KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Honorable Board of County 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

AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION

Correspondence was received from James Conrad, Administrator, Department of Agriculture, advising the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation's Board of Trustees approved Kent County's request to participate in the Fiscal Year 2003 Local Matching Fund Program. Mr. Conrad requested to be advised of Kent County's total commitment of local funds to be dedicated to the FY 2003 Easement Acquisition Program prior to December 3, 2002.

AIRPORT

In follow-up from last week, the Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to property owners involved with the proposed airport project from Pat Quinn, Real Property Manager, District Two Real Estate, State Highway Administration, advising that all negotiations have been halted due to the Commissioners' request to have the December 2002 term of Commissioners take action on the project. She advised property owners that all records and agreements have been turned over to the County Engineer.

BOARD OF EDUCATION
COMMUNITY CENTER

The Commissioners received correspondence from Dr. Bonnie Ward, Superintendent, Kent County Public Schools, advising that the Board of Education voted unanimously to proceed with negotiation with the County government to lease approximately sixteen acres at the Worton Elementary/Kent County High School complex for the development of a Community Center. The County Attorney will be requested to begin negotiations with the Board of Education Attorney in drafting a lease agreement.

BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS

The Commissioners reappointed D. Michael Usilton as a member of the Board of Electrical Examiners for a three year term ending January 12, 2006.

BOARD OF HOUSING APPEALS

The Commissioners reappointed Ronald R. Kennard as the alternate member of the Board of Housing Appeals for a three year term ending September 6, 2005.

COMMISSION ON AGING

The Commissioners reappointed Nellie D. Greenwood, Robert Wallace, Donald L. Owens and Florence T. Dorsey as members of the Commission on Aging for a three year period ending December 31, 2005.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Correspondence was received from Governor Parris Glendening advising that Kent County's request for Community Development Block Grant Funds in the amount of $185,000.00 was approved.

COUNTY ROADS
COOPERS LANE

In follow-up from September 10, the Commissioners received correspondence from Raymond Richards, dated September 26, expressing his disappointment that no action has been taken to remedy his concerns that Coopers Lane is hazardous from the recent paving.

In follow-up from Mr. Richards letter of September 26, the Commissioners received additional correspondence advising that a small tractor had overturned on Coopers Lane. He alleged that the accident occurred due to the pavement drop-off and the instability of the material recently placed on the shoulder of the road.

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and advised that Ed Spray, Superintendent, County Roads, was again investigating the possibility of dangerous road conditions and a report would be forthcoming.

COURT HOUSE

In follow-up from last week relating to correspondence from Verizon Public Communications advising that the pay telephone located at the Court House did not generate the minimum revenue/usage requirements and offered to convert the telephone service to custom pay phone service with a $75.00 monthly service fee, the County Administrator advised that he discussed the matter with Circuit Court Judge J. Frederick Price and District Court Judge Floyd Parks. Both Judges Price and Parks concurred that the pay phone was needed at the Court House. Judge Price advised that he would incorporate the $75.00 monthly charge into the Circuit Court FY 04 budget. A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to fund the pay phone in the amount of $75.00 per month for FY 03 from the Contingency fund.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Millington Water Project - The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to Tom Revelle, Engineering Systems Team Leader, from Millington Mayor Dennis Hager, advising of written confirmation of the loan and grant from the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, to proceed with the Millington Water Project and requested the installation of water line with the State Highway Plans for the MD Route 292 project.

Tolchester Service Area - Mr. Morris reported of request from Kenneth Reese for sewer allocation for his property located on Tax Map 35 D, Parcel 607, Lot 19.

The Commissioners approved and executed a Public Works Agreement providing sewer allocation for Danny and Bonnie Bennett for Tax Map 35 B, Parcels 565 and 566.

