Support Conowingo Dam

Please see below for a copy of a recent e-mail that I had receive about the Conowingo Dam. It contains some good information.

Dear Tim- 

I hope you’re doing well; I’ve enjoyed your most recent posts about the MD State Senate. I wanted to let you know that Support Conowingo Dam has a new website, Facebook page and twitter handle devoted to educating and informing people like you about the benefits of the dam and its positive impact on the community. I know you’ve included information about Conowingo on your blog in the past and thought this may be of some interest to you, particularly since Conowingo Dam is currently going through the relicensing process. You can find links here:

-          www.Facebook.com/supportconowingodam

-          www.Twitter.com/conowingodam

-          www.supportconowingodam.com

If you wish to learn more about Conowingo, the benefits of the dam, the relicensing process or how supporters can get involved, I would be happy to put you in touch with one of the experts over at the dam.

 Please let me know if you are interested or have any questions that I can help answer. 

Thanks,

Chris

The Cecil Land Use Alliance Newsletter

The Cecil Land Use Alliance Newsletter

Volume One, October 2007 Number One
The CLUE

Calendar of Events

Cecil Land Use Alliance business meeting (open to all) Wednesday, October 10, 7 p.m. at the North East library.

A Broader View of Public Facilities

We hear a fair amount about an “Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance” (APFO) for Cecil County. It’s a law that would regulate growth in an area according to the local capacity of designated parts of the county infrastructure: roads, schools, emergency services, public water and sewer, etc. The idea is that we shouldn’t be adding to the population in areas where, for example, schools are already overcrowded or the roads can’t handle the additional vehicles. An APFO must, however, provide a funding mechanism – usually some sort of “impact fee” on new development – that allows the county to expand the needed facilities within a reasonable time. About half the counties in Maryland already have an APFO. Last year, the county’s Council of Governments, which includes the mayors of all eight incorporated towns and two of the county commissioners, drafted an APFO for Cecil County. There is a lot of information on this on the CLUA web site; look under “Land Use Documents”.

This year, unfortunately, the APFO has gotten bogged down in a discussion of what should be included as a “public facility”. I’m not going to get into that dispute here, but I simply want to point out that there are resources that are usually not considered public utilities for APFO purposes that actually should be factored into plans for residential development. For example, the recently adopted “BRAC Action Plan”, that CLUA has endorsed (http://www.ccgov.org/news/BRACactionplan.cfm), takes quite a broad view of the resources required by development. In addition to roads, schools, police, and water service, the plan also discusses things like public transit, social services, workforce training, information technology, and medical access.

Let me expand on that last one. Did you know that there are two areas in Cecil County – in Conowingo and Perryville – that are already designated “Medically Underserved Areas” by the Federal government? One doctor in Rising Sun has stopped taking new patients. The county Health Department intends to request that Cecil County as a whole be designated a “Health Professional Shortage Area”, which will provide some resources to help recruit and keep doctors here. All this will undoubtedly come as a surprise to people who will be moving into all the developments on the books in the western part of the county – they are probably not expecting that they will have to travel to Bel Air or Newark for even primary medical care. (My thanks to Stephanie Garrity, Deputy Health Officer, Cecil County Health Department, for this information. I have a more complete report by Stephanie for anyone who is interested.)

My general point is that we need to think “outside of the box” and ask a lot of questions of our leaders – questions that are beyond the usual arguments about zoning density and bridge repair – as the county attempts to plan for growth. Otherwise we will likely all be victims of the law of unintended consequences.

George Kaplan, President

CLUA Priorities for study and statements of position by end of year:

APFO / impact fees
Definition of growth areas / TDR receiving areas
Water & sewer in the growth corridor
Enforcement of existing ords & regs for development / Comprehensive Plan
No shared facilities in agricultural areas
Commuter rail
Annexations

Commissioner Demmler on the Comprehensive Plan:

The following was within a message that Commissioner Rebecca Demmler sent to the mayors and the planning commission members to keep them informed on the process of selection of the committee members for the Comprehensive Plan Review: ”I thought it may be of interest to citizens following this process. There has been a RFP put out for a consultant who will oversee the review. The following is copied from a section of that Request for Proposal which describes what is expected of the consultant we seek and gives other background.

