KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

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

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as amended.

W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $2,875,816.00.

AIRPORT

Correspondence was received from Linda Roy Walls, President, Rotary Club of Chestertown, advising that correspondence forwarded to the Commissioners on Rotary International stationary does not reflect the support of the Chestertown Rotary Club as the Rotary does not endorse or oppose issues according to policies set forth by International Rotary. The Commissioners received correspondence from Theodore Chase, Chestertown, expressing his objection to the proposed airport project.

APPEALS BOARD

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, reported that the Board of Appeals met June 23.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Commissioner Pickrum requested the Board of Education as well as middle and high school principals be advised that Commissioners/County Department Heads will be available as guest lecturers.

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed Electronic Transfer Request as it relates to monthly allocation for the Board of Education.

BOARD OF EDUCATION
RETIRING TEACHERS

At the invitation of the Commissioners, Nancy Miller, Emily Massey and Joseph Massey, appeared to be recognized, as they retire, for their years of dedicated service in the Kent County Public Schools. Carol Amoia, Judy Ames and Joseph Gladu, were unable to attend in recognition of their retirement.

The Commissioners expressed their appreciation for their commitment to Kent County Public Schools and presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation and a framed County seal.

BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS

In order to better facilitate the building/development review process, correspondence was received from Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, advising that all development projects requiring review of the Board of Appeals or Planning Commission will be placed on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) agenda. Project review by TAC will ensure further review by all required agencies.

BUILDING PERMIT FEE

Correspondence was received from Stuart Elsberg, Treasurer, Chester Valley Ministers' Association, requesting a waiver of the building permit fee to construct two school bus shelters at Wood's Edge Apartments. The school bus shelters will be built by volunteers for the upcoming school year. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie, and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to waive the $75.00 building permit fee. Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, will be so advised.

CHESTERTOWN BYPASS

In follow-up to correspondence received from Neil J. Pederson, Acting Administrator, State Highway Association (SHA), a joint meeting with the Kent and Queen Anne's County Commissioners and the SHA will be held on July 29 in Centreville.

COUNTY FUNDS

The Commissioners approved and signed Resolution and General Obligation Note to apply for a short term (5 year) loan from SunTrust Bank at a variable rate of 68% of LIBOR plus 0.60%. (variable rate is currently 1.3%) of no more than $312,000 for the following capital projects: Housing and Community Development (CDBG Housing Improvement Program (HIP) County Match), Solid Waste Truck, Senior Center, and Fiscal Year 2003 Board of Education Capital Projects.

COUNTY OWNED PROPERTIES

In follow-up from last week's bid opening for petroleum fuel and propane for various County buildings/properties from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004, Jim Wright, Purchasing Coordinator, appeared to advise that petroleum fuel and propane were not part of the consortium and recommended Alger Oil, Inc., for the petroleum fuel and Paradee Gas Co. for propane. Per Mr. Wright's recommendation, a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to award Alger Oil, Inc., for the petroleum fuel and Paradee Gas Co. for propane.

COUNTY OWNED VEHICLES

James Wright, Purchasing Coordinator, appeared and presented a bid tabulation for the maintenance services of approximately thirty County vehicles for the period of July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. The bids are as follows:

Mr. Wright recommended to award the bid to Colonial Chevrolet- Buick. Per Mr. Wright's recommendation, a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie, and made unanimous to award the contract to Colonial Chevrolet- Buick.

CRITICAL AREAS

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed Grant-in-Aid Agreement with the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays for the purpose of assisting Kent County in carrying out its responsibilities under the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program in the amount of $36,000 for Fiscal Year 2004.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, appeared to report on the following issues:

Consumer Confidence Reports - Mr. Morris provided copies of the Edesville, Fairlee, Kennedyville and Worton Service Areas Annual Drinking Water Quality reports to be made accessible to all consumers. The report states that the water quality meets Federal and State requirements for safe drinking water. Mr. Morris noted that the reports will be delivered to consumers, are available on the County website kentcounty.com under the Department of Water and Wastewater as well as at his office.

General - Mr. Morris provided memorandum from David Jones, Superintendent, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, providing his annual update of the condition of the department's facilities and expressing opinion of services needed. He noted of specific concerns relating to lagoons, equipment, back-up generators and the need for additional manpower.

Tolchester Service Area- Per Mr. Morris's recommendation, the Commissioners approved a sewer allocation request for Donna Miller, Map 35A, parcels 207 -218. Mr. Morris advised of a sewer allocation request from Charles Smith, III, Map 35A, parcel 68; no action was taken at this time. Mr. Morris was requested to contact the Planning and Zoning Administration Director for further information on Mr. Smith's application.

