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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.
Susanne Hayman, County Administrator, was also in attendance.
Minutes of the previous meeting were
approved.
W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported
a balance of $4,640,969.00.
Commissioner Pickrum requested a moment of silence to remember the men
and women in uniform around the world who have died in defense of the
United States freedom and Americas way of life.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Correspondence was received from Jeanine Marsey, a representative of Really
Great Cats Rescue, Inc., of Rock Hall, with attachment about Trap-Neuter-Return
which is a world-wide successful management program of feral, abandoned
and stray felines. Ms. Marsey offered this information to assist the Commissioners
with their deliberations concerning the problem about the proliferation
of feral cats in County communities, such as Worton and Chestertown.
Ms. Hayman will research related laws in the surrounding jurisdictions.
BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE)
Dr. Bonnie Ward, Superintendent of Schools, Frances Miller, Assistant
Superintendent of Administrative Services, and Tony Cucina, Supervisor
of Environmental Services, appeared and requested the Commissioners approval
of the BOEs Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Improvement Plan/Budget Adjustment
and the Fiscal Year 2004 Financial Audit from the auditors. Pat Merritt,
Director of Budget and Accounting, was also in attendance.
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Fiscal Year 2006
Ms. Miller reported that Phase I of CIP is going very well. The plan for
Phase II is for construction to begin in the summer of 2005 and to be
completed by the summer of 2006.
Commissioner Pickrum commented that this plan is an ambitious one given
the time-line.
Ms. Miller reported the following construction costs of Phase II, which
consists of a number of building infrastructure, security/safety, support
areas and health systemic renovations, as well as limited renovated spaces
(e.g. two new technology labs, new health and guidance suites, renovated
public/student restrooms and new teacher planning rooms):
Local Capital Funds.................................. $4,456,000
State Funds .............................................. $4,456,000
Total $8,912,000
The County has committed a total of $1,555,000 for construction management
and architect/engineering costs and Phase I of the construction for Fiscal
Year 2005.
For 2006, the County will need to commit funding for the local share in
the amount of $4,456,000. It was a noted that there is a possibility that
the County will also be asked to front the States portion of $2,228,000
for Fiscal Year 2006.
Responding to Commissioner Pickrums question, Dr. Ward indicated that
provision has been made for the possible increase of building materials,
supplies, etc., and other expenses that might be affected by inflation,
in the funding that will be provided by the State.
A letter of support will go forth from the Commissioners to the Executive
Director of the Maryland Public School Construction Program on behalf
of the BOEs application for the States funding of the CIP Phase II which
the BOE will present to the State on October 21.
Responding to Commissioner Pickrums question, Ms. Miller indicated that
a task force has been formed, representing the BOE to re-evaluate with
the State the current 50:50 ratio (representing the amount of funding
for the County school system from the State and from the local government)
and to explore the possibility of increasing the States portion of funding
in Kent County. Commissioner Pickrum encouraged that this re-evaluation
take place.
Commissioner Livie initiated discussion about the provision and funding
of stadium lighting in the County high school athletic field.
Dr. Ward reported that the BOE will sponsor a public works meeting on
October 19, at 7:00 p.m. which will include discussion about lighting.
She also affirmed that the proposal for the Community Center complements
the proposed stadium lighting project. With a well-lighted stadium, more
citizens would attend athletic games and, therefore, more citizens would
come to the high school campus which, in turn, would provide incentives
for greater involvement and interest on the part of citizens in the events
sponsored by the school system.
Commissioner Crow concurred, expressing his belief that as the high school
becomes more involved with the Countys citizens, citizens will, in turn,
be more supportive of and more interested in the activities of the school
system, County projects, and the partnership between the two.
Commissioner Pickrum also concurred, emphasizing the importance of the
interfacing of programs between the school system and the County, not
only for students, but for all of the citizens.
Ms. Miller gave assurance that the issues that needed to be addressed
have now been resolved.
