COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY Greensboro Volunteer Fire Company Community Hall, Greensboro Road, Greensboro Maryland

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1 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CAROLINE COUNTY Greensboro Volunteer Fire Company Community Hall, Greensboro Road, Greensboro Maryland MINUTES May 2, 2017 Present: President, Daniel J. Franklin; Vice President, Larry C. Porter; Member, Wilbur Levengood Jr., County Administrator, Ken Decker; and Chief of Staff Sara Visintainer. Invocation by Reverend Chris Jensen, Chaplain of Maryland General Assembly; Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was accepted as presented. Public Comment: Richard Gorleski, County resident, stated that he had concerns regarding application request # , a special use exception for sand and gravel mining on a 204-acre parcel of agricultural land. Mr. Gorleski stated that this is a large-scale operation and the County Code for mineral has not been substantively changed since 2004, and he believes the Commissioners should consider legislative changes to limit mining project size and put other conditions on their operation. President Franklin stated that Mr. Gorleski would need to speak with the Board of Zoning Appeals to discuss this current application, and that the Commissioners would review the information provided and discuss potential legislative changes later. Update on Benedictine School Bond Funding and Programs: Scott Evans, Executive Director of Programs and Services, Benedictine School, greeted the Commissioners and thanked them for allowing him time for an update on the Benedictine School. Mr. Evans stated that the Benedictine School received Bond Bill funding this year which will allow them to undertake much needed capital repairs and facilities updates. He stated that he appreciates all the help from the Commissioners as well as the local Delegation of State officials. He emphasized that the Benedictine School is always trying to reach out to the community and they will continue to partner with the Board in order to build a strong partnership for their future. Invitation to Attend 2017 Danny s Walk and Event Update: Danny Lockhart, Team Leader, Danny s Walk for Wishes and John Buckle, Commissioner, Town of Ridgely, invited the Commissioners and the citizens of Caroline County to the Danny s Walk for Wishes Sunday, May 21 st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in Ridgley, Maryland. Mr. Lockhart stated that there will be arts and crafts, a dunking booth, and a DJ. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Lockhart for the invitation and stated that they would be in attendance. Consent Agenda: the following items were approved by unanimous consent Minutes: Open and Closed Session of April 18, 2017; Open and Closed Work Session of April 25, 2017 Resolution # , Disposal of Surplus Equipment Resolution # , Update of Water Rates, Fees, and Charges, Jonestown Water System Resolution # , Temporary Moratorium on the Permitting of Certain Solar Energy Systems FY2018 Emergency Solution Grant Application Clinical Rotation Agreement between Chesapeake College, EMS Program, and County Commissioners Reappointment to Adult Public Guardianship Review Board (Callahan) Appointment to Local Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council (Henning) Master Agreement between State Highway Administration and Caroline County for Replacement of Long Swam Road Bridge and Smithville Bridge

2 Caroline Human Services Council FY2018 Response to Notice of Funding Availability from Governor s Office for Children County Administrator s Report: Mr. Decker stated that Chesapeake College has officially announced Dr. Viniar s resignation as of July 1, He stated that the Department of Corrections has received their new ADA compliant van to use for transportation of inmates. He explained that he has been working on a workman s compensation issue, and will be working with the County s insurance provider to ensure better service in the future. He informed the Commissioners that the bid proposal for the replacement of the Colonel Richardson High School roof came in high enough to allow very little contingency, however there are bond proceeds available, which should help cover the cost. He stated that he worked on the Class Specifications for the two Animal Control Officers as well as the Chief Animal Control Officer positions, and expects to have them ready to present to the Board for adoption in the coming weeks. Mr. Decker explained that he has initiated the process to receive appraisals for the Steam Boat Wharf and adjacent properties. Once they have been received and reviewed, the Board will discuss when to auction the property. He stated that he will be following up with Caroline Economic Development Corporation and Tourism to update the MOU, which will include a provision requiring Tourism to remain at the current location until the property can be sold. He ended by stating that he met with the Health Officer, Scott LeRoy, and introduced him to the super volunteers, which are a group of experienced professionals and community leaders we would utilize to expand our staff capacity if there were a major disaster in the county. Commissioners Open Discussion Period: Commissioner Levengood stated that he and President Franklin enjoyed the groundbreaking of Marydel Park this past Sunday. He thanked the staff of Recreation and Parks for their excellent work in executing the project and stated it that it was a great benefit for residents in the area. Following a brief recess the Commissioners reconvened their meeting at 7:00 p.m. to host their final FY2018 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Hearing, as well as the Constant Yield Tax Rate Hearing and Municipal Real Property Tax Differential Hearing.

