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The Honorable Board of License Commissioners met today with
the following present: Roy W. Crow, Scott D. Livie, and William W. Pickrum,
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 $4,139,732.00.
APPEALS BOARD
The Commissioners appointed Charlotte D. Staelin as an alternate member
of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three year term ending January 7,
2007.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Commissioner Pickrum noted that at last evening's meeting of the Board
of Education (BOE), the proposed budget for 2005 was presented by Dr.
Bonnie Ward, Superintendent of Kent County Public Schools. The Commissioners
will schedule a budget work session with the members of the BOE and the
Superintendent.
Commissioner Pickrum stated that both the County and the BOE are faced
with tough fiscal decisions, given that both are faced with severe cut-backs
in State and federal funding. Commissioner Livie concurred, adding that
the County has only $800,000 to $900,000 in reserves. He expressed his
concern that an additional $1,150,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2005 is being
requested (excluding capital projects).
Commissioners Pickrum and Livie noted that the 1% increase in salary was
not given to all of the public school employees, some of whom are teachers.
The Commissioners contrasted the school board's approach to establishing
a salary increase with that of the Board's approach which provided an
identical numerical increase in salary to all County employees. Given
the latter approach, no one segment of the employee base of the County
received a greater salary increase than another segment.
CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED RESTORATION FUND
Commissioner Crow initiated discussion about this Restoration Fund which
will be administered by the Department of the Environment (MDE), creating
a dedicated fund to upgrade the 66 largest sewage treatment plants, located
in 23 jurisdictions around the State, in order to achieve state-of-the-art
nutrient removal. An environmental surcharge will be set at $2.50 per
month, per household, a surcharge on businesses will be based on the wastewater
they generate ($2.50 per month for every 250 gallons per day of discharge).
The design and construction of the upgrades for the first plants will
begin in 2005; the construction of all 66 major sewage treatment plants
can be initiated by 2009 and completed by 2011.
Commissioner Crow underscored the fact that the Fund will affect only
those households that are connected to a sewer; therefore 6,000 households
in Chestertown will be affected. Commissioners Crow and Livie indicated
that it behooves every County, including Kent County, to assist with the
clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay; however, they added that they would like
to see a mechanism developed in this Fund that would enable the smaller
water treatment systems to benefit financially from the Fund before the
projected 2011 completion date for the design and construction of plant
upgrades.
Commission Pickrum noted his concern regarding the proposed administrative
costs of the Fund which total $3 Million. Commissioner Livie expressed
the concern of the entire Board by stating the need for the Board to question
this proposed expenditure and other aspects of the Fund which pertain
to its bureaucratic organization.
CHESAPEAKE FIELDS INSTITUTE (CFI)
The Commissioners sent forth a letter to Jonathan Mawdsley, representing
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, offering their support for
CFI's application for continued funding through the Chesapeake Bay Small
Watershed Grants Program. The Commissioners indicated that the proposed
funding for which CFI is applying will enable the Institute to complete
their studies and develop the infrastructure which would provide the ability
to process regionally grown grains into food and commercial uses.
COUNTY ROADS DIVISION
Carter G. Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and reviewed the interests
expressed by the Towns of Chestertown and Betterton to purchase a truck
which the County Roads Division is ready to dispose of: a 1994 International
Dump Truck.
Following discussion about the decommissioning of previous County trucks,
the Commissioners determined that the purchase of the truck be conducted
through an open bid process with the incorporated towns. The minimum bid
to be accepted is $11,000.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES
Wayne Morris, Director, Water and Wastewater Services, appeared and reported
on the following:
Spring Cove/Green Lane Service Area - The concern involving the
request of Catherine J. Hill for a sewer allocation for parcel 75 on map
51 (for the office on her farm) has been resolved.
Worton Service Area - Concerning the Smithville Road Water and
Sewer Project conducted by Charles D. Reed, Jr., and the Chum Creek Land
Associates, Mr. Reed is in receipt of an irrevocable letter of credit
and is moving forward with the project pending more accommodating weather
conditions.
