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The Honorable Board of County Commissioners held the quarterly
community meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Betterton Volunteer Fire Hall 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 $9,169,280.00.
TOWN OF BETTERTON
Commissioner Pickrum welcomed everyone present, approximately 41 people,
at this Community Meeting.
Commissioner Pickrum introduced the Mayor of Betterton, Carolyn Sorge,
who welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the meeting, expressing
her anticipation of an informative, helpful discussion.
Each of the Commissioners thanked everyone for their attendance and for
the discussions which were initiated.
AIRPORT STUDY COMMITTEE
Thomas K. Beckett, Chair, Airport Study Committee, appeared and provided
a Status Report of the activities of the Committee. Mr. Beckett reported
that the Airport Study Committee has convened 10 times since its formation
in July, meeting with 11 persons with special knowledge of airports and
reviewing over 17 documents related to general aviation airports.
Mr. Beckett reported further that although the Committee developed a draft
of recommendations, it has not been able to resolve several significant
issues. Consensus was not reached for the following reasons:
- issues regarding airport length and scope;
- the fact that the original Worton site was ruled out of consideration
despite the substantial savings in development costs, favorable terms
from the MD Aviation Authority, and the prolonged lead time required to
evaluate and select a new airport site.
Mr. Beckett advised that, with a reaffirmation from the Commissioners
that a reconsideration of the Worton site is not a possibility, the Committee
will be able to resolve the remaining issues and submit its final report.
The Commissioners, unified in their decision, reiterated that the Worton
site cannot be considered for use as an airport for many reasons, including
a land preservation concern and excessive land costs making the property
unattainable. Mr.Beckett indicated that he will convey the same at the
next meeting of the Committee which is scheduled for November 10th.
Mr. Beckett further reported that there are a number of administrative
tasks for the Committee to accomplish, inclusive of requesting the Treasurer,
Roger Williams, to audit their books and to review their spreadsheets.
Commissioner Crow advised that the responsibility be shared with Pat Merritt,
Director, Budget and Accounting.
The Commissioners thanked Mr. Beckett for his report and extended their
appreciation to all of the members of the Airport Study Committee, acknowledging
the diversity of emotions and opinions present in their discussions.
BETTERTON BEACH
Mayor Sorge expressed Betterton's need for a more adequate water supply,
citing a dry hydrant in the Town. She reported that she will be meeting
with Carter Stanton, Director of Public Works, to address this problem.
A concern was expressed regarding the past summer's algae bloom and the
closing of the Betterton Beach, to which Commissioner Pickrum responded
that the algae bloom is not a problem restricted to the County, but a
national phenomenon. He also indicated that the official closing of beaches
is a function of the State, not a decision made by the County. Further,
Commissioner Pickrum stated that the cause of the algae bloom has not
yet been determined by the State.
Mr. Troester was asked as to the condition of the Betterton beach and
beach facilities following Hurricane Isabel, to which he responded that
the Hurricane delayed the progress of projects including replacing beach
steps, gazebo, bathhouse roofing and electricity. He also indicated that
the boat ramps are in need of repair and that he would convey to his department
a concern raised about the amount of sand covering the boat ramps, inhibiting
their proper use.
CHESAPEAKE FIELDS INSTITUTE (CFI)
The Commissioners approved and signed a letter to John E. Hall, President,
Chesapeake Fields Institute, endorsing the CFI's application for a grant
from The Maryland Agricultural, Educational, and Rural Development Assistance
Fund Program which will empower CFI to initiate opportunities for the
development of a proposed business park, housing a grain seed cleaning
and processing facility, artisan bread bakery, soy snack food plant, agricultural
education center, and administrative offices.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER & WASTEWATER
Refinancing - A copy of correspondence was received from Teresa
T. Ernest, Loan Officer, Grants and Loan Division, Water Management Administration,
MD Department of the Environment, regarding sewer collection system debt
refinancing. Ms. Ernest indicated that the Board of Public Works (BPW)
approved the funding for this project for a loan amount up to $2,700,000.00
contingent upon receipt and approval of (1) a cash draw requesting reimbursement
and (2) the County's Authorizing Authority to incur debt prior to its
adoption for review and comments.
Tolchester Service Area - Correspondence was received from L. Susan
Barnhardt, resident of Tolchester, appealing the decision to deny a sewer
allocation for a lot in Tolchester, owned by Mrs. Barnhardt and her husband.
