KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Honorable Board of County Commissioners met today with the following present: Roy W. Crow and William W. Pickrum, presiding. Commissioner Scott D. 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 $10,197,236.00.

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.


BETTERTON BEACH
RIGBIE BLUFF/PILINGS/DOCK

C. Daniel Saunders, Esq., representing the Rigbie Bluff Council, appeared and expressed the concerns of the Council as they pertain to the Betterton pier and the proposed installation of pilings for the use of the commuter boat going to Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Carter G. Stanton, Director of the Department of Public Works, was also in attendance as well as approximately 6 residents of Rigbie Bluff condominiums in Betterton.

Mr. Saunders indicated that the Council has attempted thus far unsuccessfully to acquire a copy of the Countys application for a permit for the proposed installation of pilings at Betterton pier from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The Countys application is for a permit for a new 15' by 50' slip on the north side of the County pier. The existing County pier is 55' from the tie out pilings of the Rigbie Bluff pier.

It was Mr. Saunders opinion that a 55' area is not an appropriate amount of space for boats to maneuver in and out of the slips, a challenge which is exacerbated by the significant amount of wave action in the waters in front of Rigbie Bluff. Mr. Saunders described this current situation as dangerous and intolerable, noting the experiences of some boat owners (a number of years ago) who have had their boats caught in the anchor lines of Mr. Fletchers docked boat.

Mr. Saunders requested that the Board reconsider its application for the permit.

Responding to Commissioner Pickrums question, Mr. Saunders indicated that although the pier in question is not new, the proposed new slip would be within the jurisdiction of the County. He emphasized that the problem as stated is not a theoretical one; there is a history of problems and support his opinion that the proposed slip would represent a threat to life and property.

Mr. Stanton reviewed the history of contacts made among Mr. Fletcher, the Public Landings and Facilities Board (PLFB), the Board of Commissioners, and the residents of the Rigbie Bluff Condominium Association. He expressed his sense that, although the residents were not happy with the proposed pier, after many discussions and a meeting at the site including the aforementioned, he did not receive feedback that the proposal was entirely objectionable.

During the meeting at the site, he asked the condominium association for a letter which would specify their opinion, favorably or opposed. In light of the fact that no written opinion was received, the Board recommended to the Commissioners to apply for a permit. The Commissioners approved. The application is currently being reviewed by the MDE.

Commissioner Pickrum noted that the PLFB went to great effort to reach a compromise among Mr. Fletcher, the condominium association, and the County in order that owners of larger boats would be able to utilize the pier as well as Mr. Fletcher.

Mr. Saunders responded by indicating that the Rigbie Bluff Council disagrees with the opinion of the PLFB, describing the proposal as a closed question which should be addressed and resolved as a safety issue. He further stated that the potential benefit of the proposed slip should not justify the creation of an additional hazard in the Betterton pier area.

Anne Morrison Gay and Larry Isard, residents of Rigbie Bluff condominiums, Harvey Matlack, President of the Rigbie Bluff Council, Fred Krambeck, member of the Rigbie Bluff Board of Directors, all spoke in opposition to the proposed installation of pilings. It was stated that they were not professional boaters and had difficulty with maneuvering their boats between the piers. They were aware of Mr. Stantons request for their decision in writing, but were not aware that there was a deadline before the Countys application for a permit was submitted to the MDE.

Mr. Fletcher presented to the Board a copy of a letter which he and ten other individuals signed who utilize the commuter boat to their work at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. He explained that the proposed slip pilings to Rigbie Bluff tie out pilings is 55', and that most of the boats are only 20' to 24'. He expressed his opinion that their livelihoods should not be penalized because the boat owners at Betterton pier found it difficult to maneuver their boats. He added that his boat is rarely docked in Betterton during the week and 30% of the time on Saturdays. Sunday is the only time when the boat is docked at Betterton all day.

