Minutes of the County Commissioners of Worcester County ...

Minutes of the County Commissioners of Worcester County, Maryland 

James C. Church, President 

Merrill W. Lockfaw, Jr., Vice President 

Judith O. Boggs 

Madison J. Bunting, Jr. 

Louise L. Gulyas 

James L. Purnell, Jr. 

Virgil L. Shockley 

May 7, 2013 

Following a motion by Commissioner Purnell, seconded by Commissioner Gulyas, the 

Commissioners unanimously voted to meet in closed session at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ 

Conference Room to discuss legal and personnel matters permitted under the provisions of 

Section 10-508(a)(1) and (7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland 

and to perform administrative functions. Also present at the closed session were Gerald T. 

Mason, Chief Administrative Officer; Kelly Shannahan, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; 

Sonny Bloxom, County Attorney; Kim Moses, Public Information Officer; Harold Higgins, 

Finance Officer and incoming Chief Administrative Officer; and George Bradley, Human 

Resources Director. Topics discussed and actions taken included: hiring Paul Lambertson as a 

Recycle Worker II and Shonn Williams as a Recycle Worker I within the Solid Waste Division 

of Public Works; hiring William (Billy) Laird, Jr. as a Correctional Officer Trainee; agreeing to 

advertise to fill the vacant position of Office Assistant VI within the County Jail; agreeing to 

advertise to fill the position of Volunteer Services Manager within Human Resources; promoting 

Phil Thompson to Finance Officer and Jennifer Swanton to Assistant Finance Officer within the 

Treasurer’s Office beginning June 24, 2013; receiving legal advice from counsel with respect to 

expansion of the Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant; and performing administrative 

functions. 

After the closed session, the Commissioners reconvened in open session. Commissioner 

Church called the meeting to order and announced the topics discussed during the morning 

closed session. 

The Commissioners reviewed and approved the minutes of their April 16, 2013 meeting 

as amended. 

The Commissioners presented a proclamation to Worcester County Social Services 

Director Pete Buesgens, Deputy Director Roberta Baldwin and other staff members along with 

foster parents Tom and Alaina Leimbach recognizing May as National Foster Care Month and 

thanking area foster parents for their efforts to bring stability and a sense of self-worth back into 

the lives of young people whose lives have been disrupted through no fault of their own. 

The Commissioners presented a commendation to Tom and Alaina Leimbach for being 

1 Open Session - May 7, 2013

named the 2013 Worcester County Foster Parents of the Year by Social Services for their 

willingness to serve children living in crisis in the community and particularly for their 

willingness to include foster children in their young family. Mr. Buesgens stated that a 

bureaucracy cannot love a child, but rather it takes the foundation of a loving family to do so. He 

recognized all foster parents for providing such a foundation. 

The Commissioners conducted a public hearing to receive public comments on the 

progress of a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) used to fund the 

rehabilitation of 18 owner-occupied homes in Worcester County for residents with low to 

moderate household incomes. Housing Program Administrator Jo Ellen Bynum was also present 

at the hearing. Ms. Bynum advised that to date $150,100 of the CDBG funding has been 

committed, and supplemental funding in the amount of $126,806 has been received from the 

State Special Loans Program. She further advised that 13 projects have been completed, two are 

under construction, and three are pending final work write-ups. She concluded that the current 

CDBG grant term ends on June 30, 2013, and she intends to apply for an amendment to the 

existing grant to request an additional $100,000 to rehabilitate nine additional homes as well as a 

time extension of one year. 

Commissioner Church opened the floor to receive public comment. 

There being no public comment, Commissioner Church closed the public hearing. 

Upon a motion by Commissioner Gulyas, the Commissioners unanimously accepted the 

progress report. 

Pursuant to the request of Finance Officer Harold Higgins and upon a motion by 

Commissioner Shockley, the Commissioners unanimously approved the recommended 

2013/2014 Tax Ditch Rates and recommended Managers for all 19 Tax Ditches in the County. 

Mr. Higgins noted that the tax ditch rates were identical to the prior year, except for the Good 

Will Branch Tax Ditch where rates will increase to $2.50 for tilled land and $1.50 for wooded 

land, with a minimum of $25.00, as requested by the Good Will Branch Tax Ditch Managers. 

Pursuant to the request of Recreation and Parks Director Paige Hurley and the 

recommendation of the Worcester County Recreation Advisory Board and upon a motion by 

Commissioner Purnell, the Commissioners unanimously approved the FY14 Worcester County 

Program Open Space (POS) Annual Program recommendations for acquisition and development 

of land to be used for outdoor recreation, recreation development improvements throughout the 

County and in the four municipalities of Pocomoke, Snow Hill, Berlin and Ocean City. Mr. 

