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 $6,809,838.00

AIRPORT

The Commissioners received correspondence from Beverly K. Swaim-Staley, Acting Executive Director, Maryland Aviation Administration, advising of a seminar entitled "How to Assure the Future of Your Airport". The seminar is to address the needs and interests of public officials and their airport administrative responsibilities. The Commissioners requested Jim Wright, County Engineer, to attend the June 3, 4, 2002 seminar.

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Announcement was received from Kim Barroll, Director, Adult Education Programs, Kent County Public Schools, stating the Maryland State Board of Education has authorized the Kent County Public Schools to award diplomas to World War II veterans who left high school to join the armed forces. Names of World War II veterans are being sought who sacrificed their high school graduation in order to serve in the military. A special ceremony will be held on June 8, 2002 at 5 p.m. at Kent County High School to unveil a commemorative plaque and the presentation of diplomas.

BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING
PUBLIC LANDINGS AND FACILITIES BOARD

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and reported on the April 8 Public Landings and Facilities Board (PLFB) meeting. Commissioner Fithian stated that he also attended the meeting.

The following issues were discussed:

As approved by the Commissioners, and as a result of an encroachment on Bayside Public Landing, Mr. Stanton will schedule to have a survey performed. The Commissioners requested permanent markers be placed delineating the public landing to ensure boundaries could be located in the future.

Mr. Stanton reported that the PLFB approved the use of Bayside Public Landing for Party

On The Bay event scheduled for August 18, 2002. The Commissioners concurred.

Mr. Stanton reported on considerable discussion at the meeting relating to the lack of large slips to be offered on May 6. In light of the lack of large slips and the first come first serve policy, small vessels could perpetually be placed in the few large slips available. Commissioner Beck inquired as the number of large slips at Bayside Public Landing. Mr. Stanton advised there were only 16 large slips. Commissioner Fithian reported that the PLFB will meet again on Monday, April 15, to further discuss this matter.

In follow-up from last week's bid opening for the construction of the public boat launch ramp, Mr. Stanton advised that the low bidder has expressed interest to construct a pre-cast concrete boat ramp rather than a poured concrete boat ramp as listed in bid specification. Mr. Stanton reported that according to representatives from Waterway Improvement Program, a pre-cast boat ramp is not as durable and has a shorter life span. Since bid requirements specified a poured concrete boat ramp, the Commissioners concurred to discuss the matter with the County Attorney.

Later in the day, the Commissioners noted that the County Attorney advised that the bidder should be expected to perform the work per the bid specifications. Mr. Stanton will be so advised.

BUDGET

The Commissioners will hold budget work sessions with the following starting at 6:00 p.m. this evening: Sheriff John Price, Warden Richard Darling, Robert H. Strong, State's Attorney, and Robert Rust, Director, Central Alarm/Emergency Management.

COMMUNITY/ RECREATION CENTER

Correspondence was received from Mike and Terry Ashley, Worton, expressing support for a new community recreation facility and requested consideration be given to constructing the addition of a racquet ball facility.

COUNTY OWNED PROPERTIES
LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE
LAWN CARE

The following bid was received for landscaping maintenance at various County owned locations:

Pardoe's Lawn & Tree Service Part A Part B Part C Part D $3,400$3,215 1.25/gal.$2,370

Chestertown Courthouse

County DetentionCenter

Library

Government Center

At the recommendation of Jim Wright, Purchasing Coordinator, a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian, and passed by the majority of the Board to award the contract to the sole bidder Pardoe's Lawn & Tree Service.

The following bids were received for mowing the Court House lawn:

Dodd's Landscaping, $40.00 Price per Cutting

Church Hill

Sharp Lawn and Tree, Inc. $85.00 Price per Cutting

Chestertown

Upon recommendation of Jim Wright, Purchasing Coordinator, a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian, and passed by the majority of the Board to award the contract to Dodd's Landscaping.

CROSSROADS COMMUNITY INC.

The Commissioners received correspondence from Barry Barrell, President, and John Plaskon, Executive Director, Crossroads Community, Inc., advising of a meeting on April 19 to discuss the use of U.S. Coast Guard properties located in Foxley Manor Avenue, and on Rolling Road. The meeting will be 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Administration building on Washington Avenue, Chestertown. A representative of the Department of Health and Human Services will be in attendance to respond to questions and concerns.

