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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 $9,607,059.00.
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.
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
The Commissioners appointed W. Frank Barnes, Jr., Herman E. Hill, Jr.,
and Craig McSparran as members of the Agricultural Advisory Commission
for a three year term ending September 18, 2007.
AUDIT
Pat Merritt, Director of Budget and Accounting, appeared and presented
the preliminary Fiscal Year 2004 Financial Update in preparation for the
audit of the Countys financial records scheduled for November 14.
BAY BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS
Verbal request was received from Timm Keefe, representing Bay Broadband
Communications, to lease tower in the communities of Fairlee and Kennedyville
at $100 per month per tower, or $50 per month plus broadband service at
that location. The Commissioners authorized the County Administrator to
prepare agreements for approval and signatures.
BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING
The Commissioners approved and signed Contract between Dissen and Juhn
Corporation relating to the bulkhead and pier installation at a cost of
$230,480; 50% of this amount will be funded by the Waterway Improvement
Division grant.
BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE)
Dr. Bonnie Ward, Superintendent of Kent County Public Schools, Frances
Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, appeared
as per the request of the BOE to appeal the Commissioners denial of two
recent budget adjustments using the Fiscal Year 2004 fund balance. Dr.
James Siemen, President, Dr. Allen Hanifee, Vice-President, Lamonte Cooke
and John Larrimore, members, all of the BOE, and Pat Merritt, Director
of Budget and Accounting were also in attendance.
Commissioner Pickrum initiated discussion by conveying the concerns expressed
to him by some citizens as to the recent incident of a shot gun discovered
in the vehicle of a high school student, as well as concerns about school
performance, and concerns expressed about the need to have more teachers
of color employed by the Kent County Public Schools. He added that there
is a significant number of students of color in the public school system.
Dr. Siemen indicated that he would like to respond to these concerns following
the presentation of the BOEs appeal. He expressed the appreciation of
the BOE to meet with the Commissioners today. As per the correspondence
sent to the Commissioners, dated October 21, by Dr. Ward, both Dr. Siemen
and Dr. Ward reiterated that the approval of the two budget adjustments
does not impact the Commissioners required maintenance of effort for
Fiscal Year 2006 since the adjustments are not a new allocation by the
County Government but simply a reallocation of use of BOE funds. In their
opinion, the adjustments do not impact the Fiscal Year 2006 budget because
the BOE always uses a zero-based budgeting process based on projected
student enrollment.
In addition, Drs. Ward and Siemen based the BOEs appeal on the requirements
of the State law for education budgets as well as the new Maryland law
requiring school superintendents to file a financial statement with the
State Superintendent and the County governing body for the periods ending
November 30 and March 31 of each fiscal year.
According to these requirements, the Superintendent of the Kent County
Public Schools must state whether or not there are any issues or problems
associated with the school systems ability to operate within its budgeted
resources to avoid a deficit situation at the end of the year unless (1)
the budgeted adjustments are approved or (2) staff lay-offs occur. Dr.
Ward also explained that there are currently a total of five employment
positions that will have to be eliminated without the proposed budgeted
adjustments: one .5 Kindergarten teacher at Rock Hall Elementary School
(to be hired later in the current academic year), and one pupil personnel
worker, one school psychologist, and two special education aides, all
of which are positions currently filled.
Commissioner Pickrum stated that the main point of disagreement between
the BOE and the Board of Commissioners is that the Commissioners believe
it is poor policy of the BOE to be using non-recurring funds to pay for
the salaries of recurring employment positions.
Dr. Ward responded by indicating that the BOE has always followed this
procedure as a way to compensate for changes in budgetary needs experienced
when the amount of grant funding received fluctuates.
Commissioner Livie concurred that such changes must be anticipated, given
the inherent nature of grants; however, he emphasized that using non-recurring
funds for a recurring employment position is not a good practice. He and
the other members of the Board of Commissioners recommended to the BOE
that they take the budgeted funds that are not immediately needed and
were not spent for the salaries of vacant positions from the previous
fiscal year fund balance and apply them to their salary needs.
In other words, from the $98,000 requested to be transferred, the Commissioners
recommended that, pertaining to the first quarter of the current fiscal
year, the BOE subtract the figure of unused dollars to pay for the salaried
positions, and for the balance of salaries yet needed, the BOE should
request the same from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Crow added that unused funds may represent vacant administrative
positions as well as vacant teacher positions.
