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 $2,475,276.00.

ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE COALITION
MILLINGTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL

The Commissioners received correspondence from Millington Town Council and the Kent County Adolescent Substance Abuse Coalition, advising that the Town of Millington is hosting a Skateboard Tournament and Community Day at Robvanary Park on August 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Community Day will have a drug prevention theme and is being funded by the Kent County Adolescent Substance Abuse Coalition.

AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY

The Commissioners received and invitation from Robert Lovell, Kent Amateur Radio Society, to the Amateur Radio Field Day Exhibit to be held on June 22 - June 23 at the Galena Volunteer Fire Company grounds. Mr. Lovell advise that the event also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of amateur radio in simulated emergency conditions.

BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING AND PARK

Commissioner Fithian reported that construction on the boat launching ramp has commenced.

CONGRESSMAN WAYNE T. GILCHREST

The Commissioners received correspondence from Congressman Gilchrest providing status of his work toward environmental issues as well as his views on the future pending energy and conservation legislative proposals.

COUNTY OWNED EQUIPMENT

Correspondence was received from Shawn Mathiesen, Information Technology Manager, requesting approval to upgrade the memory in thirteen County computers for the amount of $739. The expenditure may be funded from surplus monies in the FY 02 Information Technology budget. The County Administrator approved the expenditure and the

Commissioners concurred.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Spring Cove/Green Lane - The Commissioners approved and executed a public works agreement for a sewer allocation for Walter and Anne Fithian, Tax Map 50, Parcel 188, Lot 8.

Tolchester - Mr. Morris provided a copy of correspondence directed to Lia Mazzoli Fernandes, Tennessee Avenue, Tolchester advising that construction on her property has damaged the control panel and grinder pump connection. Mr. Morris requested she contact him to arrange for repairs.

Worton Well Project - In response to Commissioner Beck's inquiry of the status of the Worton Well Project, Mr. Morris advised that the permit has not been released from Maryland Department of the Environment.

Kennedyville Water and Wastewater Feasibility Study - In follow-up from last week, Mr. Morris reported that he will forward a copy of the Kennedyville Water and Wastewater Feasibility Study as prepared by McCrone, Inc., to Farmers Home, Rural Utility Service, for future financial assistance discussion.

EDESVILLE

In follow-up from last week, relating to correspondence from Sheriff John Price, with safety concerns of vehicles parking on the shoulder of the road (in front of Barry's Flowers and Produce) at the intersection of Edesville Piney Neck Road and MD Route 20, the Commissioners received correspondence from Rev. Ruben Freeman, representing Neighborhood Improvement Association, Edesville, also expressing safety concerns in the area.

KENT COUNTY FAIR

The Commissioner approved to sponsor an ad on WCTR in the amount of $135 to help promote publicity for the 2002 Kent County Fair and 4-H scheduled for July 18 through July 20.

LAND USE ORDINANCE

Correspondence was received from James Barrett, Barrett Family Limited Partnership, requests consideration be given to withdrawing the proposed land use ordinance modification designating the Barrett property as Rural Character instead of Rural Residential. Mr. Barrett expressed his concern that the change from Rural Residential to Rural Character would present a serious economic impact on the property. Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, also received a copy of the correspondence.

In response to correspondence dated June 10 from John Stoltzfus, Millington, requesting his property be designated as Rural Residential, not Rural Character, as proposed in the draft Land Sue Ordinance, the Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to Mr. Stoltzfus, from Elizabeth Morris, Chairman, Kent County Planning Commission, advising that per his request, the Planning Commission voted to retain his property as Rural Residential.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 10:55 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 water and sewer allocation and Worton Road Project.

The executive session adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Correspondence was received from Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, requesting approval to fund the following expenditures:

Computer $1,200

Color Printer $ 700

Installation of water lines at Worton Park $6,000

Covers for park trash receptacles $1,000

Software upgrades $ 500

Used school bus $1,500

Mr. Troester advised that the expenditures may be funded from FY 02 surplus funds in the amount of $8,000 due to the shortage of lifeguards and mechanical problems at Millington Pool and a surplus of $10,000 from the Kidcreation After School Program. A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to approve the expenditures from the surplus funds in FY 02 budget as presented.

