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.

T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, was also in attendance.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $ 1,653,454.00.

AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION

Correspondence was received from Sarah Taylor-Rogers, Ph.D. Research Associate, and Jennifer Dindinger, Intern, Maryland Center for Agro-Ecology, advising of funding to conduct interviews with all Federal State and County officials involved in the preservation of agricultural and forest land. The results of the interviews will be compiled to provide a strategic approach between State and County officials.

BAYSIDE LANDING AND PARK

A bid opening was held at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Hearing Room for the construction of timber framed boardwalk at Bayside Public Landing and Park. Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, and Jim Wright, Purchasing Coordinator, were in attendance. The following bid was received :

Deckelman Pile Drivers $22,500.00

Rock Hall, MD

Mr. Troester recommended the bid as it is lower than he projected. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve Deckelman Pile Drivers for the amount of $22,500.00 for the boardwalk project.

In follow-up from last week, Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, presented a parking plan for review that was recommended by the Public Landing and Facilities Board at their August 11 meeting. Commissioner Livie reported that he attended the meeting and noted that one handicapped parking space exists at Bayside Landing and Park and another will be created. He advised that discussion took place as to the enforcement of fines once the parking plan is in place. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the parking plan as presented.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Correspondence was received from Frances Miller, Assistant Superintendent of

Administrative Services, advising that the Board of Education approve the administrations's request for Budget Adjustment #1, FY 04. Pat Merritt, Budget & Accounting Director, advised additional information was needed for review, therefore, the Commissioners did not take any action at this time.

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from David Lever, Executive Director, Public Construction Program, directed to Dr. Bonnie Ward, advising that the results of a survey assessing the maintenance of the Rock Hall Middle School rated the school as very good.

Correspondence was received from Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools, referencing County government's role in the submission of the local school systems master plan to the Maryland State Department of Education by October 1.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Pat Merritt, Budget & Accounting Director, provided a proposed ten year capital projects needs assessment for the Board's review and consideration.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

The Board invited attendance by various agencies receiving county funding for power point presentation on the goals and strategies identified for their term of office. Those in attendance were Gloria Urban, Director, Jerry Keiser, Assistant Director, representing the Kent County Public Library, Dr. John A. Grant, Health Officer, Lansing Williams, representing Chesapeake Fields, Inc., Jean Austin, representing Cooperative Extension Service, Pat Carney, Social Services Director, William Seitzer, representing Humane Society Board of Directors, Dr. Stuart Bounds, Chesapeake College, Carl Burke, Upper Shore Aging, Laurie Crossley, Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Urda, Commission on Human Relations. The Commissioners advised that the presentation was a working document and solicited input and comments.

Ms. Urban stated another source of revenue generated for the County is the newly implemented fines at the Library. As a property owner, she also suggested that serious consideration should be taken for an increase in the property tax rate before employees go another year without a salary increment.

Dr. Grant congratulated the Commissioners on the excellent presentation and foresight.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Millington Wastewater Project - In followup from last week, Mr. Morris forwarded a copy of a certified letter to Harry Beatty advising of his responsibility relating to his wastewater connection serving his property since he has failed to respond to the previous contacts.

Tolchester Service Area - The Commissioners received correspondence from Robert Basener, President, Tolchester Community Association, inviting the Commissioners to attend the September 13 Board of Directors meeting and the following general homeowners association meeting The Commissioners will plan to attend. Mr. Morris and Amy Moredock, Environmetal Planner, will also be requested to attend.

The Commissioners approved and signed Public Works Agreement by and between the County Commissioners and Earl W. Hagerty for a sewer allocation in the Tolchester Service Area.

Piney Neck/Skinners Neck Service Area - The Commissioners approve and signed Public Works Agreement by and between the County Commissioners and Nancy L. Palmatory for a sewer allocation in the Piney Neck/Skinners Neck Service Area.

