GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL

Meeting

Severna Park Library

June 14, 2011

Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm by President Jerry Pesterfield. Mr. Pesterfield welcomed new members representing Belleview Estates, Bluff Point and Cypress Landing, and acknowledged attendance by Fifth District County Council Chairman Dick Ladd and thanked him for attending the monthly GSPC meetings.

Secretary’s Report: President Pesterfield motioned for approval of the Minutes for May 10, 2011, distributed by email to the full membership. Motion to approve the Secretary’s Report was unanimously approved as submitted and filed for the record.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Steve Poland provided the Treasurer’s Report as of May 31, 2011, and noted the following: no deposits were made, two checks payable to Office Depot in the amount of $37.54 cleared, and all other accounts were unchanged. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was unanimously approved as submitted and filed for the record for audit purposes.

See AppendixA for Treasurer’s Report as of May 31, 2011.

See Appendix B for Membership Update as of June 14, 2011, including list of 57communities in good standing YTD 2011, and list of communities in arrears 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Guest Speaker Dan Nataf, GSPC Community Planning Survey Results: President Pesterfield noted that the last survey was done 17 years ago. Dan Nataf formed a committee that came up with suggestions for questions to be answered which were revised by Dan to focus on and address issues of concern to the communities. Mr. Pesterfield thanked Dan for all his personal efforts and his team’s work in analyzing, completing and publishing the survey results.

Mr. Nataf provided the following overview of the results of the planning survey, and noted that the survey includes a Regional Groupings graph of participation by community areas, and a factor analysis of the survey comments. To read the full survey report go to the GSPC website at www.gspcouncil.org/surveys/2011/GSPC2011.docx.

1. Survey Participation: Five-hundred and sixty-one residents contributed to the survey which is higher compared to the last survey of 400 participants. There is a 4% margin of error. Did not have a random survey and therefore not sure that the survey represents entire communities although some did and some didn’t. There were 7 sections to complete in the survey to analyze general attitudes including problems and solutions, and recommendations by survey participants.

Most heavily involved communities included West Severna Park, Shipley’s Choice, and Olde Severna Park. For Carrollton Manor there were one or two participants, also was true for last survey, and although Chartwell has 670 residents there were no participants, and no participants from the 238 homes in West Severna Park, as well as no participants from Ben Oaks. As noted, Shipley’s Choice was heavily involved and had excellent participation.

2. Demographic Questions: Survey asked demographic questions for last 20 years. Most people did not grow up in Maryland. Most residents have only owned one home, a few have had more than one home.

Age of adults ranged from 40 to 60 years of age. Almost everyone was married or divorced. Only 2% were single.

3. Education Level and Employment: 83% of respondents have at least a Bachelor’s degree and most are highly educated. 59% of respondents were women. Most men work full time, with the majority of women working part-time. About 20% were retired. Income has risen since 1993.

4. Transportation, Highways, and Commuting Issues: Traffic on East-West and Benfield Blvds. are key issues of concern to the majority of the respondents due to the heavy volume of traffic on these highways.

The high level of traffic congestion on major streets was a major transportation issue.

Lack of sidewalks and trails were a bigger problem than in 1993. Most respondents said they would like to do more walking but it currently is not safe to walk on roadways in the communities.

Mean distance for travel is about 15 miles, and commuting time about 25 minutes. Some of the respondents work in Severna Park, about a third drive to Annapolis, and a fair number drive to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. A few drive to Montgomery County and Virginia. Most use their cars more than 90% of the time.

5. Familiarity with Local Organizations: GSPC lies in the middle along with the Chamber of Commerce. Big four are schools, religious organizations, children, and keeping Severna Park area from becoming an industrial area.

GSPC – highest level of importance and satisfaction was holding regular meetings and maintaining funding for schools. Lowest satisfaction was with website.

6. General Attitudes about Severna Park Area: 2011 results are higher – more people think more things are important, e.g. proximity to medical facilities. Residents over age 65 has changed – 10 years ago it was higher.

Housing for Sr. citizens less important, only one apartment building in Severna Park.

Variety of housing highly rated, low density, good quality, but not cheap.

Public transportation needs to be upgraded and improved.

