|
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 $9,535,936.00.
AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICT
Correspondence was received from Elizabeth H. Morris, Chairperson, County
Planning Commission, and John K. Bergen, Jr., Chairman, Agricultural Land
Preservation Advisory Board, advising of their recommendation for approval
of the application of Lorraine and Edwin Fry to create an agricultural
land preservation district on their 404 acre parcel located on Augustine
Herman Highway in the Third Election District. A public hearing will be
scheduled.
BI-COUNTY MEETING
The County Commissioners of Kent County hosted the bi-county meeting held
at the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center and catered by Jeffrey D.
Carroll, Amuse-Bouche Catering. The purpose of the meeting was to explore
possible joint efforts to curtail escalating costs in the educational
system while maintaining quality education for students in both counties
as well as addressing escalating correctional system costs. Those in attendance
were: Kent County Commissioners, William W. Pickrum, Roy W. Crow and Scott
D. Livie, Ed Robinson, County Administrator, Janice Fletcher, Executive
Assistant, Queen Anne's County Commissioners: Benjamin F. Cassell, Joseph
F. Cupani, Michael S. Koval, R. O. Niedomanski, and Gene Ransom, III,
Paul Comfort, County Administrator, Margie A. Houck, Executive Assistant,
and Greg Nizza, Public Information Officer; Senator E. J. Pipkin, Delegates
Mary Roe Walkup, Richard Sossi and Michael Smigiel; Dr. Bonnie Ward, Kent
County Superintendent of Schools, Allan Hanifee, James Sieman, LaMonte
Cooke (also Warden for Queen Anne's County), John Larrimore and Brian
Kirby representing the Board of Education and Dr. Bernard Sadusky, Queen
Anne's County Superintendent of Schools.
Regional Corrections Task Force -
LaMonte Cooke, Queen Anne's County Warden, advised that the Regional Corrections
Task Force is looking into possibility of a regional facility for detention.
Expansion for detention facilities will be needed nationwide according
to current trends and statistics. Queen Anne's County explored possibility
of expanding its detention center several years ago, however, costs were
prohibitive and consideration was given for a regional facility. There
are currently 18 regional facilities in Virginia and 10 in West Virginia.
It has been experienced that some privatized projects ended up being more
costly. Mr. Cooke advised that word was recently received that request
submitted for technical assistance has been approved at no cost to the
participating counties (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's Counties).
At this stage, a consultant is to be selected by October 23. Senator Pipkin
agreed to obtain opinion from the Attorney General as to the validity
of this venture before moving forward.
Board of Education -
Commissioner Pickrum advised of declining enrollment in Kent County and
of the need to explore options for utilizing the schools at full capacity
as well as for cost reductions. Delegate Sossie suggested the two counties
consider a regional financial office, regional transportation coordinator,
etc. and regional purchasing. It was felt a cost savings may be recognized
with sharing of vocational classes. It was also noted that a regional
school district would need enabling legislation. Dr. Ward expressed interest
in sharing the special education program and other alternative school
classes. It was agreed by all in attendance to explore this possibility.
The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
BOARD OF ELECTION SUPERVISORS
The Commissioners approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed License Agreement
by and between Kent County, Maryland (Licensor) and Diebold Election Systems,
Inc. (Licensee) whereby the licensee will 1) provide secure storage of
all equipment when not in use, 2) to provide secure transportation of
all voting system equipment to and from polling places or local election
headquarters, 3) maintain certain property and casualty insurance and
general liability insurance and 4) provide certain assistance to the Kent
County Board of Election Supervisors at an annual fee in the amount of
$781.20.
A copy of correspondence sent by Florence L. Sutton, Election Director,
County Board of Elections to Yvonne Denison, Election Systems & Software,
Inc.(ES&S), was received requesting that, as per a prior conversation,
the Extension Agreement between The Board of Elections and ES&S be cancelled
on the Eagle Voting Equipment, and that the Board receive an adjusted
bill to cover the portion of the year in which they were covered for the
Eagle equipment. The change in the voting machine took place when the
State purchased Diebold Voting Units, requiring the County's use of the
same.
CABLE TV
Correspondence was received from and co-signed by Matt Favre, General
Manager, Charter Communications and Donna Garofano, Vice-President, Government
and Regulatory Affairs, Atlantic Broadband, assuring the County that,
given the sale of certain systems by Charter Communications to Atlantic
Broadband, the latter is completely qualified to operate the cable system
that presently serves this community. Further, Atlantic Broadband is obligated
to assume and abide by all the terms of the current License or Franchise
Agreement between this community and Charter Communications.