Hurley stated that the POS Annual Program identifies proposed major capital rehabilitation 

projects on County-owned land that provides open-space opportunities for the public, with POS 

funds generally being awarded annually through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 

(DNR). Mr. Hurley explained that this year’s POS Annual Program includes $11,115,281 in 

proposed projects, but does not constitute a funding commitment for any of these projects. 

However, projects must be included in the POS Annual Program to be eligible for future funding. 

Pursuant to the request of Mr. Hurley and the recommendation of the Worcester County 


Recreation Advisory Board and upon a motion by Commissioner Shockley, the Commissioners 

unanimously approved the FY14 POS allocation to Worcester County for development projects 

up to $162,185. Mr. Hurley stated that the County will be awarded a total of $162,185 for FY14 

in POS funds from DNR; however, this amount only represents one third of the total POS 

allocation to the County. The other two-thirds will be allocated to the County in equal payments 

of $162,185 in both FY15 and FY16, along with hopefully additional annual POS allocations. 

In response to a question by Commissioner Shockley, Mr. Hurley advised that State 

officials expect to be able to catch up on POS award payments by FY19. County Attorney Sonny 

Bloxom explained that the State began diverting POS funds in FY10 to help balance the State 

budget. 

Pursuant to the request of Alan Jones, of the Worcester Soil Conservation District (SCD) 

on behalf of the SCD Board of Supervisors, and upon a motion by Commissioner Shockley, the 

Commissioners unanimously agreed to increase the sediment and erosion control plan and forest 

harvest plan review fees from $50 to $75 to help cover the costs associated with administering 

the new Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regulations that took effect January 1, 

2013. Mr. Jones stated that this is the first fee increase since 2002, and the new fee schedule will 

help to cover the actual costs incurred by SCD to review these plans. The new fees will go into 

effect on July 1, 2013. 

Pursuant to the request of Development Review and Permitting (DRP) Director Ed Tudor 

and upon a motion by Commissioner Shockley, the Commissioners agreed to commit a minimum 

of $9,717.19 in the upcoming fiscal year from the County’s General Fund and commit retained 

Agricultural Land Transfer Tax (ALTT) funds of approximately $2,200 for FY13, retained ALTT 

funds of $105,768.75 for FY12 and unencumbered retained ALTT revenues of $29,693.42, for a 

minimum match of $147,379.36 for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation 

(MALPF) Agricultural Preservation Easement Acquisition Program. Mr. Tudor advised that 

Worcester County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program was certified, effective as of July 1, 

2004, entitling the County to retain 75% instead of 33% of the ALTT and to be eligible for 

additional matching funds as available. He advised that this requires the County to contribute 

qualifying expenditures from a County source other than ALTT, equal to 9% of the ALTT 

collected annually in the County. He concluded that remaining certified allows the County to 

retain transfer tax revenues that would otherwise be allocated to other counties for their programs 

and allows more Worcester County landowners to participate in this voluntary program. 

The Commissioners met with Mr. Tudor to review the Nuisance Abatement request for 

the property identified on Worcester County Tax Map 92 as Parcel 39 and located at 2735 

Sheephouse Road in Pocomoke. Mr. Tudor stated that the property contains a collection of 

rubbish, household trash and junk, and since staff’s initial investigation the grass has grown to a 

height of over one foot. He advised that all of these conditions can cause the inhabitation of rats, 

mice, snakes or vermin, and these conditions violate Section PH 1-101(a)(1), (3), (4) and (5) of 

the Public Health Article of the County Code. Mr. Tudor concluded that the property owners 

have ignored a letter from DRP advising them of these violations. For these reasons, Mr. Tudor 


asked the Commissioners to determine the property to be a nuisance in accordance with the 

above Code sections as well as dangerous to the health and safety of the people of the County 

and prejudicial to property values in the County as articulated in Section PH 1-101(a)(14) of the 

County Code and initiate the nuisance abatement process contained in the law to remedy the 

situation. He further recommended that the Order of Abatement and Notice to be Heard not 

exceed the minimum posting requirement, which is 15 days, given the length of time the property 

has been in its current state. Upon a motion by Commissioner Gulyas, the Commissioners 

unanimously declared the property a public nuisance and ordered the abatement of such nuisance 

pursuant to Section PH 1-102 of the County code. 

