.  Icenhower said the fish are probably one of the best and most effective ways of controlling mosquitos.  Raley asked a question about citizens who call about decisions from the Health Department.  He said it’s not clear that citizens are being told about their rights to an appeal process.  Could you do an internal review and see if there is an appeal process.  He said he was very aware of the individual in question.  He pushed it as far as he could.  Icenhower said his policy is to get the thing to pass if it’s legally possible.  In her case we did that, but we do it in all cases.  </div> <div> <B>County Administrator time as next.  </B>Art Shepard came to the table to discuss the $27,704 grant for the New Horizons Summer Camp.  They have been able to request and receive additional funds.  If there are special needs in a regular camp they have staff to do one on one for including youth.  There is no county match for this program.  Public schools provide transportation for the children.  They have a $50,000 budget which includes fees.  It’s the same amount as last year.  There are inclusion services in regular camps, asked McKay, and he was told yes.  This Saturday is the High Hopes Awareness day event.  The vote was 5-0 to approve the grant.  </div> <div> A recording system for circuit court to replace the court reporter.  Judge Kaminetz said we have been hemorrhaging  money in court reporting funds.  This unit can do all four courtrooms.  It can be expanded at little cost.  Montgomery County has 30 court rooms that have gone to this system.  It works almost as well as a live court reporter.  Bill Tench, Court Administrator, was there to answer questions.  Tench said it will be a pleasure to handle this system.  The District Courts are using this system as well.  It’s a server and back up.  It runs on two tracks.  If one goes down, the other continues.  There is an uninterruptible power supply.  The system records all the audio.  They can use the existing audio wiring in the court room.  The system is automatic and runs all the time.  The clerk will operate the system, i.e. use the hot key to tag events.  If a witness is sworn, an interested party can find that witness.  Montgomery county has not had one technical glitch.  One can burn a cd if someone wants a copy of the record.  The record for juvenile proceedings can be sealed.  It has a lot of features.  Little special training will be required.  The system is scalable, one server can serve 4 courtrooms.  The cost is about $30,000.  The vote was 5 - 0.  Mattingly asked about archives.  Kaminetz said the record will be a cd instead of a stack of paper.  McKay thanked them for the savings.  He noted that Raley and Abrams need a table.  </div> <div> <B>The State’s Attorney came to ask for additional money for expert witnesses.  </B>The request is for $10,000.  This is a fund like the snow removal fund.  We can go for years and not need this money then break the bank with one trial.  Comm Raley said he will approve it, and he asked that the State’s Attorney not be so mean spirited when he makes a request.  The vote was 5 - 0.</div> <div> <B>Cynthia Brown brought a brant from alcohol and drug prevention.  </B>  She was requesting a budget amendment.  McKay asked if the  Freedom Fest could be fully funded by private donations.  Brown said they have always received private donations.  McKay said they do not want to lose the program.  Brown said she is making more presentations.  The vote was 5 - 0.</div> <div> <B>Randy Schultz brought a proposal for a policy on equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.  </B> McKay said he was surprised that this was not already in our policy.  This is a requirement from the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.  McKay asked how many employees have a disability.  Schultz said they cannot ask employees, but they are encouraging employees to make their disabilities knows.  The vote was 5 - 0 (that was the second motion made by Comm Dement.  Schultz proposed a diversity of interest group to put together a long range plan to address the needs of those with disabilities.  The group will start this spring and bring suggestions to the table by the fall.  There were requests for exemptions from the hiring freeze.  Recs and Parks needs seasonal groundskeepers.  Comm Dement said he is familiar with the need for Recs and Parks.  Jarboe abstained from the vote which was 4 - 0.  Sheriff Zylak asks for the senior communications specialist is not in the ‘04 budget.  The Property Clerk position, said Lacer, should be filled. The senior (?) clerk is not in the ‘04 budget.  The senior coordinator is in the ‘04 budget and Lacer requests that it be filled.  The Senior Office Specialist is already recommended for approval.  Two of these three positions were recently vacated.  One is his HR person.  The three positions were approved - Staff Specialist, Senior Office Coordinator, and the Senior Office Specialist.  The vote was 5 - 0.  </div> <div> <B>Nest came Commissioner time.   </B>Comm Jarboe said he was glad to see the Christie McDonald problem get resolved.  Minnie Russell brought other items forward.  