The letter continues by advising that under Federal law, the County may,
but is not required, to hold a public hearing on the transfer application
in an effort to confirm Atlantic Broadband's legal, technical, and financial
obligations. Also, the County was advised that Federal law grants it 120
days from the date it received Form 394 to complete its assessment and
to act on the requested transfer consent. If the County does not act by
this deadline, the law deems approval granted, and no further action then
is required. Mr. Favre and Ms. Garofano respectfully urge the County to
take this matter under advisement and begin the approval process as soon
as possible. They also offered their assistance at a public hearing, should
one be scheduled by the County.
The Commissioners agreed to hold a Public Information Meeting in the near
future concerning the sale of cable systems by Charter Communications
to Atlantic Broadband which will affect certain municipalities in the
County. This meeting will serve as a forum for discussions concerning
cable systems in general as well.
CHESAPEAKE FIELDS INSTITUTE (CFI)
John Hall, President of the Chesapeake Fields Institute, appeared along
with representatives of the CFI Land Committee, including Mike Waal, member,
CFI Board of Directors, S. Lansing Williams, Director of Administration
and Accounting, and Dr. Joseph Bauer, Director of Operations, to present
their projections concerning a future site for the proposed CFI Business
Park and Educational Center, and projections concerning the budget for
the Park and Center.
Mr. Hall emphasized that CFI is committed to locating the Business Park
and Educational Center in Kent County and requested the Commissioners'
assistance with determining the best locale, given the projected needs
and desires, such as accessibility off or near a major highway, visibility
to the general public traveling past the site, the consideration of sewer
lines, accessibility to water lines, and the avoidance of wetlands.
Commissioner Pickrum suggested that a task force be assembled, with members
representing the County Planning Board, members of CFI, a commercial realtor
acquainted with local farming, Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water
and Wastewater Services, Gail Owings, Director, Planning, etc. The representatives
of CFI welcomed the suggestion and expressed their eagerness to work with
the County and begin the next phases of their planning as soon as possible.
Commissioner Livie stated that the CFI plans for a Business Park and Educational
Center would be advantageous for tourism in the County. Dr. Bauer added
that economic development in the County would be enhanced with the spin-off
of other industries associated with the CFI plans, such as restaurants.
Mr. Hall advised that CFI's plans are under a time constraint and that
determining a site is an urgent matter requiring resolution for their
financial planning.
Mr. Waal reported that the Department of Business and Economic Development
is very interested in CFI's plans and are ready to cooperate.
It was concurred by all present that a task force would be assembled and
scheduled to meet on October 24, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. at the CFI office on
Morgnec Road.
COURT HOUSE
Correspondence was received from Joseph L. White, Manager, Technical Support,
Maryland Department of General Services, reporting the results of a recent
inspection of the District Court Offices in Chestertown and indicating
the necessity of the County's immediate attention to various maintenance
issues.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER
Wayne Morris, Director of Water and Wastewater Services, 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 which was tabled at the last meeting of the Commissioners.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the sewer allocation
as requested by the Smith's.
Commissioner Livie advised that, as a generality, the Commissioners will
look at all future requests individually, noting that the area surrounding
and including the Smith's property is environmentally-sensitive and, therefore,
some lots are suitable for sewer allocations, and some are not suitable.
Commissioner Livie emphasized that the Commissioners' approval of the
Smith's request should not be understood as a blanket policy governing
all future requests. He also encouraged the Smith's to cooperate and partner
with all the appropriate agencies regarding any current or future issues
related to that environmentally sensitive area. Commissioner Crow reiterated
the concern, to which the Smith's expressed their willingness to cooperate.
Sewer Allocation Request - The County received a sewer allocation
request for Susie Peters relating to her lot which is located in Tolchester
Estates, Tax Map 35B, Parcel 390, Lot 1-1A-3, Block G, PL2 on NE/S Alabama
Avenue. Mr. Morris indicated that the lot is on a sewer line and is not
a sensitive area. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by
Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve
the sewer allocation as requested by Ms. Peters.