Commissioners Crow and Livie also indicated that they were pleased that
the high school is now supportive of and that it has hosted the Pop Warner
Football games that tour the towns and municipalities throughout the Eastern
Shore.
Ms. Miller distributed copies of the BOEs Management letter, dated August
18, from Beatty, Satchell & Company LLC, Certified Public Accountants,
as well as the audit of the financial statements of the BOE for the year
ended June 30, 2004.
Ms. Miller and Dr. Ward stated that the auditors comments concerning
ways for improving internal controls and operating efficiency represented
minor issues and are being addressed.
Budget Adjustment - The two budget amendments submitted by the
BOE were reviewed in detail. Ms. Miller responded to concerns that were
raised by Mrs. Merritt in her letter sent to Ms. Miller, dated September
22, concerning the BOEs Budget Adjustment # 1.
Commissioner Pickrum praised the BOEs success with finding sources of
grant funding, as well as its excellent utilization of the grant funding.
A letter will go forth to Ms. Miller advising the BOE of the following
action taken today: Budget Amendment No. #1 requested in letter dated
September 16:
Adjustment No. 1 - Approved use of $650 from the Regional Staff
Development Center revenue to fund staff development at Galena Middle
School
Adjustment No. 2 - Approved use of $5,000 received from the estate
of Dorothy Startt Myers to replace student furniture.
Adjustment No.3 - (a) Approved transfer of $40,000 from contract
services-instruction other to instructional salaries. (b) Approval was
not given to use $73,630 of fund balance resources to meet salary requirements
in the area of instruction, pupil services and special education.
The Commissioners requested that this cost be absorbed within budget at
this time.
They agreed to revisit this request in January, 2005 to allow time to
evaluate whether or not these expenses could be absorbed within the existing
FY05 budget or if the FY 05 budget must be increased by this amount utilizing
fund balance resources as the revenue source.
Restricted Fund -
Adjustment (a) - Approval was given in its entirety. Budget Amendment
No. # 2 requested in letter dated September 16:
Unrestricted Fund
Adjustment No. 1 - Approval was given for use of $20,000 from FY04 Unreserved
Fund Balance to cover costs for roof inspections of public schools.
Adjustment No. 2 - Approval was not given to use $25,063 of fund balance
resources to increase instructional salaries and fixed charges to provide
an additional .5 kindergarten teacher at the Rock Hall Elementary School.
The Commissioners requested that this cost be absorbed within budget at
this time. They agreed to revisit this request in January, 2005 to allow
time to evaluate whether or not these expenses could be absorbed within
FY 05 budget or if the FY05 budget must be increased by this amount utilizing
fund balance resources as the revenue source.
Ms. Miller indicated that she will re-submit the revised budget adjustments
to reflect the decisions listed above to the Commissioners as well as
to the BOE.
CHARACTER COUNTS PROGRAM
Jeff Troester, Director of Parks and Recreation, appeared and presented
a proposal for the creation of a new staff position within the Department
of Parks and Recreation, Character Counts Coordinator. Dick Goodall, President
of KRM, Inc., of Chestertown, was also in attendance.
Mr. Troester reported that he was approached by Mr. Goodall and Dick Allen,
Regional Executive Director of Character Counts, and informed that Sue
Mishaw, Kent County Character Counts Coordinator, resigned from her position.
They also suggested that the position could be re-created as a more professionally
attractive entry level position within Parks and Recreation. Caroline
County has a similar Character Counts position in the Caroline County
Parks and Recreation Department.
Mr. Troester proposed an additional entry level Recreation Program Coordinator
position at Grade 7, Step A at a starting salary of $26,354. The majority
of the salary for this position would be funded through Character Counts
with an annual allocation of $20,000.
Mr. Troester requested that an additional $6,354 plus benefits from the
County to make this position, as he described it, a full time and more
professionally attractive one.
Mr. Troester also expressed his opinion that, aside from the benefits
of promoting Character Counts in all of the County programs, this position
would serve in an advisory manner and support other agencies and programs,
including the County youth sports leagues. Additionally, he indicated
that Parks and Recreation would benefit from this proposed position by
alleviating some of the long hours of the Parks and Recreation staff,
who are currently logging-in over 447 hours of compensatory time annually.
