KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, was also in attendance.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $ 9,027,815.00

COUNTY OWNED EQUIPMENT

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, requested approval to replace the inoperable printer, used by the Administrative Aide, for the amount of $200.00. Mr. Stanton advised that the expenditure could be funded from the Public Works budget. The Commissioners approved the request as presented.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Generators - A bid opening was held at 9:15 a.m. in the Commissioners' Hearing Room for replacement Emergency Generators for Fairlee Pump Station #4 and Kennedyville Pump Station #2. Mr. Morris and Jim Wright, County Engineer, were in attendance. The following bids were received:

Messrs. Morris and Wright advised that a recommendation would be made after a review of the bids.

Later in the day, Mr. Wright recommended to award the bid to the lowest bidder, Chesapeake Diesel, Inc. A motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by

Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to award the bid of replacement generators in the amount of $28,923 to Chesapeake Diesel, Inc.

Piney Neck Service Area - Mr. Morris forwarded a copy of correspondence from Ronald and Diana Higgins, requesting a sewer allocation for their property on Tax Map 51, Parcel 22. Per Mr. Morris' recommendation, a motion was made by Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Newnam and made unanimous by Commissioner Fithian to approve the sewer allocation.

Worton Well Project - Mr. Morris advised that well drilling has commenced and the project is proceeding.

ETHICS COMMISSION

The Commissioners appointed Alice S. Ritchie was appointed and F. Burgess Tucker was reappointed as members of the Ethics Commission for a three year term ending October 1, 2005.

HEARSE HOUSE
LIBRARY

In follow-up from last week , Mr. Stanton provided a more detailed cost information on the required renovations to the Hearse House as prepared by Charles E. Anthony, Architects. Commissioner Beck noted that utility hookup as well as architect fees were not included in the cost of renovations presented last week. The Commissioners requested Mr. Stanton to obtain another cost estimate for the project for further review and consideration.

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

The Commissioners appointed the following to the Human Relations Commission beginning immediately:

Marian Cooke and James S. Urda for a one year term expiring October 4, 2003.

Tom Pratt and Carmen Pratt for a two year term expiring October 4, 2004.

Mary Ellen Williams, James Messersmith, and Lee S. Beck for a three year term expiring October 4, 2005.

An organizational meeting has been scheduled for November 26.

HUNTERS RUN SUBDIVISION

Correspondence dated November 7 was received from Thomas Tucker, Senior Vice President, Peoples Bank, advising that letters of credit for Afforestation, Road Construction, Landscaping, and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management, as it relates to Hunters Run Subdivision are terminated as another financial institution will be issuing replacement letter of credit. Replacement of Irrevocable Letters of Credit for above listed projects were received from the Centreville National Bank. As recommended by the Director of Planning and Zoning Administration, the Commissioners approved for their acceptance.

LAND USE ORDINANCE

Correspondence was received from Anne and William Norris, III, requesting their property Tax Map 37, Parcel 12, 127 acres be zoned as Rural Character rather than Agricultural so that in the future they may divide their property to allow lots for their two children.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 10:00 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 Land Use Ordinance, litigation, and changes to the Quaker Neck Service Area.

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

OYSTER MANAGEMENT

The Commissioners received correspondence from Charles S. Frentz, Executive Director, Oyster Management Recovery Partnership, proposing new sites for restoration as managed oyster reserves scheduled for next year. He also requested consideration be given for Kent County to contribute $20,000 as catalyst to implement additional oyster restoration. It was noted that $10,000 is budgeted for this project, however, no action was taken on this matter as the Commissioners concurred to allow the new Board of Commissioners to address the matter.

PARKS AND RECREATION

The Commissioners approved and signed the following:

A Memo of Understanding by and between the Local Management Board for Children's and Family Services (LMB) and Kent County Parks and Recreation for program to supplement of the Leaders Club with a Resource Professional in cooperation with the Board of Education and to evaluate the outcomes funded and/or administered by the LMB. The maximum amount of funding available to provide these services under the MOU is $3,000 for period of July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003.

A Memo of Understanding by and between the LMB and the Kent County Parks and Recreation for program to supplement the Leaders Club with transportation in cooperation with the Board of Education and to evaluate the outcomes funded and/or administered by the LMB. The maximum amount of funding available to provide these services under the MOU is $7,000 for period October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002. These funds have already been incurred by the Parks and Recreation Department.

PERSONNEL

In a follow up to request made by Commissioner Beck to continue health insurance for County Commissioners who leave office after having served two or more terms, Susie Hayman, Human Resources Director, provided Memo citing Maryland Constitution, Article III, Section 35 whereby extra compensation may not be granted or allowed to any public officer after the services has been rendered. Attorney General Robert McDonald stated that health insurance proposal as initially discussed is most likely prohibited by Article III, Section 35 if the current County Commissioners will receive the benefit.

A Resolution will be prepared next week amending the Personnel Policies and Procedures as it relates to eligibility of health insurance after retirement for county employees.

At 8:40 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 8:50 a.m.

At 9:00 a.m., a motion was 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 Annotate Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Commissioners appointed William S. Sutton as a regular member of the Planning Commission for a five year term beginning January 7, 2003 and ending January 7, 2008.

PUBLIC DRAINAGE ASSOCIATION

The Commissioners reappointed J. Wesley Kimble as a member of the Public Drainage Association for a five year term ending October 10, 2007.

PUBLIC WORKS COMPLEX

At the request of Christina M. Chase, C & BP Loan Technician, Rural Development Delaware/Maryland, the Commissioners approved and Commissioner Fithian signed Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payments for acquisition loan for the Public Works Complex.

RECOGNITION

Per the request of Reverend Gonzalee Matthews, Emmanuel Church, the Commissioners recognized Wesley Derry, Glaydys Gilbert, Gertrude Graves, Dorothy Harris, Edgar Johnson, Louise Johnson, Mary Johnson, Wesley Johnson, Mabel Kennard , Thomas Kennard, Lewin Lively, and Theresa Wickes, as members of the 80+ organization for their dedication to the community.

TOURISM

In a follow up to submission of proposed 5-year strategic plan by Bernadette Van Pelt, Tourism Director, the Commissioners approved to extend date of current plan to December 2002 and to leave decision for approval of the proposed plan at the discretion of the incoming Board of County Commissioners.

WATER MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION

The Commissioners received notification from the Department of the Environment advising that a permit has been issued to Conrad and Patricia Langenfelder to appropriate and use and annual average of 150,000 gallons per day. Questions about the permit may be directed to 410 537-3590.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, November 19, 2002.

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