”The successful consultant will work with the staff of this office (meaning P&Z) as well as a citizen oversight committee appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to develop the next Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Cecil County. It is anticipated that the successful consultant will initially need to meet with the oversight committee on a monthly basis with potential for more frequent meeting if it is deemed necessary by the Committee. It is also anticipated that this process will last for a minimum of two years. The successful consultant must prepare a draft Plan that includes the requirements of Section 1.01 and section 3.05 of Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Particular attention needs to be paid to the recent requirements contained in HB 2 and HB 1141 regarding the priority Preservation Areas Element, Water Resources Element, and the Work Force Housing Element. An examination of the nutrient caps pertaining to point to non-point discharges into the Chesapeake Bay as a result of the 2000 Chesapeake Bay agreement should also be accomplished as the caps could have an effect on where the majority of the future growth of the County is directed.

In addition to the above referenced work, the successful consultant will also prepare a sub-area plan concentrating on the Mineral Extraction District situation between the Towns of Port Deposit, Perryville, Charlestown and North East. The sub-area plan will need to recommend the most appropriate future land uses, identify infrastructure (water, sewer, gas, etc.) and transportation needs contemplated to adequately serve growth in this area once the minerals have been extracted or they are no longer economically recoverable.

The respondents need to include examples demonstrating effectiveness on projects of similar nature as part of their responses.”

Timelines:
RFP Issuance 4 September 2007
Responses Due 1 October 2007, 4:30 p.m.
Respondent Interviews: 2 October – 16 October 2007
County Review: 2 October – 16 October 2007
Commissioners Award: 6 November 2007
Notice to Proceed: 7 November 2007

Comprehensive Plan Citizens Oversight Committee Members

In response to CLUA concerns, regarding the make-up of the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Oversight Committee, (see recent letter at http://cecillanduse.org/clua/To_BOCC_re_committee.pdf) CLUA is pleased to see that the committee has widened to be more inclusive of the concerns of our community.

This is the updated and most recent (26 September 07) list. It will very likely be the final list. Names of the 40 contemplated members of the above referenced committee have been submitted for the Boards review. They are as follows:

Planning Commission – B. Patrick Doordan
Economic Development Commission – Robert Hodge
Soil Conservation Service – Daniel Polite
Board of Realtors – Paula Gilley
Sheriff’s Department – Jeff Clewer
Chamber of Commerce – Brian Bolender
Bainbridge Development Corporation – Dr. Robert Gell
Development Community – Mike Pugh
Board of Parks & Recreation – Linda Snyder
MD Park Service – Shawn Day
Agricultural Advisory Board – Vic Priapi
Tourism – John Poole
Land Trust – Sandra Edwards
Forestry – John Bennett
Council of Governments – John Bunnell
Farm Bureau – Dan Derr
Fireman’s Association – Donna Deckard
Environmental Health – Chuck Smyser
Stewart Associates, Inc. – Gary Stewart, Jr.
ARCA – Ed Cairns
CHARGE – Kennard Wiggins
FORS – Diana Broomell
CCLUA – Owen Thorne
Fisheries – Harold Cheney
Board of Education – Henry Shaffer
Concerned Citizen – Will Whiteman
Concerned Citizen – Donna Tapley
Concerned Citizen – Eileen Butler
Concerned Citizen – Vernon Duckett
Concerned Citizen – Vaughan Ellerton

Commissioner Tome’s Appointments – Walter Buck, Jr., Philip Schaub
Commissioner Demmler’s Appointments – Phyllis Kilby, Rupert Rossetti
Commissioner Guns’ Appointments – Sarah Colenda, John Denver
Commissioner Manlove’s Appointments – Patricia Folk, Carl Walbeck
Commissioner Lockhart’s Appointments – Dan Whitehurst, Anne Jackson