No public access to water and have to buy in to communities with water privileges was an important issue. 9% of Shipley’s Choice respondents think it’s important to have public access to water and beaches.

7. Positive Community Features: Good place to raise a family, peace and quiet.

8. Recreation and Entertainment: Plenty of trees, access to B&A trails, water and boating, and Kinder Park.

9. Government and Schools: The survey asked respondents to report two most important issues:

Low crime, good schools, low taxes were top 3. Quality of good schools rated 55% and good place to raise family rated 20%.

10. Problems with Crime: Respondents were asked to rate crime as very serious or not serious. Most rated not high and do not think crime is a major issue or problem.

11. Problems with Environment: Most respondents were concerned about degradation of rivers and lack of water privileges and access to water and beaches. Lack of affordable housing not a concern.

Most highly rated problem was lack of places for teenagers to do things.

12. Solutions for Most Important Problems:

- Growth Development: GSPC’s pondering of more or less growth development, and informing communities on constraining growth and increasing selected high priority development including senior housing and assisted living facilities was a high priority.

- Environment and Recreation: More activities for teenagers. Create a more vibrant town center in Severna Park.

- Transportation: Add more buses, more sidewalks in communities, and pedestrian overpass.

- Crime/Education: Focus on education, law and order and underage drinking, and add more police patrols

Most Favored Solutions: Create more vibrant town center; improve school facilities, improve sidewalks, and constrain growth.

Dan Nataf noted in response to a question by County Council Chairman Dick Ladd that the biggest difference between Severna Park and the County at large were issues related to schools and education priorities, and lack of available public transportation. More public transportation is currently available in the Annapolis area. Mr. Ladd noted that density in the State and aging in this county is greater than in other areas. What this says about houses in the area that are larger for older people and the growing interest for a Town Center and adequacy of community stores and facilities is interesting. Do we need a better set of space, more shopping centers because of inadequate inventory of community property?

Mr. Pesterfield noted that there was a lot to digest and this is not the end of the topics. The Board members will go through the final report to review and address issues and recommended solutions.

School Budget Funding for 2012-2015 - County Council Chairman Dick Ladd: Mr. Ladd noted that the design funding for Severna Park High is done. However, when they get ready to go into the FY2013 budget there will be an incredibly competitive situation since as many as 6 elementary schools and 1 high school will be available to start using construction money, and they will probably only have enough money to start either 3 elementary schools or 1 high school or some slight mix of that next year. When the budget comes through next year the first thing you will see is the Board of Education will submit a budget that will have the high school and 5/6 elementary schools funded because they are planning to spend $150 million a year for ten years and when it comes into the County office they will say we are going to spend $100 million a year for 15 years since that’s all that can be afforded. There are a lot of reasons for that. But it is principally because that’s the amount of debt that can be carried forward. The problem the Council will be facing is the transition from $150 million to $100 million in FY 2013. Mr. Ladd stated that he cannot definitely say he has figured out how to address and get it started next year, but he is actively working on it. But next year when they get into the budget and it comes up to the County Executive, how the County Executive is going to shred that money out and ask for it will be a critical item to watch. When it gets down to the County Council they will need 4 votes to get the money for building the high school. The amount of money needed in 2013 is smaller than subsequent years, and they may be able to get enough work done first with15-20 million dollars and then after that you are into 40 million a year for the next two years. The problem the first year is not as critical as the out years, but once you get it started it’s a go.

Mr. Ladd also noted that the requirements for the high school are determined by the State of Maryland and that’s what you have to build to. The number for Severna Park High School was not that bad for building a school. Difficulty is whether building for 40-50 years vs. 20-25 years. What we don’t know is how other schools that are being built for less money, e.g. in Hartford County, are going to age when they hit 20-25 years but no one has provided an answer. Mr. Ladd noted that no one faulted decision but we need to keep talking about transparency in the process. Less expensive concept and other alternatives were discussed. Fair to say that the State of Maryland sets requirements. Much of what the county must do comes out of the Maryland State Department of Education.

The problem is getting people to understand and make them aware of the conditions inside the school and the need to support construction funding for the high school. Will need active support of communities and Board of Education for funding for Severna Park High School to make them support the funding level. John Leopold will put in budget and supports the funding. John Hammond has confirmed that he will put the funding in the budget.

