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The Honorable Board of County Commissioners met this evening
at 6:00 p.m. with the following present: Roy W. Crow and William W. Pickrum,
presiding.
Commissioner Scott Livie was away on vacation.
Susanne Hayman, County Administrator, was also in attendance.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $1,226,926.00.
Commissioner Pickrum requested a moment of silence to remember the men
and women in uniform around the world who are in peril defending the United
States' freedom and America's way of life.
AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION
Correspondence was received from John K. Bergen, Chair, Kent County Agricultural
Preservation Advisory Board, reporting that the Maryland Agricultural
Land Preservation Foundation has decided to place a cap on the number
of applications which will be appraised and that counties are limited
to submitting the top 80% of applications for consideration. Applications
were ranked using the County's Easement Prioritization Formula.
The Foundation requires the local governing body to approve the final
list of properties. Mr. Bergen further reported that this year, 15 landowners
submitted an application and he provided a list of the top 12. A letter
went forth to James A. Conrad, Executive Director, Maryland Agricultural
Land Preservation Foundation, indicating the Board's approval of the applications
as recommended by the Agricultural Advisory Board to sell preservation
easements to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation.
BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE)
A Memorandum was received on August 9 from Dr. Bonnie C. Ward, Superintendent
of Kent County Public Schools, providing an update on the progress on
the Kent County High School renovations project and extended invitation
to attend meetings beginning July 29.
BROADBAND
Correspondence was received from Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest, directed
to the County Administrator, alerting the County government to a funding
opportunity recently announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding
the availability of $9 Million in broadband grant funds for rural towns
and communities where no broadband access exists.
BUILDING PERMIT FEE
The Commissioners approved the request submitted by Donald H. Usilton,
Sr., Building Coordinator, Lynch Community Church, in Lynch, that their
building permit fees be waived. Mr. Usilton indicated that the congregation
intends to begin work on various building projects in order to improve
the church building facilities and to meet present and future ministry
needs. He added that with the waiver of fees, the congregation would be
able to maximize the use of their funds for the building improvements.
CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE
Correspondence was received from Stuart M. Bounds, President, Chesapeake
College, expressing appreciation to the Commissioners for the County's
financial support of Chesapeake College's mission and Strategic Plan as
reflected in the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget.
For the record, the Board of Commissioners approved, by the majority,
at its July 6 meeting, the recommendation made by the Board of Trustees
of Chesapeake College that $140,000 from various College projects in order
to support additional enhancements to the Performing Arts Center in conjunction
with the Mezzanine Project (which is being funded by the Chesapeake College
Foundation).
CHESTERTOWN MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Correspondence was received from A. Hussain Alhija, Chief, Design and
Certification Division, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE),
with enclosure of a Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit Application submitted
to the MDE to transport sewage sludge from the Chestertown Transfer Station
to the Chestertown Lagoons in Kent County.
Ms. Hayman, County Administrator, indicated that she will obtain more
information about the application and the transport of sewage sludge and
report to the Commissioners.
CIRCUIT COURT
Ed Robinson, Purchasing Coordinator, advised that the Judge's Office recently
received an additional $3,950 from the State to be used to purchase the
following items for the Law Library: computer, printer, library step stools
and shelving. The Commissioners authorized Mr. Robinson to proceed with
purchasing the stools and shelving and Doug Sherman, Information Systems
Manager, to obtain prices and order the computer and printer.
COMMUNITY CENTER
The County Administrator and the Commissioners attended a meeting about
the proposed Community Center on August 3. Included in the discussion
were the following topics: (1) the location of the Community Center; (2)
identifying who would own and operate the Community Center; (3) identifying
sources of funding.
Included among the accomplishments of the meeting were the following:
the selection of members of a committee that will write a concept statement
for the Community Center; consensus reached that the phases for the design,
funding, and operations of the Community Center be defined as a process,
not merely as concepts. The next meeting was scheduled to take place on
August 31 at 5:30 p.m.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES
Skinners Neck Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed
Public Works Agreement for a sewer allocation for the following: Marc
and Bernadette Bowman on Map 51, Parcel 450. Brian J. and Anne S. O'Connor
on Map51, Parcel 284.
