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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 as amended.
W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $3,769,204.00.
Condolences went forth to the parents of Bryan "Nick" Spry. Bryan Spry,
of Kent County, was killed in Iraq on February 13, 2004 while serving
in the recovery and reconstruction efforts following "Operation Freedom."
BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING
A bid opening took place at 9:00 a.m. for Project No. PL 04-03, boat slip
re-configuration at Bayside Public Landing. The work will consist of the
removal of approximately 11 piles and 4 catwalks with piling and electrical
outlets and the installation of approximately 8 piles in the existing
marina at Bayside Public Landing, Rock Hall. Carter Stanton, Public Works
Director, and Jim Wright, County Engineer, were in attendance.
One bid was received as follows: Deckelman's Pile Driving ..............$14,700.00.
The estimated cost for this project was approximately $20,000 to $25,
000.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to award contract to Deckelman's
Pile Driving.
BUDGET
Prior to commencement of the Fiscal Year 2005 budget process, the Commissioners
requested that the County Department Heads be invited to meet with them
next week for a budget work session to seek input and feedback as to innovative
ideas or ways to reduce costs in the County's budget.
CHESAPEAKE FIELDS INSTITUTE (CFI)
John E. Hall, President, Chesapeake Fields Institute, appeared and gave
a presentation, updating the progress of CFI. Liz Morris, CFI staff associate,
Mike Waal, member, CFI Board of Directors, S. Lansing Williams, CFI Director
of Administration and Accounting, Dr. Joseph Bauer, CFI Director of Operations,
and P.A.M. Schaller, Director of Economic Development, were also present.
Invited guests were Aris Melissaratos, Secretary, Department of Business
and Economic Development (DBED), and Bob Brennan, Assistant Secretary,
DBED.
Mr. Hall's powerpoint presentation began with an outline of CFI's history,
citing a Community Needs Assessment conducted in 1999 which included an
awareness of the economic pressures facing Delmarva's farmers and their
struggle to remain viable. CFI was started in order to help farmers become
more profitable, and thereby helping all residents to preserve the farmland,
open spaces, the environment and their lifestyles. The strategic plan
of CFI is "Preservation Through Profitability," through participation
in "value-added" farming, the artisan bread industry and market, and the
specialty snack food market featuring soy and soy products - all of which
would add to the economic base of Kent County (and all of Delmarva). He
also cited the creation of Chesapeake Fields Farmers, LLC, which is an
organization that directly yields income to farmers and allows the community
to invest in their sense of place.
More currently, CFI is focusing on local potential and international customers.
Projections for 2008 include 1,000 containers of CFI product to export
and the provision of 63 jobs. Mr. Hall reported that the Commissioners
endorsed CFI's plans to develop a business park that will house a grain
seed cleaning and conditioning facility, an artisan bakery, a soy snack
food plant, as well as an agricultural education center and administrative
offices, all of which will comprise a point of destination for the County's
tourism.
Secretary Melissaratos expressed much interest in CFI's plans, posing
many questions and suggesting potentially lucrative contacts and areas
for expanding the scope of CFI's considerations and plans. Mr. Hall and
Dr. Bauer, addressing the Secretary's questions, reported the following:
- The importance to CFI for identity preservation, which is a way to secure
the ability to trace food to its source. This ability was described as
particularly important in light of concerns for homeland security.
- CFI's grains would be shipped by trucks from Kent County to freighter-containers
in the Port of Baltimore; CFI's products will not be genetically-modified.
- Mr. Hall and Dr. Bauer indicated that after CFI has established itself
in the retail market, it will focus on other markets including restaurants
and the food programs of hospitals and prisons, with an emphasis on establishing
a "presence" - i.e. a recognizable name.
- Mr. Hall explained that the projected acreage needed for the business
park would be 30 to 50 acres; 50 to 100 acres for the educational center.
Part of CFI's vision, he continued, would be to permit tourists to visit
the soy snack and artisan bread plant during their same visit to the educational
center. Dr. Bauer described the artisan bread as having a shelf-life of
approximately 3 to 4 days and, therefore, would not be in the same market
as, for example, Pepperidge Farm breads. Examples of competitive bakeries
would include LaBrea and the in-store bakeries of supermarkets.
