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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 as amended.
W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $4,930,877.00.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Al Hanifee, Chairman, Board of Education, Dr. Bonnie Ward, Superintendent,
Frances Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, and
Tony Cucina, Supervisor of Environmental Services, appeared. Dr . Ward
and Ms. Miller gave presentation of the FY'05 Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) and the FY'03 Draft Financial Statements and Audit. Pat Merritt,
Director, Budget and Accounting, was also in attendance.
FY'05 Capital Improvement Fund Presentation - The Fiscal Year 2005
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was approved by the Board of Education
on October 6, 2003 and approval and letter of commitment are now needed
by the Commissioners. The CIP includes a four year plan for renovation
of Kent County High School. The first year requires approval of $1,110,000
including a commitment of $555,000 from local government and a request
of $555,000 from State government. On October 22, 2003, at 9:00 a.m.,
the Board of Education will make its presentation of the CIP to David
Lever, Executive Director, Public School Construction Program. A letter
of commitment is needed from the County to Mr. Lever stating its commitment
to funding the County's share of the project in its entirety ($5,000,000
plus $1,000,000 for architectural fees, contract management, and other
non-allowable costs such as kitchen equipment). The letter is requested
for the presentation to Mr. Lever even though the final due date is December
7, 2003.
Mr. Cucina, Supervisor of Environmental Services, Kent County Schools,
outlined the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as follows:
During the first year, an architectural team would begin their designs;
the systemic renovation of the High School, inclusive of the renovation
of the heating system, and the need for air conditioning in specific areas,
for example, the cafeteria and the gym. While the systemic renovations
are being made, the architects will have time to make their plans and
designs for the next 2 to 3 years.
Commissioner Pickrum asked Dr. Ward and Ms. Miller if they have to submit
a request for funding after each year of the renovation plan, to which
an affirmative answer was given. She indicated that the CIP is considered
to be a "hybrid project", with each of its phases dependent upon the approval
of the phase before. She further explained that because the County School
Board has written their requests for funding in narrative form, in other
words, with great attention to detail, this format may particularly encourage
the approval of the entire Plan each year. By July 1, 2004, the School
Board will have all of their plans ready.
Dr. Ward reported that in year # 4, other projects will be requested,
for example, renovating the auditorium. However, before that occurs, the
renovation of the infrastructure must be accomplished. Commissioner Crow
advised that another source of encouragement towards approval of CIP is
the fact that the first year will show progress and accomplishments.
Commissioner Pickrum advised that for big construction projects, the biggest
drain on funding occurs when you have change orders. Ms. Miller indicated
that the School Board added financial buffers in the CIP in light of the
possibility of change orders. Mr. Cucina advised that during the first
year of the CIP, the possibility for change orders will be minimal, and
that the CIP has kept a 2% contingency fund as a buffer, which the State
requires.
Mr. Cucina stated that the $66,000 represents engineering costs only in
the first phase. Ms. Miller suggested that the Commissioners should reflect
their commitment to the first year of the project as well as their share
of the full four years, whatever they felt comfortable about committing.
Dr. Ward advised that in Year 3 and 4 of the CIP, the BOE will be coming
to the Commissioners with even tougher questions and needs.
Mr. Cucina has been authorized by the BOE to start the system renovations
now. By July 1, 2003 when the funding becomes available, the conceptual
work will already have been accomplished; therefore, the summer will be
a time of progress, not time lost. Dr. Ward concurred, stating that the
BOE has been aggressive about moving CIP forward.
Commissioner Crow inquired whether the CIP can also receive funding from
community support, to which Ms. Miller responded by stating that the State
does not permit community funding/support as a provision. The possibility
of community support will depend on how creative they can be. Commissioner
Pickrum agreed that the County and the BOE will have to look at creative
ways to assist with the funding of CIP.
Mr. Hanifee expressed his confidence that CIP will be funded in its entirety
and underscored the importance of the meeting on October 22nd (Kent County
High School is the County's only high school.).
Ms. Miller reported that the BOE is brainstorming new ideas concerning
Chesapeake College, to which Commissioner Livie indicated that it is important
to impress upon high school students the importance and availability of
continuing education right here in the County.