Jarboe would like to see the items that Sue Veith is working on.  Right now we have a policy that people must leave a name.  People are using someone else’s name.  It may be time to adopt a written complaint policy so the person must appear.  <B>According to Robin Guyther, </B>80% of the complaints on the livability code were vendetta complaints, said Jarboe  Comm Raley attended the concert at St. Mary’s College.  He wants to support the River Concerts.  Dement was hosting a 40 team softball tournament.  Comm Mattingly said he went to the art display at the Board of Education and congratulated the students.  The Breton Bay Water Restoration Meeting will be this Wednesday at Leonardtown Middle School.  McKay suggested getting auctioneer Raley to participate in fund raisers.  McKay talked about a public-private partnership.  Maryland Day will take place this Sunday at 1:00 PM.  Tuesday at 11:00 they will be at the St. Clements Island Museum.  Next is a tour of the Dept of Public works.  They will be a little late.  He got authorization for an executive session for personnel.  </div> <div>      </div> <bR> <div>      The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM.  The invocation was offered by Captain Richard Gates of the Patuxent River Naval Base.  It was followed by the pledge and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved.  Next came  approval of the agenda.  Then the  bills were approved with McKay abstaining because there were payments to McKays on the list. a</div> <div>      A proclamation of National Drug and Drunk Driving Week was given by Commissioner President McKay to Cynthia Brown, Joe Donick, and Sheriff, David Zylak.</div> <div>      Next came Senator Roy Dyson.  He congratulated the BOCC and said he was here to wish them well and tell the BOCC that our delegation is here to work with them.  He noted that Ehrlich has said there will be no new taxes.  If there are there will be a serious challenge.  That will mean one dollar out of nine will have to be cut.  The largest portion is local government (33%), but the Governor says local money will not be cut.  One part of the spending is the Thornton Commission.  Almost noone in the region supported the Thornton Commission.  It’s in the budget and the Governor says he will fully fund it.  Initially we got treated as Montgomery County, but later they got a more favorable arrangement.  They thought it wouldn’t pass, but it did.  It did not have to be funded last year.  It was put off until this year.  Senator Dyson said “first and foremost - St. Mary’s County.  If you are willing to work for St. Mary’s County we can work together.  Give us a call if you need to come up to Annapolis.  McKay said he was pleased that our Director of Finance walked in and he hopes she will help interpret financial matters.  </div> <div>      Next came Commissioner assignments.  First they selected a Vice Chair.  It will be rotated.  They moved to start with Comm Dan Raley.  The motion was amended to include going from District 4 to District 1 and was approved.  Comm Raley noted that in the first year the President will be full of energy and won’t miss any time, so his job will be easy.  After that, his energy will decline and Comm Kenny DeMent will have the hard year.  Comm DeMent said he thought he should have been first since he is from the first commissioner district. Next they took up the delegate to MACO.  Comm Mattingly said he has been the alternate.  Jarboe asked if Mattingly were prepared.  Mattingly said Comm McKay was interested.  The motion was to appoint Comm McKay.  It passed unanimously.  The Tri County Council was next.  Comm McKay said Comm Jarboe was interested..  It was moved and passed that Jarboe be the rep.  Mary Lynn Stone was appointed at large representative.  Then they took up the workforce investment board.  They had hoped that Comm Mattingly would take the job.  Mattingly said he would be glad to serve.  McKay said the workforce is a critical part of our economy.  Mattingly said the group is well managed.  Mattingly was appointed.    The next item was the Nursing Center Board.  There will be discussion at a later meeting to expand the Board.  Comm McKay noted that Comm Mattingly is the current member.  He was reappointed.  Finally Comm McKay began discussion of a Committee to talk about Boards and Commissions.  He said we cannot discuss appointments in open session.  It’s not fair to hold discussion in open session.  It could be embarrassing.  He only wants to bring an approved name to the table.  While none of us likes to go into executive session, we will have to.  We plan to go into executive session on the 17<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> of December.  It has to ultimately come down to executive session.  Unless someone moves otherwise, we will plan an executive session and do as many as we can.  If we can’t get to them all by Dec 17, we can discussion.  Jarboe said he would like to greatly reduce the number of executive sessions.  It’s important that we discuss these things as an open and free board.  People can talk to us and we can bring there issues to the table.  