PERSONNEL

The Commissioners unanimously approved amendments and deletions to the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual for Kent County as it relates to Article II, Sick Leave, PM 72-16; Article II, Life Insurance, PM 78-2 and Article III, Pensions, PM 78-3.

At 9:30 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 9:50 a.m.

RAILS TO TRAILS

Correspondence was received from Dr. John Toll, President Washington College, advising that he appeared at the Chestertown Mayor and Council meeting on June 3, to further delineate the institution's view of the proposed Rails to Trails program. He advised of support for the Rails to Trails concept, however, any plan for trails involving Washington College property will be subject to the approval of the Board of Visitors and Governors of the College. He further noted that a trail would be best suited on the perimeter of the College campus.

Correspondence was received from Sara Holben, Secretary, Chester Valley Ministers Association, expressing support for a proposed walking and bicycle trail.

SCENIC BYWAYS

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, Bernadette Van Pelt, Director, Tourism, and Carla Martin, Community Planner, appeared to report that the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway has been officially designated as one of the 75 National Scenic Byways. Mrs. Owings advised that on June 13 Secretary of Transportation Mineta and Senator Sarbanes presented representatives of the management team ( from participating counties - Kent, Queen Anne's and Cecil) with a plaque at a ceremony held in Union Station, Washington, DC.

Mrs. Van Pelt advised that being included as a National Scenic Byway will provide additional tourism resources. Ms. Martin noted that although Kent County will receive increased public exposure, the scenic byway strives to balance the growth of local economies with conservation of cultural, historical and natural resources.

Mrs. Owings advised that the team looks forward to proceeding to Phase II of the project which includes eligibility for grant funding in the amount of $25,000.

The Commissioners praised the team for an excellent job on the project.

STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

In follow-up from May 7 correspondence was received from Elmer E. Horsey, Economic Development Director, expressing safety concerns about the intersections of MD Route 561 (Lynch Road) and MD Route 213, as well as MD Route 290 (Crumpton Road) and MD Route 291, correspondence was received from Richard Lindsay, District Engineer, State Highway Administration, advising that a study, (lasting approximately 30 - 45 days ) of the area will be initiated. He advised that upon completion of the study, relevant parties will be notified of results.

The County Administrator noted that the intersections of concern were State owned roads and suggested this correspondence be forwarded to the State Highway Administration for their review and consideration.

TOURISM

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

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Correspondence was received from James Little, Administrator U.S. Department of Agriculture, advising of the major provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. A copy of this correspondence was forwarded to Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration.

VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM

Robin Spielman, Victim Witness Coordinator, Susanne Hayman, former State's Attorney and Linda Stryholuk, Sheriff's Office, Administrative Aide, appeared to display the Maryland Victims of Crime Quilt. The quilt, comprised of a square made by each Victim Witness Coordinator in Maryland, recognizing victims of crime in each county. Ms. Hayman advised that she and Ms. Stryholuk created the Kent County square with material from articles of clothing from four Kent County homicide victims, obtained by Joyce Laskey, former Victim Witness Coordinator.

Ms. Spielman advised that the quilt was on display in Annapolis and was presented to the State Board of Victims Services during Crime Victims Awareness Week, April 2002. The Commissioners thanked all for recognizing victims of crime.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Correspondence was received from John Pyle, Director, Maryland Job Service, Upper Shore Region, advising of his retirement effective June 30. Mr. Pyle expressed his gratitude for support for the Maryland Job Service as well as the Workforce Investment Board.

Correspondence was received from Russell W. Carlow, advising of his resignation to the Workforce Investment Board, effective immediately due to plans to relocate out of the County.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, June 25, 2002

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