He further noted that the commuter boat to Aberdeen Proving Ground has been in operation since the end of World War Two. Mr. Fletcher further reported that he is aware of the danger pertaining to the anchor lines and that he has weighed them down in order to permit other boats to safely move over them. He stated that he initiated the process for the proposed installation of a slip for the commuter boat to alleviate the need for anchoring.

Commissioner Pickrum stated that Mr. Fletcher would have to find an alternative way for securing his boat other than anchoring, due to the potential safety hazard.

Commissioner Pickrum thanked Mr. Saunders, Mr. Fletcher and the residents of the Rigbie Bluff Condominium Association for their attendance and for their input.


BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE)

Commissioner Pickrum reported that a copy of a Memorandum, dated September 30, was received from David Lever, Executive Director, Maryland Public School Construction Program, and directed to Superintendents and Facility Planners, reporting Governor Ehrlichs recommendations for funding for the Public School Construction Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2006.

Delegate Richard A. Sossi was also in attendance.

According to Dr. Levers letter, the Governor indicated that he expects to include a preliminary recommendation of at least $100 Million for public school construction in his Fiscal Year 2006 capital budget. Favorable attention will be given to the following types of smaller projects:

- Full-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten for disadvantaged children, as a program mandated by the Bridge to Excellence in Education legislation of 2002;

- High School science classroom renovations and additions, as a continuing State initiative and a critical element of the pending high school assessment testing;

- Systemic renovations, as a cost-effective way to extend the useful life of school buildings.

Dr. Lever also stated that towards the end of Fiscal Year 2005, the States Public School Construction Program will hold discussions with the Governor and the General Assembly to determine if additional funds may become available for public school construction in the State. He included with his correspondence a copy of the State/Local Shared Cost Formula: Revised Fiscal Year 2006 Formulas.

In Kent County, the Formula through Fiscal Year 2005 is 50%; the Formula from Fiscal Year 2006 through Fiscal Year 2008 is again 50%.

Commissioner Pickrum noted that all of the other counties of the State have received a substantial increase of funding from the State. He and Delegate Sossi concurred that the ratio applied to Kent County was determined as a result of the consistently declining student enrollment in its public schools.

Commissioner Pickrum emphasized that this formula is not equitable and that Kent County has been and continues to be good stewards of the States funding. He and Commissioner Crow concurred that, even though the County is not building any new schools, it is responsible for maintaining the existing school buildings, for example, the high school building which is 35 years old.

Commissioner Pickrum suggested that the State consider the need for two different formulas for public school funding: one to be applied to new school buildings, and one to be applied to the maintenance of school buildings.


COUNTY ROADS DIVISION

A Memorandum was received from Ed Spray, Superintendent of County Roads, dated October 4, providing the list of roads to be surface treated this Fall as part of the Fiscal Year 2005 Surface Treatment Program. Mr. Spray advised that should the weather be prohibitive, the balance of the work will be done in the spring of 2005.


DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DBED)

Correspondence was received from Aris Melissaratos, Secretary, DBED, dated October 4, providing notice about the availability of Private Activity Bond allocations of the Maryland State Ceiling, the remaining amount in 2004 being $166,435,088. Requests for reallocation should be submitted in accordance with Section 13-801 et.seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland.


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MDOT)

The following representatives of the MD Department of Transportation appeared for the Department's annual tour for review of the draft of the Fiscal Year 2005 - Fiscal Year 2010 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP): Secretary Robert L. Flanagan, Secretary, MDOT, Neil Pedersen, State Highway Administrator, Richard Lindsey, District Engineer, Howard Johnson, Regional Planner, et.al. Others in attendance were: Delegates Mary Roe Walkup and Richard A. Sossi, Mayor Dennis Hager, of Millington, William Ingersoll, Town Manager, of Chestertown, Carter Stanton, Director of Public Works, Jim Wright, County Engineer, P.A.M. Schaller, Director of Economic Development, Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning, Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, Ed Spray, Superintendent of County Roads, four members of the Chester Harbor Property Owners Association of Queen Annes County, and approximately fifteen other interested persons.