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 Project - The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian executed two copies of the loan closing Agreement with the Department of Agriculture Rural Development for the water portion of the Millington Water and Wastewater Expansion Project. Mr. Morris noted the grant amount to be $970,600 and the loan amount to be $634,200.00 for this project.

The Commissioners approved and executed a Water Service Agreement by and between the Commissioners and the Mayor and Council of Millington. The Agreement delineates the specific details of the administration, placement of distribution lines, fire hydrants, and maintenance costs for a time period of forty years. He noted a Wastewater Service Agreement would be forthcoming.

General - The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian executed the Alternate Ten-Year Tank Management Service Proposal Agreement by and between the Commissioners and Corrosion Control Corporation.

Administrative Office - In response to request made by Mr. Morris to relocate back to the Public Works Complex and light of need for additional office space in the County Government Center, the Commissioners approved to relocate the Department of Water and Wastewater Office in the near future.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

Correspondence was received from Ed Athey, Chairman, Economic Development Advisory Board, reporting that at the April 3 meeting discussion was held on the concept of encouraging a retirement village to be developed in the area as a viable source of economic development. Mr. Athey requested the Commissioners' opinion and direction before pursuing/contacting developers.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Commissioners received correspondence from Gary Fry, Deputy Health Officer, requesting consideration be given to use the unspent FY 01 Health and Mental Hygiene funds in the amount of $31, 872.93. Mr. Fry requested the funds in the amount of $21,872 be used for 1) storage of confidential patient information, associated equipment and staff time, to comply with the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and 2) funds in the amount of $10,000 be used to contribute to the Regional group to assist with administrative expenses.

A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian and passed by the majority of the Board to approve this request contingent upon verification with Pat Merritt, Director, Budget and Accounting, of available funds.

HIGH STREET PUBLIC LANDING

Mr. Stanton reported that at the April 8 Public Landings and Facilities Board (PLFB) meeting, approval was given for the use of High Street Public Landing for a cruise sponsored by the Classic Club on the Lady Baltimore scheduled for July 6, 2002. The Commissioners concurred.

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

Dr. Ann Hennesey, Tom Truitt and Rev. Tom Engelke, Pastor of Lynch Community Church, appeared to further discuss the formation of a Human Relations Commission. Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, Jack Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator, and six interested persons were also in attendance.

Commissioner Fithian advised that the proposal submitted by Dr. Hennesey had been discussed at the Council of County Government (COG) meeting and although only one incorporated town, Galena, confirmed approval for the formation of the commission, the remaining incorporated towns did not express any objection to the formation of a Human Relations Commission. Commissioner Fithian advised that the commission would be formed and Ms. Hayman will be drafting local legislation.

Mr. Truitt inquired as to the process for appointing members of the commission. Commissioner Fithian advised that suggested nominees would be welcomed. Mr. Truitt thanked the Commissioners for their time and thoroughness in forming the Human Relations Commission.

Commissioner Fithian advised that as soon as the draft legislation was completed this office would keep them apprised of any further progress. However, one issue that needs to be addressed by the 2003 General Assembly relates to the exception from the requirements for open meetings to provide a higher level of confidentiality. Ms Hayman noted that only fifteen commissions on human relations exist within the State of Maryland.

Correspondence was received from Garry O. Parker, Co-President, Chester Valley Ministers Association, encouraging the formation of a Kent County Human Relations Commission.

Correspondence was received from Francene Cooper, President, Kent County Branch, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP), encouraging the formation of a Kent County Human Relations Commission.

Correspondence was received from the Mayor's Committee, Chester Valley Ministers Association, NAACP and fifty three citizens expressing support for the formation of a Kent County Human Relations Commission.

LAND USE ORDINANCE

The Director of Planning and Zoning reported it is anticipated that the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed Land Use Ordinance in mid-May.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 11:05 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by 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 Bayside Public Landing and firearms range agreement.

The executive session adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

LEGISLATION

The Commissioners received correspondence from Delegate Mary Roe Walkup, expressing appreciation of the Commissioners' support for House Bill 1111-Telecommunications and computer Network Access-Underserved Areas. She reported that due to fiscal concerns relating to the bill, Chairman Wood will accept a Committee Narrative report which will provide services intended in the legislation without new law and is expected to be approved by the General Assembly before the end of session.

