The Honorable Board of County Commissioners met today with
the following present: Scott D. Livie and William W. Pickrum, presiding.
Commissioner Roy Crow arrived later in the morning due to his attendance
at the Upper Shore Regional Council meeting.
T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, was also in attendance.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $3,124,915.00.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND
A Media Advisory was received announcing training exercises to be conducted
by Aberdeen Proving Ground between May 10 and May 14, 2004, during the
day and night time. The activity will take place in the installation's
restricted waters, and will include weapons firing and the use of multiple
watercraft. The Advisory reported that every effort will be made to ensure
minimal impact to residents in the surrounding communities. Questions,
complaints, or damage claims should be directed to 410-278-1147, 410-278-1153
or 1-800-688-8705.
AFFORESTATION
At the recommendation of Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning
Administration, the Commissioners approved to accept an Irrevocable Letter
of Credit from the Chestertown Bank of Maryland for the account of Gene
F. and Patricia I.. W. Leonard in the amount of $23,875 to guarantee compliance
to the County's Afforestation and Buffer Management Plan.
AGRICULTURE LAND PRESERVATION
For the Board's information, a Memorandum was received from Carla Martin,
Community Planner, with attachment of the Kent County Portion of the Maryland
Consolidated Application to the Federal Farm and Ranchland Protection
Program.
BAY BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS (BBC)
Correspondence was received via FAX transmission from Wayne Morris, Director,
Department of Water and Wastewater Services, that was sent to Robert Rust,
Jr., Director of Emergency Management Agency (EMA), expressing his concern
that BBC has not been forth-coming with the requested design drawings
for the installation of its antennae on the County water tanks. The design
drawings were requested by both Mr. Morris and Harry A. Skilton, of Corrosion
Control Corporation, the latter having a contract with the County that
pertains to the maintenance of County water tanks. Mr. Morris and Mr.
Skilton have indicated through their correspondence with Timothy Lloyd,
Jr., representing the BBC, that the design drawings are necessary to determine
the amount and extent of additional maintenance given the installation
of new antennae, and therefore necessary in order for Mr. Morris to project
any additional maintenance costs for his budget.
Commissioner Livie requested that correspondence go forth to Dr. Allen
L. Hammond, President of BBC, requesting that he provide said design drawings
as soon as possible to avoid any further delays to the broadband project.
BOARD OF ELECTIONS SUPERVISORS
Correspondence was received from Linda H. Lamone, Administrator, Maryland
State Board of Elections, advising that on April 26, 2004, the State Board
of Elections adopted a new salary schedule for the employees of the local
boards of elections, effective June 1, 2004.
BUDGET
Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Work Session
At 12:00 noon, the Commissioners held a budget work session. Pat Merritt,
Budget and Accounting Director, and Ed Robinson, County Administrator,
were also in attendance.
At 3:00 p.m., County department heads were requested to meet with the
Commissioners for discussion relating to the Fiscal Year 2005 budget.
Those in attendance were Joyce Benton, State's Attorney's Office Legal
Assistant, Betty Burris, Circuit Court Judge's Administrative Aide, Jack
Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Joyce Gagalski,
Deputy Treasurer, Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, Marty Holden,
Waste Management Coordinator, Anne Livie, LMB Director, Bob Merritt, Maintenance
Supervisor, Pat Merritt, Budget and Accounting Director, Lee Ann Myers,
Administrative Assistant, Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning
Administration, Sheriff John Price, Bob Rust, Emergency Management Director,
P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, Ed Spray, County Roads
Superintendent, Carter Stanton, Public Works Director, Marty Stetson,
Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, Linda Stryholuk, Sheriff's Office Administrative
Aide, Jeff Troester, Parks and Recreation Director, Bernadette Bowman,
Tourism Director, Sue Willits, Emergency Planning Coordinator, and Jim
Wright, County Engineer.
Commissioner Pickrum stated that for Fiscal Year 2005, $3.8 Million amount
of requests were received, however, the County has $1.4 Million available
in new funding to address them. A sizable portion of the available funding
will be allocated to the Board of Education. At this time, the Commissioners
are seeking input from the department heads to suggest ways to move forward
in a team effort. The Commissioners do not consider a property tax increase
as part of the solution; however, an increase in the Local Income Tax
is being considered.