The Rural Problem of Light Pollution

It is now estimated that less than ten percent of Americans have an opportunity to gaze upon the Milky Way. Growing up in the country near Newark Delaware some 50 years ago, the Milky Way was a relatively common sight. My few neighbors then had maybe a porch light on, if company was expected. The Milky Way is now invisible virtually all the time in Newark, in Elkton, and in Perryville etc. The glow of the stars is now easily outshone by the glare of Baltimore, Wilmington and Philadelphia in our hazy skies. The splendor of the night sky has all but been extinguished, unless one travels to the desert, the mountains, or the artic.

Still, one can look for the more common stars and planets, view the moon, and perhaps see a meteor or a comet, if it is bright enough. The annual late summer meteor showers known as the Perseids can still be seen in rural Cecil County. That is, unless your neighbors have sodium vapor high intensity spotlights that create a local glare where you might choose to look. Or unless the streetlights in your neighborhood are unshielded, and spread their light in all directions, or unless you happen to live near an automobile dealer or fast food outlet.

I’d like to suggest that light pollution is as bad for us as polluted water, smoggy skies, or neighborhood litter. Spending money to burn carbon, to light places that require no lighting is a bad idea in general, but even worse when our local governments and municipalities do it with taxpayer money. Aside from the fact that it despoils the rural charm that some of us seek, it is wasteful and unhealthful. Medical studies link our circadian rhythm to light. A disruption of the body clock can have unhealthy results. We humans have evolved to see reasonably well in dimly lit conditions. Try going for a “moon walk” on a country lane and you will be charmed by how well you can see without the aid of a flashlight, once you have acclimated your eyes. The use of spotlights and streetlights destroys our natural night vision. The extreme contrast of bright lights, makes us unable to perceive the landscape in the deep shadows. It has the same effect on animals, insects, and migrating birds who suffer habitat loss to light pollution. High intensity lighting actually can abet crime by creating the dark shadows that the lighting was intended to illuminate. The darker the night, perversely, the less light that is needed to light areas for human use.

It is perhaps small beer compared to the many issues we face today, but I think a little attention to this issue by our elected officials and planners would be a positive step ways towards improving our quality of life, saving money, and saving energy. It would cost next to nothing to write ordinances that would govern new and future public lighting, and begin to reverse a very unsettling trend. People have a perfect right to light their homes and their businesses, but like smoke, or run-off, if their light impinges unwanted on a neighbor, then it becomes a public policy issue, that begs for regulation. Fortunately, there are many shielded and energy efficient designs on the market that can easily meet this need. I recommend to our readers a very thorough essay on this topic at: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/08/20/070820fa_fact_owen or you may want to look at the International Dark Sky Association website at: http://www.darksky.org. Lighting ordinances to protect dark skies are not
a wild idea; cities like Tuscon and San Diego in the southwest have passed
such ordinances, and the web site provides some sample language.

Ken Wiggins, CLUA Vice President












Our newly elected Board of Directors and Officers


CLUA Officers:

President: George Kaplan
Vice President: Ken Wiggins
Secretary: Rupert Rossetti
Treasurer: Wendy Moon

CLUA Board of Directors

Diana Broomell
Ed Cairns
Vernon Duckett
Paul Hughes
George Kaplan
Wendy Moon
Jim Mullin
Ted Patterson
Rupert Rossetti
Ken Wiggins
Terms of office:

Ending at end of 2007: Ed Cairns, Paul Hughes, Jim Mullin, Ted, Rupert Rossetti

Ending at end of 2008: Diana Broomell, Vernon Duckett, George Kaplan, Wendy Moon, Ken Wiggins

Committee Chairs:

Research: Vernon Duckett & Ed Cairns (co-chairs)
Policy: Jim Mullin
Outreach: Ken Wiggins
Political: Ken Wiggins
Finance: Paul Hughes





The Cecil Land Use Alliance newsletter is published periodically under the auspices of the Board of Directors. It is provided to all members, directors and available to the public at large. Suggestions and articles are welcome. They should be submitted to the Editor by e-mail to Milheritage@aol.com, or by mail to P.O. Box 215, Colora MD 21917. We encourage our readers to visit our website at http://cecillanduse.org

Presidnet George Kaplan
Vice President and Editor, Kennard R. Wiggins Jr.