Pursuant to the recommendation of Mr. Tudor and upon a motion by Commissioner 

Gulyas, the Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution No. 13-10 defining charitable and 

civic organizations for the provisions of Section PS 4-101 of the Public Safety Article of the 

Code of Public Local Laws of Worcester County Maryland with respect to outdoor meetings, 

including outdoor music festivals. Following further discussion and upon a motion by 

Commissioner Gulyas, the Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution No. 13-11 adopting 

an $800 permit fee for outdoor meetings and outdoor music festivals, which covers the 

processing of the application and costs for advertising the required public hearing, if the 

organization is not exempt. The Commissioners met with Mr. Tudor on April 16, 2013 to discuss 

the provisions of the Public Safety Article and how it applies to charitable organizations, which 

may be exempt from the permitting requirements. The new regulations reflect their request to 

develop a standard to determine what qualifies as a charitable organization or civic organizations, 

specifically requiring such organizations to be licensed 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4)(A) or 501(c)(10) 

organizations under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code. In response to a question by 

Commissioner Boggs, Mr. Tudor advised that in the past he has received requests to host outdoor 

music festivals by individuals who wish to avoid the regulations and therefore claiming to be 

exempt charitable organizations under Section PS 4-101(e) simply because they plan to give a 

very minuscule portion of the proceeds to a charity. He advised that these newly adopted 

regulations now establish a clear-cut definition of charitable and civic organizations. In response 

to a question by Commissioner Bunting, Mr. Tudor stated that events such as Bike Week pay a 

permit fee for other permits that totals approximately $150. 

The Commissioners met with County Engineer Bill Bradshaw and Department of Liquor 

Control (DLC) Director Bobby Cowger to discuss the results of the bid solicitation for the 

addition of a store and restroom refurbishment at the DLC building in Snow Hill. Mr. Bradshaw 

advised that only two of the three bids received addressed the entire scope of work. These bids 

came in from GGI Builders, Inc. T/A Gillis Gilkerson of Salisbury, Maryland at a cost of 

$184,596 and Beauchamp Construction of Pocomoke City, Maryland at a cost of $238,700. Mr. 

Bradshaw stated that both bids exceed budgeted funds of $90,000 to complete the scope of work. 

Therefore, he recommended rejecting the current bids, evaluating opportunities to reduce project 

costs and rebidding the project in the fall when a greater number of contractors are likely to bid 

on the project and there is more time available to complete the project in advance of the 2014 

summer season. In response to a question by Commissioner Boggs, Mr. Bradshaw stated that he 

could modify or reduce the scope of work to help lower costs. In response to a question by 


Commissioner Shockley, Chief Administrative Officer Gerald T. Mason stated that Public Works 

lacks the staff needed to complete any portion of this project in-house without severely crippling 

the day to day operations of that department. Following some discussion and upon a motion by 

Commissioner Shockley, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to reject the current bids and 

rebid the project at a later date as recommended. 

Pursuant to the recommendation of Public Works Director John Tustin and upon a 

motion by Commissioner Shockley, the Commissioners unanimously identified the 

County-owned property on Langmaid Road as the mitigation site to meet the County’s 

afforestation obligation under the Critical Areas Law. Mr. Tustin stated that the County is 

required to afforest 52,500 square feet, due to the construction of the Mystic Harbour Wastewater 

Treatment Plant project, but that the County would utilize natural regeneration at the site in lieu 

of planting trees. He concluded that the County would incur a minimal expense of no more than 

$1,000 to purchase and install signage and purchase chemicals needed to eliminate any invasive 

plant species from the site. 

Pursuant to the recommendation of Mr. Tustin and upon a motion by Commissioner 

Purnell, the Commissioners voted 6-1, with Commissioner Bunting voting in opposition, to 

accept the proposal from George, Miles and Buhr, LLC of Salisbury, Maryland for construction 

engineering services for the Keyser Point Road water main installation project to be billed on an 

hourly basis, with a total budget estimated at $2,550 for bidding services, $12,100 for contract 

administration services, and $11,680 for construction inspection services, for a total cost of 

approximately $26,330. 


Gulyas, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to waive the standard bid process and accepted 

the low proposal from Spring & Associations, Inc. of Easton, Maryland for directional drilling of 

the waterline under Kitt’s Branch for the Briddletown-Berlin Waterline Interconnection project at 

a total cost of $19,240, contingent upon a commitment from the Town of Berlin to pay half the 

costs of the directional drilling. Mr. Tustin stated that the remainder of the work on this project 

would be completed in-house. 


Lockfaw, the Commissioners unanimously awarded the low bid to replace asphalt roof shingles 

at the Worcester County Court House in Snow Hill at a base bid of $42,500, including the 

optional Ice and Water Shield at a cost of $4,050, Sheathing for $9,500 and a deduction of 

$3,400 for using Timberline HD shingles in lieu of Timberline Ultra HD Shingles for a total cost 

of $52,650. In response to a question by Commissioner Boggs, Mr. Tustin stated that the project 

would be completed during the two-week period that Court Room One is in recess from June 15 

through June 30, 2013. 


