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The Honorable Board of County 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 $2,228,116.00.
BAY SHORE ROAD
Carter Stanton, Director of Public Works, appeared and reported that rumble
strips will be installed on Bay Shore Road on May 19 as the County's response
to the complaint issued by residents about the excessive speeding of vehicular
traffic on Bay Shore Road.
BETTERTON BEACH
In follow up to bid opening held on April 20, and due to lack of response
received, Jeff Troester, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented a
proposal received from Craig Hastings, of C & C Construction, for the
repair work needed for structures at Betterton Beach. Jim Wright, County
Engineer, was also in attendance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to award C & C Construction
the following County projects at Betterton Beach: replacement of the roof
on the Betterton Beach bath house ($4,257.45) and the gazebo ($1,997,84),
utilizing shingles as the new roofing material for both, replacement of
both sets of stairs ( the removal of the existing timber stair treads
and landing decking, repair or replacement of any deteriorated, damaged
or missing support members and the installation of new timber treads -
$5,890.77, decking and top handrails on the entire stairway structure
- $2,945.23), for a total proposed fee of $12,441.29.
The fees for said repairs will be funded as follows: 90% through Program
Open Space (POS), 10% through the County Capital Budget.
BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE)
KENT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Correspondence was received from Dr. Bonnie C. Ward, Superintendent, Kent
County Public Schools, expressing her support of the request from Dr.
Leland Spencer, Health Officer of Kent and Caroline Counties, for an increase
in funding ($26,070) for two contractual school nurses. She indicated
that this increase would allow the school nurses to be recognized as State
employees with full benefits.
BOY SCOUT TROOP # 130
Ted Batchelor, Assistant Scout Master, Boy Scout Troop # 130, appeared
and extended an invitation to the Commissioners, on behalf of Troop #
130, to attend the Troop's first camp-out of the year on May 22, 2004
at Turners Creek. Commissioner Crow agreed to attend.
BUDGET
At 1:30 p.m., the Commissioners held a budget work session. Pat Merritt,
Director of Budget and Accounting, Susanne Hayman, Human Resources Director,
and Ed Robinson, County Administrator, were also in attendance. Lori Kern,
Account Executive of Maury Donnelly & Parr, Inc., and Lorraine Sexton,
Personnel Coordinator, appeared and reviewed a proposal for renewal of
the Optimum Choice health insurance benefits for County employees.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Pickrum
and passed by the majority of the Board to renew the health benefit package
for County employees to include an enhanced RX plan, to provide a voluntary
life and voluntary disability package and establishment of a voluntary
flexible spending account for employees. Commissioner Livie abstained
from voting on this matter. Ms. Kern left at 2:00 p.m.
Further review and discussion was held on proposed budget requests. The
budget work session adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
CHESTER BRIDGE FOUNDATION
Correspondence was received from Michael M. Thielke, Executive Director,
Chester Bridge Foundation, Inc. (CBF), requesting the Commissioners' participation
in the reconfiguring of CBF's Board of Directors by their appointment
of six non-government employed County residents to the Board of Directors
by June 15, 2004.
COAST GUARD PROPERTY
DREDGING PERMIT
Correspondence was received from Walter Washington, Jr., Chief, Maryland
Section Southern, directed to Captain Christopher D. Mills, U.S. Coast
Guard, Facilities Design and Construction Center, confirming receipt of
Captain Mills' signed dredging permit, for the U.S. Coast Guard/Still
Pond Substation, and indicating that Captain Mills may proceed with the
pertinent construction, provided that all required State and/or local
authorizations have been obtained. A copy of this correspondence was forwarded
to Jeff Troester, Parks and Recreation Director, and Carter Stanton, Director
of Public Works.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Correspondence was received from Thomas R. Genetti, Assistant Secretary,
Facilities Planning, Department of General Services, confirming approval
of the State grant - Community Based Regional Initiative Loan of 2004
- Kent County Recreation and Community Complex, Item G335, Chapter 204,
Acts of 2003, in the amount of $500,000. The County has seven years from
the date the grant is authorized to complete the project and expend the
State funds.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning, appeared and provided an
update on the Comprehensive Plan, reporting that the Planning Commission
has tentatively scheduled the first public meeting for discussion about
the Comprehensive Plan to take place on June 22, 2004 at the High School.