Commissioner Crow, referring to the Commissioners' Public Information
Meeting in Tolchester on October 11, 2003, asked if the request made at
that meeting by Ms. Brown for a sewer allocation had been addressed yet,
to which Mr. Morris stated that he would follow up on that request.
Wastewater Study for Allens Lane - Barry Ebersole, representing
McCrone, Inc., presented its Wastewater Study for Allens Lane. Mr. Morris,
Nony Howell, Sanitarian, representing Ed Birkmire, Environmental Health
Director (who could not be present due to his attendance at a Federal
Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] meeting) and Shirley Ashley, a property
owner who lives on Allens Lane, were also present. Mr. Ebersole outlined
the history and current issues pertaining to Allens Lane as follows:
- Currently, 32 of the septic systems serving properties along Allens
Lane and MD Route 445 (Eastern Neck Road), south of the Town of Rock Hall,
are failing. These failing septic systems are creating a public health
hazard.
- The County contracted with McCrone, Inc. to evaluate the feasibility
of connecting these homes to the existing public sewer serving the Town
of Rock Hall.
- The study area is defined to be one parcel beyond any parcel with a
failing septic system. This includes a total of 72 parcels along Allens
Lane, Easter Neck Island Road, and some private roads connecting to Eastern
Neck Island Road.
- McCrone proposes using a low pressure collection system to transport
the sewage from individual homes to the existing Rock Hall collection
system. A low pressure system consists of a house lateral conveying sewage
from a home to an in ground grinder pump station beside the street. The
sewage collects until a specified level in the wet well has been reached,
then the sewage is pumped into a pipe and then into the Rock Hall collection
system.
- The system proposed to serve Allens Lane will connect to an existing
low pressure system serving Green Lane, an area north of Allens Lane.
The sewage from the existing and proposed systems will be conveyed through
an existing low pressure three inch force main to manhole #3-34 of the
Rock Hall collection system on Main Street, 450 feet north of the intersection
of Main Street and Boundary Avenue.
- There are two alternative collection systems proposed to serve Allens
Lane. The cost of the system is broken into two systems, System A and
System B. The System A collection system serves only the areas with failing
systems and System B serves every parcel in the study area. System B includes
all of A and adds some additional properties east of Eastern Neck Island
Road.
- The total project cost for System A is $849,749. The estimated user
rate to pay for this is $608 per year for each developed property and
$237 per year for a vacant lot.
- The total project cost for System B is $968,157. The estimated user
rate to pay for this is $615 per year for each developed lot and $244
per year for a vacant lot.
- The Study also includes a description of all the properties to be served,
the conceptual design of the proposed collection system, and an analysis
of a gravity sewer system for the area.
Nony Howell asked about the possibility of receiving financial assistance
from FEMA, given that the area was flooded during the recent hurricane,
in order to help defray the costs of installing a low pressure collection
system. Mr. Morris responded by saying that unless property was damaged
as a direct result of the hurricane, FEMA should not be expected to be
a source of assistance.
Ms. Howell inquired whether any of the old septic systems could be repaired,
to which Mr. Ebersole replied that there is no guarantee that the old
septic system repaired would be leak free. Ms. Howell inquired whether
or not the study found ground water infiltration, to which Mr. Morris
indicated that there was ground water infiltration, but nothing he considered
excessive and that some evidence of it would be expected after a hurricane.
Ms. Howell asked if the installation of grinder pumps would work well,
to which Mr. Ebersole advised that they are water-tight and if they are
damaged, they can be easily and effectively repaired.
Commissioner Crow inquired whether or not all of the existing problems
concerning Allens Lane would be resolved given the approval of the McCrone
proposal, to which Mr. Ebersole replied that they would be resolved, as
well as the problems that exist in the undeveloped lots.
Ms. Howell asked what would be the cost of changing the sewer line size
in the undeveloped lots, to which Mr. Ebersole replied that the cost would
not be significant, that this would not constitute a major change. He
continued by advising that the cost of $849,749 for the installation of
collection system in System A would remain the same regardless of what
is done or not done to the lots on the undeveloped side.
Mr. Ebersole emphasized that the costs for what McCrone has proposed in
the Study are estimates, but advised that he believes the estimates will
prove to be very close to actual costs.
Commissioner Pickrum asked about the status of the properties to the North
and West of MD Route 445, to which Mr. Ebersole indicated that these parcels
are in fact included in the study and are on an existing sewer line.