Commissioner Pickrum commended Terry Maxwell, Coordinator for Maryland Scenic Byways program, for his work with the Chesapeake County National Scenic Byway project and for being instrumental in helping the County obtain Federal grants which will implement many of the goals of the Scenic Byway, and he extended the appreciation of the County to the State Highway Administration (SHA) for allowing the value of the land where the new town and village gateway signs will be located to serve as the County match.

Fiscal Year 2005-2010 Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program - Draft

Secretary Flanagan presented updates concerning the Fiscal Year 2005 - 2010 MD CTP, distributing copies of the draft of Fiscal Year 2005-2010 Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program, with an emphasis on the impact of this Program particularly on the issues facing Kent County.

Secretary Flanagan listed the Governors top three priorities for State transportation: highway safety, fighting congestion, and enhancing communities.

He reported that the States Transportation Trust Fund will fund Kent Countys transportation needs with $17 Million over the next six years; the County will also be receiving $6.5 Million in funding from the SHA.

Included among the States major transportation projects will be a study for the upgrade of the interchange at U.S. Route 301 and MD 313 (with shoulders to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians), upgrades of the MD Route 301 corridor, MD Routes 113, 404, and also the Dover Bridge. Bay Bridge

Secretary Flanagan discussed in some detail about the current need to re-do the overlay on the westbound Bay Bridge as a result of a failed overlay involving the concrete and bonding process on the roads surface. The repair work of the entire west span will require four years. He acknowledged MDOT and the publics discouragement about this projected repair, noting that accountability will be ascertained and that every effort will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to travelers over the Bridge. The repair work will begin as soon as possible while there is warmer weather. It is MDOTs goal for the repair work on the Bay Bridge to continue on schedule, despite the overlay work, to be completed by Memorial Day 2006.

Responding to questions posed by Delegates Sossi and Walkup, Secretary Flanagan acknowledged Kent Countys opposition to the construction of an additional bay bridge crossing that would directly involve Kent County.

State Highway Administration Report

Mr. Pedersen presented traffic safety statistics concerning Kent County, comparing them with those State-wide. He distributed copies of MDOTs Crashes Are No Accident: You Hold the Key which lists the focus of the States focus on the Three Es of safety: engineering, education, and enforcement (cit. www.marylandroads.com).

He reported the SHAs projected use of the States funding as follows: traffic safety, the preservation of roadways and bridges, community safety and enhancement programs, relieving congestion, and major projects, to include discussions between Queen Annes and Kent Counties concerning a proposed Chestertown Bypass.

Bob Patterson, a resident of Chester Harbor, Queen Annes County, suggested that to improve the utilization of seatbelts, that school buses require the use of seatbelts by student-passengers, thereby setting an example for children at an early age. Mr. Pedersen and Ms. Hayman concurred that there are viable arguments pro and con pertaining to the use of seatbelts on school buses.

Mr. Pedersen presented the following projects of the SHA specific to Kent County:

Primary Development and Evaluation Program

U.S. 301, Blue Star Memorial Highway - Study to construct a new interchange at MD 313. Shoulders on MD 313 to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians.

Fiscal Years 2005 and 2006

Resurface/Rehabilitate

MD Route 213 - Augustine Herman Highway; MD 297 to MD 561; resurface (a revenue increase project);

MD Route 213 - Augustine Herman Highway; south of Creamery Street to MD 444; resurface;

MD Route 291 - River Road; MD 290 to beginning of roundabout; resurface;

MD Route 297 - Worton Road; MD 213 to MD 298; resurface ( a revenue increase project);

MD Route 444 - Locust Grove Road/Kentmore Park Road; MD 290 to end of SHA maintenance; resurface.


Safety/Spot Improvement

MD Route 213 - Washington Avenue; at Spring Avenue; geometric improvements, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements (includes resurfacing from the Chester River Bridge to Greenwood Avenue) (a revenue increase project).