Public Works Report- Benfield and East-West Blvd: Dan Nataf advised members that he had a discussion with the County traffic engineer regarding traffic counts and survey for Benfield and major area roads. The traffic engineer advised that they have never done an evaluation of the impact on East-West Blvd. and it would seem to be a good time to look at results. Comments were made on the traffic backs up for miles from the traffic light to Shipley’s Choice due to the lack of a right-hand turn lane from Veterans onto East-West Blvd. There is also a huge back-up from the traffic circle on East-West. The County traffic report will be evaluated by Dan Nataf, and he will write comments on whether it was worth it and report to the Council.

Education Committee Report: No report.

Environmental Committee Report: Submitted by Ann Jackson & Ed Krause, Watershed Stewards.

See Appendix C for full Committee Report.

Police-Community Relations Report: Buck Brown and Julie Krause. Julie Krause advised members that Buck participated in the Eastern District Ride Along – June 3, 2011.

The May 16, 2011, meeting of the AACO Police –Community Relations Council featured Suzanne Murphy, Planning Administrator and Joannie Casey, Supervisor of Zoning Enforcement of the Office of Planning and Zoning. They each briefly described the functions of their respective offices and the process for submitting complaints (complaints must be in writing!). They also spoke briefly about the Long Range Planning process of the Comprehensive Plan for AA County.

Captain Waltemeyer was represented by the new Eastern District Executive Officer Lt. Tim Fredericks, who introduced Mr. Earl Winterling of Metro Crime Stoppers, who described the process for the public to submit tips to help the police solve crimes by calling 1-866-7LOCKUP to earn rewards up to $2,000 for submitting tips which result in solving crimes. Lt. Tom Newman the Public Affairs officer for the Eastern District, then spoke briefly about the opportunity for any interested citizens to make a “Community Ride Along” with and officer on June 3, 2011. The experience is to help share with the public the “real world” challenges of an officer’s typical shift. Lt. Newman spoke about the importance of informed citizen’s in helping the police reduce the incidence of crime by providing accurate information.

Planning/Zoning/Legislative Committee: Al Johnston, Vice President for Public Affairs, discussed the GSPC Zoning/Legislation Agenda as of June 14, 2011. See Appendix D for detailed list of activities.

- Comprehensive Rezoning for Severna Park – Small Area Plans (SAP) - Mr. Johnston updated delegates on the following items and noted that the local newspapers have documented very well what’s going on in Districts I and IV and the County Council finally enacted the following:

Bill 12-11: Districts I and IV: Enacted April 16, 2011 – 35 amendments. County Executive vetoed 4 items and

Council overrode 2 of the vetoed items.

Bill 44-11: Districts VI and VII: 48 applications - 53 amendments, all but 9 of the amendments were filed

applications submitted for Bill 44-11.

- The Planning Advisory Board (John Norville is a member) had a work session and has taken a look at the

Applications. There were 48 applications that went into Bill 44-11, of the 48 that were in the Bill, the

Members of the County Council have put in 53 amendments which means the amendments are more items than

what the Bill was and puts a heavy workload on the County Council. Of the 53 amendments all but 9 were in

the Application package.

- The Planning Advisory Board will have a Listening Session on June 16 at the Annapolis Heritage Center on

Zoning in Districts VI and VII at the request of the County Executive. It will provide an opportunity for

anyone to testify about any Applications. They will prepare a Report to the County Executive and the County

Council.

NOTE: The session had around 100 attending with many testifying in support of and in opposition to the

County Planning and Zoning recommendations to the many Applications for rezoning. The PAB did submit a

Report in addition to their earlier Report following the earlier Hearing.

- Hearings will start on July 6 and 7.

Mr. Johnston advised delegates that we are watching the Zoning processes for Districts VI and VII to learn the associated issues and be prepared for our District V Hearings starting in August. Based on the reviews sent out last week by President Pesterfield, the emails to Mr. Johnston are coming in strong and he is getting a lot of feedback and details which is good. He will be putting together a team to provide the County Council with the GSPC’s position on what’s going on. GSPC is going to follow the Severna Park SAP which is what was done last year for the enactment of the General Development Plan, and will be putting together packages on that particular basis. The hearings for Severna Park SAP are currently scheduled for September-October.

