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The Honorable Board of County Commissioners met today with
the following present: Roy W. Crow, Scott D. Livie, and William W. Pickrum,
presiding.
T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator, was also in attendance.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, reported a balance of $8,728,938.00.
AIRPORT
Correspondence was received from Terry J. Page, Manager, Washington Airports
District Office, which offered the following proposal to help the County
to find a way to identify an alternative site (other than Worton Road)
for its airport, complete the required airport planning, and meet the
District Office's obligation to prudently manage public funds:
- The County would obtain initial funding for and prepare a new site selection
to study to examine alternate new airport sites, and a Master Plan/Airport
Layout Plan for the selected new airport site.
- After approval of a new airport site and Master Plan, the County would
again obtain initial funding for an Environmental Assessment (EA) and
wildlife hazard assessment of the proposed airport construction.
- The County would then acquire the land necessary for the new airport
with funds from non-Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sources.
- After the above steps are completed, the FAA would then support the
County's request for federal airport grant funding for the design and
construction of the airport, and the FAA would consider the cost of the
above efforts as "developmental costs" and therefore eligible for reimbursement
under an airport grant program.
The District Office requests the Commissioners' review of this proposal,
offering any further assistance as requested.
An electronic mail was received from John Baker of Damascus, Maryland,
in support of an airport in Kent County.
AUDIT
J. Michael Connolly, Auditor, Pat Merritt, Director of Budget and Accounting,
and W. Roger Williams, Treasurer, appeared for review of the draft Fiscal
Year 2003 audit of financial statements for the County and Management
Letter. The general fund balance was 20.1% above budget, however, the
Water and Wastewater Services' operating income came in 48 % in the red
due to current utility charges not covering operating expenses. Mr. Connelly
commended Mrs. Merritt and Mr. Williams and their staffs on the tremendous
job performed in completing this audit in light of complying with the
new GASB 34 requirement.
Mr. Williams made plea on behalf of county employees for consideration
be given for some type of salary increase mid-year since no increases
were given this past July and that health insurance premiums increased
and co-pays have doubled. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this matter
at a later date.
BAYSIDE PUBLIC LANDING
Carter G. Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and advised that the
Bayside Public Landing has become a safety hazard. Mr. Stanton referred
to an estimate of $8,750.00 for the temporary repair of the bulkhead which
he had presented to the Public Landings and Facilities Board. He indicated
that his application for Waterway Improvement funding for an extra maintenance
grant of $5,000.00 has been approved. The Board recommended that the County
make the necessary repairs. Mr. Stanton reported that repairs, therefore,
would require another $3,750.00. The alternative to the repair would be
to block off and restrict the use of the bulkhead which would affect the
livelihood of the watermen and annually scheduled public festivities.
Commissioner Livie advised that, given Rock Hall's frequent use of the
landing, the fact that the County does not have the funds needed to replace
the landing, and given that Rock Hall has in its reserves substantial
funds (approximately 80 to 90% of its budget), it would be a reasonable
suggestion to meet with the Mayor and Council of Rock to discuss a partnership
towards eventually replacing the bulkhead. Commissioner Crow concurred.
Commissioner Pickrum inquired as to how long the proposed repairs would
last, to which Mr. Stanton replied that the duration of repairs would
be about two years, and that the cost of replacement would be approximately
$300,000. Mr. Stanton advised that the bulkhead be either replaced or
repaired now or be closed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the expenditure
of $3,750.00 out of contingency towards the temporary repair of the Bayside
Public Landing in Rock Hall. Due to the urgency of this project, Mr. Stanton
will obtain verbal quotes.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
A copy of the results of the State's Task Force to Study Public Schools
Facilities "Facility Assessment Survey - Maryland Public Schools" was
received from the Superintendent of Schools. The Presentation of Data,
dated November 6, 2003, represents all of the State's school facility
planners' assessments of the adequacy of their schools according to 31
standards that were identified by the Task Force as necessary for a facility
to be deemed adequate to support existing education programs. Those standards
included such standards as air quality, security, lavatories, accessibility,
student capacity, pre-K/K classrooms, fine arts, and health services.
BUDGET
As presented by Pat Merritt, Director of Budget and Accounting, the Commissioners
unanimously approved and signed Resolution adopting Fiscal Year 2003 Amended
Budget.