Bay Restoration Fund - An invitation was received from the Maryland
Department of the Environment, representing the Bay Restoration Fund Fee
Collection Outreach Meetings. For the record, on May 26, 2004, Governor
Ehrlich signed into law Senate Bill 320 that established the Bay Restoration
Fund (BRF). This legislation requires owners of wastewater treatment plants
(WWTP) to collect $2.50 monthly per fee per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU)
for their users, effective January 1, 2005.
The legislation also requires WWTP owners (that provide drinking water)
to collect the BRF fee from users on septic/holding tanks ($2.50 per month
per septic/holding tank). The BRF fees collected are to be deposited with
the State Comptroller by the 20th day after each calendar quarter.
For well and septic/holding tank users, the BRF fee of $30 per year will
become effective October 1, 2005, and is to be collected by the County
government where the septic/holding tanks are located (The BRF Advisory
Committee will be providing Counties with additional guidance at a later
date).
The purpose of the outreach meetings is to provide the WWTP Owners an
overview of the BRF legislation and answer questions regarding the collecting
and depositing of the fee.
The invitation will be forwarded to Wayne Morris, Director of the Department
of Water and Wastewater Services, and Roger Williams, Treasurer.
FIRE COMPANIES
Gregg Bird, Vice-President of the Kent County Chief's Association, responding
to the invitation of the Commissioners, appeared and reviewed a Memorandum
which he sent to Dr. Leland Spencer, County Health Officer, concerning
the required hepatitis vaccine for the County Fire/EMS/Rescue personnel.
The following individuals were also in attendance: Chris Powell, President,
Kent County Chiefs' Association and of the Galena Fire Company, Richard
McIntyre, Chief, Millington Fire Company, James Price, Chief, and Buddy
Campbell, Deputy Chief, both of Betterton Fire Company, David Turner,
Chief, and William "Buster" Blackiston, both of Chestertown Fire Company,
Derek Elliot, Chief, Rock Hall Fire Company, Bill Lobley, member of the
Kent/Queen Anne's Counties Rescue Squad, and Robert Rust, Jr., Direct
of Emergency Management Agency.
Mr. Bird advised that the total number of personnel in need of hepatitis
shots is 318, although it is possible that some individuals represented
in this total may opt not to receive the vaccine. He requested that the
immunizations begin as soon as possible given the Occupational Health
and Safety Act (OSHA) federal mandates that all employers have that opportunity
with an occupational hazard of hepatitis exposure.
Ms. Hayman, County Administrator, and Chief Bird, referring to information
provided by Dr. Spencer in a Memorandum received from him, reported that
the cost of the vaccine fluctuates (depending on supply and demand) from
$23.00 to $33.00 per dose, and at present is $25.00 per dose. The hepatitis
vaccine consists of three individual doses per person over a six-month
period. The cost of the series per person is $75.00 for a total of $23,850.00
for the vaccination of 318 personnel.
Responding to Commissioner Crow's question, Chief Bird reported that the
318 personnel requiring the vaccine have never had the inoculation before
in their lifetime and began their County service since the last administration
of the hepatitis vaccine, hence the immediacy of the current need for
vaccination. The last administration of the hepatitis vaccine occurred
in 1998; inoculations are effective for seven years.
For the record, in his Memorandum, Dr. Spencer reported that the Health
Department does not have the funds in its budget to meet this request.
Dr. Spencer indicated that his staff checked with the surrounding counties
and has determined that either the county governments provide the funding
for the vaccine or the individual fire companies are billed for the cost
of the vaccine. In Kent County, since at least 1998, fire companies have
paid for the vaccination of their personnel.
The Commissioners approved the expenditures for the required hepatitis
inoculation to be funded out of the operating budget of the legislated
appropriation to the Kent County Fire Companies.
Chief Bird advised that the need for the protection of personnel currently
includes a vaccine for hepatitis B and A as well as testing for tuberculosis.
In response to the Commissioners' questions, Chief Bird expressed his
opinion that a centralized program for the supervision and record maintenance
of vaccine inoculations would be most effective, based on the information
he obtained about the practices of other counties.
Ms. Hayman reported that Dr. Spencer would be able to provide staff to
conduct the administration of vaccines a couple of nights a week.
Concurring with the opinions expressed by Commissioners Pickrum and Crow,
Ms. Hayman indicated that a combined effort between the staff of the Health
Department and members of the respective Fire Companies who are certified
to administer inoculations, would be an effective team-approach to conduct
the required inoculations.