Commissioner Crow asked if all of the properties on Allens Lane would
be required to participate in the installation or just those with failed
septic systems. Mr Morris responded that all of the properties would be
required to be included in the installation; that if the proposed sewer
lines run past an owner's house, that owner would be required to have
the property hooked into the system.
Commissioner Livie inquired whether the County can make an exception for
home owners who already have invested in a septic system, to which Ms.
Howell replied in the affirmative. Commissioner Livie added that he saw
the proposed installation as a good investment for new and future home
owners on Allens Lane.
Mr. Morris emphasized that the status of the existing septic systems on
Allens Lane now constitute a health and safety issue and, given that urgency,
will drive the necessary funding for resolution.
Ms. Howell expressed her opinion that most of the property owners will
be in favor of the proposed installment of a collection system. Mr. Morris
noted that the proposal will serve all the lots and properties that exist
on Allens Lane and that, if necessary or desired, limitations on its use
could be made at a later time.
Commissioner Livie inquired whether the installation could be done in
stages, or must it be accomplished all at once. Mr. Morris responded that
it would be most cost-effective to put in all the lines at once.
Mr. Morris indicated that, with the approval of the Commissioners to do
so, he would present the proposal to the Maryland Department of the Environment
(MDE) and Rural Development, make the presentation to the people who own
property on Allens Lane, and begin negotiations with the Town of Rock
Hall towards a written contract, the latter having thus far provided only
a verbal agreement to the proposal. The Commissioners agreed to schedule
a community meeting in the Rock Hall area and for Mr. Morris to submit
a proposal to the Rock Hall Mayor and Council as well as to the MDE and
Rural Development.
Rock Hall Service Area
Memorandum of Agreement - Mr. Morris presented a proposed Memorandum
of Agreement (MOA) which he and the County Attorney wrote, that would
be between the Town of Rock Hall and the County which will revise, update,
and consolidate of all the existing waste water treatment agreements,
and define and clarify the sharing of costs between the Town and the County
for waste water treatment for the County's Piney Neck, Skinners Neck,
Wesley Chapel, Spring Cove, Green Lane and Edesville Service Areas.
Mr. Morris reviewed the MOA and reported that payments by the County to
the Town of Rock Hall would be based on a cost per "Equivalent Dwelling
Units" (EDU's) charging formula, in which the total cost to operate the
sewerage treatment plant, including administration costs, would be determined
annually based on fiscal year end audit numbers. This formula would address
the Edesville and Allens Lane water and waste water concerns as well.
Mr. Morris further advised that he will further discuss this proposal
with the Mayor and Town Council of Rock Hall next month.
Proposed New Cost Formula - Mr. Morris presented a proposal for
a new formula to determine the County's quarterly payment to the Town
of Rock Hall for Wesley Chapel, Piney Creek, Skinners Neck, Edesville,
Spring Cove, and Green Lane sewer treatment cost.
Maintenance Agreement for Generators - Mr. Morris reported that
the fee for the current maintenance of the County's 19 generators is $365.00
annually, which includes servicing and an inspection. Commissioner Crow
suggested that the County look into combining all of the County's generators
under one maintenance contract.
Water and Sewer Rates - Public information meetings have been scheduled
for purpose of presentation of key findings of the water and sewer utilities
rate study conducted by the Municipal and Financial Services Group and
to afford the public the opportunity to have input into the decisions
to be made by the County Commissioners. The schedule of the meetings are
as follows: Monday, November 17, at the Kent County High School, Tuesday,
November 18, at Wesley Chapel Church Hall and Thursday, November 20, at
the Millington Fire Hall. All three meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. A
formal public hearing is scheduled to be held early in December in the
County Commissioners Hearing Room.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
At 8:50 a.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session for a conference call to discuss a proposal for a business to
locate to Kent County in accordance with State Government Article, Section
10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The executive session adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
A copy of memorandum was sent to Gary Harrity, Maryland Emergency Management
Agency (MEMA), from Bob Rust, Jr., Director, Kent County Emergency Management
Agency, regarding Homeland Security equipment eligibility. As per the
request of the Commissioners, Mr. Rust inquired whether or not the request
for a portable generator for use in the County's Department of Water and
Wastewater is eligible under the Fiscal Year 2003 State Homeland Security
Grant Program.