CODE HOME RULE
911 FEE
First reading was held on Code Home Rule No. #5-2003, which is an Act
to repeal and re-enact with amendments Section 13-7 of Part I of the Public
Local Laws of Kent County, Maryland entitled "Charge for switched local
exchange access service and other 911 accessible service", to provide
for an increase in the current "911" fee by 25 cents per month, to be
applied to all current telephone bills for switched local exchange service
as well as wireless telephone services or other 911 accessible service
in Kent County. Public hearing has been scheduled on December 9 at 10:00
a.m.
COMPUTERS
A copy of e-mail correspondence was received from Shawn Mathiesen, Information
Systems Manager, requesting that the Commissioners approve the payment
of $3,200 for retrofit modifications made to the HTE, Inc. code as per
the County's requests. Ms. Mathiesen reported that there were 32 modifications
and that HTE, Inc.'s charges are $100.00 per modification, per year for
the on-going support of the modified code. She requested that the bill
be paid as soon as possible due to the fact that it is 6 months past due.
Ms. Mathiesen further indicated that this item was not budgeted in the
Information Systems' current budget and that the item represents an annual
expense. Given that both Budget and Accounting and the Treasurer's office
have both requested a modification this year, and that each code modification
will increase the annual expense by an additional $100.00, Ms. Mathiesen
advised that next year's expense will be at least $3,400.00. As requested,
the Commissioners approved the $3,200.00 expenditure out of the contingency
fund.
COURT HOUSE
A cost estimate was received from John F. Koerner, Senior Scientist, Compliance
Environmental International, Inc. for mold survey and assessment in the
County District Court House. The proposal costs include the following:
environmental consultation to evaluate moisture source and conditions
in the area, investigate mold complaints, and provide recommendations
for improving the space, if necessary at a total cost of $2,425.00. This
cost will be absorbed within the current budget and the Public Works Director
will proceed with this project.
DELMARVA SPACE TRAINING CENTER (DSTC)
Ken Beatty, Director, DSTC, appeared and presented to the County the DSTC's
proposal to lease the Still Pond Coast Guard Station building in its entirety
and property for $1.00 a year for five years, with a First Right for a
renewal for an additional five . With this approval, Mr. Beatty explained,
DSTC would agree to repair and maintain the building and property at its
own expense. He advised that DSTC had several other funding sources forth-coming
pending its ability to present positive possession of a facility for the
program. Jerry Ferguson and Paul McGinn, both of whom are Board members
of DSTC, were also in attendance.
Mr. Beatty supported the proposal by citing the following: a letter that
he received from Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, expressing her support of
scientific research and development at NASA, National Science Foundation
(NSF), the Department of Energy and other government agencies. He also
cited a letter of support for the DSTC program from Congressman Wayne
Gilchrest, and a verbal expression of support from Capitol College in
Laurel, MD.
Mr. Ferguson, who identified himself as a physicist and professor at Washington
College, reported that because students' interest in the study of physics
and engineering has diminished significantly over the years, the DSTC
would serve to encourage young adults' interest in those areas.
Commissioner Crow inquired whether or not DSTC has a business plan, to
which Mr. Beatty replied that until he has secured a facility for the
DSTC program, he will not be able to prepare a budget. Commissioner Livie
emphasized that it is the goal of the County that the use of the facility
be collaborative. He advised Mr. Beatty to return to a future Commissioners'
meeting to clearly demonstrate to the County how DSTS would include, and
function as, a collaborative effort with the Board of Education, Parks
and Recreation, Camp Tockwogh, and Echo Hill Outdoor School. No further
action was taken on Mr. Beatty's proposal.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER
Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water and Wastewater Services, appeared
and gave report on the following:
Tolchester Service Area -
Tolchester Residents United - Tracy Stone, representing Tolchester
Residents United, appeared and read a statement which she prepared on
their behalf, regarding Tolchester growth issues and sewer allocations.
She indicated that the first priority of this newly formed group is to
make sure that there be no more development in addition to the 40 allocations
which were previously agreed upon by the County.