Mr. Troester also suggested that this proposed position could assist with
the development and expansion of programs of interest to Parks and Recreation,
such as those in the areas of wellness, fitness and adult programming.
In response to Commissioner Crows question, Mr. Goodall reported that
the position of the coordinator of the Character Counts program was funded
entirely through donations and not through grants.
Mr. Goodall indicated that the program has had a long-term commitment
to Kent County.
In response to Commissioner Pickrums question, Mr. Goodall stated that
the proposed coordinator job description could include a sharing of the
respective employee with other programs in the County. He also stated
that in some jurisdictions, the program is funded through the Local Management
Board.
The entire Board concurred that this proposal would represent a win-win
situation for the County.
Ms. Hayman and Mr. Troester will develop the job description and related
personnel requirements and report back to the Commissioners for further
discussion.
COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY
MASSEY PROPERTY
Ms. Hayman updated the Commissioners concerning information reported by
the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on September 27, which
indicated that the MDE sampled the monitoring wells on the County-owned
property in Massey on September 24. Carter G. Stanton, Director, Public
Works, and Jim Wright, County Engineer, were also in attendance.
Until 1985, said property was occupied by the State Highway Administration
(SHA). Referring to her Memorandum sent to the Commissioners dated October
4,
Ms. Hayman explained that SHAs underground fuel storage tanks were removed
in 1991 and about that time, the two monitoring wells were installed as
part of a petroleum contamination monitoring protocol.
Ms. Hayman reported that the County and Health Department met in response
to the MDEs report on October 1. Those in attendance were Dr. Leland
Spencer, Health Officer, Ed Birkmire, Director, and Nony Howell, Sanitarian
Supervisor, both of Environmental Health, Carter Stanton, Director of
Public Works, Jim Wright, County Engineer, and Ms. Hayman. They were joined
by MDE staff Brown Roe (MDE Oil Control Program) and Dr. Fred Keer (MDE
Regional Geologist).
The following are pertinent issues concerning the situation on the County-owned
property in Massey:
- There are 33 total dwelling/businesses within a quarter mile radius
of the site, 17 of which are occupied. By October 1, the Health Department
obtained water samples from 11 residential properties within this radius.
More samples were taken on October 4.
- Water test results may take approximately 10 days and it is hoped that
the results will be helpful in addressing any fears that there may be
gasoline contaminants in the drinking water. One of the MDE representatives
indicated that he is fairly confident that the contamination is contained
to the former SHA site..
- Mr. Stanton reported that the staff of the Department of Public Works
has been instructed how and when to hand-bail the two monitoring wells
for water testing purposes. Instruction information was provided by MDE
at the meeting on October 1 and by the Environmental Health staff which
took place on the site. The Public Works staff will be bailing the wells
three times per week as per MDEs directive. These procedures include
regular testing by Environmental Health staff persons and submission of
the results of the same to MDE.
- Ms. Hayman reported that the County has asked two firms to give proposals
for a hydrogeological study and work plan to determine more fully the
vertical and horizontal extent of any subsurface contamination and to
recommend appropriate remediation. MDE has asked the County to provide
them with the proposals within 30 days of September 27, 2004.
- Environmental matters are excluded from the Countys coverage with the
Local Government Insurance Trust; and the County does not have insurance
coverage for matters such as this.
- At least one of the wells had a faulty seal. The wells are currently
properly sealed and extended above ground level to eliminate seepage that
would interfere with the intended monitoring.
Ms. Hayman concluded her report by indicating that upon receiving the
September 27 MDE report the County has acted very aggressively and very
carefully with all of the appropriate measures taken as directed by the
MDE, and that the County should be better informed next week.
A copy of a notice, dated September
29, was received.