Mr. Hanifee expressed his excitement about the advances made in educational
approaches and, therefore, in learning in County schools which he has
observed first hand.
Ed Robinson, County Administrator, inquired as whether the architects
have begun their plans, to which Ms. Miller responded that the selection
of an architectural firm has not yet been made. Once the State approves
the CIP budget, she feels certain that bids from architecture firms will
be in abundance.
Dr. Ward offered the Commissioners her assistance if needed with drafting
the letter of commitment from the County for CIP.
Presentation of the FY'03 Draft of Financial Statements and Audit
- The Fiscal Year 2003 Draft of Financial Statements and Audit were approved
by the BOE on October 6, 2003 and was presented to the Commissioners for
information. This was the first year of implementation of GASB34 and the
final report will be sent to the Commissioners by October 15, 2003. All
financial reports have been submitted to MSDE as required.
Ms. Miller reported that the BOE has two, long-term liabilities and that
both are funded, although the funding took a long time. Ms. Merritt asked
how long ago the debt occurred, to which Ms. Miller responed that it was
recently incurred and that it is the only financial obligation which the
BOE has currently. Dr. Ward cited the history of that debt, explaining
that the condition of the athletic fields was so poor that the alternatives
were to either close them or replace them. She was happy to report that
the public has been most responsible with its use of the new equipment,
fields, track, etc.
Ms. Miller stated that the BOE is trying very hard to address the Commissioners'
concerns regarding the BOE's cash flow.
Ms. Miller responded to concerns raised about health care issues, noting
that health care for teachers has been raised significantly from 15% to
25%. The BOE, anticipating increases in health care, has budgeted-in buffers,
and has been making good guesses.
Commissioner Livie reported some of his observations while in attendance
at the BOE's meeting on October 6, noting dramatic improvements across
many different aspects; however, he expressed his concern regarding the
significant increase in the number of arrests in the County, especially
in March and April 2003, of minority students.
Commissioner Pickrum inquired as to the possibility of teachers having
a multi-year contract, to which Ms. Miller responded in the affirmative.
Commisioner Pickrum indicated that having a multi-year contract has its
pluses and minuses particularly if the issue is, for example, the re-negotiation
of the salary item as opposed to the entire contract.
Commissioner Livie pointed out that teachers' schedule of contract negotiations
take place before the County's budget schedule; therefore, the County
cannot know what its revenue will be when the teachers enter negotiation.
Mr. Hanifee reported that all contracts must be approved by January 30th
of each year, to which Commissioner Livie noted that the teachers' budget
schedule is out of sync with the County's financial schedule. Ms. Miller
concurred, stating that the teachers present to the Commissioners their
contract bargained in good faith. The challenge lies in the fact that
there are three entities that must have their say and in-put about the
contract before it can be approved and, therefore, three different financial
schedules have to be juggled.
Commissioner Livie suggested a possible solution for restructuring the
process that takes place among the three entities: by requesting the assistance
of the MD Association of Counties (MACo) towards consolidating the three
time schedules. Dr. Ward responded that her office tries to estimate trends
and, therefore, can project financial needs in the same way as does the
Commissioners' office. Commissioner Pickrum inquired that, from the employee's
interest, is there an advantage to negotiate in the existing way, to which
Dr. Ward indicated that her office is responsible for presenting to the
Commissioners a budget and the process involved before that presentation
takes a significant amount of time, citing as an example the required
public hearings.
The Commissioners thanked the representatives of the County Schools and
BOE for their attendance and presentation.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
The Commissioners appointed Charles W. Sommers as a member of the Board
of Zoning Appeals for a three year term commencing January 7, 2004 and
ending January 7, 2007.
