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 $5,948,269.

BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING AND PARK

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and advised of the status of the public boat launching ramp at Bayside Public Landing and Park. He reported that the project is well under way and estimated the ramp to be completed by July 31.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Dr. Bonnie Ward, Superintendent of Schools, and Fay Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, to present the FY 03 Board of Education Budget Document. Commissioner Fithian welcomed Dr. Ward as the new Superintendent and the Commissioners wished her well in her newly appointed position and looked forward to a good working relationship.

Dr. Ward advised the purpose of this meeting was to seek approval of the budget document and execution of the Certification Statement. A motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to approve the itemized FY 03 budget as presented and Commissioner Fithian signed the Certification Statement verifying the County's allocation to the Board of Education. The County's portion of the budget reflected the amount of $13,437,085 for operating costs and $625,000 for capital projects. The total Board of Education revenue, transfers and fund balance is $24,469,856.00.

Ms. Miller provided information on the final FY 02 budget modification in the areas of revenue and expenditures. A reassessment of sources of revenues for the unrestricted current expense has indicated that a few sources of revenue need to be adjusted; specifically interest revenue, out-of-county living arrangements for participants in Kent Youth Center, and E- rate reimbursement. A motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to approve the FY 02 budget modification as presented. Commissioner Fithian thanked Ms. Miller for her expertise with the Board of Education budget process and willingness in providing details upon request.

Dr. Ward advised of the capital projects completed or underway, such as renovating three science rooms at Chestertown Middle School and lockers were painted at the high school. She also advised that Kent County Schools have been ranked in the top three in the State. Kindergarten was also ranked high for readiness.

In view of the power outage at the recent High School Baccalaureate, Commissioner Beck offered the former Courthouse generator to the Board of Education. He stated that although it may need some improvements, it may be useful resource for the school system. Dr. Ward thanked the Commissioners for the offer and advised that they will be in contact with Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, to further discuss the matter. The Commissioners and Dr. Ward praised the Betterton and Chestertown Fire Departments for assisting with lighting during the power outage. Ms. Miller advised that with the fire departments assistance the event continued for parents and students alike.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Roger Williams, Treasurer, appeared to advise of the specific details of the short term loan for Capital Projects which was approved last week. He reported that although a fixed rate has been the most cost effective in the past, a floating rate of 1.83% is preferable to the lowest fixed rate of 3.xx%. He provided an amortization schedule further delineating the cost savings. Mr. Williams noted that the loan could be prepaid, should interest rates increase past the fixed loan rate. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Williams for the update and diligence in obtaining the most cost effective means for the short term loan.

COUNTY OWNED VEHICLES

On behalf of James Wright, Purchasing Coordinator, Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and presented a bid tabulation for the maintenance services of approximately thirty County vehicles for the period of July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003. The bids are as follows:

The Commissioners agreed to award the service contract to the overall low bidder, Caldwell's Auto Service, Inc.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Kennedyville Service Area - Mr. Morris provided an update on the financial strategy relating to the feasibility study. He reported that he has had discussion with Roger Persons, Loan Specialist, Rural Economic and Community Development, who advised of potential grant funding for necessary repairs to the Kennedyville lagoon/service area in the estimated amount of $1.2 Million.

Mr. Morris advised of a projected deficit for the project as it was estimated to cost $1.5 Million. Commissioner Beck advised that the Board would seek assistance from local legislators for additional State funding to complete the project. Mr. Morris stated his concern that the 93 Kennedyville users could not be expected to absorb the cost of the project. The Commissioners concurred, however, they did express appreciation for Mr. Morris seeking counsel to obtain grant funds for the project.

Drought Coordinator - As Drought Coordinator, Mr. Morris provided an update on the status of drought conditions. He advised that although local rainfall is approximately 22% below normal, there is no need for any specific drought restrictions. Mr. Morris requested voluntary water conservation until precipitation returns to normal levels.

DETENTION CENTER

Correspondence was received from Warden Ronnie Howell, advising of a change to the correctional officer uniform which will yield a 35% - 40% cost saving annually compared to the current uniform.. He advised that the new uniform will consist of black cargo pants and a black embroidered polo shirt.

The Commissioners received correspondence from Warden Howell requesting approval to purchase and install a security cage for the new inmate transport van for the amount of $2,299.50. He noted that the light bar was donated, saving approximately $500. He advised that the project could be funded from FY 02 budget. The Commissioners approved the request as presented.

GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT

The Commissioners approved a Raffle Permit for Party on the Bay to hold festivities on the Rock Hall public landing (bulkhead) event on August 17.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

As prepared by Catherine A. Clark, Fiscal Supervisor, Health Department, the Board approved and Commissioner Fithian signed FY 2003 CORE Public Health Service Agreement.

HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Commissioners approved and the County Administrator approved the Highway Safety Project Agreement by and between the Commissioners and Amy Warner, Prevention Coordinator. The Agreement will allow for reimbursement from the Highway Safety Project for alcohol awareness forum and aggressive driving programs.

