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 $ 3,384,430.00.

APPEALS BOARD

Correspondence was received from Albert Townshend, DVM, advising of his willingness to serve another term on the Appeals Board. The Commissioners agreed to appoint Dr. Townshend to another term beginning January 7, 2004 and ending January 7, 2007.

CHESAPEAKE FIELDS INSTITUTE

The Commissioners approved and signed a letter to Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

informing the Governor of the history of Chesapeake Fields Institute (CFI), its purpose and goals, its financial plan, and the support CFI has received from Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, Senators Sarbanes and Mikulski, etc., and requesting the support of the Governor towards making CFI a model for the nation.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES

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

Millington Wastewater Treatment Facility - Mr. Morris provided correspondence received from Marlene Elliott, State Director, Rural Development, advising of additional financial assistance in the amount of $300,000 for the Millington project. The additional funds will mitigate the $300,000 project cost overrun.

Mr. Morris advised of a six month extension for the Bond Anticipated Note (BAN) relating to the Wastewater project. He advised the rate would remain the same. Mr. Morris questioned the need for a resolution for the sewer BAN.

General - As requested, Mr. Morris provided prioritization of mission alarm systems for pump stations. He advised that all pumping stations were a priority, however, the Commissioners concurred to address Quaker Neck and Millington pump stations initially. The Commissioners approved to purchase of two alarm systems in the total amount of $2,600 to be funded from Contingency fund. The maintenance fee for the alarms will be funded from the Department of Water and Wastewater Services budget.

Kennedyville Lagoon - Commissioner Crow contacted Congressman Wayne Gilchrest's to assist in finding funds for the Kennedyville Lagoon project; Congressman Gilchrest advised he already submitted a $1 million dollar project for this purpose which is now before the committee.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

At 10:25 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. Susanne Hayman, County Attorney was also in attendance.

The executive session adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Commissioners received a copy of correspondence from Edward Birkmire, Director, Environmental Health, directed to Robert Rust, Jr., Director, Emergency Management, advising that his inspection of the Emergency Management building (as a result of sewage leak) did not reveal any serious health threats. He recommended continued use of chlorine and disinfectant soap.

LAMOTTE PROPERTY STUDY COMMITTEE

Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, appeared to provide an update on the LaMotte Park Study Committee. He advised that all members had ideas for the best use of the property, however, the committee needed to focus on ways to develop the property so that funding could be returned to the County while finding the best use for the property. Mr. Troester reported that four to five acres would be needed for stormwater management, two acres allocated to Andrew Bradley, leaving approximately 7 acres for a new project.

Mr. Troester advised that he unofficially met with the State Highway Administration, (SHA), who confirmed access from both MD Route 298 and MD Route 213 was viable should the property be developed.

Correspondence was received from Congressman Wayne Gilchrest congratulating the Commissioners for securing the LaMotte property and suggested the property become an arboretum.

LEGAL COUNSEL

At 8:55 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Livie, seconded by Commissioner Crow and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive session with M. Susanne Hayman, and Alexander Rasin, III, County Attorneys, for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Items of discussion included land title.

The executive session adjourned at 9:25 a.m.

At 10:15 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, for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director was also in attendance.

The executive session adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

MARINE TRADE CAREER SCHOOL

Michael Thielke, Executive Director, Chester Bridge Foundation, provided a Power Point presentation for the proposed Marine Trades Career School. Mr. Thielke opened the presentation with the school's Mission Statement and various partnerships supporting the endeavor. He advised of pursuing funding from marinas to assist in the capitalization goal of $500,000. Mr. Thielke reviewed certification goals to meet American Boat and Yacht Council standards ensuring the marketability of graduates. He presented a proposed curriculum outline and the facility location in Rock Hall. The 8,500 square foot building, currently owned by MD Food Authority Commission as the seafood processing plant, has presented a very acceptable leasing proposal. Mr .Thielke stated the programs will typically be nine months in length. He reviewed admission requirements and advised of the goal to have an introductory course at Kent County High School in the future. The Commissioners complimented Mr. Thielke on his extensive efforts and thorough presentation. Commissioner Livie offered assistance in the form of the County Attorney reviewing legal documents for the project.

PERSONNEL

At 10:36 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 10:45 a.m.

SCENIC BYWAY

In response to the proposal to eliminate merit based grant selection process for Scenic Byways projects, the Commissioners forwarded correspondence to Congressman Don Young, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, expressing opposition to the proposal.

TURNERS CREEK

Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation, provided an update on the algae bloom producing toxins in Turners Creek and vicinity. He reported that he receives weekly updates from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advising of continued monitoring and the presence of toxins.

UPPER CHESTER RIVER WATERSHED RESTORATION ACTION STRATEGY

Correspondence was received from C. Ronald Franks, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources, advising that the joint Kent County and Queen Anne's County Upper Chester River Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS) has been selected for development and will be forwarded to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration for final approval. As a WRAS partner, Kent County and Queen Anne's County will collectively receive grant funding in the approximate amount of $40,000.

UPPER SHORE AGING

Correspondence was received from Carl Burke, Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, requesting consideration be given to assist in the fund raising project Senior Carnival at Upper Shore Aging on September 23.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, September 9, 2003.

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