BRIDGE # K007
PEACOCK CORNER ROAD BRIDGE
A copy of correspondence was received, sent by James M. Wright, Jr., County
Engineer, to Mr. Ralph Manna, SHA Local Government Bridge Coordinator,
MD State Highway Administration, regarding 1998-2003 Reallocated Local
Government Bridge Funds. The letter is a follow up to the County's January
2, 2003 submission of Kent County structure K0007 over Andover Branch
as a candidate project for reallocated LG Bridge Funds. The letter indicates
that the total estimated cost of replacement is $375,000.00 and that the
County is requesting one half of the federal share, or $150,000.00. Also
noted is that the structure is on Queen Anne's County inventory as structure
number Q0012.
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DBED)
Correspondence was received from Aris Melissaratos, Secretary, DBED, regarding
the availability of Maryland State Ceiling. The letter indicates that
Section 13-805 of the Financial Institutions Article of the Annotated
Code of MD requires that the Secretary notify the Commissioners of the
availability of Private Activity Bond allocations of the MD State Ceiling.
The letter further indicates that, based on reports of issuance received
by DBED, the remaining amount of the MD State Ceiling for Private Activity
Bond issuance in 2003 is $159,744,110. Requests for reallocation should
be submitted in accordance with Section 13-801 et. seq. of the Annotated
Code.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER
Wayne Morris, Director of the Department of Water and Wastewater Services,
appeared and reported on the following issues:
Bond Counsel - The Commissioners approved and signed Resolution
authorizing the extension of the maturity date of the general obligation
bond anticipation note issued in the amount of $1,500,000 relating to
the Kent County Wastewater System Improvements Bond Anticipation Note
of 2002. Other documents signed by Commissioner Pickrum were: Supplement
to Tax, Section 148 Certification, and Modification Agreement Relating
to the $1,500,000 Bond Anticipation Note of 2002
. Kennedyville Service Site - Mr. Morris informed the Board that
he was notified by Mr. Roger Persons of Rural Utility Service, that he
had recently received the 2000 Census Data which reported that the Median
Household Income (MHI) for the Kennedyville Election District was $43,900
which makes the project ineligible for grant funding. Mr. Persons recommended
that an individual income survey be conducted to obtain actual data of
users of the that water and sewer district. Commissioner Crow asked Mr.
Morris to contact Jack Canan, Coordinator, Housing and Community Development,
and ask that his department perform the survey.
Water and Sewer Rates - Ed Donohoe, representative of the Municipal
and Financial Service Group (MFSG), met with the Commissioners to review
results of the study conducted on water and sewer rates for the various
service areas in the County. Mr. Morris and Pat Merritt, Director, Budget
and Accounting, were also in attendance. The Commissioners agreed to hold
public information meetings in Worton, Millington, and Rock Hall in mid-November
2003.
DETENTION CENTER
Pat Merritt, Budget and Accounting Director, presented bill in the amount
of $25,000 from the University of Maryland Medical System representing
the County's legal responsibility for medical services incurred for in-mate,
William Bowlin. The Commissioners approved this expenditure out of the
Fiscal Year 2003 contingency fund. Electronic mail directed to the County
Administrator from LaMonte E. Cooke, Warden, Queen Anne's County, advising
of availability of funding to have a National Institute of Corrections
(NIC) consultant meet with local officials to review possibilities of
a regional Detention Center. The Commissioners advised of their interest
of a regional Detention Center and authorized a letter of intent be forwarded
by Warden Howell. Property and Easement Agreement was submitted by Philip
W. Hoon, Esq. representing Timothy E. Dills on behalf of Scarab Associates,
LLC for the Commissioners' approval and signature. The Commissioners approved
and signed the Agreement with condition that a plat diagram be provided
revealing location of pipes, etc.
EARLY ACTION COMPACT (EAC)
Correspondence was received from Senator Barbara A. Mikulski indicating
her receipt of a response to an inquiry she made on behalf of the County
from the US Environmental Protection Agency. The Commissioners had expressed
their concerns regarding Kent County's designation as an ozone nonattainment
area under the Clean Air Act and the impact that this designation may
have on existing businesses and economic development, and that 90% of
the ozone pollution originates outside of the County. Therefore, local
emission reductions will have little or no impact on their attainment
status.