She cites her family's plan to give said lot to their daughter who will
not build on the lot for at least 6 years. No action was taken on this
request at this time.
DETENTION CENTER
Regional Corrections Task Force - Correspondence was received from
LaMonte Cooke, Queen Anne's County Warden, requesting a future meeting
to include the Commissioners as it relates to the regional jail proposal.
Commissioner Pickrum reported that the County Detention Center requires
much improvement, citing that it currently houses more inmates than what
was originally intended, and that there are more female inmates currently
than what was originally projected in the design of the Center.
Commissioner Pickrum also reported that the Regional Corrections Task
Force (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's Counties) is looking into
possibility of a regional facility for detention. Expansion for detention
facilities will be needed nationwide according to current trends and statistics.
Some proposals that are being considered include: specifying the new regional
facility for one gender only; that the County Detention Center house only
inmates in the work-release program with all others housed in the regional
jail. It was also noted that a substantial amount of the medical costs
of inmates, which are currently the responsibility of the County, could
be transferred to and shared by the participating Counties of the regional
jail.
Judge Tom Sisk suggested that the Commissioners schedule an advice and
information meeting with County judges to discuss questions and concerns
related to the sentencing procedures of the Courts, to which Commissioner
Livie expressed his interest.
Roofing Contract - Contract by and between the County Commissioners
and Johnathan Stoltzfus, Commercial Roof Coatings, was approved and signed
by the Board relating to re-roofing project at the Detention Center at
a cost of $71,820.00.
Correspondence was received from William G. Wheatley, Executive Vice President
of Peoples Bank of Kent County, establishing an Irrevocable Letter of
Credit in the County's favor for the account of Commercial Roof Coatings,
LLC for $71,820.00 available by the County's drafts at site at Peoples
Bank to guarantee completion of the roofing project.
EARLY ACTION COMPACT (EAC)
Millington Monitoring Station - Memorandum was received by Amy
G. Moredock, Environmental Planner, regarding her research into the feasibility
of relocating the Millington Monitoring Station. As a result of her discussions
with representatives of the MD Department of the Environment (MDE) Air
Quality and the Kent and Queen Anne's Counties Early Action Compact, Ms.
Moredock reported that, at this time, MDE advises that the relocation
of the monitoring station would be counterproductive to the County's current
goal of nonattainment area reconsideration. Further, the County has been
advised to delay any action pending the outcome of the 2003 Air Quality
reading for Kent and Queen Anne's Counties.
Commissioner Livie described the purpose and function of the Monitoring
Station. He added that it has been the concern of the County that the
poor air quality readings indicated by the station have been, to a large
extent, the direct result of air pollution drawn into the County from
the Ohio Valley and surrounding urban centers. He further expressed his
concern that rural areas in the State are often penalized for the pollution
created in the urban centers.
Memorandum was received from Amy G. Moredock, Environmental Planner, indicating
that the latest ozone data collected at the Millington Monitoring Station
supported attainment for the one-hour ozone standard, thereby making Kent
and Queen Anne's Counties' Early Action Compact eligible for Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) signature. As indicated in a letter from Kendl
P. Philbrick, Acting Secretary, the MD Department of the Environment (MDE)
is eager to formalize a three-way partnership to bring Kent and Queen
Anne's Counties into early attainment of the 8-hour ozone standard. MDE
has resubmitted the County's EAC based on a dialogue between the EPA and
the MDE. The MDE also has advised the County to request a letter of support
from Senator Barbara Mikulski.
As per the recommendation of Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, and
the advice of the MD Department of the Environment, the Commissioners
approved and signed a letter, requesting a letter of support from Senator
Barbara Mikulski to be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding
the resubmittal of the Kent and Queen Anne's Counties' Early Action.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A requested by Mayor Sorge, P.A.M. Schaller, Director, Economic Development,
presented an update on the work of her department, including many of the
following projects, all of which were included in a memorandum she sent
to the Commissioners:
Vineyards - Of the Upper Shore Regional Council, only Talbot and
Queen Anne's Counties have legislation permitting them to have vineyards.
According to the University of Delaware Foreign Trade Representatives,
there is funding, technical assistance, etc. available to Kent County
Grape Growers. There is only one vineyard in Talbot County.
Education - An article was distributed to the Commissioners, "School
Facilities for the 21st Century: 12 Trends That School Facility Planners
Need to Know About.," by Kenneth R. Stevenson, School Business Affairs,
December 2001. The article was shared by Mayor Hager of Millington.