Octoraro Watershed Association

Octoraro Watershed Association
Cecil County Update
22nd June 2007

Tributary Strategy/Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)/Legislation:
1. In Maryland, basin level Tributary Strategy Planning & Implementation sessions are in progress at the county level. Cecil County has completed their Implementation Plan, and I, and members of the Upper Western Shore Tributary Team, are in the process of reviewing it, at the request of Commissioners’ President Bill Manlove. There is a companion data request that requires reporting at the watershed level for such information as current and projected septic connections, developed acres with/without stormwater management, forested buffers, nutrient management plans, etc. (Please click on the article title to continue)


2. Three pieces of MD Statewide legislation are worthy of note. HB1141 (2006) requires a water resources element in the County Comprehensive Plan by 1st October 2009; HB 2 (2006) adds a Priority Preservation element for Agricultural lands and the 2007 Stormwater Management Act (HB786) will tighten up Stormwater Management regulations, requiring Environmental Site Design and potentially requiring watershed-wide planning. If you would like more information on these pieces of legislation, please let me know.

Stream Monitoring/Outreach:
3. I made a presentation on watersheds to the Port Deposit Planning and Zoning Commission on 12 April 2007, and made a similar presentation to the Colora Civic Association on Monday 18th June. The presentation is a combination of “Watersheds 101”, Benefits of Low Impact Development and some GIS maps tailored to local area.

4. Triggered by a recent article, I have just submitted a letter to the editor of the Cecil Whig regarding Planning by and for the Watershed. See below.

5. We participated in the DNR-sponsored Stream Waders program again this year. Nicole Tripp and members of the MD Conservation Corps conducted macro-invertebrate sampling on the Octoraro watershed, and we sampled the North East watershed. Both are priority watersheds for MDE this year.

6. Sally Skelley and I continue to conduct stream sampling for the Octoraro Nitrate Task Force (NTF) by sampling surface water at 5 locations in Cecil County every two weeks. Nitrates are relatively high at the PA border, with a small dilution effect apparent from the three Cecil County tributaries (Stone Run, Green’s Run & Basin Run). Phosphates, on the other hand, are high on Stone Run, below the outfall of Rising Sun’s “out of compliance” Wastewater Treatment Plant, and there are some recent high levels on the Octoraro itself which will bear watching.



7. I am participating in a Cecil County edition of “From My Backyard to Our Bay”, a booklet that has been published by Baltimore County MD. John Vail, of the Sassafras River Association has taken the lead, and plans to prepare booklets for both Cecil & Kent Counties.

8. I continue to work with the Lower Susquehanna River Keeper on Conowingo Sediment issues. Here is his latest update, from 18 June 2007.

“Last Wednesday I spoke at SRBC's quarterly meeting. I gave a brief explanation of the sediment issues, mostly for the benefit of Maryland's new representative, Dr. Summers. A great deal of discussion followed the meeting, including an explanation of where the sediment study process stalled back in 2001. Basically, the required state partners decided not to support the US ACE feasibilty study at a cost of up to $2 million. To get this back on track we will have to gain political support. This can be accomplished through letters and visits to our local, state, and federal representatives. I will be sending out some sample letters soon. One of the biggest problems is finding a transportation mechanism and disposal destination for the materials. Please continue to work on suggestions for these issues. I'll be trying to set up another meeting for August.

From the Mighty Susquehanna, Michael R Helfrich
Lower Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER®
717.779.7915 (cell)
lowsusriver@hotmail.com


To the Editor- submitted 4 June 2007 - Planning for the Watershed
I applaud the push by the county and state to better manage the flooding problems on Peddler’s Run by using a holistic approach across the watershed (Whig, 24th May 2007). I urge them not to stop at managing stormwater through engineering practices but to investigate the other parts of the equation, including aquifer recharge and natural attenuation of stormwater through preservation and restoration of wetlands and forested stream buffers.