The letter from the US EPA indicates that, according to EPA's "Protocol
for Early Action Compacts Designed to Achieve and Maintain the Eight-Hour
Ozone Standard," only areas that were attaining the one-hour ozone standard
as of December 31, 2002 were eligible to participate in the EAC program.
Kent County did not attain the one-hour ozone standard by the deadline
and EPA could not recognize the compact as a Federally-approved EAC. Therefore,
EPA advises the County that it is not eligible for a deferred nonattainment
designation under the EAC program.
Commissioner Livie inquired as to whether or not the location of the air
quality monitoring station could be moved to the west side of US Route
301, expressing his concern that the current readings would have to be
skewed given the pollution levels from the heavy truck traffic along that
Route. Ms. Owings advised that the monitor's readings would also be affected
by the pollution originating in Ohio. Commissioner Livie inquired as to
whether the monitor could be moved to a County-owned lot. Amy Moredock,
Environmental Planner, stated that she would contact the MD Department
of the Environment, requesting information to follow up on the Commissioner's
concerns and questions. Commissioner Pickrum suggested Eastern Neck as
an ideal location for an air quality monitor.
EAST NECK ISLAND
REFUGE MANAGEMENT
Mr. Marty Kaehny, Refuge Manager, advised the Commissioners about the
Refuge System Centennial to take place on October 25, 2003, a full day
celebration to begin at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Kaehny invited the Commissioners
to attend the festivities and, along with the invited Senators, to contribute
their sentiments on the occasion. He further reported that there are currently
95 million acres in the Refuge System in the United States.
Mr. Kaehny also invited the Commissioners to participate in the celebration's
centennial time capsule project and soliciting their ideas as to its contents;
for example, to include a description of the most significant aspects
of the County today and a description of how the Commissioners would like
to envision the County's most significant aspects in one hundred years
(when the capsule will be opened).
The Commissioners thanked Mr. Kaehny for the invitation to speak at the
October 25th event as well as the invitation to contribute to the contents
of the time capsule, indicating that they would be delighted to participate
in both regards.
In response to questions raised by Commissioner Livie, Mr. Kaehny indicated
that the Refuge System has received pressure from the State to put in
dredge soil, citing 500 acres of marsh to be filled in on the southwest
side of Eastern Neck.
Mr. Kaehny then invited the Commissioners to visit Eastern Neck. He stated
that the count for visitors stays at about 70,000 each year. He further
outlined various improvements being made at the Refuge, including a new
boardwalk with accessibility for fishing for the physically disabled.
He also mentioned that the number of mute swans present in the Refuge
has decreased significantly, citing the loss of water grasses as a reason
for the decrease.
Concerning the centennial time capsule, Mr. Kaehny explained that the
contents of the capsule will be on public display for a while, and that
the Refuge would solicit its contents from various segments of the County
population. Commissioner Crow asked if the County schools have been informed
about the Centennial Celebration, to which Mr. Kaehny indicated that the
schools have all been informed and have been invited and encouraged to
participate in many events during the Celebration, including planting
trees, etc.
The Commissioners accepted and expressed their gratitude for the invitation
from the Refuge to participate in the Centennial Time Capsule project,
as well as to participate in the Celebration itself.
EASTERN SHORE EDUCATIONAL CONSORTIUM
Mr. Robinson, County Administrator, reported that he, Jim Wright, Purchasing
Coordinator, and Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, met with R. Allan Gorsuch,
Ed.D., Director, Eastern Shore Educational Consortium, on October 6 for
presentation of available sources for cost savings. The Consortium coordinates
and administers the collective procurement of electricity, fuels and related
services. After the presentation, it was the consensus of Ms. Hayman and
Messrs. Robinson and Wright that Kent County government's cost savings
already exceed the savings being offered by the Consortium.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Kent County Business Park at Worton - P.A.M. Schaller, Director, Economic
Development, appeared and reported on projects' updates and previously
scheduled Worton (Kent County Business Park) preliminaries. Jim Wright,
County Engineer, Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning Administration,
and Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, were also in attendance.
Airport Study Report - Tom Beckett, Chairman, Economic Development
Advisory Board, has established a date at the end of October 2003 for
the presentation made by the Committee. The Economic Development office
is in the process of compiling information gathered from the Committee
members as well as from hired consultants, and will write a report recommendation
and presentation for a meeting with the Commissioners.
