Legislation introduced at MML's request by Senator David Harrington and Delegate Al Carr to designate all grant monies in the Department of Natural Resources' Community Parks and Playgrounds Program to municipalities (SB 1000/HB 1604) passed unanimously in the just completed session of the Maryland General Assembly. The intent of the program has always been to assist municipalities in upgrading and refurbishing urban and suburban parks and playgrounds. In most years, this program is funded at approximately $5 million. Speaker Michael Busch and House Environmental Matters Chair Maggie McIntosh were instrumental in working to pass this important legislation. During deliberations on the bill, environmental parks and playgrounds projects were added to the list of eligible uses of the monies. Passage of this legislation is a significant win for MML and all Maryland's cities and towns that have used this money in the past and will continue to use these funds in the future to enhance older parks and playgrounds around the State.

Legislation to make sweeping changes to the State's critical areas program passed during this session of the General Assembly. There are 47 municipalities with land in the critical areas in Maryland. MML and the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) worked closely with local planners, builders and the Critical Areas Commission to draft amendments that strengthened the current program but also protected local land use authority. MML would like to thank all our municipal planners and land use attorneys who worked closely with MML staff throughout the process to ensure that amendments added to the bill were acceptable to municipal governments. There will be a complete synopsis of the legislation in the final report issued by MML in early June. The legislation, as amended can be reviewed by accessing the State's website at http://www.mlis.state.md.us and requesting information on HB 1253. Another bill (SB 213/HB 369) approved this year further developed a program created during last November's special session to reduce nonpoint source pollution runoff into the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. The budget approved during this just-completed session will fund the program at $25 million for Fiscal Year 2009. A League-supported amendment to fund special projects in municipal parks adjacent to Maryland waterways was added to the legislation after being earlier stripped out in the Senate's version of the bill. Special thanks to House Environmental Matters Committee Chair Maggie McIntosh who fought strenuously to include this language in the final bill.

SB 131, legislation introduced by Senator Nancy King to allow municipalities to impose a hotel tax in those counties where a revenue sharing arrangement currently does not exist passed the legislature this session. The legislation does not affect municipalities in counties where a hotel tax is currently not imposed or where more than 50% of current hotel tax revenues are earmarked for tourism activities. As amended, the legislation applies only to municipalities in Montgomery and Somerset Counties. An additional amendment added in the House requires municipalities to contribute a like percentage to tourism where a county is currently contributing a percentage to tourism within their jurisdiction. MML is pleased to finally pass legislation allowing municipalities the authority to impose a new tax at the municipal level and hopes that this will open the door in future years to passage of additional municipal taxing authority legislation. MML joined the City of Gaithersburg this session in working on this legislation. Gaithersburg has been working on this initiative for several years and deserves most of the credit in passing SB 131 this session.

For the third year in a row, legislation to address water restriction issues in the Piedmont area of the State was introduced and for the first time was successful. This year's legislation (SB 674/HB 1423) was different from bills considered in past years; it permits the Department of the Environment when issuing water permits to give priority to community water systems over the issuance of permits for private wells. MML would like to especially thank Senator David Brinkley for his long-standing interest and perseverance in passing this legislation and Delegate Sue Hecht who sponsored the House bill for MML this year.

This session, MML opposed a number of bills harmful to municipalities. Among the most onerous, legislation to repeal the law that requires homeowners to apply for a homestead property tax credit was defeated. There is evidence that some homeowners, either intentionally or unintentionally, are claiming a homestead tax credit on non-owner occupied properties, costing local governments thousands of dollars in lost property tax revenues. The Senate passed legislation to repeal the application program. However, both Senate and House bills to discontinue the homeowner application requirement died in the House Ways and Means Committee without ever coming to a vote. Both MML and MACo opposed the legislation.

Also defeated this session was legislation that would have required, under the Open Meetings Act, that all votes of a public body be taken in open session. MML and MACo opposed the legislation citing numerous examples where some votes taken in open session could potentially harm delicate property acquisition negotiations or compromise employee disciplinary actions.

Legislation to allow homeowners and community associations to have legal standing in challenges to local land use court actions was defeated again this session. This year's legislation was more general and potentially more harmful than bills introduced in prior years. As in past years, MML and MACo joined together to again defeat this legislation.