Gulyas, the Commissioners unanimously awarded the low bid for the Public Landing Pier Repair 

Project to Rehak’s Contracting, LLC of Baltimore, Maryland at a total cost of $194,826.96. Mr. 


Tustin stated that the pier was severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy in late October 2012, 

and the County’s insurer, LGIT, has approved an insurance settlement of $130,861.57 to fund the 

needed repairs. He further advised that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is 

likely to cover 75% or $18,750 of the County’s $25,000 deductible, leaving a shortfall of 

$51,465.39. He concluded that an unobligated fund balance of approximately $106,000 is 

available in the Public Landing Bulkhead/Marina Project to cover this expense, and if approved 

the project could get underway on June 15, 2013 and be completed in August. 

In a related matter and in response to questions by Commissioner Bunting, Mr. Tustin 

stated that next week staff will begin applying for the permits needed to relocate and redesign the 

Shell Mill Landing boat ramp near Bishopville. 

The Commissioners met with Mr. Tustin to discuss the failure of two emergency power 

generators housed at Pump Stations D and I in the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area (SSA). Mr. 

Tustin stated that the SSA’s infrastructure is over 40 years old, and plans to upgrade the system 

and stem off systemic failures are being addressed, although funds have not yet been allocated for 

this project. In response to a question by Commissioner Shockley, Mr. Tustin stated that it would 

cost between $3-$5 million to upgrade the infrastructure, and reserve funds are not available for 

such a project. Following some discussion and upon a motion by Commissioner Bunting, the 

Commissioners unanimously awarded the proposal from Curtis Engine of Baltimore, Maryland 

to provide and install emergency generators at Pump Stations D and I at a purchase cost of 

$23,624 and a total installed cost of $30,057.60 for the 125 kilowatt (KW) generator at Station 

D; and at a purchase cost of $22,475 and a total installed cost of $27,058.20 for the 100 KW 

generator at Station I. 


Shockley, the Commissioners unanimously approved bid specifications for the purchase of five 

standard sedans for the Worcester County Health Department using non-County funds for these 

purchases. 


Shockley, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to establish a fee of $150 per trip to pick up 

recyclables from Pocomoke City. Mr. Tustin stated that the County has been picking up 

recyclables in Pocomoke City once every two weeks, but it is now necessary to pick them up 

once a week. He further explained that the County currently charges Berlin and Assateague 

Island State Park for recycling pickup, with fees based on mileage. In response to a question by 

Commissioner Shockley, Mr. Tustin stated that he will contact Pocomoke City Manager Russ 

Blake to advise him of the new pickup fee. 

Mr. Tustin met with the Commissioners to review the success of the most recent 

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and E-Cycling Day at the West Ocean City (WOC) Park 

and Ride on April 20, 2013. Mr. Tustin advised that the Town of Ocean City participated in the 

event, bringing both HHW and electronics to be recycled. Additionally, he advised that 437 

vehicles participated in the event, of which 129 had HHW products, 151 brought in electronics, 

and 157 brought in both. He stated further that the total weight of electronics collected was 11.05 


tons or 22,100 pounds, and the total weight of HHW collected would be available after the 

collector has weighed the waste received. In response to a question by Commissioner Gulyas, 

Mr. Tustin stated that recycling boxes for electronics are available at the County transfer stations 

and the Central Landfill in Newark. Commissioner Church lauded the customer service provided 

by County transfer station attendants, noting that they are polite, courteous and quick to lend a 

hand. Commissioner Gulyas seconded Commissioner Church’s comments. 

The Commissioners met with Tourism Director Lisa Challenger regarding her request 

within the FY14 Tourism budget to establish a part-time Social Media Coordinator position, with 

an annual salary of $18,000. Ms. Challenger stated that social media is becoming an increasingly 

important part of any business’s marketing and client base development platform. She reviewed a 

PowerPoint that outlined statistics regarding the power of social media. Ms. Challenger 

suggested the Social Media Coordinator work independently from home to develop and manage 

popular consumer social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, 

while meeting with her weekly for consultations and reviews. In response to a question by 

Commissioner Bunting, Ms. Challenger advised that employee progress could be determined by 

whether that individual meets a minimum weekly posting quota. Following some discussion, 

Commissioner Church thanked Ms. Challenger for meeting with them and agreed to consider this 

request during budget deliberations. 

Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) Executive Director Glenn Irwin and 

OCDC Board of Directors President Bob Givarz provided the Commissioners with an update 

about the OCDC’s facade program, green building initiatives, new Business Assistance Program, 

and other accomplishments during the past year, along with upcoming downtown projects. The 

OCDC is a nonprofit organization whose design guidelines have been adopted by the Town of 

Ocean City for the downtown area and serves as a model program for downtown revitalization 

Statewide. Mr. Givarz asked the Commissioners to support the OCDC’s Business Assistance 

Program by restoring their annual grant to Ocean City on their behalf from $90,000 to $100,000, 

making the OCDC eligible for additional grant funds from other sources. In response to a 

question by Commissioner Boggs, Mr. Givarz advised that the OCDC is in the process of 

creating a foundation to oversee the Business Assistance Program. Following some discussion, 

Commissioner Church thanked Mr. Givarz and Mr. Irwin for the great job the OCDC is doing to 

revitalize the downtown area of Ocean City. 

Snow Hill Mayor Charles Dorman and members of the Old Mason’s Opera House 

Committee met with the Commissioners to request a $200,000 grant from the County to replace 

the roofing system and stabilize the Old Mason’s Opera House, which the town plans to 

rehabilitate. Mayor Dorman advised that the town now owns the building and would leverage 

these funds to secure federal and State grant funds to fully restore the structure at an estimated 

cost of between $1.5 and $2 million. He advised that town engineers have inspected the building 

and advised that it can be stabilized for approximately $200,000. Committee members Chris 

Welch and Wendy Myers reviewed a PowerPoint presentation outlining the role the building 

plays in the town’s heritage and highlighting multiple ways in which the refurbished structure 

could be used to further the arts, political and community interests, historic interests and 


education. In response to a question by Commissioner Bunting, Mayor Dorman explained that 

they planned to create a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to manage the building and provide 

ongoing financial support once refurbished. Following some discussion, the Commissioners 

thanked Mayor Dorman and the committee members for the presentation and agreed to consider 

their request during FY14 budget deliberations. 

The Commissioners met with Mr. Tustin to review and discuss a letter from Albert 

Grimes and Trip Harrison of Worcester County Renewable Energy (WCRE), LLC outlining the 

circumstances that have led them to decide to cease operations of their methane gas to energy 

facility at the Central Landfill in Newark effective June 30, 2013; and outlining two potential 

solutions to continue operations. Mr. Tustin stated that the gas generation rates, as originally 

projected and depended upon by WCRE to make their project viable, took a huge hit when the 

Town of Ocean City ceased utilizing the Central Landfill and began disposing of their waste by a 

private vendor. He reviewed the two options proposed by the WCRE to continue the gas to 

energy project as follows: have the County purchase the facility at the fair market value of 

$965,000 and continue to operate or contract WCRE to operate the facility; or have the County 

purchase and install all materials necessary to construct the methane gas collection system on 

landfill Cell 4 at an estimated cost of $500,000 and have WCRE operate the facility at no cost to 

the County, but with the County to waive its annual $25,000 gas rights payment. Mr. Tustin 

concluded that staff recommends declining both proposals due to the upcoming capital 

investments and capital projects necessary to continue day-to-day operations at the Central 

Landfill. He stated that, while he was disappointed that the project would be discontinued, the 

Central Landfill remains well under the current waste capacity and gas emissions that would 

require an active methane gas collection system; thus, no immediate negative impacts would 

occur, if the gas to energy project ceases to operate. 

In response to a question by Commissioner Boggs, Mr. Tustin stated that, if the gas to 

energy operations cease, the generator would be removed, but the flairs would remain so the 

County would continue flaring the gas into the atmosphere. In response to a question by 

Commissioner Shockley, Mr. Tustin stated that the original estimate was to produce three 

megawatts of power, but the plant was never able to produce more than one megawatt. 

Attorney Mark Cropper, speaking on behalf of his client, WCRE, concurred with the staff 

analysis and advised that his client asked him to convey their appreciation for the opportunity to 

have worked with the County on this worthwhile project. 

Following much discussion and upon a motion by Commissioner Bunting, the 

Commissioners unanimously declined to take any further action with respect to this project. 

The Commissioners answered questions from the press, after which they adjourned to 

reconvene at 7:00 p.m. for the FY2013/2014 Requested County Operating Budget Public Hearing 

at Stephen Decatur High School Auditorium. 

The Commissioners conducted a public hearing at Stephen Decatur High School 

Auditorium on the FY2013/2014 Requested County Operating Budgets. Commission President 

Church called the meeting to order. Finance Officer Harold Higgins presented a PowerPoint 

presentation outlining the FY2013/2014 Requested Operating Budgets, which can be viewed 


online at www.co.worcester.md.us. The presentation included the following graphs and 

information: FY14 Budget Challenges; General Fund Estimated Revenues and Expenditures for 

FY14; Worcester County Assessable Tax Base in Billions; General Fund Budget Revenue 

History from FY10 to FY14; Major Revenues - Property Tax,, Income Tax and Other Taxes; 

General Fund Revenue and Expenditure Comparisons FY11-FY14; FY13 Real Property Tax 

Rates; FY13 Income Tax Rates; the Worcester County Constant Yield Tax Rate of $0.7969 per 

$100 of assessment to yield the current rate of revenue; and the Schedule of Upcoming Budget 

Work Sessions, Budget & Tax Rate Adoption, and Additional Information. 