ORGANIZATION OF HISPANIC/LATIN AMERICANS OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The Commissioners received correspondence from Rick Ferrell, Organization of Hispanic/Latin Americans of Anne Arundel County, (OHLA, Inc.). Mr. Ferrel forwarded information on the organization, formed to identify the needs and facilitate the access to services to bridge the gap between the Hispanic community and government/private institutions. Mr. Ferrell proposed to extend the presence of this service to Eastern Shore counties.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, appeared to introduce new employee Jeff Goodman, Recreation Program Coordinator. Mr. Goodman will manage youth and adult spots program. The Commissioners welcomed Mr. Goodman to County service.

PERSONNEL

At 10:10 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 to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, appeared to report on the April 4 Planning Commission Meeting.

PROCLAMATION

Cpl. Ben Coppage, Lt. Gary Foster, Maryland State Police, Sheriff John Price, Chief Walter Coryell, Captain Robert Edler, Chestertown Police Department, and Cpl. Kim Connolly, Rock Hall Police Department, appeared to advise the Commissioners of the 2002 Maryland Chiefs' Challenge Campaign.

Cpl. Coppage advised that the campaign was to develop a plan for Kent County to educate and inform the public about the merits of child safety seats and seat belts. He noted that statistically, Kent County has a low usage rate of seat belts. Cpl. Coppage stated statistics promoting the use of seat belts which can reduce injury by 45-53% and consistent use of child safety seats are 71% effective. He hoped that this coalition of law enforcement along with County government proclamation, would encourage the use of seat belts to ensure public safety.

Commissioner Fithian read and presented the proclamation which supports advocation for the consistent use of child safety seats and safety belts.

SASSAFRAS NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AREA

The Commissioners received correspondence from Gary Harman, Chestertown, expressing his opinion that the Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area, Turners Creek, should not be developed. A copy of this correspondence was forwarded to Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, and Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works.

SEDIMENT CONTROL

Correspondence was received from Gail Owing, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, recommending the release of Bank Letter of Credit - Sediment Control for Ford's Seafood, Inc. Mrs. Owings advised that Rick Myers, Enforcement Officer, has inspected the property and all sediment control regulations have been met. The Commissioners concurred.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian signed a Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement by and between the Federal Government, the County Commissioners and the Kent County Sheriff's Office for participation in the Federal equitable sharing program and the restrictions upon the use of Federally forfeited cash property, proceeds, and any interest earned thereon, which are equitably-shared with participating law enforcement agencies.

TOLCHESTER SITE

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and reported of a scheduled meeting today with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to discuss the method of filling the silos at the Tolchester Site (former Nike Base). He advised that the previous plan to use the material from the demolition of on site buildings to fill the silos was no longer an economical option.

UPPER SHORE AGING
USTAR TRANSPORTATION

Correspondence was received from Carl Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, requesting correspondence be forwarded to Nancy Noonan, Maryland Transit Administration, authorizing Mr. Burke to sign grant documentation for the USTAR program. The Commissioners concurred to send forth correspondence to so advise Ms. Noonan.

UPPER SHORE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Correspondence was received from Daniel P. McDermott, Sr., Executive Director, Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, advising of opportunities to seek additional funding from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation in view of the economic events at Black & Decker, Kraft/Nabisco and New Roads Inc. Additional funding will be used to further enable services and training dollars to assist those affected by lay-offs. The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian executed the request for additional funding in the amount of $317,000.

WOODS EDGE APARTMENTS

Correspondence was received from Rev. Gonzalee Matthews, Janes United Methodist Church, expressing his gratitude to Commissioner Fithian for attending the March 21 meeting discussing public safety at Woods Edge Apartments and the willingness to pursue remedies for the residents.

WORTON PARK

Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, appeared to discuss the proposal to operate the Worton Park Concession Stand for the 2002 season. Mr. Troester recommended the proposal from the Chester River Men's Softball League. He advised that the Chester River Men's Softball League had a detailed proposal which included discussions with the Health Department to ensure compliance with health standards.

A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Fithian and passed by the majority of the Board to award the Worton Park Concession Stand for the 2002 season to Chester River Men's Softball League.

Mr. Troester noted that no proposals were received relating to the Betterton Beach concession.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, April 16, 2002.

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