Community Safety and Enhancements

MD Route 445 - Main Street; Green Lane to Rock Hall Ball Park and MD 20 from Gratitude to Chesapeake Villa Road in Rock Hall; urban street reconstruct and drainage.

Traffic Management

MD Route 213 - Washington Avenue; MD 289 to Washington Square Shopping Center; signal system interconnect. Sidewalks

MD Route 313A - South Main Street; East limits of Galena to existing sidewalk at United Methodist Church in Town of Galena; retrofit sidewalk.

Responding to Delegate Walkup and Commissioner Crows concerns about the need for speed calming mechanisms, Mr. Pedersen reported that the SHA is researching design alternatives and options. Mr. Lindsey concurred, indicating that there are successful alternatives.

Chestertown Bypass

During the discussion that ensued about the Chestertown Bypass, Mr. Lindsey reported that construction will begin late this year of a truck weigh station in Cecil County which will benefit the safety of all vehicular traffic on U.S. 301.

Responding to Delegate Sossi, he added that the MD State Police will be increasing the number of their roving patrol cars once the station has been completed to enforce the weigh station regulations for trucks.

Mr. Lindsey acknowledged the SHAs receipt of complaints from both Queen Annes and Kent Counties about the volume of truck traffic through their municipalities, especially Centreville and Chestertown.

He reported that there will be an origin and destination study about MD 301 and its impact on the towns along its route.

Commissioner Crow acknowledged that the Counties agriculture industry is to a great extent dependent upon trucking industry.

Commissioner Pickrum, acknowledging the concerns of the local municipalities, emphasized the Boards desire for a Chestertown bypass, citing the damage occurring to the infrastructure of Chestertown as a result of the volume of truck traffic.

To questions posed by Jack Brosius, President, and Joel Brandes, Chair of Political Action, of the Chester Harbor Property Owners Association, Mr. Lindsey reported that the origin and destination study of U.S. 301 will include a count of cars as well as trucks, which would take six months to complete. He noted that he is not aware of any origin and destination study of U.S. 301 having been conducted by the SHA.

Chester Harbor is the name of a housing development of over 1,000 residents in Queen Annes County adjacent to the Chester River Bridge.

Mr. Brandes encouraged the Board to consider that, in his opinion, moving the problem from one place, i.e. truck traffic in Chestertown, to another place, i.e. a bypass for said traffic through the Chester Harbor development, is not a viable option and encouraged planning for an alternative bypass located elsewhere.


County-Owned Property/Massey

To other questions posed by the Commissioners and Delegate Walkup, it was reported that no results have been received yet from the water tests of the two monitoring wells on the County property in Massey, formerly owned and used by the SHA, which initially showed gasoline contamination in the well water.

It was agreed that Ms. Hayman will contact Mr. Lindsey regarding the test results.

MD Route 291

Mr. Lindsey indicated that the SHA continues to work on the need for a traffic signal or sign in front of the Rescue Squad on MD 291, and that final approval of a device must come from the Director of the MD Office of Traffic Safety.

Mr. Lindsey further stated that the projected construction of a traffic island by the spring of 2005 at the junction of MD 20 and 291 should more effectively help to alleviate the congestion there than the construction of a roundabout.

Rail Service

The Commissioners also conveyed their interest in a rail-presence in support of the Countys agriculture industry, and mentioned the efforts to improve public mass transit.


Massey/Sassafras

Commissioner Crow thanked Mr. Lindsey for placing multi-way stop signs at the intersection of MD 299 and Sassafras/Caldwell Road in Sassafras.

Mr. Lindsey advised a study to determine the need for a multi-way stop, at the intersection of MD 313/MD 299/MD 330 in Massey will be conducted within the next several weeks.

Millington

Mayor Hager expressed his disappointment that the proposed Street-scape transportation project in Millington that has been put on hold, was not included in the list of projects for Fiscal Year 2005-2006.

