GC Commissioners Review Short List Of Proposed Road Projects
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May. 27, 2010
Garrett County Roads Department personnel met with the county commissioners on Tuesday and reviewed their bridge, roadwork, and paving projects scheduled for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2010 and upcoming FY 2011. Because of economic conditions, however, that “to-do” list is short.
Swallow Falls Road Bridge
General roads superintendent Jay Moyer said the bid advertisement for construction of a new Swallow Falls Road bridge has been delayed until next year. In the meantime, there is a weight restriction on the bridge, which is located near Swallow Falls State Park.
When construction does begin on the new bridge, a temporary one-lane structure with no weight restriction will be placed over the Youghiogheny River. Moyer said it was important to keep the roadway open because of the park and a nearby business that relies on tourism.
“The estimated cost of that bridge is going to be in the neighborhood of $3.5 million, of which 80 percent will be federally funded with the county share being 20 percent, or roughly $720,000,” Moyer said.
Glendale Road Intersection
Moyer said the State Highway Administration (SHA) has approved the design contract for the Glendale Road Intersection Improvement Project.
“[But] SHA still has a problem with the estimated cost of that project,” the superintendent said. “And we’re going to be looking at ways to lessen the financial impact of that project on the county.”
Moyer said the cost will be well over $1 million, with approximately $742,000 available in grants. The county’s responsibility will be roughly $258,000.
He added that actual construction on the project will not begin until next year.
Exhibit Hall
If approved by the Garrett County Fair Board, improvements related to the exhibit hall will begin soon at the fairgrounds, Moyer indicated. County engineer Dwight Emory has proposed a schedule of what needs to happen, how it needs to happen, and how long it should take, the superintendent noted.
That work includes a new acceleration/decelera-tion lane, new entrance, a new roadway, two parking areas, and a stormwater system.
The estimate cost is $1 million. A $300,000 USDA grant is available, Moyer said, and the county is responsible for the remainder of the cost. He noted that as much “in house” work as possible will be done in order to get the cost down to the county’s budgeted amount.
Bridge G-84
Moyer also reported that replacement of Bridge G-84, located over Mill Run on Chet Kelly Road, has been delayed. The superintendent explained that based on an inspector’s report, the Roads Department was going to use a prefabricated bridge that it already has on hand to replace the current structure.
But when Moyer’s staff measured the site in preparation for the replacement, they discovered that the inspector’s numbers were off by two feet. As a result, a new bridge has to be purchased. The estimated project limit is $50,000 in county funds.
Savage River Road
Moyer said road repairs, including a tar and chip overlay, will be completed on Savage River Road during the 2010 construction season. Estimated at $30,000, the project will be funded by the county.
“That road is open; it’s usable,” Moyers said. “It just has a section that no longer has tar and chip; it’s been washed out.”
The superintendent noted, as temporary measures, a Grantsville garage crew has put crusher run gravel down and done work to prevent the river from coming onto the road.
ARRA Stimulus Project
Moyer said the resurfacing of Chestnut Ridge and New Germany roads is expected to proceed the first week of June.
The commissioners awarded the project to Keystone Lime, which submitted a bid of $1,068,236.60. Purchasing agent Brian Bowers noted that the bid was $248,958.75, or 18.9 percent, below the engineer’s estimate.
Funding for this project is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in the amount of $1,204,000. Driveway “tie-in” work and costs, however, will be the county’s responsibility.
Keystone has 30 working days to complete the project.
In addition to the major projects list, Moyer presented the commissioners with his four-year improvement plan for various other county roadways.
“This is an ever-evolving document,” Moyer stressed. “As of our staff meeting Monday morning, we’ve already made changes to it.”
Moyer told the commissioners he would just have to update the commissioners on plan changes, based on funding availability and road conditions.
“We’re going to have to be very conscientious of where we put asphalt,” the superintendent said. “We’re definitely going to try to do any road that we feel is likely to fail in the next year.”
He asked the commissioners to once again consider “banking” half of the paving money for winter operations. Moyer said, hopefully, that money will “still be there” in the spring to use for paving projects.
The commissioners earmarked some of the county’s paving money for this past winter’s operations. This was very beneficial to the Roads Department, as the local area received a record amount of snow, more than 260 inches, this past season.
The commissioners’ next scheduled public meeting is Tuesday, June 1, beginning at 11 a.m. at the courthouse in Oakland.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Deep Creek Lake Info, Business Directories, Calssified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!