Dr. Ward requested that the representatives of the BOE meet with the Commissioners
later in the day to allow time to determine the amount of needed County
appropriations. The Commissioners agreed.
Dr. Hanifee, raising Commissioner Pickrums earlier question, inquired
of Dr. Ward as to whether or not the BOE has budgeted funding for recruitment
of teachers.
Dr. Ward responded by stating that there is a budgeted amount to cover
the expenses of the Human Resource Director of the BOE to recruit teachers,
but not over large distances, e.g. to other states, to traditionally African-American
colleges and universities. She reported that there is a crisis of a lack
of African-American teachers throughout the country, and that young African-American
adults are seeking better paying jobs.
To Commissioner Pickrums response that he recognizes that current trend,
Dr. Ward indicated that the BOE does not have budgeted the amount of money
needed to recruit at job fairs in other states, and instead, utilizes
the job fair websites.
Dr. Siemen assured the Commissioners that the BOE is working very hard
to recruit teaches of color, that the employment of teachers of color
is on the BOEs agenda, and that Kent County is challenged in this area
by its competition with other counties which are able to offer larger
salaries. He added that the BOE would be happy to discuss this need further
with the Commissioners at a future date.
Responding to the concern about the recent incident in which a County
high school student was discovered in possession of a shot gun, Dr. Ward
reported that she sent a letter to all public school staff with information
that she was able to convey, that the shot gun was not loaded, that it
was discovered inside the vehicle being utilized by the student, and that
the parents of the student were immediately notified. She explained that
through a tip hotline, another parent reported a rumor of the possibility
of a shot gun on the high school premises and that a fight might be expected
to take place at the high school. This tip was immediately investigated
and the information confirmed. The student has been suspended pending
the results of the investigation.
Dr. Ward also reported that a letter has also been sent home with students
directed to their parents about the incident. She expressed her regret
that she failed to remember to notify the Commissioners immediately as
well, indicating that, from now on, she would communicated with the Commissioners
more immediately when crises occur.
Regarding the Commissioners concern about school performance issues,
Dr. Ward indicated that she would be happy to schedule a special briefing
about the same with the Commissioners at any time.
Commissioners Crow reported the comments he often receives from County
school teachers who express their frustration with the amount of paperwork
they complete which they feel interferes with the quality and extent of
their actual class instruction time.
Dr. Ward explained that said paperwork is required by both the State and
Federal government regulations.
Commissioner Pickrum added that the Board does recognize that the County
has the best school system in the State.
Dr. Ward shared the information provided by the Maryland Department of
Education which indicates improvement in school performance, which was
documented later in the day when Mr. Larrimore distributed copies of a
press release dated October 25 issued by the Maryland Department of Education.
The press release reports that, given the results of the 2004 Maryland
School Assessments (MSA), 15 of the States school systems made all of
their annual achievement targets of the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
and the remainder made solid strides over last year. When results were
compiled in 2003, not a single school system in the State was making their
AYP. Maryland state, school and system performance data is required by
the No Child Left Behind Act which, in turn, requires that school systems
be able to show that students are making AYP in reading, math, and one
other measure.
The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) scores recorded in June 2004 showed
improvement over last year, and also showed a steady improvement in the
performance of State racial and eithnic groups, and students receiving
services.
Dr. Ward reported that Kent County was one of the eight counties, plus
Baltimore City, that did not make the 2004 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).
Dr. Ward expressed her dismay in consideration that Kent County missed
meeting the standards of AYP by one in math and three in reading (one
student failed the same test three times). As a result of the report,
a new master plan will need to be completed.
Commissioner Pickrum advised of interest to meet with the local delegation
to seek revision to State standards. Dr. Ward will also be invited to
attend.
The Commissioners expressed their appreciation to the members of the BOE
for their input and discussion.
At 1:00 p.m., and in follow up to request made by the Commissioners earlier
today, Dr. Ward, Superintendent of Schools, and Ms. Miller, Assistant
Superintendent of Administrative Services, appeared. Jon Baker, Community
Relations Coordinator, BOE, was also in attendance.
Dr. Ward reported determination has been made as to salary savings from
unfilled positions to date and a new budget adjustment was prepared that
includes these salary savings and the revenue needed from the fund balance
for the salaried positions from Budget Adjustments #1 ($73,630) and #2
($25,063) totaling $98,693. The revised amount in Budget Adjustment #3
is $75,320.00 to be used from the fund balance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve Budget Adjustment
#3 as submitted.