To Commissioner Pickrum's inquiry, Mr. Rust expressed his opinion that
the Emergency Management Agency would be able to maintain the records
of the inoculations.
With a goal of one month determined, Chief Bird and Ms. Hayman agreed
to make all of the necessary arrangements and contacts, inclusive of Dr.
Spencer and each Fire Company, for the administration of the required
inoculations.
Commissioner Pickrum asked Mr. Rust to prepare a separate line item in
the Fiscal Year 2006 Emergency Management Agency budget for the administrative
costs pertaining to the record-keeping.
Responding to Commissioner Crow, Ms. Hayman indicated that she, in cooperation
with Chief Bird, will schedule a date and other pertinent arrangements
for a conflict-resolution workshop to be conducted by a third-party facilitator,
on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the representatives of the
Kent County Fire Chiefs' Association and representatives of the County
Fire/EMS/Rescue personnel.
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved a raffle, chance books, and other table gaming
devices permit for St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Rock Hall, for its
fund-raising event to take place on August 15, 2004 from 1 p.m. through
5 p.m.
The Commissioners approved a raffle-only permit for the Millington Lions'
Club for its fund-raising event to take place from August 16, 2004 through
and including December 22, 2004.
HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HIP)
A Memorandum was received from Jack Canan, Coordinator of Housing and
Community Development, concerning an HIP application relating to an unsafe
home. The estimated cost to upgrade said house was approximately $100,000.
Mr. Canan will keep the Board apprized of possible alternative solutions.
HURRICANE ISABEL
Correspondence was received, dated August 2, from Victor L. Hoskins, Secretary,
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, providing an
update on the status of the Hurricane Isabel Disaster Relief Act (HIDRA),
which intended to assist hurricane victims with disaster relief by providing
low cost loans to replace and/or repair a homeowner's principal residence.
Governor Ehrlich committed $7.5 Million in financial resources towards
this important initiative. Mr. Hoskins' report included the following:
- Of the 411 applications received to date, half have been processed and
$4.7 Million has been issued in loan commitments.
- Of the 411 applications submitted, 58 commitments have been issued,
17 loans settled and 160 applications are currently under review.
Attached to Mr. Hoskins' letter was a detailed summary of the applications
received as of July 29. In addition, Mr. Hoskins reported that over 13,600
families received a letter of invitation to attend community workshops
providing details about relief assistance programs.
The public is encouraged to contact the Hurricane Relief Hotline at 1-866-227-2497
and visit www.dhed.state.md.us to receive disaster relief assistance if
their principal residence was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Isabel.
LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
Judy Linn was appointed as a member of the Local Management Board for
a three year term ending June 30, 2007.
MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (MACo)
A copy of correspondence was received from James M. Harkins, President,
MACo, and directed to Royden Powell, Office of Resource Conservation,
Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), reporting the nomination of
Commissioner Roy Crow for the Nutrient Advisory Committee Program.
PERSONNEL
Direct Deposit - A copy of Memorandum, dated August 4, was received
from Susanne Hayman, County Administrator, and directed to all County
employees, addressing concerns pertaining to some unforeseen technical
difficulties in instituting new procedures for payroll check distribution
as follows:
- The County continues to encourage direct deposit. The Direct Deposit
program will not involve a Thursday mailing of paychecks to employees
whose checks are mailed.
- Effective on August 4, the County resumed the same paycheck distribution
schedule and procedure that existed previously.
On August 4, checks were distributed to the Department Heads (or his/her
representative) at a Department Head meeting. Beginning with the August
19 payday, pay envelopes for all employees (those containing an actual
check and those containing a direct deposit voucher) may be picked up
at the Personnel Office beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18.
Ms. Hayman requested, on her behalf and on behalf of Ed Robinson, Human
Resources Director, feedback from County employees about the paycheck
distribution procedures as described in the above.
In consideration that Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the Commissioners
approved a floating holiday to be observed by county employees either
Thursday, December 23, or Monday, December 27. Department heads will be
responsible for insuring sufficient staffing for their offices to remain
open to serve the public on these two days.
At 5:10 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Pickrum and passed by the majority of the Board to go into closed session
to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article,
Section 10.508 (a)(1)(i)(ii) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Ed Robinson, Human Resources Director, was also in attendance.
