Maryland State Wire

Kent County County Commissioners met September 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the commissioners:

A meeting of the County Commissioners of Kent County was called to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following present: William W. Pickrum, presiding, Ronald H. Fithian, and William A. Short. The meeting convened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Pickrum asked the audience to remain standing for a moment of silence and reflection for those who have lost their lives because of Hurricane Florence.

Shelley L. Heller, County Administrator, was also in attendance.

Correspondence Review:

Correspondence dated August 28, 2018, addressed to the Commissioners from Ann Gutierrez Carlson, Conservation Easement Planner, Maryland Environmental Trust, states a Kent County landowner, Expressway Corporation, proposes to donate a perpetual conservation easement on its 117.58-acre property located at 22715 Martin Wagner Road, Rock Hall, MD to the Maryland Environmental Trust.

Correspondence dated September 6, 2018, addressed to President Pickrum from Heather Murphy, Director, Office of Planning and Capital Programming, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), providing the MDOT schedule of upcoming annual Capital Program Tour meetings for the FY2019-2024 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP). The Kent County portion of MDOT's tour is October 2, 2018,

Action Items:

On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the regular session minutes from the September 4th meeting

On motion by Commissioner Fithian and seconded by Commissioner Short, the Commissioners unanimously approved the following:

Raffle Permits

Kent School PTF, Raffle Only, September 29, 2018

Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Raffle Only, October 14, 2018

Soroptimist International of Kent and Queen Anne's County, Combination

Multiple Gaming Device/Raffle, October 19, 2018

Proclamation:

Commissioner Pickrum presented Mary Celeste Alexander, Friends of Kent County Library, a proclamation for the Friends 45th Anniversary. The Friends engage in fund raising to empower Kent County libraries. The Friends emphasize on helping the community by encouraging literacy, providing enriching cultural programs and raising awareness about the diverse resources available at the library. Ms. Alexander thanked the community for their donation of books and supporting the annual book sale.

Public Works:

Michael S. Moulds, Director, Public Works, presented a request for approval to utilize an existing State Highway Administration (SHA) Contract No. XY2455477 with Guardrails, Etc. Inc. The County Roads Division budgeted $76,195.00 for FY2019 for installation of guardrails and repairs along various County roads throughout Kent County. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved utilization of the SHA Contract, and Commissioner Pickrum signed a contract with Guardrails, Etc. Inc. in the amount of $76,195.00.

Mr. Moulds presented a request for approval to utilize an existing SHA Contract No. 492D71419 with Alpha Space Control Co. Inc. The County Roads Division budgeted $50,000.00 for line striping of various County roads in Kent County. Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved utilization of the SHA Contract, and Commissioner Pickrum signed a contract with Alpha Space Control Co. Inc.

Mr. Moulds summarized an ongoing discussion regarding the expansion or relocation of Public Safety Facilities: Detention Center, Office of Emergency Services, and Sheriff's Office. Research into the project has determined that the design of public safety facilities is a specialized architectural practice due to regulatory and safety standards unique to these types of facilities a feasibility study is needed. Mr. Moulds requested consensus from the Board to proceed with the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with Architectural/Engineering Consultant Services for a building feasibility study and conceptual design. A selection committee will review and make recommendations to the Commissioners. On motion by Commissioner Fithian and seconded by Commissioner Short, the Commissioners provided consensus to proceed with the process, as submitted.

Mr. Moulds presented a request for $147,000.00 in contingency funds to make repairs to a twelve-inch water main line along Cypress Street (Route 291) in Millington, MD. This is an urgent repair, which meets the requirements of emergency procurement. Mr. Moulds also identified, Joiner Excavating Inc., as a qualified contractor to perform the repair. After much discussion, the Commissioners suggested that funds currently allocated to another project could be transferred to fund the repairs. A project in Fairlee has not commenced, therefore $140,000.00 is available to transfer and if agreed upon, the request for contingency funds would be reduced to $7,000.00. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved to re-allocate the funds from the Fairlee project in the amount of $140,000.00 and the utilization of $7,000.00 from contingency funds. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the contract with Joiner Excavating Inc., not to exceed $147,000.00.

