Tri-County Council – YOUR Tax Dollars at Work

Next week the Tri-County Council will hold its regular meeting.  Where?  The safe assumption would be that the meeting would be held at the organization’s new $10 MILLION facility at the corner of US 50 and Walston Switch Road.

You would be wrong.  The Tri-County Council is holding its meeting at … a brew pub.

Why are YOUR tax dollars – and that’s what funds the Tri-County Council – being used to hold meetings at a brew pub when you have already paid for perfectly good meeting space?
Wicomico County councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes is the chairman of the Tri-County Council.  Maybe you should ask her.
G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.  This article was originally posted at the DelMarVa Observer.

Is Crime Reduction Part of Trend?

Violent crime in Salisbury and the Lower Eastern Shore was down significantly last year.  This follows a statewide reduction.  Police officials cite many possible reasons for the reduction, including better information.

READ MORE …

Somerset Fair Begins Today

The 2011 Somerset County Fair begins today at 8AM.  The fair will be open to the public from 8AM – 10PM on Friday and Saturday, and Noon – 4 PM on Sunday.

The fair is on the grounds of the Princess Anne Civic Center on Crisfield Lane.

DelMarVa Post Offices Face Possible Closure

Well, it’s really MarVa post offices. Curiously, no Delaware post offices are under consideration for closure from the US Postal Service.

The Eastern Shore PO’s “under study” are:

Assawoman	VA		Massey	MD
Betterton	MD		Sanford	VA
Bivalve	MD		Saxis	VA
Craddockville	VA		Sherwood	MD
Crocheron	MD		Townsend	VA
Ewell	MD		Tyaskin	MD
Harborton	VA		Tylerton	MD
Henderson	MD		Upper Fairmount	MD
Hillsboro	MD		Willis Wharf	VA
Locustville	VA		Withams	VA

For a full list of the Maryland post offices “under study”, CLICK HERE.

For a full list of the Virginia post offices “under study”, CLICK HERE.

If you’re from Delaware, send a thank you note to Joe Biden.

Somerset Fair Begins Friday

The 2011 Somerset County Fair begins this Friday at 8AM.  The fair will be open to the public from 8AM – 10PM on Friday and Saturday, and Noon – 4 PM on Sunday.

The fair is on the grounds of the Princess Anne Civic Center on Crisfield Lane.

Somerset Man Charged With Thefts in QA, Kent Counties

A warrant has been issued for a Somerset County man in connection with the theft of copper wire and copper bus bars from cell phone towers in Queen Anne's and Kent counties.

Maryland State Police say the warrant is for William Frederick Martin Jr., 21, of Eden, on charges of theft over $10,000, conspiracy to commit theft, and malicious destruction of property over $500.

A state police statement listed the State of Maryland, Delmarva Power, Verizon Wireless, Sprint/Nextel, and Choptank Electric as the victims.Tfc. N. VanSant of the Centreville Barrack's Criminal Investigation Section, along with other law enforcement agencies, has been investigating "numerous thefts" of copper wire and copper bus bars from several different cell phone towers, state police said.

READ MORE …

Somerset Board of County Commissioners – 07/19/2011

AGENDA
JULY 19, 2011
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
FOR SOMERSET COUNTY

Correspondence:                                Received:

MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse  re:  MD. Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund: 124 projects in 23 counties

MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse  re:  MD. Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund:  41 projects in 18 counties

MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse  re:  MDOT - Statewide Planning Work Program

MD. Dept. of the Environment  re:  Notice of Applications Received for State Permits

State Highway Administration  re:  Ramp Improvements and Sidewalk Widening

State Highway Administration  re:  Transportation Revenue Bonds

Delegate Norman H. Conway  re:  Letter of Support – Senior Center

NASA  re:  Site-wide Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)

Charter Communications  re:  Receipt of letter

Somerset Co. Dept. of Technical & Comm. Serv.  re:  Ag. Preservation Board

Somerset Co. Dept. of Technical & Comm. Serv.  re:  Board of Zoning Appeals

Somerset Co. Dept. of Technical & Comm. Serv.  re:  Ag. Reconciliation Board

Somerset Co. Dept. of Technical & Comm. Serv.  re:  Revised Fee Schedule

Somerset Co. Tourism  re:  Television segment/Promotions

Appointments:

2:00 p.m.  - Bid Opening – Parking Area (Rec. & Parks Dept.)