Commissioner Pickrum asked how the Board of Commissioners could assist
the school system in its student performance.
Dr. Ward suggested a joint session between the Commissioners and Board
of Education to discuss needs and viewpoints. The Commissioners agreed.
A letter will go forth to Governor Ehrlich requesting serious consideration
be given to funding the additional annual $150 Million capital expenditure
needed to support the recommendations of the Task Force to Study Public
School Facilities by using available capital debt capacity.
High School Stadium Lighting - Commissioner Livie initiated discussion
about the proposed stadium lighting at the high school athletic field.
The Commissioners agreed to schedule a meeting with the Chester Bridge
Foundation, Jim Wright, County Engineer, Ms. Hayman, and Tony Cucina,
Supervisor of Environmental Services, in the near future to prepare a
Request for Proposal (RFP).
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Correspondence dated October 19 was
received from Robert L. Flanagan, Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation,
with attachment providing information about a new approach to helping
address traffic congestion, improving customer service, and to be in a
better position to compete for federal funds.
Representing the joint effort of DOT, Maryland Transit Administration
(MTA), and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), the new approach
is entitled Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and is being considered as part of
a solution to attract new riders, encourage transit-oriented development,
be cost effective, and provide greater operating flexibility than rail
transit and better service than conventional bus systems.
The following are ongoing studies with BRT alternatives: Bi-County Transitway,
Red Line in Baltimore, Green Line in Baltimore, 1-270/US 15 Corridor.
The Commissioners were invited to contact Secretary Flanagan to discuss
this new concept in terms of Kent County applications.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES
Wayne Morris, Director of the Department of Water and Wastewater Services,
appeared and reported about the following:
Worton Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed a Public
Works Agreement (PWA) with Charles D. Reed for a water and sewer allocation
as it pertains to the property located on Tax Map 20, Parcel #161.
Spring Cove/Green Lane Service Area - The Commissioners approved
and signed a PWA with Catherine Hill for a sewer allocation as it pertains
to the property located on Tax Map 51, Parcel # 75 and shown as Lot 1.
Piney Neck/Skinners Neck/Wesley Chapel Service Area - The Commissioners
approved and signed a PWA with Rosalind Hill and Rebecca Marshall for
a sewer allocation for property located on Tax Map 51, Parcel # 141.
The Commissioners approved the request received from William R. Marshall
for a sewer allocation for property located on Tax Map 55, Parcel #96.
Correspondence dated October 13 was received from Mr. And Mrs. John H.
Shertzer, residents of Rock Hall, issuing their objections to the increase
in water and sewer rates that went into effective in January 2004. They
indicated that, because of their fixed income, the increased rates will
represent a financial hardship for them.
Millington Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed
a PWA with Janice McClintic and Kirk E. Hassell for four water allocations
and four sewer allocations for property located on Tax Map 32, Parcel
#76.
Tolchester Service Area - The Commissioners hosted a public information
meeting on Saturday, October 23, at the Kent Ag. Center for the purpose
to answer questions and solicit comments regarding the revised Growth
Management Policy for the Tolchester Service Area. Wayne Morris, Director,
Department of Water and Wastewater Services, and Gail Owings, Director
of Planning and Zoning Administration, were in attendance as well as approximately
fifty interested persons.
Commissioner Livie conveyed a number of concerns expressed at the meeting,
which were as follows: that some property owners are reconstructing their
garages and, having received allocations, are renting them, and allocations
that have been granted to the owners of vacant lots.
Mr. Morris agreed to look into this concern and will report his findings
at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Morris also indicated that the Board
will have to review the outstanding allocations and make decisions pertaining
to them.
Commissioner Livie also raised a concern about the Brambles Marina located
in Tolchester.
Mr. Morris responded by indicating that Brambles Marina is hooked up to
the sewer system and is utilizing a grinder pump to handle its wastewater.
Mr. Morris reported that, if approved by the Commissioners, there are
13 additional allocations remaining in the Tolchester Service Area, of
which more than 18 allocations have already been requested.
The Commissioners and Mr. Morris concurred that the Tolchester meeting
was helpful, providing residents representing varying opinions the opportunity
to express their concerns and receive answers to their questions.
