KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Honorable Board of License Commissioners met today with the following present: W. Michael Newnam, and Larry B. Beck, presiding. Ronald H. Fithian was not in attendance due to his participation in the Maryland Municipal League conference.

T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, was also not in attendance.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $3,589,291.00.

APPEALS BOARD

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, appeared to report on the June 24 Board of Appeals meeting.

BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING AND PARK

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared to discuss the memo prepared by James Wright, County Engineer, as to progress of the Bayside Public Landing boat launching ramp. It was noted that the piers are designed without stringers which may lead to the overhang warping. Mr. Wright advised that to add construction of stringers would cost $4,167.52 and recommended the work to prevent accidents/save on future maintenance. The Commissioners concurred with this recommendation and funding will be via the FY 02 Highway User Fund.

Correspondence was received from Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, advising that at their July 11 meeting, the Rock Hall Mayor and Council will review an application for a variance from flood plain requirements to construct a detached garage. The project is located adjacent to Bayside Public Landing and Park.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

As submitted by Frances Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, the Commissioners approved the Electronic Transfer Request as it relates to schedule of payment for period July 1 through June 30, 2003.

The Commissioners approved and signed Certificate of Appreciation recognizing Dr. Lorraine Costella for her eight years of dedicated service as Superintendent of Kent County Public Schools and a total of thirty-eight years as an educator and administrator. A Certificate of Appreciation will be forwarded on to Dr. Costella.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

The Commissioners approved and executed Resolution to apply for a short term (five year) loan from SunTrust Bank for no more than $750,000 (at a variable rate of 68% of LIBOR plus 0.58%) for the following capital expenditures:

Central Alarm/911 Radio Upgrade $55,000

FY 03 Board of Education Capital Projects $695,000

A General Obligation Note was approved with SunTrust Bank as it relates to this short term loan.

CHESTER RIVER HEALTH SYSTEMS

The Commissioners received correspondence from Dawn Robinson, Chester River Health

System, requesting a County Commissioner to attend a meeting (later today) where consultants will be discussing strengths/weaknesses of the Chester River Health System, potential changes in local environment, as well as opportunities for the future. Due to previous commitments, the Commissioners requested another date be scheduled.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Beck executed the FY 03 Cooperative Extension Office in the amount of $98,855.

COURTHOUSE

The Commissioners received correspondence from Bob Merritt, Maintenance Supervisor, providing the following bid tabulation for the repairs to the Courthouse walkway:

Mr. Merritt recommended the lowest bidder. A motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and passed by the majority of the Board to award the project to T & T Masonry for the amount of $1,500. The project may be funded from the current FY 02 budget.

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared to report of a request by Emanuel Episcopal Church to use the Court House lawn for a church service for approximately one half hour. The Commissioners approved the request.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Tolchester Service Area - Mr. Morris provided a copy of correspondence from Gavin Smith, Tolchester, requesting a sewer allocation for Parcel 840 Tax Map 35 C. Mr. Morris recommended the sewer allocation. The Commissioners concurred.

Kennedyville Feasibility Study - Mr. Morris provided a copy of correspondence directed to Roger Persons, Loan Specialist, Rural Economic and Community Development, requesting review of the Kennedyville Feasibility Study for future discussions relating to the proposed correctives measures needed to remedy unauthorized discharges as well as other necessary improvements.

Millington Water and Wastewater Expansion Project - Commissioner Newnam inquired as to the status of the project. Mr. Morris advised that the wastewater expansion portion is progressing, however, the Mayor and Council of Millington is continuing public meetings to further discuss the water expansion project.

The Commissioners received electronic mail from Charles Burris, Massey, requesting consideration be given to furthering the Millington Service area to the Massey area. The Commissioners requested Mr. Morris to respond to Mr. Burris on this matter.

Worton Well Project - Mr. Morris provided an update on the Worton Well project. He advised that Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requirements have been satisfied relating to the well permit and aquifer identification. He reported that the project should be progressing.

Maryland Center for Environmental Training (MCET) - Correspondence went forth to Governor Glendening, and local legislators expressing concern that funding for MCET training was cut from the Maryland Department of Environment FY 03 Budget.

The Commissioners advised that Kent County relies almost exclusively on the various services and training programs provided by MCET at local community colleges. This training is the primary means for keeping service utility operators current with credit hours needed for certification/renewal, updating and assisting with new regulations and rules. Additionally, MCET is able to provide on-site training, performs evaluations and offers assistance with process control analysis with little cost to the county in emergency situations. The Commissioners requested consideration be given to continue funding for these MCET programs.