Finally, legislation to extend the period wherein legal claims against a local government may be filed from 6 months to one year passed the House but died on the Senate floor without ever coming to a vote in the full Senate. MML and MACo worked throughout the final month of the 2008 legislative session to defeat the bill. Senator Nathaniel McFadden (Baltimore City) special ordered the legislation on the final night to offer local government amendments if needed to mitigate the damaging effects of the legislation. However, the opportunity never arose to offer the amendments and, as a result, the legislation died on the floor as the session ended.

MML's priority legislation to allow speed cameras in residential areas and school zones failed in the final hours on the last day of the 2008 General Assembly session. The legislation (HB 364/SB 269) went to a House and Senate conference committee in the final days of the legislative session to iron out differences between bills approved by the two bodies. Although conferees completed their work with only hours left in the 2008 legislative session, the conference committee report did not make it back to the Senate or House in time for both bodies to accept the conference report, resulting in the demise of the legislation.

Delegate Al Carr introduced HB 857, legislation to allow municipalities to annex lots that are partially within municipal borders without going through the normal annexation process, died on the Senate floor on the final day of the 2008 legislative session. The legislation was special ordered by Senator E.J. Pipkin repeatedly throughout the evening and, as a result, the bill was never voted on by the Senate. Senator Pipkin cited property rights issues in his opposition to the legislation.

Nominations materials for the 2008-2009 MML Board of Directors were mailed to chief municipal elected officials and chapter presidents and secretaries in March. The following nominations have been received to date:

President
Sidney A. Katz - Mayor, Gaithersburg

First Vice President
Craig A. Moe - Mayor, Laurel

District 11 Vice President
Christopher M. Nevin - Councilman, Hampstead

Member-at-Large (10 seats)
David L. Anderson - Mayor Pro Tem, New Carrollton
Judith F. "J" Davis - Mayor, Greenbelt
Frank M. Johnson - Mayor, Mount Airy
Roger E. Rudder - Councilman, Brentwood
Margaret G. Terry - Councilwoman, Brentwood

You will save money if you register for MML's convention by April 14 (postmark). MML's annual convention will be held June 22-25, 2008 at the Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. MML's convention is the premiere training event for Maryland city and town officials and includes 17 workshops, a general session, a cabinet secretaries roundtable, a mayors forum and a 200+ booth exhibition. Registration fees and social function tickets increase in price on April 15. Complete convention information is in the March issue of Municipal Maryland and on MML's website, www.mdmunicipal.org/cv08/cvinfowlinks.cfm. This link will take you directly to the convention online registration form Online Registration Form

Municipal department heads and employees who do not normally attend MML's convention are invited to visit the exhibits on Tuesday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per person and includes lunch. There is no pre-registration for Commerce Day - just show up at the Convention Center on June 24 after 10:00 a.m. and pay the $30 fee to receive a special pass to the exhibit areas. Commerce Day Flyer

Children (under age 16) will be permitted in the exhibit area only on Tuesday, June 24 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., and they must be accompanied by a registered adult at all times. There will be a special activity for children in Exhibit Hall C during that time. Children can enjoy "Art in the Park" with Lollipop the Clown, who will provide entertainment and lead the children in an arts and craft project.

The deadline to submit an application for a training grant is April 15, 2008. MML is offering training grants to attend MML's June 2008 convention to municipal officials from cities and towns that have not had a delegate attend the convention in either 2006 or 2007. The grant includes a full convention registration and hotel accommodations for Sunday through Tuesday nights. The convention is MML's premiere training event that will feature 17 workshops this year on issues important to municipal government officials. You can download a copy of the grant brochure from MML's website at www.mdmunicipal.org/training/traininggrants.cfm or call to request that a form be faxed or mailed to you. MML's leadership encourages you to take advantage of this learning opportunity. If you have questions, contact Linda Burrell at MML.

Exhibit space in Ocean City Convention Center Halls A&B is almost sold out and MML has begun selling booths in Hall C to commercial exhibitors. This is the time to sign up to be part of Municipal Main Street 2008! This MML convention feature, showcasing Maryland's municipalities, allows each city, town and MML department the opportunity to promote, discuss and highlight the events, programs and history that make their municipalities unique. Visit the MML website at Main Street Information or contact Steve Lopes at SteveL@mdmunicipal.org today.