- CFI has received the support of local, regional and state representatives,
as well as the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
- In terms of CFI's current financial needs, $70,000 will be needed to
conduct an educational feasibility study, and $3 to 5 Million for the
site to accommodate the plant and the educational center. CFI will contribute
to Kent County and all of Delmarva with jobs, revenues, tourism, and will
strengthen citizens' respect for and preservation of the agricultural
environment. Mr. Hall encouraged everyone to contact the CFI's website:
www.chesapeakefields.com.
- The 301 corridor has been cited as a promising location for CFI's facilities,
providing them with greater visibility given the proximity to passing
traffic, the availability of water and sewer systems, and enough acreage
to support the CFI campus.
Secretary Melissaratos encouraged CFI to consider discussions with the
U.S. Department of Agriculture about its plans to expand/move its research
labs from the current Beltsville location to this region. He encouraged
this and other examples of bridging DBED to the agricultural industry.
International customers, he advised, would be more likely to do business
in Delmarva than in the mid-western states, a region being considered
by the USDA for its labs. Commissioner Crow expressed his enthusiasm for
the Secretary's ideas and encouragement. He conveyed to the Secretary
that there are exciting private/public partnerships taking place in the
County.
Mr. Hall expressed his appreciation to Secretary Melissaratos and Assistant
Secretary Brennan for their interest and input.
CHESAPEAKE MARINE TRADES CAREER SCHOOL
Michael M. Thielke, Executive Director, Chesapeake Marine Trades Career
School, appeared and gave a powerpoint presentation about this new initiative.
Invited guests were Aris Melissaratos, Secretary, Department of Business
and Economic Development (DBED), and Bob Brennan, Assistant Secretary,
DBED. There is a need in Kent County for trained and skilled persons in
marine trades for career employment, not only for seasonal jobs. He underscored
the fact that Kent County is located in a primary market for marine trades
along the eastern seaboard, ranging from Long Island to North Carolina.
This region was once the boat-building capital of the country and, therefore,
has a rich heritage in marine trades. Mr. Thielke's presentation continued
as follows:
Mission Statement - The mission of the Chesapeake Marine Trades
Career School is to make people's lives better and to introduce new options
to minorities and women; by creating good paying job opportunities through
the use of training programs in the marine trades that will help to preserve
the region's marine heritage, the survival of struggling watermen, and
the growing and economically important recreational boating industry of
the Chesapeake Bay.
Partnerships - The lead non-profit partner is the Chester Bridge
Foundation. Other partnerships include the Marine Trades Association of
MD, the American Boat and Yacht Council, American Boat Builders and Repairers
Association, MD Department of Business and Economic Development, Kent
County Department of Economic Development, Greater Rock Hall Business
Association, MD Workforce Investment Boards, and Community colleges.
Initial Program Areas of Concentration -
Systems - Marine mechanics, marine electronics, marine refrigeration
and air conditioning.
Structural - Fiberglass repair.
Management - Marina management.
Basic Curriculum Outline - Required core element course is 36 weeks;
complete or qualify out of core element, may take elective courses; varied
elective courses; courses will incorporate ABYC certification criteria.
Student Services - Including assistance with tuition financing
and job placement assistance and career counseling.
Facility Location - Old seafood processing plant owned by the MD
Food Center Authority, in Rock Hall Harbor, Chesapeake and Sharp Streets.
Admission Requirements - (Guidelines are established for admission
to promote student success in programs.) High school diploma/GED equivalent;
English proficiency test; math proficiency test, mechanical reasoning
test; abstract reasoning test.
Capitalization Goals - A three year campaign, with commitments
thus far from the Kent County Commissioners, Rock Hall Town Council, and
projected commitments from marinas, other government grants, individual
gifts. Total capitalization - $1 Million.
Marine Capitalization - $5,000 increments; tax-deductible donation;
50% discount on tuition within first 5 years (based on availability).
Possible Future Programs - Including marine straddle lift and fork
lift; marine service management; boat-lifting equipment and operations;
understanding patents and copyrights, etc.
To questions posed by Secretary Melissaratos, Mr. Thielke and the Commissioners
indicated that Chesapeake College has been requested to develop the curriculum
for the Marine Trades and Career School, thereby establishing a "satellite"
of the College in the County. It was noted that there are currently 26
marinas in the County. Mr. Thielke expressed his anticipation that the
Marine Trades and Career School will be up and running by 2005. He also
expressed his hope that a high school program will be started by the Fall
of 2004, with an invitation extended to high schools in all the mid-shore
counties to participate in a work-study type of program.