Annual McHenry Highland Festival Slated June 4–6
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May. 27, 2010
The 23rd annual McHenry Highland Festival will take place Friday through Sunday, June 4–6. Scheduled to kickoff the festival is a Celtic concert at Wisp Resort Friday evening. A cash bar and light fare will be available at 7 p.m., with the concert slated at 8 p.m.
The event will feature world renowned Scottish fiddler Bonnie Rideout, Celtic rock band MacTalla Mór, Celtic singer-songwriter Christina Harrison.
Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased in advance at Gregg’s Pharmacy, Oakland; the Visitors Center, McHenry; or online at www.highlandfest.info
The festival will continue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for students, and free for children 12 years of age and younger.
This year’s honorary clan chieftain is Odette Lueck, who will preside over the festival.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
McHenry Highland Festival
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Music of the Scottish Moors will soon resound throughout the Deep Creek Lake area, as the 23rd annual McHenry Highland Festival is scheduled for next weekend. The festival features a Celtic concert at Wisp Resort on Friday evening, June 4, a wide variety of activities on Saturday, June 5, at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, and a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans on Sunday, June 6. See story. Pictured is the Parade of Clans from a few years ago. The parade is scheduled for noon on Saturday at the fairgrounds and will feature clan representatives, military units, Celtic dogs, and, of course, pipe and drum bands. Photo by John McEwen.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Welcome to Summer - Memorial Day 2010
Its here. The un-official, offical first weekend of summer. Here is a quick hit list of whats going on:
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Friday May 28 (tonight)
2010 Inaugural “All-American Whitewater Festival” (several days)
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3826
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Saturday May 29
19th Anniversary Boathouse Show @ Boardwalk
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122801051083652&index=1
K-9, Tunes & Brews
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3746
Tom Wallisch Memorial Day Rail Jam (on real snow!!!)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120179218020073&index=1
Campfire – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – DCL State Park Amphitheater
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Sunday May 30
Morning Hike @ Discovery Center 7am
Cookout at Jay’s 4pm (just seeing you’re paying attention 🙂
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Monday May 31
Old Fashioned Memorial Day Celebration – Grantsville
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3836
Herrington Manor Hay Rides
http://www.visitdeepcreek.com/event.php?eventid=3717
Be safe, don’t drink & drive, and have a blast this weekend! I’ll see you on the lake!!
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Honi-Honi gearing up for Memorial Day
I took a few shots of the haze melting off Tuesday morning. The Honi Honi looks quite inviting and seems to be ready for the summer crowd. I’m hoping to spend some time there in the very near future. Nothing starts the summer off quite like a cold beer on the lake with 1,000 other lake friends 🙂
Garrett commissioners OK final drafts of land ordinances
Megan Miller Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — The Garrett County Commission gave its unanimous approval Tuesday to the final drafts of three amended ordinances to guide county land development.
“We’re at the end of the road here, so this is good, so far as these ordinances are concerned,” John Nelson, director of planning and land development, told the commission.
The newly adopted versions will go into effect June 1. But the long process of updating the three planning and land development ordinances — a subdivision ordinance, sensitive areas ordinance and Deep Creek watershed zoning ordinance — began more than a year ago, in April 2009.
The first versions spurred some public uproar over a provision that would affect the development of rural resource and agricultural resource land. That provision would have required at least 66 percent of subdivision land parcels in those areas to be set aside as “resource parcels,” or open land.
That requirement was removed in a later draft, after landowners objected that it infringed on private property rights and could potentially drive down property values by restricting land use. Instead, the document includes clustering as an option, and contains incentives to attempt to encourage that type of development.
A provision in the first draft of the updated Deep Creek watershed zoning ordinance also caused a stir because it would have put strict requirements on development on crests and ridge lines visible from the surface or shoreline of the lake. The proposed changes also would have required trees to be planted between structures and the lake to screen them from view.
But the strict requirements didn’t sit well with people specifically interested in those properties for the development potential and unobstructed lake views. In a later draft, the provision was changed to require only that trees be planted around the sides and rear of new structures to help them blend into the surrounding vegetation. No trees are required for the front, or lake-facing side.
The ordinance update was undertaken because state law requires the ordinances to be adjusted to remain consistent with changes to the county comprehensive plan. The current version of the plan was adopted in 2008.
