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 $3,790,183.00

APPEALS BOARD

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, appeared to report on the May 20 Board of Appeals meeting.

AUDIT

A bid opening was held at 9:15 a.m. in the County Commissioners Hearing Room, Kent County Government Center, for auditing services. Pat Merritt, Director, Budget and Accounting, Sharon Harrell, Accounting Manager, and Jeanne Edwards, Fiscal Supervisor, were in attendance. The following bids were received.

Mrs. Merritt will review the bids and make a recommendation.

BOARD OF BUILDING APPEALS

The Commissioners approved the reappointment of R. Benson Duvall as a member of the Board of Building Appeals and Jan A. Finley as alternate member each for a three year term ending July 1, 2005.

BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, reported that currently two slips remain available at Bayside Public Landing for allocation.

BUDGET

At 10:45 a.m., the Commissioners went into a budget work session. The County Administrator and Director of Budget and Accounting were also in attendance.

CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

The Commissioners approved the reappointments of Margo Bailey, Mayor of Chestertown and Christopher Powell, Fire Chiefs Association, as members of the Central Communications Commission each for a three year term ending July 18, 2005.

CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM

The Commissioners received a copy of the 2002 Who's Who in the Chespeake Bay Program.

CRITICAL AREAS

A copy of correspondence was received from Sandra A. Zelen, Enforcement Program Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, directed to Larry Robbins, Millington, advising that fill material has been placed in non-tidal forested wetlands adjacent to Cypress Branch in conjunction with construction on his property. Ms. Zelen ordered cessation of work as this is a violation to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, also received a copy of this correspondence.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Worton Well Project - Mr. Morris provided an update on the Worton Well Project and advised that a notice to proceed would be issued imminently, with drilling to commence by mid-June.

Tolchester Service Area - The Commissioners approved and executed the following public works agreements:

Peter Covert, Tax Map 35A, Parcel 119

Sam Pickrell, Tax Map 35B, Parcel 575

Edesville Discharge Lagoon - Mr. Morris advised that trees obtained from the Forestry Board are currently being planted around the lagoon.

Mr. Morris advised that wind-created wave action is eroding the bare banks of the lagoon and noted that repair would be needed in the near future. Commissioner Newnam requested Mr. Morris to obtain pricing for construction to stabilize the lagoon banks. Mr. Morris advised that he would obtain pricing with assistance from the County Roads crew as well a contractor's complete price.

Litigation - At 9:35 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 potential litigation in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

DETENTION CENTER

In follow-up from May 7, when the Commissioners approved the purchase of a van to be used for inmate transportation for the amount of $16,500, correspondence was received from Ronald L. Howell, Chief of Security, delineating the options of an available 8 passenger van and a 12 passenger van. Mr. Howell noted that the 12 passenger van is certified to meet Federal motor vehicle standards and could be purchased via a recently awarded Montgomery County contract. A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian, to approve the purchase of the 12 passenger van for the amount of $25,059.71. This expenditure can be funded from the current FY 02 budget.

EASTERN SHORE HERITAGE INC.

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, appeared to provide an update on the Eastern Shore Heritage, Inc., retreat that she and Bernadette Van Pelt, Tourism Director, attended on May 15. She advised that Maryland has designated four counties, Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline and Talbot as a recognized Heritage Area. She reported that the Eastern Shore Heritage Inc., is planning the next phase which is to be a Maryland Certified Heritage Area and noted of a grant awarded to work towards this goal. Mrs. Owings advised of Eastern Shore Heritage Inc.'s recommendation to hire Elizabeth Watson, as Executive Director.

Mrs. Owings provided a proposed schedule and preliminary outline for the required management plan.

EASTERN SHORE LAND CONSERVATION

The Commissioners received correspondence from Congressman Wayne Gilchrest and Governor Harry Hughes, along with a copy of the Eastern Shore 2010: A Regional Vision prepared by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. This document is a proposed intercounty land use agreement to protect and enhance the Eastern Shore

GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT

The Commissioners approved the following Gaming/ Raffle Permits:

A Raffle permit for F. A. M. & M. to hold Relay for Life fund raising event on September 6 -7 at the Kent County High School.

A Multiple gaming/raffle permit for the Radcliffe Creek School to hold a fund raising event on June 8 at the Radcliffe Creek School, Chestertown.

HERITAGE PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

In follow-up from last week, the Commissioners appointed Jack Gaskill to the Heritage Preservation Advisory Committee. The formation of the committee is a requirement of the Preservation Incentives for Local Governments Grant.

KENT AG CENTER

Correspondence was received from Peter Lott, Facility Director, Kent Ag Center Board, inquiring if any grant funding was available for updating the shower and rest room facilities. A copy of this correspondence was forwarded to Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 10:35 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 CDBG.

The executive session adjourned at 10:45

LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD

The Commissioners approved the re-appointments of Deborah Schelts, Reverend Mel Brindley, Dr. Janet Brandon and Dr. Ruth Shoge as a members of the Local Management Board for Children's and Family Services each for a term ending June 30, 2005.

MID-SHORE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

Correspondence was received from Nancy Zinn, M.S. , R.N., Executive Director, recommending Julie Jerscheid of Chesapeake Rural Network, be re-appointed to the Regional Mental Health Advisory Committee, to a two year term to commence on July 1, 2002.