During today's budget work session, there was discussion about creating
a separate payscale for public safety employees, including Sheriff's Office,
Detention Center, Emergency Medical Services and Central Alarm, in addition
to considering options to address all other departments. It will not be
possible to address everything, particularly requests received seeking
combined salary increases and new employees as well as increase in operating
expenses. There will be need for compromise.
The Commissioners are considering placing an incentive plan to reward
employees for suggesting cost savings for the County.
Bob Rust, Emergency Management Director, expressed appreciation for consideration
given to the separate salary scale for his department.
Anne Livie suggested that the Commissioners consider merit increases for
County employees vs. across the board increases. The Commissioners advised
that this practice has been taken under consideration.
Sheriff Price requested consideration be given to his proposal for the
Sheriff's deputies' salary increases as shown on the revised salary schedule
he previously submitted. Sheriff Price stated that the need is urgent
and justified based on cost savings to be realized for reducing his force
by one deputy. He feels the salary increase is the most important issue
in his budget request.
Warden Howell stated that he has received four resignations within a one
month period. He is planning a staff meeting tomorrow to advise that due
to the shorthandedness, twelve hour shifts will be imposed to assure coverage
needed. He cannot offer a reduction in staff, but stated the need to address
salary increases for his department.
Ed Spray, County Roads Superintendent, and Jeff Troester, Parks and Recreation
Director, expressed concern that when a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
and increment is not implemented, it creates salary disparity problems.
The result is that new employees make the same salary as employees who
have provided 3 to 5 years of excellent service to the County. They believe
that this status quo causes a morale problem within their departments.
Mr. Troester expressed appreciation to the Board for its sensitivity to
the financial concerns of County employees.
Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning Administration, and Susanne
Hayman, Human Resources Director, suggested that consideration be given
to non-monetary incentives, such as flex time. Ms. Hayman also suggested
that sick leave be granted for annual routine examinations and that a
parental leave policy be established (in addition to the Family and Medical
leave policy, which in many cases is unpaid leave).
Commissioner Livie advised that health benefits increase every year and
that the Board is working to reduce the employee's co-pay (PCP) cost.
The Commissioners also announced that consideration has been given to
direct deposit for all employees; no opposition was expressed. The Director
of Budget and Accounting has been requested to obtain status of salary
levels with neighboring counties. The Commissioners thanked everyone for
attending.
The work session ended at 4:45 p.m.
CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE
Memorandum was received from Stuart Bounds, President, Chesapeake College,
directed to the County Administrators of Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne's
Counties, and the County Managers of Dorchester and Talbot Counties, recommending
approval for cross function transfers in the Unrestricted (General) Fund
as specified with attachment provided.
A motion was made by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Pickrum,
and made unanimous by the majority of the Board to approve the recommendations
of the Board of Trustees of Chesapeake College as follows: the Unrestricted
(General) Operating Fund Budget Transfers, and the Special Fund Budget
Authority, both pertaining to Fiscal Year 2004.
Commissioner Livie expressed his concern about what he described
as a trend he has witnessed at Chesapeake College in which contracts for
various services, such as financial audits, are awarded by the College
to businesses located in counties other than the five upper-shore supporting
counties (Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester), whose
bids were significantly higher than those made by supporting counties,
and that represent a quality of work similar to that of the more local
businesses.
Commissioners Livie and Pickrum determined to raise this concern at the
next meeting of the Upper Shore Association of Counties meeting on June
16th and to recommend that Chesapeake College should demonstrate its support
of local vendors by, for example, offering a bid preference to local vendors.
COUNTY OWNED VEHICLES
A bid opening took place on April 30, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. at the Public
Works Complex, for used vehicles and equipment.
The bids received were as follows:
- Vehicle # 1 1996 GMC Pickup, mileage 122,648 in as is condition;
Cana Motors ........................................................................
$1,101.00
Marty Davidson ...................................................................
$1,299.00
Guido Frezzo .......................................................................
$2,795.00
- Vehicle # 2 1992 Ford Ranger, mileage 139,190, in as is condition;
Melvin J. Wilson .................................................................
$ 250.00
Cana Motors ........................................................................
$ 371.00
Robert Short ........................................................................
