|
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 $5,434,738.00.
AIRPORT
Correspondence was received from Bruce F. Mundie, Director, Office of
Regional Aviation Assistance, Maryland Aviation Administration, indicating
that, effective March 1, 2004, the Agreement - MAA-GR-01-004 (dated September
7, 2000) between the MAA and the Commissioners of Kent County, to provide
funds for the acquisition of land for development into a public-use airport,
was terminated.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
The County Administrator was requested to contact the Board of Education
to convey the Commissioners' interest in observing the bid review process
for the construction management and renovation of the Kent County High
School. Offer will be made to have Jim Wright, County Engineer, to serve
as a member of the review committee. Inquiry will also be made as to whether
or not the committee will meet with the bidders for an in-depth presentation
on how each bidder proposes to accomplish their responsibilities on this
project.
BUDGET
At 1:00 p.m., the Commissioners held Fiscal Year 2005 budget work sessions.
Ed Robinson, County Administrator, and Pat Merritt, Budget and Accounting
Director, were also in attendance.
Kent County Health Department - Dr. Leland Spencer, Health Officer,
presented proposed budget in the amount of $600,362, a 5.2% over Fiscal
Year 2004. The budget increase is $29,990 which includes rental increase
and health benefits for the two school nurses who do not presently have
health and/or retirement benefits. There are a total of seven school nurses.
The provision of school nurses is a Board of Education mandate, however,
which has been placed under the Health Department's umbrella. The State
has not agreed to level funding, but requested salary increases within
the funding allocated.
Concern was expressed that the FY04 budget will not have any funding to
carry the Mental Health Program's deficit. He also advised the Health
Department is responsible in assuming health expenses for uninsured pregnant
women which is an unfunded Federal mandate. The number of cases have doubled
since last year. Commissioner Livie expressed need to amend law relating
to eligibility for medicaid and CHIPS. Dr. Spencer expressed interest
in developing a regional solution.
Sheriff's Office - Sheriff John Price, Lieutenant J. Brian Kirby,
and Lieutenant Scott Metzbower appeared. Sheriff Price presented a proposed
three year phase-in competitive salary chart for consideration for his
sworn staff as well as proposal for appointment of a Chief Deputy position.
He reiterated his request for purchase of three patrol vehicles and of
the March 15 deadline for ordering.
A motion was made by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Crow
and passed by the majority of the Board to purchase one patrol vehicle
for Fiscal Year 2005 at a cost of $19,338. Commissioner Pickrum felt it
would be more economical to purchase two cars this fiscal year rather
than be faced with purchasing three vehicles next year.
At the request of Sheriff Price, the Commissioners approved purchase of
a computer and printer in the approximate amount of $1,300 to be covered
within current FY 04 budget.
BUILDING PERMIT
Correspondence was received via electronic mail from Nancy Neely, of Chestertown,
issuing complaint concerning alleged inconsistencies when applying for
a building permit.
CHESAPEAKE FIELDS INSTITUTE (CFI)
Correspondence was received from John E. Hall, President, CFI, requesting
that CFI's current bridge loan with the County be rolled over to Fiscal
Year 2005. Mr. Hall reported that CFI's funding was extremely slow in
2003, and that CFI has aggressively instituted several plans to improve
funding in the current fiscal year. The Board approved this request. Commissioner
Crow advised that CFI has expressed interest in a property outside of
Millington.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve expenditure of $2,500.00
out of contingency to cover the costs of an appraisal for the land under
consideration for purchase by CFI. According to the projections of CFI,
the property would be used as the campus for a commercial bakery, an agricultural
education center, and accommodations for tourists.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES
Quaker Neck Service Area - Correspondence was received from W.S.
Ingersoll, Town Manager, Town of Chestertown, responding to Commissioner
Pickrum's letter, dated March 2nd, and concerning issues raised at the
Commissioners' meeting on March 2nd about the Chester River Landing project.
Mr. Ingersoll listed the following points regarding the recent annexation
of the Chester River Landing development along the County gravity line:
- The cost of the Town's Biological Nutrient Removal Project (BNR) upgrade
is estimated by the Town's engineers to be over $4 million.
- The County has not yet been asked to pay any pro-rata share of the BNR
costs or for the costs of the necessary pump station and force main upgrade
required by the placement of the new Biolac cells.
- The above information does not mean that there will not be costs to
the County if an agreement cannot be reached.
- The Town is not going to bear the entire costs of the engineering and
upgrades to the County pump station and force main without a suitable
agreement being reached.
Mr. Ingersoll expressed his hope that the Town and the County will work
out a "win-win arrangement" that will solve most of the pending issues
between them vis-a-vis the recent annexation of the Chester River Landing
development along the County gravity line.