Ms. Schaller and Tom Beckett, Chairperson, Economic Development Advisory
Board (EDAB), outlined the history and development of the EDAB's Action
Plan for Economic Improvement in Kent County. Ms. Schaller, summarizing
the Plan, indicated that the Plan not only projects the current and future
needs in the County, but is an important tool for determining the ways
and means for fulfilling those needs. Chesapeake Fields Institute was
cited as one example of progress being made in economic improvement in
terms of, in this case, the County's agricultural heritage. Mr. Beckett
continued the presentation by reviewing some of the demographic trends
and their implications for the County.
Commissioners Livie and Crow outlined the history and current development
of the future Worton Business Park which will be constructed on 13.75
acres providing 4 lots. Commissioner Pickrum encouraged seasonal residents
to consider locating their businesses to the County and to, in turn, encourage
other people to do the same.
Commissioner Crow noted other areas of potential economic development
in the County, citing the announcement made by Verizon Wireless of its
plans to expand its service in the County, as well as the potential in
the development of the US 301 corridor. Commissioner Livie expressed the
excitement shared by all of the Commissioners about the future of wireless
technology in the County which will, among other things, attract adults
to stay and/or locate their homes and businesses in the County.
An opinion was expressed that the County does not offer young adults the
means for earning an income which would encourage them to either remain
in the County and for others to locate to the County. Commissioner Pickrum
concurred that employment is the key for encouraging young adults, including
the graduates of the high school, to remain in the County. Therefore,
the County must encourage more businesses to locate in this area.
Commissioner Crow indicated that the concern is a complex one and that
there is no easy or quick fix. Commissioner Livie concurred, and pointed
out that the County has to improve its infrastructure, such as offering
business parks, roads, water and sewer access, and broadband capability,
in order to attract more businesses. He continued by stating that of the
60% of the County's young adults who study elsewhere for their higher
education, a very small percentage of them return to reside in the County.
The plans for a marine trades school, the plans of Chesapeake Fields Institute,
the plans for introducing broadband are all examples of the County's efforts
to increase its employment opportunities.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (EMA)
A copy of correspondence directed to Robert Rust, Emergency Management
Director, was received advising the County's request to purchase a portable
back-up generator was not granted because the request did not fall within
the general categories of authorized equipment for current homeland security
grants. The grant authorizes the purchase of small generators for the
operation of emergency on-scene light sets and decontamination units.
The only exception to this narrow ruling has been the limited authorization
of generators for emergency operations and communication centers.
Commissioner Livie expressed to everyone present the County's need for
a large, portable generator which will greatly assist emergency and recovery
efforts during and in the aftermath of crises, such as Hurricane Isabel.
He indicated that, although the County's attempts to source the funding
for a generator through the State and FEMA have met with obstacles, the
search continues. If the search comes to no avail, he advised that the
County will have to purchase one.
Memorandum was received from Bob Rust, Director, Emergency Management
Agency, reporting that due to recent legislation of House Bill 780, the
County is permitted to increase its local 9-1-1 fee from 50 cents to 75
cents per phone per month. Mr. Rust indicated that he has given this information
to the County Attorney for her review. The purpose for the increase is
to cover the costs of new 9-1-1 technology which enables the identification
of the location of a cell phone user. The fee increase is expected to
generate approximately 40,000 in additional revenue per year for the operation
of 9-1-1/Central Alarm.
EXTENSION SERVICE
A memorandum was received from John E. Hall, County Extension Director,
requesting permission to use $1,139.00 of the postage/paper allotment
($4,000) that was approved on 9/09/03 for the purchase of a computer.
Mr. Hall had expressed the County Extension's need for a computer at the
Commissioners' meeting on 9/29/03, during which he was informed that a
portion of the postage/paper allocations were recovered from State funding.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the Extension's
use of $1,139.00 of the postage/paper allotment for the purchase of a
computer.