Each exhibit booth on Municipal Main Street includes:

• Two full convention registrations - NEW FOR 2008
• An overhead façade to create the suggestion of a streetscape
• Municipalities under 2,500 population may share a booth with ONE other municipality under 2,500 -
  NEW FOR 2008

Come join your fellow cities and towns to celebrate your unique heritage at the MML annual convention, June 22-25, 2008, in Ocean City!

Current Main Street exhibitors include Bel Air, Bowie, Brentwood, Chesapeake Beach, Crisfield, Cumberland, Denton, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Havre de Grace, Laurel, Leonardtown, Maryland Main Street Program, MML's Code Enforcement and Zoning Officials Association, MML's Municipal Clerks Association, MML's Municipal Information and Technology Association, MML's Parks and Recreation Department, Mount Airy, Mount Rainier, New Carrollton, North Beach, North Brentwood, Riverdale Park, Rock Hall, Salisbury, Seat Pleasant, Snow Hill, Takoma Park, Westminster, and the Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Cottage City and Edmonston.

The Town of Capitol Heights is seeking candidates for the position of Town Clerk. The Town is seeking individuals with a positive, can-do attitude to work in a professional municipal government position. Individual must be detail-oriented and enjoy working with and for people. Clerk is responsible for keeping and maintaining all legislative items and administrative records for the Town. Prepares meeting agendas, event flyers, and related materials. Prepares correspondence and responds to inquiries. Prepares meeting minutes of all council work sessions, council meetings, and special meetings as needed. Should possess excellent communication skills and an intermediate to advanced working knowledge of computers. MS Word, MS Excel, MS Office, Windows, Internet, MS PowerPoint, Publisher, and FrontPage knowledge preferred but not required. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience as a Municipal Clerk. Member of Maryland Municipal Clerks Association and Municipal Clerk certification preferred. Bachelor's degree preferred. Job will require some evening hours, particularly Monday evenings for Council meetings. Salary negotiable. Submit resume and cover letter to James Booth, Town Administrator, Town of Capitol Heights, One Capitol Heights Boulevard, Capitol Heights, MD 20743 or fax to 301/336-8706. EOE.

Responsible for providing economic development opportunities and information for new and existing businesses and industries. Develops and identifies funding sources and other incentives that will work to encourage and promote economic development within the City. Represents the City on various committees that work to promote economic development and workforce development opportunities. Coordinates retention and recruitment efforts with the Allegany County Economic Development Office to ensure the efforts undertaken by both the City and County are complimentary in nature. Serves as staff liaison to the City's Economic Development Commission. Responsibilites include coordinating and participating in the development of economic development programs, plans and strategies, representing the City in organizations concerning economic development, developing and executing the City's annual marketing plan, working with existing businesses on retention efforts as well as growth and expansion efforts, and coordinating activities of Central Business District in conjunction with the Downtown Mall Managers, the Historic Preservation Coordinator, and the City Planner. Reports directly to the City Administrator and oversees the Business Resource Center with two contractual employees and various volunteers. Applications may be obtained from the Human Resource Office, City Hall, Second Floor, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from the City of Cumberland web page at www.ci.cumberland.md.us. Completed applications and resumes are to be returned to the Human Resource Office prior to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008. A physical examination will be required prior to appointment. Salary is based on qualifications and experience $42,223 - $74,192 EEO.

Needed for long-range planning activities and overseeing housing and community development efforts. Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with frequent work required after hours to attend public meetings. $60,461/year plus benefits. Include position title and number (POS-18-08). For more information visit www.cityoffrederick.com, or e-mail gking@cityoffrederick.com. Applications may be mailed to The City of Frederick's Human Resources Department at 101 North Court Street, Frederick, MD 21701, or faxed to 301/600-1878. Physical and drug test required for all positions. E.O.E./A.A.