General - Further discussion was held relating to the alarm systems for water and wastewater facilities that do not have SCADA systems that allow for monitoring and control. Commissioner Pickrum inquired as to how many stations were without any alarm devices. Mr. Morris advised of 13 facilities in need of further monitoring. Commissioner Crow requested he draft a proposal to address the matter on both long and short term basis.

Quaker Neck Service Area - Discussion was held as to allocations for the service area and remedy for future failing systems in the service area. The Commissioners inquired as to the progress of Kent Lawrence's proposed development and if he would be installing a private wastewater system. Mr. Morris advised that Mr. Lawrence will make a determination in the near future. The Commissioners concurred that vacant lot allocations should be reviewed to address the limited number of allocations available. Mr. Morris advised he would solicit the assistance of the County Attorney to address the matter.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In response to learning that the Merrill Lynch Office will soon be closing its Chestertown Office due to corporate consolidation. A letter will go forth to the corporate office in New York requesting reconsideration be made.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN

Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration, reported that she, Sue Willits, Emergency Planning Coordinator, and Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, attended Maryland Emergency Management Agency's "Planning for a Disaster Resistant Community: Developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan" workshop. She advised that a Kent County Mitigation Plan must be drafted with final approval by November 1, 2004. A letter went forth to the five incorporated towns advising they may generate their own plan or choose to be included in the County's plan. A response was requested by September 15.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

The Commissioners approved and signed a Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County Commissioners, Kent County Emergency Medical Services, and Galena Volunteer Fire Company, Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company and the Kent and Queen Anne's Rescue Squad whereby the fire companies of Galena and Rock Hall and Kent and Queen Anne's Rescue Squad will serve as a satellite pre-hospital Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider for the County's EMS program.

GLYNWOOD HARVEST GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

The Commissioners received correspondence from Judith LaBelle, President, Glynwood Center, advising six county governments of the Maryland Mid-Shore Region have been nominated for the first Glynwood Harvest Good Neighbor Award. Eastern Shore counties were nominated for supporting regional agriculture in innovative ways.

HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

A bid opening was held at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Hearing Room for the rehabilitation of three homes in the Phase IV Housing Improvement Program. Jack Canan, Coordinator, Housing and Community Development, Kay Pinder-Almen, Administrative Aide, Harold Coleman, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, and Jim Wright, County Engineer, were in attendance. Commissioner Pickrum read the notice to bid. The following bids were received:

Mr. Canan took the bids for review. Mr. Canan appeared later in the day with bid recommendation for the low bidder. At the recommendation of Mr. Canan, a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to award contract to Quinnworks Quality Building Services, Inc., for the amount of $52,875.00.

LAMOTTE PROPERTY

In follow-up from last week, Andrew Bradley, represented by Daniel Saunders, appeared to discuss potential acquisition of the property on MD Route 291 and MD Route 213. Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, and Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, Chestertown Mayor Margo Bailey, Council Member Jim Bristoll, and William Ingersoll, Town Manager, were also in attendance. Commissioner Pickrum advised that Mr. Bradley had exercised his option to purchase the property at the time the County expressed interest. He stated of an agreement that will be mutually beneficial to both the County and Mr. Bradley.

Commissioner Livie explained the efforts to preserve the property forming a LaMotte Property Committee to partner with the community to procure funding for the property as well determine the best use for the area. Commissioner Livie advised of the Board's intent to purchase the property with a three year balloon loan and if after three years and funding has not been secured, the property will be sold.

Commissioner Livie advised that Mr. Bradley will be granted 2.5 acres (of the total 15.5 acres) to construct an office building for his business, which will be moving to Chestertown.

Commissioner Crow stated that this Board wanted to create an opportunity to plan for the property and be reimbursed in three years. He stated that this project is not a County project.

Commissioner Pickrum stated that the use for the property could be cultural or educational and beneficial to the community in cooperation with the town of Chestertown. Commissioner Pickrum advised there would be an annual payment of $78,000 per year within a three year period. After this time period and if the project is not funded, the property will be offered for sale.

