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 $ 1,850,731.00.

BOARD OF EDUCATION
CRISIS PLANNING TRAINING

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from Bonnie Ward, Ph. D., Superintendent of Public Schools, directed to Ed Birkmire, Environmental Health, thanking Mr. Birkmire for his insight and commitment during the two day Crisis Planning Training.

CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence directed to Robert Flanagan, Chairman, Maryland Transportation Authority, from Queen Anne's County Commissioners, expressing opposition to any increase in toll for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE

Dr. Stuart Bounds, President, Dr. Maurice Hickey, Vice President, Chesapeake College, Don Andersen, former Vocation-tech Program Coordinator, and Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, appeared to discuss expanding the presence of Chesapeake College in Kent County.

As a result of the August 21 meeting at Kent County High School to present plans and garner input for the proposed high school renovation, discussion was held as to using a portion of Kent County High School for Chesapeake College classes. Dr. Hickey distributed the Kent County Task Membership list that will be addressing an expanded presence of Chesapeake College in Kent County. Commissioner Livie stated that prior to renovations, all possibilities for the use of the building should be examined. Dr. Bounds advised that should the high school renovations include an area for Chesapeake College, he would prefer college classes be isolated from high school classes so that each entity could be on an independent schedule.

Dr. Bounds stated that combining resources may expand opportunities; including businesses who are very supportive of the college. Commissioner Pickrum advised of the Board's goals to increase Chesapeake College enrollment. The Commissioners thanked all for attending.

COUNTY ROADS

Correspondence was received from the Maryland Department of Transportation, (MDOT) requesting Ulysses Currie, Chairman, Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, and Howard Rawlings, Chairman, House Appropriations Committee, to assist Kent County in the form of a discretionary grant to provide surface treatment and blacktop for over 40 miles of Kent County roadways.

DEBT SERVICE

Pat Merritt, Director, Budget and Accounting appeared to review various debt service schedules over the next 20 years. Discussion took place as to various proposed capital projects and associated debt service.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from Delegate Mary Roe Walkup directed to Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., expressing appreciation for the responsiveness of his administration in addressing the deficit funding in the 2004 Budget for Kent County. She commended his staff in their willingness to assist in the search for alternate funding sources.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Edesville Service Area - Mr. Morris forward a request from Elias Felluss for a water and wastewater allocation for his property located on Tax Map 46, Parcel 61. The Commissioners approved the request as presented.

Discussion was held as to future plans and the number of allocations in the Edesville service area. Commissioner Livie recommended an informational meeting be held to provide citizens of the long term water/wastewater plan for the area. Commissioner Pickrum requested an appointment be made for their appearance at the next Edesville community meeting.

Spring Cove/Green Lane Service Area - Mr. Morris forward a request from Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Peters for a wastewater allocation for their property located on Tax Map 50, Parcel 73. The Commissioners approved the request as presented.

Tolchester Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed a Public Works Agreement for the following property owners approved allocations: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gear, and Mrs. and Mrs. Donna Miller.

Worton Service Area - The Commissioners approved and signed a Public Works Agreement for KRM Development Corporation.

General - Mr. Morris forward a copy of correspondence he sent to Jim Corns, Itinerant Technology Teacher, Board of Education, expressing his appreciation for his technical assistance while the County Information Systems Manager was unavailable.

In follow-up from last week, Mr. Morris provided a copy of correspondence forwarded to several law firms requesting costs proposals for Bond Counsel pursuant to Maryland Water Quality Financing Administrations and State Revolving Loan Fund requirements and regulations.

Allens Lane - Mrs. Ashley, Ed Schut, Sarah Schut, Ed Birkmire, Director, Environmental Health, Nony Howell, Sanitarian, appeared with Mr. Morris to discuss the status of the Allens Lane proposed project to establish wastewater service in the area for failing septic systems. Ms. Howell advised that all preliminary work is completed. Mr. Morris reported that the consultant has provided a report which he will be reviewing and making recommendations to the Commissioners.

Mrs. Ashley advised that prospective buyers of her property were told that sewer service would never be provided in the area. Mr. Morris requested she call him or the Health Department to verify the status of the project should she have questions. Mr. and Mrs. Schut requested they be kept apprised of the project and hoped a project in Rock Hall would not eliminate the Allens Lane need for allocations. Mr. Morris advised that Rock Hall was aware of Allens Lane needs and did not foresee any allocation problems at this time.

DETENTION CENTER

In follow-up from last week, Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and provided an update on the sewer problems at the Detention Center. He reported that Mr. Rooter (contractor) would be forwarding his recommendations to remedy the problems, however, they are not capable of preforming the work. Mr. Stanton advised that a new enzyme injector has been installed and that it will be serviced monthly for $600 per year.

Mr. Stanton reported that a temporary sump pump has been installed in the grease trap located in the Sheriff's Office garage. This was done to prevent any leakage to the Emergency Management area if another backup occurs.

EASTERN SHORE LAND CONSERVANCY

In follow-up from August 12, the Commissioners appointed P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, and Miles Bernard as the Kent County representatives to the Eastern Shore 2010 Implementation Task Force.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In response to correspondence directed to E. Stanley O'Neal, Merrill Lynch, relating to the proposed closing of the Chestertown Office of Merrill Lynch, correspondence was received from Harriet Appel, Vice President, Merrill Lynch, thanking the Commissioners for their thoughts, however, it is in the best interest of Merrill Lynch to consolidate facilities.