GAMING/RAFFLE PERMIT
The Commissioners approved application for Gaming/Raffle Permit for the
fund-raising affairs of the following:
- to be conducted by the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company and to take
place at the Fire Hall in Betterton on November 15, 2003;
- to be conducted by the Betterton/ Still Pond Lions Club and to take
place at the Betterton Fire Hall on November 8, 2003;
- to be conducted by Crossroads Community, Inc. and to take place at 937
Gateway Drive, ACME and Superfresh supermarkets all in Chestertown from
November 5, 2003 to December 12, 2003.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Commissioner Pickrum reported that the First Annual Report (10/04/02 to
10/04/03) of the Human Relations Commission was received. He noted that
Kent County is the last county in the State to adopt a Human Relations
Commission which he described as having the important function of insuring
a quality of life for all the residents of the County, underscoring the
necessity that every single resident in the County be treated with respect
and dignity. He also pointed out that given the goals of the Economic
Development Advisory Board, the County must be more pro-active in its
efforts to foster true community.
Commissioner Pickrum also cited the pamphlet, "Are You a Victim of Discrimination?",
produced by the Human Relations Commission, as a helpful tool to assist
the public in its ability to recognize discrimination as it occurs, and
to increase its awareness of discrimination in general.
As written in the Annual Report, the purpose of the Human Relations Commission
is three-fold: "(1) to develop positive human relations among the people
of Kent County; (2) to advance the means for alleviating social friction
and prejudice; and (3) to further the American ideal of equality and justice."
Future plans were listed, including a workshop to take place on November
20, 2003, entitled "Development of Community Education Programs Aimed
at Preventing Discrimination." The Commission hopes that this workshop
will lead into a program aimed at middle and/or high school students,
perhaps in early 2004. The Report concludes with appreciation extended
by the Commission to the former and current County Commissioners, and
to the County Attorney, the County Administrator and staff.
HUNTER'S RUN SUBDIVISION
At the recommendation of James M. Wright, County Engineer, the Commissioners
approved to reduce Letter of Credit from the Centreville National Bank
of Maryland from $159,375 to $39,844 in consideration of roadway construction
satisfactorily completed in Phase I of Hunters Run Subdivision.
HURRICANE ISABEL
The Commissioners appointed Sue Willits as the County Point Person to
whom residents could direct Hurricane Isabel Flood Recovery-related questions.
Mrs. Willits currently fills the position of Emergency Planning Coordinator
and Deputy Director of Emergency Management.
KENT COUNTY BUSINESS PARK AT WORTON
The Commissioners approved Change Order for Unruh Excavating, Inc. for
the amount of $8,383.65, to be taken out of contingency, for the completion
of the Commerce Lane.
LAMOTTE PARK PROPERTY
At 6:30 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 Jeff Troester, Parks and Recreation Director, relating to
land acquisition in accordance with State Government Article, Section
10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The executive session adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 9:55 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, for legal counsel in accordance
with State Government Article, Section 10.508 of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.
Items of discussion included local legislation and economic development
proposal.
The executive session adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE TRUST(LGIT)
A copy of correspondence was received from the Raquel Sanudo, Chairperson,
Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), reporting that, at the beginning
of the month, the Board of Trustees of LGIT met at the annual Board Retreat.
With the annual audit having just been completed, the Board was able to
review the Fiscal Year 2003 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
For Fiscal Year 2003, a deficit of approximately $3,180,000 was reported
for the Health Benefits Pool (HBP); therefore, most of the Board's dialogue
involved options for addressing this new deficit.
MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
For the 2004 General Assembly Session, Commissioner Roy Crow will continue
to serve as the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee
member and Commissioner William Pickrum will serve as the Alternate Member.
MID-SHORE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
A copy of Financial Statement for Fiscal Year 2003 for the Mid-Shore Mental
Health Systems, Inc. was received for the Commissioners' information and
files.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Program Open Space (POS) - Jeff Troester, Director, Parks and Recreation,
appeared and, referring to correspondence received from James W. "Chip"
Price, Director, Program Open Space, MD Department of Natural Resources,
spoke to the House Bill 444 effects on Program Open Space Local Share
Funding. Mr. Troester reported that this bill authorizes the Comptroller
of the Treasury to terminate the spending authority of appropriated (capital)
funds. There are three major provisions of HB444 of particular importance:
-Spending Authority of encumbered funds appropriated seven years prior
to the current appropriation year will be terminated. This means that
as of appropriation year 2004, all funds appropriated prior to June 30,
1997 will be reverted to the General Fund by the Comptroller;
-An encumbered project on which no payments have been made for the past
two years shall be deemed to be completed and the spending authority on
those particular funds will be terminated. This means that a project approved
by the Board of Public Works two years earlier than today's date will
lose its funding unless progress payments are made.