Financial Management Services - In follow-up from May 6, Mr. Morris advised a reduced price was obtained in the amount of $15.000.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to proceed with the study to be funded from the FY 04 budget.

DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM - MILLINGTON

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to Alan Woods, III, Director, Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, from Delegate Mary Roe Walkup, supporting the grant application submitted by the Town of Millington for additional patrol time from the Kent County Sheriff's Department work towards reducing/eliminating drug related crimes in Millington.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

At 12:15 p.m. and at the request of P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive session to discuss proposals for a business to expand in Kent County in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Dr. John Grant, Health Officer, Ed Birkmire, Environmental Health Director, and Nony Howell, Sanitarian, appeared to discuss environmental Health Regulations and Procedures. Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, was also in attendance.

Mr. Birkmire gave an overview of the major projects Environmental Health Division participates in and enforces State regulations for such as onsite wastewater facilities, test water supply, test the County's 28 public pools, rabies control, open burning, nuisance ordinance and participate in the building permit process.

He advised that the majority of discourse surrounds the building permit process and Ms. Howell who does the majority of the field work, consults both he and Dr. Grant on issues of concern. Mr. Birkmire noted that the issues relating to Environmental Health are technical in nature and they try to administer the regulations in that vein, although some issues are emotional to the applicant/resident. Commissioner Pickrum expressed his concern that all departments such as the Department of Water of Wastewater, Planning and Zoning Administration and Environmental Health, are not working in sync. Mr. Birkmire suggested a mechanism be initiated so errors do not occur as a result of a lack of communication. He also suggested that building permit form be streamlined and electronically accessible. Ms. Howell noted that an accurate drawing of the project is a vital source of documentation and not always available. She advised that the documentation process has been revised so that new home construction has specific drawings and photographs for future reference. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Birkmire, Dr. Grant and Ms. Howell for the overview and hoped there would be further dialog to make the building process better for the County.

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN AFFAIRS

Correspondence was received from the Governor's Office of Asian Pacific Affairs acquainting the Commissioners with their office and services. The Commissioners requested the information be forwarded to the Human Relations Commission.

KENT AG 4-H FAIR

A letter of greetings from the Board will be included in the Kent Ag 4-H Fair Program which is scheduled for July 17 thru 19.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 11:30 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Crow and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive session with M. Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, and Alexander R. Raisin III, Co Counsel, for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Items of discussion included litigation and the proposed airport project.

The executive session adjourned at 11:45 a.m.\

LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD

The Commissioners approved and signed Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Local Management Board for Children's and Family Services and Kent County Parks and Recreation as it relates to Fiscal Year 2004 MINI Youth Fishing Derby and Fiscal Year 2004 Leaders Club Programs.

MOORING BUOYS

In follow-up to June 17 meeting, the Commissioners scheduled an administrative hearing for Tuesday July 22, at 1:00 p.m. appealing the Public Landings and Facilities Board decision denying the request made by Herschell Claggett for six mooring buoys on Worton Creek

PARKS AND RECREATION
PROGRAM OPEN SPACE

In follow-up from last week, Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, appeared to discuss the reconfiguration of Program Open Space (POS) capital funding as it relates to the elimination of the tennis court patching project with POS funding. Mr. Troester advised that the Worton Park tennis courts have stress cracks caused over time by the poles for the net. He presented a cost estimate for two methods of refurbishment at a cost of $43,545.00 and $46,400.00 as well as a cost estimate in the amount of $6745.00 to reset the net posts and fill cracks in the tennis court surface. After discussion relating to the most cost effective means to repair the tennis courts, a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to patch the tennis courts at Worton Park for the amount of $6,745.00 (to be funded from FY 03 contingency fund) and to include the refurbishing of the tennis courts in the FY 06 budget.

PERSONNEL

At 11:50 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Crow, and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Susanne Hayman was also in attendance.

The executive session adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

SHORE UP!

Correspondence went forth endorsing SHORE UP!'s application for $375,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to develop a Head Start Site in Chestertown.

U.S. COAST GUARD STATION

Per Commissioner Pickrum's inquiry, Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, reported that the Still Pond U.S. Coast Guard Station is not subject to additional traffic at this time. He also reported that he had received the deed to the property and forwarded it to the County Attorney for review.

WASHINGTON COLLEGE

Correspondence was received from Dr. John Toll, President, Washington College, advising of future plans to step down as president and will serve as president for the 2003 -2004 academic year or until a successor is appointed.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, July 1, 2003.

Please contact Joyce Laskey or Janice Fletcher at (410) 778-7435 or by e-mail with any questions or comments.