Carla Martin, Community Planner, was also in attendance.
Mrs. Owings reported that the Planning Commission is planning
to conduct a visual exercise and small group discussions for the public
at this meeting. Responding to Commissioner Crow's question, Mrs. Owings
reported among the current major issues to be addressed is development
in Kennedyville and in other towns.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
DEDICATION
A white dogwood tree on the rear lawn of the County Government Center
was planted in memory of Walter B. Harris, Jr. The tree and forth-coming
plaque were donated jointly by the Kent County Forestry Board and the
Soil and Water Conservation Service. During the ceremony, it was noted
that Mr. Harris served as a supervisor on the Soil and Water Conservation
Board for 32 years and as associate supervisor from 1997 until his death
in May 2003. Mr. Harris was also extremely active in support of various
"Save the Bay" and other environment advocacy organizations, and was a
member of the Historical Society of Kent County.
In addition to the Commissioners, the following people were in attendance
to witness the dedication: Mr. Harris' wife and daughter, Dolly and Holly,
son-in-law, Mac McCoy (who is also a member of the Forestry Board), Delegate
Mary Roe Walkup, Karen Miller, District Manager of Soil and Water Conservation
District, and Wickes Westcott, (Chairperson), John Bergen (former Forestry
Board member), Eddy Taylor, Tim Redman, Associate Member, and Tommy Unruh,
all members of the Soil and Water Conservation Board; and of the Forestry
Board, Teri Batchelor, Secretary to the Kent and Queen Anne's County Board
and Upper Shore Project Manager/Forester with the Maryland Department
of Natural Resources Forest Service, and Gail Owings ("ex officio" and
former member).
Delegate Walkup, Commissioner Pickrum, Mrs. Batchelor and Mrs. Miller
spoke, paying tribute to Mr. Harris' memory by praising the many and diverse
contributions he made to the County as a true public servant.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES
Wayne Morris, Director of the Department of Water and Wastewater Services,
appeared and reported about the following:
Tolchester Service Area - Mr. Morris provided an update on the
allocation policy, reporting that he submitted to the Maryland Department
of Planning the Tolchester Growth Management Plan, and that he has not
as yet received reply. Concerning the waiting list of allocation requests
in Tolchester, Mr. Morris sent correspondence to the respective individuals
informing them that the determination of allocations is in process.
Mr. Morris provided an update pertaining to the request of Tracy Stone,
of Tolchester, in her correspondence received in April 2004, for information
as to the maximum number of homes along Maryland Parkway in Tolchester
which can be served on a 2-inch sewer line, and the response from Barry
Ebersole, of McCrone's, Inc. (Engineering). For the record, Mr. Ebersole,
reported his opinion, based on his study, that 11 pumps can connect to
the 2-inch collection main in Maryland Parkway, but not one more unless
the collection main in MD Route 21 is upgraded. Mr. Morris reported that
he should soon be receiving Mr. Ebersole's completed hydraulic study,
as per Ms. Stone's concern.
Mr. Morris reported that Catherine Adams did not respond to certified
mail sent by his office, which was to serve as notice of the deadline
to confirm her allocation request for Tax Map 35D, Parcel # 363, by the
end of April 2004.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum, to rescind Mrs. Adams' allocation
for said property.
The Commissioners approved and signed Public Works Agreement with Alan
Todd and L. Susan Barnhardt for a sewer allocation located on Map 35D,
Parcel 598 in the Tolchester Service Area.
Worton Service Area - In response to a letter of inquiry received
from Ernest Robinson of EBN Partners, LLC of Worton, dated May 10, 2004,
Mr. Morris advised him that there are currently sufficient allocations
available for his proposed 22 lot subdivision located on MD Route 298
in Worton. Mr. Morris also advised him that, until Mr. Robinson's project
receives approval from the Commissioners and the allocation fees are paid,
the County cannot guarantee any amount of capacity availability of water
and sewer allocations.
Correspondence was received from William M. Crowding, Registered Surveyor,
on behalf of Ernest Robinson, requesting a sewer and water allocation
for Tax Map 51, Parcel 438 be transferred to his property on Tax Map 20,
Grid 4A, Parcel 63. Mr. Robinson is in the process of subdividing a 11,012
square foot lot from Parcel 63. For the record, Commissioner Pickrum expressed
his opinion that allocations should be granted only to a specifically
designated property, and that requests for the transfer of allocations
should not be granted.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made passed by the majority of the Board, to approve a sewer and water
allocation-transfer from Tax Map 51, Parcel 438 to Tax Map 20, Grid 4A,
Parcel 63, the properties of Ernest Robinson.. Commissioner Pickrum opposed
granting of this request.