Mr. Pedersen responded by reporting that since the fiscal crisis involving the States Transportation Trust Fund, there has been a backlog of project-requests, and added that the SHA will revisit Millingtons project request.


Chestertown

William Ingersoll indicated that he was impressed by the level of awareness of the concerns pertaining to Chestertown on the part of the representatives of MDOT.

He asked that MDOT and SHA re-consider the concept of a roundabout at the junction of MD 291 and 20, and that consideration be given to a roundabout at MD 514.

He thanked the MDOT representatives for their willingness to re-consider the need for a Chestertown bypass.

On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Pickrum thanked the MDOT representatives for their presentations and encouraged more frequent visits from them in addition to MDOTs annual tour of the County.

Commissioner Crow extended his appreciation to the MDOT representatives for the mobile Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that visits Kent County, and for the expeditious customer service at the MVA centers.

Commissioner Pickrum concurred, commenting how well-run the MVA center is in Easton and Elkton.


DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

Piney Neck/Sinners Neck/Wesley Chapel Service Area

Anita Biggs, a home-owner in the Wesley Chapel Corridor Service Area, appeared along with her daughter, Ruth. Wayne Morris, Director of the Department of Water and Wastewater Services, was also in attendance.

Mrs. Biggs presented her objections concerning the two increases in water and sewer rates since January, explaining that the increased rates are creating a financial hardship for her and her daughter who are on a fixed income. She further explained that she fears that she might be forced to forfeit their home, and will do whatever is possible to prevent forfeiture.

She also requested a written explanation for the water and sewer services that she can expect to receive, given the increase in rates.

Mr. Morris and Commissioners Crow and Pickrum explained that the rationale for increasing the water and sewer rates was to have the Countys water systems rates reflect actual costs since the County can no longer afford to subsidize these costs. He also cited the need for upgrades and other federal and State requirements necessitating improvements in sanitation, and also explained that the increase will be graduated, continuing only until a uniform rate is achieved for all County residents.

Responding to Mrs. Biggs concern that there were plans for the Wesley Chapel corridor to be annexed to the Town of Rock Hall, the Commissioners assured Mrs. Biggs that such a decision could only be made by the citizens of Wesley Chapel.

Commissioner Pickrum also assured Mrs. Biggs that she should be able to see evidence of improved water and sewer service at her home by the spring of 2005.

Commissioner Crow emphasized, as he publically has stated since the increase in water and sewer rates went into effect, that any County citizen who is experiencing extreme financial hardship directly related to the increase in water and sewer rates, or the neighbor of a County citizen with similar concerns, should contact the Commissioners Office.

The Commissioners acknowledged that sometimes it is the neighbor who has to make the contact on behalf of someone faced with hardship who, because of the latters pride, would not make their own hardship known.

Mrs. Biggs requested in writing an explanation of and the rationale for the rate increase and the graduated system towards the goal of rate uniformity in the County in order that she can explain the same to her neighbors. Mr. Morris will send an explanation and rationale to Mrs. Biggs.

Millington Service Area - Commissioners Pickrum and Crow approved and signed a Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of a general obligation bond anticipation note in the amount of $796,640 under the provisions of Sections 14 through 21, inclusive of Article 25B of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Bill No. 1-2002, a public local law enacted by the Board of County Commissioners on February 19, 2002 and effective on April 5, 2002, and Article 12 of Section 31 of the Annotated Code of Maryland to be designated as the County Commissioners of Kent County Water System Improvements Bond Anticipation Note of 2004" for the public purpose of the acquisition, construction, improvement, installation, furnishing and equipping components of a water system in Millington.


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A Memorandum was received from P.A.M. Schaller, Director of Economic Development, dated October 8, providing updates and information about the progress of her office.

Ms. Schaller reported that on September 29, James Rzepkowski, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED)- Rural Region, visited both Kent County Business Park sites as part of DBEDs Team Tour of Kent County. Presentations were made to the DBED Team at Chesapeake Fields and Chesapeake Marine Trades Career School.