Should the request be deemed eligible, the County will ask specifically
for a 50 KW diesel powered unit mounted on a trailer for transporting
to remote sites at an approximate cost of $35,000.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)
Correspondence was received from Eric S. Jackson, Chief, Kent-Queen Anne's
Rescue Squad, Inc., seeking an explanation as to how their contribution
of $25,000 was spent to improve and expand the County-paid Advanced Life
Support (ALS) system. He also recommended consideration for the County
to provide an ALS unit for service during the daytime only, with the understanding
that the program would be expanded in the future.
ETHICS COMMISSION
Ruth Briscoe declined reappointment as a member of this Commission. A
letter will go forth thanking her for interest and contribution of time
given during the past twenty years to this Commission
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved application for a Raffle Permit for a fund-raising
affair to be conducted by the Humane Society of Kent County and to take
place at The Prince Theater, Chestertown, on October 22, 2003.
GYPSY MOTH PROGRAM
Correspondence was received from Robert H. Tichenor, Jr., Chief, Forest
Pest Management, State of Maryland Department of Agriculture, thanking
the County for participating in the Maryland Department of Agriculture's
Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) for gypsy moth. The expressed
purpose of the letter is to report on the work accomplished in 2002 and
to provide a biological and budgetary outlook for the current fiscal year.
The Forest Pest Management Section conducted 194 surveys in the County,
the results of which indicated that there were no areas where gypsy moth
populations were high and needed to be proposed in the 2003 suppression
program. In the Spring 2003, minimal larval activity was observed and
defoliation surveys conducted in July 2003 indicated that there was no
damage due to gypsy moth in the County.
The letter further explains that due to the relatively cold and wet Spring,
the spread of diseases was promoted that killed a large percentage of
caterpillars and , therefore, it is believed that the gypsy moth populations
are therefore currently in decline in the County. An annual egg mass survey
will next be conducted in order to obtain a more detailed picture of gypsy
moth populations in the County and in order to determine if any areas
of the County will need to be proposed in the 2004 spray program and to
identify infestations in residential areas that will need to be watched.
Forest Pest Management estimates that the cost share for Kent County in
conducting these surveys on privately owned and County owned forest lands
will be up to $2,000.00. The Commissioners gave their approval for the
continuation of this program.
HURRICANE ISABEL
Public Landings - Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared
and gave an updated report on the status of piers damaged during the Hurricane.
He indicated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made
its assessments, and has given an estimate for all the damaged piers,
inclusive of the pier on Sharp Street which was estimated at $100,000.
Commissioner Livie inquired whether or not the pier could be repaired
instead of replaced, to which Mr. Stanton indicated that it is his hope
that it can be repaired, reducing the cost substantially. Mr. Stanton
continued by reporting that the cost to re-deck the Sharp Street pier
will be $50,000. Of the total cost of $150,000, FEMA will pay 75%; the
County's share would be 25%.
Commissioner Crow suggested that the County ask the State for financial
assistance with its financial responsibility.
Mr. Stanton then reported that the estimated cost to repair the pier in
Cliffs City is $18,050 which would cover the replacement of the entire
60'-length of the pier. He suggested that perhaps the County could remove
the most damaged part of the pier which is furthest out in the water and
repair the balance of the pier. He added that the pilings of the pier
are very old.
Mr. Stanton continued by reporting the estimate for repairs of the bulkhead
at Bayside Landing to be $9,000, to which Commissioner Crow inquired if
the damage is all storm-related. Mr. Stanton replied that he is in the
process of completing the required forms for FEMA and, therefore, FEMA's
estimates are not as yet based on exact figures.
Mr. Stanton advised that the $150,000 grant from FEMA be matched by the
County in its Fiscal Year 2005 budget and that the poor condition of the
County's piers be treated as a high priority, given that they now constitute
a safety issue that must be resolved. Commissioner Crow concurred, adding
that Bayside Landing particularly should be considered a high priority
given that it is heavily used for both commercial and recreational purposes.
Mr. Stanton added that Bayside Landing is 560 feet on the harbor and the
present bulkhead has been there at least since 1968.
County Costs - A copy of Estimated Out of Pocket/Extra Costs for
Hurricane Isabel was received in the total amount of $316,160,78; final
costs will be obtained in the near future.
Planning and Zoning - Gail Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning
Administration, appeared and reported on updates concerning the flood
plain activities. She indicated that a large number of structures located
in Rock Hall will have to be elevated in accordance with FEMA's requirements
for reconstruction.