Updated versions of the ordinance drafts and maps are available on the county website at www.garrettcounty.org
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Their treat: Cops to give free desserts to kids in life jackets
From the Outdoors Girl blog:
From Deep Creek Lake to the waters around Ocean City, kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer could win a free dessert for putting safety first.
Following the worst season for boating fatalities in more than a decade, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers will be giving away coupons for Rita’s Italian Ice as part of a stepped up education and enforcement program. Also, coupons will be given out wherever the colorful “Wear-it, Maryland” truck is on display.
The coupons are good for a free Italian ice at any of Rita’s 80 Maryland shops.
Last year, Maryland had 16 fatal accidents, resulting in 17 deaths–the highest number in more than a decade. Sixteen of the 17 victims were not wearing life vests.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
No “Sales Tax” on Home Sales in Recently Enacted Health Reform Bill
From MDRealtor.org:
Contrary to reports and newspaper articles circulating widely on the Internet, there is not a “sales tax” or “transfer tax” on the sale of a home included in the recently signed health care reform bill. The analysis underlying these reports is incorrect.
Beginning in 2013, the health bill imposes a new 3.8% Medicare tax on “net investment income” earned by taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income of more than $200,000 for individuals or more than $250,000 for married couples. Since capital gains are included in the definition of net investment income, a tax obligation might result from the sale of real property. In the case of the sale of a principal residence, the existing $250,000/$500,000 exclusion from capital gains on the sale of a principal residence remains unchanged. Therefore, even when the AGI limits are met, the new tax would apply only to the gain realized on a home sale in excess of the $250K/$500K existing primary home exclusion that pushes the filer’s AGI over the $200K/$250K adjusted gross income limit.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Government Affairs News - Maryland Realtor
From MDRealtor.org:
Governor Signs Short Sale Tax Prohibition Legislation
On May 20th, Governor Martin O’Malley signed hundreds of bills into law. Summaries of several real estate bills he signed are listed below, including three MAR priorities: legislation prohibiting the taxation of forgiven debt in short sales; legislation giving small businesses the ability to pay property taxes semiannually; and legislation regulating real estate teams.
HB 590/SB 657 – Taxation of Forgiven Debt in Short Sales
STATUS: PASSED – Effective May 20th, 2010.
Clarifies that recordation and transfer taxes may not be imposed on the forgiven debt in short sale transactions. Three counties (Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery) began levying recordation taxes on the forgiven debt in short sale transactions at the end of 2009. MAR initially sought an opinion from the Attorney General regarding this practice. Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler released that opinion at MAR’s Legislative Day confirming that recordation taxes cannot be levied on the forgiven debt. HB 590/SB 657 strengthen his opinion and make clear that transfer taxes may not be imposed either.
HB 484/SB 1083 – Semiannual Payment Schedule – Small Business Property
STATUS: PASSED – Effective October 1, 2010 for tax years beginning after June 30, 2011.
Requires local governments to provide a semiannual payment schedule for small business property. Currently, local governments only provide the semiannual payment schedule for residential property. A small business property is defined as a property assigned a commercial use code by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation and for which the annual property taxes do not exceed $50,000.
HB 199/SB 520 – Homestead Property Tax Credit – Federal Government Employees
STATUS: PASSED – Effective June 1, 2010 for tax years beginning after June 30, 2010
Extends the Homestead Property Tax Credit to federal employees stationed outside Maryland for a period not exceeding 6 consecutive years. Once the homeowner moves back to Maryland, the homeowner may reclaim the credit which will be calculated as if the credit had not been lost during the homeowner’s out-of-state residency.
HB 406 – Real Estate Licensees – Services Provided through Teams
STATUS: PASSED – Effective October 1, 2010
Regulates real estate teams and groups. It defines a real estate team as two or more associate brokers or licensed salespersons who work together on a regular basis to provide real estate brokerage services; who represent themselves to the public as being party of one entity; and who designate themselves a collective name such as a team or group. Each team must designate a team leader who has at least three years experience as a licensee. The team leader is responsible for supervising other team members and ensuring that the team adheres to all office rules, practices, and procedures established by the broker and or branch office manager. Advertisements for the team must include the name of the brokerage, the name of at least one licensed team member, and a telephone number of the broker or branch office manager.
HB 472 – Foreclosure Mediation
STATUS: PASSED – Effective July 1, 2010
Establishes a mediation process for homeowners facing foreclosure. Requires lenders to provide information detailing the lender’s efforts to avoid foreclosure with the homeowner. If the lender has not completed its consideration of foreclosure alternatives, the legislation provides a process for that to occur even after a foreclosure has been filed with the court. Allows a homeowner to opt for foreclosure mediation if the homeowner does not believe he/she was fairly considered for foreclosure alternatives. Provides additional funding for housing counselors to assist homeowners.