Tolchester Residents United encouraged the Commissioners to limit the
growth to the planned 40 allocations, and invited them to, once again,
tour the area in order to more clearly see and acknowledge that, given
lack of County roads, lack of public water, the environmentally sensitive
land, and the distance from a fire house, there is a need to limit growth.
Because the community of Fairlee has County roads, a public sewer, water,
and hydrants, the group advised that it should be the focus of growth,
not Tolchester.
Allocation Requests - Wayne Morris, Director, Department of Water
and Wastewater Services, appeared and gave report on what follows. He
reviewed the allocation requests made by the following:
- Renaissance Construction, Inc. for property owned by the same at Map
35A, Parcel 21, Montgomery Avenue in Tolchester Estates, Block 1Q. Mr.
Morris recommended approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded
by Commissioner Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve
a sewer allocation for Parcel # 21.
- L. Susan Barnhardt for two sewer allocations for property which she
and her husband have on the market (Parcels # 598 and # 599) and for which
they are under contract, requiring them to provide approval for two sewer
allocations. Mr. Morris recommended that only one of the parcels should
be approved; the other parcel would require an extension line. A motion
was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie, and made
unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to table approval of the two parcels,
until a site plan is developed and improvements are made to the adjacent
road according to County standards.
- P. Patrick McClary, Agent for Peter and Catherine Svenson for Parcel
#893, Map 35, Bay View Drive in Tolchester Estates. Mr. Morris recommended
approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve a sewer allocation
for Parcel # 893.
- Jim and Tracy Stone: Parcels # 27 and 96, Map 35A. Mr. Morris recommended
approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve a sewer allocation
for Parcels # 27 and 96.
- Roy Hoagland for Parcel # 301, Map 35 D, Tolchester Estates (where once
was the Rainbow Restaurant). Mr. Morris recommended approval. A motion
was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and made
unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve a sewer allocation for Parcel
# 301.
- Catherine A. Adams for lots 7 and 9, to be combined, forming Parcel
# 0363, Map 35D, Tolchester Estates. Mr. Morris recommended approval.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve a sewer allocation
for Parcel # 0363, to be formed by the combination of lots 7 and 9.
Worton Service Area -
- A request for five allocations from Charles D. Reed, Parcel # 71, Map
20, on Smithfield Road. Mr. Morris recommended all five allocations. However,
he advised that caution be taken by the County as future requests are
received specific to the area in question, given the restrictions to the
County's ammonia limits for the Worton Lagoon and the fact that these
requests represent the start of increased development in that area. A
motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie and
made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve five sewer allocations
for Parcel # 181 on Smithfield Road, subject to the approval of other
pertinent agencies.
- Mr. Morris noted that he sent a letter to Stephen Luckman, Chief, Municipal
Surface Discharge Permit Division, Maryland Department of the Environment
(MDE), regarding the Worton State Discharge Permit. Mr. Morris requested
the consideration of the MDE to extend the 3 year time limit, currently
in the draft, to 4 years in order to achieve compliance should the County
not be able to meet the permit limitation.
Skinners Neck Service Area - allocation requests were received
from the following individuals:
- Mark and Bernadette Van Pelt for Parcel # 0450, Map 51. Mr. Morris recommended
approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve a sewer allocation
for Parcel # 0450.
- John and Nancy Hubbard for a single family home on Lot #2 on the Hubbard's
property on Harrington Park Road in Rock Hall. Mr. Morris recommended
approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve a sewer allocation
for Lot # 2 on the Hubbard's property, Map 29.
Kennedyville Service Area - Mr. Morris reported that Jack Canan,
Coordinator, Housing and Community Development, is reviewing the income
survey conducted for this area and will present his report at the next
Commissioners' meeting.
Allens Lane - Regarding the public meeting date, Mr. Morris requested
a date to be scheduled, to which the Commissioners agreed to January 13,
2004.
Edesville Service Area - Regarding the Rock Hall Agreement, Mr.
Morris reported that the Rock Hall Mayor and Town Council have requested
more time to review the proposal, a Memorandum of Agreement, that would
be between the Town of Rock Hall and the County intended to 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 reiterated his opinion that the revised formula is fair and that
everyone will be able to understand it.