-Spending authority of unencumbered funds appropriated two years prior
to the current appropriation year will be terminated. This means that
as of appropriation year 2004, all unencumbered funds appropriated prior
to June 30, 2001 will be reverted to the General Fund by the Comptroller.
The POS Local Share funds at risk of loss at the end of the current fiscal
year for Kent County are as follows:
Pre-1998 Encumbered Funds at risk .............................. $ 0.00
Pre-2003 Unencumbered Funds at risk ..................... $91,285.03
Unencumbered Acquisition Funds at risk ....... ...........$91,285.03
Unencumbered Development Funds at risk...................... $ 0.00
Total at risk..............................................................$91,285.03
Mr. Price expressed his assurance that his office will do everything possible
to preserve POS Local Share funding, adding that his office would appreciate
all they help it can get from the County.
Mr. Troester requested suggestions as to the utilization of the $91, 285.03
within the brief time frame allotted and for the greatest edification
of the County, noting that the municipalities within the County are eligible
to make requests. Commissioner Pickrum advised that communication be sent
to all of the County municipalities notifying them of this opportunity.
Commissioner Crow reiterated that the money must be spent strictly for
acquisition and for recreational purposes.
Mayor Sorge suggested the money be used for the construction of bike trails,
to which Mr. Troester indicated that bike trails would be a legitimate
use contingent upon the purchase of the land for the trails.
The Commissioners approved the recommendation made by Jeffrey J. Troester,
Director, Parks and Recreation, for the purchase of a five foot aerator
at the cost of $1,220.00, constituting a $220 increase of the amount budgeted.
Mr. Troester advised that the additional cost would result in a more cost
effective measure and would be absorbed into the existing Fiscal Year
2004 budget of Parks and Recreation.
PERSONNEL
At 6:35 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 7:00 p.m.
At 9:20 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.
The executive session adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
PROPERTY INSURANCE
A copy of correspondence via facsimile transmission was sent from Kevin
Hedrick, Underwriting Specialist, The Cincinnati Insurance Companies,
to Fleetwood, Athey, MacBeth & McCown, Inc., summarizing discussions regarding
alternatives for the County to insure a tower and its surge equipment.
Given the County's interest in coordinating the insurance coverages to
have an expiration/ inception date of 7/01/04, Mr. Hedrick advised that
the best way to accomplish this would be to issue a 6-month policy from
1/01/04 to 7/01/04, requiring the implementation of the $5,000 deductible
effective 1/01/04.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to extend the current County
property insurance policy for 6 months, from 1/01/04 to 7/01/04, with
the implementation of the $5,000 deductible effective 1/01/04. This insurance
coverage will be placed out to bid for the term beginning July 1, 2004.
RAIL SERVICE
A suggestion was made from someone in the audience that a light rail system
be established, using the existing rails and bridges connecting Easton
to Elkton. Commissioner Crow advised that much of that infrastructure
would require repairs, such as the bridges. The County's participation
on a regional level, such as MACo, would be of great assistance with a
rail project
TAX SALE PROPERTY
In follow up to bids received on September 9 for various properties acquired
through tax sale process, Deed by and between the County Commissioners
and Richard L. Manning, Jr. and Heidi L. Manning was approved and signed
by Commissioner Pickrum granting 0.175 acres located south side on Bayshore
Road, near Fairlee, for the amount of $1,050.
UPPER SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL
Ed Robinson, County Administrator, indicated receipt of a memorandum from
Kim Mielke Program Manager, Upper Shore Regional Council (Cecil, Kent
and Queen Anne's Counties), concerning the election of its officers for
Fiscal Year 2004. At its strategic planning session on October 22, 2003,
Senator E.J. Pipkin and Delegates Mary Roe Walkup and Richard Sossi were
among the elected officials and rural community leaders who were present
to establish operations, elect officers, develop a work plan and determine
priorities for FY'04. Among those elected, Commissioner Crow was chosen
to be the Chairperson of the Council; Commissioner Pickrum was chosen
to serve as the Second Vice Chairperson.
Commissioner Crow outlined the history and development of the Upper Shore
Regional Council which will act as a cooperative planning and regional
development agency for the counties to foster the physical, social and
economic well being of the area. Examples of what could be accomplished
more effectively and efficiently through the Council are transportation
and agricultural concerns, given reduced administrative costs and an increased
regional workforce. Commissioner Pickrum noted that there are municipal
representatives on the Council.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, November18, 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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