Tolchester Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed
a Public Works Agreement with Dorothea M. McSorley for a sewer allocation
in the Tolchester Service Area for properties located on Map 35A, Parcel
108 and Map 35B, Parcel 436, Lots 32-40.
Skinners Neck Service Area - A motion was made by Commissioner
Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie, and made unanimous to accept the
recommendation of Mr. Morris to approve the request of William M. Crowding,
Registered Surveyor, on behalf of Mr. Crowding's clients, Brian and Anne
O'Connor, for one sewer allocation for a combined parcel of Parcel 438
and Parcel 284, Tax Map 51, subject to the approval of all other pertinent
agencies.
The Commissioners approved and signed a Public Works Agreement with Henry
Hubbard and Dorothy K. Hubbard for a sewer allocation for property located
on Map 51, Parcel 218, Lot 2.
Water and Sewer Rates - Correspondence was sent forth to
Margot Kindig expressing the appreciation of the Commissioners for her
e-mail (dated January 22, 2004) regarding the recent water and sewer rate
increases. They reiterated that their goal, as pointed out by Mrs. Kindig
in her e-mail, is "to obtain uniform water and sewer rate throughout all
districts."
The Commissioners explained in their letter that several options were
explored in order to achieve said uniformity. They reiterated their decision
as follows: each district rate is different and a rate increase has been
implemented that will allow each district rate to increase 17.5% yearly
until a district reaches the universal rate for water and/or sewer.'
Because of the various rates throughout each district, some districts,
such as Fairlee, will reach their universal rate by FY'06. In other districts,
for example Edesville, it will take longer, in this case by FY'10. Once
a district reaches their universal rate, rates will increase 4% annually."
The Commissioners closed their letter by thanking her for her input and
comments.
Edesville Wastewater Facility - Mr. Morris advised that Rural Development
can offer a 75% grant to be used for the Edesville wastewater connection
to the Wesley Chapel service area. The County would be required to make
an annual payment of $5,500 to Rural Development for a forty year period.
Also available is a low interest loan (4%) available from MDE which would
require payment of $21,000 for twenty years.
The Commissioners approved to accept grant from Rural Development. Mr.
Morris noted the costs involved with this project is already incorporated
in the water and sewer rates recently adopted. A public information meeting
will be scheduled in the near future.
EARLY ACTION COMPACT (EAC)
Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, appeared and reported about the re-designation
of the Kent and Queen Anne's Counties nonattainment status. Gail Owings,
Director, Planning and Zoning, was also in attendance. As Ms. Moredock
explained, given the fact that the latest ozone data collected at the
Millington Monitoring Station supported attainment for the one-hour ozone
standard, the eligibility of Kent and Queen Anne's Counties for Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) re-designation of the County's current one-hour
ozone attainment status was affirmed.
Ms. Moredock further explained that if said counties are re-designated
One-Hour Ozone Standard attainment areas, then Kent County's EAC will
be in a better position to be accepted by the EPA as resubmitted by the
Maryland Department of the Environment. The EPA is expected to finalize
their decision on the Kent and Queen Anne's Counties re-designation and
EAC by April 15, 2004.
Ms. Moredock also reported that at a public hearing on January 29, 2004
held by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), she testified
on behalf of the County in support of its re-designation, and that MDE
held a conference call, on January 29th, between Kent and Queen Anne's
Counties to solidify the two counties' commitment to the EAC.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Commissioners requested the Economic Development Office host an annual
agricultural breakfast.
At 12:45 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie, and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to discuss a proposal
for a business to locate in Kent County in accordance with State Government
Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The executive session adjourned at 1:12 p.m.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY(EMA)
A bid opening took place at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2004, in the
Hearing Room of the County Commissioners for Project No. EMA 04-03, the
installation of 4" PVC underground conduit at the Kent County EMA. Jim
Wright, County Engineer, and Robert Rust, Jr., Director, Emergency Management
Agency, were in attendance.
