KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Honorable Board of License Commissioners met today with the following present: Larry B. Beck, W. Michael Newnam, and Ronald H. Fithian, presiding.

T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, was also in attendance.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $7,068,136.00.

AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION BOARD

Timothy A. Redman was appointed as a member of the Agricultural Land Preservation Board for a five year term ending January 1, 2007.

BUDGET

Commissioners Fithian and Beck held budget work sessions with the following: Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, Jack Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Bernadette Van Pelt, Director, Tourism, Roger Williams, Treasurer, Elmer Horsey, Director, Economic Development, M. Susanne Hayman, Director, Human Resources, Janice Fletcher, Executive Assistant, Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration. Ed Robinson, County Administrator and Pat Merritt, Director, Budget and Accounting, were also in attendance.

CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE
UPPER SHORE OF ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

Commissioner Fithian reported on his attendance at the Upper Shore Aging Association of Counties meeting held on March 27. During this meeting, the proposed FY03 budget for Chesapeake College Budget was also presented. He advised of proposed further discussion by the County Administrators to address any budget issues should the need arise as it relates to Chesapeake College.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, appeared to report on the following issues:

Millington Water and Wastewater Expansion Policy - Mr. Morris provided a copy of correspondence received from Kirk and Janice Hassell, River Road, Millington, expressing their support for the Millington Water and Wastewater Expansion Project.

Commissioner Fithian stated his concern as to the project status and inquired of the Commissioners as to any additional changes to be included in the project plan. Commissioner Newnam stated he was ready to move forward with the project without any further changes. Commissioner Beck advised of additional questions recently forwarded to him which needed to be addressed by Ed Birkmire, Director Environmental Health. Commissioner Fithian stated that given the condition of the Millington Elementary School water quality, failed septic systems and shared wells, he felt overwhelming evidence demonstrated the need for the project. Commissioner Beck reiterated his desire to contact Mr. Birkmire with his issues before stating opinion of the progress of the project plan.

General - In follow-up from March 19, Mr. Morris reported of his attendance of the April 1 a meeting to further discuss the requirements relating to the designation of Priority Funding Areas as it relates to Kent County projects. Mr. Morris advised that although he was not optimistic about Kent County Department of Water and Wastewater Services projects being included in Smart Growth/ Priority Funding Areas, he would continue to pursue the matter.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

At 12:50 p.m., at the request of Elmer Horsey, Economic Development Director, a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian and passed by the majority of the Board to go into executive session to discuss issues for a business to remain in Kent County in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 1:05 p.m.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The Commissioners received correspondence from Eric Jackson, Chief, Kent-Queen Anne's Rescue Squad, Inc., expressing support of the Kent County Paramedic Program. Chief Jackson reported of 1156 calls for service in 2001 and encouraged the expansion of the program, services and staff.

GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT

The Commissioners approved a Raffle Permit for the Kent County Democratic Committee to hold a fund raising event on April 20 at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club, Chestertown.

HOMELAND SECURITY
TERRORIST ATTACK

As a result of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, correspondence was received from John Ashcroft, Attorney General, advising of the implementation of a series of initiatives t improve coordination and communication among all levels of government in the fight against terrorism. One initiative, the homeland Security Advisory System, would be implemented to communicate the nature and degree of terrorists threats.

HOME OWNERSHIP FAIR

In follow-up from March 19, and per the Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Jack Canan's, recommendation, the Commissioners approved not to hold a Home Ownership Fair for 2002 due to increased workload and waning interest in the fair. A revival of this event will be further discussed for 2003. A revival of this event will be further discussed for 2003.

KENT COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Leslie Raimond, representing Kent County Arts Council, appeared to discuss FY 03 proposed budget request. Mrs. Raimond expressed her gratitude for the Commissioners' support of FY 02 funding which increased from the previous year. With that fiscal increase, she provided information evidencing the arts programs have positively affected the community. Mrs. Raimond reviewed the numerous programs and events the Kent County Arts Council sponsors and/or is affiliated with.

Mrs. Raimond, on behalf of the Arts Council, made a $5,000 budget request, the same as FY 02.

Commissioner Fithian commended Mrs. Raimond and the Kent County Arts Council for their efforts that have far-reaching benefits to the residents of the County.

Commissioner Fithian thanked all for attending.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 10:20 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian and passed by the majority of the Board to go into executive session with Ernest S. Cookerly, County Attorney, for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Items of discussion included: tax sale properties and water service agreement.

The executive session adjourned 10:40 a.m.

LEGISLATION

The Commissioners received correspondence from Charles "Chip" MacLeod, Esq., advising of the Petition to Review the 2002 Legislative Redistricting Plan filed with the Court of Appeals on behalf of the individual County Commissioners of Caroline County. It was noted that Caroline County would welcome other Counties into this dispute. The Commissioners agreed not to join Caroline County in this matter at this time.