This notice was issued and distributed by the Health Department to some
of the residents of the Massey Area. The notice reported that the MDE
recently tested and confirmed that two monitoring wells in the Massey
area are contaminated with gasoline, and that an extensive analysis would
soon be conducted to confirm the source and extent of this contamination.
The notice reported that at the present time there was no evidence that
this contamination spread to surrounding wells.
The notice was delivered to residents within a 1/4 mile radius of the
contaminated wells, and reported that Health Department staff will be
in the Massey area starting on September 30.
The permission of property-owners
was requested to perform a water analysis on their drinking water to assess
for contamination. The notice also indicated that it would be necessary
for the staff to enter property owners homes in order to perform the
testing. If no one is home, the staff will return to make another attempt
to sample on October 4. Property owners were encouraged to contact Nony
Howell, Sanitarian Supervisor, or Ed Birkmire, Director, both of Environmental
Health, at 410-778-1362 if they have any questions or concerns.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES
Wayne Morris, Director of the Department of Water and Wastewater Services,
appeared and reported about the following:
MDE/Loan Compliance - Correspondence was received, dated September
28, from Kay G. Bee, Chief, Grants and Loan Division, Water Quality Infrastructure
Program, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), with information
about the processing of the Countys application for financial assistance
under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) in order to comply with the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Minority/Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) requirements.
For the CWSRF/DWSRF loans in which federal capitalization funds are used,
the current M/WBE goal is 20% of the loan amount, which is applicable
to procurement for construction, equipment, service and supplies.
Ms. Bee indicated that the County, as a loan applicant, will be required
to submit supporting documentation showing how the required, affirmative
steps were applied and the resulting M/WBE utilization. She also reported
that failure to meet M/WBE goal does not preclude the use of the State
Revolving Funds as long as the applicant has established a process that
includes the required, affirmative steps and provides MDE with the supporting
documentation.
MDE/Allens Lane - A copy of correspondence was received, dated
September 27, from Teresa T. Ernest, Loan Officer, Grants and Loan Division,
Water Management Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment,
directed to Wayne Morris, reporting information pertaining to the compliance
of the County for its loan application for the Allens Lane Low Pressure
System Installation project. This project and the loan amount of $859,750
have been identified for funding in the Federal Fiscal Year 2004 Clean
Water Intended Use Plan through the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administrations
(MWQFA) State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) Program.
Millington Service Area
Correspondence was received from Tina Cummings, of Millington, issuing
her objections about the connection that is to be made from her home to
the new Millington Water System.
A bid opening took place at 9:45 a.m. at the Commissioners Hearing Room,
400 High Street, Chestertown, for a tax-exempt general obligation bond
anticipation note for the purposes of financing on an interim basis expenditures
for all or a portion of the costs of the Millington Water Service Project.
The bids received were as follows:
Banks Rates/Bids
Chesapeake Bank and Trust 2.790% Fixed; 2.850% Floating; Prime - 1.90;
Mercantile Eastern Shore No Fixed Rate Bid; 3.5000% Floating; Prime -
1.25;
Peoples Bank of Kent County 3.500% Fixed; 2.800% Floating; 59% of Prime;
BB & T Governmental Finance No Fixed Rate Bid; 2.120% Floating; 3 months
Libor + 19.
Bank of America 2.590% Fixed*; 2.310% Floating; 30 Day Libor + .30 * Rate
guaranteed through October 1, 2004. Additional cost associated with not
having a location in Kent County.
Centreville National 3.480% Fixed; 3.088% Floating; 65% of Prime
SunTrust Bank No Fixed Rate Bid; 1.680% Floating**
** Additional Fees: $250.00 upfront costs. 12% of unused line of credit
penalty paid quarterly.
Roger Williams, County Treasurer, explained that the lowest fixed rate
is 2.59% from Bank of America and 2.79% from Chesapeake Bank and Trust,
and the lowest floating rate is 1.68% from SunTrust Bank but additional
cost could be very large.