On October 4, McCrone Inc. (Engineering) presented a preliminary site plan with stormwater management innovations to retain five lots at the industrial business park at Worton

ETHICS COMMISSION

The Commissioners appointed J. David Newell as a member of the Ethics Commission for a three year term ending October 1, 2007.


HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HIP)

A letter went forth to Nancy Palmer, Program Manager, Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, dated October 12, addressing six of the seven matters of concern raised in the Housing and Community Developments evaluation of Kent Countys HIP Projects, Phases Two and Three.


KENT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

A copy of correspondence was received from Dr. Leland Spencer, Health Officer, dated October 4, directed to Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, requesting a meeting with Mr. Morris on October 31 for the purpose of establishing and formalizing the County Health Departments role as representative of the Maryland Department of the Environment in the process for assuring that building permits are issued only where it has been determined that water and sewer systems are adequate and available.

LAMOTTE PARK PROPERTY

Correspondence dated October 5 was received from Nony Howell, Sanitarian Supervisor, Environmental Programs, reporting that on February 18, 1997, two monitoring wells were installed on the County-owned property, located on Tax Map 205, Parcel # 243. As of October 5, the wells have not been abandoned and sealed. The identification of the wells are KE-94-0049 which is drilled at 50' deep and KE-94-0050 drilled at 49' deep.

Ms. Hayman indicated that she, in cooperation with the Environmental Health Department, will make the necessary arrangements for the proper sealing of the two wells.

Commissioner Crow requested that an interim alternative be expedited, rather than a permanent sealing, in order that prospective developers are not burdened with the additional expense of having to re-open the seals.

PERSONNEL

At 11:55 a.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)(i)(ii) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Ed Robinson, Human Resources Director, was also in attendance.

The closed session adjourned at 12:30 p.m.


PLANNING COMMISSION

Marci Brown, Commissioner representative of the Planning Commission, appeared and reviewed the decisions made by the Planning Commission at its last meeting on October 7, Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, were also in attendance.

Included in the review were reports given about the following:

Zoning Text Amendment

As per correspondence that was received from Elizabeth H. Morris, Chair, Planning Commission, dated October 8, Ms. Brown reported that the Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the application for a text amendment of Article V, Section 2.2.1, Article VII, Section 7.49, and Article XI, Section 2.361 of the Kent County Land Use Ordinance submitted by Jane E. Hukill, Jerry M. Smith, and Raymond L. Richards as it concerned the proposed Drayton Manor spa and conference center.

Ms. Brown reported the following findings of the Planning Commission:

- There is a public need to review and clarify the regulations governing retreats, conference centers, and resorts.

- The proposed text amendment as written has the potential to create conflicts with other agencies.

- Certain sections of the proposed text amendment need to be clarified. Local legislation will be prepared and introduced in the near future and a public hearing will be scheduled after the date of its introduction.

Kennedyville Village Master Plan - As per correspondence that was received from Elizabeth H. Morris, Chair, Planning Commission, dated October 8, Ms. Brown reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the concept plan for The Village at Kennedyville, a 84-unit development on 25 acres adjacent to Kennedyville. The Commission also reviewed a zoning text amendment designed to offer flexibility in the size of lots in the Village District. After lengthy discussion, the applicant withdrew the application. However, the majority of the Commission felt that some of the issues raised during the discussion may have merit and would be best addressed through a Village Master Plan as described in the County Comprehensive Plan.

Ms. Brown reported that the Planning Commission voted to request funding to hire a consultant to prepare a Village Master Plan for Kennedyville.

Responding to Commissioner Pickrums questions, Mrs. Owings explained that the Village Master Plan would be documented as an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan, and that the Planning Commission has not yet received responses to their request for quotes for a proposed contractual hiring of a consultant to develop a Village Master Plan.

Commissioner Pickrum asked Mrs. Owings to prepare and present a proposal to the Board for a consultant.