The closed session adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
PRE-RELEASE UNIT WORK PROGRAM
As per the request of the Commissioners, William "Buster" Blackiston,
Facility Administrator for the Eastern Pre-Release Facility, Division
of Correction, MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services,
appeared and, referring to copies of a prepared draft of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) which he distributed, outlined the State-sponsored
program of the utilization of inmate crews. Carter G. Stanton, Director
of Public Works, was also in attendance.
Should the Commissioners approve of this proposed MOU, Mr. Blackiston
explained that inmate labor crews would perform unskilled and semi-skilled
labor for the County, including, for example, litter pick-up, hand-mowing,
landscaping and building and grounds maintenance.
Mr. Blackiston, responding to the Commissioners' questions, stated that,
given an approved MOU between the County and the Division of Correction
(DOC), the DOC would continue to provide custodian supervised inmate labor
crews to the County to establish the basis for the County's reimbursement
to the DOC for those inmate crews provided, and would ensure the consistent
supervision and control of those inmate labor crews while assigned as
labor workers for the County.
Mr. Blackiston further responded to the Board's questions by indicating
that the County's reimbursement for, as an example, a labor crew of inmates,
the use of one van, and the supervision of one DOC officer would amount
to $48.60 per hour for eight hours, totalling $388.80 per day; and $2.50
per inmate per eight-hour day with supervision provided by the County.
In summary, Mr. Blackiston indicated that, as per this proposed draft
MOU, the participation of the DOC is represented solely in the provision
of labor.
The Commissioners extended their appreciation to Mr. Blackiston for attending
the meeting and for his informative review of the program, indicating
that they would further review the terms and conditions of the draft of
a proposed MOU and the arrangements between the County and the DOC proposed
therein.
STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION (SHA) SIGNAGE
Correspondence was received from Judy Reveal, Executive Director, Kent
County Chamber of Commerce, with enclosure of a letter sent to her from
Calvin Sun, of Calvin Sun and Associates, of Paoli, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Sun expressed his concern about what he described as "the confusing signage"
in the County, and especially with regard to the Town of Chestertown.
Mr. Sun provided some specifics about the locations of signs and suggestions
for improvements. Mr. Sun's correspondence will be forwarded to Richard
Lindsay, District Engineer State Highway Administration, for review and
response.
WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD
Lynn Cusimano was reappointed as a member of the Workforce Investment
Board for a three year term ending June 30, 2007.
WORTON BUSINESS PARK
In consideration of conditions requested by CFF as it relates to the County's
proposal for a joint storm water management project, the Commissioners
agreed to withdraw it proposal. The Commissioners will now proceed with
this project by constructing its own pond.
ZONING VIOLATION
Correspondence was received from someone identified only as "a concerned
citizen in Edesville" requesting the assistance of the Commissioners to
rectify what, in the correspondent's opinion, is the disgraceful appearance
and state of a home in Edesville. This correspondence was forwarded to
Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning.
In addition, Ms. Hayman forwarded this matter to the Kent County Health
Department Environmental Health Office, for investigation about a possible
nuisance abatement action.
A Memorandum was received from Amy G. Moredock, Environmental Planner,
detailing the actions taken by the Planning and Zoning Administration
and by the County Health Department as they relate to the nuisance ordinance
violations at 25213 Porters Grove Road in Worton.
In addition to the involvement of the above, the Sheriff's Office and
the Animal Control Division of the County Animal Humane Society also took
action.
Ms. Moredock listed the chronology of events, beginning November 10, 2003
through August 2, 2004 and include such violations as untagged vehicles,
an unauthorized dog kennel, junk and debris on the property.
According to Ms. Moredock, most, if not all, of the violations continue
in effect. This matter has been forwarded to Mitchell Mowell, Attorney
for the Planning Commission, for legal action.
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS (ZTA)
Correspondence was received from Clayton A. Mitchell of Hoon and Associates,
LLC, of Chestertown, directed to the Executive Assistant to the County
Commissioners, advising that said firm represents Jane E. Hukill, Jerry
M. Smith, and Raymond L. Richards, all residents of Worton, with enclosure,
submitted by the above, of their Application for Text Amendment to the
Kent County Zoning Ordinance.
The application will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for its review
and recommendations.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, August 17, 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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