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 $5,173,632.00

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Correspondence was received from Terri Parrish, Chairperson, Maryland Alliance of Local Commissions on People with Disabilities, advising of meetings initiated by the Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities to share ideas and concerns and to invite a Kent County representative to attend the next meeting, May 6, Columbia, MD. The County Administrator advised that he would make an effort to have the County represented.

BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING

James Wright, County Engineer, forwarded correspondence from Jeffrey Norman, Senior Estimator, George & Lynch, Inc., specifying the cost difference in constructing a 20' public boat launch instead of a 40' public boat launch. As noted last week the cost savings is approximately $12,000.

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, forwarded a copy of correspondence directed to Mrs. Rita Elburn, Pelorus Marina, advising that the Commissioners have approved a thirty day extension to Rick's Marine Service for use of Bayside Public Landing and Park due to Mr. Nordhoff's recent accident and injury.

As offered by Pelorus Marina, Inc., the Commissioners approved expenditure of $700 for

purchase of two picnic tables, one wrought iron table, and one large air conditioner unit. This expenditure will be funded from contingency.

BETTERTON BEACH

Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, appeared to advise that subsequent to April 20 Betterton Beach cleanup day, exceptionally high tides, have left the clean beach littered with large quantities of debris. He expressed his concern that the cost to remove the debris will be approximately $1,400. Commissioner Beck inquired as to the possibility of burning the debris. Mr. Troester advised that he would prefer to burn the debris in light of the recent cleanup. He apprised the Commissioners of complaints he received approximately five years ago relating to burning and stated he would address previous issues including removing all ash from the beach.

Commissioner Beck requested Mr. Troester to confirm approval of burning the debris with the Betterton Mayor and Town Council. The Commissioners approved Mr. Troester to burn the debris contingent upon the obtaining approval from Betterton Mayor and Town Council and obtaining a permit from the Health Department.

BUDGET

At 10:15 a.m., the Commissioners went into a budget work session. The County Administrator and Director of Budget and Accounting were also in attendance.

COMMUNITY POLICING

In follow-up from April 16 discussion with Sheriff John Price and Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, relating to community policing and public safety at Woods Edge Apartments, Ms. Hayman provided Community Policing Program projected costs.

Ms. Hayman projected the total costs for two deputy sheriffs to be approximately $163,599.76. This would include salaries, benefits, basic equipment, and Maryland Police Training Commission certification. This amount does not include operating costs or specialized training.

Later in the day, Ms. Hayman and Sheriff Price met with representatives of the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention to discuss grant funding. Ms. Hayman reported grant funding is likely, but it will not be full funding. As a preliminary matter the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention made clear that prior to funding, the various stakeholders (including Woods Edge's owners and the community association, as well as government agencies) will need to have a coordinated action plan that sufficiently indicates not only each party's commitment but also the probable success of the program.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
LEGAL COUNSEL

At 9:40 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 a potential business coming to Kent County in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

HOTSPOT INITIATIVE
LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD

The HotSpot Initiative in the Vickers Park area of Chestertown has been coordinated by County employees since this program began in 1997. In July 2001 correspondence went forth requesting the Town of Chestertown to assume coordination responsibilities, or to find a volunteer to take over the coordination part of the program in light that the Vickers Park area is located within the incorporated town of Chestertown. Due to no response to this request, the Local Management Board (LMB) assumed responsibility for administration and management of the HotSpot Initiative for Kent County. This program is funded by the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

As a result of LMB assuming coordination of the program, the Commissioners approved the HotSpot Community Liaison position to be an LMB contract employee. The Community Liaison position will be supervised by the LMB and is fully funded by Crime Control & Prevention grants.

HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Correspondence was received from Jack Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator, requesting the Board grant a waiver for the $250 filing fee relating to variance application with the Kent County Board of Appeals for the HIP applicant's project. A motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to approve a one-time waiver of the fee.

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian executed the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program (Project Number : MD-00-CD-39) Amendment to Grant Agreement. The agreement amends the project completion date to December 31, 2002.

LAND USE ORDINANCE

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, advised of the following meeting dates on the proposed Land Use Ordinance:

May 7 - Rock Hall Area Informational Meeting - Municipal Building

May 8- Galena Area Informational Meeting - Galena Fire House

May 9 - Chestertown Area Informational Meeting - Commissioners Hearing Room

May 14 - Planning Commission Public Hearing - Commissioners Hearing

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 9:05 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to go into executive session with Susanne Hayman, Esq., for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Items of discussion included the State Pension System.