Mr. Moulds presented a request approval on proceeding with finalizing the vehicle lease arrangements. The Public Works department has been working to finalize the 60-month leases for twelve vehicles identified by Enterprise Fleet Management for replacement. The Department has coordinated with other departments/divisions assigned to determine the appropriate model and aftermarket modifications. Mr. Moulds shared that Pat Merritt, Chief Finance Officer, Office of Finance, verified that the leases presented are under budget for FY2019. The following twelve Enterprise Fleet Management Open-End Equity Lease Rate Quotes were submitted for approval:

1. No. 3977873 Unit #10 for Information Technology, 2019 Ram 1500 Classic

2. No. 3974605 Unit #11 for Building Maintenance, 2019 Ram 1500 Classic

3. No. 3935958 Unit #13 for Corrections Detention Center, 2019 Ford Transit 350

4. No. 3927680 Unit #K-19 for Detention Center, 2019 Chevy Traverse

5. No. 3960173 Unit #19 for Emergency Services, 2019 Chevy Tahoe

6. No. 3928825 Unit #20 for Grounds Maintenance, 2019 Ford F-250

7. No. 3928825 Unit #21 for Grounds Maintenance, 2019 Ford F-250

8. No. 3935401 Unit #26 for Information Technology, 2019 Ford Transit Connect XL Cargo Van

9. No. 3935356 Unit #27 for Information Technology, 2019 Chevrolet Traverse

10. No. 3927649 Unit #234 for Building Maintenance, 2019 Ford Transit Connect XL Cargo Van

11. No. 3977863 Unit #264 for Building Maintenance, 2019 Ram 1500 Classic

12. No. 3935731 Unit #301 for Public Works, 2019 Ford F-450 Chassis

On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the above detailed lease rate quotes, as submitted.

Local Management Board:

Rosemary Ramsey Granillo, Director, Kent County Local Management Board (KCLMB), presented for approval the FY2019 Community Partnership Agreement between KCLMB and the Governor's Office for Children. This year's award is for $435,358.00. The annual Contract is used to implement the programs and strategies identified by the KCLMB to improve outcomes for Kent County's children, youth and families.

Ms. Ramsey Granillo, presented a request for approval for a contract with Eastern Shore Psychological Services (ESPS) to implement and evaluate the Circlebuild Program for FY2019. The maximum amount of funding available to provide services is $120,000.00 and is funded entirely from the Children's Cabinet Interagency Fund. This program is for Kent County children and youth impacted by an incarcerated parent(s).

Ms. Ramsey Granillo, presented for approval the FY2019 Memorandum of Agreement with the Queen Anne's County Health Department (QACHD) to implement Healthy Families Home Visiting. QACHD will provide home visiting services through the Healthy Families MidShore Home Visiting Program. The Home Visiting Program provides high-quality early intervention and prevention services to first time parents. The maximum amount of funding available to provide services is $188,632.00; $ 105,000.00 is funded through Governor's Office for Children's Community Partnership, $61,132.00 is funded by the Maryland State Department of Education, and $22,500.00 is funded through the Kent County Commissioners.

Ms. Ramsey Granillo, presented for approval the FY2019 Memorandum of Agreement to Implement Reconnect for Life under the Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC). Services provided by MRDC include outreach and service coordination through the Reconnect for Life Program. The Reconnect for Life Program is a strategy being implemented in Kent County to help impact the percentage of unemployed youth. The program engages with all relevant partners to contribute to the effort of connecting young people to education and employment opportunities. Funding for this Contract is provided through the Children's Cabinet Interagency in the amount of $71,000.00.

Ms. Ramsey Granillo, presented for approval a contract with Just Cause Strategy Consultants, LLC. The cost of the Contract is for $11,590.00, and covers all labor, materials, equipment and transportation necessary for the Kent County Data Audit.

