B. Resolution 2005-05

Mr. King requested approval of Resolution 2005-05; enabling the newly elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman to sign official documents for the Commission. A copy is attached to the Minutes.  

Commissioner Gant so moved. Commissioner Murphy seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.

C. WQFA Bond Refunding

MetCom’s interest in participating in refinancing a portion of MDE’s outstanding revenue bonds has been questioned by the Maryland Water Quality Finance Administration. There would be an estimated savings to the Commission of $25,000 if it chooses to do so. However, before proceeding further with this issue, Mr. King has initiated a request through Piper & Rudnick to ensure its economic viability.

C. Murray & Wamsley, LLC

Mr. King requested approval to accept a proposal dated July 18, 2005 from Murray & Wamsley, L.L.C. Certified Public Accountants, in which they detail proposed duties to be performed by Mary Ann Murray, CPA, in the absence, transition and training phases of the Administrator, Department of Fiscal Services. They quote an hourly rate of $110/hr.

Commissioner Izydore so moved. Commissioner Cranford seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S REPORT

A. LGIT Premium Renewal

Mr. Shreve reported an increase of $7,716.00 in LGIT’s Annual Premium, and detailed “Comparison/Breakdown of Membership & Longevity Credits for FY2006”. A copy of the document is attached to the Minutes.

Commissioner Suggs moved to authorize payment of LGIT’s invoice in the total amount of $134,525.000 for FY06. Commissioner Wood seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.

B. Marlay-Taylor WWTP Sludge Upgrade Update

Mr. Shreve reported several pending major issues that will have a significant impact on the total cost of this project. He particularly noted that the amount of sludge processed during digester cleaning has exceeded the engineer’s estimates by 200-300%. Justification of the proposed Change Orders, for a revised project total of $5,530,984, is attached to the Minutes.

In conclusion, Mr. King stated that MDE has been informed of the situation, and that staff is currently uncertain as to whether it will retrieve the funds from reserves; or whether it should request the State for additional monies.

FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT

A. Accounts Receivable Report.

Mr. King presented the Accounts Receivable Report, noting that it illustrates a slight increase. A copy is attached to the Minutes.

B. Securities Report

Mr. King presented the Securities Report. A copy is attached to the Minutes.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

A. Public Hearing Update: Engineering Rate Review

Ms. Armstrong reported that the Public Hearing on this issue was held at the Petty Building on June 29^th. Although there were no attendees, several written comments were received. Based on these, and the fact that Mr. Frederick remains on vacation, staff has decide to delay implementation of the rates to ensure that they are properly analyzed.

B. RFP: Pine Hill Run SD#8/Piney Pt. SD#5

Water & Sewer Facilities Plan

Ms. Armstrong reported that the deadline for Requests for Proposals for the referenced Water & Sewer Facilities Plans has been extended from July 6^th  to July 29^th.

NEW BUSINESS

A. St. Clements Shores WWTP Expansion – Philip H. Dorsey, III

MetCom has commissioned a study with Dewberry & Davis to determine the possibility of expanding the capacity of the St. Clements Shores WWTP for the purpose of serving approximately 150-160 existing houses in the Compton area. These septic systems are expected to fail within the next 20 years. There is no existing capacity to serve them at the current time.

However, there is an additional factor involved. The Breton Bay Golf Course had originally proposed to build a shared septic system immediately adjacent to the St. Clements Shores WWTP to serve ± 75 houses on their property; in addition to performing improvements to the Golf Club building and the swimming pool area. Staff did not perceive the logic of operating two treatment plants in such close proximity and, therefore, requested that the study also determine if there would be additional capacity to include their requirements.

This concept was presented to the Board of County Commissioners last week, when they were requested to consider reimbursing the Commission for the cost of the study should additional capacity prove to be unavailable. However, they did not offer a commitment at that time.

At this point, Mr. King invited Mr. Dorsey to address the Board on his concerns relating to this issue.

Mr. Dorsey thanked the Board for including him on the Agenda at such short notice, and distributed a Discussion Paper; a copy of which is attached to the Minutes. He noted that he had participated in a lengthy discussion on this issue with Mr. Jeff Jackman of LUGM, who agrees that the history of the St. Clements

Woods subdivision allows it the absolute right to connect in the event that expansion occurs at the St. Clements Shores WWTP. He subsequently offered a historical overview of the project with the assistance of maps. 

Mr. Dorsey stressed that it is necessary for him to  secure additional EDU’s in order to complete his project, and he would welcome  the opportunity to share in the cost of any study relating to expansion of the facilities.

In conclusion, he requested the Board’s consideration of a motion he has prepared, specifying that granting of additional allocation to the St. Clements Woods subdivision be taken into consideration during any proposed expansion of the St. Clements Shores WWTP.

Mr. King recommended that both MetCom and County staff review the information presented by Mr. Dorsey, and present their findings to the Board at a future meeting.

CONTINUING BUSINESS

A. Scholarship Committee Update

Mr. King reported on “Salient Points discussed at the Initial Scholarship Committee Meeting Held on 7/11/05”, a copy of which is attached to the Minutes.

At the Committee’s recommendation, Mr. King requested a motion to remove the current stipulation in the policy relating to new employees being ineligible for tuition benefits for 12 months.

Commissioner Wood so moved. Commissioner Cranford seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.

Commissioner Suggs moved that the Board approve the terms of the scholarship as presented, and authorize staff to proceed with its formalization. Commissioner Gant seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.

B. Pembrooke Run Regional Elevated Storage Tank(s)

Mr. King reported on the progress of the following projects that are currently under construction in Lexington Park:

• Abberly Farms;
• Pembrooke Run Subdivision;
• Greenbriar;
• Lexington Manor.  Commissioner Henry noted at this point that, as of August 1^st, the Navy no longer owns this property. It has been purchased by Lincoln Properties.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME

Commissioner Gant requested that bulleted item #6 contained within the Scholarship Committee recommendations, include the word “All…….” prior to the words “County residents who attend…………….” The Board concurred.

In conclusion, Commissioner Murphy requested that the question of the appropriate time to allocate EDU’s, be placed on the Agenda for the August Board meeting. Mr. King agreed to do so.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Wood moved to adjourn at 4:00 p.m. Commissioner Suggs seconded the motion and approval was unanimous.

Lilian J. Bryan, Secretary