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 $3,264,911.00.

BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING AND PARK

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and advised of construction progress of the public boat launching ramp at Bayside Public Landing and Park. Commissioner Newnam advised that a resident requested the surplus soil from the boat launch ramp construction site. Mr. Stanton stated that he would contact the resident to arrange for delivery.

COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY

In view of the July 3 power outage, Commissioner Beck requested an appointment be made for a representative Connectiv to appear to discuss local power outages and expedient power restoration.

COUNTY ROADS

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared to advise that the County Roads Division has commenced road surface treatment.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Kennedyville Feasibility Study - Mr. Morris provided a copy of correspondence directed to Walid Saffouri, Chief, Maryland Department of the Environment, regarding a scheduled meeting on July 15 to discuss the Feasibility Study and options to correct problems relating to the Kennedyville wastewater system.

Millington Water and Wastewater Expansion Project - In follow-up from June 25, the Commissioners received a copy of correspondence responding to a request from Charles Burris, to consider furthering the Millington Service area to the Massey area. He advised Mr. Burris that expansion of service to the Massey area was not feasible at this time.

Edesville Service Area - Mr. Morris reported of power outage, hence, interruption of

service.

Worton Well Project - Mr. Morris provided an update on the Worton Well project. He advised that Maryland Department of Environment approved the well permit application and the project will move forward. He advised that the Health Department will be notified.

DETENTION CENTER

Correspondence was received from Warden Ronnie Howell, advising that an inmate has been hospitalized for a viral infection. He reported that although overtime to secure the inmate at the hospital is needed, he is making every effort to keep overtime to a minimum. Warden Howell noted that he has requested Judge Parks to consider placing the defendant on home detention to reduce the County's responsibility for the hospital bill.

EASTERN SHORE LAND CONSERVANCY

The Commissioners received correspondence from James Bortner, Chestertown, Bill Danneberg, Rock Hall, Pam Deringer, Chestertown, Raymond Diedrichs, Chestertown, Rafael Guastavino, Jr., Chestertown, John Lyons, Rock Hall, Matthew McGuire, Chesire, CT, Kevin McKillop, Chestertown, Paul O'Hearn, Chestertown, and Nancy Weed, Galena, requesting the Commissioners support the Eastern Shore 2010: A Regional Vision prepared by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy which is a proposed intercounty land use agreement to protect and enhance the Eastern Shore.

The Commissioners received correspondence from Elizabeth Morris, Chariman, Planning Commission, advising that after review of the Eastern Shore 2010: A Regional Vision document, the Planning Commission found the stated goals to be consistent with the Kent County Comprehensive Plan and recommended that Kent County support the proposed agreement.

The Commissioners plan on attending a special Upper Shore Association of Counties meeting on July 10 to discuss the proposed intercounty land protection agreement.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian executed the acceptance of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) grant award in the amount of $5,000.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, advised that during the July 3 power outage, the backup generator servicing Emergency Management, Detention Center and Sheriff's Office, did not function. He reported that although the weekly generator test was satisfactory, it did not provide service six days later, due to malfunctioning circuitry. Mr. Stanton advised that he is investigating the cost of repairs versus the cost of a new generator switching system. He will keep the Commissioners apprised of the matter as more information becomes available.

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

The Commissioners approved proposed legislation drafted by Susanne Hayman, Director, Human Resources, to be introduced to establish a Kent County Human Relations Commission. The bill is to be introduced the next legislative day, July 16.

KENT COUNTY FAIR

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and advised a request has been received from representatives of the Kent Agriculture Center for use of a container for refuse to be provided for the Kent County Fair. The Commissioners approved the request.

LAND USE ORDINANCE

The Commissioners received correspondence from Dr. and Mrs. Stan Quick, Chestertown, requesting the requirements for one dwelling per three acres relative to Rural Residential Zoning remain in place.

The Commissioners received correspondence from John Stoltzfus, Kennedyville, requesting the proposed zoning change of his property, near Millington, be waived until the project is completed.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 10:45 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. Commissioner Newnam was not in attendance due to an obligation with his employer, Verizon.

Items of discussion included mooring buoy regulations, block grant liens and economic development.

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

PENSION PLAN

Susanne Hayman, Director, Human Resources, appeared to advise that Valic funds have been transferred to the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.

The Commissioners received a fully executed copy of the Participation Agreement of Kent County (eligible employees) into the State Retirement and Pension System of Maryland.

PERSONNEL

At 8:45 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 8:55 a.m.

TAX SALE PROPERTY

In follow-up from June 4 correspondence from Dr. Serge Duckett, a letter of response went forth further delineating the circumstances (dating from 1972) relating to the errors that occurred on tax sale property he purchased and for which he has continued to pay taxes. The Commissioners extended their regrets for circumstances that occurred during at that time.

USTAR TRANSPORTATION
UPPER SHORE AGING

In follow-up from March 26, the Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to Carl Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, Inc., from Nancy Noonan, Chief Regional Planning, Maryland Transit Administration, providing the USTAR Transportation compliance review task completion check list.

The County Administrator reported that in follow-up from last week, he attended a meeting on July 8 with Talbot and Caroline County Administrators to address a USTAR Transportation FY 03 budget deficit of $65,000. He advised that the three counties may assume responsibility for the deficit. The County Administrator reported that Mr. Burke will be forwarding options to remedy the deficit.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, July 16, 2002.

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