I’m concerned to note that an application to remove wetlands in this watershed is currently under consideration by the MD Department of the Environment (Permit number 06-NT-0178 / 200663545), and even more concerned to learn that the proposed mitigation site (where the wetlands will be replaced) is located in Churchville, Harford County!

Much of the Peddlers Run watershed is also designated as a “Green Infrastructure Hub” (a large block of wooded land connected to other “hubs” by narrow wooded corridors) and as such, is a valuable element of natural protection for the Chesapeake Bay (Whig, 19th March 2007). As the area is developed, much of this woodland will be converted to roofs, roadways and parking lots. The trick for the planners and architects will be to design the developments in a watershed context with thoughtful layouts and in such a way that the buildings mimic nature, using low impact development techniques that preserve as much on-site infiltration of the rain as possible. Planning for the watershed? I’m all for it!

Rupert Rossetti - Member of the Octoraro Watershed Association and the Upper Western Shore Tributary Strategy Team

Pam Howard Statement

Cecil County is a wonderful place.  We have it all: the “mountains” in Conowingo; the rolling hills of Fair Hill; our five beautiful rivers; the “plains” of Cecilton; our historic areas; quaint (but progressive) towns and, most importantly, our friendly people.

Along with the diversity of our County and its people come serious challenges to those elected to serve us.  Our elected officials must learn to look past the emotion of passionate special interest groups and work toward consensus that will benefit the greatest number of our citizens.

We must find balance between the needs (and wants) of our citizens versus very real budget constraints.  We must facilitate the development of good paying jobs while preserving our beautiful open space.  It’s a daunting task.

So how do we do it?  The easy answer is through taxes.  We have had administrations with little regard for people’s wallets.  Have a new project?  They raise taxes to pay for it.  Other administrations seem determined to cut taxes with no thought of the consequences. So we end up in cycles of high taxes followed by diminished services.  Up and down.  Up and down.

There is a better, but much more difficult, way to help protect our quality of life:  excellent management of our local government.  The cost of poor decisions is difficult to quantify but it is huge.  Poor decisions cost you, the taxpayer, money.  Think about it.  If we delay routine maintenance on our homes, they decay to the point that replacement is necessary…. At a much higher cost.   The same principal works for our county infrastructure.  How many of you know someone who has ended up court over a relatively small dispute with a neighbor?  It’s very costly.  The same thing goes for the County.

Time is money.  Countless hours of valuable County staff time are being spent as a result of poor decisions.  The cost of “do-overs” and trivial matters is enormous.  We need to prioritize, come to consensus, make the best decisions we can and move on.

Our new charter opens up an exciting possibility to create efficiency in Cecil County government. The Council will develop our local code, the “rules” for life in Cecil County. The Executive will be a decision-maker on everything from bills passed by Council to where we buy cleaning products.  Her decisions will affect us all.

I am uniquely qualified for this position.   As a lifelong resident, I understand the real people of Cecil County, not just those who have the time to show up at meetings.  My twenty years’ of government service and three terms as Treasurer give me a thorough understanding of our local government and how it interacts with the rest of the world. My background as an accountant makes me focus on the dollars; the true cost of things.  I managed a large staff for many years.  I can and have made tough decisions that will affect people’s lives.  

Please allow me to guide Cecil County through the tough road of our first years under Charter.  Let’s get it right the first time.

Posted for Pam Howard (Cecil County Executive Candidate)

MTA proposes toll rate hikes

An open letter to our elected officials in response to the recent proposed increase in tolls.

I saw in Cecil Whig the news story about a proposal for an increase in toll rates. This concerns me in two different ways. First, this proposal is just another tax increase disguised as a fee increase. Less than two years ago, Maryland enacted one of their largest tax increases in history. We were told by the Governor at that time that this would solve the future budget deficits that the state was looking at. Was this just another lie?