Water and Sewer Allocation Fees
- The Commissioners signed the Resolution Establishing Water and Sewer
Allocation Fees, effective March 1, 2004, stating that water and sewer
allocation fees throughout all Kent County water and sewer service areas
shall be as follows: A. Effective March 1, 2004, the fee for a sewer allocation
shall be $3,060.00 per allocation; and B. Effective March 1, 2004, the
fee for a water allocation shall be $3,060.00 per allocation.
DETENTION CENTER
At the recommendation of Carter Stanton, Public Works Director, the Commissioners
approved to accept proposal submitted by Indoor Pollution Solutions, Inc.
to clean duct network at the Detention Center facility at a cost of $5,950
which will be covered within current budget.
DRAYTON MANOR
Correspondence was received from Christopher F. Drummond, Esq., representing
a number of residents on and near Coopers Lane who are concerned about
the proposal to significantly expand and reconstitute Drayton Manor. Mr.
Drummond urged the Commissioners to await the outcome of all administrative
and judicial proceedings before taking action on the first growth allocation
request outside an incorporated town in the County. No decision was made
at this time for scheduling the public hearing.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, will be requested to forward
the LaMotte Committee Final Report to the land planners who were recommended
by DBED, requesting a price quote of their fees for consultation regarding,
for example, the best use of the property that is consistent with the
Committee's Final Report. The site plan would be used as part of a RFP
request of developers.
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved and signed the following Permits:
- a Raffle Permit for Nicholson Speedway, Inc., Chestertown, to take place
at its fund-raising events from February 29, 2004 to November 30, 2004,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
- a Multiple Gaming Device and a "50/50" up to $100.00 per regular business
meeting for the Betterton-Still Pond Lions Club, to take place at its
fund-raising event at the Betterton Fire Hall on March 13, 2004, 6:30
to 11 p.m.
HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HIP)
The Commissioners sent forth correspondence to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Sisco,
Florence E. Warren, Clementine L. Tilghman, Fennell L. Johnson, Kimberly
Hicks, Marvin Sisco, Tannie Cotton, Ethel Hicks, William Cotton, and Elizabeth
Sisco providing confirmation of the null and void status of Kent County's
lien on their property as it relates to the Housing Improvement Program.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 5:40 p.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 of discussion included an economic development project and litigation.
The executive session adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
LEGISLATION
DREDGING
In response to correspondence from Delegate Mary Roe Walkup, a letter
went forth in support of House Bill 1263 - Dredge Deposits - Creation
of Artificial Islands in the Chesapeake Bay - Prohibited Use as Part of
the Management Plan. This legislation is scheduled for a hearing on March
10th in front of the Environmental Matters Committee.
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
At 3:00 p.m., the Commissioners attended meeting of the Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC) at the Emergency Management Conference Room.
PERSONNEL
At 5:50 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 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 6:05 p.m.
A copy of a proposal was received from Collins Consulting Services, LLC
and Center for Professional Development, Salisbury University to "Provide
Human Resources Consulting: Comprehensive Classification and Pay Plan
Study" for Kent County Government. No action was taken with this proposal.
PROCLAMATION
Red Cross Month - The Commissioners approved and signed a proclamation
declaring March 2004 as Red Cross Month, commemorating the valuable humanitarian
services of this organization.. Representing the Local Chapter of the
Red Cross were Terry Honeywell, Mary Ellen Williams, Terri Mullikin, and
Willis Wells.
Commissioner Crow read aloud the Proclamation and which included statements
urging County citizens to take simple emergency preparedness steps, such
as: make a plan outlining what to do if a disaster strikes; create a disaster
supplies kit; have at least one member of the household trained in first
aid and CPR; volunteer to help the local community prepare for disasters;
give blood regularly to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for the
victims of medical emergencies.
The Proclamation also urged communities to be prepared with a five-to-seven
day supply of blood. In addition, the Proclamation encouraged the citizens
of the County to join the American Red Cross as a volunteer, course participant
or instructor, or financial supporter. During Red Cross relief operations,
volunteers assess damages, drive emergency response vehicles to distribute
food and other supplies, provide shelter for families who have been evacuated
from their homes and supply necessities to people in need. Further, the
American Red Cross serves military families by delivering emergency messages
between soldiers and their families back home.
PUBLIC SECURITY
At 2:10 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session with Sheriff Price to discuss a matter relating to public security
in accordance with State Government Article Section 10.508 of the Annotated
Code of Maryland.
Lieutenants Kirby and Metzbower were also in attendance.