To further questions posed by Secretary Melissaratos, Mr. Thielke reported
that he has already requested the support of all local, regional, and
state government representatives. The Secretary suggested that Mr. Thielke
contact the Department of Commerce as well.
The Commissioners approved to allocate $10,000 towards this initiative
within the Fiscal Year 2004 budget: $7,000 out of the Economic Development
Budget and $3,000 out of the contingency fund.
COUNTY ROADS
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the recommendation
of J. Edward Spray, Superintendent of County Roads Division, Public Works,
that the County extend the current contract for CRS2 for tar and chipping
with the E. Mitchell Asphalt Company for a period of one year. The new
contract would begin May 1, 2004, extending through April 30, 2005. Mr.
Spray explained that this extension would eliminate advertising costs
for a new contract and would allow completion of the surface treatment
program during the months of May and June, 2004.
COURT HOUSE
A bid opening took place at 9:05 a.m. for Project No. DPW 04-10, interior
rehabilitation of the District Court Commissioner Waiting Room located
in the Court House. Carter Stanton, Director of Public Works, and Jim
Wright, County Engineer, were in attendance. The work will consist of
the removal and disposal of materials from the exterior wall and replacement
of discarded materials. The work shall also involve removal of all vinyl
wall covering in the room, including adhesive and sizing, and repainting
of the room. The work to be performed shall include all labor, materials,
equipment and disposal costs necessary to complete the required work as
described in the specifications.
One bid was received as follows:
Indoor Environmental Services, LLC ........................ $7,782.00.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to award contract to Indoor
Environmental Services, LLC which will be funded out of contingency.
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Commissioners hosted a luncheon with Secretary Aris Melissaratos and
Assistant Secretary, Robert Brennan, at the Blue Heron Caf. Others in
attendance were T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, and P.A.M. Schaller,
Economic Development Director. Discussion related to the County's interest
in seeking technical assistance from the State as it relates to the LaMotte
Park property and the Kent County Business Center at Worton.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Correspondence was received via electronic mail from Karen Smith, Director
of Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the Governor, with attached
press release, "Governor Ehrlich Announces Funding Program for Maryland's
Transportation Needs: Ehrlich Plan Will Deliver An Additional $320 Million
Annually for Roads, Transit Administration To Invest $13 Billion in Transportation
Over Next Six Years." The elements of the Governor's transportation funding
program that will produce the additional $320 Million per year include
the following:
- $153 Million - generated through an adjustment to the annual base vehicle
registration fee. Cars will pay an additional $23.50 per year. Trucks
will pay an additional $36.00 per year;
- $11 Million - generated through the application of a $200 surcharge
attached to each DUI/DWI conviction;
- $40 Million - generated through the application of a $50 surcharge attached
to each conviction of a moving violation;
- $20 Million - generated by an increase in miscellaneous MVA fees, including
an increase in the MVA's ability to recover more of its costs associated
with the program that assists local jurisdictions in collecting parking
fees and fines for other violations;
- $32 Million - generated by dedicating a full 100 percent of the rental
car sales tax to the Transportation Trust Fund;
- $10 Million - generated as the Transportation Trust Fund's share of
the Delaware Holding Company Settlement;
- $54 Million - generated from higher than expected titling tax receipts,
motor fuel tax receipts and additional bonding capacity projected for
the six-year period.
In Fiscal Year 2005, the Governor already budgeted $25 Million to begin
to replenish the amount transferred from the Transportation Trust Fund
to the General Fund in Fiscal Year 2004. This will result in a total of
$345 Million in additional transportation funding in Fiscal Year 2005.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES
Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, appeared
and reported on the following:
Millington Service Area - Correspondence went forth to George Keller,
Program Administrator, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), advising
Mr. Keller that the new water and wastewater treatment plant is under
construction in Millington, and that the new plant design capacity was,
therefore, increased from .070 MGD to .1000 MGD. Mr. Morris attached the
spreadsheet with calculations indicating that Millington's design capacity
is still at .070. Mr. Morris requested that the error made by the MDE
concerning this calculation be corrected.
