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The Honorable Board of County Commissioners met today with
the following present: Roy W. Crow and William W. Pickrum, presiding.
(Commissioner Scott D. Livie was absent due to a previous commitment to
a family vacation.)
T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, was also in attendance.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $9,795,755.00.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
At its meeting on October 7, 2003, the Commissioners gave approval of
the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) as presented by Dr. Bonnie Ward,
Superintendent of Schools, on behalf of the Kent County Board of Education.
As per the request made by the Board of Education at that meeting, a letter
of commitment from the County was signed and sent by the Commissioners
to Dr. David Lever, R.A., Executive Director, Interagency Committee on
School Construction, advising the approval of the Fiscal Year 2005 CIP
Plan for funding of Phase I. The Commissioners also expressed their commitment
to share funding in future years the remaining phases of the high school
renovation, and thanked Dr. Lever for his continued assistance and support
of the public schools in Kent County.
The Commissioners' letter outlined the CIP Plan as follows:
Kent County High School, Phase I
(Total) $1,110,000
(Local Share) $550,000
(State Share) $550,000.
Phase I will replace heating boilers, domestic hot water heaters, underground
storage tanks and selected air handling and air conditioning work in the
gym and cafeteria area. This is the first phase of a multi-year hybrid
project to do multiple systemic renovations plus a limited number of targeted
educational enhancements.
The entire CIP will cost approximately $10,000,000 which will be shared
equally with the State and local funding, and up to $1,000,000 for architectural
fees and contract management costs.
BOARD OF ELECTION SUPERVISORS
A copy of correspondence was received from Governor Robert L. Ehrlich,
Jr., directed to Ms. Bonnie K. McClure, notifying of her appointment as
a substitute member of the Kent County Board of Election Supervisors for
the remainder of a term of four years from the first Monday in June 2003.
Further, the letter indicates that her appointment is effective immediately
and will require confirmation by the MD House of Delegates.
CHESAPEAKE FIELDS
Correspondence went forth to Bill Susen, Chair, Chesapeake Fields Institute,
indicating the County's commitment to making Chesapeake Fields Institute
a success and offering their endorsement of the Chesapeake Fields Institute's
application for a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture,
Rural Development Program. The Commissioners further expressed their recognition
that the challenge of keeping farming profitable on Maryland's Eastern
Shore is a complicated one and, therefore, it is the opinion of the Commissioners
that the grant will empower the Chesapeake Fields Institute to initiate
opportunities for the development of value-added farm production and marketing
in the Upper Eastern Shore area. The Commissioners offered their continued
support in the future to ensure that farming remains on the Eastern Shore.
COUNTY OWNED VEHICLES
The Commissioners requested the County Administrator to investigate possibility
of having all county owned vehicles routinely maintained by the County
Roads Division.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER
Wayne Morris, Director of the Department of Water and Wastewater, appeared
and reported on the following:
Tolchester Service Area - Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith, residents
of Tolchester, appeared in order to follow up on their request for a sewer
allocation. Mr. Smith reviewed the property in question, Parcel 68, indicating
that because there is a line of sensitive area involving a wetlands delineation,
the Smith's request for allocation had been tabled until further information
was obtained by the Commissioners. Mr. Smith provided various maps and
photographs displaying the property and the wetlands area, pointing out
the location of standing water on the property. Commissioner Crow reviewed
for confirmation that the Smith's currently own a house on Parcel 68 which
they want to sell, and that they want to build a house on the opposite
side of the property where lies a ravine. Mr. Morris confirmed this situation,
adding that the lots that are on the property now abut the sewer lines
for 80 units of housing; however, there exist properties that do not abut
the sewer lines. These properties were originally considered lots to be
developed; they presently have no roads and are located in woodlands.
Commissioner Crow advised that the County is in need of a policy on how
to deal with property concerns such as the Smith's and added that all
three Commissioners would have to be present for such deliberations.
Mr. Morris reported that he had advised the Smith's that their request
is subject to the approval of other County agencies as well.
Commissioner Crow thanked the Smith's for their patience and gave assurance
that the Commissioners will work with the other appropriate departments
towards a resolution of the Smith's request as soon as possible. Mr. Smith
advised the Commissioners and all involved parties to include a topographical
map for reference in their deliberations.