EASTERN SHORE LAND CONSERVANCY

In follow-up from the May 28 presentation by Robert Etgen, Executive Director, Amy Owsley, Director, Community Planning, and Governor Harry Hughes, representing Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, of the Eastern Shore 2010: A Regional Vision, proposing that Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester Counties commit towards preserving Eastern Shore land, the Executive Assistant advised that the matter would be discussed at a special meeting of the Upper Shore Association of Counties meeting scheduled for July 10.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

At 10:10 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and passed by the majority of the Board to go into executive session with Elmer E. Horsey, Economic Development Director, and Jack Canan, Economic Development Coordinator, to discuss issues relating to establishing new business locations in Kent County in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Items of discussion included the Worton Road Project.

The executive session adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT

The Commissioners approved a Raffle Permit for the American Cancer Society (Relay for Life) to hold a fund raising event on September 6 - 7 at at the Kent County High School, Worton.

HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Commissioners approved and executed the Housing and Community Development grant application for the continuation of the Kent County Housing Improvement Program (HIP). The grant application, prepared by Jack Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator, and Kay Pinder-Almen, Administrative Aide, Housing and Community Development, requested $195,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funding.

HUMANE SOCIETY

Correspondence was received from Bill Seitzer, Treasurer, Humane Society, advising that during the budget process, the Commissioners requested the 1995 truck be offered as a trade-in for the purchase of a new truck, however, the Board has requested the old truck be retained as a back-up vehicle. Mr. Seitzer requested approval for the change in understanding of the 2002-2003 budget. The Commissioners approved the recommendation.

LAND USE ORDINANCE

The Commissioners received correspondence from Keith and Mary White, Galena, requesting the Land Use Ordinance retain the density requirements of one dwelling per three acres for Rural Residential zoning.

Correspondence was received from Kathryn Ozman, Chestertown, requesting consideration be given to change her property on MD Route 291 from Commercial zoning to Intense Village Zoning. She also requested the addition of "self storage units" as a conditional use for Intense Village Zoning. Mrs. Ozman forwarded a copy of innovations relating to the upscale appearance of new self storage units.

LIBRARY

The Commissioners received correspondence from Bob Merritt, Maintenance Supervisor, providing the following bid tabulation to replace carpeting in the Kent County Public Library:

Mr. Merritt recommended the lowest bidder. A motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and passed by the majority of the Board to award the project to Park Rug and Floor Covering for the amount of $16,717.00. The project may be funded from the current FY 02 budget.

PERSONNEL

At 9:20 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck, 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 9:43 a.m.

PUBLIC WORKS COMPLEX

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared to discuss the improvements to the Public Works Complex parking lot. The repairs are estimated to cost $116.698.18 however, labor and equipment will be provided in-house. The cost of one blacktop application will be absorbed by David A. Bramble Inc., based on credit due the County, therefore, there will be a balance of $11,650 which will be from FY 02 State Highway User fund. The Commissioners approved the project.

RAILS TO TRAILS

Correspondence was received from Ron Linton, Chestertown, expressing support for a rails to trails project in Kent County.

SMITHVILLE ROAD

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared to discuss the memorandum relating to Smithville Road project. He advised that the project was completed (under the estimated budget of $155,505) for the amount of $150,358.38. Mr. Stanton requested the savings realized from this project will be used towards the costs of the Coopers Lane roadwork project.

TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY GROUP

The Commissioners received correspondence from Jack Canan, Transportation Advisory Group, (TAG) Chairman, advising of public hearings schedule informing the public of the pilot project, Maryland Upper Shore Transit System, which will provide a coordinated mass transit system serving Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot and Queen Anne's Counties. The public hearing scheduled for Kent County will be July 16 at 2:00 p.m. a t the Upper Shore Aging Office Building, Chestertown.

WEED CONTROL

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Beck executed a grant agreement between Kent County and the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of allocating funds and providing a program for the control and eradication of specific noxious weeds.

WORTON ROAD PROJECT

As presented by Mr. Horsey, the Commissioners approved and signed Letter of Understanding between Kent County, Maryland and KRM Development Group in order to undertake a mutually beneficial infrastructure improvement project hereinafter known as the "Worton Road Project" located on MD Route 297 identified as Tax Map 28, Grid 3C, Parcel 162, Lot 2 (owned by the County) and Tax Map 28, Grid 3C, Parcel 166 (owned by KRM).

As prepared by Ilene S. Garten, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Business and

Economic Development (DBED), the Commissioners approved and signed Grant Agreement between Kent County, Maryland and Department of Business and Economic Development whereby DBED will grant the amount of $60,000 or 70% of the costs of construction of an access road that will intersect MD Route 297 and provide access to 13.75 acres of land owned by the County and 10 acres of land owned by KRM Development Corporation which land will be used for industrial purposes.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, July 2, 2002.

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