$ 501.00
Guido Frezzo .......................................................................
$1,695.00
- Item # 3 International 385 Case Tractor with 6 ft. hedge hog attachment,
in as is condition;
Thomas H. Middleton, Jr. ..................................................
$ 110.00
Cana Motors .......................................................................
$3,200.00
Guido Frezzo ......................................................................
$3,795.00
- Item # 4 Empire 225, 22 kw, LPG generator with Ford motor, in as is
condition. Thomas H. Middleton, Jr. ..................................................
$ 55.00
Cana Motors .......................................................................
$ 100.00
Marty Davidson ..................................................................
$ 576.00
Guido Frezzo .......................................................................
$1,010.00
The Commissioners awarded the sale of the vehicles and equipment to the
highest bidder, Guido Frezzo, of Chestertown, for all vehicles/equipment
as follows: Vehicle # 1 at $2,795.00;Vehicle # 2 at $1,695.00; Item #
3 at $3,795.00; Item # 4 at $1,010.00.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER
Wayne Morris appeared and reported on the following:
MD Rural Water Association - Mr. Morris reported that, upon nomination
by the County Commissioners, he received the "Decision Maker of the Year
Award" from the MD Rural Water Association at its annual conference, April
24 - 28, 2004, in Ocean City, MD, and that he was elected to serve as
the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Association.
Sewage Flow Allocation Table - Mr. Morris reviewed the Sewage Flow
Allocation Table, 2003 Allocation, representing each sewage treatment
plant in the County. He compared the allocations as listed on the table
"moving targets"; in other words, consideration has to be given to the
many variables that can effect and possibly change the propriety of said
allocations, such as the status or quality of their current infrastructures,
grinder pumps, etc. Mr. Morris cited Kennedyville and Betterton as examples
of service areas for which their sewage flow allocations, as designated
on the table, must be carefully reviewed with projections of future use
taken into serious consideration.
Refinancing - In reference to the Maryland Quality Water Revolving
Loan Fund, Mr. Morris reported that it will greatly assist the consolidation
of some of the County's older, standing loans. Because it is at a reduced
interest rate, this loan will in fact save the County money.
Tolchester/Fairlee/Georgetown Service Areas - A motion was made
by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Pickrum, and made unanimous
by the majority of the Board to approve the recommendation of Mr. Morris
that an allocation for water and sewer services be given to John P. Foreman
on his lot on Bayshore Road in Fairlee. At the time this subdivision was
developed, the Planning Commission requested the subject lot be used for
a park; however, the residents in this area were in opposition to this
use. The Planning Commission recently approved for the property to be
used as a building lot.
Worton Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed Commercial
Lease and Deposit Receipt with Wayne's Welding Service, Inc. for rental
of Worton Water Treatment Plant Office Building located at 10837 Worton
Road for a term beginning May 1 and expired on April 30, 2005 at a monthly
rental fee of $500.
General - Mr. Morris initiated discussion pertaining to, what he
considers to be, a problematic situation, namely the quality control issues
of subcontractors of County projects. He recommended that the County henceforth
request a letter of credit, or bond, from all subcontractors for all work
that is done by companies other than those directly approved by the County.
The Commissioners requested Mr. Morris to conduct further research into
his recommendation and report the same at the next Commissioners' meeting.
DRAYTON MANOR
Commissioner Pickrum referred to a memorandum received from Philip Dutton,
of Worton, Board Member representing the Kinnaird's Point Property Owners
Association (KPPOA), issuing opposition to the proposed development of
Drayton Manor. Commissioner Pickrum reviewed the text of the memorandum
as follows: Mr. Dutton noted the legal recourse taken by the KPPOA to
challenge the proposed development, stating that, on April 12, 2004, an
application appealing the Zoning Certificate was submitted on behalf of
a Coopers Lane resident, stating the following: "The zoning certificate
issued by Administrator Gail Owings (#04-0000080) permitting the "expansion
of existing retreat and conference center" is contrary to Article V, section
2.2 (17), is unsupported by facts relevant to the use of the property
on 8/1/89, and illegally permits new uses on the property."