NUISANCE ORDINANCE - ZONING VIOLATION

Correspondence was received from Frances J. Everrett, Chestertown Road, reporting of the Garrett property, adjacent to Bell Rose Lane, that is unkempt with high weeds. A copy of this correspondence was forwarded to Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration and the Kent County Health Department.

PARKS AND RECREATION
BETTERTON BEACH

Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, and Jeff Goodman, Recreation Program Coordinator, appeared to report of a shortage in hiring seasonal lifeguards. He advised that although he attempted to recruit lifeguards as early as March, the program remains understaffed by two lifeguards. He advised that staffing is not available to staff pools and Betterton Beach.

The Commissioners recommended the pools be staffed with lifeguards and a sign be posted at Betterton Beach advising to swim at own risk.

Mr. Troester advised that he would continue to attempt to recruit additional lifeguard staff. Commissioner Beck requested the Mayor and Council of Betterton be advised of the status of the matter.

PERSONNEL

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 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.

PROCLAMATION

Naomi Howell, Kent County Sanitarian, Ed Birkmire, Director, Environmental Health, Judy Abbott, R.N., Public Health Nurse, and Mary Adda Moore representing the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, the Maryland Department of the Environment appeared to request the Commissioners to proclaim June 1 -8 as Maryland's Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Ms. Howell advised of a new service available to screen youngsters for lead poisoning and reported on the incentives for parents to submit a blood lead test for age 0-6 children. Mr. Birkmire noted that Ms. Howell is certified in lead abatement/screening and she is a member of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Lead Poisoning.

Ms. Moore noted that this year there are zero poisonings in Kent County.

Ms. Howell advised that Kent County is rated as the third highest County in the State with homes built prior to 1950 and she is working towards educating the public on the hazards of lead paint and management. She noted that all rental properties built prior to 1950 should be registered with the Maryland Department of Environment. Ms. Howell advised of educational programs available to property owners, tenants, and parents describing the effects and hazards of lead poisoning. Ms. Howell reported that home improvement contractors are being canvassed for interest in further education on lead abatement.

Ms. Howell reported that after assessing a home and the condition of paint to evaluate the presence of lead dust, paint peeling etc.; management is not as expensive or difficult as it appears. She also noted of funding sources available in the form of low interest loans for lead abatement.

Ms. Howell distributed informational packets that are available to the public. The Commissioners thanked all for attending and commended the progressive action towards lead poisoning prevention by the Health Department.

Commissioner Fithian read and presented the proclamation.

PUBLIC LANDINGS AND FACILITIES BOARD

The Commissioners approved the reappointment of William B. Collyer as a member of the Public Landings and Facilities Board for a five year term ending July 1, 2007.

WORTON ROAD PROJECT

The Commissioners approved and executed a Resolution authorizing the filing and execution of a grant agreement for economic development as it relates to the development of a road located near CreaFill Fibers Factory and KRM Development, known as Worton Road Project.

SMITHVILLE ROAD

Correspondence was received from Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, advising of an overrun on the Smithville Road project. Mr. Stanton reported that due to the contour of the road, the amount of bituminous concrete needed for the resurfacing project was underestimated. He advised that the estimated project cost overrun (less than $2,000) may be funded from the current FY 02 budget.

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, reported that contrary to previous correspondence, the Smithville Road project finished under budget.

SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD

The Commissioners approved the reappointment of Emory "Pie" Edwards as a member of the Social Services Board for a three year term ending June 30, 2005.

TOURISM

The Commissioners received the progress report as prepared by Bernadette Van Pelt, Tourism Director, for the month of April.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

The Commissioners approved the appointment of Deborah Thompson and Bill Ruckelshaus as members of the Tourism Development Advisory Board each for three year terms ending May 1, 2005.

UPPER SHORE AGING

Commissioner Fithian reported that he attended an Upper Shore Aging, Inc., meeting where Kent County was praised by Talbot and Caroline Counties for the progress in developing a Kent County Senior Center.

WATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

The Commissioners received notification from the Maryland Department of Engineers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, advising of the following applications:

Joseph Szymanski has applied to construct a 850 feet stone revetment. The project, constructed to control shore erosion, is located in the Chesapeake Bay at Skinners Neck Road.

The Sailing Emporium has applied to utilize an adjacent parcel of commercial marine land to create a parking and winter boat storage area to serve the existing marina. The project is located at the end of Green Lane, Rock Hall. Chris Pajak at the Non-tidal Wetlands and Waterways Division, may be contacted at 410 -543-6703 for further information.

Notification was received from the Maryland Department of the Environment that a Water Appropriation & Use Permit has been issued to John Cahall, Jr., to 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. To request a contested case hearing Saeid Kasraei, Program Manger, Water Rights Division, Water Management Administration, 2500 Broening Highway, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.

WOODS EDGE
COMMUNITY POLICING

Susanne Hayman provided an update on the May 17 meeting held at the request of the Technical Assistance Unit of the Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention, to discuss how law enforcement and criminal justice related agencies can work together to more intensely provide services. It was suggested that the County explore the Police Corps program as a means of obtaining staff for the community policing project. Ms. Hayman also reported that Woods Edge management has offered the use of a room at the complex's office for community police officers. She noted that contributions from Woods Edge owners/management are not clear. In view of the circumstances and the need for matching contributions for grant purposes, correspondence went forth requesting any commitments be identified so that progress can be made in obtaining grant funds.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, May 28, 2002

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