Tolchester Public Information Meeting - Gail Owings, Director,
Planning and Zoning Administration, and Carla Martin, Community Planner,
appeared and outlined some of the concerns addressed at the Public Information
Meeting hosted by the Commissioners with the Tolchester Community Association
which was held on Saturday, October 11, at the Kent Agriculture Center.
Commissioners Pickrum and Crow were in attendance, as well as Gail Owings,
Director of Planning and Zoning Administration, Carla Martin, Community
Planner, Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services,
and Ed Robinson, County Administrator. The purpose of the meeting, at
which approximately 60 interested persons were in attendance, was to receive
comments on the growth issues in the Tolchester area.. The Commissioners
need to consider the possibility of further residential development in
Tolchester, such as whether or not to increase the number of allocations
(up from the remaining 11 allocations), whether or not to extend the sewer
lines or utilize the lines as delineated by the Planning office.
Commissioner Crow stated that there is a group of people who live in Tolchester
who are in favor of further development, and a large group that do not.
Those who are in favor have requested the construction of 80 units. He
continued by advising that the State requires 10,000 square feet for a
well and that this requirement would have to be weighed as well as the
location of existing sewer lines, the location of available lots, etc.
He cited a 1996 ruling on allocation numbers and that he believes that
property owners expect that ruling to prevail in the course of all of
these deliberations in Tolchester.
Commissioner Pickrum inquired as to whether home-owners in Tolchester
are in compliance with the required building permits for all structures,
inclusive of outdoor decks, to which Ms. Owings indicated that most of
the home-owners are in compliance. When not, she added, the County presents
the home-owners with a $100.00 fine and notice of the requirement to apply
for a building permit. When these requirements are not met, the County
takes those responsible for violations to court.
Commissioner Pickrum asked if the County enacts the same procedures against
contractors in violation, to which Ms. Owings responded in the affirmative,
adding that the County also has reported violations to the Maryland Home
Improvement Associations as well. Most of the violations are made by home-owners,
not contractors. Ms. Owings explained that when the County does take violators
to court, a fine and an injunction are issued. Further, in order to appeal
the injunction, the home-owner must apply for a variance.
In response to questions raised by Commissioner Crow, Ms. Martin responded
that there are 80 units with 10,000 square feet with no sewer extensions.
Ms. Owings reported that some of the lots are grouped together and owned
by the same person.
Commissioner Pickrum requested confirmation that there are 11 sewers allocated
to which Ms. Owings concurred. This issue will be further discussed at
a later time.
Kennedyville Service Area - Mr. Morris reported that his department
made an account adjustment for Carol Rybicki. He referred to a letter
which he sent to her, in response to a related, previous telephone conversation,
which indicated that it is the Commissioners' policy regarding water leaks
to reduce the overage charge by one-half when the leak does not go through
the sewer system. His letter advises that Ms. Rybicki will receive a new,
adjusted bill, reflecting the reduction of the overage charge.
Allens Lane - Mr. Morris reported that McCrone, Inc. has completed
the Allens Lane Wastewater Study and a presentation of the Study has been
scheduled for October 21, 2003.
Millington Service Area - Mr. Morris reported on the Bond Counsel
decision, referring to a letter received from Funk and Bolton, P.A., regarding
the $1,500,000 Improvements Bond Anticipation Note of 2002 of the County
Wastewater System. It is their opinion that the adoption of the 2003 Resolution
and the entry by the County into the Modification Agreement, and the resulting
extension of the maturity date of the Note from October 12, 2003 to April
12, 2004 will not adversely affect the excludability from gross income
for purposes of federal income taxation of the interest paid on the Note.
DETENTION CENTER
GENERATOR MAINTENANCE/ PUBLIC WORKS
Memorandum was received from Carter G. Stanton, Director, Public Works,
regarding the Detention Center's generator maintenance contract. Mr. Stanton
obtained the following quotes for the contract: Roy's Electric - $379.00,
and Chesapeake Diesel - $450.00. He recommends that the County award the
generator maintenance contract to Chesapeake Diesel, explaining that it
is located near-by and, thereby, would afford a quicker response time
in case of an emergency.