My second concern is that I live on Conowingo Road (Route 1) in Cecil County. Every time that there is a toll increase, the number of commercial vehicles increases on Rt. 1. This large increase in toll to commercial vehicles would shift many tractor trailers over to Rt 1 to avoid the toll. This will impact the amount of traffic on Rt. 1 in both Harford and Cecil County. As it is now, my house shakes as some of these tractor trailers pass by. We have had to take the extra precaution of using museum putty to keep some of valuables from vibrating off of shelves and to keep pictures and paintings level on the walls. Since the last increase in tolls, cracks have developed on the highway in front of my house. Route 1 is quickly becoming another interstate bypass and I do not think that structurally and safely that it can take on this continued increase in volume. So in the end, Harford and Cecil Counties will suffer through this proposed toll increase, to benefit the suburbs of Washington DC.



Regards

Notes from July 22 Worksession and July 22 commissioner's meeting

Posted for Commissioner Demmler

Notes from July 22 Worksession and July 22 commissioner's meeting
....including some from July 21 Planning Commission meeting.



PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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Text Amendment...property owners to be notified when commercial and industrial site plans are filed so neighbors can know what is happening next to them. (Note: this came about as a result of my request which grew out of the Phillips Mushroom situation. In the past.,,(since business and industry does not go before PC), the public has had no venue to know what is in the works. It will still be handled administratively only it will be required that the neighbors know so that if they have questions they can ask them before the business starts rising beside them. The Planning Commission heard this on Monday and thought it a good idea and recommended for approval.
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Text Amendment...greenhouses with on-premises sales. This will allow greenhouse business to sell up to 100 cubic yards of topsoil mulch and gardening/landscaping aggregates on site. This was brought before the Planning Commission on Monday and they agreed it was a good change and voted for their recommendation of approval.
============
Text Amendment...Critical Bay. Nine months ago the Critical Areas Commission notified the county that there were deficiencies in our zoning ordinance as relates to Critical Areas. Because of this, they imposed a moratorium where we couldn't grant waivers in the critical areas. During the time since, there have been changes worked out through the Critical Areas "people" and staff from the County. The result is contained in the paperwork given us. But, then after this came out... and as a result of a final meeting with 'them' and 'us' some final tweaking was done. The P.C. on Monday (and at our meeting last night) we were given the final version. Along with this was a shorter 12 page synopsis of the changes. A lot of the changes have to do with minor things such as language used...that is making our 'terms' coincide with terms used within Critical areas wording. The changes and 'housekeeping have been gone over carefully between Critical Areas Comm. and County staff. Mr. DiGiacomo, Principal Planner indicated that he can see no detriment to the County in accepting the changes. With his input, the PC felt comfortable and recommended approval. This information was again given within the public hearing at the commissioners' meeting yesterday.
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Cecil county Rode code. We briefly discussed this at yesterday's worksession since Mr. Whittie from DPW had reviewed it with us in some detail the previous week. I asked about the change showing on pages 40-43 which moves the approval from the Director to the "Duly Authorized Agent." I questioned if this wording was too broad...maybe the "duly authorized agent should be defined more specifically...(WHICH position within DPW would be considered an "agent".) I asked....after the approval ...was this then ultimately signed off by the Director? I was told no ...that the director simply didn't have the time to review them and that in order to make sure the work progresses that this could be delegated to others. Through further discussion, I felt more comfortable with this change.