Hazard Mitigation Plan

As per correspondence that was received from Elizabeth H. Morris, Chair, Planning Commission, dated October 8, Ms. Brown reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the 2004 Kent County Hazard Mitigation Plan and voted to recommend adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Planning Commission determined that the Hazard Mitigation Plan is consistent with the Countys Comprehensive Plan and complies with the regulations set forth for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Ms. Brown reported that planning for the mitigation of man-made hazards will be addressed by the Planning Commission in the future. She also reported that consistent progress is being made concerning the Comprehensive Plan and that the Commission has projected a tentative, spring 2005 goal for scheduling public meetings for discussion about the Comprehensive Plan.


A Memorandum was received from Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, dated October 8, with attachment of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Commissioners review.

Ms. Moredock reported that the Plan must be approved by November 1, 2004 and may be adopted by resolution.

For the record, the Hazard Mitigation Plan is mandated for local jurisdictions through the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 which established a national Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program for the completion of local mitigation projects. Local plans must be approved by November 2004 deadline in order to be eligible for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program funding. Once the Plan is adopted by resolution, it becomes effective thereby meeting the federal obligations.

Ms. Moredock further reported that the incorporated towns have opted to be included in the Countys Plan, and that copies of the Plan have been forwarded to the incorporated town offices.

The purposes of the Hazard Mitigation Plan are as follows:

- to eliminate or reduce human, environmental, social, and economic loss associated with hazard events;

- to protect critical community facilities, ensure continuity of operations, and minimize community disruption.

The Commissioners approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan as submitted.

PUBLIC WORK COMPLEX

A bid opening took place at 9:00 a.m. for Project No. BM 05-01 Roof Re-Coating of the Kent County Public Works Complex.

Carter G. Stanton, Director of Public Works, and Jim Wright, County Engineer, were also in attendance.

The work of this project will consist of the cleaning, repair and re-coating of approximately 18,868 sf. of sprayed polyurethane foam roofing on the County Public Works Complex. The work to be performed shall include all labor, materials, equipment and disposal costs necessary to complete the required work as described in the specifications. The bids received were as follows:

Precoat Applications, Inc.
P.O. Box 4366
Annapolis, MD 21403 - $32,531.00


Commercial Roof Coatings LLC
11753 Chesterville Road
Kennedyville, MD 21645 - $36,981.28

Later in the day, Mr. Wright appeared and recommended that the contract be awarded to the low bidder, Precoat Applications, Inc.

Commissioners Pickrum and Crow decided to postpone their decision until they have reviewed references for Precoat Applications, Inc., given that the County has never had a contract with the business.


RECYCLING

Correspondence directed to the County Administrator was received from the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) attaching a proposal, Assessment of Options for Improved Recycling within the Mid-Shore Region. The MES was requested by the Mid-Shore administrators to submit a proposal to assess options for improved recycling within the Mid-Shore region.


STATE USE INDUSTRIES (SUI)

Correspondence was received from William Donald Schaefer, Comptroller of Maryland, dated October 1, urging all chief elected officials of Marylands counties and municipalities to make greater use of State Use Industries by their procurement offices. Mr. Schaefer explained that SUI, Marylands prison industry program, provides structured training and employment to hundreds of inmates within the States correctional facilities.

He also explained that by purchasing products and services offered by SUI, the County would be making a positive, direct impact on the States economy, and supporting a program that has a proven track record of effective rehabilitation of inmates of correctional facilities.


TOLCHESTER SITE

The County Administrator reported that negotiations are still underway concerning the Memorandum of Understanding between the County and Maryland State Police for the use of the rifle range at the Tolchester Site.


WORTON BUSINESS CENTER

The subdivision plat for the Worton Business Center will be reviewed by the County Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on October 21.


There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, October 19, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. at the Betterton Fire Hall.


THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND


Janice F. Fletcher
Executive Assistant

Approved: William W. Pickrum, President