In light of the fact that the County Roads Division is responsible for
maintenance of the generator at the Public Works Department, the Commissioners
requested that consideration be given that the County Roads Division also
be responsible for the maintenance of the generator at the Detention Center.
No action was taken on the award of this contract.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed Memorandum
of Agreement between MD Emergency Management Agency and Kent County regarding
the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program for the period of July 31, 2003
to January 31, 2005 for the amount of $30,000 with an in-kind match of
$10,000. Funds are to be used to increase the level of effort by the County.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
INTEROPERABILITY COMMUNICATIONS
The Commissioners received correspondence from John E. Bloxom, President,
Worcester County Commissioners, announcing that Worcester County Emergency
Services (WCES) was chosen to lead the nation in the development of interoperability
communications, having been awarded a $5,629,013 Interoperability Grant
through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of
Justice (DOJ) Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate.
Commissioner Bloxom expressed the vision of Worcester County for the nine
Eastern Shore counties and municipalities to work together to make interoperability
communications a reality. He reported that M/A-COM's Network First Technology
will be utilized to provide immediate interoperability communications
among state, local, federal, and maritime personnel.
He further explained that in the interoperability communications plan
is the formation of the MD Eastern Shore Interoperability Network which
would use the National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee's (NPSPAC)
Mutual Aid Frequencies. This network would allow the various counties,
which operate on different communications systems, to hook into this new
technology when traveling through other jurisdictions and communicate
directly with emergency service and other personnel in that area.
In conclusion, Commissioner Bloxom indicated that Worcester County is
awaiting directives from the DOJ before proceeding with this project,
and that Teresa Owens, Director, WCES, will be contacting Bob Rust, Director,
Emergency Management, as more information becomes available.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD)
Quarterly Status Reports - The Commissioners approved the Quarterly
Status Reports as prepared by Kay Pinder-Almen, Housing and Community
Development Administrative Aide, and Commissioner Pickrum signed the HCD's
Quarterly Status Reports for:
(1) Chestertown Foods Project.
(2) Phase Three Housing Improvement Program (HIP) Project.
(3) Phase Four Housing Improvement Program (HIP) Project.
Release of Mortgage for Expired Liens - The Commissioners approved
a Release of Mortgage for Expired Liens, as prepared by Kay Pinder-Almen,
and signed by Commissioner Pickrum, as they relate to the expiration of
five year liens under the Housing Improvement Program for Mina Knighton
and Gerald and Mary Jane Barry.
HURRICANE ISABEL
A report was received from Mark Mumford, Clerk of Circuit Court, that
the amount of $17,540.00 has been donated to the Hurricane Isabel Relief
Fund, and that the Department of Social Services has met with 131 persons/families
and have assisted 98 to date. The Commissioners commended Mr. Mumford,
Tom Stevenson, President, Peoples Bank of Kent County, and Suzanne Moore,
representing Curves for Women, Inc., on their humanitarian efforts in
raising funds to assist those in need during the aftermath of Hurricane
Isabel.
KENT COUNTY BUSINESS PARK AT WORTON
The Commissioners authorized Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, to inititate
appraisal process on the county owned 13.75 acres at this site and designated
P.A.M. Schaller, Economic Development Director, as the project director.
A draft of a "Request for Proposals for Engineering and Surveying Consultant
Services - Worton Industrial Park Subdivision Design" (dated October 8,
2003), prepared by Jim M.. Wright, Jr., P.E., County Engineer, was received
for review. The Commissioners approved the document as prepared.
A pre-proposal meeting will be held at the office of the County Commissioners
at 10:00 a.m. on October 24, 2003, and that proposals will be received
at the County Public Works Complex until 2:00 p.m. on November 7, 2003.
HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Correspondence was received from John A. Pecora, Manager, Review and Compliance,
DHCD, regarding the Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June
30, 2003. Records of the DHCD indicate that Kent County received $103,753
in Federal financial assistance, described as a Community Development
Block Grant, and that the audit report must be submitted to DHCD.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 11:15 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Pickrum and passed by the majority of the Board 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 litigation.