The work will consist of the installation of approximately 1200 l.f. of
4" PVC underground conduit, approximately 400 l.f. of 4" PVC interior
conduit both with pull string and hand holes and the installation of a
minimum of two (2) 110v/20 amp electrical outlets at the EMA. Bids were
received as follows:
1. Joseph R. Smith, Inc. .......................................................$14,570.00
P.O. Box 357
Denton, MD 21629
2. Lindstrom Excavating Contractors, Inc.............................$54,400.00
25820 Still Pond Neck Road
Worton, MD 21678
The estimated cost was $26,400.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and was unanimously approved to accept the recommendation of Mr. Rust
to accept the bid of Joseph R. Smith, Inc. for the installation of the
underground conduit.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and was unanimously approved to accept the recommendation of Mr. Rust
to accept the bid of $24,492 made by Information Products of Maryland,
Inc., Baltimore, for the purchase of a digital multi-channel voice logging
recorder for the Kent County EMA. The reading and opening of the bids
for this project was conducted at the Board's meeting on January 27th.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Correspondence went forth from Jack Canan, Housing Coordinator, to Robert
and Peggy Harrison, extending, on behalf of the County, his appreciation
to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison for the gift of their home to "a needy Kent County
family." The Harrison's will be moving into a new home upon completion
of its construction in approximately December 2004.
Mr. Canan also indicated in his letter that he and the Harrison's have
agreed to remain in communication in order to assist with the relocation
of the donated house to its new location on Haven Road, Rock Hall. Mr.
Canan outlined other factors involved in the relocation which are as follows:
the review of housing codes in Rock Hall, and the determination of a source
of funding for and a company capable of transporting the house.
HURRICANE ISABEL
PUBLIC LANDINGS
Carter Stanton, Director of Public Works, appeared and reported about
the progress of repairs to piers and landings damaged in the aftermath
of Hurricane Isabel:
- Damage done to the Fairlee pier was recently ascertained, the cost for
repairs estimated to be $1,750. The Board approved Mr. Stanton's request
for the inclusion of the expenditure for this repair with the total of
expenditures for the repairs of the other piers and landings, given the
availability of funding already received from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA).
- The repairs needed at the two piers at Bogle's Wharf have been completed.
- The repair work needed for the Sharp Street pier has commenced.
KENT COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER AT WORTON
P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, and Jim Wright, County
Engineer, appeared to discuss various issues relating to the Kent County
Business Center at Worton. Mr. Wright advised that McCrone, Inc. has proceeded
as far as possible on his scope of work assigned. Before any additional
work can be done, decision needs to be made as to subdivision vs. condominium
type concept for this project.
Commissioner Livie suggested arrangements be made to visit the Business
Park in Cambridge. Mrs. Schaller agreed to do so.
In the meantime, Mr. Wright requested the stormwater management design
be addressed. McCrone, Inc. has prepared a conceptual layout utilizing
the existing stormwater management facility located on the south side
of Creafill by upgrading the facility to current regulations. This plan
would benefit both Creafill and the County at no cost to Creafill. The
upgrade facility would accommodate future growth on the Creafill site
and also accommodate the County's project without loss of valuable lot
area.
The Commissioners approved to move forward with the regional stormwater
management facility. It was noted that contact needs to be made with Creafill
to see if they will contribute to the retrofit. The Commissioners requested
that Ms. Hayman, County Attorney, Mr. Wright, County Engineer, and Mike
Whitehill of McCrone, Inc. meet with representatives of Creafill for the
pond enhancement project.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
KENT COUNTY MUSEUM
Commissioner Pickrum noted the receipt of correspondence from Ann Wilmer
Hoon, representing the League of Women Voters. Mrs. Hoon was present and
reported that, as per her letter, she has received "very positive responses
to the idea of a Kent County Museum," and has requested that a committee
be formed to discuss the idea. No action was taken on this request at
this time.