The Commissioners approved Mr. Williams recommendation that, with interest
rates on the rise, that the fixed rate of 2.79% from Chesapeake Bank and
Trust with quarterly interest payments and principal paid at any time
prior to but not later than February 21, 2006.
The Commissioners approved an additional water and sewer allocation as
requested by Kirk and Janice Hassel for a subdivision of their property
located at 32155 River Road, Tax Map 32, Parcel # 76.
Responding to Commissioner Pickrums question, Mr. Morris expressed his
opinion that the Countys current policy of first come, first served
regarding the granting of allocations is the most just approach, with
the condition that those who have received allocations apply them diligently
and in a timely fashion.
Mr. Morris added that, if allocations are not acted upon, the Commissioners
have the authority to rescind the allocations.
Responding to Commissioner Crows question pertaining to the proposed
housing development in Kennedyville, Mr. Morris affirmed that it is the
responsibility of the developer to install and to pay for the necessary
infrastructure, such as water and sewer services. The entire Board concurred
with Mr. Morris.
Mr. Morris also reported that, with the upgrading of the water system
in Kennedyville, the system will have the capacity to handle the water
and sewer needs of the approximately 125 units of the new development.
He added that the allocation fees, paid by the developer generally, should
be able to cover any anticipated costs related to the capacity of the
system.
Mr. Morris assured the Board that he will be negotiating further with
the developer in Kennedyville and that the developer has flexibility in
these negotiations.
Commissioner Pickrum indicated that the pace and extent of housing growth
in the County can be monitored and controlled by the County through its
zoning plans and through the availability, or lack of, water and sewer
services. He added that the Board does not want to prohibit housing growth
altogether; rather, it is the interest of the Board to be able to monitor
and control growth.
Responding to Commissioner Livies question, Mr. Morris reported that
the new sewer system in Kennedyville will begin in the early spring of
2005 and will be constructed in phases.
Piney Neck Service Area - The Commissioners approved the request
for one sewer allocation for the property located at 5336 Crosby Road,
in Rock Hall, Tax Map 51, Parcel # 141 made by Joan S. Elburn of Rock
Hall.
Worton Service Area - The Commissioners approved the request of
Bruce E. Wright, of Bruce E. Wright and Company, Consulting Engineers,
of Chestertown, on behalf of Alger Oil, Inc. for an additional water and
sewer allocation for Lot 1 of the Worton Project.
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved a raffle permit for the Chester River Hospital
Center for its fund-raising event scheduled to take place on October 9
and 10, 2004 at the Sgt. John Newnam Armory in Chestertown, and a raffle
and gaming permit for the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company for its fund-raising
event to take place on October 16, 2004 at the Betterton Fire Hall..
GOVERNMENT COMMISSION ON QUALITY EDUCATION
A copy of correspondence, dated September 29, received via electronic
mail, from Brian S. Bailey, of Baltimore, MD, and directed to Governor
Ehrlich, requests that the Governor appoint a student/or students, (e.g.,
a recent alumnus of Marylands public education system and a college student)
to serve on the Governors Commission on Quality Education.
For the record, Governor Ehrlich created this Commission on Quality Education
on September 27, 2004 for the purpose of ensuring that the finances and
resources set aside for education are utilized sensibly.
LEGISLATION
SHERIFFS OFFICE
Sheriff John Price appeared and requested the Boards support for proposed
legislation to increase the salary of the Sheriff. It was noted any change
in the legislated salary would not be effective until the next term of
office (2006). Sheriff Price provided a copy of survey comparing the sheriffs
salary in Maryland.
The Commissioners advised they would support legislation providing the
Kent County Sheriff with an annual salary of $65,000.
Sheriff Price advised that he will be requesting a meeting with Delegate
Walkup and Senator Pipkin to seek their support in introducing this proposed
legislation in the 2005 General Assembly.
PERSONNEL
Emergency Management - A paramedic salary comparison was provided
the Commissioners for their information and consideration.
At 11:25 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into closed session
to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article,
Section 10.508 (a) (i) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Those in attendance were Ed Robinson, Human Resources Director, and Sheriff
John Price.