The executive session adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Commissioners Pickrum and Crow attended the meeting of the Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC) for a review of emergency management efforts
taken during Hurricane Isabel and to receive comments to enhance preparation
for future emergency events.
NICHOLSON LANDFILL
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
A copy of memorandum was received from Martin T. Holden, Waste Management
Coordinator, Public Works, sent to Ed Robinson, County Administrator,
regarding methane monitoring at the Nicholson Municipal Landfill.
The memorandum further explains that in order to achieve compliance with
the MDE's regulations, the County must implement a gas monitoring program
that includes: sampling on a quarterly basis; the establishment of a methane
gas migration plan; and the submittal of semi-annual gas monitoring reports
to the MDE.
Mr. Holden reported that he made contact with the County's Health Department
and that Ed Birkmire, Director of Environmental Health, who advised that
his staff would conduct the methane monitoring on a quarterly basis and
would submit the required test results to the MDE. Mr. Holden also reported
that he submitted a methane gas monitoring plan to the MDE, which was
approved.
Mr. Holden advises that prior to the Health Department's testing for methane
gas levels, monitoring wells will need to be installed and a combustible
gas indicator will need to be purchased. He provided the following estimated
costs for the installation of the wells and purchase of testing equipment:
$8,000.00 .........Well Installation
$1,000.00 ..........Combustible Gas Indicator
________
$9,000.00 .........Estimate Total
Mr. Holden concludes with a request for approval of these purchases in
order to proceed with acquiring updated quotes for the installation of
the wells. He stated that the estimated cost would be a one-time expense.
Mr. Holden advised that the gas monitoring program was not required during
the closing of the landfill and that this expenditure was not budgeted.
The Commissioners approved this expenditure within the current Waste Management
budget.
NUISANCE ORDINANCE
ASHLEY PROPERTY
Rex Kershaw appeared and inquired as to the status of court order for
this property. Ms. Hayman, County Attorney, indicated that the County
is taking all necessary reasonable steps to address this matter, inclusive
of accepting bids for the clean-up of that property.
Commissioner Pickrum assured Mr. Kershaw that the County is in fact proceeding
with the Ashley property matter and expressed appreciation for his diligence
concerning its clean-up.
PERSONNEL
At 10:40 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Pickrum and passed by the majority of the Board 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, Human
Resources Director, was also in attendance.
The executive session adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
PUBLIC DRAINAGE ASSOCIATION
The Commissioners reappointed William S. Sutton as a member of the Public
Drainage Association for a five year term ending October 10, 2008.
TOWER SYSTEM
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Bob Rust, Jr., Emergency Management Director, Tom Miller, Director of
Communications, MD Institute for Emergency Management Systems (EMS), appeared
to discuss the construction of a 330-foot, self-supporting microwave/radio
tower and equipment shelter to replace the existing 75 monopole tower
at the Chestertown SHA Maintenance Facility (Morgnec Road, Chestertown,
NAD 83 Tower). Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning Administration,
was also in attendance.
Mr. Rust introduced Mr. Miller whom he invited to attend the meeting.
Mr. Miller reviewed the history of advancements in the technology of radio
towers, specifically concerning their role in public safety. He continued
by reporting that the MD Institute for EMS has been in the process of
creating partnerships with every county in the State in order to economize
on the number of towers constructed. They have already partnered with
Calvert, Queen Anne's, and Caroline Counties in Fiscal Year 2000. They
are now prepared to partner with Kent County, recognizing that rural counties
do not have as much money available for tower projects. Mr. Miller projects
that the construction of a digital microwave/radio tower in the County
would cost $350,000 complete (not inclusive of the costs for radio equipment).
Mr. Miller identified three potential sites in the County: in Chestertown
at the SHA Maintenance Facility, a location in Massey and the upgrading
of an existing tower near Rock Hall. He indicated that the MD Institute
for EMS will work with the County in setting up public meetings for discussion
about each site.
Commissioner Crow inquired whether the Sassafras River municipalities
and those located on the southern part of the Bay would benefit from these
towers, to which Mr. Miller advised that they all would benefit.