Mr. Morris reported that the lagoons in Edesville are leaking and advised
that they should have been incorporated into the Rock Hall system many
years ago.
Water and Sewer Rates - In follow-up to a study authorized by the
Board of County Commissioners relating to a study of finances of the water
and sewer systems owned and operated by the County. The objectives of
this study were as follows: to review the financial soundness of the water
and sewer systems; to develop a time-phased plan to make the County-owned
and operated water and sewer systems financially self-sufficient; and
to develop a long- term plan to keep water and sewer rates stable over
time.
Public informational meetings have been scheduled to present the key findings
of the study and to afford the public the opportunity to have input into
the decisions to be made by the Board of County Commissioners. At the
first public information meeting, which took place on Monday, November
17, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. at the Kent County High School, was attended by
two citizens in addition to the Board of County Commissioners, Wayne Morris,
Director, Water and Waste Water Services, Susanne Hayman, County Attorney,
Ed Robinson, County Administrator, and the study consultants. The consultants
who performed the study presented their methodology, conclusions and recommendations,
and public comments and questions were invited and addressed.
DRAYTON MANOR
A copy of memorandum was received from Jerry Smith and Jane Hukill, representing
Drayton Manor, sent to Gail W. Owings, Director of Planning and Zoning
Administration, indicating that in preparation for a meeting with Petro
Design/Build, Inc. (who has submitted a proposal to redevelop Drayton
Retreat Center), Mr. Smith and Ms. Hukill have surveyed residents of Coopers
Lane who are not members of either Kinnairds Point or Clearview homeowners
associations for their comments about the proposed redevelopment which
were attached to this correspondence.
EARLY ACTION COMPACT (EAC)
As per the request of Amy Moredock, Environmental Planner, the Commissioners
approved and signed letters to the following persons, requesting from
them letters of support for the Kent and Queen Anne's Counties Early Action
Compact to be sent to the MD Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Senator
Paul Sarbanes, Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, Governor Robert Ehrlich. Ms.
Moredock also advised that a letter from the County should also be sent.
Ms. Moredock also reported that if the EPA does not accept the joint EAC,
then Kent and Queen Anne's Counties will either become their own nonattainment
area or the counties will be integrated into Baltimore County's nonattainment
area.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
The Commissioners appointed Terwana J. Brown as a member of the Economic
Development Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term ending January 5,
2005.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
A copy of correspondence was received which was sent to Bob Rust, Emergency
Management Agency, from Richard K. Lindsay, District Engineer, State Highway
Administration (SHA), indicating the SHA's participation in an initiative
in which it will assist county emergency operation centers in the event
of a catastrophic incident, as well as its willingness to participate
in related training exercises that would benefit both agencies.
Correspondence was received from Christopher A. Powell, President, Kent
County Fire Chiefs' Association, requesting the Commissioners' support
of the proposal, being put forth by the Maryland Institute for Emergency
Medical Service System, for three 350-foot towers to be erected in the
County. Although Mr. Powell acknowledges that the height of the towers
is prohibitive given the current zoning laws, and that the costs to erect
the towers would be a challenge to the County budget, he expressed his
belief that the towers would enhance the County's emergency medical communications.
HURRICANE ISABEL
Carter G. Stanton, Director, Public Works, appeared and gave report on
the following:
Public Landings and Facilities - Mr. Stanton, referring to a memorandum
he sent, reported that the County Board of Public Landings and Facilities
unanimously agreed to recommend to the Commissioners that the three public
landings (Sharp Street, Cliff's City, and Bogles) damaged by Hurricane
Isabel be repaired. The breakdown Mr. Stanton provided represents a total
of all three projects, inclusive of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's
(FEMA) 75% contribution and a $50,000 grant received for Sharp Street
from the Waterway Improvement Division of the Department of Natural Resources.
He further indicated that the $50,000 is not eligible for the FEMA 75%
reimbursement and the amount of $10,319.44 is needed to cover public landing
expenses.
"Hurricane Isabel Estimated Reimbursements from FEMA" - A copy
of estimated reimbursements to the County from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) was received from the County Roads Division. The table,
"Hurricane Isabel Estimated Reimbursements from FEMA," provided the break-down
of "Out of Pocket Costs" for the County and "FEMA Eligible Costs."