Raley said he shares Jarboe’s opinion about executive session, but he shares Comm McKay’s position - he doesn’t want to embarrass private citizens.  He asked to have a special session for the Library Board of Trustees.  He hopes that will be the first priority as it must be done by December 31.  Comm Mattingly said “we talked last night.”  We need to schedule and adequate amount of time, say an entire afternoon.  We need to avoid embarrassment of the public.  We’re not going in there to discuss specific issues that are required.  It wasn’t done haphazardly, but within the requirements of the law.  Comm McKay said he agrees with Comm Jarboe and he doesn’t think Jarboe is utterly opposed to executive session.  Jarboe said not for property acquisition or litigation.  But he hopes a committee can be established, either bipartisan or however.  Mattingly noted that the applications are on the web site.  </div> <div> <B>     The Count Administrator was next.  </B> McKay thanked Lacer and staff for the swearing in ceremony.  Draft agendas were presented.  Comm Mattingly asked about a public hearing on the Leonardtown Wharf Public easement and was told a January date is being looked at.  The first item is approval of a Notice of Right to Recovery re the Grant from the Department of Juvenile Justice to assist with the renovation of the Tri County Youth Services Bureau Facility.  If in the next 30 years the facility is not used for that purpose, part of the funding will revert to the State.  The approval passed unanimously.  Paul Wible from the Emergency Management Agency to get signature on a grant agreement for $32,157 and sign a budget amendment to transfer funds to purchase detection and decontamination equipment.  Wible said Calvert County gets a trailer, we get chemical equipment.  The motion passed unanimously.  McKay noted that Wible has seen smoke and saved his car although the house did burn.  Dennis Nicholson came to seek a signature on a letter requesting that HUD change FHA mortgage limit.  Ours is lower that Calvert and Charles, although our costs are the same. $166,250 is the limit here and $223,351 is the average cost from a period.  St. Mary’s County is not part of the standard metropolitan statistical area and thus gets the lower rate.  McKay asked how much impact would a letter from our delegation have.  He thinks Cong Hoyer would have influence.  Nicholson said the BOCC’s letter will get a response.  Mrs. Reynolds said ST. Mary’s is a county that must apply for increases.  McKay asked why we wouldn’t change our status.  Jarboe noted that we don’t have to have our cars inspected if we are not in the metro area.  Mattingly said our delegation would send a letter.  The average price of homes under construction in St. Mary’s is $217,000 and we are asking for $223,351.  Mr. Reynolds said HUD won’t give us the average, but give 95% of the median.  She has to deal with Philadelphia now.  She knew the Baltimore people.  They are credit friendly, allow gifts for down payments.  Raley asked if we are comfortable that the amount requested is sufficient and was told yes.  George Erichsen came with the public works agreement for Newton Manor, Phase 2 and Richfield Court in the Richneck Subdivision, Section 2.  Erichsen said there is sufficient money to cover the costs of the roads should the developer default.  They were approved unanimously.  Next came Human Resources to request support for the Employee Charity Campaign.  The motion supporting the Campaign was approved unanimously.  Randy Schultz of Human Resources.  The Board is interested in reviewing County staffing levels and a draft motion for a moratorium on hiring was presented.  Comm McKay said in light of the budget process which is expected to be tight the Board will need all the capital they can get to maintain the level of services. Mattingly noted that law enforcement, communications, and corrections would not be included.  The prior board did nothing formal, but there was informal action.  There is a provision to allow administrative staff if there is an emergency need, said McKay.  Comm Raley asked how many vacancies, excluding public safety there are.  Schultz said about 30, plus a radio frequency technician which is critical.  Comm DeMent asked if 60 days would be enough.  Lacer said they would be given a list of vacancies, staffing levels, etc.   Comm McKay recommended moving the date to Feb 5 which is one day after the BOCC meeting.  8 positions, said Schultz, have already been filled.  Jarboe moved a general hiring freeze with a few exceptions.  Positions already filled will be filled at the discretion of the Department Head.  McKay said they don’t want any undue burden on anyone.   The motion passed unanimously.  Next came John Grimm to talk about the Callaway area plan schedule.  Grimm said the application is an application of the King’s Christian Academy for sewer and water.  That property is not in the village center, but a hearing is schedule.  The Planning Commission has made a proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.  There is a 60 day delay on that amendment.  Should the BOCC wish a joint meeting with the Planning Commission that could happen Jan 13 or Jan 14.  