Commissioner Pickrum asked if a commercial use of the towers was possible,
to which Mr. Miller responded by saying that the towers would not be built
for commercial use; however, he reported that there is a potential for
"resource-sharing," meaning that public safety would be accommodated as
the primary use and commercial use secondarily.
Ms. Owings expressed her concern about the proposed height and design
construction of the towers, to which Mr. Miller responded that the towers
would be 330 feet, the taller the tower, the greater the range-coverage,
the less number of towers required to be built. The frequencies of all
the tower sites are linked. Further, he described the design of the tower
as a lattice tower which has the greatest potential to survive hurricanes.
Commissioner Pickrum reported that the height of cellular towers are 150
to 200 feet, to which Mr. Miller replied that a cellular tower is considered
a single carrier, requiring a dispatch which, in turn, requires more expensive
equipment.
Mr. Rust indicated that Chestertown will be the primary tower site and
inquired as to the estimated time frame. Mr. Miller responded that construction
on the Chestertown site will begin during the current fiscal year. Construction
at the sites at Massey and Rock Hall will begin in the following fiscal
year. He also advised that the radio equipment at the hospital site is
in poor condition and would be difficult to repair.
Mr. Miller stated the County will be required to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding, partner with the State, and then the tower can be constructed.
He advised that the MD Institute for EMS will require $100,000 for the
construction and that they will then be responsible for its maintenance.
Mr. Rust emphasized that the weakest aspect of the County's current emergency
management system is the lack of portable emergency coverage and that
the public radio system requires upgrading.
Ed Robinson, County Administrator, asked whether the tower system would
interface with Delaware and the Eastern Shore, to which Mr. Miller responded
in the affirmative, adding that interfacing would not be without its challenges,
noting that all of the various agencies in these areas are presently on
different bands, for example, the State police, etc.
Mr. Rust summarized that in terms of the Chestertown tower, $75,000 would
be needed to cover the costs of the power equipment and, therefore, the
total cost for the tower would be $175,000 with funding to be sought from
Homeland Security.
Mr. Robinson inquired whether Senator Pipkin's Broadband Committee is
aware of the Md Institute's plan, to which Mr. Miller answered in the
affirmative, adding that MD Public Television and Network MD are also
partners.
Ms. Owings reported on the County's requirements for the construction
of the tower as follows: that it must entail a lattice-type design and
its locale must be hidden either by existent buildings or woodlands. Mr.
Miller advised that the Institute could limit the height of the tower
to 200 feet and that they do try to accommodate concerns about the aesthetics
of the tower structure. For example, the type of materials used accommodate
smaller foundations.
Mr. Robinson asked what would be the time-frame for the Coleman (Rock
Hall) site, to which Mr. Miller responded that it would be an out-year
project.
Commissioner Crow inquired as to the rationale for choosing Chestertown
as a site, to which Mr. Miller explained that the Institute wants to provide
Chestertown with full coverage and that Chestertown will, in turn, provide
the required regional coverage.
Commissioner Crow asked at what point in the time-line would construction
at the Coleman site begin. Mr. Miller explained that the Coleman site
would be addressed last because the County might not need its inclusion.
Mr. Miller concluded his comments by encouraging the County's awareness
that given new regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, all
radio systems in the country must be converted to narrowband incrementally,
beginning in 2005 and concluding in 2018.
Commissioner Pickrum reported that the County will ask the State to comply
with County regulations, even though the State is not required to do so.
UPPER SHORE AGING
The Commissioners reappointed Carl Starkweather as a member of the Upper
Shore Aging Board of Directors for a three year term ending September
30, 2006.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, October 21, 2003.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Janice F. Fletcher
Executive Assistant
Approved:
William W. Pickrum, President
PUBLIC HEARING
Application for Zoning Map Amendment
A Public Hearing was held on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, at 10:00 a.m..in
the County Commissioners' Hearing Room, County Government Center, Chestertown,
Maryland on an application for zoning map amendment filed by Arthur and
Anne Foster to reclassify their 66 acre- property from the "RR" (Rural
Residential) to "CR" (Community Residential District) located on Maryland
Route 213 near Hopewell Corner, north of Chestertown in the Fourth Election
District.