3 FY2018 Budget Hearings Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets Constant Yield Tax Rates Municipal Property Tax Differential Rates At 7:00 p.m., President Franklin convened the budget hearings. Annual Budget Overview: Ken Decker, County Administrator, thanked all the County Department heads, allied agencies and staff for another successful budget year. He stated that by law, the County must have a balanced budget each year which takes effect on July 1, He explained that the County goes through an in-depth process to balance the budget each year by sending out request forms to all County Departments and outside agencies. Once all the requests have been processed, the Commissioners hold public meeting to discuss the requests, as well as host budget roundtables with all departments and allied agencies involved. Mr. Decker stated that this year s budget provided a 3% increase for all Caroline County employees on the payroll, full funding of the Board of Education s Maintenance of Effort (which is State mandated) two new patrol deputies, and the conversion of four part-time EMT positions to full-time. Mr. Decker stated that the County is still not generating enough revenue to adequately cover their Capital budget needs. He stated that the County s revenue projections are flat, making the deficit increase each year. He explained that Caroline County has the sixth lowest income tax rate and the twelfth lowest property tax rate in the State of Maryland. Mr. Decker stated that the County would need to continue building more revenue in order to maintain a positive budget in the future, and he explained that the continued leadership and support from agencies and departments in the County would be the only way to successfully build a stronger budget in the future. FY2018 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets A summary of those who provided testimony on the proposed operating and capital budgets is as follows: Joe Riley, Interim State s Attorney: Thanked the Commissioners for supporting the budget request submitted by the State s Attorney s Office, and thanked all the County staff who worked with him through the process of the budget. Randy Bounds, Sheriff, Caroline County: Thanked the Commissioners for the funds to support two additional road deputies in the FY2018 budget. He stated that public safety remains his number one priority and the continued support from the Board members does not go unnoticed. Sheriff Bounds also stated that he is in full support of the Animal Control Officers and the Director of the Humane Society becoming County employees. He stated that he has always kept a great working relationship with the ACO s and Director, and hopes to continue that in the future. Amy Shuler, County Resident: Thanked the Commissioners for their support of Upper Shore Aging, and the efforts they have made to help fund programs such as Meals on Wheels in the Community. Erin Thornton, Board of Education: Thanked the Commissioners for their funding of the Board of Education s Maintenance of Effort. She stated that her Board is also thankful for the recent renovation to Preston Elementary and the upcoming roof replacement at Colonel Richardson High School. She thanked the Commissioners and stated that the Board of Education enjoys the working partnership the County has with them.

4 Debby Bennett, Caroline County Public Library: Thanked the Commissioners and County staff for budgeting the Library s full request for FY18. She stated that the financial support will allow her to give raises to her staff. She also thanked the Commissioners for the increase in funding for the Imagination Library program, which is administered by the Public Library. Steve Vaughn, Federalsburg Resident: Stated that as a former Director of the Caroline County Humane Society, he is in full support of the Director and Animal Control Officers becoming County positions. He stated that he understands the challenges of maintaining quality, professional staff without the ability to provide competitive wages and benefits. He stated that the Animal Control Officers are critical positions that benefit all citizens in the County. He stated that this transition would only benefit the citizens and the Humane Society, as well as move them forward for a positive future. Sheila Davis, Denton Resident: Thanked the Commissioners for their continued support of Imagination Library, and stated that the program benefits her two children who are excited every month to receive their new books. Bob Chapel, Ridgely Resident: Stated that the Humane Society should become a County Department. He stated that it was a positive to have the Animal Control Officers as well as the Director, receive benefits, however all the Humane Society employees deserve that treatment. Mr. Chapel stated that the County continues to waste funds on positions that don t seem needed in the County, like the School Resource Officers, or Economic Development, which could have saved the County additional funds. Amy Kreiner, Chamber of Commerce: Thanked the Commissioners for their support and funding of the Chamber during this fiscal year. She stated that as an organization which consists of one employee, she is thankful for all the hard work and strong relationship she has with the County who continues to help support and partner with the Chamber to benefit the County residents. Amanda Showell, Executive Director, Humane Society: Thanked the Commissioners for budgeting to transition both her position, as well as the positions of her two Animal Control Officers, to County employment. She stated that this will be an amazing opportunity for her and staff to continuing taking care of all animal related issues in the County, which is a demanding and often dangerous job. She stated that she looks forward to working with the County in the future. Anthony Casey, Ridgley Town Commissioners: Thanked the Commissioners for their continued support to the Town of Ridgely, as well as the support to the Humane Society. He stated that he is in full support of the Director and Animal Control Officers moving into County positons. Stacy Darling, Animal Control Officer: Thanked the Commissioners for considering making the Animal Control Officers into County positions. She stated that it is more than a full-time job as an ACO and she appreciates all the help and support from the Board as well as the local community members. Keith Johnson, Denton Town Council: Thanked the Commissioners for their support of the School Resource Officers, who he believes provided valuable support and safety to all the local school staff and children. There being no additional speakers, President Franklin closed the hearing on the FY2018 proposed operating and capital budgets. Constant Yield Tax Rates and Municipal Property Tax Differential Rates

5 No one had signed up to provide testimony on the Constant Yield Tax Rates or the Municipal Property Tax Differential Rates. President Franklin called for comment and there was none. On motion by Commissioner Levengood, seconded by Commissioner Porter, the Commissioner unanimously voted to set the FY2018 property tax rates on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse, Commissioners Hearing Room, #106, 109 Market Street, Denton, Maryland during a regular County Commissioners Meeting. The Commissioners closed the hearings on the Constant Yield Tax Rates and Municipal Property Tax Differential Rates. Commissioner Levengood stated that as a Commissioner he is always trying to support budget requests which will help the community in the greatest way. He stated that they are engineering two new bridges in the County under this budget, which he feels is important and needed. Commissioner Porter stated that he would like to thank all the County staff that work on the budget requests and who continue to help answer any question he may have regarding the budget. He stated that without the efforts of County staff, the budget process would not work and have a positive outcome. President Franklin stated that he has heard the phrase the Caroline way often from County staff and employees, and is proud of that concept. He thanked all County Departments and allied agencies who support the County and offer a positive relationship during budget season each year. He stressed that teamwork is important and the County has and works with great individuals who are always trying to move the County forward. There being no further discussion, the Commissioners adjourned their meeting at 7:45 p.m. Jennifer M. Farina Administrative Coordinator