In her correspondence, Mrs. Hoon also proposed that an office for the
League of Women Voters be made available to them inside of the Visitors
Center, Chestertown. She requested a meeting of the Commissioners and
representatives of the League of Women Voters for discussion about this
proposal. Commissioner Pickrum indicated that this request will be taken
under consideration.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 10:25 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session with Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, for legal counsel in accordance
with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.
Items discussed included MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for a new business
that may locate in Kent County.
The executive session adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
At 11:10 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session with Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, for legal counsel in accordance
with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.
The executive session adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
MERCURY CAP AND TRADE EMISSION PROPOSAL
Cooky McClung, Editor of The Kent News, was in attendance and inquired
about the correspondence that the Commissioners received from Congressman
Wayne T. Gilchrest, which referred, in turn, to a letter which he received
from James L. Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental
Quality. Mr. Connaughton's letter pertained to an Administrative proposal
for a power plant mercury emissions cap-and-trade program.
Congressman Gilchrest expressed his concern about this approach because
of a recently published analysis by Environmental Defense which illustrates
the dangers of local mercury deposition. Commissioner Livie stated that
he is not, as yet, aware of statistics regarding the levels of mercury
in indigenous fish, such as shellfish and rockfish, in the Chesapeake
Bay. He expressed his interest in the results of studies that measure
mercury levels in fish that migrate to and from the Bay.
The Congressman reported that he expressed his concerns to the President's
Administration, and encouraged the Commissioners to learn more about this
issue and the Administration's proposal by visiting the EPA website at
www.epa.gov/mercury/1880338.pdf and to contact the Administration with
any of their concerns. Enclosed with his letter was also a copy of an
article published in The Washington Post (December 10, 2003),
"Report Cites 10 States' Mercury Pollution: Environmental Advocacy Group
Uses EPA Data to Pinpoint Hot Spots'".
MIDSHORE SOLID WASTE FACILITY
Correspondence was received via electronic mail from Elizabeth Collins,
of Chestertown, referring to a memorandum received by the Commissioners
from Carter G. Stanton, Director of Public Works, (referencing Resolution
#93-1537), and discussed at the Commissioners' Meeting on December 16,
2003. In his memorandum, Mr. Stanton reported that it is the County's
obligation to acquire a parcel of land suitable for development as a solid
waste disposal facility and to develop a financial plan for funding the
acquisition.
The County has committed itself to provide a site for the Midshore Solid
Waste Facility within the County by 2051. In response to Mr. Stanton's
memorandum, Commissioner Pickrum had expressed his hope that, between
the present time and the year 2051, waste management technology will have
advanced enough to eliminate the need for landfills.
Ms. Collins suggested to the Commissioners that, given the current lack
of landfill-alternatives, they should begin planning to meet the County's
obligation. Further, she noted that if alternatives to landfills become
evident, she feels certain that the County will find other uses for the
site.
PERSONNEL
At 10:10 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government
Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, was also in attendance.
The executive session adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
At 10:50 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum 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 11:50 a.m.
PUBLIC SECURITY
At 1:12 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie, and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session to discuss issues relating to public security in accordance with
State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The executive session adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
RADCLIFFE CREEK
Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning, appeared and reported that
the Chester River Association (CRA) has applied for a grant from the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund a program which will recruit and
train "creek-keepers" to assist the promotion and maintenance of the water
quality of Radcliffe Creek Mrs. Owings explained that this "creek-keeper"
program will, in turn, assist with and address the County's Mid-Chester
River Watershed Restoration Project.
SHARP STREET PUBLIC LANDING
BOGLES WHARF PUBLIC LANDING
CLIFFS CITY PUBLIC LANDING
At the recommendation of Jim Wright, County Engineer, the Commissioners
approved to accept Irrevocable Letter of Credit from the Chestertown Bank
of Maryland for the account of Deckelman's Pile Driving in compliance
to the bid specification to guarantee performance, labor, payment and
surety as follows: one in the amount of $138,775.00 for the Sharp Street
Public Landing Rehabilitation and one in the amount of $27,800.00 for
the pier repair at Bogles Wharf and Cliffs City Public Landings.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Sheriff Price appeared and advised the Commissioners about the projected
mileage of Patrol Division Vehicles, providing the Board with copies of
the projections over Fiscal Years 2005, 2006, and 2007. The Sheriff reported
that Norris Ford, Easton, has offered the County the purchase price of
$19,338 per vehicle, and he noted that said dealer and the State Police
are currently under contract for the purchase of the State Police's vehicles.