Commissioner Pickrum reported that 168 petitions were received, which,
according to Mr. Dutton, represent over 60% of the residents, property
owners and voters (inclusive of residents of Kinnaird's Point, Kentfield,
and Clearview developments),demonstrating their opposition to the proposed
development.
Commissioner Livie directed the discussion to the concern expressed by
Mr. Dutton that the residents of the KPPOA walk, bike, and push baby strollers
along Coopers Lane.
Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning, who was also in attendance,
reported that the Planning Commission, during its concept review of the
proposed development of Drayton Manor, asked the developers to consider
constructing a bike trail. Mrs. Owings advised that no further discussion
has taken place beyond the concept review. She added that the developers
are required to apply for a growth allocation, at which time the Planning
Commission, the Board of Appeals, and the Board of Commissioners could
make stipulation for a bike and walk trail or shoulder along Coopers Lane.
Commissioners Pickrum and Livie expressed their belief that such a trail
would enhance the quality of life for the residents who live near Drayton
Manor. Commissioner Livie requested that Mrs. Owings research what options
would be available to the Board pertaining to the construction and maintenance
of a walk and bike trail.
To Commissioner Pickrum's inquiry as to whether or not the sale of Drayton
Manor had taken place, Mrs. Owings responded that no report of the sale
had been received as yet, and added that the Board of Appeals will meet
in June and will address the proposed sale and development. No further
action was taken at this time.
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved and signed the following Permit: a raffle only
permit for the Kent Association for Riding Therapy for its fund-raising
events to take place in Fountain Park, Chestertown, on Saturdays from
June 5 through November 20, 2004, and at the Antique Show on November
27, 2004. The drawing will take place on November 28, 2004.
HOUSING
Mr. Canan sent correspondence directed to Pamela Randi Johnson, Associate
Insurance Commissioner, Maryland Insurance Administration, in which he
issued complaint, on behalf of a Housing Improvement Program (HIP) Project
beneficiary, with copies to the local delegation. Correspondence was received
from Delegate Richard Sossi, Legislative District 36, requesting the Commissioners'
response to copies of correspondence the Delegate received from Jack Canan,
Coordinator, Housing and Community Development.
KENT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Correspondence was received from Paul W. Comfort, Esq. County Administrator,
Queen Anne's County (QAC), that was sent to Dr. Leland Spencer, Health
Officer, Caroline and Kent Counties, expressing the deep concern of the
Board of County Commissioners, Queen Anne's County about Dr. Spencer's
decision to terminate administration of the Regional Mental Health System
that provides outpatient mental health services in Queen Anne's, Caroline
and Kent Counties. The Board of County Commissioners, QAC, requested that
Dr. Spencer reconsider his action, and that a joint meeting be held to
include the Boards of County Commissioners from the three counties to
discuss said situation before any decision is made to dissolve the current
arrangement of the Regional Mental Health System.
Correspondence was received from Dr. Leland Spencer, Health Officer, Kent
and Caroline Counties, directed to Paul W. Comfort, Esq., County Administrator,
Queen Anne's County, recommending that Mr. Comfort contact the Commissioners
of Kent, Caroline, and Queen Anne's Counties, in order to schedule a joint
meeting to discuss Dr. Spencer's decision to withdraw Kent and Caroline
Counties from the Regional Mental Health System.
For the record, Dr. Spencer explained that neither Kent nor Caroline Counties
could further commit funding to service the existent $500,000.00 debt
or future deficits incurred by the current Regional Mental Health System.
Dr. Spencer explained that a local approach, rather than a regional approach,
would be necessary to meet the needs of the mentally ill, and that Caroline
and Kent Counties will be partnering with local private providers to continue
mental health clinics in their respective Counties. He indicated that
Dr. Devadason, Health Officer, Queen Anne's County, is also exploring
similar options, and added that the current employees who work at the
Queen Anne's County site may continue to serve the mentally ill as employees
of the Queen Anne's County Health Department. Dr. Spencer further stated
that he is currently negotiating with the State to address a plan for
payment of the Regional Mental Health System's current deficit.