The water and sewer plan amendment must go to the Maryland Department of the Environment which has up to 6 months to approve.  We are running the applications concurrently instead of sequentially to save the applicant time.  Comm McKay asked how long the MDE amendment will take.  Grimm said usually 3 months, but this one may take 6 because of the Comp  Plan Amendment.  McKay asked what the risk is and was told MDE has denied sewer amendments in the past in other areas of the State.  McKay said he thinks the school is a good project and the BOCC should help as best they can.  Comm Raley said he would authorize a joint hearing.  He thinks it should be done January 13 which is a Monday evening.  He wants to be told if there is a problem so they can use the talents of Comm McKay.  Comm Raley moved that staff be authorized to prepare a joint hearing with the Planning Commission.  Comm DeMent abstained.  This afternoon the BOCC will be briefed on the Emergency Management Plan.  Comm McKay asked if the meeting would be open to the public.  </div> <div> <B>     Next came the discussion of the review of items for the 2003 legislative session.  </B>Lacer said Department Heads have made their recommendations.  At the next meeting items will be discussed.  At the next BOCC meeting, the commissioners will be polled.  The Board of Directors of the Nursing Home would like to increase the number of Directors to 10.  Comm Mattingly noted that Mrs Guy will make a presentation on medicaid wavers.  </div> <div>      After a break George Erichsen came to the table to talk about <B>Solid Waste</B>.  McKay he hopes that on day we’ll recycle everything.  Erichsen said he heard McKay said the past shouldn’t dictate the future, but he wants to present the history of solid waste.  Erichsen said he provided a copy of the solid waste ordinance which is dated 1988.  The rules and regulations were revised in 1976.  He gave them a quick rundown of the fees.  Tipping fees have gone from $18 to over $40.  In 1999 there was discussion of an environmental fee.  Calvert and Charles both have environmental fees ($60 and $100).  There have been recommendations of 40 - $60 for fees.  An environmental fee would encourage recycling.  Current tip fee is now $35 and tipping fee in Calvert costs $44 a ton just for tipping fees.  Operating costs were covered by tipping fees, but not the opening and closing of the landfill.  FY ‘99 and ‘00 began the decline of tipping fees and landfill closed.  Erichsen said this information was just provided this morning.  Comm McKay asked if tipping fees that were reduced were returned to the residents.  In the past we reduced the tipping fee and turned away commercial haulers.  Area B was closed in 1999.  We are still using 1983 trailers.  Maintenance is important because of hauling to Calvert.  If we reopen a landfill, we must purchase equipment to operate it.  When the landfill closed there was a $1.5 - $2 million swing in a year.  He showed the maps of convenience centers which are open 55 hours a week.  The landfill is open 51 hours a week.  Most polls want longer hours.  There are a few statistics.  Solid waste tonnage in about 16,000 tons per year up from 6,200 in 1991.  We subsidize Christmas in April, Recreation in parks.  Our recycling tonnage is up almost 2,000 tons.  Mr. Tarr has instituted programs of no cost which have increased our recycling rate.  There are 250  - 280 new solid waste disposal permits issued each month.  We had 750,000 visits to the convenience centers.  We average 51 pulls per week.  Over Thanks giving they pulled 34 loads in three days.  Rick drives Christmas and holidays.  He was challenged to pass the CDL on the first try, but he did.  64,000 gallons of oil and antifreeze are recycled.  There is a Solid Waste Advisory Committee.  There is a Comprehensive Solid Waste and Recycling Plan. Mr. Tarr said the Committee is key to the improvements in the Solid Waste Program.  There is an approved Solid Waste and Recycling Plan.  Chapters 1 & 5 contain recommendations.  There is a mandated MRA recycling percentage.  We are no longer at the bottom of the list.  Rick said he has worked with retailers.  There is a voluntary recycling program for retailers.  McKay said their updated membership list may not be as updated as we would hope.  He said he hopes that all our contractors are recycling as is County Government.  Rick also thanked Pax River.  They have a well established program.  Comm McKay said he hopes that businesses fill out that form.  Rick said he tries to call as many as he can and thank.  Comm Raley asked what the Board of Ed is doing.  There is a pilot program at the Tech Center and Leonardtown High and Middle School.  The Board of Ed gets $25 a ton and you would think it would be east, added Rick Tarr.  Comm DeMent asked if we could require all the schools to do that.  The janitorial contract County has required them to pick up the separate containers for recycling.  Comm Raley noted that we could encourage the contractors outside the Base to recycle and get the revenue.  In July 2000 we have an approved groundwater monitoring program.  