2:30 p.m.  - Jenny Roser – Emergency Shelter Grant Application

Discussion Items:

1. Proposed Forest Conservation Ordinance Amendment.  Public hearing held June 21, 2011
2. Signature – FY12 Grant Agreement for Critical Area Grant-In-Aid Program
3. GOCCP Grant Awarded to Somerset County State’s Attorneys Office
4. Workforce Investment Board – Three Vacancies
5. Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center – Appointment

(Tentative)

Agenda – Somerset County Commissioners 07/05/2011

AGENDA
JULY 5, 2011
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
FOR SOMERSET COUNTY

Correspondence Received:
MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse  re:  Carvel Hall Property
Gov. Martin O’Malley  re:  “FastTrack”
Gov. Martin O’Malley  re:  Task Force to Study Septic Pollution
Maryland Broadband Cooperative  re:  Information Request
Preservation Maryland  re:  Request for Contribution 
The Salvation Army  re:  Letter of Appreciation
Nehemiah Coalition  re:  Inmate Program

Correspondence Sent:
Mr. Darryl Webster  re:  Supervised Work Group
Warden Kathleen Green, ECI  re:  Work Release
Maryland Department of Aging  re:  Letter of Support

Appointments:
1:00 p.m.  - Closed Session – Robert Purnell
Authority of State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland,
Section 10-508 (a) (1) (i) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion,
discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of
appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction.
2:00 p.m.  - Steve Marshall – Award Bid for Mitigation Plan
3:00 p.m.  - Pete Richardson – Burgess Museum – Next Auction

Discussion Items:
1. Proposed Electrical Code Amendment & Forest Conservation Ordinance
Amendment.  Public hearings held June 21, 2011
2. Signature – Assurance of Compliance – Commission on Aging
3. Workforce Investment Board – Three Vacancies
4. Letter of Support - Bloosurf

Agenda - Somerset Board of County Commissioners

AGENDA

JUNE 21, 2011

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY

Correspondence: Received:

MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse re: CDBG-Rehab. of City Dock-Crisfield

MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse re: CDBG-Repaving Project-Pr.Anne

MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse re: CDBG-Wind Turbine – Crisfield

MD. Dept. of the Environment re: Notice of Applications Received for State Permits

MD. Dept. of Assessments/Taxation re: Local County Cost Sharing

MD. Dept. of Agriculture re: Cooperative Agreement – Eradication of Noxious Weeds

MD. Board of Public Works re: Supplementary Appropr. for School Constr. Projects Comcast re: Subscription Changes

Sent:

Ms. Irene M. Padilla, MD. Dept. of Education re: Letter of Support – New Library

Mr. James Ward re: Official Levy – Fiscal Year 2012

Mr. Charles L. Muir re: Official Levy – Fiscal Year 2012

Mr. Gary Pusey re: Waiver of Fees – St. Johns Family Worship Center

Appointments:

2:00 p.m. - Jacob Frego (Eastern Shore Area Health Edu. Ctr.) – Board Appointment

2:30 p.m. - Bid Award – Recycling Containers

3:00 p.m. - Public Hearing – Electrical Code Amendment

3:15 p.m. - Public Hearing – Forest Conservation Ordinance Amendment

Discussion Items:

1. Signature – Assurance of Compliance – Commission on Aging

2. Workforce Investment Board – Two Vacancie

Heat Safety Tips for Workers

Tri-county residents who work outdoors may be exposed to extreme heat this summer.

Health officials from Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties warn that farmers, construction workers, beach and pool lifeguards, and others who work outside should be especially cautious as the temperatures rise.

Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers because it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety goggles and dizziness.

Workers are at greater risk of heat stress if they are 65 or older, overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Prevention of heat stress in workers is critical.

Recommendations for workers:

Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.

• Gradually build up to heavy work.

• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.

• Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity. Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.

• Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.

• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.

• Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

Recommendations for employers:

• Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months.

• Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day.

• Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments.

• Reduce the physical demands of workers.

• Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs.

• Provide cool water or liquids to workers.

  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar.

• Provide rest periods with water breaks.

• Provide cool areas for use during break periods.

• Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress.

• Provide heat stress training that includes information about:

  • Worker risk

  • Prevention

  • Symptoms

  • The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms

  • Treatment

  • Personal protective equipment

For more information about heat safety, visit:

• Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov

• FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/heat/index.shtm

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.bt.cdec.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

For information about your county, call your local health department:

• Somerset: 443-523-1700

• Wicomico: 410-334-3480

• Worcester: 410-632-1100

154 Lower Shore Non-Profits Lose Tax-Exempt Status

On Friday the IRS released nationwide lists of non-profit organizations which have lost their tax-exempt status.  Among these are over 6,100 Maryland non-profits.  154 organizations whose zip code begins with 218 (the three Lower Shore Counties of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester) have lost their tax-exempt status.

Included in this list are several American Legion posts.  For a complete list, CLICK HERE.

Somerset County Passes FY2012 Budget

This afternoon the Somerset County Commissioners unanimously passed their general fund and roads budgets for FY2012.  The general fund budget for FY2012 is $36.2 million.  The roads budget for FY 2012 is $5.4 million.

For FY2011, the general fund budget was $46.0 million.  Gene Adkins, Somerset County Finance Director, explained that Somerset County, unlike Wicomico County, does not have a separate capital budget.  All capital expenditures are part of either the general fund budget or the roads budget.  Because of this, the general fund budget may swing significantly from year to year.

Somerset Commissioners to Adopt FY 2012 Budget

The Somerset County Commissioners will meet tomorrow afternoon to adopt the FY2012 budget.  A closed session will begin at 1PM.  The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 2PM.

To see the agenda:  CLICK HERE

Crisfield Soft Shell Spring Fair

A warm, sunny day welcomed those who traveled to Crisfield Sunday afternoon for the 2011 Soft Shell Spring Fair.  Visitors were treated to food, fun, and live music down on the City Dock with its gorgeous view over Tangier Sound.

May 24th – Somerset County Commissioners Meeting

1:00 p.m.  -   Closed Session – Paige Hurley
Authority of State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 10-508 (a) (1) (i) the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction.

Correspondence:

Received:
Local Government Insurance Trust  re:  Ninth Amended and Restated Local Government Insurance Trust Agreement

MD. Dept. of the Environment  re:  Notice of Applications Received for State Permits

Maryland State Police  re:  Somerset County Fire Police

Charter Communications  re:  Fee Reduction for Unreturned Equipment

Somerset Co. Dept. of Technical & Comm. Services  re:  Request for Waiver of Permit Fees

Permit Ink, LLC  re:  Adjoining Property Owner Notification

Carolyn Marquis  re:  Invitation

Eugenia M. Taylor Charities, Inc.  re:  Request for Letter of Support

Senator Ben Cardin  re:  Invitation to a Congressional Briefing

Sent:
Somerset Co. Commission on Aging  re:  Letter of Support – CDBG Application

Mr. Robin Street, Somerset Co. Sanitary District  re:  Wal-Mart Project

Mr. Gary Pusey, DTCS  re:  Fee Schedule – Handicapped Ramps

Appointments:
2:00 p.m.  - Vickie Nelson – Proclamation Presentation – Relay For Life

2:15 p.m.  - Somerset Co. Fire Police – Funding Request

2:30 p.m.  - Gary Pusey, Tom Lawton – Local Matching Program – Ag. Transfer Tax

3:00 p.m.  - Patuxent River Naval Air Station – Presentation

Discussion Items:
1. MD. Dept. of Planning, State Clearinghouse  re:  USDA – Loan Guarantee – Amend Minutes of May 10, 2011 to reflect R-2 Designation vs. C-5.

2. Request for Proclamations: 
1) Dr. Karen-Lee Brofee
2) Jeanette Morgan