HB 711/SB 654 – Tenants in Foreclosure
STATUS: PASSED – Effective June 1, 2010
Largely conforms tenant disclosure legislation passed last year to the new federal Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (Public Law No: 111-22). While Maryland law only required lenders and foreclosure purchasers to give notice to tenants living in foreclosed property, the federal law actually extends tenant leases for at least 90 days after a foreclosure sale. HB 711/SB 654 gives tenants the same rights under Maryland law which exist in the federal law. However, unlike the federal law which terminates at the end of 2012, the state law has no automatic termination date.
HB 1399 – Required Notice of Housing Counseling Programs and Services
STATUS: PASSED – Effective January 1, 2011 contingent upon the adoption of regulations
Requires a lender to provide a borrower written notice recommending that the borrower complete homebuyer education or housing counseling and information about such programs. Lenders who must already refer borrowers to housing counseling are exempt. The law is effective January 1, 2011 contingent upon regulations being adopted before October 1, 2010 by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If the regulation is not passed by October 1, 2010, the law does not take effect until 60 days after DHCD certifies adoption of the regulations to the Department of Legislative Services.
HB 475 – Sustainable Communities Act
STATUS: PASSED – Effective June 1, 2010
Extends for three years the Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit and renames it as the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit. The bills would permit certain non-historic structures (such as transit oriented development, BRAC enterprise zones) to claim a reduced credit (10 percent of rehabilitation costs). Historic structures can still claim a credit for 20 percent of certified costs, and a 25 percent credit could be claimed for historic renovations which comply with LEED certification. Funding for the credits is capped, so not every eligible property will receive the credit.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Primary election taking shape in Garrett County
Commission, sheriff’s seats up for grabs
From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — Several contested races have already formed for local offices in Garrett County’s Sept. 14 primary election, with the deadline to file candidate papers still months away.
Local offices open in 2010 include: all three county commission seats, state’s attorney, sheriff, clerk of courts, register of wills, judge of orphans court, three school board seats for Districts 1, 2, and 3, and the chairs of the Republican and Democratic central committees.
All three incumbent county commissioners are seeking to retain their seats, but at least two will face challengers in the primary.
Current commission chairman Ernest Gregg, R-Mountain Lake Park, will take on Gregan Crawford, R-Oakland, for the District 1 seat on the commission. Incumbent Fred Holliday, R-Grantsville, will vie with current board of education member Jim Raley, R-Frostburg, for the District 2 seat. In District 3, incumbent Denny Glotfelty, R-McHenry, is currently unopposed.
Two men have filed as Republican candidates for the office of sheriff, Robert E. Corley, Oakland, and Larry Gnegy, Oakland. The office is currently held by Gary Berkebile.
Incumbent Rita L. Watson, R-Oakland, will face Republican challengers Traci Royce, Oakland, and John K. Sines, Oakland, for register of wills. Watson was appointed register of wills after the retirement of Joseph DiSimone in June.
Five candidates have filed for three open positions as judge of the orphans court. The three candidates who receive the most votes will be elected to fill the positions.
Incumbents Clifford C. DeWitt, R-Oakland, James F. Margroff, R-Accident, and H. Wayne Wilt, R-Oakland, are seeking re-election, and face challenges from David C. Beard, R-Oakland, and Aria Knust, R-Oakland.
Incumbent Sondra R. Buckel, R-Bittinger, is running unopposed for re-election as clerk of the circuit court. It will be Buckel’s first time seeking the office in an election, as she was originally appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of David K. Martin in 2007.
In the nonpartisan board of education races, both current president Donald Forrester, Mountain Lake Park, and current vice president Thomas Carr, Accident, are, at this point, unopposed to retain their District 1 and 2 seats. No candidate has yet filed for the District 3 seat currently held by Rodney Durst, Oakland.
No candidate has yet filed for the offices of state’s attorney or either the Republican or Democratic central committee chairs.
At the state level, Sen. George Edwards, R-Grantsville, has filed to retain his seat representing District 1 in Annapolis, and Delegate Wendell Beitzel, R-Accident, has filed to retain his District 1A seat in the House of Delegates. Both are, so far, running unopposed.
The deadline for filing candidate papers is July 6.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