Mr. Higgins explained that the requested expenditures of $174,132,311 exceed the 

County’s estimated revenues of $166,758,162 by $7,374,149. He stated that this difference must 

be reconciled by the Commissioners either through reductions in expenditures, increases in taxes 

and fees, or some combination of the two. Mr. Higgins further explained that the Constant Yield 

Tax Rate (CYTR) represents the property tax rate that would generate the same amount of 

revenues the County received in the current fiscal year. He noted that in February the State 

informed Worcester County that, to fully offset the effect of decreasing assessments, the real 

property tax rate would need to be increased from the current tax rate of $0.77 per $100 of 

assessment to the CYTR of $0.7969 to remain constant with the current year, FY13. He stated 

that the CYTR would create no additional revenue above the current year’s total, but explained 

that the County Commissioners are not proposing to increase the property tax rate to the CYTR 

level in FY13/14. 

Commissioner Church opened the floor to receive public comment. 

Ellie Diegelman of Ocean City urged the Commissioners to fund the State’s Attorney’s 

budget as submitted, since they proposed a reduced budget from the prior year and to seek cuts in 

other areas, such as Human Resources. She also strongly opposed placing School Resource 

Officers in each of the 13 public schools. 

Harold Scrimgeour of Stockton stated that Maryland is the State most unfriendly to 

business, and the County’s Department of Development Review and Permitting (DRP) mirrors 

the State by making it difficult to obtain permits because they follow the State law. He asked the 

Commissioners to develop a DRP customer service survey for property owners to identify their 

experiences with the permitting process. He stated that if the County became more development 

friendly the tax base would grow. 

Carol Frazier of Ocean Pines questioned various aspects of funding for Social Services. 

Grant Helvey of Ocean Pines stated that the County places too much emphasis on taking 

land out of development, pointing out that the County has protected 8,000 acres more parkland 

than the State requires. He urged the Commissioners to stop buying up land that does not need to 

be protected and help secure individual property rights instead. 

Kellee Kennett of Berlin opposed creating a Social Media Coordinator position, with an 

annual salary of $18,000, within the Tourism Department. She stated that it is a waste of money 

to pay $20 an hour for someone to sit at home and play with a cell phone. She also opposed the 

Town of Snow Hill’s request for grant funds of $200,000 to refurbish the historic Old Mason’s 

Opera House. Finally, she opposed funding to the Ocean City Development Corporation 

(OCDC), stating that OCDC is too close to crossing the line to funding private industry. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry Wilson expressed his gratitude to the Commissioners 

for supporting the Board of Education’s (BOE) safety plan and after school programs. He stated 


that the BOE’s FY14 budget request is a road map for the future that provides opportunities for 

County students to receive a world class education. He stated that Worcester County public 

schools lead the State on assessment scores, have made great strides to narrow the achievement 

gap and instituted successful English Language Learner programs to help students whose native 

languages are not English. He stated that the BOE has five goals: academic success for every 

student; offer multiple pathways to achieve success; attract and retain high quality teachers; 

demonstrate innovative practices in education; and develop public and private partnerships to 

enhance student success. He stated that next year students and teachers alike will face significant 

changes, as the BOE implements Common Core State Standards, which makes teachers directly 

accountable for student progress, and as new safety initiatives take effect to address the ever 

increasing threat of school violence. He stated that the Commissioners’ support is vital in 

addressing these issues, and he asked them to support the requested FY14 BOE Operating 

Budget, which includes a 2.5% salary increase for all eligible employees, a 5% increase for 

health insurance, and $30,000 to increase the broadband capacity needed to implement 

mandatory online testing. 

Carol Frazier of Ocean Pines asked the Commissioners not to rubber stamp the BOE’s 

budget, stating that it would be unfair to raise taxes to fund these requests and would hurt 

property owners. 

Johan Nykvist of Ocean Pines opposed funding of $200,000 to purchase the computer 

tablets needed for online testing and recommended commissioning a study to look at the future 

costs to the County to implement CCSS. He cautioned that the County should not allow the 

federal government to control local education through CCSS. 

Gwen Cordner of Ocean City concurred, stating that Worcester County schools are 

already number one in the State and don’t need CCSS. 