Allens Lane Service Area - Referring to correspondence dated September
27 received from the Maryland Department of the Environment, concerning
the Allens Lane Low Pressure System installation, Mr. Morris reported
that the Countys request for the estimated State Revolving Fund loan
amount of $859,750 was approved. Mr. Morris reported that an environmental
assessment, an up-to-date cost assessment, and an engineering agreement
are pending. The Board confirmed its desire to move forward with this
project. Commissioner Pickrum noted that the Board is still receiving
correspondence from citizens which is indicative of their confusion as
to how the rate structure for sewer and water services operates.
Craig ODonnell of the Kent County News indicated his intention to write
an article with a detailed and clear explanation for the rate structure.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
P.A.M. Schaller, Director of Economic Development, appeared and presented
the updates of the Economic Development Department as follows:
Kent County Business Park at Worton - It was determined at the Technical
Advisory Commission (TAC) meeting held on October 21 that the original
Request for Proposal (RFP) was not acceptable, specific to concerns about
the stormwater management. Mike Whitehill, engineering representative
of McCrone, Inc. offered to submit a new RFP in ten days from October
21.
Responding to Commissioner Pickrum and Commissioner Livies questions,
Ms. Schaller indicated that the new plan will not eliminate access to
the rail line, and that she will be able to report the actual number of
lots that will be available after the preliminary site plan has been determined
at the next TAC meeting in November.
Kent County Incubator Business - Ms. Schaller reported about the Chesapeake
Entrepreneur Center (Leveraging Resources), the first Kent County Incubator
Business, which is located on Dixon Drive in Chestertown. The current
tenants are the Chester Bridge Foundation and the Community Development
Foundation, and the site will also serve as the location for training
programs for the Chesapeake Marine Trades Career School, based in Rock
Hall. She described the development stage of the Incubator as inclusive
of the following: fee-based workstations, access to computer and telephones,
bookkeeping services, triage phones, business assistance through SCORE,
etc.
Commissioner Livie recommended that Ms. Schaller spear head a plan for
greater public recognition for this Incubator Business.
LaMotte Property - Ms. Schaller reported that she is coordinating a meeting
with Aris Melissaratos, Secretary, Department of Business and Economic
Development (DBED), and the Commissioners on November 1 to talk about
the progress concerning LaMotte Property and the Business Park at Worton
RFPs.
The Commissioners and Ms. Schaller agreed that, in addition to a pre-bid
conference, that a pre-pre-bid conference take place concerning the LaMotte
Property to include Jim Wright, County Engineer, Gail Owings, Director
of Planning and Zoning, Sarah Woodworth, consultant with ZHA, Inc., and
Marsha Fritz, member of the Chestertown Planning Commission and LaMotte
Park Study Committee, Ms. Schaller, Ms. Hayman, and Gary Ventry, Marketing
Executive, DBED. The purpose of this pre-pre-bid conference would be to
prepare for the questions and concerns of prospective developers, and
also to agree as to the Countys parameters for the RFP.
At 1:10 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 proposed economic development projects in accordance with State
Government Article, Section 10.508 (a)(4) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, Tom Beckett, Chairman,
and Jon Baker, Member, Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), were
in attendance.
The closed session adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (EMA)
A copy of a Memorandum dated October 20 was received from Robert B. Rust,
Jr., Director, Emergency Management Agency, and directed to Gordon Deans,
Emergency Number Systems Board (ENSB) Training Coordinator, Maryland Emergency
Number Systems Board, with attachment of Kent Countys ENSB Project Funding
Request Three Year Survey.
FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION (FCA)
A Memorandum dated September 30 was received from Robert B. Rust, Jr.,
Director, Emergency Management Agency (EMA), listing the concerns to be
discussed with the FCA and the Commissioners at a meeting scheduled to
take place on October 27 at 7:00 p.m. Margie Elsberg will serve as the
facilitator.
Included among the nine concerns listed are the following: recruitment
and retention of Fire/Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) volunteers; e.g.
start a program in the High School; the request for an explanation for
the reason why the idea for acquiring additional funding to Fire and EMS
through impact fees was rejected by the County; the request that the Emergency
Planner work with Fire/EMS departments in areas of that positions responsibilities;
the request that the Fire Chiefs be involved in the hiring process for
dispatchers and paramedics; and the request that a committee composed
of representatives of the FCA and the Board be formed to discuss ways
of finding additional funding for Fire/EMS in the County.