During the public hearing at our Tues. meeting, we heard from some within the development community. Will Whiteman commends that he attended some of the round-tables and commended the DPW for their good work However he specified that there should be some alteration to the sight distance regulations so that the individual home owner (or small development) would not have to adhere to the same regulations as what is required of a large development.. Bud Felty from McCrone Inc. commented that he agreed with what Mr. Whiteman had said and in addition asked to look more closely at the term "fee simple" as it relates to easements. He said that with easements we have the 'right' but not the 'title.' George Kaplan, asked that when variances have been granted that lists of these be sent to the commissioners. Mr. Carpenter (engineer) supports the codes as are. They do a good job of addressing the national standards and we should follow the 2004 standards.
==============
Program Open Space...Mentioned briefly at the worksession and in a bit more detail at the meeting. I had heard even more detail from Mr. Slicer when he gave his review at the PC meeting. In essence this is the latest outline of the programs within Open Space. By approving we maintain our eligibility to acquire Open Space money.
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P.O.S. Cecil applies to recover through POS 75% of the cost of fencing that has been installed on the McMillan property.
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PUBLIC COMMENT....None
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INTRODUCTORY ITEMS: (To be voted on on August 5)
Dog License Fees increases... Imposing these fee changes is an authority that the county acquired through the legislature. We are now using them to adjust overdue fee increases. This has been reviewed by the Treasurer's office and they are okay with it.
=========
Resolution...code county. The process was reviewed by Mr. Wein, County Administrator. This was introduced as an action item at our May 6 meeting. We had two public hearings (June 5 and June 17.) The resolution was introduced at today's July 22 meeting. The commissioners will vote on this at the August 5 meeting. If four of the five commissioners agree, then the resolution will be submitted to the Board of elections on or before August 18. The question of Code Home Rule will be submitted to the voters in November for adoption or rejection. )
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Purchase of Develop. Rights for Harvey McNatt...this will remove 15 development rights from this land. At the worksession (and at the meeting) this was presented by Eric Shertz. This was within the MALPH but the money is not there...so requesting payment through the county. This money is available through the county PDR program via recordation tax collections.

ACTION ITEMS: (Voted on at the July 22 meeting)

Appointments to Boards and Committees
Susquehanna Workforce Network
Commission for Women
Planning Commission (Joe Janusz reappointed for three year term / Kennard Wiggins replacement for Joyce Bowlsbey...three year term .)

All appointments were approved.
==============
Nomination for Historic District (Thomas Scott's Place, 516 Colora Road, Colora ...owners William Mary Rowe. ) My personal take...if this does not qualify...I don't know what does. This is a genuine historical treasure. It passed.

===========
DPW items...all passed.
*construct Pine Hills AC pipe, Phase 2
*Seneca Point facilities repairs.
*Easements for Meadowview sewer and water upgrades.
*Utility easement for the town of North East
*Text amendments -- Septage hauling and Discharge. Starting August 1, 2008, all county septage must be discharged at the new septage receiving facility at the Cecil County Central Landfill. The charge will change from $30.00 per 1,000 gallons to $10 per ton.
*Closure of portions of Old Conowingo Road between Belle Manor Road and Conowingo Lake Road. This section has no access to home. many costs associated with maintaining and since it is not an essential portion of the public road system, permanent closure was granted.
==========
Budget amendments dealt with ADDITIONAL revenues. ..passed.

===============

2:00 meeting with Cecil County Partnership for Children Family and Youth

Cindy Smith, Director (along with Nick Ricciuti director of Social Services) gave an overview of the organization ... and why it is more than merely a "non-profit." They are one of 24 management board throughout Maryland. In 1991 they were made into a "non-profit" rather than part of the county since as such it is an easier way to disperse money. A Local Coordinating Council was established in 1980 for the placing in residential of those needing. The LCC itself has no money...it coordinates through other agencies....Nick involved in this. By law certain members within the community must be on the Local management Board and the Local Coordinating Board...(Schools, Social Service, hospital, government, etc). The Partnerships coordinate several programs within the county ...whose needs are determined with work of Program Committee and that are monitored making sure duplicate services are not given. At the back of the booklet that she gave us are listed the programs currently offered with outlines and who is the 'vendor'..(responsible for conducting the program) etc. Cindy explained the process for selecting the vendor...once need determined it is advertised and sent to those known to have worked with them before. A committee works through the submissions and determines who will be given the money (State) to conduct that program.

====================