KENNEDYVILLE BRIDGE #K0014

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared to advise that the Kennedyville Bridge replacement project is near completion. He reported that the barricades would be removed and traffic may resume use of the bridge. The permanent bridge was replaced as a result of damaged caused by Hurricane Floyd.

LAND ACQUISITION

At 10:10 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 Pat Quinn, District Chief, Real Estate, State Highway Administration, and Jim Wright, County Engineer, to discuss land acquisition in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Ernest S. Cookerly, County Attorney, was also in attendance.

The executive session adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

LANDSCAPING
SEDIMENT CONTROL
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
AFFORESTATION

At the recommendation of Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, the Commissioners accepted a letter of credit from the Peoples Bank of Kent County for the account of Don Reed, LLC., to guarantee compliance to the Kent County Afforestation Policy in the amount of $47,562.50, to the Kent County Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Ordinances in the amount of $88,053.13, and to the Kent County Landscaping Policy in the amount of $34,218.75, and at the recommendation of Jim Wright, County Engineer, to the Kent County Road Construction Policy in the amount of $159,375.00, as it relates to the construction of Hunters Run Subdivision, Galena.

LAND USE ORDINANCE

The Commissioners received correspondence from Pamela Quarstein, Still Pond, requesting the Land Use Ordinance retain the density requirements of one dwelling per three acres for Rural Residential zoning. A copy of this correspondence was forwarded to Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration for her information and files.

PENSION PLAN

The Commissioners formally signed participation in the the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System as well as Law Enforcement Officers Pension System (LEOPS), which is open only to sworn, certified law enforcement officers. Observing participation signing of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, was, Susanne Hayman, Human Resource Director, Joyce Gagalski, Deputy Treasurer, 39 years of service, Janice Fletcher, Executive Assistant to the Commissioners, 34 years, Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, 32 years, and Kay Pinder-Almen, Administrative Aide, Housing and Community Development, 31 years. Observing participation signing of the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System was Susanne Hayman, Human Resource Director, Sheriff John Price, Lt. James B Kirby, Phillip R. Russum, Deputy IV, 25 years, William Dempsey, III, Deputy IV, 23 years. Commissioner Fithian stated that he considered this event a historical event and of all the projects he has been involved with over the years, this is the one he is the most proud of. The Commissioners expressed appreciation to Susanne Hayman, Human Resource Director, and Senator Barbara Mikulski for all their invaluable assistance.

PERSONNEL

At 8:55 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 9:10 a.m.

PUBLIC WORKS COMPLEX

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared to report on the progress of the new building at the Public Works Complex which will house the sign shop as well as other functions from the Department of Water and Wastewater and Soil Conservation. Mr. Stanton advised that the building is near completion.

TERRORIST ATTACK

In follow-up from the June 15 presentation of a $10,000.00 donation on behalf of Kent County in conjunction with Wicomico County Council, Delaware County Councils, Maryland Eastern Shore County Commissioners and Councils and Virginia Eastern Shore County Boards of Supervisors, uniting the Delmarva Peninsula to support the rescue and clean up efforts in New York, the Commissioners received correspondence from Russell Molnar, President, Wicomico County Council, providing an update on the event and thanking Commissioner Fithian for his participation.

UPPER SHORE AGING

The Commissioners received correspondence from Carl Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, advising that a long-held transportation contract was awarded to a private enterprise causing a $65,000 local match deficit. He advised that without this funding services in Talbot, Caroline and Kent Counties will be cut by 20% in FY 03. Mr. Burke has scheduled a meeting July 8 with regional administrators to further discuss this matter.

WATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Per the Commissioners request for an informational hearing relating to an application to appropriate and use an average of 120,000 gallons per day from Henry Dierker, Jr., Massey, from two wells in the Aquia aquifer for crop irrigation, notification was received from the State Water Management Administration advising that the hearing will take place on July 11, at 6:00 p.m. Millington Elementary School, 172 Sassafras Street, Millington. Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, advised that he could not be in attendance, however, he received information from Earth Data, Consultants, that the irrigation well, due to its location, should not interfere with the proposed Millington Water expansion project.

The Commissioners received notification of the State Water Management Administration of the issuance of an appropriate and use permit for an average of 136,000 gallons per day from Daniel Harris, from the Cypress Branch for crop irrigation. Comments or requests for an contested hearing must be received in writing by the Administration to Robert Summers, Director, Water Management Administration, 2500 Broening Highway, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Correspondence was received from Cheryl Bish, Risk Management Coordinator, recommending renewal of the County's workers compensation coverage with Injured Workers' Insurance Fund, at a cost of $76,041.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to approve the recommendation as presented.

ZONING VIOLATION

In follow-up from May 14, the Commissioners received additional correspondence directed to the Enforcement Officer in the Planning and Zoning Administration from Philip Hoon, Esq., representing Mr. and Mrs. George McLaughlin, Third Point Road Chestertown, requesting enforcement of ther Kent County Zoning Ordinance relating to a pier on a neighbors property.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, July 9, 2002

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