Commissioner Pickrum explained that the purpose of this work session is
to build rapport and offer clarification about concerns shared in common
with the Board and the FCA, and he added that some of the members of the
FCA may have a misconception of the Countys function.
HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
As prepared by Jack Canan, Housing and Community Development Coordinator,
the Commissioners approved and adopted a Minority/Womans Business Plan
for Kent County.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (HRC)
Correspondence was received from Carmen E. Pratt, tendering her resignation
as a member of the County Human Relations Commission effective immediately.
MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (MACo)
Commissioner William Pickrum will serve as the 2005 MACo Legislative Committee
member and Commissioner Roy Crow will serve as the alternate member.
MARYLAND YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL
As a result of the review of the nominations received, the Maryland You
Are Beautiful Program Local Committee, consisting of Mayor Dennis Hager,
Margaret Briscoe and Rosalie Kuechler, selected Dr. Thomas F. McHugh as
Kent Countys Most Outstanding Volunteer for 2004 as part of the Maryland
You Are Beautiful Program.
The Commissioners invited all nominees to be formally recognized as follows:
Joyce Hemminger nominated by Mary Beth Gardner; Jean Leverage nominated
by Cynthia McCann; Gwynne Mason nominated by Mary Beth Gardner; Pat McDonald
nominated by Connie Watkins; Bettye Tiemeyer nominated by Mary K. Merriken;
William Bill Taylor nominated by Elizabeth (Sis) Williams. Sis Williams
represented Mr. Taylor who was not able to be present.
The nominees were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, a County
Volunteer Mug, a County pin, and a long-stemmed rose. Dr. McHugh was congratulated
as the 2004 Winner in recognition of his years of outstanding contributions
to the community and years of volunteer service and dedication to help
others and his community in many activities including the local School
Improvement Team, music education programs for children, seniors and special
needs citizens, and additionally founding The Mainstay, an entertainment
venue highlighting local talent located in Rock Hall. Nominated by the
Rock Hall Town Council, Dr. McHugh was thanked by the Commissioners, on
behalf of Kent County citizens, for demonstrating leadership, concern
for the community, love of the arts, and practicing an interest in the
well being of others.
Dr. McHugh was presented with a Certificate
of Appreciation, Volunteer Mug, County pin, and a reference book about
rhythm and blues to be donated by the Commissioners to the Washington
College Miller Library, with a book plate noting Dr. McHughs recognition
as Kent Countys Most Outstanding Volunteer, as part of the 2004 Maryland
You Are Beautiful Program.
Janice Fletcher, Local Coordinator, Judith Hymes, representing Washington
College, as well as many friends and families of nominees were also in
attendance.
The Commissioners congratulated all of the nominees for their volunteer
contributions to Kent County, with special recognition given to Dr. Thomas
McHugh. The Commissioners will be escorting Dr. McHugh to the Governors
MYAB ceremony scheduled for November 10th in Annapolis.
MID-SHORE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
Correspondence dated October 19 was received from Nancy T. Zinn, Executive
Director, Mid-Shore Mental Health Systems, Inc., with attachment of a
copy of the final Internal Audit for Fiscal Year 2004 for Mid-Shore Mental
Health Systems, Inc., requesting a review by the Commissioners.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Correspondence dated October 12 was received from Peter E. Kurtze, Administrator,
Evaluation and Registration, Maryland Department of Housing and Community
Development, and directed to Cornelis K. deMooy, Preservation Incorporated,
of Chestertown, indicating that the Charles Sumner Post #25, Grand Army
of the Republic, of Kent County, was considered by the Governors Consulting
Committee for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places on
September 28, and that the Committee recommends nomination of the property.
Mr. Kurtze reported that the next process involves the preparation of
the application materials by the Trust for submission to the National
Register office in Washington, DC.
PERSONNEL
In follow up to October 19 meeting, further discussion was held on proposal
submitted by Collins Consulting Services for the Comprehensive Classification
and Pay Plan Study. The Commissioners approved to accept the proposal
as submitted with expenditure of $10,000 as budgeted and the balance ($38,585)
to be included in the FY06 budget.
At 11:45 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)(ii) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Ed Robinson, Human Resources Director, was also in attendance.
The closed session adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
PROCLAMATION
Margaret C. Munyon - The Commissioners recognized Margaret C. Munyon on
the occasion of her 103rd birthday to take place on October 31, proclaiming
October 31, 2004 as Margaret C. Munyon Day in honor of this extraordinary
birthday anniversary.