LA MOTTE PROPERTY
P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, submitted two proposals
from development advisors for the LaMotte property as follows: ZHA, Inc.
in the amount of $15,000 and Basile Baumann Prost & Associates, Inc. in
the amount of $19,900. The Commissioners approved proposal received from
ZHA, Inc. in the amount of $15,000 with a target submission date of July
1, 2004. This expenditure will be funded within budget. Ms. Schaller was
designated as the coordinator and she will be directed to request assistance
from the Economic Development Advisory Board to oversee this project.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 10:55 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 of discussion included proposed economic development projects.
The executive session adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST (LGIT)
Correspondence was received from Jon C. Burrell, Executive Director, LGIT,
advising that the Board of Trustees of the LGIT has voted to close the
Health and Medical Benefits Pool of the Trust at the close of business
on June 30, 2004. Mr. Burrell indicated that LGIT learned on April 22,
2004 that it would not be able to maintain the critical mass of numbers
of lives to keep the pool open.
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING (MDP)
Notice was received from MDP of the opportunity for public comment on
the Regulatory Review and Evaluation process. All comments must be received
by June 30, 2004.
MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION (MVA)
Correspondence was received from David H. Hugel, Administrator, Maryland
MVA, reporting that legislation effective October 1, 2003, enacted during
last year's session of the General Assembly, made important changes to
the driver licensing requirements for operators of fire and emergency
vehicles.
Prior to the enactment of this legislation, drivers operating
such equipment weighing more than 26,000 pounds were required to hold
a Maryland noncommercial Class A or B license. The new legislation allows
a second option: a member of a fire department, rescue squad, emergency
medical service unit or volunteer fire company may drive fired and/or
emergency vehicles in the performance of his or her duties with a Class
C (standard driver's) license if the operator is authorized by the political
subdivision to operate such equipment and has completed mandatory training
and testing requirements in accordance with MVA regulations. Under these
regulations, the local fire department head may authorize those members
completing the training to operate emergency vehicles by issuing them
an Emergency Vehicle Operator Card to certify compliance with these requirements.
The MVA will be issuing blank Emergency Vehicle Operator cards through
the offices of each county's chief executive officer for those agencies
wishing to exercise this new option. Each county, therefore, is being
asked to designate one individual from its jurisdiction who would be responsible
for the distribution of said cards. After the initial distribution, additional
cards will be issued annually to this contact and only by written request.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Ms. Hayman advised that Parks and Recreation has received a request from
a Kent County resident seeking a summer camp scholarship for her grandchildren
(who are residents of another state but will be visiting from out of the
County for the summer season). The Commissioners requested that the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board review this request and to submit a recommendation
to the Commissioners.
PAUPER BURIAL
Correspondence was received from Stephen L. Schaech, owner of Galena Funeral
Home, requesting funding through the Pauper Burial fund for the cremation
service of Galena Funeral Home for a disabled and indigent person who
died on April 11, 2004 at Corsica Hills Nursing Home. Mr. Schaech indicated
that the request he made for the same of the MD Department of Social Services
was denied. The Funeral Home did receive $335.00 in cash that belonged
to the deceased, and a refund check in the amount of $120.32 from Best
Care Ambulance which Mr. Schaech put towards the cremation expenses. The
Commissioners approved the amount of $500.00 out of contingency.
PERSONNEL
Court House Security Guards - Ms. Hayman advised that she has reviewed
draft employment contract for the position of Court House Security Guard
as submitted by Sheriff Price. She noted that the draft contract indicates
that the Commissioners will be "employer"for the two guard positions.
At Ms. Hayman's recommendation, the Commissioners agreed that the Sheriff
should be responsible in supervising these positions, that these positions
will not fall within the definition of "county employee," and to have
the contract revised. The Commissioners also authorized to have the positions
advertised.
Sheriff's Office/State's Attorney's Office Staff - Ms. Hayman advised
that she received a call from MACo about a proposed survey on how various
counties handle Sheriff's and State's Attorney's office staff in relation
to State law, provided that these staff are State employees. Dave Bliden,
MACo Executive Director, indicated to the County Administrator that this
issue should be included as a topic of panel discussion at the MACo conference.
The Commissioners approved for employment of a part-time
victim witness coordinator subject to obtaining grant funding. Pat Merritt,
Budget and Accounting Director, offered services of her office to assist
with grant requirements.