Chesapeake Marine Trade Career School - The Economic Development
office is in the process of organizing marina owners to assist Mike Thielke,
Chester Bridge Foundation, to gather information including their size,
location and volume of business, etc. Ms. Schaller requested that the
Commissioners make the presentation about the Marine Trade School project
to the owners of the marinas.
Commissioner Pickrum advised that input from Cecil County's developing
Marine trade school would be important, to which Ms. Schaller indicated
that a cross-over of resources between the two trade schools would be
limited. She pointed out that the Kent County Marine Trades School will
offer a complete course, not individualized classes of instruction as
offered by the Cecil County Marines Trades School. Another difference
between the two schools lies in the fact the Cecil County School is being
funded by the State's Board of Education; the Kent County School is a
private enterprise, with the help of investments by marine owners.
Ms. Schaller reported her observations about marine activities in Caroline
County, including the repair of skipjacks, the construction of wooden
boats, noting that Caroline County has access to 50 miles of the Chesapeake
Bay. Therefore, she advises that the County's Marine School organize a
united front of maritime efforts including Cecil, Caroline, Kent, and
Dorchester Counties.
Commissioner Crow advised that the Economic Development office put together
a site plan for the school, indicating that since the County is committed
to the school, the County should move forward with its plans.
Celebrating Kent County Business Groups Breakfast - The Department
of Business and Economic Development (DBED) has approved $500.00 for the
breakfast series, projected to take place for 4 weeks between November
and December 2003, and for four weeks between January and February 2004.
Ms. Schaller's office has sent an invoice to get money upfront for the
8-week series. The check has been put into an escrow account. The premise
for the breakfast series is a celebration of businesses in the County.
Economic Development's CD/ROM Presentation - Ms. Schaller reported
that the presentation has been very well received and has been given at
all the Business Groups breakfasts. It is particularly useful in that
it encourages questions and pursuant discussions.
Database Project - Ms. Schaller reported that there are 726 tax-paying
businesses established thus far in the database.
Leadership Maryland Breakfast - The date of October 22nd has been
selected for the breakfast, given positive RSVP's. A call will go forth
for preselects.
Economic Development Promotional Brochure - Ms. Schaller distributed
copies of the first draft of the brochure, soliciting the Commissioners'
critique of them.
Arts Zone - Ms. Schaller reported that she received a phone call
from Margo Bailey, Mayor of Chestertown, requesting the re-opening the
Arts Zone in Millington and in other towns. A meeting has been scheduled
for October 28, 2003 at which a discussion will include the review of
what Chestertown has accomplished through the Charette Process, in addition
to a discussion of the DBED program.
Action Plan for Economic Improvement (APEI) - Ms. Schaller reported
that this project may require an extension.
The Commissioners reappointed Frances W. Miller and C. Breckenridge Debnam
as members of the Economic Development Advisory Board for a three year
term ending January 5, 2007 and appointed Robert E. Willis to complete
an unexpired term ending January 5, 2006.
At 11:40 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 P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, to discuss
a proposal for a business to expand 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 12:25 p.m.
ETHICS COMMISSION
The Commissioners reappointed Ruth R. Briscoe and Judge Elroy G. Boyer
as members of the Kent County Ethics Commission for a three year term
ending October 1, 2006.
FISHERIES
Copies of a Public Notice issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore
District, and a Joint Evaluation Comment Form were received regarding
applicant MD DNR Fisheries Services, Shellfish Division requesting permission
to hydraulically dredge 10 million bushels of fossilized oyster shells
from two sites in the Upper Chesapeake Bay: a 583 acre site off Worton
Point, and a 729 acre site off Plum Point. Dredge cuts will be no more
than 500 feet wide with a depth no greater than 25 feet below the Bay
bottom. The dredged oyster shells will be used for oyster restoration.