Worton Service Area- In follow-up from the pilot tests using liquid chlorine instead of gas chlorine for water treatment, Mr. Morris provided a quotation from ClorTec for sodium hypochlorite generation equipment in the amount of $15,865.00. Mr. Morris advised that he designated $14,000 in his current budget to purchase the system, however, due to a price increase, he would absorb the balance ($1,865.00) from his current budget. A motion was made was by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to purchase sodium hypochlorite generation equipment in the amount of $15,865.00 to be covered in the Department of Water and Wastewater Services current budget.

Quaker Neck Service Area - Mr. Morris presented a map of the Quaker Neck Service Area and highlighted the areas he recommended to be included in the amended Water and Sewer Plan. He recommended that the Water and Sewer Plan be amended to include lots on Lovers Lane up to the lots for which Mr. Lawrence requested sewer allocations. Mr. Morris estimated the need for a total of approximately 28 EDU's, with 9 allocations available, leaving a balance of 19 requested EDU's. A motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to proceed with the process to amend the Water and Sewer Plan by scheduling a public hearing. Commissioner Beck requested Heather Heights development be included in the amendment as well.

The Commissioners received correspondence from W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Chestertown, advising that the Mayor and Council of Chestertown discussed the request for allocations from the County. He reiterated the Town Charter does not allow the extension water or sewer lines beyond the town limits and confirmed the number of available allocations.

EASTERN SHORE LAND CONSERVANCY

The Commissioners approved the Eastern Shore 2010; A Regional Vision. This Resolution, agreed upon by six Eastern Shore Counties, will strive to protect the Eastern Shore from development through the use of voluntary preservation programs as well as preserving natural resources and managing growth. The original document will be forthcoming for Commissioner Fithian's signature. Commissioner Fithian read the document to be signed.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

The Commissioners reappointed Thomas K. Beckett, Sr. and Edward M. Athey as

members of the Economic Development Advisory Board for a three year term ending January 6, 2006.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

In response to correspondence received from Bob Rust, Director, Emergency Management, requesting approval to employ an additional full-time paramedic to have twenty-four hour, seven days a week, paramedic coverage, a motion was made by Commissioner Newnam, seconded by Commissioner Beck and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian, to approve the advertising for another full time paramedic position to provide the County with twenty-four hour, seven days a week, paramedic coverage. The cost of this additional position will be funded out of contingency.

GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT

The Commissioners approved a Raffle Permit for Radcliffe Creek School to hold a fund raising event at the school on October 4.

HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian signed a Release of Mortgage in the name of Phillip T. Wright and Mary S. Wright as it relates to the Housing Improvement Program.

INFORMATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

In follow-up from September 3 relating to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) pilot grant program for the provision of broadband transmission service in rural areas as reported by Shawn Mathiesen, Information Systems Manager, the Commissioners concurred that the next term of Commissioners should address the matter as it requires additional staffing as grant requirement.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 9:55 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 review included Memorandum of Understanding submitted by Chestertown Library, Inc.

The executive session adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

LEGISLATION

The County Administrator reported on SB 271 Correctional Facilities Inmate Welfare Fund, effective October 1. He advised that the Detention Center is aware of the new law and is in compliance with the requirements.

LIBRARY
HEARSE HOUSE

Formal signing of the Memo of Understanding as it relates to joint use of the building known as "Hearse House" located at 207 Calvert Street, Chestertown, was held today with the following present: Helen Guastavino, Chairman of the Chestertown Library Inc., Joan Horsey, President of Woman's Library Club of Chestertown, Inc., James Blake, Chairman, Board of Library Trustees, Gloria Urban, Library Director, Jerry Keiser, Assistant Director, and Commissioner Ronald H. Fithian. Check in the amount of $50,000 was presented by the Chestertown Library, Inc., to be used toward the renovation of this building.