Mr. Pesterfield noted that he and Mr. Johnston will meet later in the week to hammer out a “to do” list which will provide:

- Information and explanations of zoning categories including what he means to go from an R1 to C4 zoning,

Etc.

- Where you can get information, and what you have to do

- Questionnaire form to be filled out to gather information on a particular property

The emails sent to each community over the past couple of weeks made the communities aware of the zoning issues, and will help them prepare their opinions about the rezoning so it can be moved into the County Council. It will not be Mr. Johnston doing all the work, the communities will have to participate and help.

The GSPC is committed to helping each community through the process that we will all go through for the next couple of months. Delegates should contact Mr. Johnston with questions or their concerns.

GSPC Director John Norville advised delegates that in the process any council member can add any amendments up to the very last moment even in another person’s district and can actually submit an amendment and request without the property owner knowing it which the PAB (Planning Advisory Board) has seen in the past where a community association put in a bunch of requests for private property and the owner’s didn’t know about it and didn’t want it. A lot of strange things can happen, but an amendment request can go in at the very last moment. Fortunately we have a lot of people, including Mr. Johnston, looking out for these situations, but if it gets 4 votes Planning and Zoning does not require going through PAB and there are no hearings. The backup is the County Executive can veto it as a line item veto, and it takes 5 votes to override the veto.

Board of Appeals -Deliberations

R. Hambly Case (BA 42-10A) - Antenna (Chartwell - Chartwell): Appeal denied. Mr. Johnston has talked to the communities and they see no particular reason to appeal the case.

- Clickner Case (BA 3-07V and 4-07V) - Large Dobbins Island - Continuing - Final hearing June 14, 2011.

- Shelter Development Assisted Living – Mr. Johnston confirmed talked to Kensington and is continuing.

Bill 43-11- Resolution to Oppose – Ordinance concerning Zoning – General Provisions – Piers and Mooring Pilings restrictions on mooring or docking: Bill states that no more than four watercraft exceeding 16 feet [changed from 24 feet] in length including watercraft belonging to guests may be moored or docked at a private pier or mooring piling. Watercraft exceeding 150 feet in length or 35 feet in width may not be moored or docked at a private pier or mooring piling for more than seven days in any 30-day period unless the pier or mooring piling is on the Patapsco River or the Chesapeake Bay.

Motion for GSPC to oppose Bill 43-11 and draft opposition letter approved by majority with 1 dissenting vote. Mr. Johnston will prepare opposition letter.

Chamber of Commerce Greater Severna Park: No report.

Other Community Business:

- Council Chairman Dick Ladd’s Monthly Review for June – See Appendix E for Council Chairman Ladd’s comments regarding the FY 2012 General operating fund budget and capital budget submission, the budget deficit situation and school construction funding.

NOTE: Go to: http://www.aacounty.org/News/Current/20110415_Budget.cfm to review the 2012 Budget Request and see the Capital Budget Highlights.

Contact his office to share ideas and thoughts by email at dladd@aacounty.org or call 410-222-1401. Constituent questions or concerns may also be directed to Diane Jennings at d.jennings@aacounty.org.

- County Executive John Leopold’s Month in Review for June – See Attachment F for important community events and information for June to share with your community members and family. Constituent questions or concerns may be directed to Mariana Hardy, constituent services, via email at mhardy@aacounty.org or 410-222-1323.

It's Hurricane Season. Are you and your family prepared in the event Anne Arundel County experiences nature's fury as so many communities have already this year? For more information about emergency preparedness, visit www.ready.gov and share this link with your fellow residents as well. Don't forget to plan for your pets too! Here is a link where you will find helpful suggestions: http://www.aacounty.org/AnimalControl/EmergencyPrepare.cfm

Mr. Leopold is asking for residents' thoughts on reforming the county pension plans. Please share your ideas or experiences with him at jleopold@aacounty.org on this topic or any others.

Unfinished Business: None.

New Business: None.