To summarize:
The Total County "Out of Pocket" Costs ......... $314,207.84
Total Estimated FEMA Reimbursement.(minus) 252,136.34
............................Total.................. $62,071.50
Highway User Fund Expenses................(minus) 60, 319.44
General Fund Expenses .................................. $ 1,752.06
Highway User Fund Expenses after DNR* Grant $10,319.44
General Fund Expenses after Insurance (minus).. 10,143.94
Overall County Out-of-Pocket Cost ................. $175.50
* DNR - Department of Natural Resources
Additional notes are as follows: regarding Water and Waste Water Services'
costs, an additional $11,896.00 will be reimbursed from the insurance
company for damages; and regarding Public Landings' costs, an additional
$50,000.00 will be reimbursed by DNR for decking on Sharp Street, Rock
Hall.
LEGAL COUNSEL
At 12:40 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner
Livie and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to go into executive
session with Susanne Hayman and Alexander P. Rasin, III, County Attorneys,
for legal counsel in accordance with State Government Article, Section
10.508 of the Annotated Code of Maryland
Items of discussion included land acquisition.
The executive session adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
LIBRARY MEETING ROOM
Donation - Gloria Urban, Library Director, Jerry Keiser, Assistant
Director, Chuck Engstrom, Chairperson, and Joe Massey, both of Friends
of the Library, appeared and Messrs. Engstrom and Massey presented the
Commissioners with a check for $10,475.00 from the Friends of the Library
as their contribution to the Library Meeting Room (formerly known as Hearse
House).
Housekeeping Contract - Carter G. Stanton, Director, Public Works,
reported that he requested of the Library's current housekeeping company
for an estimate of cleaning costs for Hearse House. The company would
require $200.00 per month (in addition to the $600.00 per month fee for
the Library). After Mr. Stanton responded to the Commissioners' questions
as to the projected frequency of cleaning needed, Commissioner Pickrum
suggested that Mr. Stanton offer to the cleaning company the same rate
per square foot as specified in the County's contract with the Library.
Renovation Cost - A copy of memorandum was received sent to Ed
Robinson, County Administrator, from James M. Wright, Jr., P.E., County
Engineer, listing the current cost tabulation for the library renovation
project totaling $88,307.53. The original estimate was approximately $
125,000.00 for the construction part of the project.
LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
The County Administrator reported that the offices of the Local Management
Board have relocated from the Townshend Building to the second floor at
the Town Office on Cross Street in Chestertown.
MARYLAND ROUTE 291
A copy of correspondence was received, sent by Florence L. Sutton, Director,
Board of Elections, to Robert Kiel, Assistant District Engineer, MD State
Highway Administration, expressing her concern regarding the intersection
of MD Route 291 with High Street in Chestertown. Ms. Sutton suggests that
a traffic light be installed at what she believes to be a dangerous intersection.
MARYLAND ROUTES 313,299,330 INTERSECTION- MASSEY
Correspondence was received from Richard K. Lindsay, District Engineer,
State Highway Administration (SHA), MD Department of Transportation, providing
a summary of the SHA's research and conclusions towards determining whether
or not a multi-way stop was needed at the intersection of MD 313/MD 299/MD
330 in Massey. Based on the criteria identified by the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the data collected at the intersection,
the SHA does not deem a multi-way stop at said intersection to be justified
at this time. The SHA will continue to monitor the intersection to determine
if conditions change. Commissioner Crow will contact Mr. Lindsey for further
discussion.
NICHOLSON TRANSFER SITE
Carter Stanton, Director, Public Works, and Marty Holden, Waste Management
Supervisor, reported that two new compactors for the Landfill are needed
to replace one that no longer functions, and one that is breaking down
and is unsafe for hauling. Mr. Holden indicated that he is researching
prices for new compactors. He is aware that Queen Anne's County is currently
in the bidding process and suggested that Kent County piggy-back on the
bids they receive. One compactor would cost $12,500.00 which is available
in the current budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner Crow, seconded by Commissioner Livie,
and made unanimous by Commissioner Pickrum to approve the expenditure
of $12,500.00 for the purchase of a new compactor, piggy-backing on the
bidding process of Queen Anne's County for the same within current budget.
