The Wicomico County Council meeting was held tonight before a packed house. The main topics of discussion included:
1. Waiver of a State mandated residential sprinkler ordinance that would have required all newly constructed single family homes to be equipped with a residential sprinkler system.
2. Capital improvements budget submitted by County Executive - Rick Pollitt.
3. Hiring an energy management consulting company to implement not only an energy analysis for County owned buildings - but also to act as a general contractor to implement energy improvements under Phase II.
4. Legislation for an elected County School Board - to be drafted and submitted to our State Delegation.
Intense and lengthy debate centered mainly around a State mandated residential sprinkler ordinance whereby area residents overwhelming spoke out against the requirement to have residential sprinkler systems installed for all newly constructed single family homes.
When all was said and told - the County Council voted 6-1 against implementation of the ordinance. Most of the audience that testified against the ordinance feared not only the cost would be a deterrent to home ownership - but also that the statistics don't bear out the evidence that it actually saves lives. Bottom line - the County Council voted with their constituents interest at heart - citing that homeowners still have the option to install - but not a government mandated requirement.
What really impressed me about this meeting though - (and I have witnessed many other County Council meetings) - was that this is one of the those rare times in my life whereby I actually felt like the majority of County Council members have placed the taxpayers interest at the top of the 'totem pole' as opposed to caving into special interest.
My advise to Council members - stay the coarse.
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