Mr. Morris encouraged the Commissioners to give serious consideration
to the large amount of interest being conveyed by developers in building
homes in the Worton Service Area. He cited Mr. Robinson's 22 lot subdivision
and other interests which he has been made aware of, pointing out that
Worton has only 100 allocations.
He also requested that the Commissioners review the Department of Water
and Wastewater Services' budget and the Comprehensive Plan in light of
this aggressive expression of interest.
Edesville Service Area - Discussion ensued pertaining to correspondence
received by the County from the Town of Rock Hall (dated May 7, 2004)
regarding the proposed 50/50 cost share between Rock Hall and the County
for a detailed study to determine if the Town of Rock Hall's water supply
can cover domestic supply instead of just an emergency supply. Mr. Morris
advised that there are outstanding issues requiring further negotiations
and clarification before the County can commit to the existing Edesville
Sewer Agreement, such as ownership, maintenance, etc.
A letter will go forth to the Mayor and Town Council of Rock Hall indicating
that the Board further discussed the feasibility study and is requesting
further negotiations and clarification.
Edesville Wastewater Upgrade Project/Kennedyville Wastewater Upgrade
Project - The Commissioners approved and signed Resolution declaring
official intent to reimburse expenditures to be incurred with respect
to the Edesville Wastewater Upgrade Project ($750,000) and Kennedyville
Wastewater Upgrade Project ($3,000,000) from certain funds with the proceeds
of debt to be issued by the Board.
Emergency Generator - Responding to Commissioner Scott's request
for an update on the emergency generator, Mr. Morris reported that he
has learned from Robert Rust, Jr., Director of Emergency Management, that
the delay in the County's receipt of the funding for the generator is
due to the request from Homeland Security for clarification as to the
specific use intended by the County for the generator, and for a budget
designation, either Fiscal Year 2004 or 2005.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
P.A.M. Schaller, Director of Economic Development, appeared and reported
on the following:
Bay Broadband Communications (BBC) - The first tower lease is being
written by the County Attorney. Responding to Commissioner Crow's question,
Ms. Schaller indicated that the first broadband equipment will be up by
June 1, 2004. Mrs. Schaller advised of need for representative of BBC
to mount the subject towers to enable the schematic drawing to be completed.
The Commissioners gave approval subject to prior notification being given
to the Director of Water and Wastewater.
Procurement Fair - It was decided not to plan for a County Procurement
Fair at this time.
CD Rom Education Upgrade - The Commissioners expressed their favorable
opinion about the revised portion of the County CD Rom, produced as a
marketing tool for County economic development, which describes the educational
opportunities in the County.
Kent County Business Park at Worton - Correspondence was received
from Cecil Criss, Utilities Senior Electrical Engineer, Choptank Electric
Cooperative, Inc., providing an estimate of $90,000 to supply the MVA
of capacity for the Business Park. The County's next step will be to provide
Choptank Electric with a finalized plat. No further action was taken at
this time
Ms. Schaller questioned the status of the proposed stormwater management
pond on the CFF property. Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, advised negotiations
are still underway
LaMotte Property - Summarizing the meeting of the Economic Advisory
Board with Sarah Woodworth, Vice President, ZHA, Inc. ( public/private
development advisors), on May 17, Ms. Schaller indicated that ZHA will
conduct surveys, gather information, etc.; however, the company does not
prepare schematics. Upon the completion of ZHA's work, the County would
then evaluate the recommendations made by ZHA of candidates for the work
of preparing the schematics for the Business Park.
Commissioner Pickrum suggested that the process for designating a company
to do the schematics should begin at the present time.
Commissioner Crow suggested that the methodology supporting the development
of the Business Park at Worton would be useful when applied to other County
plans in the future.
National Business Incubator Association Conference - Ms. Schaller
expressed her appreciation to the Commissioners for the County's financial
support in enabling her participation at the Incubator Association Conference
on May 4.