On motion by Commissioner Short, and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the above detailed four agreements and one contract, as submitted.

Human Resources:

Marty Hale, Director, Human Resources, presented recommendations to hire two individuals for Motor Equipment Operator positions in the County Roads Division. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of the recommended individuals, pending successful completion of County pre-employment requirements.

Mr. Hale presented recommendations to hire three individuals who were seasonal (summer programming) staff in the Department of Parks and Recreation. Employment histories are satisfactory, and three individuals are recommended for the Fall-Spring program. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of the three recommended individuals, pending successful completion of County pre-employment requirements.

Mr. Hale presented a recommendation to hire an applicant for a maintenance worker vacancy in the Building and Maintenance Division. A current seasonal employee is recommended for the position. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of the recommended individual, pending successful completion of County pre-employment requirements.

Mr. Hale presented two candidates for a vacancy paramedic position in the Department of Emergency Services. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously selected the second candidate to fill the vacancy, pending successful completion of County pre-employment requirements.

County Administrator:

Shelley Heller, County Administrator, on behalf of Lisa Mazingo, Director, Kent Family Center, requested the approval of a services contract between Kent County Department of Social Services and the Kent Family Center to implement a parent education program. The cost of the Contract is not to exceed $20,000.00, which includes providing parenting classes using nurturing skills for families. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the Contract as presented. Commissioner Pickrum signed the Small Procurement Standard Services Contract between Maryland State Department of Human Services, Kent County Department of Social Services for Kent Family Center, Agency Control No. KCDSS NPP 19-001.

Ms. Heller on behalf of Jamie Williams, Director, Economic Development, presented a request to reappointment a student member on the Economic Development Commission. The student member is a senior at Washington College and is interested in serving another one-year term. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the reappointment Trae Hoffner, as a student member to the Economic Development Commission, to a one-year term ending on September 30, 2019.

County Administrator Report:

Ms. Heller presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entitled FY2019 Underage Drinking Prevention, between the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and the

County Commissioners of Kent County. The total amount of funds allocated to the County Commissioners of Kent County is $1,250.00. Robert Edler, Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Inspector teaches alcoholic awareness classes, participants pay a $45.00 fee for a four-year certification and receive a workbook. The KCHD shares a portion of the cost at a reimbursement rate of $10.00 per participant. The MOU was signed by Ms. Heller on September 10, 2018.

Ms. Heller summarized a press release and letter which was mailed to each Alcoholic Beverage License holder. The press release and letter announced the launching of a new web page on the Kent County website. The Board of License Commissioners web page contains robust information to enhance public engagement and create a broader understanding of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing and the regulations of Kent County. Ms. Heller recounted the initiative to add a Board of License Commissioners page to the County website. Ms. Heller commended the Office of Information Technology, input from the Office of Economic Development, Mr. Edler, Sondra Blackiston, Clerk, and the support staff of the Commissioners' Office for their efforts in the project.

Ms. Heller presented a proclamation prepared for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This year's focus is Rooted in the Past, Growing into the Future. The NAACP, one-hundred and nine years old, is the nation's oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. The Commissioners will be presenting the Proclamation to members of the NAACP on September 29, 2018 as part of their annual banquet.

Ms. Heller presented a proclamation prepared for Mary Ernestine Brown Dixon, 102 Years Young. Mrs. Dixon was born on August 25, 1916 in Georgetown, MD. She is a great example of a Christian, wife, mother, grand and great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to follow. Mrs. Dixon, class of 1933, is the oldest living classmate of the Henry Highland Garnet School 1925-1967. The Commissioners will present the Proclamation to Ms. Dixon at the annual Garnet Alumni dinner on September 22, 2018.

Ms. Heller presented a class list for recognition of the Henry Highland Garnet Alumni for their faithful commitment to Kent County. Forty members of Garnet Alumni have had perfect attendance from 2013-2017 at the annual Alumni banquet. The Commissioners will be attending the annual Alumni on September 22, 2018 and presenting all forty members their Certificates of Recognition.