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

At 12:45 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian 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 land acquisition and tax sale property.

The executive session adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

LEGISLATION

Correspondence was received from Michael Sanderson, Legislative Director, Maryland Association of Counties, Inc., (MACo) soliciting proposals for MACo's 2003 General Assembly Session legislative initiatives. Mr. Sanderson requested the proposals by July 1.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, appeared and advised that he has received scholarship requests from non-Kent County residents. The Commissioners confirmed that only Kent County residents are eligible for Parks and Recreation scholarships.

Commissioner Fithian commented on the good condition of the County Parks and thanked Mr. Troester, and his staff for their efforts. Commissioner Fithian noted that he has attended two softball opening day events and the parks have been extremely well attended.

Correspondence was received from Pamela Engle, R.S. Acting Chief, Division of Community Services, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, acknowledging receipt of Parks and Recreation's intent to self-regulate summer camp programs. Ms. Engle advised that after review of records, youth camp standards are in compliance.

PENSION PLAN

Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, reported that representative of the State Pension System has agreed to schedule meetings with county employees on May 30; one at

11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Auditorium and at 2:30 p.m. at the Sheriff's Office. It will be up to the County to provide comparative information between VALIC and the State Pension System. Commissioner Newnam requested that this be done prior to May 30.

A voting process is required by county employees. If there is a favorable vote, two resolutions will be needed in order to participate in the State Pension System. An additional valuation will also be required to be prepared.

PERSONNEL

At 9:00 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck, 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 9:05 a.m.

At 9:35 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck, 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 9:40 a.m.

At11:40 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck, 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 12:10 p.m.

PRESERVATION INC.

Per request from Kees De Mooy, representing Preservation Incorporated, the Commissioners provided a letter of support to accompany a grant application to the Maryland Historical Trust Emergency Grant for the preservation of the Charles Sumner Post located in Chestertown. The Charles Sumner Post provided service to the African American community by administering to sick and dying veterans before the age of veterans hospitals and social security. It was the only integrated social organization of the 19^th century. Preservation Inc., a non-profit agency, is looking to purchase 206 S. Queen Street for restoration, with the aid of grant funding.

SCENIC BYWAYS

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, appeared to advise that Kent County has been awarded two Scenic Byway Grant funds. One grant award, in the amount of $42,960 will fund the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway plan introducing travelers and visitors to the region's rich history and culture. The other grant, in the amount of $102,110 will fund opportunities to strengthen the connection between the byway communities and the water. The Commissioners thanked Mrs. Owings for her efforts in obtaining funding to enhance County parks, waterways and highways.

The designation date for the National Scenic Byway is scheduled for June 12 in Washington DC.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian executed the Federal Annual Certification Report as prepared by the Sheriff's Office.

TAX DIFFERENTIAL

In follow-up to correspondence received from Millington Mayor Dennis Hager, representing the County Council of Governments, inquiring as to what support the incorporated towns may expect, correspondence went forth advising that a $.02 cent tax credit is proposed to be included in the FY03 budget to all real property tax owners in the incorporated towns of Betterton, Chestertown, Galena, Millington and Rock Hall, the same action taken in FY02.

TAX SALE PROPERTY

Mr. Cookerly advised of correspondence received from Dr. Serge Duckett requesting a response from the Commissioners. According to Mr. Cookerly's letter of January 10, directed to Dr. Duckett, he is entitled to be reimbursed $1,194.62 representing property tax payments made from FY1980 to present on tax sale property identified on Map 55, Parcel 149. Reimbursement is in order since the real property does not legally exist, and should not have been offered for tax sale due to incorrect property transfer records received by the Department of Assessments. Payment form will be prepared for reimbursement. Dr. Duckett will also be advised that the Department of Assessments and Taxation is a function of the State and the only action the Commissioners can take is to inform the Department of Assessments and Taxation of the error committed.

TOURISM

The Commissioners received a report entitled Winter Getaway - Eastern Shore Style as prepared by Bernadette Van Pelt, Director, Tourism Office. The report delineates the conception, development and results of the plan to draw visitors to Kent County during fall and winter months.

WATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

The Commissioners received notification of the State Water Management Administration for an application to appropriate and use an average of 361,000 gallons per day from 3 wells in the Aquia aquifer for crop irrigation. This project is located three miles west of Millington. Comments or requests for an informational hearing must be received in writing by the Administration; all requests should be made to Matthew Pajerowski, Chief, Water Rights Division, Water Management Administration, 2500 Broening Highway, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, May 7, 2002

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