Responding to Commissioner Livie's question, Ms. Schaller advised that
there is no duplication of effort between the office of Economic Development
and Chester Bridge Foundation.
Commissioner Livie suggested that the incubation concept could be applied
to the joint educational trade programs of the High School and Chesapeake
College which matches students with local businesses. It was also suggested
that Mrs. Schaller contact Dr. Terry Scout of Washington College as well.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed Memorandum
of Understanding for implementation of the Maryland Eastern Shore Interoperability
Network between the County of Worcester and the Counties of Caroline,
Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and
the Town of Ocean City.
GRAND JURY REPORT
A copy of the Report of the Grand Jury filed on May 11, 2004, for the
year 2004, was received for the Board's information and files.
HOTEL RENTAL TAX
Commissioners Pickrum and Livie plan to meet with the Rock Hall Mayor
and Council on May 20 to further discuss the proposal to increase the
Hotel Rental Tax from 3% to 5% and to seek the Town's willingness to return
the revenue generated from the additional 2% back to the County to be
used toward tourism development. Bernadette Bowman, Tourism Director,
and Ed Robinson, County Administrator, will also attend this meeting.
Mrs. Van Pelt advised of a meeting held with Chestertown Mayor Margo Bailey
and William Ingersoll, Town Manager, related to the proposed increase
in the Hotel Rental Tax. Mayor Bailey advised of interest to return the
additional revenue generated to the County and in return to receive funding
from the County in a flat amount of $5,000 which would cover the employment
expenses of an additional employee at the Visitor's Center. This arrangement
would eliminate the need for the Tourism Office secretary to work at the
Visitor's Center as she currently does one hour per work day. No formal
request has been received from the Town.
KENT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Correspondence was received from Harold L. Brown, Jr., Brown's Lawn Care
Service, Worton, relating to his application for a one year burn permit.
Contact will be made with the Kent County Health Department, requesting
a copy of the State regulations governing burn permits.
KENT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Carter Stanton, Director of Public Works, reported concerning the potholes
in the high school parking lot, and indicated that he and Jim Wright,
County Engineer, and Ed Spray, Superintendent, County Roads, met with
Tony Cucina, Supervisor of Environmental Services, Kent County Public
Schools, and were not able to provide Mr. Cucina with any conclusions
or solutions.
As per the suggestion of the Commissioners, for the interim period until
construction begins with the high school renovations project, the County
Roads Division will fill-in the potholes with the gravel- mix usually
used as filler.
LAMOTTE PROPERTY
The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed Professional
Services Agreement with ZHA, Inc., Real Estate and Economic Development
Consultant, for the purpose of conducting a marketing analysis for the
LaMotte property.
LAND PROTECTION TOOLBOX SEMINAR
Carla Martin, Community Planner, appeared and reported about the Land
Protection Toolbox Seminar scheduled to take place on May 24, 7:00 p.m.
to 8:30 p.m. at the Galena Middle School. Gail Owings, Director of Planning
and Zoning, was also in attendance.
Presenters at the Seminar, sponsored by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy,
will provide residents information about the following land protection
tools: Maryland Agriculture Land, Rural Legacy Program, Donated Conservation
Easements, Conservation Buyer Program, Estate Planning, Federal Programs,
such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Wetlands
Reserve Program (WRP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), etc.
To RSVP and for further information, the public may contact 410.827.9756,
ext. 163.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 11:25 a.m., motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into closed session
for legal counsel with Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, in accordance
with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.
Items of discussion were related to the Kent County Business Park at Worton.
The closed session adjourned at 11:47 a.m.
At 12:05 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into closed session
for legal counsel with Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, in accordance
with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.
Items of discussion included: issues pertaining to the Quaker Neck Service
Area and the Public Information Act.
The closed session adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC)
Ed Birkmire, Director of Environmental Health, appeared and, on behalf
of the LEPC, appealed to the Commissioners for their assistance with recruiting
volunteers needed for participation in the LEPC's full-scale terrorism
drill to take place on May 19th at the Washington College campus for the
purpose of testing the local response.
Mr. Birkmire conveyed his disappointment that the previous commitments,
made in February 2004, by some groups to volunteer have not been met,
and, hence, the emergent need for volunteers.
In a phone call that was made during the Commissioners' meeting to Dr.