9-1-1 PHASE II WIRELESS ENHANCED TELEPHONE SYSTEM
A copy of correspondence was received which was sent by Robert B, Rust,
Jr., Director, Emergency Management Agency, to J. Scott Whitney, Coordinator,
Emergency Number Systems Board (ENSB), Department of Safety and Correctional
Services, requesting funding from the Maryland State ten-cent fee in the
amount of $1,469,932, and indicating that these funds would bring the
County into compliance with the Phase II Wireless Enhanced 9-1-1- requirement,
provide fiber optic cabling to the County's center, and replace the County's
logging recorder.
A copy of correspondence was received from J. Scott Whitney, Coordinator,
ENSB, confirming the Board's decision to fund up to $1,463,410.00 for
the County to purchase a new telephone system and related equipment as
per the County's request. Mr. Whitney indicated that this funding is contingent
upon the availability of funds in the Trust Fund and within specific time
limits as follows: the County must award a contract for this project within
6 months from the date of this letter (10-28-03) and the project must
be completed within one year of the date of this letter. Further, Mr.
Whitney indicated that once the project is completed, the County can be
reimbursed for the costs or the Board can pay the vendor directly.
Memorandum was received from Robert B. Rust, Jr., Director, Emergency
Management Agency, who, in reference to the $1,463,410 awarded to the
County by the Emergency Number Systems Board, requested the County's consideration
of Verizon, Inc., the County's long-time 9-1-1 provider, for the following:
- The Vesta Phone System ........................................... $644,270.00
- Mapping on Vesta Server .......................................... $140,294.00
The Commissioners approved this proposal contingent upon letter on file
stating reasons that Verizon was the sole source provider.
Mr. Rust also requested that the County piggyback on Caroline County's
contract with Axis Geospatial for aerial photography and centerline map
database as did Queen Anne's County, saving the County the time and effort
in preparing Requests for Proposals. He also advised that Montgomery County
advertised for the phone system as described above and that Verizon was
the only vendor to respond.
Correspondence was received from J.S. Whitney, Executive Director, Emergency
Number Systems Board, providing his assessment of the County's readiness
for wireless 9-1-1 service following a tour by Mr. Whitney of the County's
9-1-1 center. Mr. Whitney informed that the County's center met or exceeded
his expectations, credit being given to the diligence of the County's
employees at the operational level and the support of the County's officials
in providing the necessary budget and personnel support. He issued to
the County a Certificate of Excellence which recognizes the efforts of
the 9-1-1 Center and its Director, Mr. Robert Rust.
Mr. Whitney suggests that as the County and its emergency communications
service grow, consideration be given to the expansion of its present space.
PERSONNEL
At 4:10 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 5:30 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Marjorie C. Brown, Commissioner representative on the Planning Commission,
appeared along with Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning. Ms. Brown
presented the report of the Planning Commission on issues addressed at
its November 4, 2003 meeting.
PROCLAMATION
The following individuals appeared to recognize the week of November 24
as National Family Week in Kent County: Christina Burke, Meg Carl, and
Ernestine Graves, all representing Shore-Up/Head Start, Jerry Keiser,
representing the Library, Rebecca Taylor, Regional Family Services Coordinator
of the Circuit Court, Brenda Rose, representing the Judy Center, and Danielle
Smith, Intern-Receptionist and Virginia Allen, Program Manager, both of
the Kent Family Center.
Commissioner Pickrum read and presented the Proclamation to Ms. Allen.
Included in the Proclamation was the recognition of the following: the
fact that strong families are the center of strong communities; that everyone
has a role to play in making families successful, including neighborhood
organizations, businesses, non-profit agencies, policy-makers and families;
and that during Thanksgiving week, the citizens of the County should take
the time to honor the importance of families, recognizing the special
connections that support and strengthen families year round.