Sheriff Price projected that, given the current number of staff, his office
will have to replace seven vehicles over the next three years. Referring
to his memorandum which was reviewed at the last meeting of the Board,
Sheriff Price recommended that the County place an order with Norris Ford
for the purchase of three new patrol vehicles for Fiscal Year 2005 before
March 15, 2004, the deadline tendered by Norris Ford. The quote presented
by Norris Ford represents a savings to the County of more than $900.00
per vehicle as compared to the quote of $20,319.00 presented by Hertrich
Fleet Services, Inc., the unit price of a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria.
Expressing their appreciation to Sheriff Price for the research and projections
provided, the Commissioners advised that they will take this recommendation
into further consideration.
SNOW REMOVAL
Correspondence was received via electronic mail from Les Scanlan, identifying
himself as President of the Langford Bay Estates Property Owners' Association
(LBEPOA) expressing satisfaction of the Association with the snow removal
efforts of the County road crews. However, Mr. Scanlan requested the application
of a salt or a sand/salt mixture, rather than one with gravel.
UPPER SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL(USRC)
Mike Waal stopped in to see the Commissioners and advised that he has
been recently appointed to the Upper Shore Regional Council Legislative
Committee.
Correspondence was received via electronic mail from Kevin Morse, Executive
Director, Upper Shore Regional Council, providing information: "USRC Legislative
Update." Included in his update was Mr. Morse's report that he and Chairman
Roy Crow, along with all the other regional council directors and Chairpersons,
met with Secretary Melissaratos and Deputy Secretary Foster of the Department
of Business and Economic Development to discuss the funding outlook for
Fiscal Year 2005 and to request their support for other regional issues.
VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS
A press release was received via electronic mail reporting that Governor
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. introduced on January 26, 2004 a proposal to award
up to six licenses to operate video lottery terminals in the State. Under
this proposal, two licenses may be awarded for video lottery terminals
at "Non-Racetrack Destination Locations" in the following six jurisdictions:
Prince George's, Howard, Baltimore, Harford and Cecil Counties and Baltimore
City.
The revenue generated by these video lottery terminals at tracks would
be distributed in the manner defined by Senate Bill 322, with one change:
$250,000.00 will be dedicated to pay health benefits for Maryland jockeys;
46% of the revenues would be dedicated to funding K-12 public education
in the State; 50.75% of the proceeds will go to State and Local government,
the largest share of any existing video lottery terminal program in the
country.
WYE OAK
Commissioner Livie initiated discussion regarding correspondence that
was received from C. Ronald Franks, Secretary, Maryland Department of
Natural Resources (MDNR), who indicated that, following months of meetings
and ideas expressed by Maryland citizens, Governor Ehrlich has announced
a number of ways that the remains of the Wye Oak (felled in a June 2002
thunderstorm) would be distributed, including giving a piece of the Wye
Oak to each county to be utilized as each desires.
Secretary Franks further indicated that Kent County's piece of the Wye
Oak is currently available for pick up and that the wood is in an unfinished
state. Commissioner Livie pointed out that there are many, highly skilled
and talented carvers in the County who, in his opinion, should be considered
in discussions about the County's utilization of its piece of the Wye
Oak. Commissioner Pickrum suggested the consideration of the Kent County
Arts League for their input, and requested that preparations be made now
for the secure storage of the County's piece of the Wye Oak upon its delivery.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 6:00 p.m.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Janice F. Fletcher
Executive Assistant
Approved: William W. Pickrum, President
Please contact Ileana Lindstrom or Janice Fletcher at (410)
778-7435 or by e-mail with
any questions or comments.
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