Leigh Williams of Berlin opposed funding teacher raises, stating that budget stabilization 

funds should not be used to grant salary increases. She agreed that teachers deserve to make more 

money, but should not be provided a raise if new revenue is not available. 

Kellee Kennett of Berlin stated that the Commissioners have only three choices before 

them: they can raise taxes, spend budget stabilization funds, or cut the budget below last year’s 

spending level. She urged them to cut spending, starting with the BOE budget, and not to provide 

a raise, since most other County citizens would not receive a raise at their jobs this year. 

Karen Holland of Bishopville thanked the Commissioners for supporting education. She 

stated that her son has reaped the benefits of that support as he has grown and will need that 

support more than ever to become college ready. She urged the Commissioners to fund the 

requested BOE budget, so students may continue to learn on the latest technology and meet the 

online testing requirements. 

Dawn Stanley of Pocomoke stated that she relocated her family to Worcester County, and 

though her daughter had not wanted to move, after touring one of the schools and seeing the 

laptops being used in the classroom, she had informed her parents that she could not wait to be a 

Worcester County student. She concluded that the staff and the environment in Worcester 

County schools make children want to learn. Therefore, she urged the Commissioners to fund the 

requested BOE budget to attract and retain great teachers and provide tools for technology. 

Dr. Dia Arpon of Newark stated that her children attend elementary, middle and high 

school in Snow Hill where they receive a great deal of support from teachers and staff. She stated 


that Snow Hill Elementary School supports her youngest son, who began experiencing seizures 

as a result of a brain tumor; the Snow Hill Middle School after school program has helped her 

daughter thrive and make wise choices; and Snow Hill High School has instilled a love for 

learning and transformed her oldest son into a college bound senior. She stated that kind of 

investment is priceless and the benefits are evident in her children’s lives. She thanked the 

Commissioners and asked them to continue supporting education. 

Vicky Layman of Snow Hill thanked the Commissioners for supporting the BOE budget 

in the past and encouraged them to continue to build on that support by funding the BOE budget 

as presented. 

Celia Hall of Pocomoke stated that she supports the requested BOE budget and urged the 

Commissioners to do so as well. 

Kristal Baker of Bishopville stated that Cedar Chapel Special School (CCSS) helped her 

family transition and grow after the frightening discovery that her son, Chase, has autism. She 

credited CCSS teachers with transforming her once silent son, who under their tutelage has 

thrived and given her the gift of his speech. She concluded that CCSS teachers go above and 

beyond mere job requirements to help children and their families. She thanked the 

Commissioners for their time and asked them to support the requested BOE budget. 

Wendy Rantz of Pocomoke supported the BOE’s requested budget and asked the 

Commissioners to do so as well to make Worcester County public schools even greater. 

Nita Holliman of Pocomoke stated that she moved her family from Captain’s Cove in 

Virginia to Pocomoke City because Worcester County has the best schools around. She thanked 

the Commissioners for providing the funding to make their public schools great and urged them 

to fund technology and teacher raises. 

Kim Mumford of Berlin stated that she graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and 

is grateful for the education she received there. She noted that it would be more economical and 

convenient for her and her husband to live near their jobs in Wicomico County, but they choose 

to make the daily commute because they want their children to experience the same, great 

education they received in Worcester County public schools. She urged the Commissioners to 

fund the BOE budget as presented to assure their schools remain number one in the State. 

Helen Trivits of Berlin appreciated the enormity of the decisions the Commissioners face 

in balancing the FY14 budget, but asked them to choose wisely and avoid the temptation to 

sacrifice education in the name of balancing the budget. She stated that maintaining small class 

sizes and offering competitive wages to attract and retain quality teachers are vital components in 

a quality education, and she stated that the BOE budget provides funding for both. Therefore, she 

asked the Commissioners to support the BOE budget as presented. 

Patty Richardson of Pocomoke stated that her children attend CCSS, Pocomoke Middle 

School and Pocomoke High School, and the teachers at each of these schools have been 

extremely supportive of her children. She thanked God for her children and the outstanding 

educators who are shaping their future, and she asked the Commissioners to support these 

outstanding teachers by funding the BOE’s requested budget. 

Donald Fletcher of Berlin asked the Commissioners to cut expenditures rather than raise 

taxes to balance the FY14 County Operating Budget. He also asked staff to provide him with a 

report detailing past and present student population numbers, which drive Maintenance of Effort 

figures for education. 


Doug Andrews of the Snow Hill area commended the educators at Snow Hill High 

School (SHHS) for helping his child soar like an eagle, and he asked the Commissioners to make 

funding for education their top priority to keep SHHS great. 