SCENIC BYWAYS
Correspondence was received from Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest expressing
his thanks for the Commissioners' letter which indicated the opposition
of the Commissioners to earmarking National Scenic Byways funds to specific
projects rather than allowing them to be spent through a competitive grant
process. Congressman Gilchrest conveyed his agreement with the Commissioners'
position on this matter and, in addition, assured of his involvement in
the reauthorization process, the attempt to curtail the preemptions of
the original statute by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees
which have earmarked funds in contradiction to the statute by which this
program was established. The original statute authorized funds available
under the National Scenic Byways Program to be awarded on merit through
a competitive selection process.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Memorandum was received from Sheriff John F. Price indicating that the
final on-site assessment report of CALEA (Commission on Accreditation
for Law Enforcement Agencies) has recommended the accreditation of the
County's agency. Sheriff Price also reported that he and John Vail, Assistant
to the County Administrator (and an employee of the Justice Management
Division serving the County, assigned to the Sheriff's Office), will be
attending the CALEA Conference the week of November 17, 2003. At the conclusion
of the conference (on November 22nd), the Sheriff's Office will officially
receive its accreditation from the Commission.
UPPER SHORE AGING (USA)
The Commissioners appointed Mrs. Lauretta Freeman as a member of the Upper
Shore Aging Board of Trustees for a three year term ending September 30,
2006.
A copy of Fiscal Year 2005 Annual Transportation Plan was received for
the Board's information and files.
Weatherization Program - As per correspondence received from Carl
E. Burke, Director, Upper Shore Aging, Inc., requesting that the County
temporarily act as the State contractor and that Upper Shore Aging, Inc.,
act as the subcontractor regarding the grants that fund the Home Weatherization
program, the Commissioners approved to continue its current role in the
administration of the Home Weatherization grant for the County until June
2004. The Home Weatherization program allows USA to make the homes of
eligible Seniors more energy efficient and more habitable.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) - A copy of correspondence sent by
Carl E. Burke to Jean W. Roesser, Secretary, The Maryland Department of
Aging, was received in support of the AAA's efforts to seek a revised
funding allocation formula that can be used to fairly distribute funding
for aging programs to Maryland's 19 Area Agencies on Aging in Fiscal Year
2005. Further, he asked Ms. Roesser to investigate the possibility of
future state grants to directly fund the administrative operations of
non-traditional (i.e. non- county- operated) Maryland Area Agencies on
Aging such as USA, Inc. Given that the "plus 60" population of Talbot,
Caroline, and Kent Counties is steadily growing, Mr. Burke advised that
direct administrative funding for USA, Inc. would permit it to devote
more grant money to direct client services.
As presented by Jerome Phillips, Director of Transportation Services,
the Commissioners approved and signed Area Agency on Aging Certification,
Assurances, Authorizing Resolution, Transportation Services Agreement
between the Kent County Commissioners and Upper Shore Aging, Inc. for
Fiscal Year 2005 and Transportation Service Agreement between Kent, Caroline
and Talbot Counties for Fiscal Year 2005 as it relates to application
for assistance pursuant to the Statewide Specialized Transportation Assistance
Program (SSTAP).
UPPER-SHORE REGIONAL COUNCIL(USRC)
A letter went forth in support of the Upper Shore Regional Council application
to the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance
Fund. This grant will fund the basic operating infrastructure needed to
maintain the USRC's momentum as a regional organization, supporting its
members' (Kent, Queen Anne, and Cecil Counties) joint efforts, such as
sustainable agriculture and economic development activities, which, individually,
they could not accomplish.
U-STAR
Carl Burke, M.A., Executive Director, Upper Shore Aging, Inc. and Jerome
Phillips, Director of Transportation services of U-Star, appeared and
presented a proposal for changes in U-Star. Mr. Burke indicated the following
goals for U-Star:
- To improve public transit ridership within the County by eliminating
and/or reconfiguring certain transit routes.
- To be responsive to input and comments from the County's U-Star clients.
- To most wisely use limited operating funds for U-Star in the County
while saving money this year and for Fiscal Year 2005.
Mr. Burke advised that U-Star has fewer operating dollars this fiscal
year than last year (due to an increase in "soft" local match) and that
its operating expenses have increased (for examples, higher cost of fuel,
and increased vehicle and group health insurance costs). He further reported
that unless U-Star operates more efficiently and saves money, the program
will have a deficit on June 30, 2004. He added that Upper Shore Aging,
Inc. (USA) does not anticipate any significant improvement in the availability
of funds for U-Star operations in Fiscal Year 2005.