The closed session adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
At 12:20 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into closed session
to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article,
Section 10.508 (a)(ii) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The closed session adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
PROCLAMATION
In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Commissioner
Pickrum read a Proclamation which reported that domestic violence is a
serious crime that affects people of all races, ages, income levels, and
sexes; that patterns of violent behavior are passed from on generation
to the next and an estimated 30% of those who witness violence in their
homes become perpetrators of violence; and that domestic violence costs
the nation between $5 Million and $10 Million annually in medical expenses,
police and court costs, shelters, sick leave, absenteeism, and the loss
of productivity.
The Commissioners urged all citizens to participate actively in the scheduled
events and programs to work toward the elimination of domestic violence.
Jody Kennedy, representing Jeanne Yeager, Executive Director of the Mid-Shore
Council on Family Violence, (who was unable to attend), and Cynthia Saunders,
a social worker for Kent County Social Services, and Paula Gish, Assistant
Director of Kent County Social Services, both of whom are agency representatives
for the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence Coordinating Council, were
also in attendance.
Ms. Kennedy reported that the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence will
be sponsoring a memorial service for victims of domestic violence on October
23, at 2:00 p.m. in Fountain Park, Chestertown.
TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT
Marty Stetson, Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Inspector, appeared and
distributed to the Commissioners copies of Accept the Challenge: Become
an Investigative Aid. Mr. Stetson explained that the document, which
serves as a parental/guardian permission slip, lists the general requirements
of a Cooperating Underage Witness (CUW) who would work for the County
as a paid contract employee. This employee, working along with the Alcoholic
Beverage and Tobacco Inspector, would visit businesses that retail tobacco
products and attempt to make a purchase. If an employee of the tested
location makes a sale to the CUW, the employee and possibly the management
of the retail business would be issued a citation. It may be necessary
for the CUW to testify at a later date in a court procedure.
TOLCHESTER SITE
In follow up to concerns raised by the Public Works Department as it relates
to extended use of the firing range at the Tolchester Site, Sheriff John
Price reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not
have regulations for lead abatement. He further advised that there are
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations as to use of the
firing range that would require compliance by those agencies using this
facility. He agreed to follow-up on required regulations and report back
to the Board. He reported that the range is used in compliance with all
OSHA regulations. He also agreed to meet with all agencies involved for
further discussion.
TURNERS CREEK PUBLIC LANDING
Jeff Troester, Director of Parks and Recreation, appeared and reported
that a proposal was made for the restoration of the Granary at Turners
Creek by Bridget Cordesman whose expertise is in the area of matching
people, projects, philanthropists and grants to restore small, historic
buildings that otherwise would not be eligible for restoration funding.
Mr. Troester explained that Ms. Cordesman would donate her time under
the 501(c)(3) non profit standing of the Kent Museum and raise money for
this restoration project. She would require housing for the duration of
this project (She currently lives in northern Virginia.) Mr. Troester
suggested that the upstairs area in the building at Bayside Landing Park
as one option for suitable housing for Ms. Cordesman and requested the
Commissioners consideration of this proposal.
For the record, on September 28, the Executive Board of Kent Museum, Inc.
approved the proposal, thereby authorizing Ms. Cordesmans work under
the auspices of Kent Museum, Inc.
The Commissioners agreed to take Mr. Troesters proposal under further
advisement.
ZONING VIOLATIONS
TOLCHESTER
Correspondence was received, dated October 1, via electronic mail, from
Linda Gagliano, a resident of Kent County, issuing her objections to the
comments as reported in the Kent News which were made at the Commissioners
meeting on September 28 pertaining to the variety of homes located in
Tolchester. She also expressed her concerns as to what she described as
widespread problems in planning throughout the County, such as the disregard
for some citizens for zoning restrictions.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, October 12, 2004, at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners
Hearing Room.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Janice F. Fletcher
Executive Assistant
Approved: William W. Pickrum, President
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