Employee Classifications - Mrs. Merritt provided pay schedule for
various county positions in comparison with neighboring counties. The
Commissioners agreed that due to lack of available funding, not all position
salaries could be addressed at this time; however, they proposed the creation
of a separate salary chart for public safety employees for the Sheriff's
Office, Detention Center, Central Alarm and Emergency Medical Services
to include a beginning salary in amount of $30,000. It was also discussed
of possibility to allocate $1,000 "across the board" to employees for
Fiscal Year 2005.
At 10:25 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Livie,
seconded by Commissioner Pickrum 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.
Commissioner Crow joined the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
The executive session adjourned at 10:55 a.m.
At 11:15 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 12:00 noon.
At 4:50 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.
Carter Stanton, Public Works Director, Jim Wright, County Engineer, and
Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director, were in attendance.
The executive session adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
PROCLAMATION
National Nurses' Week - The following individuals, representing
the Chester River Health System, appeared for the recognition of National
Nurses Week: Margaret Ann Gary, IMC/CCU Nurse Manager, Susie Miller, RN,
Same Day Surgery & Recovery, Linda Hickman, Chief Nursing Officer, Chrissy
Nelson, RN, Pediatrics, all of Chester River Hospital Center, and Katie
Davis, RN, and Laura Palmisano RN, both of Chester River Home Care & Hospice.
The Commissioners affirmed and supported the ways in which nurses endeavor
to provide safe and high quality patient care and strive everyday to help
meet the healthcare needs of the County by proclaiming May 6 - 12, 2004
as National Nurses Week with the theme "Nurses: At the Heart of Healthcare."
Mount Olive A.M.E. Church and Life Center Dedication - The Commissioners
signed a Proclamation, recognizing May 8, 2004 as Mount Olive African
Methodist Episcopal Church and The Life Center Dedication Day. On this
day of consecration and dedication of the Church and The Life Center,
the Commissioners also recognized the faithfulness of Rev. Cordell E.
Hunter, Sr., Pastor, and the members of the Church.
ROAD SIGNS
The Commissioners approved the recommendations of J. Edward Spray, Superintendent
of County Roads, that the following road signs be purchased and installed:
- "Speed Limit 15" and "Pedestrian Walking" signs on Shorewood Road; -
"Speed Limit 40" signs on Wilson Point Road; - "Pedestrian Walking" sign
on Dorlon Drive.
SEDIMENT CONTROL
As recommended by Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning Administration,
the Commissioners approved to accept Letter of Credit from the Harris
Trust and Savings Bank, Chicago, Illinois for the account of Velsicol
Chemical Corporation in the amount of $7,961.25 to guarantee compliance
to the Kent County Sediment Control Ordinance.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
As prepared by the Sheriff's Office, the Commissioners approved and Commissioner
Pickrum signed Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention grant
application entitled "Domestic Violence Exparte and Protective Order Data
Entry" in the amount of $8,679.
TOURISM
Bernadette Bowman, Tourism Director, appeared and introduced Marie Brockman,
Secretary III, who has been recently employed in the Tourism Development
Office.
TRANSPORTATION
Jack Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator, submitted a
copy of Memorandum received from John General, Maryland Upper Shore Transit
(MUST) Coordinator, advising that due to recent announcement from the
Maryland Transportation Administration as to reduced funding for Fiscal
Year 2005 for the participating counties, Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline,
Talbot and Dorchester with a local match of $5,000 per county. In light
of Kent County's Fiscal Year 2004 match of $2,000 was not expended, the
amount due for Fiscal Year 2005 will be $3,000.
The Commissioners approved and signed Authorizing Resolution
authorizing Kevin Morse, Executive Director of the Midshore Regional Council
to file an application with the Maryland Transit Administration of the
Maryland Department of Transportation for a Section 5303, 5311 and/or
5307 grant under the Federal Transit Act.
WORTON BUSINESS PARK OF KENT COUNTY
KRM
Correspondence was received from Robert H. Thompson, Jr., of KRM Development
Corporation, requesting a temporary 30' easement along the south property
line on Commerce Lane in Worton, site of the future Worton Business Park
of Kent County, for the purpose of grading and establishing the toe of
the stormwater management berm. Mr. Thompson believes that this grading
will also serve to enhance the drainage in this portion of the County's
property. The Board approved this request.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, May 11, 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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