Area B closed finally last year.  We completed closure of cells 1, 2, and 3.  We must still close cells 4 and 5.  We have used an environmental loan because the interest rate was lower than bond rates and can use it again for areas 4 and 5.  Area C is almost complete.  There design is being completed.  The original design called for leachate treatment but it is cheaper to haul the leachate to an approved treatment plant.  Raley asked how long the permit is good for and was told it must be renewed every 5 years.  The capacity is 10 years if we allow commercial haulers.  If we accept only convenience center waste we can get perhaps 30 years use for the landfill.  McKay said we might have to have a fee at the convenience centers.  Erichsen said either that way or assess a fee for property.  King George is where our waste goes.  Virginia is one of the top waste importers, he added.  He went on to say we are currently evaluating area D.  If area D cannot be used we may have to either look for another landfill or another way to dispose of waste.  Tip fee at Calvert if $44 a ton.  About 64,000 miles a year are driven. There is money in an out year to plan for the future.  We have an MOU with Charles County at $57 a ton for a year.  We could haul to King George, but will be like any other customer.  They make money by keeping tip fees low.  Jarboe asked if we self haul with compactor trailers and was told yes.  Self haul without equipment is $57/ton.  With equipment replacement it’s $83/ton.  Raley asked if our loads are under limit. Tarr said most are under 70,000 lb.  If we used open top trailers to King George there would be a significant capital costs.  There is no need for additional licenses, said Tarr.  When you include the current mileage we are at about $70 a ton now, he added.  Vehicles break down and it’s a major matter to get them repaired.  This is direct cost, not full cost accounting said Erichsen.  We put out a proposal for a number of public private partnerships and got to takers, he continued.  We have about a 1,000,000 cu yds. in the new cells.  We do not have a reserve to cover the cost of $57 a ton as opposed to $44 a ton if we had to haul to Calvert.  We have 3 1970 units.  We have cannibalized one to keep the others running.  Raley asked if there were a spare and was told there is one.  We have 8 at the sites and when they are pulled they must be replaced.  That makes 16, we have 17.  They are asking for one new trailer this year.  It will cost $50,000 a year to do post closure work required.  That will be a new item in the budget because we didn’t have a closed landfill before.  The solid waste plan and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee have discussed a solid waste fee.  One thing could be a lower property tax with the difference earmarked for solid waste. 58% tipping, 33% salaries, 9%other.  For recycling 64% of costs are contracts.  We have a contract to remove CFC’S’s from white goods.  4 equipt operators, 2 scale house, part time convenience center attendants.  There are hardly ever 2 at the center.   </div> <div> They propose the proper number for planning.  They do not have a use or lose mentality.  Left over money is usually returned.  They thanked the Board of Education for the logo.  Erichsen said throwing things away is not cheaper than recycling.  It costs $56/ton to dispose and $38 to recycle.  They strongly encourage recycling.</div> <div>      <B>Commissioner time was next.  </B>Comm Mattingly congratulated staff on its tourism conference.  He noted that the Leonardtown Christmas event was very well attended and successful as usual. He congratulated the hospital on their gala.  Norma Dawson is looking forward to retirement.  </div> <div>      Comm DeMent thanked the voters.  He started out listening and wants to use his common sense approach.  Comm Raley thanked Building Services and the Public Information Office for the swearing in ceremony.  He also thanked the Board of Ed and the young people who sang.  Raley continued that the radio system is coming on line and the new radios apparently work very well.  He also thanked the people who took part in the tourism conference.  Comm Jarboe said he looks forward to working with the new board on the issues that never get solved.  Comm McKay thanked the Committee members by name who worked on the swearing in ceremony.</div> <div>      <B>Phil Rollins and Arthur Shepard came to the table to talk about the Great Mills Pool Project.  </B>McKay said he doesn’t know where to get the money to operate the pool in Great Mills.  Rollins said the groundbreaking was held, and site work has started.  Faison thinks the pool will be ready in time to have a summer season.  The pool can be used year round.  The bathhouse has staff quarters, changing areas for men and women.  The bubble goes up in winter and down in summer.  There is a kiddy pool.  There is a storage facility for the bubble when its not up.  Some parking will be shared with the school.   The site has lot of nice trees and is a good site for the facility.  The pool would be operated by Recreation and Parks.  They expect the public schools system to use the pool.  