Ms. Owings also reported that as her office continues its communications
with FEMA, she will have a list of possible sources for grant money, hopefully,
as early as next week. She further indicated that there may be some possible
buy-out's, that there may be grant money for the required elevation of
structures, grant money for affected businesses, and grant money for property
owners who have suffered significant shoreline erosion.
Commissioner Livie asked how eligibility is determined for property owners
who are in need of financial assistance and have no flood insurance. Ms.
Owings responded that FEMA will assist home owners if the cost of repairs
on their building is more than 50% of the market value of the house. She
also stated that FEMA bases its assessments on a contractor's detailed
report, not on the report of an insurance company. So far, she added,
everyone that has applied for financial assistance has flood insurance.
The Commissioners received correspondence from Donald L. Keldsen, Director,
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), reporting that the State
of Maryland received a Presidential Disaster Declaration on September
19, 2003 as a result of the damage associated with Hurricane Isabel, and
that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds associated with this
event will be awarded to the State.
The letter explains that the HMGP is a post-disaster, all-hazard grant
program administered by the MEMA. HMGP funds are intended to support local
governments in the implementation of measures that will reduce loss of
life and property damage associated with future hazard events, providing
up to 75% of eligible mitigation project costs. The following are examples
of eligible project activities: voluntary acquisition of structures in
hazard-prone areas, elevation of flood-prone residences, and structural
hazard control. Examples of successful HMGP projects in Maryland is the
acquisition and demolition of structures located within the 100-year floodplain,
and conversion of the property to perpetual open-space which, in some
instances, has been made available to the public for recreational use.
In order to continue to be eligible for several mitigation grant programs,
including HMGP, federal legislation requires local governments have an
approved hazard mitigation plan by November 1, 2004. Therefore, the County
is advised that a Notice of Interest (NOI) for any mitigation project
should be submitted to MEMA by November 30, 2003. The NOI form and additional
information about the HMGP are available at www.mema.state.md.us/programs_hazmit.html.
E-mail correspondence was received from Robert A. Ward, Hurricane Planner,
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), State Emergency Operations
Center, advising about a scheduled series of regional meetings being hosted
by MEMA, FEMA, and other State and Federal Agencies, to provide information
about access to recovery resources and systems, and to give emergency
managers and local service providers the opportunity to express issues
that involve recovery efforts in their communities. Attendance by local
jurisdictions at the meetings will ensure their awareness of and inclusion
in the information and referral exchange with State and Federal Agencies
involved in recovery activities. The meeting designated for the Upper
Eastern Shore was held on October 21, 2003, 10:00 a.m., at the Kent County
Emergency Operations Center.
KENT COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER AT WORTON
The Commissioners renames the county owned property located on MD Route
297 as the Kent County Business Center at Worton; the county road was
named Commerce Lane.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 11:05 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 litigation.
The executive session adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
LEGISLATION
Cooky McClung, of the Kent County News, questioned, in follow-up
to a recent telephone inquiry, if the Commissioners have considered adopting
a County program, offering tax relief to the widows and/or surviving children
of emergency personnel killed in the line of service. The Commissioners
agreed to take the proposal under consideration.
LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
Correspondence was received from Alan C. Woods, III, Director, Governor's
Office of Crime Control and Prevention, advising that the grant application
entitled "Youth Strategies/Kent County/Disproportionate Minority Representation
(DMR) Reduction Strategy/Competitive" submitted by the Local Management
Board was approved in the amount of $46,665.00. The purpose of this grant
is to support examining Disproportionate Minority Representation (DMR)
date and restorative discipline approaches to identify areas of necessary
systemic change with the Kent County school system. The Commissioners
approved and Commissioner Pickrum signed Grant Award and Acceptance.
MD DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTION
Correspondence was received from Marsha J. Kaiser, Director, Office of
Planning and Capital Programming, inviting the Commissioners on behalf
of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to one of four joint
Transportation Task Force public hearings/Maryland Transportation Plan
open houses.