NUISANCE VIOLATION
ZONING ORDINANCE VIOLATION

The Commissioners received correspondence from Rev. Ronald T. Fisher, landlord for property 7430 Cedar Road, Chestertown, advising of several complaints he has made relating to loose and threatening pit bull dogs belonging to the property owners adjacent to his rental property. He reported that he has made numerous complaints to the Humane Society, Planning and Zoning Administration, Sheriff's Office, and the Health Department, to no avail. Rev. Fisher also advised of debris and unregistered vehicles located there as well. The County Administrator advised that he would follow-up on the matter and discuss the incident with the agencies involved.

PARKS AND RECREATION

The Commissioners reappointed Vernon "Jake" Downey as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a four year term ending December 31, 2006.

PENSION PLAN

The Commissioners received correspondence from form Robert Dezube, F.S.A., Consulting Actuary, Milliman USA, advising of the final valuations for the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System, (LEOPS). The annual charge to the County for law enforcement officers pension benefits will be $24,630 per year over the next twenty five years for a total of $273,230.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam, and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to fund the amount of $273,230.00 from the fund balance. These funds will be electronically transferred as soon as possible.

The Commissioners received correspondence from Stephen Lester, Consultant, Institutional Services, Valic Retirement Services Company, advising that accompanying the transfer of plan assets, a separate amount of $13,569.61, representing forfeiture contributions, was forwarded on July 12, 2002 to the Maryland State Retirement Plan.

PERSONNEL

At 9:00 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.

At 10:05 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 to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

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

PUBLIC WORKS COMPLEX
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, reported that last week while the Social Security Administration used a room in the Public Works Complex, a Social Security Administration, (SSA) client became intimidating to County employees. He recommended that Social Security Administration representatives be accompanied by a security guard, as provided to other Social Security Administration satellite locations. The County Administrator advised that he would discuss the matter with the Social Security Administration.

SEDIMENT CONTROL

As recommended by the Director of Planning and Zoning Administration, the Commissioners approved to accept the Irrevocable Letter of Credit Number 525 from the Peoples Bank of Kent County, Maryland for the account of Petroleum Equipment, Inc., DBA Poore's Propane in the amount of $5,000 to guarantee compliance to the Sediment Control Ordinance as it relates to placement of propane tanks underground on the 2.49 acre lot, S/S Morgnec Road, Chestertown.

SENIOR CENTER
UPPER SHORE AGING

In follow-up from last week, the County Administrator reported that Carl Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, is pursuing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund the balance between the projected cost for construction for the Senior Center and the lowest bid. Commissioner Fithian requested correspondence be forwarded to Mr. Burke advising that he should continue to pursue all other sources of funding, however, should they not be available, the Commissioners would ensure the project proceed as planned without any modifications. The Commissioners concurred that moneys for the overage amount for the Senior Center should be funded from the fund balance rather than Contingency Fund.

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to Nancy Palmer, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, from Margo Bailey, Mayor of Chestertown, requesting the possibility of Community Development Block Grant funding to assist with Senior Center project construction.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

In follow up to discussion held last week on request submitted by Sheriff Price for purchase of two vehicles, the County Administrator reported that Sheriff Price advised him this past week there was no rush in making a decision on this matter. Therefore, the Commissioners did not take any action on this request.

STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

Correspondence was received from Ronald Lipps, Acting Chief and Highway Safety Coordinator, Maryland Highway Safety Office, advising that the Kent County Community Traffic Safety Program as initiated by the Kent County Substance Abuse Program, has been funded to support the objectives of combating impaired driving, aggressive driving as well as other safety programs.

WATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

The Commissioners received notification from the Maryland Department of Environment, Water Management Administration, advising of the project to install a driveway, utilities and parking, inside non-tidal wetlands at Walnut Street, Rock Hall. The project will impact 5,979 square feet of emergent non-tidal wetlands and 500 square feet of regulated non-tidal wetlands buffer. More information may be obtained by contacting Chris Pajak, Non-tidal Wetlands and Waterways Division at 410 543-6703.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, October 8, 2002

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