Helen Schoffstall, representing the Worcester County Teachers Association (WCTA), 

stated that she counts herself lucky to work in a profession that is able to nurture the next 

generations and impact students for life. She stated that Worcester County has the lowest 

drop-out rate (1.8%) and the second highest on-time graduation rate (93%) in the State, and she 

pointed out that a study completed by the Business, Economic and Community Outreach 

Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University reveals that every dollar the County spends on 

education equals a $1.60 return on their investment. She stated that teachers supported the 

County during the economic downturn by forgoing raises for three consecutive years, and she 

asked the Commissioners to support them now by funding the requested BOE budget and modest 

salary increase. 

Howard Sribnick of Berlin urged the Commissioners to fund the requested BOE budget. 

He stated that the County has an established track record of conservative spending, which has 

always provided the funding needed for the BOE to attract and retain highly qualified teachers 

and staff, maintain small class sizes and assure that students who attend Worcester County public 

schools have the tools they need to succeed in life. He concluded that even a modest increase in 

taxes would be a good investment to support the BOE. 

Jeanice Dolan of Ocean City stated that her children attend Ocean City Elementary 

School (OCES) and Berlin Intermediate School (BIS) where they both receive a great education. 

She also stated that Worcester County public schools have earned a reputation for excellence. In 

closing, she urged the Commissioners to fund the requested BOE budget to maintain educational 

excellence and to support increased security measures in the schools. 

Marilyn James of Ocean City stated that her children have grown up in Worcester County 

public schools, and her youngest is a student at BIS. She stated that she is grateful for the 

educational opportunities they have all received, and she asked the Commissioners to help keep 

their schools remain number one in the State by funding the requested BOE budget. 

Christina Hulslander of the Snow Hill area stated that her two children attend Snow Hill 

Elementary School (SHES), where the teachers and staff are true professionals. She stated that 

she volunteers at the school and sees teachers going the extra mile to help students thrive, and 

she asked the Commissioners to support SHES teachers and staff by passing the requested BOE 

budget. 

Ellie Diegelman of Ocean City urged the Commissioners not to fund schools at the MOE 

level, stating that the cost to the taxpayers to do so would be too great, and the taxpayers can’t 

afford it. 

Kate McCloskey of Ocean Pines stated that she moved from Anne Arundel County to 

Worcester County nine years ago because the County public schools have a phenomenal 

reputation statewide. She also stated that Worcester County public schools instilled a love for 

education in her children who are now college bound. In closing, she encouraged the 

Commissioners to fund the requested BOE budget to protect what’s great about Worcester 

County. 

Earnest Gould of Snow Hill echoed Ms. McCloskey’s comments, stating that he relocated 

his family from Wicomico County to Worcester County, so his children could attend SHES, 


where they receive an outstanding education. He thanked the Commissioners for their past 

support and thanked them for supporting the upcoming SHHS renovation and addition project. 

He stated that Worcester County has the best school system in Maryland, and he urged the 

Commissioners to continue to support education and attract a high quality workforce. 

Jonathan Phippin, of Ocean City and a SDHS senior, outlined specific technology needs, 

including replacing faulty stage lighting and repairing the mechanical curtains, and asked the 

Commissioners to place as much emphasis on funding for the arts as they do for science, 

technology, engineering and math (STEM) to help all children reach their full potential. He 

thanked the Commissioners for allowing him to share his opinions. 

Jackie Cutlip of Berlin stated that her child has fatal food allergies, so she literally places 

her daughter’s life in the hands of Showell Elementary School (SES) officials every day, and she 

is only willing to take this chance because of the outstanding teachers who look after her child. 

She stated that food allergies are no longer the only threat her child faces; school violence has 

now become a very real threat. She stated that these same educators who educate and look out for 

her child in the classroom cannot patrol school halls to safeguard against predators. She therefore 

asked the Commissioners to fund the BOE’s safety initiatives, which include placing School 

Resource Officers in each of the public schools. She stated that these officers would help parents 

and children have peace of mind. 

David Smarte of Bishopville stated that the County has a great educational system, but 

the Commissioners must be realistic when it comes to balancing the budget. He stated that people 

are out of work and cannot afford a tax increase, and he asked the Commissioners to choose 

wisely when balancing needs versus wants in the FY14 budget. He urged the Commissioners not 

to raise taxes, but to find other ways to balance the budget. 

Commissioner Church advised those in attendance that the Commissioners heard their 

messages loud and clear and would take all of their suggestions to heart while deliberating on the 

FY14 County Operating Budget. He thanked them for participating in government and invited 

them to attend the budget work sessions, which are scheduled for May 14, 22 and 28, 2013. He 

advised that the Commissioners will adopt the FY14 County Operating Budget. 

The Board of Commissioners adjourned to meet again on May 21, 2013.

Minutes of the County Commissioners of Worcester County ...

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