The meetings will include presentation about the goals and objectives
of the MTP and a presentation by the TTF, which will summarize the results
of their study and receive testimony. The scheduled date for the Eastern
Shore is: October 27 (Denton Area). Jack Canan, Housing and Community
Development Coordinator, will be requested to attend on behalf of the
Board.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Jeffrey J. Troester, Director, County Parks and Recreation, appeared and
reported that, having solicited various schools, including graduates of
the County's Leaders Club Program, and the Principal's Student Advisory
Council for student representation on the County Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board, he received two requests to serve, from Brandon Middleton
and Lyle Pinder, both of whom were recommended to the Commissioners by
Mr. Troester. He advised that both students have excellent academic and
extra-curricular backgrounds and that their requests have been accepted
and approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the applications
from Brandon Middleton and Lyle Pinder to serve on the County Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
Mr. Troester also reported that Parks and Recreation will be taking leadership
in re-instituting the post-prom party (there was none in 2002) and he
announced the Second Annual Family Fall Festival, sponsored by Parks and
Recreation, to take place in Turner's Creek Park in Kennedyville on October
25, 2003, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. He reported that there will be
many family- oriented recreational activities at the Festival, including
hay rides, cider-making, a petting zoo, etc.
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 11:50 a.m.
At 3:10 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. Susanne Hayman,
Human Resources Director, was also in attendance.
The executive session adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
PROCLAMATION
Boy Scouts of America Troop 130 - Rose Wallace, Assistant Scout
Master, Art Elliot, Mark Blyman, and Ted Bachelor, all representing Boy
Scout Troop # 130, appeared and received a Proclamation, approved and
signed by the Commissioners, recognizing, on behalf of the citizens of
Kent County, Boy Scouts of America Troop #130 on their 75th Anniversary
in Kent County.
It was noted that Troop #130 has a current membership of 51 scouts and
23 adults and praising the Troop's accomplishment of having 57 scouts
who achieved the rank of Eagle. This recognition is also inclusive of
that fact that Troop # 130 has provided countless hours of community service
to the citizens of the County and that its success has been, in part,
due to the endless support of Chestertown's businesses and other local
organizations. Additionally, the Proclamation recognizes that Troop #
130 has been chartered consecutively for 75 years by the First United
Methodist Church in Chestertown.
"Venture Month" - Lulu Hurtt, President, Joyce Brice, Membership
Chairperson, Joan Winterborne, Treasurer, and Joy Morris, Vice-President,
all representing the Venture Club of Kent County, appeared and received
a Proclamation, approved and signed by the Commissioners, declaring the
month of October as "Venture Month." Commissioner Crow read the Proclamation
which recognizes that the Venture Club of Kent County is in its ninth
year and that it has given many hours of service, sponsored countless
projects and made numerous contributions to the community, and that it
is appropriate that the citizens of the County pause to reflect on the
principles and ideals upon which the Venture Club was founded.
October 25, 2003 - Day of Appreciation for Mrs. Alice Stewart and Mr.
Thomas Boyer, Sr. - The Commissioners approved and signed a proclamation
declaring October 25, 2003 as a Day of Appreciation for Mrs. Alice Stewart
and Mr. Thomas Boyer, Sr., commending them for their service and many
contributions to the New Christian Chapel of Love Church and to honor
and thank them, recognizing the importance of their service which has
helped uplift this church family.
The Men of New Christian Chapel of Love - The Commissioners approved
and signed a proclamation declaring October 25, 2003 as a Day of Appreciation
for the Men of the New Christian Chapel of Love, recognizing them for
their commitment to the church through their service and sacrifice, and
encouraging all of the County's citizens to express their love, admiration
and thanks to them for their contributions to this church family.
REGIONAL CORRECTIONS TASK FORCE
A copy of e-mail was received from Lamonte Cooke, Warden, Queen Anne's
County Detention Center, advising that Cecil County has accepted the invitation
of the Task Force to become a member.
TRANSPORTATION
The Commissioners approved and signed a Resolution appointing the Mid-Shore
Regional Council as the authorizing body to file an application with the
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) of the Maryland Department of Transportation
(MDOT) for a Section 5307,5311, and/or 5307 grant under the Federal Transit
Act. The grant will constitute financial assistance for the MUST (Maryland
Upper Shore Transit) Bus "Pilot" Project. This Resolution replaces the
Resolution adopted in May 2003 which authorized Commissioner Crow to "act
on behalf of" Kent County in matters dealy with the MUST Bus Demonstration
Project.
UPPER SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL
The County Commissioners and County Administrator will attend the Upper
Shore Council Strategic Planning Session on October 22. Commissioner Crow
will serve as Chairman of this Council.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, October 28, 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.
|