There is a year round swim club in the County.  They would expect this pool to have a competitive team for the summer season.  We chose a lap pool so that citizens could have the kind of pool they said they wanted in St. Mary’s County at this time.  This pool maximizes the usage for all ages.  They looked at three locations (Chancellors Run, Great Mills, and Nicolet Park) and any site would work.  This pool is the solution that settled a lawsuit.  A need has been identified for a pool for a long time.  Indeed 3 pools are in the long term plan.  This pool will serve the southern end of the County, a pool to be built at the College of Southern Maryland will serve the central part of the County.  It is hoped that there will also be one in the northern end of the college.  The need has been established for over a decade.  The operating budget consideration is that this type of pool cannot be self supporting. They project an annual operating budget of 284,000 they believe they can bring in about $144,000 which 50%.  Within 5 years they should be able to cover 75% of costs from fees. Operating in May and June of this Fiscal Year would cost about $75,000.  Depending upon when the pool is open they might be able to wait to hire the pool operator.  If it were funded with an enterprise fund, but without County funds it won’t break even. They don’t think fees can be affordable and have the pool paid for out of an enterprise fund.  Comm McKay said he would like to know what the BOCC is facing.  There is a need for funding because the pool isn’t in this year’s budget.  Comm Raley said you’re talking $75,000?  Rollins said yes.  McKay asked what the population of Stafford County is.  Rollins said he would get back to them   McKay said what are the team fees.  Are you anticipating we would have to fund the Board of Ed to get those fees.  Shepard said there are expenses that would go away if there are no teams.  Then you could put another program there.  McKay said you mentioned senior programs.  Where is that revenue.  Lessons, programs, and classes.  While the children are in school the seniors would have the use of the pool.  McKay asked how many people are planned.  Shepard said 900 people in classes.  McKay asked for actual operating budgets.  Is the $1,000 a month for electricity accurate?  He was told yes.  McKay asked if the County’s liability insurance would increase.  Rollins said LEGIT insures other counties with pools.  McKay said when you have a regional park concept you should add facilities under the regional park concept.  He finds it unusual that we wouldn’t have incorporated this in the regional park concept.  Raley reiterated that Faison is to construct the pool and turn it over at no cost, but Richard, aren’t we going to incur costs to improve the entrance.  At some point we have to address that issue, said Rohrbaugh, probably in the near future.  Rollins said at some point the County is going to have that issue for the rest of the property.  Raley asked are there any other capital costs from the pool.  Rohrbaugh said lighting will probably have to be improved along the road.  Raley was told the parking lot lighting was being constructed by Faison.  Raley said now if we open it the budget amendment is $75,000.  McKay noted, the initial hire is a grade 8, have you talked with other jurisdictions or with Mr. Schultz and he was told both.  If it gets pushed back to July 1, could the hire be pushed back, asked Raley and was told yes but they would not open by July 1.  Rollins said they would probably be better off to wait until fall because all the lifeguards will have found jobs.  Raley asked which items can be rented out and was told none.  They are facility amenities that either make the facility useful or are a safety requirement.  Raley asked if other programs get general support and was told the Teen Center gets general fund money.  Rollins said the recreation enterprise fund pays direct program staff.  Comm Jarboe asked about the air supported bubble, what is the construction.  Rollins said it is fabric material.  Recs and Parks did an internet survey and they recommended a company that has been in business for 25 years.  Jarboe asked about the snow load and was told the snow melts.  These pools, said Rollins, are being built all over the country and there haven’t been problems.  DeMent asked about vandalism.  Rollins said they had one incident where someone with a knife cut the bubble in Stafford County.  He added that Stafford County has a population of about 92,000. The pool doesn’t deflate quickly and the hole can be patched.   Mattingly asked about grants and was told they have looked extensively and found nothing.  He then asked if the entrance could be funded out of the asphalt overlay program.  Rollins said maybe, they are looking for existing funds.  There may be issues with the State about a right of way, Mattingly added.  He went on to say that entrance has worked as an entrance to a trailer park.  Raley noted that there would be liquidated damages to Faison because he probably has costs.  Chris Longmore responded for Faison saying he understands that there are costs.  