Allens Lane Service Area - Correspondence went forth to Walid Saffouri,
Chief, Water Management Administration, providing the funding application
for the Allens Lane project along with the Feasability Study completed
by the County's engineering firm, McCrone's, Inc. He expressed the commitment
of the Commissioners to working together with the Maryland Department
of the Environment to eliminate the "serious health, safety, and environmental
problem" in this area.
Tolchester Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed
Public Works by and between the County Commissioners and Charles Smith
for a sewer allocation located on Map 35A, Parcel 68 in the Tolchester
Service Area.
Edesville Sewer Collection System - Application for Federal Assistance
to connect the Edesville Sewer Collection System to Wesley Chapel force
main was approved by the County Commissioners and signed by Commissioner
Pickrum. Funding requested is in the amount of $475,000.
Water and Sewer Plan - On March 16th, at 10:45 a.m., Ray Anderson
and Walid Saffouri, both of the State's Water Management Administration,
will attend the Commissioners' meeting to field questions as preparation
for setting the goals and objectives for the County's Comprehensive Water
and Sewer Plan for the next three year period.
Quaker Neck Service Area - Mr. Morris reported that the water and
sewer system at the Country Club, which is 30 years old, is failing in
its functioning. He cited the growth of its membership and the reconfiguration
of its landscaping over the years as some of the challenges to the proper
functioning of the current grinder pump. Mr. Morris indicated that he
will be meeting with representatives of the Country Club to discuss opportunities
for a partnership towards the upgrading said system.
Commissioner Livie asked whether or not the technology of grinder pumps
has improved, to which Mr. Morris answered in the affirmative, noting
also that the use of grinder pumps is reliable and cost effective over
the past 20 years of their development and use in water and sewer systems.
He cited the prevalence of grease in sewer systems as the cause of most
water and sewer system problems, to which Commissioner Pickrum suggested
a statement of same to be enclosed with the next billing as a reminder
for citizens.
Bond Counsel - Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, and Mr. Morris
submitted a joint memorandum to the Commissioners relating to need to
engage bond counsel for approximately four water and sewer projects that
are subject to tax exempt debt. Counsel is needed to be engaged to work
on these projects before the end of February. Currently the County has
two law firms providing bond counsel services. There is no legal requirement
to request bids for bond counsel each time the County must issue bonds
or refinance. The Commissioners approved to continue with the firm of
McKennon, Shelton and Henn to provide legal services for government-financing
matters.
DETENTION CENTER
The Commissioners approved to forward correspondence to Delegate Richard
Sossi advising of the Board's support of House Bill 54, which, if approved,
would expand eligibility for membership in the Law Enforcement Officers
Pension System (LEOPS) to include County Detention Center officers. Commissioner
Pickrum noted that said House Bill is enabling legislation only and, therefore,
not a requirement.
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved a Combination Multiple Gaming Device/Raffle
Permit for the Radcliffe Creek School, Chestertown, to take place at its
fund-raising event on March 5, 2004, and a Raffle Permit for its fund-raising
event on March 19, 2004.
GLOBAL CHILLING
Correspondence was received from Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest alerting
to the attention of the Board a recent study indicating that changes in
ocean salinity and temperature may result in cooler temperatures in North
America and Europe as the rest of the globe warms up. The study was conducted
by Dr. Ruth Curry of the Woods Hole Oceanographic.
HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROJECT (HIP)
The Commissioners approved the recommendation of the Office of Housing
and Community Development, of three homes as "Stage Two" of Phase Four
rehabilitation as follows: Alice Lloyd, Millington; Bessie Mae Ortiz,
Millington; Pamela Sue Hansen, Still Pond.
Mrs. Pinder-Almen advised that the rehabilitation work on the "Phase One"
homes has almost been completed.
The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed Deferred Loan
Agreement by and between the County Commissioners and Yvonne Louise Brown
as it relates to the Housing Improvement Program.
Jack Canan, Coordinator of Housing and Community Development, submitted
a pictorial archive of several homes rehabilitated during Phases Two and
Three of Kent County's HIP project, as well as Project statistics depicting
the household characteristics of the 64 Low/Moderate-Income (LMI) households
aided to date since January 1996 (the implementation of the HIP Project).
