KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
PLANNING AND ZONING

The Kent County Planning Commission met on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., in the County Commissioners’ Hearing Room at 400 High Street, Chestertown, with the following members in attendance: Elizabeth Morris, Chairman; William Sutton; Patricia Langenfelder; Rev. Ruben Freeman; Jay Lancaster; Gail W. Owings, Planning Director; Carla Martin, Community Planner; Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner; and Elizabeth Carroll, Secretary.

Kent County Land Preservation and Recreation Plan - The Kent County Land Preservation and Recreation Plan updates the County’s 2001 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan and is supplemental to the Kent County Comprehensive Plan. The Plan was developed in accordance with Maryland’s 2005 Guidelines and with Title 5, Subtitle 9 of the National Resources Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, Current Program Open Space Law.

Mrs. Owings informed the Planning Commission that this document must be completed before the county can receive any project funding from the State. Much of the material in the document has been taken from the goals of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Board had several questions which were addressed by staff. After review and discussion about the document, the Board agreed to complete review and submit any comments to staff by Friday, June 23.

Upper Chester River Watershed Restoration Action Strategy - The Upper Chester River Watershed is in the Chester River basin that drains Maryland and Delaware. In Maryland, this watershed is designated as a Category I watershed for restoration in the Maryland Clean Water Action Plan. In the WRAS program the counties work closely with an active workgroup comprised of local agencies, property owners, and other interested stakeholders to identify and prioritize local restoration and protection needs associated with water quality and habitat. To support the counties’ effort, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has supplied grant funding and technical assistance including production of supporting documents.

The document identifies the following goals prepared by the workgroup:

• Goal One – Improve water quality
• Goal Two – Protect and restore wildlife habitat
• Goal Three – Sustain viable agriculture and retain small town communities.

The watersheds that have WRAS in place, adopted actions and goals are being carried out should be eligible for state funding for restoration projects. With active programs for the Upper Chester and Middle Chester makes projects in this watershed more attractive for funding options through the State.

Having reviewed the document, Chairman Morris pointed out that it appears the Department of Planning and Zoning has considerable amount of responsibility to add to their already heavy schedule.

The Planning Commission had several questions which were addressed by staff. After review and discussion of the document, the Board agreed to complete review and submit any comments to staff by Friday. No vote on the document is required by the Planning Commission.

General Discussion - The Planning Commission commented on several zoning violations which staff will follow-up on.

Chairman Morris advised Congressman Gilchrest has proposed a farm bill in an attempt to make money available to farmers on the eastern shore of Maryland to do things to help them keep farming. The bill did not receive any funding at this time. Chesapeake Fields has asked for small grants for farmers to build small storage bins for small amount of grain.

Drayton Mayor – The Board asked the status of Drayton Manor. To date the County Commissioners have not scheduled a hearing on the Growth Allocation issue, since they are waiting for the Court of Special Appeals has made a decision.

There being no further business, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

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Elizabeth H. Morris, Chairman

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Elizabeth E. Carroll, Secretary

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