Mr. Burke further reported that USA recognizes that no major service changes
can or should be implemented until it has consulted with the Maryland
Transit Administration (MTA) until the Public Service Commission has been
contacted and until due diligence has been exercised regarding the public's
input, for example at Public Hearings. A Public Hearing regarding these
proposed service changes has been scheduled to take place on December
31, 2003.
Among the proposed changes are as follows:
- the elimination of the current early morning and late afternoon Job
Access/Reverse Commute route from Chestertown to Millington (there are
rarely riders on this route). Instead, Demand/Response service would serve
those customers as needed.
- The elimination of the current Chestertown in-town Deviated Fixed Route.
Many citizens, including the Senior citizens, have complained of the limitations
of the current in-town Deviated Fixed Route. He assured that Seniors within
Chestertown would still be able to to use the SSTAP Demand/Response service
which they seem to prefer. In addition, all the citizens who wish to travel
to Easton woul;d still be brought in on the Rock Hall, Coleman and Millington
Demand/Response runs. All riders could then transfer to the single MUST
stop in Chestertown, taking advantage of the reduced fare on the Deviated
Fixed Route service to Centreville, Wye Mills, and Easton, where they
could transfer onto other MUST buses as desired.
Mr. Burke emphasized that U-Star's proposed service changes would not
result in limiting any County citizen's access to U-Star; rather the proposals
would change the transit mode. He requested the Commissioners' consideration
of these proposed changes and invited their suggestions and comments for
ways of improving U-Star's financial health and customer service.
To Commissioner Livie's inquiry as to the number of riders on the route
from Chestertown to Chesapeake College, Mr. Burke indicated that U-Star
is in the process of determining that data and will provide an answer
later, adding that there is no other dedicated source of public funding
for a straight run to and from Chestertown and Chesapeake College. It
currently runs twice a day.
Commissioner Livie advised that U-Star obtain projections from the Board
of Education and Kent County High School about potential riders on an
express bus, thereby offering students and staff the option of public
transportation, increasing ridership.
Responding to Commissioner Pickrum's inquiry about the complaints which
U-Star has received concerning the circulator bus in Chestertown, Mr.
Phillips replied that U-Star service in Chestertown is mostly of the Demand/Response
mode. Mr. Pickrum advised that U-Star, as all businesses, should not attempt
to increase its revenue by decreasing its services.
Mr. Burke reported that the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has
expected U-Star to do cost allocations for each of its routes, and that
U-Star is in the process of compiling that data currently. The MTA is
expected to determine new standards which will determine that amount of
grant money U-Star will receive from MTA.
Commissioner Pickrum strongly encouraged U-Star to be more aggressive
in its advertisement of bus availability and schedules, such as on the
website and through newsletters of the area schools; that the investment
in advertisement would prove to be cost-effective. Commissioners Livie
and Crow encouraged U-Star to expand its ridership vis-a-vis the circulator
in Chestertown and by responding to the projected transit needs of the
schools, for example, Chesapeake College and the Kent County High School.
A copy of correspondence was received from Mr. Burke regarding the proposed
renovation project for the building currently occupied by U-STAR in Denton.
Mr. Burke expressed his opinion that a rehabilitated headquarters/garage
facility for U-STAR, located in the geographic center of the U-STAR service
area, will improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transit operations,
and that the contributions towards funding from Kent, Caroline, and Talbot
Counties will benefit each County in the long-run. He also noted that
Chesapeake College had expressed its intention to participate in this
project, the cost of their involvement projected at $221,900.
A copy of correspondence was also received from George Hill, Project Development,
Office of Planning, Maryland Transit Authority (MTA), providing cost estimates
and the scope of the rehabilitation (architectural, civil engineering,
mechanical, and electrical) for the Denton bus garage.
WORTON BUSINESS PARK
Correspondence was received from Gail Owings, Director, Planning and Zoning
Administration, regarding the Worton Project, advising that the Planning
Commission will review an application submitted by KRM Development Corporation
on December 4, 2003. The application requests a site plan approval for
a 27,000 square foot office/warehouse flex space building located on Commerce
and Worton Roads in the Third Election District. The property is zoned
"I" Industrial.
There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned
to meet again on Tuesday, November 25, 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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