The public Comment Period is 9/19/03 to 11/7/03. The Public Hearing (jointly
by the Corps of Engineers and the MDE) will take place October 22, 2003,
from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the County Government Center. Attendees wishing
to speak at the hearing should register in person one-half hour prior
to the start of the hearing.
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved a Raffle Permit for the Chester River Hospital
Auxiliary for their activities to be held at Sgt. Newnam Armory on October
9, 10, 11 - 5:30 October 9th to 4:00 October 11th.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Commissioners reappointed Dr. Ann Hennessy as a member of the Human
Relations Commission for a three year term ending October 4, 2006.
HURRICANE ISABEL
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) - Discussion ensued following
an acknowledgment of an invitation received from the LEPC to attend their
next meeting on October 14, 2003. Both Commissioners Livie and Crow commended
the efforts of the Emergency Response Team and advised that improvements
will be suggested at the meeting as to the need to obtain a name of a
contact person and phone number at Conectiv Power Delivery; and to discuss
the process of communicating and accessing public emergency management
information for radio announcements. Mr. Rex Kershaw appeared and shared
his comments regarding emergency management issues, to which the Commissioners
responded by assuring Mr. Kershaw that his opinions and concerns would
be conveyed at the LEPC meeting on October 14th.
MD Department of the Environment (MDE) NOTICE- A copy was received
of Notice to Waterfront Property Owners Who Experienced Damage from Hurricane
Isabel issued jointly by the MDE and the MD Board of Public Works indicating
that both have issued emergency authorizations for the repair and in-kind
replacement of structures damaged by Hurricane Isabel. The authorizations
apply to structures located in the Chesapeake and Maryland Coastal Bays
and their tidal tributaries. The authorizations permit the repair and
replacement of piers, docks, wharfs, bulkheads, revetments, jetties, groins,
breakwaters, boat ramps, and storm drain outfalls that were functional
on September 17, 2003. The authorizations allow property owners to repair
damages to structures in tidal waters without obtaining additional State
authorizations.
The Notice further explains that within 30 days after completion of the
project, a single-page project registration form must be submitted to
the MDE. Repair and replacement activities authorized by the State must
be completed by September 20, 2004, although written extensions may be
secured if activities cannot be completed by this expiration date. The
authorizations are located on the MDE web page at http://www.mde.state.md.us
and the MD Board of Public Works web page at www.bpw.state.md.us.
Additionally, the US Army Corps of Engineers has authorized the repair
and in-kind replacement of structures damaged by the Hurricane, provided
that they were serviceable prior to the Hurricane. The federal authorization,
which is valid until September 30, 2005, is posted on Corps web site at
www.nab.usace.army.mil, as well as the State web sites.
For additional information, the public is encouraged to call the MDE at
410-537-3835 or toll free at 1-800-876-0200, or the MD Board of Public
Works, Wetlands Administration, at 410-260-7791 or toll free at 1-877-591-7320.
MDE Re: Shellfish Harvesting- A copy of correspondence was received
from Richard Eskin, Acting Director, Technical and Regulatory Services
Administration, written to The Honorable C. Ronald Franks, Secretary,
MD Department of Natural Resources, reporting that the MDE has determined
that shellfish harvesting areas in the Chesapeake Bay classified as approved,
conditionally approved, or restricted prior to the emergency closure on
September 22, 2003, caused by the tidal flooding and runoff from Hurricane
Isabel, can return to their previous classification. This determination
was effective as of September 29, 2003.
Disaster Recovery Relief Center - Commissioner Crow asked if new
disaster relief applications were being received at the Disaster Recovery
Center in Rock Hall, to which Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, responded
that no new applications were received recently and, therefore, her office
would be concluding their services there in the near future. Commissioner
Crow expressed the gratitude of all the Commissioners to Gail Owings,
Director, Planning, and Ms. Moredock for the extra time and effort the
members of the Planning Office have extended at the Disaster Relief Center
in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel.
LAMOTTE PROPERTY
Correspondence was received from Patricia Joan O. Horsey, Chair, Tourism
Development Advisory Board, of the Board's unanimous recommendation for
the Commissioners to consider finding a buyer who would build a convention
center to accommodate up to 300 people. Such a facility would fulfill
an existing need and would encourage events that would bring visitors
into Kent County.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 12:25 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 Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, in accordance with State
Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Items of discussion included pending litigation and land title.