The executive session adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
RECYCLING
The Commissioners approved and signed an Intergovernmental Agreement by
and between the Maryland Environmental Service and the County agreeing
to sponsor a regional event to recover and recycle up to 75 tons of scrap
tires deposited at County facilities by County residents on the designated
day of a regional event, "2004 Amnesty Day." The purpose of this Agreement
is to provide a responsible disposal-alternative free of charge for County
homeowners who have accumulated a small number of scrap tires. The 2004
event, expected to take place in the Fall, will be the fifth such Amnesty
Day.
REGIONAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
On March 8, Commissioner William Pickrum, Ed Robinson, County Administrator,
and Warden Ronald L. Howell along with the consortium of the Regional
Corrections Task Force met with Secretary Mary Ann Saar of the Maryland
Department of Public Safety in Annapolis.
As a result of this meeting, a letter will go forth from the Commissioners
to the National Institute of Corrections seeking technical assistance
as well as any available sources of funding to proceed with a mutual feasibility
study for establishment of a regional detention center serving the needs
of Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline and Cecil Counties.
SCENIC BYWAYS
The Commissioners appointed Heather Davidson and Donald Andersen to serve
on the Steering Committee Selection for Interpretive Plan as it relates
to the Scenic Byway Program.
SENIOR CENTER
Correspondence was received via electronic mail from Carl E. Burke, Executive
Director, Upper Shore Aging, Inc. (USA), giving notice that USA's Board
of Directors has approved closing the Amy Ferris Adult Activity Center
two days a week (leaving it operational three days a week), effective
April 1, 2004. His explanation for this action is as follows: "This action
is necessary because USA, Inc. is on track' to be overspent regarding
the Senior Center's operations by $25,620 as of June 30, 2004."
He further explains that USA lacks the money to operate the Center and
will convey the same through a press release. In response to Mr. Burke's
request, the Commissioners will invite Mr. Burke to a meeting of the Board
in order to discuss this matter further.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Correspondence was received from Jon C. Burrell, Executive Director, LGIT,
giving notice that, as a result of the County's recent accreditation by
CALEA, LGIT approved a 10% discount on the County's police liability premium
resulting in a credit to the County of $1,272.00. A check for said amount
was sent to the County in February. The letter concluded with Mr. Burrell's
congratulations to the County, noting that recent studies have shown that
accredited agencies have significantly fewer liability claims than non-liability
agencies.
SLUDGE
KENT COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER AT WORTON
Correspondence was received from Carla Martin, Community Planner, on behalf
of the Planning Commission, notifying the County that the Velsicol Chemical
Corporation has requested the Planning Commission's approval for grading
to add space to spread sludge on its 19.56 acre parcel located on Route
297, Worton Road, Third Election District (zoned "I" Industrial). Because
it is an adjoining property owner, the County was invited by the Planning
Commission to comment regarding said proposed plan. The Kent County Land
Use Ordinance requires the Planning Director to review any proposal to
assure a good design, appearance, and that it be in harmony with the County's
Comprehensive Plan and in compliance with all County regulations. The
Parks and Recreation Director will be requested to provide more information
on this application.
UPPER SHORE AGING, INC. (USA)
A copy of USA's Annual Report was received from Carl E. Burke, Executive
Director. Mr. Burke noted in his accompanying letter that 93 cents of
every USA, Inc. operating dollar supported direct client services in the
previous year. U.S.
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
DREDGING OF TOLCHESTER CHANNEL
Public Notice was received from Christina E. Correale, Chief, Operations
Division, Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District,
pursuant to Sections 313 and 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977, indicating
that the Baltimore District has proposed to perform maintenance dredging
of Baltimore Harbor and various channels, including Tolchester Channel.
The Notice reports that the Regional Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, considered dredged material previously removed from the Tolchester
Channel satisfactory for deposition at either the Poplar Island Environmental
Restoration Project or Hart-Miller Island. The State indicated that the
Hart-Miller Containment Facility and the placement operations will be
monitored before, during, and after the proposed work. The Baltimore District
will monitor the Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Project before,
during, and after placement operations.
Written comments about this proposed work and related factors must be
received by the District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore
District, P.O. Box 1715, Baltimore, MD 21203-1715, before March 25th.
Contact should be made with Jeffrey McKee with questions and/or concerns
at 410-962-5657. Accompanying this Notice were attached copies of the
Map of dredging areas and dredged material placement areas.
WASHINGTON COLLEGE
Correspondence was received from Jack S. Griswold, member of the Board
of Visitors and Governors of Washington College, announcing the Board's
election of Baird Tipson as the 26th President of Washington College.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, March 16, 2004.
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.
|