A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to purchase the property for $1.25 Million per the Agreement with the stipulation that if funding has not been secured within three years the property will again be offered for sale.

The Commissioners thanked Mr. Bradley for his cooperation. Mayor Bailey expressed her appreciation to the Commissioners as well as Mr. Bradley in preserving the property.

The Commissioners appointed Andrew Bradley as a member of the LaMotte Park Study Committee. The Commissioners requested Mr. Troester to be the Chairman of the LaMotte Park Study Committee.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 10:50 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive session with Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Items of discussion included pending litigation and CFF grant agreement.

The executive session adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD

The Commissioners approved and signed Grant Award and Acceptance for Youth Strategies Kent County/Therapeutic Mentoring/Base for the Local Management Board.

PERSONNEL

At 11:15 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie 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.

The executive session adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

At 12:30 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive session with Dr. Grant, Health Officer, to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Jeff Troester, Parks and Recreation Director, appeared and advised that as a result of exploring other alternatives for temporary housing of his administrative office, preference is given to remain at the current facility and hopefully the Community Center project will be initiated in the near future.

PUBLIC LANDING AND FACILITIES BOARD

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, reviewed the following recommendations made by the Public Landing and Facilities Board at their August 11 meeting: All public landing slip holders should have Maryland registered vessels; public landing slip owners will have the right to police their own slips pending authorization letter from slipholder. Commissioner Livie reported that he attended the meeting and stated that the change in policy was a result of a letter from Larry Simns, Commercial Waterman's Association, requesting flexibility of the public landing boat slips. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the policy changes. Mr. Stanton stated that slip holders will be so advised with the next slip renewal notice.

ROCK HALL MAYOR AND COUNCIL
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from Linda Kimble, Secretary, The Greater Rock Hall Business Association, directed to Rock Hall Mayor and Town Council,

in support of and requesting the abolishment of the Personal and Tangible Personal Property Tax imposed on businesses. This request was initiated as a result of a request by Robin Wood Kurowski, Vice-President and Treasurer, Gratitude Yachting Center.

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to Michael Griffin, State Office of Assessments and Taxation, from Robin Wood Kurowski, Vice President, Gratitude Yachting Center, requesting details of the assessing process as well as a refund. She advised that the inventory assessed was not within the town limits of Rock Hall and requested a waiver of the most recent assessment.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed the Federal Annual Certification Report as prepared by Lieutenant Scott Metzbower, Sheriff's Office.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Commissioners received correspondence from Alan Woods, III, Director, Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention, advising that the grant funding for the Neighborhood Grant Program has been discontinued due to legislative budget reductions.

UPPER SHORE AGING

Carl Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, forwarded information relating to the demographic characteristics of older persons in the Upper Shore Aging planning service area.

Correspondence was received from Mr. Burke advising of the completion of Kent County's new Senior Center facility, the Amy Ferris Adult Activity Center. Mr. Burke submitted a final billing for the County's portion of $149,000, under budget from the projected $191,000.

URIEVILLE LAKE

The Commissioners received notification from Wesley E. Coleman, Jr., Chief Civil Project Development Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, advising that they are investigating the aquatic ecosystem restoration opportunity at Urieville Lake, its tributaries and one-mile of Morgan Creek. The study will investigate the improvement of fish habitat and of dam removal or circumvention.

U-STAR TRANSPORTATION

Correspondence was received from Carl E. Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, advising of additional funding needed for Fiscal Year 2004 USTAR Public Transit operations due to denial of request by the MTA to recognize in-kind support. As a result the additional amount of $7,524 is needed to be shared with the participating counties. The Commissioners approved payment of $2,508 out of contingency to cover this expense.

WATERWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Commissioners received correspondence advising of the acceptance of Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant applications. A copy of this correspondence was forwarded to Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, for his review and attention.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, August 19, 2003.

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