Next Meeting Dates:

- General Meeting: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 – 7:30 pm – Severna Park Library

- Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 - 7:30 pm - Severna Park Library

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.

Very respectfully submitted:

Kathleen J. Michels, GSPC Secretary

June 25, 2011

Appendix A

GSPC General Meeting

June 14, 2011

Treasurer’s Report

Account balances (as of 05/31/2011)

BB&T checking = $ 6154.34

SmithBarney money market = $ 791.43

SmithBarney CDs (4) = $25,000.00

Beautification Trust Fund balance (as of 05/31/2011)

BankAnnapolis = $ 2,473.61

______________________________________________________________

Account activity in May

BB&T

Dues deposited = $ 0.00

Checks cleared

--2180 = $ 27.61

--2181 = $ 9.93

SmithBarney

Money Market = $ 0.00

Interest = $ 0.00

BankAnnapolis (Beautification Fund)

Interest = $ 0.00

Appendix B

GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL

Membership UPDATE

June 14, 2011

The list of Greater Severna Park Council communities and their membership status includes:

57 Communities in Good Standing YTD 2011

Late for 2011 (4) [June is their last month eligible to vote].

Ben Oaks, Chartwood, McKinsey Park, Severn Heights.

-------------------------------------------------

Paid for 2011 (53) (Most recent dues payments in red)

Arnold Preservation Council, Belleview Estates, Bendale, Berrywood,

Bluff Point, Brittingham, Cape Arthur, Carrollton Manor, Cattail Passage,

Chartridge, Chartwell, Colchester, County Crusaders, Crain West,

Cypress Improvement, Cypress Landing, Fair Oaks, Fairwinds, Glen Oban,

Harlequin, Hollywood, Jennings Road, Kensington, Kilmarnock,

Lake Waterford, Linstead, Lower Magothy, Magothy Forest, Manhattan Beach,

North Cape Arthur, North Severna Park, Oakleigh Forest, Olde Severna Park,

Point Field Landing, Pointfield West, Round Bay, Severna Enclave,

Severna Forest, Severndale, Sheffield Park, Shipley's Choice Community,

Shipley's Choice Homeowners, Shipley’s Retreat Homeowners, Swann Point,

Tam Glade, Twin Harbors, Westridge, West Severna Park, Whitehurst,

Whitney's Landing, Williams Woods, Woodberry Farms, Woodbridge Forest.

-------------------------------------------------

Communities in arrears

For 2010: Evergreen.

For 2009 -- 10: Berrywood Ridge, Berrywood South,

East Earleigh Heights.

For 2008 -- 10: Jones CA.

For 2007 -- 10: Arundel Plaza, McKinsey Woods

Appendix C-p-1

Environmental Committee report for Greater Severna Park Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - Submitted by Ann Jackson & Ed Krause, Watershed Stewards

Magothy River Association www.magothyriver.org

Magothy River day was Sunday, June 12. Check the website for information about the event.

Severn River Association www.sra.org

SRA Monthly Meeting Tues June 21 at Arlington Echo beginning at 7 p.m.

Boaters for the Bay

Here are some guidelines from the Chesapeake Bay Boaters for the
Bay program:

1. PREVENT OILY DISCHARGE FROM THE BILGE
Keep your engine well-tuned, and place an absorbent pad or pillow under your engine where drips may occur, and in your bilge. Check the pads regularly and dispose of them properly as hazardous waste.

2. SPILL PROOF YOUR OIL CHANGES
Use an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container. Wrap a plastic bag or absorbent pad around the oil filter to prevent oil from spilling into the bilge.

3. SPILL PROOF YOUR FUELING PRACTICES
Fill tanks slowly, and use absorbent pads to catch spills and drips. Don’t “top-off” or overflow your fuel tank, and leave 5 percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms. Consider installing a fuel overflow reservoir in your fuel tank’s air vent line to prevent bubbling backflow.

4. DON'T ADD SOAP TO FUEL SPILLS
Not only is it illegal, but many soaps contain phosphorus, which feeds the excessive algae growth and contributes to the Bay’s “dead zone.” Use Bay-friendly cleaning agents.