REBUILDING TOGETHER
Further discussion took place, which began at the October 19 meeting,
about correspondence received from Rebuilding Together Kent County, MD
concerning the organizations request for a permanent waiver of the tipping
fees that are acquired with the disposal of construction waste associated
with the rehabilitation of homes.
Rebuilding Together, Kent County, MD is a not-for-profit organization
that assists eligible homeowners in the County with donations of needed
home repair supplies and volunteer repair workers.
Ms. Hayman reported that the disposal cost is $52.00 per ton of waste;
a container holds approximately 7 to 10 tons and involves an approximately
44 to 88 mile transport. Given these costs involved, the Commissioners
denied the request for a permanent waiver of the tipping fees.
REGIONAL DETENTION CENTER
Lamonte E. Cooke, Warden, Queen Annes County, appeared and conducted
a presentation of a proposal for a regional correctional facility to include
Kent, Queen Annes, and Cecil Counties. Warden Ron Howell, Kent County,
John Scarborough, Civil Engineer, and David Remaniak, Civil Engineer III,
Paul Comfort, County Administrator, all of Queen Annes County, John Dillman,
Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council, and Joe Cupani,
member of the Queen Annes County Board of Commissioners, were also in
attendance.
Wardens Cooke and Howell distributed copies of the draft of Request for
Proposal, Regional Detention Center, Facility Programs I and II. Warden
Cooke commenced the presentation by indicating that Cecil, Kent and Queen
Annes Counties are experiencing various levels of inmate housing shortages
in their respective local detention centers. Reviewing the Request for
Proposal (RFP), he stated that the Wardens of these detention centers
( Major Jeff Clewer, Director, Community Corrections, Cecil County, was
not able to be present) recognize the advantages of utilizing a regional
detention center to enhance the individual county and collective incarceration
programs.
The executive level of government of all three counties have committed
resources towards the planning, programming, and enabling process that
will result in a Regional Detention Center approach as a solution to the
Counties incarceration needs.
Warden Cooke explained that, in order
to facilitate this process, he and Warden Howell, and Director Clewer
are soliciting proposals from interested, qualified, experienced and available
firms to guide the three Counties through this regional detention documentation
required for the Facility Program Parts I and II, in accordance with the
State of Maryland, Local Jails Capital Improvement Policy and Procedures
Manual.
The draft of the RFP further explains the parameters of the work required
for the Facility Program deliverables (i.e. Facility Program Part I -
Needs and Feasibility, Facility Program Part II - Architectural Program,documents
required by the State, etc.) and assistance required to assist the three
Counties in enabling a Regional Detention Authority. Warden Cooke noted
the research which he has conducted, citing counties in Maine and in Virginia
who, having reported successful results through a regional corrections
facility approach, recommended the same for the consideration of Kent,
Queen Annes and Cecil Counties.
He noted that there are many benefits
possible for all three counties, citing the issues and challenges all
three are faced with, such as the medical and mental health issues and
related costs which all three counties are experiencing (given the States
shift of the responsibility for these costs to the local government level),
transportation, the incarceration of female inmates, minimum security
issues, and the benefits derived from the projected elimination of duplicated
efforts.
Mr. Remaniak reviewed the information provided in the copies of the RFP
in detail with the Commissioners, noting that some of the costs pertaining
to the first phase, i.e. the feasibility and needs studies, may not be
included because counties have already conducted the same and have the
needed information. He also reviewed the schedule and the timeline of
deliverables.
He explained the job description of the Detention Center Consultant (DCC)
as described in the RFP, as the following: [the DCC] shall perform all
necessary on-site interviews and meetings with the three individual local
jurisdiction Detention Centers and other authorities having jurisdiction
that are necessary to complete the deliverables on time.
The DCC shall inspect each of the existing local detention centers and
shall jointly meet with the three Counties staff members as necessary
to complete the deliverables on time. He also explained that the Counties
would be bound by the contract with the DCC through Phase I.
Mr. Remaniak reported that the projected year for the opening of the proposed
regional correction facility is 2011.
Commissioner Pickrum and Warden Cooke discussed the necessary legislation
that would be required for the regional facility, such as legislation
to govern the transfer of inmates from the respective local detention
centers to the regional facility.
Mr. Remaniak stated that the Counties should have a budget ready by Fiscal
Year 2008, and that the Wardens are shooting for at least 50% of the construction
costs to be funded by the State. He also noted that the concept of a regional
correctional facility would be new to the State.