The City of Fruitland, Maryland is seeking applications for the position of Chief of Police. The City is looking for an experienced and visionary leader to direct and manage the Fruitland Police Department which consists of 16 sworn officers and one civilian employee. The Chief will be a community-minded leader who is committed to professionalism, innovation and excellence: having highly developed communication/interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate strategic plans and long-term goals to the agency, city management, elected officials and the community; have demonstrated knowledge of operational and administrative skills and a commitment to cultural diversity. Qualifications include the following: minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration or similar field from as accredited college or university and/or completion of a senior management program such as FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute or similar advanced leadership program; 15 years law enforcement experience with at least five years of supervisory and management positions in a law enforcement agency at a command level; must possess certification through the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission; and must possess a valid driver's license. The City of Fruitland has a City Manager/Council form of Government. The Chief of Police reports directly to the President of Council with dotted-line responsibilities to the City Manager. The Chief is responsible for all aspects of police operations. Salary commensurate with experience and includes a great benefit package. If you are interested in joining a growing City, please mail, fax, or e-mail your confidential resume by 4:00 p.m. EST April 30 to John F. McDonnell, City Manager, City of Fruitland, 401 East Main Street, Fruitland, MD 21826. Phone: 410/548-2809, fax 410/548-4362. E-mail: jmcdonnell@cityoffruitland.com. EOE.

Greenbelt, a progressive and diverse community of 21,000, seeks applicants to fill the position of City Clerk. This position prepares and keeps the official records of the city, conducts elections, provides professional administrative support to the City Council and City Manager, and is a member of the senior staff. The City Clerk attends regular City Council meetings and most work sessions; prepares the agenda for Council meetings and takes minutes of these meetings; administers the appointments process for Council's advisory groups including recruitment, scheduling interviews and acts as intermediary; and acts as liaison to Board of Elections and Employee Relations Board. Strong organizational, computer, interpersonal, written and verbal skills required. Bachelor's degree or equivilent training or experience required. Certified Municipal Clerk desirable. Excellent benefits including State pension plan. Salary range $50,000 to $70,000 DOQ. Submit resume and required application to Human Resources Office, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Application available at www.greenbeltmd.gov. EOE.

The Town of New Windsor (www.newwindsormd.org) is seeking an accomplished leader for the position of Town Manager. New Windsor, population 1,414, is located in central Maryland. The Manager reports to the Mayor and is responsible for the management of Town programs and delivery of municipal services. Current operating budget is $1,019,021. Primary responsibilities include public works projects, community and intergovernmental relations, financial management, budgeting and grant writing. Working knowledge of public administration, budgeting, preparation of grant(s) and technical assistance application is essential. Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field or equivalent in education and experience is required. Excellent benefit package. Please send cover letter with salary requirements and resume in confidence to New Windsor Manager Search, P. O. Box 609, New Windsor, MD 21776 by May 4, 2008. Resume review will begin on May 5, 2008.

Upper Marboro has a vacancy for a Maryland Certified Police Officer. Salary begins at $32,000 depending on experience. Send resume to Chief of Police, Town of Upper Marlboro, 14211 School Land, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

The Charles County Government Planning and Growth Management Department/Development Services Division is seeking an Engineer III to perform professional civil engineering work involving the application of civil engineering principles and concepts to infrastructure projects. Supervises specialized engineering work in an assigned project or major functional area including grading, storm drainage, storm water management, roads, water and sewer engineering, with emphasis being in road discipline. Reviews and evaluates projects for conformance with engineering regulations, development & subdivision requirements, standard specifications and standard details. Develops, reviews and evaluates studies, reports and recommendations. Bachelor's degree in civil engineering and five years related engineering experience, Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) or four years additional engineering experience, and a valid driver's license required. Position is open until filled; for best consideration apply by April 25, 2008. Starting salary range is $60,231 to $78,801. Starting salary based on qualifications. Charles County offers excellent benefits including a defined benefit pension plan, deferred compensation, generous leave and health care programs. The Charles County Employee Pension Plan honors portability of eligible prior Maryland State and local government service in other defined benefit pension plans. Apply online at www.charlescounty.org, or submit application and resume to the Human Resources Department, Charles County Government Building, P. O. Box 2150, La Plata, MD 20646. Minority and female applicants are encouraged to apply. EOE.