Bonnie Ward, Superintendent, Kent County Public Schools, the Commissioners
emphasized and encouraged the commitment made by the schools to recruit
volunteers. Dr. Ward responded by indicating that the schools did actively
recruit students and, with parental approval, committed 22 students as
volunteers, and that an additional attempt would be made during the lunch
break at the schools during this day.
An attempt was made to contact James Siemen, President of the Board of
Education, by phone during the meeting about the commitment of the schools,
however he was not available.
The Commissioners agreed to permit County employees to serve as volunteers
for the drill. Mr. Birkmire expressed his appreciation to the Commissioners
for this assistance.
MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION (MVA)
In response to correspondence received from the MVA, dated April 26, requesting
that each county designate one individual from its jurisdiction to be
responsible for the distribution of Emergency Operator cards, (cit. Minutes,
May 4, 2004), the Commissioners designated Robert Rust, Jr., Director,
Emergency Management Agency, to issue the cards.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Jeff Troester, Director of Parks and Recreation, appeared and reported
about the following:
County Scholarships - A unanimous decision and recommendation of
the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was made at their meeting on May
17th, that Parks and Recreation scholarships for the County's programs
and camps for children should be granted only to children who are residents
of the County.
The Commissioners expressed their reluctance to deny scholarships to any
child, and also expressed their hope that children, for example those
who are not residents of the County but who are the summer house-guests
of relatives who are County residents, would seek financial assistance
from non-profit organizations in the County enabling them to participate
in the Parks and Recreation programs for children.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum, to restrict eligibility of
County scholarships for County-sponsored programs to children who are
residents of Kent County.
Edesville Park - Mr.Troester reported that, concerning the complaints
issued by parents and children representing the Rock Hall teams of the
Babe Ruth Softball League, that their field conditions are poor, and that
the team benches and spectators bleachers as surrounded by standing water,
Parks and Recreation is working with Soil Conservation to correct the
situations, creating a swale to divert rainwater away from said areas.
Post-Prom Party - Commissioner Crow praised the efforts of Jeff
Troester, Director, and the staff of Parks and Recreation, for their work
in creating a successful post-prom party on May 22/23. A letter will go
forth commending Mr. Troester and his staff.
PERSONNEL
At 11:47 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 P.A.M Schaller, Economic Development Director, to discuss
personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section
10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The executive session adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
At 12:40 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government
Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The executive session adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
PROCLAMATION
A. Elizabeth Lusby Day - The Commissioners signed a Proclamation declaring
May 25, 2004 as A. Elizabeth Lusby Day in honor of her 100th birthday.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
The Commissioners appointed Michael Hanscom and Barbara Vann as members
of the Tourism Development Advisory Board for a three year term ending
May 1, 2007.
TRANSPORTATION
Correspondence was received from Santo A. Grande, Chief Executive Officer,
Delmarva Community Services, Inc., an agency which is working in conjunction
with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to provide and develop
a transition plan for the possible exchange of transit providers in the
upper shore counties of Kent, Caroline, and Talbot. It currently provides
transit services in Dorchester County under its Delmarva Community Transit
Program.
Mr. Grande expressed assurance that Delmarva Community Services, Inc.
will work with the budgeted funds provided to it from the County and the
MTA. He advised that it must have all funds currently provided by MTA
including SSTAP funding for its proposed service to succeed and that it
is the desire of Delmarva Community Services, Inc. to provide a comprehensive
transit program to the County.
UNION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
PLANNING
The Commissioners approved the request of Alvin E. Tinch, Chair, Administrative
Council, of Union United Methodist Church, in Coleman, to waive the fee
for a site review concerning the church's construction of a memorial/multi-purpose
building.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Memorandum was received from Marty T. Holden, Waste Management Coordinator,
reporting of a possible deficit within the Solid Waste Fiscal Year 2004
Budget due to the following: the "Tipping Fees" will be depleted during
the month of May, which may be a result of the clean-up following Hurricane
Isabel. Mr. Holden advised that he will update the Commissioners if there
are any changes in the Waste Management budget estimates, and that he
has discussed this potential deficit with Pat Merritt, Director of Budget
and Accounting.
WILSON POINT ROAD
Carter Stanton, Director of Public Works, appeared and reported that,
in response to concerns expressed by residents about the excessive speeding
on Wilson Point Road, the County installed traffic signs to indicate the
lower legal speed.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, May 25, 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.
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