5. MINIMIZE BOAT CLEANING & MAINTENANCE IN THE WATER
Use tarps and vacuum sanders to minimize debris, and collect all drips for proper disposal.

6. REDUCE TOXIC DISCHARGES FROM BOTTOM PAINTS
Use a hard, less toxic, or nontoxic antifouling paint, and use only non-abrasive underwater hull cleaning techniques to prevent excessive paint discharge. Consider dry storage, which reduces the need for antifouling paint and saves money.

7. DISPOSE OF HAZARDOUS WASTE PROPERLY
Dispose of paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil, oil filters, and other chemicals at a proper hazardous waste facility or event. Recycle paints, batteries, oil, oil filters and antifreeze don’t throw them overboard.

Appendix C-p-2

8. MANAGE SEWAGE WASTES PROPERLY
Use harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities instead of dumping into the Bay.

9. STOW IT, DON'T THROW IT!
Keep your trash onboard at all times. Never throw cigarette butts, fishing line, or any other garbage into the water. Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper.

10. REDUCE GRAYWATER DISCHARGES
Use a phosphate-free soap to minimize graywater impact on the marine environment, and do dishes and showers on shore whenever possible. Consider installing a graywater tank onboard.

For More Information Visit: www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=670 and Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Appendix D

GSPC Zoning/Legislation Agenda 6-14-11, Boldface=Your Attention, Regular Typeface= Information/follow.

Legislation, Planning, Zoning and Capital Projects:

Comprehensive Rezoning for Severna Park SAP, 37 Applications in District 5 and District 3. District 5

Schedule change: Notice to Applicants 7-6, Web posting 7-13, PAB Hearings 7-27, Bill introduction 8-1,

Council Work Session 8-9, Council Hearings 9-6, 9-19, 10-3, 10-17.

Watch List & Evaluation Sheet to GSPC Board,

Bill 12-11 Comprehensive Zoning Districts I and IV. Enacted 4-16-11 with some 35 Amendments.

Bill 43-11 Piers & Mooring Pilings Guest boats at private piers, currently 16’ changed to 24’

Resolution to oppose.

Bill 44-11 Comprehensive Zoning, Districts VI & VII, 48 Elements, 53 Amendments, PAB to review

Amendments on June 16^th.

Bill 50-11 Income Tax Change in rate from .0256 to .0253

Administrative Hearing Officer, Board of Appeals, MDE, Corps of Engineers, Complaints:

Webpage for AHO: http://www.aacounty.org/AdminHear/Calendar.cfm, Webpage for Board of Appeals:

http://www.aacounty.org/BdofAppeals/Calendar.cfm

Maryland Crematory, LLC, 406 Headquarters Dr Suite 10, Millersville, Application at North Library (Glen

Burnie) MDE permit pending.

2011-119-V Stephen Zeller, 6-23-11, 372 Magothy River Rd, garage setback, (Manhattan Beach)

2011-120-V Susan Veccia, 7-7-11, 384 Magothy Rd, porch setback, (Manhattan Beach)

2011-131-V John Tooles 7-14-11, 429 Maureen Ln, sunroom & deck setback, (Berrywood)

BA 01-11A Ferry Point Marina dba Magothy Seafood Restaurant 700 Mill Creek Rd, Hearings completed,

Written Closing Arguments pending. (Manhattan Beach) Permit B02264223 issued 12-2-10 for pavilion—

parking, critical area illegal use issues. Memorandum of Understanding—zoning violations 4 years in the

Critical Area, 3 years elsewhere...

BA 42-10A R. Hambly, 363 Hawick Ct, B02268513-86’ Antenna (Chartwood, Chartwell). Appeal Denied.

BA 3-07V & 4-07V D. Clickner, Remand C-07-128211, Final hearing 6-14-11, Standing of CBF and MRA

which may resolve comparable issues for all community associations (Large Dobbins Island).

Board of Appeals Deliberations

Circuit Court Cases (Clerk of Court 222-1431) Court of Special Appeals Cases, Clerk 410 260-1450, Court of Appeals, Court of Appeals Clerk 410-260-1500.