County Commissioners Roy W. Crow and William W. Pickrum were in attendance
as well as Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, T. Edward Robinson, County
Administrator, Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning Administration,
Carla Martin, Community Planner, Arthur Foster, Harris Murphy, Esq., representing
Anne and Arthur Foster, and Herschell Claggett, Realtor. Scott D. Livie
was not in attendance due to a previous commitment for family vacation.
Notice of the public hearing was read into the record by Commissioner
Pickrum as well as the procedure for testifying. Arthur Foster, Gail Owings,
and Herschell Claggett were sworn-in by Ms. Hayman in order to testify.
Ms. Hayman inquired of Mr. Murphy as to whether or not he would like the
Commissioners to be sworn-in, to which Mr. Murphy respectfully declined.
Exhibits were presented as follows: Exhibit No. 1 - Copy of District 4,
Tax Map 37, Parcel 105 and its environs indicating previous zoning. Exhibit
No. 2 - Copy of District 4, Tax Map 37, Parcel 105 and its environs indicating
present zoning.
Commissioner Pickrum referred to correspondence from Elizabeth H. Morris,
Chairperson, County Planning Commission, sent to the Commissioners, dated
August 25, 2003, Commissioner Pickrum reviewed the decision made by the
County Planning Commission at its August 7, 2003 meeting when it voted
unanimously to recommend denial of the application. According to that
correspondence, the Planning Commission indicated that they based their
decision on the following:
- The property is located at an important gateway into Chestertown;
- The property acts as a transition between the town of Chestertown and
prime agricultural land. The Leaverton Farm, which is north of the property
(but not immediately adjacent to the property) is protected by a MD Agricultural
Land Preservation easement;
- Both the County and Chestertown Comprehensive Plans direct growth into
the Town and discourage growth at the edge of the town's gateways;
- A change in the zoning would not be consistent with the Chestertown
Comprehensive Plan or the County Comprehensive Plan;
- The County did not make a mistake in the original zoning of Rural Residential
(1dwelling unit per 3 acres);
- A change in the neighborhood did not occur since the last rezoning;
- The Planning Commission does not find a public need for the zoning map
amendment.
Mr. Murphy outlined the history of the Fosters' purchase of the property
in question, reporting that the property was purchased in 1995 with a
1-1 acre zoning and that the Foster's are seeking to retain the 1-1 zoning..
Given the current zoning laws, which increases this density to three acres,
the number of dwellings which could be built on the Fosters' property
value, in his opinion, would be reduced by 66% and would, therefore, constitute
a significant loss in the value of said property. Additionally, it was
Mr. Murphy's opinion that a further loss in the value of the property
would result from the proposed by-pass and the State's entrance requirements.
Ms. Hayman reviewed the original intent of the zoning change and emphasized
that there was no mistake made in the original zoning of Rural Residential,
and that, therefore, the applicant must make a threshold showing that
there was either (1) a mistake in the last comprehensive zoning, or (2)
that substantial changes have occurred in the neighborhood around the
property since the last rezoning.
Commissioner Crow asked if the Foster's issued any comment during the
time of the deliberations regarding the update of the Zoning Ordinance,
to which Ms. Owings reported that the Foster's son did speak in opposition
when the proposed zoning of 1 dwelling per 20 acres was under deliberation.
Commissioner Crow asked if at that time the zoning was changed from 1dwelling
per 3 acres, to which Ms. Owings responded in the affirmative as a compromise
to the original proposed change .
Commissioner Pickrum asked if there were any other questions or concerns
to be brought forward, to which Mr. Claggett requested to testify. After
being sworn-in, Mr. Claggett reported that because the Foster's were unaware
that deliberations concerning zoning changes were taking place, they had
only one day to make their objection. He appealed to the County to allow
the original zoning to remain the same, advising that, in his opinion,
with the proposed change in zoning, he alleged the Foster's would suffer
a large reduction in their property value. In light of that reduction,
he felt property owners should then be compensated.
The Commissioners will review this request with Commissioner Livie prior
to taking any action.
This hearing was taped for reference and adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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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