Mr. Comfort further noted that, on many levels, the proposed regional
concept should be attractive to the State, citing as examples the saving
of State funding in corrections.
Commissioner Pickrum requested that text be added to the RFP providing
dispute resolution procedures which might be needed should a dispute arise
between the contractor and one of the respective counties, for example.
He also noted that the proposal for the regional facility would provide
an opportunity for the three counties to discuss with the State the challenges
of inmate medical and mental health related costs being faced presently
by the three counties.
Warden Howell concurred, noting that the State itself is being faced with
an increase in the number of inmates who are mentally ill.
Mr. Comfort requested the approval of the Board for the RFP as presented.
The Board gave its approval to the RFP, with the added text concerning
dispute resolution, and based on their review following an on-site tour
made by each participating Board of Commissioners at the regional detention
center located in Virginia in the spring 2005.
Mr. Comfort also noted that the cost to each participating county would
be approximately $25,000 for each phase of the proposal. He offered a
loan from Queen Annes County if needed.
Mr. Dillman expressed his appreciation to Queen Annes County for taking
the leadership with the proposal for a regional corrections facility and
expressed his belief that the proposal would benefit all three counties
in significant ways.
TOLCHESTER SITE
A Memorandum of Agreement was approved by the Commissioners and signed
by Susanne Hayman, County Administrator, between the County Commissioners,
Kent County Sheriffs Office, the Queen Annes County Commissioners and
the Queen Annes Sheriffs Office relating to use of the firearms firing
range located at the Tolchester Site (former Nike Base)
UPPER SHORE AGING (USA)
U-STAR TRANSPORTATION
Correspondence dated October 20 was received from Carl E. Burke, Executive
Director, USA, Inc., with attachment of a copy of the capital and operating
grant documents relating to USAs provision of public transit services
in Kent, Caroline, and Talbot Counties for the current fiscal year, and
requesting the approval and signatures of the Commissioners.
The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed the following
Department of Transportation grants:
Section 3037 Job Access and Reverse Commute Grant - Regional Fixed Route
Service
Federal Share - $139,675
State Share - $ 4,675
Participating Counties Share - $135,000
Fiscal Year 2005 Statewide Special Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP)
Operating Assistance Grant - Provision of transportation services to elderly
persons and/or persons with disabilities in Kent County -
State Share - $360,652
Local Share - $120,217
Fiscal Year 2005 Rural and Community Based Operating Assistance Grant
to provide continuation of Easton to Federalsburg Route -
State Share - $30,000
Local Share - $10,000
Fiscal Year 2005 5311 Rural Public Transportation Operating Grant - Operating
assistance for rural area public transportation for Kent County
Federal Share - $ 63,190
State Share - $ 76,180
Local Share - $46,457
Section 5311 Capital Grant Agreement - Purchase of 2 small buses with
lifts
Federal Share - $ 94,800
State Share - $ 11,850
Local Share - $11,850
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
Correspondence dated October 21 was received from Clayton A. Mitchell,
Esq., of Hoon and Associates, LLC, of Chestertown, advising that Hoon
and Associates represents Jerry Smith, Jane Hukill, and Raymond Richards,
all resident property owners in Worton.
Mr. Mitchell also advised that, after reviewing the Planning Commissions
comments at the hearing on October 7 pertaining to the proposed text amendments
as presented by his clients, the latter have elected to voluntarily withdraw
their August 4 proposed text amendments.
Mr. Mitchell also advised that Messrs. Smith and Richards and Ms. Hukill
have proposed new text amendments for the purpose of clarifying regulations
concerning retreats, conference centers, and resorts while addressing
the Planning Commissions concerns of uniformity throughout the County
Land Use Ordinance, as well as place limits on the permitted expansion
of these uses within the Agricultural Zoning Districts (AZD), Resource
Conservation Districts, (RCD), and Marine Districts. In the newly proposed
text amendments, the limits of permissible expansion under the AZD, RCD,
and Marine Districts are equivalent to that which is otherwise permitted
under the Special Exceptions section of the County Land Use Ordinance.
A copy of this 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, November 9, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners
Hearing Room.
There will be no regularly scheduled meeting of the Commissioners during
the week of Election Day, November 2, 2004.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Janice F. Fletcher
Executive Assistant
Approved: William W. Pickrum, President
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