Case 60, 2009 MRA & CBF v. Clickner, (Large Dobbins Island), dismissed by Board of Appeals, Affirmed by

Circuit Court, Reversed by Court of Special Appeals, Multiple Parties (CBF, MRA, CAC), 4-30-10

Remand-Board of Appeals-standing. Board Hearing 5-5, 10, 11, 12, 17& 29-11. 5:30PM

(AMJ Correction to correct dates as opposed to that distributed at the meeting)

Subdivisions & Pre-submission Meetings: http://www.aacounty.org/LandUse/CalendarPreSub.cfm

Shelter Development Assisted Living, covenants never executed-GSPC assume power of enforcement?

C:\gspc\agenda\zlagenda\zlagenda 6-14-11, Al Johnston 410 647-1380, j202gspc@comcast.

Appendix E

Councilman Dick Ladd

Anne Arundel County Council

Fifth District

June 1, 2011

It has been budget time and SPHS was and remains my central (if not only) point of reference!

The great news is that funding to complete most, if not all, of the SPHS design work beginning July 1 was approved by the Council. The Board of Education says that is all the money that can be spent this year. A limited amount ($2.5M) of additional funding is required next year before the initial groundbreaking can begin.

Notwithstanding the strong show of community support for the high school, the Council chose to reverse course on its previous support for SPHS. There is no funding provided to start construction in the next four years. Right up front, I acknowledge that protecting the construction funding was and is my number one responsibility. Simply, I was not successful this year.

In the way of explanation, I can only offer one word: POLITICS.

When you have the votes, you can do virtually anything. In the Council ,“4 votes” rule. There is a group of four that says now is not the time for SPHS.

The money requested for SPHS will go to accelerate the construction of Lothian ES,

Crofton ES, Mills-Parole ES, Rolling Knolls ES and West Annapolis ES. Rolling Knolls ($31.2M) is not a Group 1 school and an additional $15M was added to the West Annapolis ES project. These two projects represent roughly half of the funds removed from SPHS.

An amendment I offered to provide $5.96M for the design of SPHS was defeated by the votes of Jones, Benoit, Trumbauer and Walker.

So, there will now be five elementary schools and one high school with completed design packages ready and competing for construction money next year. The approved budget does spread these schools out but the push for all to be funded is probable. Next year, the voice of SP will need to be heard often, clearly, and forcefully.

Strategically, the Council had two general budget issues to balance: revenue and spending.

The Council’s problem, like government everywhere, is more spending expectations than available revenue. To balance the 2012 budget, the plan is again using nonrecurring funding – mainly $23.8M in available fund balances or money previously set aside for specific future purposes. This source cannot be heavily relied upon much more.

Perhaps more important is that tax and fee revenue projections-- in current economic conditions -- have been overly optimistic. Actual receipts were off by $17M for budget year 2011. We already have lost $8M in projected 2012 slots money.

The “rainy day fund” -- which is used to cover revenue shortfalls -- has been drawn down to roughly $15M. The “contingency fund” has only $4M in it. The County Auditor says it well: “We are only a good snow storm away from some very difficult fiscal problems.”

The County’s job is to manage that risk. To that end, the Council looked at a wide range of cuts to current services. In the background are a number of implicit, unfunded expenses: retiree health care, a share of teacher pensions, furloughs/other pay reductions, current employee health care cost increases, and costs for cleaning up the bay. The yearly cost of these unfunded items is well over $100M.

Against this backdrop was the discussion about the proposed property tax increases of about 3% which will yield about $20M in revenue on a recurring basis.

While I ran as fiscal conservative, I believe we have to pay our current bills, recognized or not, and align our future commitments to what we are willing and able to support with taxes. That suggests supporting the property tax increase because the spending cuts needed to avoid raising taxes appear to be very onerous. All things considered, I did not vote for the tax increase (which was approved) because I pledged not to support it unless the SPHS construction was funded.

The budget passed resulted in no increase in total spending, reflected the $8M lower revenue projection, restored $5M to the “rainy day fund” and left the balance of the adjustments we made in the contingency reserve fund. That latter amount will be higher or lower based on the proposed reduction of the County income tax rate, which will be voted on in June.

I wish I had better news to share with you for a new modern home for one of the Nation’s best high schools.

Appendix F