Correspondence was received from Delegate Mary Roe Walkup advising that House Bill 1176 - Dredge deposits- Creation of Artificial Islands in the Chesapeake Bay - Prohibited Use as a Part of the Management Plan did not receive a favorable report from the Environmental Matters Committee and will not move to the House for consideration. Delegate Walkup thanked the Commissioners for their support for this legislation.

MARYLAND STADIUM AUTHORITY

The Commissioners received the Maryland Stadium Authority Annual Report 2001.

PENSION PLAN

Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, advised that no word has been received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to date as it relates to possible transfer of VALIC funding toward the State Pension System. Hopefully, she will receive a legal opinion on tax exempt financing by next week

PERSONNEL

At 9:08 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner

Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

At 12:05 p.m. and at the request of M Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian and passed by the majority of the Board to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

At 12:50 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian and passed by the majority of the Board to go into executive session with Elmer Horsey, Economic Development Director, to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session 12:55 p.m.

RECOGNITION

Susanne Hayman Human Resources Director, was the recipient of the Maryland.com Women of Achievement Award. Nominated by Sheriff Price, Ms. Hayman, former State's Attorney, was recognized for her years of commitment to the community.

The April 2 reception and awards event, late today, co-hosted by Lt. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, will be held at the Maryland State House, Annapolis, to honor inspirational women whose accomplishments have positively impacted the community in either their professional or personal lives.

SASSAFRAS NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AREA

Correspondence was received from J. Charles Fox, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources, thanking the Commissioners for their support of the draft Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area plan. He also advised of the public meeting on April 8, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kent County Board of Education located on Washington Avenue, Chestertown.

SEMI ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS

In follow-up from last week, Roger Williams, Treasurer, recommended and the Commissioners approved a .66% interest rate for the Establishment of County and Municipal Service Fees for Semiannual Property Tax Payments.

USTAR TRANSPORTATION
UPPER SHORE AGING

In follow-up from March 19 discussion, the Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from Carl Burke, Upper Shore Aging, directed to Vicki Lewis, Assistant Administrator, Chestertown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, addressing her issues of concern relating to patient transportation.

Mr. Burke advised that he will encourage USTAR dispatchers to be more flexible in accommodating Chestertown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center patients, however, he suggested she work with private service providers for special trip needs from which they may subcontract with USTAR Transportation for disabled clients. Mr. Burke reiterated Federal Transit Regulations prohibiting USTAR Transportation from providing services for a for-profit agency.

WATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Correspondence was received from Daniel Harris, Speer Road, Millington, advising of application filed with Maryland Water Management Administration, to appropriate and use an average of 136,000 gallons of surface water per day from Cypress Branch to be used for farm irrigation. Comments or requests for an informational hearing must be received in writing by the Administration; all requests should be made to Maryland Water Management Administration, Water Rights Division, 2500 Broening Highway, Baltimore, Maryland 21224 or 410 631-3591.

WOODS EDGE APARTMENTS

In follow-up from last week, Timothy Anderson, representing the NAACP, appeared along with nine interested persons to continue discussion on public safety at Woods Edge Apartments. Jack Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator, was also in attendance.

Mr. Anderson expressed his gratitude for the increase in police presence and stated that foot patrols have made a difference resulting in decreasing illegal behavior. He inquired as to the Commissioners' position on the security proposal he submitted last week. Commissioner Beck advised that they had reviewed the proposal, however, had not discussed any action plan as of yet. Commissioner Fithian stated that funding resources, and alternative agency support was being investigated and as responses from those inquiries were determined, he would be informed. Commissioner Beck stated perhaps Sheriff Price will consider placing seasonal deputies in the community policing program once implemented. Commissioner Nerwnam expressed concern that Maryland State Police have not been requested to assist in this program.

Mr. Anderson advised that Woods Edge Apartment management was asked to pursue parking permits, a tenants association had been formed and community policing program has been scheduled to apprise the residents of the implementation process for a community watch program.

Commissioner Fithian noted of the proposal to fund construction of fencing at Woods Edge Apartments and reiterated that funding sources need to be further investigated. Commissioner Beck requested that Woods Edge Apartment management be included in the equation for funding the fencing proposal.

Commissioner Fithian assured Mr. Anderson that the Commissioners will continue to work with him and the residents at Woods Edge to resolve the problems.

Correspondence was received from Anne Livie, Director, Local Management Board, advising of the possibility of participating in concerns relating to safety at Woods Edge Apartments by engaging a researcher to conduct a search for appropriate funding resources and proposal development once resources have been identified. Since a search has already been conducted by Congressman Wayne Gilchrest's Office and Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, this proposal would result in duplication of effort already conducted.

ZONING VIOLATION

A copy of correspondence was received from G. Mitchell Mowell, Esq., directed to Mr. William M. Ashley, Jr., advising that zoning violations on property 5274 Eastern Neck Island Road must be abated within five days or be subject to a fine.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, April 9, 2002.

Please contact Joyce Laskey or Janice Fletcher at (410) 778-7435 or by e-mail with any questions or comments.