Comm DeMent said there is a rumor that BJ’s wants to increase their footage.  Chris Longmore, whose firm represents Faison,  said he knows nothing about that.  McKay said he didn’t think that was relative. DeMent said maybe Faison would help the County with its operations.  The other members disagreed.  DeMent said he just wants to get started.  He’s looking for a way to get started without County money.  Arthur Shepard has contacted YMCA and he can report.  A stand alone pool raised his caution.  When told that $460,000 becomes a $2,7 million enterprise fund.  He thinks we have a model YMCA.  They programming seems to be in good shape and he would take over the entire recreation program.  YMCA wouldn’t do a stand alone pool.  YMCA thinks St. Mary’s County is doing fine.  Shepard said in the early years the pool is still going to have a liability.  Charles County is putting a pool next to Lackey School.  They are looking at the same size general fund support.  McKay thanked them.   </div> <div>      At 2:30 PM Paul Wible began his presentation on the <B>emergency center</B>..  The center is used for winter storms.  Public works and the Board of Education must be contacted.  For snow emergency the County Administrator makes the decision. If we get a moderate snow storm Lacer will make the decision at 5:00 AM.  If it goes beyond that, the President of the Board of County Commissioners will have to make the decision To get federal funding we have to do a declaration of a state of emergency.   For actual emergencies the BOCC makes the decision to activate.  The is a succession of command to make sure there is continuity.  There is a list for a Calvert Cliffs emergency.  There is an unusual event (UE).  Wible gets a call and calls Rick Blotsky on the Base.  An Alert.(A) means something could elevate to the next two levels.  A Site Emergency (SE) starts us thinking about moving people.  A General Emergency (GE) is the highest level.  Only one such event has taken place in the US and that was Three Mile Island.  The documents are maintained by Calvert Cliffs.  The communications section is to ensure that everything is working.  There is a backup system at the old Sheriff’s Office.  Races and ham radio provide additional backup as do cell phones.  After 9/11 everything changed.  Half the phones on each side worked.  When they assisted Charles County you couldn’t get out on a cell phone for two days.  There is a Maryland Emergency Mutual Assistance Compact.  The southern Maryland counties have a mutual aid pact.  Comm Mattingly asked if BG&E provides any funding.  Wible said they have their own radio system and it is in the emergency operations system.  The big screen TV came from BG&E.  Mattingly asked how much support we get from BG&E.  Wible said they supply some equipment.  We have several grants totaling several hundred thousand dollars.  He said BG&E will buy equipment for the emergency management system.  Mattingly said perhaps we should ask BG&E for additional equipment, and save the other money for something else.  We may get $250,000 from the ‘04 budget.  Wible said the Health Department is also getting additional funds.  Now we have our own Hazardous Materials agency.  Mattingly said there are still many items we don’t have.  Wible replied that we didn’t qualify for a tool kit in 2000, but in ‘01 we did.  </div> <div>      Wible them said this manual is for you (meaning the BOCC).  You are part of it and should know what’s in it.  We are expecting a 1 - 3 foot rise in water level.  A category 4 or 5 hurricane would cause areas to disappear.  Wible said he gets information from people on the water.  If he gets a call from St. George Island asking when the next high tide is he will have to go get the people.  At Dynard on Hurry Road the road disappears under water.  There are only a couple of select route.  There are no bridges on Route 235, but there are bridges on Route 5. We have had earthquake activities in Maryland and could have sunami.  The most frightening storm is what happened in Charles County.  We have had tornados up to F4 tornados.  A lot of homes have scanners, but the new system may not be available on scanners.  We don’t have an alert system, but one is being negotiated as part of the cable franchise.  We were going to buy NOAA weather radios for every schools, but the state picked up on that.  We have a direct link to the National Weather Service.  They missed one in Charles County.  We have gotten calls just as the storm hits.  He said they have watched storms intensify over the Potomac while NOAA is not alerting them on time.  Wible noted that cable doesn’t go to everyone.  Radios are better.  McKay asked if radio stations are not required and was told no.  At 2:30 in the morning we should be able to go live, said Wible.  </div> <div>      We have opened schools on several occasions.  Once there were problems at the St. Mary’s River Dam.  He had to have someone go personally to Indian Bridge Road to get people out of the area.  People didn’t move when warned and fortunately the dam didn’t break.  There is a dam safety committee.  When Great Mills Apartments flooded FEMA wanted to buy him out.  