Ms. Heller presented a thank you letter dated, August 28, 2018, from Penni Walker Doyle, Executive Director, Community Mediation Upper Shore thanking the Commissioners for their support over the past ten years.

Ms. Heller presented a thank you letter dated August 29, 2018, from Kenan J. Sklenar, President and CEO and Ford C. Waggoner, III, Director of Maryland Public Affairs, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, thanking Commissioner Fithian for visiting and touring

the Easterseals Camp Fairlee. Easterseals Camp Fairlee also offers weekend respites and travel trips between October through May as part of their off-season opportunities.

Ms. Heller presented a thank you letter dated September 7, 2018, from W.W. "Buck" Duncan, President, Mid-Shore Community Foundation, thanking the Commissioners for their gift of $1,000.00 to the Kent Goes Purple Fund.

Ms. Heller presented a congratulatory letter to Commissioner Fithian, dated September 5, 2018, from Peter Franchot, Comptroller, Comptroller of Maryland. Mr. Franchot congratulated Commissioner Fithian on his recent appointment by Governor Hogan to the Chesapeake Executive Council Local Government Advisory Committee.

For Your Information:

The following correspondences were submitted to the County Commissioners for their information:

1. Correspondence dated August 30, 2018, addressed to David J. Collins, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, from Saul, Ewing, Arnstein & Lehr, in reference to Case No. 9387 - Notice of Relinquishment of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity ("CPCN) for OneEnergy Blue Star Solar, LLC.

2. Correspondence dated August 30, 2018 addressed to Commissioner Pickrum, from Terry S. Fearins, Community Program Specialist, USDA, in reference to the Galena WWTP Expansion and Collection System Extension Project Account Summary No. 07, Grant No. 09, Draw No. 05, $159,201.88, indicating the grant is eligible for Rural Development reimbursement and the funds have been granted.

Public Comment:

Commissioner Short shared the details of a meeting that Senator Hershey invited him to attend regarding solutions at the State level to bring more funds to Kent County. A few good ideas were mentioned. One idea was to partner with Garrett County, as they have a very similar identity as Kent County in a certain fashion. It may prove beneficial to work in partnership with Garrett County to take full advantage of a collective effort specifically, legislative matters and requests for funding.

Commissioner Pickrum mentioned he was appointed by Governor Hogan in March to the Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission (M.O.R.E.). The Commission met this past week at the Harriett Tubman Museum and Park in Dorchester County. Commissioner Pickrum stated the park was very enlightening and a lot of information was shared. Bernadette Bowman, Director, Tourism Development, guest speaker at the meeting, conveyed a powerful message regarding tourism and how important it is in economic activity in the region, especially in Kent County.

Closed Session, Personnel:

At 6:52 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Short, seconded by Commissioner Fithian, and carried unanimously to go into closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals in accordance with General Provisions Article, Section 83-305 (b) (1) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Shelley L. Heller, County Administrator, Marty Hale, Director, Human Resources, Sondra M. Blackiston, Clerk, and Sallie Henckel, Deputy Clerk were also in attendance.

Topic to be discussed: Individual's suitability for employment.

Reason for closing: Details regarding a specific personnel matter.

Mr. Hale summarized that there is a vacant position at the Detention Center. Mr. Hale reported that Herb Dennis, Warden, Detention Center and the G. Robert Mowell, Interim State's Attorney thoroughly reviewed specific information regarding an applicant for the vacancy.

At 6:57 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Short, seconded by Commissioner Fithian, and carried unanimously to adjourn the closed session and reconvene in open session.

Mr. Hale on behalf of Warden Dennis, presented a request to fill a vacant position in the Detention Center with a recommended candidate. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Fithian, the Commissioners unanimously approved the recommended individual, pending successful completion of County pre-employment requirements.

There being no further business to claim their attention, a motion was made by Commissioner Short, seconded by Commissioner Fithian, and the Board unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m. and agreed to meet again on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.

https://www.kentcounty.com/commissioners/meeting-agenda