The executive session adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION
A copy of correspondence was received which was sent by Jennifer Pruitt,
Acting Rating Officer, Division of Community Services, to Judith Berry,
Director, Kent County Parks and Recreation, regarding the 2003 Youth Camp
Evaluation of the County's Parks and Recreation, as well as a site evaluation
of Civic Center Drive Playground. The evaluation was conducted by the
MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene based on their Summer Youth
Camp Standards, concluding that "substantial compliance" was observed
at the July 23, 2003 inspection. A copy of the inspection was enclosed.
Also enclosed was an annual report form to be completed (the information
from which will be included in the Governor's Annual Youth Camp Safety
Advisory Council). Additionally, a letter is required from Parks and Recreation,
certifying before April 1, 2004 the intended names and locations, operation
dates and offered activities of all County camps.
PERSONNEL
At 12:40 p.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 12:40 p.m.
PLANNING
Gail Owings, Director, Planning, appeared and reviewed the actions taken
at the Planning Commission's meeting held on October 6, 2003. Amy Moredock,
Environmental Planner, was also present.
Drayton Manor - Ms. Owings reported that the application for converting
Drayton Manor into a retreat and conference center has been temporarily
withdrawn as a result of discussions at a citizens' meeting on the future
of Drayton Manor and its environs (which took place on September 30, 2003)
which advised the need for changes to be made in the application. The
three changes to be made involve the following: the conceptual site plan,
recommendations regarding the Board of Appeals, and issues regarding growth
allocation.
When the applicants meet again with the Board of Appeals, they will be
expected to provide more specific and clear information.
Commissioner Livie inquired as to whether the plan includes long-term
leases on the cottages, to which Commissioner Crow added that fractural
owners would have to become share-owners in the Drayton plans for incorporation.
Commissioner Crow expressed his concern as to whether or not the density
of the projected building and parking construction would unduly impact
the surrounding neighbors of Drayton Manor.
Commissioner Livie asked if there will be a septic system installed at
the Manor, to which Ms. Owings responded affirmatively, adding that a
water treatment system will also be needed.
Ms. Owings then reported further on the following areas, some of which
requiring resolution: the Planning Commission does not want the projected
retreat center to be a franchise operation; creative solutions are needed
for determining parking areas, a traffic study will be needed for accurate
determination of pedestrian traffic patterns to secure safe movement of
pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
Commissioner Crow advised that Cooper's Lane is an important concern for
the projected plans at Drayton Manor, with which Ms. Owings concurred,
adding that there are waterfront issues to be addressed, the need to find
approaches for minimizing the noise impact on the surrounding neighbors
(for example using buffers), the construction of safe trails along Cooper's
Lane to accommodate horseback riding, bicycling, and walkers.
The developers will have to address before obtaining a contract projected
for December 2004. The completion of the project is projected for 2 to
3 years after contract approval.
Commissioner Crow encouraged the Planning Commission to attend and also
to publicize the Agro-Ecology's "Working Lands Conservation Workshop"
on December 1, 2003, and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy's "A Primer
for Small Town and Rrural Design Workshop" on October 14, 2003.
PROCLAMATION
Jeanne Yeager, Executive Director, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence,
appeared to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Also in attendance
was Sheriff John Price. Commissioner Pickrum read and presented the Proclamation
to Ms. Yeager. Included in the Proclamation was the recognition of the
following statistics: during the fiscal year between July 1, 2001 and
June 30, 2002, 58 individuals were killed as a result of domestic violence
in MD, and in 2001 there were a total of 20,688 spousal assaults reported
to law enforcement in MD. In the year 2002, 88 clients received family
violence services from Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence in Kent County.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, October 14, 2003.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Janice F. Fletcher
Executive Assistant
Approved:
William W. Pickrum, President
Please contact Ileana Lindstrom or Janice Fletcher at (410)
778-7435 or by e-mail with
any questions or comments.
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