HOMELAND SECURITY
Correspondence was received via electronic mail from Karen A. Smith, Director
of Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the Governor, attaching information
about the Public Safety Communications Interoperability Governance Working
Group as follows:
-Objective: to assess current communications structures across agencies
and jurisdictions charged with public safety, with the goal of implementing
interoperability (the close coordination of numerous public safety agencies),
thereby increasing the safety of emergency management personnel and quickening
response times.
- Representation: the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, the Maryland
Association of Counties, and the Maryland Municipal League.
KENT CENTER, INC.
Correspondence was received from Carol D. Callaway, Executive Director
of Kent Center, Inc., to Margo Bailey, Mayor of Chestertown, advising
that Kent Center's new building project has been included in the Governor's
Fiscal Year 2005 budget pending approval of the budget by the legislature
during the current session (scheduled to conclude on April 12, 2004).
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Community Bond Program includes
$1,600,000 toward the construction of the Kent Center's new 22,000 square
foot multi-purpose center on Scheeler Road, Chestertown. Ms. Callaway
indicated the intention of the Kent Center to apply on or before July
1, 2004 for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of
$500,000, and requested that the Town of Chestertown include Kent Center's
new building project in a CDBG application in the "upcoming round."
KENT COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER AT WORTON
Correspondence went forth to Paolo Fezzi, President, Creafill Fibers Corporation
(CFF), Chestertown, from the County Commissioners inquiring whether or
not Mr. Fezzi would be interested in using a shared stormwater management
facility by upgrading CFF's facility at the County's expense. Said improvements
would accommodate the County's proposed project and also any future development
that CFF may propose for the undeveloped portion of the property. It will
be requested that Mr. Fezzi and other representatives of the County meet
to further discuss the proposal.
LAND PRESERVATION PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN (LPPRP)
Carla Martin, Community Planner, appeared and reported about the work
program and schedule for the preparation of the 2005 Land Preservation,
Parks and Recreation Plan that was submitted to the Maryland Department
of Parks and the Department of Natural Resources. Gail Owings, Director
of Planning and Zoning, and Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, were
also in attendance. Ms. Martin reported that the preparation of the Plan
will be a joint effort of the Department of Parks and Recreation and the
Department of Planning and Zoning. Further, Ms. Martin reported that the
Planning Commission will take a lead role with the LPPRP as it works on
updating the Comprehensive Plan.
LEGAL COUNSEL
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 with Susanne Hayman for legal counsel in accordance with State
Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Items of discussion included proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
for Bay Broadband Communications and the LaMotte property.
The executive session adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MDOT)
CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM (CTP)
Correspondence was received from Marsha J. Kaiser, Director, Office of
Planning and Capital Programming, MDOT, with enclosures of MDOT's State
Report on Transportation (SRT) and Attainment Report on Transportation
System Performance. Ms. Kaiser reported that the SRT is composed of the
Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) and Maryland Transportation
Plan (MTP), describing them as follows:
- the CTP presents detailed listings for all capital projects for the
Fiscal Year 2004-2009, six year period as proposed by MDOT;
- the MTP serves as the State's long term policy plan for providing state
transportation service and infrastructure.
Ms. Kaiser further explained that the Attainment Report on Transportation
System Performance contains a series of performance indicators that MDOT
will use to ascertain progress toward meeting the goals and objectives
defined in the MTP and implemented through programs in the CTP.
MASSEY AERO, LLC
Correspondence was received from James F. Douglass, Massey Aero LLB.,
requesting a partial tax exemption from County property taxes for the
Massey Aerodrome, Massey. Mr. Douglass explained that Massey Aero LLC,
the owners of the Massey Aerodrome, is interested in applying for economic
assistance through the Maryland Assistance to Private Airports (MAPA)
Program. He indicated that it is a requirement of said program that the
governing body of the county where the airport is located grants a partial
tax exemption, limited to that portion of the property that the State
defines as the area essential for the airport operation. The Commissioners
approved this request.
MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM
Cyrus R. Lesser, Chief, Plant Industries and Pest Management, Mosquito
Control appeared and Dave Schofield, Mosquito Control Program Director,
both of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, appeared and advised the
Commissioners that the State will not cut back its level of contribution
to the mosquito control program in the County. This assurance was given
in response to the Commissioners' objections to proposed cut-backs by
the State for said program. Mr. Lesser reported that the County will receive
this year the same amount of funding from the State as it received last
year - $16,600. He also reported that, although the local funding in 6
out of 22 counties will be raised this year, the local funding of the
Upper Shore counties of the Eastern Shore will not be raised.