P.A.M. Schaller, Director, Economic Development, reported that an intern from Washington College will be joining her in the Economic Development Office.

Mrs. Schaller requested approval to purchase a projector for the Kent County CD-Rom presentations. She advised of five upcoming presentations to showcase Kent County's economic attributes. The Commissioners approved the request.

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 P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, to discuss a proposal for a business to expand/retain in Kent County in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 12:00 noon.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Robert Rust, Jr., Director, Emergency Management, forwarded a copy of correspondence directed to Scott Whitney, Emergency Numbers Systems Board, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, requesting Kent County's funding from the Maryland State ten-cent fee in the amount of $1,469,932. The funds will provide the needed 9-1-1 requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
BUILDING PERMITS

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from the Health Department advising their review/approval of new residences will require a site plan drawing prior to acceptance.

In follow-up to correspondence received from C. Dudley Reed, Reed Builders, he appeared to discuss the policies of the Health Department. Dr. John Grant, Health Officer, Ed Birkmire, Director, Environmental Health, Nony Howell, Sanitarian, were also in attendance. As a builder, Mr. Reed expressed his frustration in working with the Health Department.

Commissioner Crow stated of reports of inconsistencies in Health Department procedures from one project to another. He also inquired as to the reason for inconsistencies when soil types are basically the same in Kent County. Mr. Birkmire stated that soil types are not consistent and advised of lots that display vast differences in soil within the same lot. Mr. Birkmire noted that the thread of consistency was that with each project the soil type is verified and the septic system designed per the soil types. He advised that is why there are many lots, some side by side, that do not perc. Mr. Reed advised that he hires his own representative to oversee the perc tests to ensure they are done fairly.

Mr. Birkmire advised that all procedures and policies are documented and challenged Mr. Reed to give an example when those policies were not adhered to. Ms. Howell interjected that some confusion may have arisen due to parcels consisting of more than one lot, approvals given, then a deeded lot (of the parcel) sold creating a variation from the original approval. In response to Commissioner Crow's inquiries as to enhancing the communication of such procedures, Mr. Birkmire advised that Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration is establishing a committee to improve building permit procedures.

Dr. Grant inquired of Mr. Reed as to why he did not bring his allegations to him as the Health Department official. Mr. Reed advised that he will direct his inquiries to Dr. Grant in the future. The Commissioners requested Mr. Reed to discuss his concerns directly with Dr. Grant.

The Commissioners received correspondence from Ashton Kelley, expressing displeasure with the Health Department's policy relating to the expiration of septic permits after one year. She advised that the policy was unfair due to circumstances beyond her control (such as weather) which restricted the project from being completed in one year. She requested reimbursement of $300 for re-issuance of the septic permit.

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

The Commissioners received correspondence from Lee Beck advising of her resignation from the Human Relations Commission effective after the September meeting. Mrs. Beck recommended Larry Beck to serve in her place. No action was taken at this time.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 12:05 p.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, for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, was also in attendance.

Items of discussion included litigation and land title.

The executive session adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

LEGISLATION

In response to the Commissioners' correspondence to Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr., relating to House Bill 753, the Commissioners received correspondence from Governor Ehrlich advising of his decision to veto House Bill 753.

LEGISLATION
SLOT MACHINES

Correspondence was received from Edward Cole, expressing his opinion that County government should have the ability to regulate slot machines along with State government.

PERSONNEL

At 8:50 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.

The executive session adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

At 10:55 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 with Dr. John Grant, Kent County Health Officer, in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. was also in attendance

The executive session adjourned at 11:05 a.m.

At 4:30 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Crow, and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive session with Susanne Hayman, Director, Human Resources, to discuss personnel matters in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The executive session adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

PUBLIC LANDINGS AND FACILITIES BOARD

Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, presented a copy of proposed changes to the Kent County Code of Public Laws, Chapter 68 - Boats and Boating, for the Commissioners review.

REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Commissioners received correspondence from Nancy Zinn, M.S., R.N., Executive Director, Mid-Shore Mental Health Systems, Inc., advising of the vacant position for a Kent County representative on the Regional Mental Health Advisory Committee, and requested Paula Gish be appointed for a three year term to commence on July 1, 2003 ending on June 30, 2006. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to appoint Paula Gish to the Regional Mental Health Advisory Committee for a three year term to commence on July 1, 2003 ending on June 30, 2006.

STATE'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

The Commissioners approved and signed a lease by and between the County Commissioners and Ernest S. Cookerly, for use and occupancy of office space of the building located at 103 Church Alley to be used by the State's Attorney's Office. The lease commences on October 1, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2007 for the amount of $18,768.00 per annum, an increase of $1,705.

USTAR TRANSPORTATION
UPPER SHORE AGING

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from Carl Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, directed to Senator E. J. Pipkin, advising of the new requirement from Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA) for USTAR to incur operating expenses and then bill MTA on a quarterly basis. Mr. Burke reported that without operating funds USTAR will cease operations as of August 20, 2003. Mr. Burke requested Senator Pipkins immediate assistance. The County Administrator reported that assistance was provided by Delegate Richard Sossi and Senator E.J. Pipkin and the matter was remedied.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, September 2, 2003.

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