But every piece of property in Great Mills has the same flooding problem.  Comm Raley asked if Wible was asked when Sheetz went in and was told no.  Wible said when Sheetz went in they raised the level of the ground.  We aren’t sure if it’s in the flood plain.  Comm Mattingly said when the Mansfield property was bought the BOCC felt that putting volunteers in to be put in risk needed to end.  </div> <div>      Most of the instructions in the health and Medical Services are for the Department of Health.  We only have one hospital.  Moving casualties means moving them away. Law Enforcement section is for the law enforcement offices.  On 9/11 the system was up and running in 30 minutes.  There was discussion about checking with the base to see who gets off so they can send children home.  If the base locks down people don’t get in or out of the base.  When the Base closed, the Sheriff’s Department manned the lights to get people out of Lexington Park.  After 9/11 everyone must sign into the building.  He responded to 42 calls about possible anthrax.  The law enforcement people are the number one responders.  There was no anthrax call from the 7<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> District.  </div> <div>      When emergency evacuation is required, it is assumed that private vehicles will be used.  They communicate with Hospice.  They pick up disabled people with busses with lifts.  McKay asked if someone else knows who to call and was told yes.  DeMent said the list is confidential and Wible agreed.  Wible said he has to touch the BOCC if there is an emergency.  </div> <div>      Damage assessment procedure is also spelled out.  You get to know where the problems are.  Fire and rescue can go to  almost anything.  The police follow up.  The hazardous materials plan should include a commodities flow study.  The natural wind flow is to go to Dorchester County.  There is a joke about the glowing crabs in Dorchester in the event of a nuclear incident. </div> <div>      The State is preparing an Emergency Alerting System.  (Comm Jarboe left at 3:30). Wible said he can get the information in but he can’t get it out.  He called National Weather Service and told them about the cloud but they didn’t tell Calvert County.  Comm Mattingly noted that the fire chief in La Plata gave a briefing on the tornado event.  The biggest problem was County Government.  We could find out what the specific problems were.   Lacer said there were doing it at the staff level, but we could also do it at the BOCC level. </div> <div>      There is a hazardous mitigation plan which says don’t give out information unless you are sure.  Food supply and distribution has its own plan.   Search and Rescue is carried out by police/fire department along with the rescue squad.  The next section is temporary housing.  The feds bring in tons of trailers to put people in temporarily.  Some people end up buying them.  There is a Radiological Emergency Plan which is separate from the other plans.  Calvert Cliffs updates that plan.  There is a plan for mass fatalities as well as for debris removal and disposal, hurricane debris clearance, and hurricanes.  Wible said he bets there are still debris piles in Florida.  Hurricane Hazel really affected St. Mary’s County, but there hasn’t been a hurricane that really affected the County since then.  There is also an airport emergency operations plan.  There is a terrorism plan in draft form.   That’s the contents of the Emergency Operations Plan. </div> <div>      There are mutual aid agreements between fire departments, tri county assistance, etc.  </div> <div>      Wible noted that we did not qualify in FY 99.  But we have received $67,000+ so far.  He is waiting for the blanket purchase of the decontamination tent.  There is another 32,000+ for biochemical materials.  There is another $129,000 grant out there.  ‘02 we should get $250,000.  We have spend the money and then get reimbursed.  </div> <div>      Comm Raley asked what the evacuation route would be for lower Calvert County in the event of a nuclear event.  He was told the Calvert County people would likely come across the bridge in two lanes and up 235, although the normal route is across Route 4 and up Route 5. Route 5 is the evacuation route for the southern end of the County.  In a hurricane the bridge across the Patuxent would be closed.  If a nuclear accident occurs in a hurricane the traffic must go past the plant to get out.  The Red Cross is planning to merge with Calvert County’s Red Cross.  </div> <div>      Animal Control is part of the Emergency Management Agency.  The regulations have just been redone.  Planning and Zoning removed some language from their regs that are referenced in the animal regulations.  Charles and Calvert still pay 37½ %.  Wible was asked if the Mutual Aid Agreement with Pax is still current and said yes.  There needs to be a County wide agreement.  McKay asked how the National Guard is called out.  The BOCC declares an emergency and asks for assistance.  Then the Guard can come out.  The Guard has been here for snow emergencies.  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>