Mr. Schofield reported that when the mosquito control program was begun,
approximately 20 years ago, the program serviced 20 communities in the
County. Today the number of communities in the County has grown to 39.
He underscored that the main concern of the mosquito control program is
the prevention of West Nile Virus. He indicated also that the program
has not conducted as much spraying of mosquito insecticide as frequently
as it should; however, his department will rectify that problem this year.
The goal for the spraying schedule for this year has been set at once-a-week
in the participating municipalities.
Commissioner Livie stated that mosquito control will be a daunting challenge,
given the amount of rain of the previous summer and the abundance of snow
and rain of the current winter. Mr. Lesser reported that, given the growth
of the number of communities in the County and the increase of the public's
level of awareness about West Nile Virus and its prevention, more municipalities
are expected to participate in the mosquito control program. Additionally,
Mr. Lesser advised that his department anticipates having a discussion
with the Commissioners sometime next year about a partnership of County/State
funding towards the purchase of an additional sprayer-truck. At the present
time, he said that the main concern of his office is to meet at least
a basic, preventative service to participating communities. The participation
of communities in this program is voluntary, Mr. Lesser noted, and participation
would require of them a financial commitment.
Commissioner Livie suggested the use of a decommissioned truck of the
Parks and Recreation Department to be used to accommodate a sprayer tank
in the future. To Commissioner Crow's questions, Mr. Schofield advised
that the sprayer trucks travel about 25 miles per hour; 10 miles per hour
when traveling/spraying through the towns, once every three weeks.
To Commissioner Pickrum's question regarding the involvement of the Health
Department, Mr. Lesser responded that his department works closely with
State and local health departments and is eager to discuss coordinating
efforts with local health officers towards an increased involvement by
the latter.
The Board thanked Messrs. Lesser and Schofield for their attendance and
expressed their gratitude for the State's decision not to cut-back its
portion of funding for the mosquito control program in the County.
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
The executive session adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
RIGHT TO FARM LAW
Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning, appeared and reported that
the Agriculture Advisory Commission met on March 12th for discussion about
the Right to Farm Law, and advised that the results of that discussion,
to be included in the Comprehensive Plan, will be presented to the Commissioners
in a packet-format.
SEPTIC FORUM
Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, appeared and reported that a Septic
Forum, sponsored by the County, the Health Department, the Chester River
Association, etal., will take place on March 29th at 7:00 p.m. at the
Prince Theater. The discussion will include topics such as aquafers, septics,
local regulations, and new technology regarding septics.
URIEVILLE LAKE
Amy G. Moredock, Environmental Planner, appeared and advising that John
Wilson, Manager for Land and Water Conservation Service, Maryland Department
of Natural Resources (DNR), conducted a meeting, attended also by Congressman
Wayne T. Gilchrest, representatives from DNR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
and Kent County, to discuss the future of the Urieville Lake Restoration
Project. Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Carla Martin,
Community Planner, were also in attendance.
Ms. Moredock noted the timeliness of the meeting given that the Corps
is now concluding the feasibility study phase of the Section 206 project.
Once the Corps presents the results of its study to the DNR and the County,
she explained, the concepts will again be brought before the community
in much greater detail and representing only those proven feasibility
by design, public opinion, and most-importantly the costs involved.
Ms. Moredock reported that the Urieville Restoration Team (DNR, Corps,
and Kent County) is planning to schedule a community forum in the late
spring or summer of 2004.
To questions posed by Commissioners Livie and Crow, Ms. Moredock indicated
that there are two main foci for the restoration of Urieville Lake: to
restore the original site of the dam; or to remove the dam altogether,
with the possibility of some dredging.
ZONING MAP AMENDMENT
Correspondence was received from Elizabeth H. Morris, Chairperson of the
Planning Commission, recommending the approval of the application of Chris
D. Shorter, Sr., to change the zoning of the -acre parcel, owned by Enos
and Susanne Bontrager, from Village to Crossroads Commercial Zone. The
property is located at the intersection of MD Routes 292 and 298 near
Still Pond. A public hearing will be scheduled for March 16th.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, February 24, 2004, 8:30 a.m., at the Kent County
High School.
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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